Rays Clinch Fourth Consecutive Postseason Berth

By Lily Belcher

The Tampa Bay Rays secured their fourth consecutive postseason appearance in a 7-3 victory over the Houston Astros Friday night.

The Rays became the fifth team to clinch the postseason eight times since 2008, joining the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and St. Louis Cardinals. They are also the first AL team in the expansion era to clinch the postseason berth on a 9+ game roadtrip.

“It’s nice to get a win and know that were in,” Kevin Cash said with five games to go in the regular season.

Drew Rasmussen pitched seven innings, using only 73 pitches and giving up just two runs to the AL West Champions. He retired 10 of his last 11 batters before being relieved by Javy Guerra and Colin Poche for an inning each.

The seven-run win came off a handful of well-timed hits. Harold Ramirez got a two out RBI base hit in the first inning to score Yandy Diaz from third. Randy Arozarena drove in Diaz with a triple in the fifth and scored off a Wander Franco single in the same inning.

Francisco Mejia, Jose Siri, and Taylor Walls scored in the sixth and Taylor Walls tacked on another insurance run with a solo shot in the eighth.

After a muted on the field celebration, the Rays celebrated in the locker room with a champagne and beer shower.

“I think, as we know, our hopes [are] on our pitching staff and to have those guys front lining it is huge,” said Pete Fairbanks between a beer splashing contest with Shane McClanahan.

Due to a seemingly endless number of injuries, the Rays relied on their flexibility in the lineup and resilience on the field. The teamwide ability to adapt to these injuries and the reliable performance of the starting lineup led Tampa Bay to their eighth post season appearance.

Right now, the Rays are set to face the Cleveland Guardians in a three game wildcard series in the first round of the postseason bracket.

Until the postseason, the Rays will play two more games against Houston and head to Boston for the final three games of the 2022 regular season.