Just a reminder that this team was projected for last in the division with just 75 wins.
I know losing in the World Series sucks but to call this a “bad team” is crazy. Relax, sit back, and trust the outlook of Tampa Bay under new ownership. #RaysUp
Unbelievable year from the Rays. Unfortunate that it came to an end but a very good Brewers team completed the mission. Thank you for the support and for helping grow our page this season🙏 #RaysUp
Jacob Misiorowski’s 4-seamer was the best swing-and-miss fastball in baseball this season, posting a 40.2% whiff rate.
In Game 1, the Rays had just a 20% whiff rate against his fastball, whiffing only 5 times while averaging a 96 mph EV against the pitch.
Scoring against Misiorowski is obviously going to be extremely difficult, but I expect the Rays to work some good ABs and hopefully run him out of the game early.
The Red Sox won Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS in 12 innings. The Rays just won Game 4 of the World Series in 12 innings.
Manifesting
The Rays are set to face a tough lefty in Robert Gasser tonight. His splits this season:
vs. LHP:
.163/.259/.293 | .552 OPS
.252 wOBA | 2 HR
vs. RHP:
.257/.323/.442 | .765 OPS
.335 wOBA | 13 HR
Definitely expect a righty-heavy lineup tonight. Going to be interesting to see how Cash puts it together. Wouldn’t surprise me to see Fortes over Hicks to start the game.
The Rays are set to face a tough lefty in Robert Gasser tonight. His splits this season:
vs. LHP:
.163/.259/.293 | .552 OPS
.252 wOBA | 2 HR
vs. RHP:
.257/.323/.442 | .765 OPS
.335 wOBA | 13 HR
Definitely expect a righty-heavy lineup tonight. Going to be interesting to see how Cash puts it together. Wouldn’t surprise me to see Fortes over Hicks to start the game.
Nick Martinez’s first start as a Ray came against the Brewers on March 30. His line in that outing:
6 IP | 6 H | 2 ER | 0 BB | 3 K
He pitched 5 scoreless innings before the Brewers lineup turned over for a third time, when William Contreras took him deep for a 2-run homer.
The Tampa Bay Rays will be playing in the Fall Classic ‼️ #RaysUp #ForTampaBay
Drew Rasmussen this postseason:
21 IP | 13 H | 3 R | 3 BB | 23 K
The Rays ace has shown up in a big way. Rasmussen has easily been the best starting pitcher in baseball this October.
Off The Trop retweeted
Most batted balls over 110 mph in Rays postseason history (Statcast era):
Junior Caminero: 4
Avisaíl García: 3
Kevin Kiermaier: 2
Randy Arozarena: 2
Yandy Díaz: 2
Brandon Lowe: 2
Mike Zunino: 2
Hunter Renfroe: 1
Caminero has only seen 138 pitches, the fewest on this list.
Nick Martinez is getting the ball for Game 4 of the ALCS. He was dominant in his 2 starts against the Guardians this season:
4/28: 7 IP | 3 H | 0 ER | 1 BB | 4 K
7/25: 6 IP | 4 H | 0 ER | 0 BB | 5 K
With the Guardians turning to a bullpen game tonight, the Rays should have the pitching advantage.
Find a way to win tonight, and Rasmussen will have a chance to put Tampa Bay up 3-2 tomorrow before heading back to the Trop. #RaysUp