Sonnanstine turns in a gem for Rays

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Andy Sonnanstine didn’t stray from his game plan and it resulted in the best start of his career.

Sonnanstine pitched a three-hitter for his first career complete game and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Chicago White Sox, 5-0, Saturday night.

“Incredible,” Rays Manager Joe Maddon said. “Just pounded the strike zone with his fastball . . . mixed in his off-speed pitches appropriately.”

The White Sox managed only three singles, including a bunt, and didn’t get a runner past second base. After two of the hits, Sonnanstine got inning-ending double play grounders.

Sonnanstine (2-1) struck out four and walked one. The right-hander struggled in his previous start Monday, yielding seven runs and nine hits over 3 1/3 innings against the New York Yankees.

“He made an adjustment,” Maddon said. “He went back to pitching aggressive. That’s even beyond expectations tonight. That was a really clean game he pitched.”