MLB – Tampa Bay Rays Champs of the American League

By Ally White

The inexperienced team of the Tampa Bay Rays, that have been underdogs for almost 9 years, performed a miracle in the final game of the American League series by beating the defending champion of last year, the Boston Red Sox 3-1.

After coming from a disadvantage of 3-1 in the series, during game 5 the Red Sox fought back by turning a 7-0 score into an 8-7 and win the game, and in game 6, Boston came back to life by winning with a 4-2 score, tied the series 3-3 and forced the Rays to a 7th game.

However, they did not have seven of their best players with them, and even with the hard work and talent, it was not enough for Boston. They had the chance to win game 7, but the heart and determination enforced by the Rays was just unbelievable. At the end, the Rays got what they deserved, their first pennant in the American League and their first appearance in the World Series.

At the start of game 7, Boston took the lead by a home run of Dustin Pedroia in the first inning. Later on, the Rays tied the game 1-1 in the fourth inning by a double of Evan Longoria that helped Carlos Pena to get the run. Then, in the fifth inning Willy Aybar converted a double and Rocco Baldelli scored for a 2-1 advantage for the Rays. And then, in an amazing play, the Rays achieved a homerun during the seventh inning in hands of Aybar, which gave them the final run of the game.

Although, we have to mention that during the 8th inning, the manager of the Rays Joe Maddon, brought five different pitchers to end the exciting game, but then the things got complicated for Tampa Bay when the Boston Red Sox got full bases. Therefore, Maddon without thinking twice, brought the rookie and first pick of the Draft 2007, the pitcher David Price to the bullpen. Price got J.D Drew swinging to the end of the 8th inning saving the Rays. The inexperienced pitcher came back to the mound in the final inning and after walking the Red Sox Jason Bay, Price struck Mark Kotsay and Jason Varitek, converting two outs. At the end of the game, Price pitched Lowrie, who batted a hit, but Iwamura got the ball and throw it to second base and with that beautiful play the Rays enhanced the amazing victory.

On the other hand, besides the high recognition of the awesome job that Iwamura, Willy Aybir and David Price did, we cannot forget the amazing role the starting pitcher Matt Garza did for the Rays as well. Garza gave Tampa Bay one run and two hits in the first seven innings, which is just unbelievable. Even though, we all know that baseball is a collective sport and each of the players did what they had to do during this final game.

The World Series will start on Wednesday, October 22nd in the Tropicana Field at St. Petersburg against the National League champions the Philadelphia Phillies. Now we hope the best for the Rays, who have done history already in the Major Leagues by been the underdogs for years in the American League and making a complete turnaround from the worst to the best, becoming the finalists of the World Series 2008, which is an admirable accomplishment.

About the Author

Ally White is a top senior copy writer on MLB games and sports action for the online sportbook: http://www.instantactionsports.com. Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.