Edwin Jackson has not allowed a hit to the Rays through three innings, but he’s walked seven batters. The Rays have not scored, but they’ve certainly have had opportunities. Seems like Dontrelle Willis is rubbing off the wrong way on Jackson. Jeff Niemann, the Tampa Bay starter, walked two through three innings, and allowed a run on two hits, one an Adam LaRoche homer.

Update: Jackson was pretty wild when he pitched for the Rays, maybe the ballpark bothers him? He retires the side in order in the fourth. The DBacks announcers said Dontrelle Willis gave him a pep talk in the dugout between innings. I wonder if he said, “Don’t be like me!” Jackson was more aggressive with his pitches in the fourth, according to the broadcast.

Update: They just showed Dontrelle in the dugout pumping up Jackson after that 1-2-3 inning. Willis for pitching coach?

Update: Jackson retires the Rays 1-2-3 in the fifth. He walked the first three batters in the third, but got of the jam without allowing a run. Edwin in locked in right now, making the Rays look bad. He’s retired the last nine batters he faced, but he’s throw 87 pitches.