Rays end regular season with win

DETROIT (AP) -- The Tampa Bay Rays took advantage of the weakest link the Detroit Tigers had during their disappointing season.

Ben Zobrist hit a go-ahead single in a four-run eighth and had a solo homer in the 11th, lifting the Rays to an 8-7 win over the Tigers on Sunday.

Detroit failed to meet high expectations for many reasons, but its bullpen might've been the biggest culprit. Perhaps it was fitting that relievers lost a lead after the seventh inning for an unlucky 13th time in their home finale.

Comments

[Barack Obama]

the playoffs need some CHANGE

we should tax all the playoff teams and distribute the money to the teams that did not make the playoffs so that their feelings aren't hurt

[Herban Cryer]

How do you beat a team with a winning record?
We don't even know how to schedule a team with a winning record but the media loves us still!

[9equals8.com]

One game at a time, people. Enjoy the ride while it lasts (just ask the Brewers - it's been 24 years since playoffs for them). I feel like the Rays have an excellent chance to go deep, but I am going to enjoy each game as it comes. Go Rays!

[Jason]

After a Kazmir, Shields, Garza, and Sonny lose. They all have comeback and pitched a winning game. They have done it all year. I have faith that they will do it this time again. Got to look at the stats on who pitches better and where home or away. You want Kaz, Shields, or Garza to pitch at home there records show this and Sonny is good away pitcher than the others.

Era Win Lose
Shields: Home 2.59 9 2
Away 4.82 5 6

Kazmir: Home 2.90 8 2
Away 4.10 4 6

Garza: Home 2.89 7 3
Away 4.53 4 6

Sonny: Home 4.40 7 4
Away 4.35 6 5

We will be going on to the next round of the playoffs.

[Foley25]

So, how do we get to vote for Rookie of the Year?
"Now Batting... Your All-Star Third Baseman, Rookie of the Year, Evan LONGORIA, LONGORIA!!!"
If only our sub-standard announcer was that aware, but I digress.

[Joisey]

Benny Z. for president!

[Palin]

I feel that I am an expert on the Rays, since I can see the Trop from where I live.

Where are the Rays fans in New York City going to be watching the game Thurs night?

[jim]

karol = johnny

[Chris]

The rays will go to the world sereis!

[Russ]

And please tell me Percival won't be the closer.

[M]

Don't get "baited" by some of these idiots. Ignore the obvious attempts to get under our skin. Bottom line, they wish they were in our shoes.

This is going to be a long four days!
Let's get it started!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mark]

Would everyone please settle down. Johnny still calls them the Devil Rays, Kaz is not pitching the 1st game. Lets get the playoff roster set and go from there. Seeing Crawford in left field today was nice. We play well at home, and should beat the WSox or Twins.

Bring your "Hay ESPN/TBS/FOX, this is St. Pete" signs to the trop. That should piss off a few people.

Remember, Rays women are hot, Red Sox women are ugly. Especially the ones at the last series. Milky faced fat slobs if you ask me.

[d]

carol kazmir will be fine take a chill pill and get over it and get a life

[Saint Bobby Bowden]

Are the Rays flying over Alaska?

Sarah Palin

Rays are going to ALCS and when they do Johnny and Carol come back with your bold predictions and tell us how they wont make it to the World Series!!

This is a team that was supposed to finish last in the division and now if we start Kazmir in the first game of ALDS we will lose, right........

[Adrien R.]

Johnny must be a Red Sox fan. GO RAYS!!

[Carol]

If Kazmir pitches the first game, they will lose. In fact, if he pitches in the second game, they will lose. Kazmir has lost it....

It will be interesting to see how far they go, but I don't anticipate too much. They have done good this year, but I think they are done....

I predict half of this year's playoff teams will lose in the first round.

[Irish Mike]

Yes, yes, Johnny. Now go take your meds.

[Johnny]

Devil Rays will lose in the first round.