The Rays have secured a seat in the playoffs, but are still fighting for the No. 1 spot in the American League East
Image courtesy of the Tampa Bay Rays.
By Brandi Bottger
For the fifth season in a row and for the ninth time in franchise history, the Tampa Bay Rays have clinched a seat for the playoffs on Sunday, Sept. 17, even with an 11th inning loss from the Baltimore Orioles.
Instead of the locker room being filled with plastic sheets to pop the celebratory champagne, players gathered around and shared a shot of liquor instead.
Due to the Cleveland Guardians defeating the Texas Rangers on Sunday, this secured a spot in the playoffs for the Rays, but they’re still fighting for the No. 1 in the American League East.
Rays Manager, Kevin Cash, congratulated his team and everyone who has contributed this season to bring them where they are today, but there’s still plenty of work left before the playoffs begin.
“It’s taken a lot to get here. I think everybody realizes that” said Cash in a post-game interview with Bally Sports Sun. “The injuries, plenty of things have taken place, but really happy we’re in and now let’s see where we go.”
The Rays finished off their most recent away series against division rival Baltimore Orioles 2-2. While hopes of securing the top spot for the AL East, they fell short with Sunday’s loss.
The Rays took the lead in the first inning, with Brandon Lowe hitting a home run to right center. Tristan Gray, the newest short stop who made his MLB debut on Sunday, also hit a home run, bringing the score to 2-1. Catcher Christian Bethancourt also homered in the eight, bringing the Rays’ lead to 3-1.
In the top of the 10th, DH Harold Ramirez grounded out to the pitcher, allowing outfielder Manuel Margot, fresh off the Injured List, to score. The Orioles tied it up the bottom of the 10th. In 11 innings, the Rays eventually lost when the Orioles CF Cedric Mullins hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Adley Rutschman to score, ultimately splitting the series 2-2.
The Rays are finished off their last homestand against the Los Angeles Angles and the Toronto Blue Jays before traveling to Boston and Toronto to finish off the regular season, with hopes of securing the No. 1 spot before the playoffs begin in October.
