Rays V Twins Part 3 – Think “Clinch” Everyone!
By Joel Verlin | September 20th, 2008 | Posted in Discussion, Game Thread
Can the Rays clinch the playoffs on National TV? Can Kazmir bounce back from Monday? Who will be supporting a Mohawk today? And how did a pitcher get a last name like Slowey?
Probable Pitching Preview From MLB.com:
TB: LHP Scott Kazmir (11-7, 3.50 ERA)
Kazmir is coming off a disastrous outing on Monday in which the Rays ace was lifted after tossing to five batters in the fourth inning without recording an out. He appeared to be off from the game’s onset, walking the first two Red Sox batters he faced before David Ortiz connected for a three-run homer. Four of Kazmir’s six hits allowed were of the long variety, as the southpaw was rocked for a season-high nine earned runs in the loss. Kazmir has struggled with his mechanics all season, particularly with his slider, which has historically been his best pitch. He will be facing Minnesota for the first time this season, and fifth time in his career. Kazmir is 1-3 against the Twins, with a 3.86 ERA.
MIN: RHP Kevin Slowey (12-10, 3.66 ERA)
Slowey gave his club yet another quality start against the Indians, allowing three runs on seven hits over six innings, but it wasn’t enough to earn him — or his team — a victory. Slowey suffered his second loss in his last three starts. He allowed two home runs in a start for the first time since his start against the Indians on Aug. 2. The road hasn’t exactly been kind to the starter this season. He’s 5-6 away from the Metrodome, and his next start will come against the Rays at Tropicana Field. It will be Slowey’s first start against the Rays this season.
September 20th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
11 years been going to the trop on a nightly season basis and it finally paid off tonite. I sure hope they don’t stop here.
September 20th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Congrats Rays!!!!!!
Now the Division title!!
September 20th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Exhilarating!!!! I had hoped to be at the clincher yesterday with my regular season ticket but it didn’t happen. Luckily, I managed to get a seat as a walk up this afternoon. One of the great thrills of my baseball life.
September 21st, 2008 at 9:54 am
What a feeling!!!!! I haven’t felt this way about a team in my life. But it’s not over yet. We still need to win the division so we can play at home against either Minnesota or Chicago. I will be at the playoff games. I don’t care if the games start at 9 a.m., I’m not going to miss this for the world!!!!!!!
September 21st, 2008 at 9:57 am
I got to see a little of the game at work yesterday and watched the Delmon Young AB where JP Howell figured Young out. I loved the announce saying that Young is aggressive. That’s an understatement if i ever heard one!
I think our magic number is 9 now…right?
September 21st, 2008 at 10:09 am
Looks like I was wrong with Boston’s loss yesterday, it’s down to six!