Two video games in a row now, the distinction in the Tampa Bay Rays beating the Houston Astros in the ALCS has actually boiled down to one play.
The Rays, as any person who has actually enjoyed them this season understand, make plays. The Astros, in what sealed their fate in Game 2 on Monday, did not.
This series heads into Game 3 on Tuesday with the Astros attempting to find themselves in a 3-0 hole. The Rays have not announced a starter yet, but have actually Tyler Glasnow locked in for Game 4, which means that Game 3 might simply be an opener game for Kevin Cashs lot. It might be like Game 4 of the ALDS where they started Ryan Thompson for 1 2/3 innings and followed with 5 innings of Ryan Yarbrough.
Its got to be annoying for the Astros, who for the 2nd video game in a row had more hits than the Rays (nine to four, this time around), but left a lot of players stranded on base (8 in Game 2; 18 for the series). Carlos Correa went deep again, a solo homer in the sixth, however it only made a little dent..
The Astros made things more fascinating in the ninth inning, filling the bases two times against Rays better Nick Anderson. They got another stumble upon in the ninth inning, however the Rays managed another crucial double play and Alex Bregman flew out for the final out.
Houston likewise squandered a nice getaway from Lance McCullers Jr., who despite the two home runs pitched well. McCullers permitted just four hits and set out 11.
Thats the kind of video game you have to win in October and maybe the Astros would have if not the first-inning mistake that haunted them for the remainder of the game.
For comparison, the Rays continued to demonstrate how they execute– particularly on defense. They were making plays like this in Game 2.
And the Rays did what the Rays do– exploit errors. Manuel Margot, the next player, showed up and blasted a three-run homer to center field. That was all the offense the Rays would require. They got another operated on an eighth-inning Mike Zunino homer and won the video game 4-2.
And the Rays did what the Rays do– exploit errors. They got another run on an eighth-inning Mike Zunino homer and won the video game 4-2.
Two huge minutes for Margot, both of which contributed in a big method to the Rays Game 2 win.
WHATS NEXT?
This series heads into Game 3 on Tuesday with the Astros trying to discover themselves in a 3-0 hole. The Astros will begin Jose Urquidy. The righty has a 5.19 ERA in 2 starts this postseason, which isnt nearly as great as his 2.73 regular-season ERA.
The Rays have not announced a starter yet, but have Tyler Glasnow secured for Game 4, which implies that Game 3 might just be an opener video game for Kevin Cashs bunch. It might be like Game 4 of the ALDS where they started Ryan Thompson for 1 2/3 innings and followed with five innings of Ryan Yarbrough. The Rays are simply as comfy winning that method too.
Pitch of Game 3 is set up for 8:40 p.m. ET Tuesday with TV coverage on TBS.
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That was the Rays we saw in Game 1 also. They were clinging to a 2-1 lead many of the game, and during a tense eighth inning, got a crucial double play to end the inning and escape with a win.
This is what the Rays do and how they win. They do not have big-name stars like the remainder of the groups left in the postseason, however they carry out as great as anyone. And, as it seems, the ball is simply bouncing their way right now.
MUST-SEE MOMENT.
He was likewise responsible for the finest defensive play of the day. The Astros had runners on second and 3rd, so making this catch ended the innings and stopped the Houston risk.
One play– one throw in fact– was what spelled defeat for the Astros this time. Jose Altuve shorted a throw to first base in the first inning.