INSIDER
Mets add McNeil to NLCS roster while Dodgers drop Vesia and Rojas, add Kiermaier and Honeywell
Read full article: Mets add McNeil to NLCS roster while Dodgers drop Vesia and Rojas, add Kiermaier and HoneywellJeff McNeil was added to the New York Mets’ roster for the NL Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers after recovering from a broken right wrist.
Replay reviews unavailable in Blue Jays-Tigers game after power failure disrupts both broadcasts
Read full article: Replay reviews unavailable in Blue Jays-Tigers game after power failure disrupts both broadcastsReplay reviews were unavailable to the Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers throughout much of their game at Comerica Park because of a technical issue that affected both team broadcasts.
Chapman, Kiermaier win 4th Gold Gloves; rookies Volpe and Doyle also win
Read full article: Chapman, Kiermaier win 4th Gold Gloves; rookies Volpe and Doyle also winToronto third baseman Matt Chapman and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier won their fourth Gold Gloves, while New York Yankees rookie shortstop Anthony Volpe and Colorado rookie center fielder Brenton Doyle were among 13 first-time winners.
Acuña's encounter and Guaranteed Rate Field shooting raise questions about safety of players, fans
Read full article: Acuña's encounter and Guaranteed Rate Field shooting raise questions about safety of players, fansA shooting that likely happened inside of Guaranteed Rate Field, followed by a scary moment for Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. in Colorado.
Cole no-hit bid into 8th, Yanks beat Rays 4-2 for 50th win
Read full article: Cole no-hit bid into 8th, Yanks beat Rays 4-2 for 50th winGerrit Cole took a no-hit bid into the eighth inning, Aaron Hicks hit a tiebreaking triple in the ninth as Manuel Margot slammed into the right-field wall and the New York Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2 for their 50th win.
Rizzo HR in 9th, Yanks edge Rays for 14th straight home win
Read full article: Rizzo HR in 9th, Yanks edge Rays for 14th straight home winAnthony Rizzo hit a solo home run with one out in the ninth inning and the streaking New York Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Rays 2-1 for their 14th straight home win.
McClanahan wins 5th straight start, Rays sweep 3 from Cards
Read full article: McClanahan wins 5th straight start, Rays sweep 3 from CardsShane McClanahan pitched eight superb innings to win his fifth consecutive start and the Tampa Bay Rays completed a three-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals with a 2-1 victory.
Kluber, Cole duel, Rays end Yankees' 4-game winning streak
Read full article: Kluber, Cole duel, Rays end Yankees' 4-game winning streakCorey Kluber and Gerrit Cole dueled evenly for six impressive innings before the Tampa Bay Rays scored a pair of late runs to beat the Yankees 3-1, ending New York’s four-game winning streak.
Arozarena's 2 HRs spoil Rutschman's debut as Rays top O's
Read full article: Arozarena's 2 HRs spoil Rutschman's debut as Rays top O'sRandy Arozarena hit a pair of homers, Jeffrey Springs threw shutout ball into the sixth inning and the Tampa Bay Rays spoiled the debut of Baltimore Orioles top prospect Adley Rutschman with a 6-1 victory.
Rays snap 3-game skid, hold off Angels 4-2 in 10 innings
Read full article: Rays snap 3-game skid, hold off Angels 4-2 in 10 inningsVidal Bruján got an RBI double leading off the 10th inning for his first hit of the season, and the Tampa Bay Rays rebounded from their no-hit loss with a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
Angels lefty Reid Detmers has no-hitter thru 7 against Rays
Read full article: Angels lefty Reid Detmers has no-hitter thru 7 against RaysLos Angeles Angels rookie Reid Detmers has a no-hitter through seven innings against the Tampa Bay Rays, a bid that survived a borderline error call in the seventh.
Kiermaier, Rays rally for wild 3-2 win against Red Sox
Read full article: Kiermaier, Rays rally for wild 3-2 win against Red SoxKevin Kiermaier capped Tampa Bay’s three-run 10th inning with a game-ending homer, and the Rays beat the Boston Red Sox 3-2 after losing their bid for a combined no-hitter in the top half of the final frame.
Irvin pitches into 7th, A's take 3 of 4 from Rays, 6-3
Read full article: Irvin pitches into 7th, A's take 3 of 4 from Rays, 6-3Cole Irvin pitched into the seventh inning,and the Oakland Athletics beat Tampa Bay 6-3 to take three of four from the Rays, Irvin allowed three runs and five hits in 6 1/3 innings as the rebuilding A’s under new manager Mark Kotsay improved to 4-3.
Kluber looks good, Rays beat Orioles 8-0 to complete sweep
Read full article: Kluber looks good, Rays beat Orioles 8-0 to complete sweepTwo-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber looked good in his debut with the Tampa Bay Rays, pitching into the fifth inning to help the defending AL East champions beat Baltimore 8-0 and complete a season-opening sweep of the Orioles.
Rays' remarkable season comes to sudden end at Fenway Park
Read full article: Rays' remarkable season comes to sudden end at Fenway ParkThe AL East champion Tampa Bay Rays saw their record-setting season come to a sudden end when they lost to the Boston Red Sox 6-5 in Game 4 of their Division Series and were eliminated in the best-of-five playoff.
Defending AL champ Rays poised to open ALDS against Red Sox
Read full article: Defending AL champ Rays poised to open ALDS against Red SoxThe Tampa Bay Rays have won more games than any other team in the American League over the past two seasons, going about their business with a quiet confidence that has the full attention of the Boston Red Sox.
Yanks' rally fizzles, AL wild-card race tightens as Rays win
Read full article: Yanks' rally fizzles, AL wild-card race tightens as Rays winGary Sánchez and Rougned Odor both struck out with two runners on to blunt a ninth-inning rally and the New York Yankees’ lead atop the AL wild-card race got even tighter with a 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Rays clinch 2nd straight AL East title, beat Marlins 7-3
Read full article: Rays clinch 2nd straight AL East title, beat Marlins 7-3The Tampa Bay Rays clinched their second straight AL East title, with Mike Zunino hitting a go-ahead homer and Brandon Lowe later adding a pair of RBI doubles to beat the Miami Marlins 7-3.
Kiermaier hit in apparent retribution, Rays clinch playoffs
Read full article: Kiermaier hit in apparent retribution, Rays clinch playoffsKevin Kiermaier was hit by a pitch, apparent retribution for scooping up a Toronto scouting report two days earlier, and the Tampa Bay Rays clinched a postseason berth with a 7-1 victory over the Blue Jays.
Rays' Cash apologizes after Kiermaier takes, keeps data card
Read full article: Rays' Cash apologizes after Kiermaier takes, keeps data cardTampa Bay manager Kevin Cash apologized to Blue Jays management a day after Rays veteran Kevin Kiermaier scooped up a scouting data card that fell out of Toronto catcher Alejandro Kirk’s wristband and refused to give it back.
Franco, AL East-leading Rays win 8th in row, top Red Sox 6-1
Read full article: Franco, AL East-leading Rays win 8th in row, top Red Sox 6-1Wander Franco extended his on-base streak 30 games with a two-run single, fellow rookie Luis Patiño pitched neatly into the sixth inning and the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays won their eighth in a row, beating the Boston Red Sox 6-1.
Phillips' slam caps Rays' comeback in 9-6 win over Orioles
Read full article: Phillips' slam caps Rays' comeback in 9-6 win over OriolesBrett Phillips capped his first career two-homer game with a tiebreaking grand slam in the eighth inning, and the Tampa Bay Rays rallied to beat the Baltimore Orioles 9-6 for a three-game sweep.
Kiermaier ends combined no-hit bid, Rays top Red Sox 1-0
Read full article: Kiermaier ends combined no-hit bid, Rays top Red Sox 1-0Kevin Kiermaier broke up a combined no-hit bid by the Boston Red Sox with a one-out double in the eighth inning and Manuel Margot scored on a wild pitch in the ninth to give the Tampa Bay Rays a 1-0 victory.
Franco HR, double in debut, but Rays lose to Red Sox in 11th
Read full article: Franco HR, double in debut, but Rays lose to Red Sox in 11thWander Franco hit a three-run homer and doubled in his big league debut for the Tampa Bay Rays, who lost their seventh straight in falling to the Boston Red Sox 9-5 in 11 innings.
Frazier's 11th-inning HR lifts slumping Yankees over Rays
Read full article: Frazier's 11th-inning HR lifts slumping Yankees over RaysClint Frazier hit a game-ending, two-run homer with two outs in the 11th inning after making a game-saving catch in the eighth, and the slumping New York Yankees beat the rival Tampa Bay Rays 5-3.
Rays' 11-game win streak ends, fall to Keller, Royals 2-1
Read full article: Rays' 11-game win streak ends, fall to Keller, Royals 2-1The Tampa Bay Rays’ 11-game winning streak came to an end when Brad Keller pitched seven strong innings and Salvador Perez hit a tiebreaking RBI single to give the Kansas City Royals a 2-1 victory.
Rays win 11th in a row, score 7 in 11th to beat Toronto 14-8
Read full article: Rays win 11th in a row, score 7 in 11th to beat Toronto 14-8Francisco Mejía hit a tiebreaking, two-run single during a seven-run burst in the 11th inning and the Tampa Bay Rays won their 11th straight game, outlasting the Toronto Blue Jays 14-8.
Rays rally with 5 walks in 9th, top Jays for 10th win in row
Read full article: Rays rally with 5 walks in 9th, top Jays for 10th win in rowAustin Meadows, Manuel Margot and Mike Brosseau drew consecutive bases-loaded walks with two outs in the ninth inning and the Tampa Bay Rays rallied for their 10th straight win, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 6-4.
Rays finish Bronx sweep, last-place Yanks lose 5th straight
Read full article: Rays finish Bronx sweep, last-place Yanks lose 5th straightThe last-place New York Yankees lost their fifth straight game as Yoshi Tsutsugo hit a tiebreaking double off Gerrit Cole in the seventh inning that lifted the Tampa Bay Rays to a 4-2 win and a three-game sweep.
Mad Bum gets opener for D-backs; Kluber is Yanks' No. 2
Read full article: Mad Bum gets opener for D-backs; Kluber is Yanks' No. 2He was 2-1 with a 6.35 ERA in three spring starts, including allowing six earned runs against Cincinnati on Friday. Alec Bohm had two hits, including his fourth double. AdFreddie Freeman had two hits, including a double and his first homer — a two-run shot in the sixth. Victor Robles had three hits, including his sixth double, with an RBI, and Kyle Schwarber doubled and walked three times. Adalberto Mondesi singled and homered and Jorge Soler had two hits, including a double.
Cashed Out: Rays manager roasted for pulling Snell in Game 6
Read full article: Cashed Out: Rays manager roasted for pulling Snell in Game 6Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Blake Snell leaves the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning in Game 6 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)ARLINGTON, Texas – Blake Snell turned away from his manager and yelled an expletive as Kevin Cash headed to the mound. The team that reached the World Series leaning largely on analytics was undone by the data — and a decision sure to become part of October lore. I’m not going to ask any questions, but he was pitching a great game," Betts said. It was the Cy Young Snell that pitched tonight.”Count Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, himself a frequent target for criticism over pulling starters, among those happy to see Snell go.
The Latest: Dodgers' Turner tests positive for coronavirus
Read full article: The Latest: Dodgers' Turner tests positive for coronavirusLos Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner flies out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays a baseball World Series Game 6 Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)ARLINGTON, Texas – The Latest on Game 6 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays (all times local):11:10 p.m.Justin Turner was removed from the Dodgers’ World Series-clinching victory after testing positive for the coronavirus. ___10:10 p.m.With postseason star Julio Urías on the mound, the Los Angeles Dodgers are clinging to a 2-1 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays heading into the eighth inning. “I don’t know if we’ve got any Tampa Bay Rays fans here in Orlando,” Obama said. The Globe Life Field roof will be closed for Game 6 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays.
Dodgers 1 win from title after 32 years and more than $3.6B
Read full article: Dodgers 1 win from title after 32 years and more than $3.6BFILE - In this Oct. 20, 1988, file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser holds his World Series Most Valuable Player trophy following the Dodgers' decisive 5-2 win over the Oakland Athletics in Oakland, Ca. Since Hershiser struck out Oaklands Tony Phillips for the final out of the 1988 World Series, the Dodgers have played 5,014 regular-season games and 113 more in the postseason in pursuit of their next title. The rookie right-hander hopes to keep the World Series from reaching a Game 7 for the fourth time in five years. The Rays and Cash have impressed Roberts with their relentlessness, evidenced by their ninth-inning rally to win Game 4. Hershiser, the 1988 World Series MVP, says each time the postseason is lengthened it adds another level of uncertainty to the competition.
Like Margot's steal attempt, Rays come up short in Game 5
Read full article: Like Margot's steal attempt, Rays come up short in Game 5(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)ARLINGTON, Texas – Manuel Margot snuck a few steps down the line and took off toward home plate, trying to steal a run for Tampa Bay. He came up a little short — just like the rest of the Rays in their attempt to nab Game 5 and go ahead in this World Series. Needing a win to force a deciding Game 7, the Rays are set to start 2018 AL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell on Tuesday night. The lefty struck out nine in 4 2/3 innings when the Rays won 6-4 in Game 2 last Wednesday. The Rays weren't able to get back up in Game 5.
Kershaw stops steal of home, hands Dodgers 3-2 Series lead
Read full article: Kershaw stops steal of home, hands Dodgers 3-2 Series leadWith a 175-76 regular-season record, five ERA titles and an MVP, Kershaw ranks alongside Dodgers greats Sandy Koufax, Fernando Valenzuela and Orel Hershiser. Kershaw also set a career postseason record with 207 strikeouts, two more than Justin Verlander’s previous mark. Glasnow allowed four runs and six hits in five innings, leaving him 0-2 with a 9.64 ERA in the Series. He tied a Series record with two wild pitches in the inning and set the mark with three in the game. He became the record ninth Dodgers player to homer in the postseason, one more than the 1989 Oakland Athletics of Bash Brothers fame.
Power surge: Home runs more than half of scoring in playoffs
Read full article: Power surge: Home runs more than half of scoring in playoffs(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)ARLINGTON, Texas – For all the talk about pride in advancing runners and manufacturing runs, teams in the postseason have really dug the long ball. Home runs drove in 235 of the 456 runs in the postseason through World Series Game 4, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. That comes to 51.5%, up from 46.6% last year and highest since the postseason expanded beyond the World Series in 1969. That gave the Rays 33 homers in the postseason accounting for 52 of 76 runs (68.4%). The reason they’re in postseason, playing postseason baseball is because a lot of that coincides with great pitching and that’s what we’re seeing.
Power surge: Home runs more than half of scoring in playoffs
Read full article: Power surge: Home runs more than half of scoring in playoffsARLINGTON, Texas – For all the talk about pride in advancing runners and manufacturing runs, teams in the postseason have really dug the long ball. Home runs drove in 237 of the 462 runs in the postseason through World Series Game 5, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. That comes to 51.3%, up from 46.6% last year and highest since the postseason expanded beyond the World Series in 1969. They have 33 homers in the postseason accounting for 52 of 78 runs (66.7%). The reason they’re in postseason, playing postseason baseball is because a lot of that coincides with great pitching and that’s what we’re seeing.
Bellinger back in CF for LA with roof closed for Game 5
Read full article: Bellinger back in CF for LA with roof closed for Game 5Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Cody Bellinger celebrates their win against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3 of the baseball World Series Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The roof will be closed Sunday night because of dreary conditions and an increasing chance of rain into the night. Bellinger, a National League Gold Glove finalist, was listed in center field for Game 5 after he was a late switch to designated hitter a night earlier because of back stiffness. Against Rays right-hander Tyler Glasnow in Game 5, Pederson was in left and Taylor at second base. The rest was changed from Game 4, with left field Hunter Renfroe batting fifth, ahead of Wendle, shortstop Willy Adames, center fielder Kevin Kiermaier and catcher Mike Zunino.
Jansen blows save, Dodgers squander Game 4, Series tied at 2
Read full article: Jansen blows save, Dodgers squander Game 4, Series tied at 2Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen pacts after their loss against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)ARLINGTON, Texas – Kenley Jansen threw a cutter inside to Brett Phillips for a ball, then a cutter and a sinker for called strikes. Jansen threw a cutter to the left-handed batter, over the middle and knee high. It was only the fifth Series game that ended in a walk-off that included an error, the first since Game 3 in 2013. Uncertainty ahead going into Game 5, when Clayton Kershaw starts against Tyler Glasnow in a rematch of the opener.
Arozarena slugs into WS history, stumbles into October lore
Read full article: Arozarena slugs into WS history, stumbles into October loreRays defeated the Dodgers 8-7 to tie the series 2-2 games. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)ARLINGTON, Texas – Hours after slugging his way into World Series history, Randy Arozarena stumbled into October lore. None of those three won the World Series. Center fielder Chris Taylor bobbled the hit, chased after the ball and threw toward the plate as Arozarena rounded third. Down in the dirt, Arozarena kept pounding the plate as the Rays rushed out to celebrate with him.
Stumbling stunner! Rays shock Dodgers in 9th, tie Series 2-2
Read full article: Stumbling stunner! Rays shock Dodgers in 9th, tie Series 2-2Those homers came during a frantic stretch when the teams combined to score in eight consecutive half-innings, a first in World Series history. That was the first go-ahead pinch-hit in the World Series for LA since Kirk Gibson’s game-ending homer in Game 1 in 1988. It was the sixth consecutive World Series game for the Rays that their starter didn't finish at least five innings. POWER NOTESTurner became the first player to homer in the first inning of consecutive World Series games. His drive to straightaway center was his 12th career postseason homer, breaking a tie with Hall of Fame center fielder Duke Snider for the most in franchise history.
World Series notes: Kershaw could have title-clinching shot
Read full article: World Series notes: Kershaw could have title-clinching shot(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)ARLINGTON, Texas – Clayton Kershaw could take the mound Sunday night with a chance to close out the Los Angeles Dodgers’ first World Series title since 1988. Now the 6-foot-1, 260-pound Rays first baseman is doing full splits in the World Series. Choi is the first Korean-born position player to appear in a World Series game, which he called an honor while crediting the “special group of guy” — his teammates and them getting there together. Clayton felt the same way.”Betts is a four-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner who helped the Red Sox beat the Dodgers in the 2018 World Series. “Just understanding that if we do things the right way in spring training, we’ll do those things all the way through the World Series.
The Latest: Seager drives in go-ahead run, Dodgers up 7-6
Read full article: The Latest: Seager drives in go-ahead run, Dodgers up 7-6Pinch-hitter Joc Pederson delivered a two-run single with two outs in the top of the seventh that put Los Angeles ahead 6-5. At least one run has scored in seven straight half innings, a first in World Series history. With one out and runners on first and second, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pulled Blake Treinen and put in Pedro Báez. Tampa Bay pulled within one on Renfroe’s leadoff homer in the fifth, but Los Angeles answered right away. ___8:20 p.m.Corey Seager matched a major league record with his eighth home run of the postseason, giving the Los Angeles Dodgers a 2-0 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays after three innings.
Rays stack lineup with righties against Urías in Game 4
Read full article: Rays stack lineup with righties against Urías in Game 4Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner celebrates their win against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3 of the baseball World Series Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. Dodgers beat the Rays 6-2 to lead the series 2-1 games. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas – The Tampa Bay Rays started four right-handed hitters at the top of their batting order and seven in all against Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Julio Urías in World Series Game 4 on Saturday night. The Rays started four right-handed hitters at the top of their batting order. Yarbrough threw 19 pitches in the World Series opener, his only action since pitching five innings against Houston in the AL Championship Series on Oct. 13.
World Series Notebook: Urías, 4-0 in postseason, set for G4
Read full article: World Series Notebook: Urías, 4-0 in postseason, set for G4The left-hander finished that series with three perfect innings, the last two protecting a 4-3 lead in Game 7 and sending LA to the World Series against Tampa Bay. Yarbrough threw 19 pitches out of the bullpen in Game 1 of the World Series. “I’m going to throw until they take the ball out of my hands,” Yarbrough said. That’s how you win a World Series,” said Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts, who was part of the Red Sox when they beat Los Angeles in the World Series two years ago. Turner's 75th career postseason hit was a double that set up Max Muncy's two-run single in the third.
The Latest: LA leads Series 2-1 after dominant Buehler start
Read full article: The Latest: LA leads Series 2-1 after dominant Buehler startJustin Turner and Austin Barnes homered for Los Angeles, and Max Muncy had two hits and two RBIs heading into the eighth. ___7:25 p.m.Justin Turner put the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead 1-0 in the first inning, homering on Charlie Morton’s 14th pitch. That tied the team record set by Duke Snider over 36 games with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1954 to 1959. The Los Angeles Dodgers are the visiting team for Game 3 of the World Series, and batting first. An average of 10.42 runs have been scored in the postseason games in Arlington, including 21 total runs in the first two World Series games.
Kershaw, LA stars shine, Dodgers top Rays 8-3 in WS opener
Read full article: Kershaw, LA stars shine, Dodgers top Rays 8-3 in WS openerLos Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw warms up before Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas – Clayton Kershaw, Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts — the Los Angeles Dodgers stars all shined. “Constantly keep putting that in your brain: tomorrow, win tomorrow, win tomorrow, win tomorrow. Eight of the last 10 teams to win Game 1 went on the title, all except the 2016 Indians and 2017 Dodgers. ”Betts became the first to hit a home run, steal two bases and score twice in a Series game.
World Series Notebook: LA rookie vs Cy Young winner in G2
Read full article: World Series Notebook: LA rookie vs Cy Young winner in G2(AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas – The Los Angeles Dodgers are going with rookie right-hander Tony Gonsolin to start Game 2 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. KERSHAW KsDodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw became only the second pitcher ever with at least 200 postseason strikeouts. His 112 pitches were a career high, and the most for any Rays pitcher since July 2018. Now Cash is leading the Rays in their first World Series since 2008, which is being played in the Rangers' new $1.2 billion stadium. It was a pleasant night for the first World Series game played in Arlington since 2011, when the Rangers played in their second consecutive World Series.
The Latest: Kershaw, Dodgers take Game 1 over Rays
Read full article: The Latest: Kershaw, Dodgers take Game 1 over RaysBehind the pitching of Clayton Kershaw and the speed and power of Mookie Betts, the Los Angeles Dodgers lead the Tampa Bay Rays 8-3 after seven innings. ___8:45 p.m.Cody Bellinger’s two-run homer has given Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers a 2-0 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays after four innings. The Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw and the Rays’ Tyler Glasnow each pitched scoreless first innings in the World Series opener. It is a pleasant night for the first World Series game played in Arlington since 2011, when the Rangers played in their second consecutive World Series. ___4:37 p.m.Pentatonix will sing the national anthem before Game 1 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tampa Bay Rays.
Rays, Dodgers set lineups for Game 1 of the World Series
Read full article: Rays, Dodgers set lineups for Game 1 of the World SeriesLos Angeles Dodgers' Cody Bellinger celebrates his home run with Enrique Hernandez against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning in Game 7 of a baseball National League Championship Series Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)ARLINGTON, Texas – Cody Bellinger was in his normal spot in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. The rest of the Rays lineup had second baseman Brandon Lowe batting second, ahead of Randy Arozarena, who has seven homers this postseason. Right fielder Hunter Renfroe was batting fourth, followed by left fielder Manuel Margot, third baseman Joey Wendle, shortstop Willy Adames, center fielder Kevin Kiermaier and catcher Mike Zunino. Kiermaier was still dealing with a sore left wrist after getting hit by a 99 mph fastball in Game 3 of the AL Championship Series against Houston.
Few fans, masked umps, muted celebrations for World Series
Read full article: Few fans, masked umps, muted celebrations for World SeriesBuzz figures to be dampened, with attendance down to about 11,000 in the smallest crowd for a Series game since roughly 1909. The Rays arrived in Dallas on Monday after playing the AL Division Series and AL Championship Series at empty Petco Park in San Diego. I’m super thankful for that.”Kershaw, a 32-year-old left-hander with three Cy Young Awards and an MVP trophy, is 175-76 in the regular season but 11-12 in the postseason, including 1-2 in the World Series. “Just being able to be a normal person again.”This will be the first World Series entirely at one ballpark since 1944 between the Cardinals and Browns at Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis — and the fourth overall. “They didn’t make it to the World Series on accident,” Dodgers star Mookie Betts said.
LEADING OFF: Rays, Dodgers all set to meet in World Series
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Rays, Dodgers all set to meet in World SeriesA look at what's happening around the majors on Monday:SERIES SETIn a most unpredictable season, the teams with the best records in each league are set to meet in the World Series. The Dodgers and Rays will open in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday night after each finished memorable League Championship Series matchups this weekend. They also won a Game 7, topping Houston 4-2 in the ALCS and earn the second World Series trip in franchise history. FIRST LOOKKevin Kiermaier, Mike Zunino, Blake Snell and the Rays are expected to work out at Globe Life Field a day before Game 1 of the World Series. BIG QUESTIONThe loaded Braves are in position to contend for the World Series again next year after they were eliminated by the Dodgers in the NLCS on Sunday night.
Outfielder Kiermaier back in lineup for Rays in ALCS Game 7
Read full article: Outfielder Kiermaier back in lineup for Rays in ALCS Game 7SAN DIEGO – Three-time Gold Glove Award-winning center fielder Kevin Kiermaier was back in the lineup for the Tampa Bay Rays against the Houston Astros for Game 7 of the AL Championship Series on Saturday night. Kiermaier wasn’t in the starting lineup for three straight games after getting hit on the left hand by a pitch in Game 3, which the Rays won 5-2 to take a 3-0 lead. Kiermaier pinch-ran and remained in the game in center field in Game 5. The Astros won three straight games to tie the series at 3 and force the deciding Game 7. Houston, in the ALCS for the fourth straight year, is trying to join the 2004 Boston Red Sox as the only teams to win a seven-game series after being trailing 3-0.
Rays' offense stuck in neutral again as Astros force Game 6
Read full article: Rays' offense stuck in neutral again as Astros force Game 6(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)SAN DIEGO – Except for an occasional homer, the Tampa Bay Rays’ offense has fallen largely silent on the brink of the World Series. “That big hit has continued to elude us with guys on base,” Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. Tampa Bay went 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position in Game 5 after going 1 for 4 in Game 4. “We’ve been streaky throughout the course of these playoffs,” Tampa Bay outfielder Kevin Kiermaier said. That's something of a rarity in this postseason, when Tampa Bay has been practically perfect in each game.
Correa hits walkoff homer to keep Astros alive in ALCS
Read full article: Correa hits walkoff homer to keep Astros alive in ALCSThe Astros defeated the Rays 4-3 and the Rays lead the series 3-2 games. The Astros forced Game 6 on Friday, a rematch of the first game started by left-handers Blake Snell of Tampa Bay and Valdéz. Otherwise, big league clubs leading 3-0 in a best-of-seven postseason series are 37-1. Correa also hit a walkoff homer in Game 2 of the 2017 ALCS off Aroldis Chapman of the New York Yankees. Houston became the first team with a leadoff and walk-off home run in a postseason game.
Springer, Altuve homer to keep Astros alive in ALCS
Read full article: Springer, Altuve homer to keep Astros alive in ALCSSAN DIEGO – José Altuve and the Houston Astros are eager to match the 2004 Boston Red Sox in the history books. Beating the Tampa Bay Rays three more times to reach the World Series won't be easy, but the Astros believe they can do it. With Altuve atoning for his poor defense in this series, the Astros finally got their offense going after being pushed to the brink of a sweep. Altuve hit a homer in the first and an RBI double in the third for a 2-0 lead. It was the third home run of the postseason for Springer, the MVP of the 2017 World Series.
Springer, Altuve homer to keep Astros alive in ALCS
Read full article: Springer, Altuve homer to keep Astros alive in ALCSBeating the Tampa Bay Rays three more times to reach the World Series won't be easy, but the Astros believe they can do it. With Altuve atoning for his poor defense in this series, the Astros finally got their offense going after being pushed to the brink of a sweep. The Rays remain one win from advancing to the World Series for the second time in franchise history. Altuve hit a homer in the first and an RBI double in the third for a 2-0 lead. It was the third home run of the postseason for Springer, the MVP of the 2017 World Series.
Rays beat Astros 5-2, move within 1 victory of World Series
Read full article: Rays beat Astros 5-2, move within 1 victory of World Series(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)SAN DIEGO – Kevin Kiermaier and the Tampa Bay Rays — with big assists from two former Padres who know Petco Park's outfield well — are one win from the second World Series berth in franchise history. “We’ve played just tremendous defense all season long,” Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. Kiermaier, the longest-tenured Tampa Bay player, said it was “an amazing feeling” to be so close to going to the Fall Classic. Wendle lined a single off third baseman Alex Bregman's glove to give Tampa Bay a 2-1 lead. Paredes hit Kiermaier on the hand to load the bases and then grazed Willy Adames on the pinkie with a pitch to bring in another run.
Altuve's 2 early throwing errors doom Astros in ALCS Game 2
Read full article: Altuve's 2 early throwing errors doom Astros in ALCS Game 2“We were down 0-2 in the World Series last year with (ALCS Game 3 starter) José Urquidy and (ALCS Game 4 starter Zack) Greinke coming up next to pitch for us,” shortstop Carlos Correa said. The Astros have made three errors in two games, while the Rays have played sparkling defense all across the diamond. I’m sure he’ll do that.”After the second error, Correa moved into the spot normally occupied by Altuve in the shift. Altuve's first error put the Astros in a hole they never escaped, even with a superb start from McCullers. After getting nine hits and just one run in Game 1, the Astros ended their 13-inning scoreless streak with Correa's homer.
Margot's homer, catch highlight Rays' 4-2 win over Astros
Read full article: Margot's homer, catch highlight Rays' 4-2 win over AstrosAsked which was bigger in the 4-2 victory against the Houston Astros, Margot said through a translator: “Definitely the home run. He played one game in right field in 2016 and the rest of his time in San Diego was spent in center. “To have the ability to know where you’re at, and kind of be able to say, ‘Forget it, I know I’m going to hit something but I’m going in,’ and still hang on to the ball, was really, really impressive,” manager Kevin Cash said. It was an unbelievable play that he made on the right field line, putting himself in a dangerous place. “Everybody is really, really supportive of him and just so happy for what he's accomplished.”Morton improved to 4-0 with a 0.90 ERA in the last two postseasons.
Bad-boy Astros, fun-loving Rays set to face off in ALCS
Read full article: Bad-boy Astros, fun-loving Rays set to face off in ALCSThe Astros are in the ALCS for the fourth straight year, looking for a third trip to the World Series in that span. The Rays are trying to get to their second World Series after losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. You start fresh and go from there,” said George Springer, MVP of the 2017 World Series. Baker’s San Francisco Giants lost to the Angels in seven games in the 2002 World Series. The former big league catcher played parts of eight seasons with five teams, including 20 games with the Astros in 2010.
Bad-boy Astros, fun-loving Rays set to face off in ALCS
Read full article: Bad-boy Astros, fun-loving Rays set to face off in ALCSThe Astros are in the ALCS for the fourth straight year, looking for a third trip to the World Series in that span. The Rays are trying to get to their second World Series after losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. You start fresh and go from there,” said George Springer, MVP of the 2017 World Series. Baker’s San Francisco Giants lost to the Angels in seven games in the 2002 World Series. The former big league catcher played parts of eight seasons with five teams, including 20 games with the Astros in 2010.
Arozarena powers Rays past Yanks 8-4 for 2-1 lead in ALDS
Read full article: Arozarena powers Rays past Yanks 8-4 for 2-1 lead in ALDS(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)SAN DIEGO – The Tampa Bay Rays are unanimous in their praise of Randy Arozarena, who is living up to his nickname, “The Cuban Rocket." Arozarena hit a shot deep to left leading off the fifth Wednesday night to chase Masahiro Tanaka and give Tampa Bay a 5-1 lead. The Rays took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five Division Series. On Tuesday night, Rays starter Tyler Glasnow called Arozarena “the best baseball player on earth right now. He lasted two-thirds of an inning against the Rays on Sept. 2, allowing two-run homers to Arozarena and Mike Brosseau.
Rays hit 4 homers, Glasnow fans 10 in 7-5 win against Yanks
Read full article: Rays hit 4 homers, Glasnow fans 10 in 7-5 win against YanksIt was reminiscent of the mammoth shots he hit in winning the Home Run Derby here in 2016. Stanton has three homers this series and five in four postseason games. His grand slam in the ninth inning Monday night was the Bronx Bombers’ fourth homer in the 9-3 Game 1 win. Stanton, who’s from Los Angeles, joined Reggie Jackson and Lou Gehrig as the only Yankees to homer in four straight postseason games overall. His 10 strikeouts surpass the previous Rays postseason record of nine, done three times.
Rays' Kiermaier: `They don’t like us, we don’t like them'
Read full article: Rays' Kiermaier: `They don’t like us, we don’t like them'(AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)SAN DIEGO – After losing eight of 10 games in a contentious regular-season series, the New York Yankees just can’t shake the AL East rival Tampa Bay Rays. “They got the best of us this year, arguably the best team in baseball,” Gardner said of the Rays, the AL’s top seed. He went 2-0 with a 0.57 ERA in two starts against Tampa Bay in last year’s ALDS. COMFORTABLE SNELLSnell was injured last year when the Rays visited the Padres, but he loves Petco Park. “It’s going to be even more weird when it’s like, ‘The Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Yankees at San Diego.’ It’ll be weird but I’m enjoying it.
Pandemic playoffs: Brewers, Astros in despite losing records
Read full article: Pandemic playoffs: Brewers, Astros in despite losing recordsMembers of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrate after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in a baseball game to earn a playoff birth Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in St. Louis. That’s when the Brewers, at 29-31, open their series against Los Angeles ace Walker Buehler at Dodger Stadium. In a win-and-you’re-in game, St. Louis clinched by beating Milwaukee 5-2. That’s how you see it,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. St. Louis played a total of 58 games — it was prepared for a doubleheader in Detroit on Monday if needed to settle the playoff picture.
Rays beat Mets 8-5, clinch 1st AL East title in 10 years
Read full article: Rays beat Mets 8-5, clinch 1st AL East title in 10 yearsTampa Bay Rays' Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, right, of Japan, celebrates with teammates after a baseball game against the New York Mets Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in New York. The Tampa Bay Rays, long accustomed to doing more with less, figured out a way to maximize the division-clinching celebration they were allowed to enjoy during a 2020 season shortened by the coronavirus. Randy Arozarena homered twice and the Rays clinched their first AL East title in 10 years Wednesday night with an 8-5 victory over the New York Mets. Tampa Bay will be home at quirky Tropicana Field for a best-of-three first-round playoff series beginning next Tuesday. Tampa Bay, which began play in 1998, also won the AL East, home of two big-spending powers in the Yankees and Red Sox, in 2008 and 2010.
Glasnow overpowers Yanks as Rays go to 7-1 vs NY this season
Read full article: Glasnow overpowers Yanks as Rays go to 7-1 vs NY this seasonTampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow winds up during the second inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)NEW YORK After a decade spent chasing their big-budget AL East rivals, the Tampa Bay Rays are pummeling the New York Yankees. The AL East leaders improved to 7-1 against the Yankees this season and stretched their division cushion to 4 1/2 games. TRAINER'S ROOMRays: 3B Yandy Daz was pulled with left hamstring tightness in the fifth and is day to day. UP NEXTYankees RHP Masahiro Tanaka (0-1, 3.48 ERA) will start on extended five days' rest against Rays RHP Trevor Richards (0-0, 4.71).