Seemingly destined for an October full of par 3's and halfway houses on the green, the Tampa Bay Rays are tied for the American League lead in the Wild Card race, with the Boston Red Sox. The Rays were able to gain a game in the standings and take a share of the lead, Monday night in Florida, as the Red Sox fell to the Orioles in Baltimore. Tuesday night, the Yankees took a lead into the seventh inning, and looked to put the final nail in the coffin, for the would be Cinderella story of the A.L. East. However, with the bases loaded after scoring the go ahead run, and no outs, Yankee catcher Russell Martin hit a ground ball to Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, which resulted in a season saving triple play. This set the stage for late game drama in the sunshine state.
Minutes later, Rays outfielder Matt Joyce hit what could possibly be the biggest home run for the Rays this season, on a pitch from the Florida teams closer from last year. Rafael Soriano, saw the ball which left his hands only seconds ago, soar over the right field wall and into the story books.
With the Red Sox also winning Tuesday night against the Orioles, the season comes down to one game for each team tomorrow. If the standings hold up, there would be a one game wild card playoff in Tampa Bay on Thursday to determine who goes on, and who goes home.
162 games all comes down to a Wednesday night. The Red Sox send Jon Lester to the mound tomorrow on three days rest, and the Rays will choose David Price to duel it out with New York. Both games start tomorrow at 7 p.m.
Information for this article found here: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310927130
Next to the postseason, I love this part of the baseball year. Every game matter. One team surging one slumming and every pitch counts. I hope it goes to a one game playoff because it definitely be an entertaining one.
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