Thursday, October 10, 2019

Astros Best Rays in 5; Face Yankees in Rematch of 2017 ALCS

The Houston Astros defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-1 in Game 5 of the ALDS. They will advance to the ALCS facing the New York Yankees in a 2017 rematch. The Astros bested the Yankees in seven games and went on to win their first World Series title.

The Astros scored four runs in the 1st inning with Jose Altuve and Yuri Gurriel earning RBI singles with likely AL MVP Alex Bregman hitting a 2 run double. Rays starter Tyler Glasnow settled down along with seven relievers including 2018 AL Cy Young winner Blake Snell who allowed only one hit and one walk over the next seven innings.

Unfortunately the Rays once again couldn't do much against possible 2019 AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole. After striking out 15 batters in Game 2, Cole fanned 10 batters over 8 innings surrendering only a solo HR to Eric Sogard in the 2nd.

To make matters worse, Rays manager Kevin Cash went to the well once too often as Rays closer Emilio Pagan gave up back to back HRs to Michael Brantley and Jose Altuve in the 8th.

But give the Rays credit. They forced a fifth game after being down 0-2 in the ALDS. Not bad for a team with MLB's lowest payroll.

Despite the Rays' best efforts, the Astros are heading to their third straight ALCS which begins Saturday night.

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