Tampa Bay outscored Texas by six runs in their four game series and lost three of four. Two one-run losses will do that.
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The Rays got their first sellout crowd since Opening Day in Game Three of their playoff series. Serves the fans right that the Rangers swept in St. Pete to win the series.
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Everyone was stoked for CC Sabathia versus Justin Verlander, but tonight's AJ Burnett versus Rick Procello is much more intriguing. Burnett is the quintessential million-dollar arm and ten cent head. Porcello is a sophomore big leaguer with a darting sinker and inconsistent results.
If Porcello's sinker lacks its bite, he's toast against the patient Yankee lineup. They could fill up the scoreboard before he's gone. If he turns out the lights on NY's season, there will be a lovely glow around the Big Cats' two young arms -- Scherzer and Procello.
Burnett is either a fireballer or a dumpster fire. His inclusion on the post-season roster is an upset in itself. It would be delicious irony if he were to shut down the mighty Detroit lineup with the series on the line. It would be just plain delicious if he blows up and Detroit wins.
It wouldn't be surprising to see the bullpens decide this one.
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Adrian Beltre's three-homer night for the Rangers in their wrap-up 4-3 win caps a fine season in which he hit 30% better than average and shined at third. It's Beltre's first non-walk year bust-out.
Despite just 25 walks, Beltre posted a .296/.331/.561 line with 32 dingers and 33 doubles. The Ballpark in Arlington gets an assist, but that's an All-Star season in any park.
Texas paid Beltre for his career year in Boston last season and was derided for the five-year $80 million contract. It may yet bite Texas in the butt, but the Rangers are in the ALCS because of Beltre. If they win it all with him for the first time ever, no one in Big D will bemoan the contract.
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