It took them seven games to win a series they led 3-0, but the Tampa Bay Rays ultimately won the ALCS in a 4-2 Game 7 victory over the Houston Astros.
The Rays got the scoring started in the first inning, when Randy Arozarena hit his seventh home run of the postseason, good for an MLB rookie record.
The Rays crushed another dinger in the bottom of the second, with this massive home run from Mike Zunino to make it 3-0.
Charlie Morton was extremely effective and efficient for the Rays, throwing 5 2/3 scoreless innings with two hits (both singles), one walk, and six strikeouts over just 66 pitches. He didn’t even have a three-ball count until the sixth inning, when Rays manager Kevin Cash made a highly questionable decision to pull the right-hander.
I don't think anybody likes this move to take out Charlie Morton
— Jay Jaffe (@jay_jaffe) October 18, 2020
The Rays’ defense also flashed the leather, like on this incredible play by shortstop Willy Adames.
https://twitter.com/thecomeback/status/1317633122209386497
Tampa Bay’s bullpen allowed two runs, but Peter Fairbanks got Aledmys Díaz to fly out to right field to clinch the AL pennant.
The World Series is scheduled to get underway on Tuesday night at Globe Life Field (Arlington, TX), and the Rays will face the winner of Sunday night’s Game 7 between the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers. Tampa Bay reached the World Series in 2008, but has never won the championship.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.