Action from ALCS Game 7, Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox
Matt Garza holds up the MVP trophy after the Rays ALCS win. [James Borchuck, Times]
Stuart Sternberg raises the trophy. [Brian Cassella, Times]
The Rays raise the trophy. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Akinori Iwamura celebrates with fans after the game. [Dirk Shadd, Times]
Carlos Pena and the Rays celebrate. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Carlos Pena celebrates. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon at the end after the Rays defeated the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field on Sunday, 10/19/2008. [Chris Zuppa, Times]
Andy Sonnanstine and B.J. Upton celebrate. [Brian Cassella, Times]
David Price, Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria celebrate after the Rays win over the Red Sox. [James Borchuck, Times]
Tampa Bay Rays rush the field after the final out against the Boston Red Sox during game seven of ALCS playoff action at Tropicana Field. [Dirk Shadd, Times]
Tampa Bay Rays rush the field as the final out is complete defeating the Boston Red Sox during game seven of ALCS playoff action. [Dirk Shadd, Times]
Akinori Iwamura jumps in the air after getting the last out of the ALCS. [Dirk Shadd, Times]
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher David Price throws the final pitch of a 3-1 win over the Boston Red Sox to Boston Red Sox shortstop Jed Lowrie. Lowrie hit the ball to Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Akinori Iwamura at second base, who made the final catch. [Edmund Fountain, Times]
David Price celebrates at the end of the game. [James Borchuck, Times]
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher David Price celebrates in the 8th inning after making the final out against Boston Red Sox right fielder J.D. Drew with bases loaded. [Edmund Fountain, Times]
David Price reacts after striking out J.D. Drew to end the top of the 8th inning. [James Borchuck, Times]
Matt Garza tips his cap as he comes out of the game in the 8th inning with a 3-1 lead. [James Borchuck, Times]
Fans cheer Matt Garza as he walks off the field in the 8th inning. He left with a 3-1 lead. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Willy Aybar is mobbed by teammates after hitting a solo home run in the seventh inning. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Willy Aybar circles the bases after hitting a solo home run off Jon Lester in the seventh inning to give the Rays a 3-1 lead. [Dirk Shadd, Times]
Willy Aybar runs towards first base after hitting a solo home run in
the seventh inning to give the Rays a 3-1 lead. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Willy Aybar watches his home run hit leave the ballpark in the seventh inning. It gave the Rays a 3-1 lead. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Matt Garza walks off the field at the end of the top of the sixth inning. [James Borchuck, Times]
Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia reacts to being tagged at
second by Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett for the final out of
the 6th inning. [Edmund Fountain, Times]
Matt Garza fields a hit by Coco Crisp in the sixth inning. Garza threw Crisp out at first base. [James Borchuck, Times]
Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia is tagged at second base by Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett on a steal attempt in the 6th inning. [Edmund Fountain, Times]
Evan Longoia (foreground) claps as Jason Barlett tags out Dustin Pedroia to end the top of the sixth inning. Pedroia was trying to steal second base. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Jason Bartlett prepares to tag out a sliding Dustin Pedroia who was attempting to steal second base. It was the final out of the top of the sixth inning. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Willy Aybar points upward after scoring and giving the Rays a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning. Aybar scored on a baldelli single. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Willy Aybar slides home safely to give the Rays a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning. Rocco Baldelli hit a single to drive Aybar in. [James Borchuck, Times]
Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Willy Aybar slides to home after being batted in by Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Rocco Baldelli in the 5th inning. The Tampa Bay Rays played the Boston Red Sox in game seven of the American League Championship Series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg on October 19, 2008. [Edmund Fountain, Times]
Rocco Baldelli hits an rbi-single in the fifth inning to give the Rays a 2-1 lead. Ayabr scored from second on the play. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Carlos Pena (right) high fives Carl Crawford after scoring the tying run in the fourth inning on an Evan Longoria double. [James Borchuck, Times]
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Carlos Pena celebrates at home plate after being brought in by a double RBI from Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria in the 4th inning. The Tampa Bay Rays played the Boston Red Sox in game seven of the American League Championship Series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg on October 19, 2008. [Edmund Fountain, Times]
Carlos Pena reacts after scoring a run to tie the game 1-1 in the fourth inning. He scored on Evan Longoria's double. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Carlos Pena runs towards home plate after a double by Evan Longoria in the fourth inning. Pena scored on the play to tie the game 1-1. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria hits a double RBI in the 4th inning to bring Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Carlos Pena in for a run. The Tampa Bay Rays played the Boston Red Sox in game seven of the American League Championship Series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg on October 19, 2008. [Edmund Fountain, Times]
Kevin Youkilis slides into a wall near third base after trying unsuccessfully to chase down a pop foul hit by Carl Crawford in the fourth inning. [James Borchuck, Times]
David Ortiz strikes out to end the top of the third inning. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Matt Garza between pitches in the third inning. [James Borchuck, Times]
Dustin Pedroia reacts after being hit by a pitch in the third inning. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Carl Crawford walks back to the dugout after striking out in the second inning. [Dirk Shadd, Times]
Jason Bartlett throws out Mark Kotsay in the second inning. [James Borchuck, Times]
Carlos Pena after striking out to end the first inning. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Rocco Baldelli chases down a deep fly ball by Kevin Youkilis in the first inning for the second out. [Dirk Shadd, Times]
Matt
Garza walks back to the pitchers mound after giving up a solo home run
to Dustin Pedroia in the first inning. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Dustin Pedroia is meet at home plate by David Ortiz after hitting a solo home run in the first inning to give the Red Sox a 1-0 lead. [Dirk Shadd, Times]
Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia hits a home run in the first inning off of a pitch by Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Matt Garza. The Tampa Bay Rays played the Boston Red Sox in game seven of the American League Championship Series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg on October 19, 2008. [Edmund Fountain, Times]
Matt Garza pitches during the first inning. [Brian Cassella, Times]
Jon Lester pitches in the first inning. [James Borchuck, Times]
Rays pitcher Matt Garza listens to his ipod as he sits in the Rays dugout before Sunday's ALCS Game 7. [James Borchuck, Times]
Boston Red Sox David Ortiz (left) greets Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon at Tropicana Field on Sunday, 10/19/2008. [Chris Zuppa, Times]
B.J. Upton hugs David Ortiz during batting practice before Game 7 of the ALCS Sunday at the Trop. [James Borchuck, Times]
Joe Maddon, Stuart Sternberg and Don Zimmer talk during batting practice at the Trop before Game 7 of the ALCS Sunday afternoon. [James Borchuck, Times]
Follow Tampa Bay Rays baseball from spring training to the World Series with Marc Topkin, Joe Smith and the St. Petersburg Times sports staff. From Evan Longoria to B.J. Upton and James Shields, we're your source for Tampa Bay Rays scores and schedules.
Does anyone know what time the game ended on TV in Ontario
Posted by: John | October 23, 2008 at 11:57 AM
to the boston fans.....what a series! thanks to all fans that handled the loss with class. to beat the sox after a series like that is unreal. i'm fully confident that we'll do well in the WS.
to the rays...thank you! i feel like i'm 10 years old again, slipping through the hole in the fence at the old ball field with 8 of my buddies on a summer day, playing a pick up game of baseball. I love it all over again and it's because of you guys, your heart and determination.
GO RAYS!!!!!!!
Posted by: jpo | October 22, 2008 at 06:22 AM
Congrats to the Rays, they were the better team. As a true Sox fan, I'm trying to be bitter, but there's not much to hate about those Rays, except the haircuts. This team is good for baseball in general, not just "small-market" teams. I'm pulling for them to pull it off. Note to Rays fans: Lose the cowbells. It's so minor leagues and it's much more intimidating when you make that much noise without foreign objects.
Posted by: Twisster | October 21, 2008 at 09:39 AM
And, finally catch up on some sleep. .....Hey, did anyone here get to see Monday Nite Football last nite!!
SPaz2004@cox.net
Posted by: SPaz_says"" | October 21, 2008 at 06:50 AM
Thanks Amanda!
As a Red Sox fan there is some good in this. .....I suppose I'll get to see some of this FrankTV Ive been hearing soooooo much about!
Posted by: SPaz_says"" | October 21, 2008 at 06:46 AM
ONE MORE THING LEE-DID YOU BUY A NEW HAT? DO YOU HAVE RAYS GEAR AT ALL? DOES THE FACT THAT THE TEAM CHANGED THE LOGO AND THE UNIFORMS THIS YEAR MEAN ANYTHING? AM I A BANDWAGON FAN SINCE I BOUGHT A NEW HAT THIS YEAR? DOES THE FACT THAT SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE I KNOW BOUGHT NEW STUFF TO DISASSOCIATE THEMSELVES FROM THE PAST MEAN THEY'RE BADNWAGON FANS? MY GUESS IS-NO TO THE FIRST TWO QUESTIONS, YES TO THE REST OF THE QUESTIONS. LEE, YOU'RE AN IDIOT!
Posted by: lawrrencee | October 20, 2008 at 08:03 PM
@2:58, "your team" just won the ALCS and still you're obsessed with me - so sad
Posted by: Anthony | October 20, 2008 at 07:53 PM
When the Rays said "We are one team" I thought they were out of their minds....ONE TEAM???!!! What kind of hokiness was this I thought....but this team slowly, steadily, became ONE team, not just a team of whiners, also-rans and wannabes. Now they stand on the doorstep of history, and wouldn't you know it, they have to go by way of the Philadelphia!
Keep the tradition going.....Philly v. Tampa Bay
Posted by: John | October 20, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Found this little bit of bulletin board material on mlb.com:
Someone needs to break the news to Phillies reliever Chad Durbin, who had candidly said while the National League champions were waiting for their World Series opponent to be identified, "Selfishly, it's easier for us if Tampa wins."
Pass it on! Get it back to the team!!
Ortiz said after the first game the "Rays were playing scared". They didn't look all that scared to me while they were bashin' balls over the MONSTER up there!!
YUCK FOU BIG PUPPY!!!
As for you Lee-'03-'06 as a fan AND YOU HAVE THE NERVE TO CALL THE LOCALS BANDWAGONERS? YUCK FOU TOO!! I moved here in '01 and became a fan myself which wasn't easy since I cut my teeth on the BIG RED MACHINE.
LIVE BY THE SWORD, DIE BY THE SWORD!!
RAYS IN SIX!!!!!
Posted by: lawrrencee | October 20, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Inaugural hat? what's that?
COngrats on the Rays victory.
Best of the Best baby.
Posted by: todd | October 20, 2008 at 04:30 PM
I guess my "Inaugural" Rays hat just went up in value!!
All The Way...St. Pete. Rays!!!!!
Win it for Ross!
Posted by: Lew | October 20, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Jeff, You complete me ... you had me at "let's chat on my blog"
Posted by: Anthony | October 20, 2008 at 02:58 PM
while we're at it, why does Pedroia look like Chris Elliott in "Get a Life"???
Posted by: LOL @ Tha Don | October 20, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Ian Brown Boston beat writer making excuses on ESPN SO freakin lame
Posted by: Harold | October 20, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Hey I'll Blog it Live if you guys want!! Anthony email me on the blog
jeff@centralmainesportsblog.com
Ill set it up and get back
Posted by: Jeff Sports Vortex | October 19, 2008 at 03:58 PM
A new love affair blossoms. Two Boston fans turn loosing into love
Posted by: Harold | October 20, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Now that the ALCS is over, I have three questions about the Bo'Sox.
1) Why does Big Poppy wear eyeliner?
2) Why does Kevin Youkilis look like Yukon cornelius with his hat on, and Charles Manson with it off?
3) How 'bout that David Price, annoying Bo'Sox fans?
Posted by: Tha Don | October 20, 2008 at 02:15 PM
DJ
very nice "mastercard ad". clever.
Posted by: ms | October 20, 2008 at 01:21 PM
"SPaz_says"-
Thanks, man. Very cool of you.
Posted by: Amanda | October 20, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Rays Playoff T Shirt...$20
2 tickets to Game 7...$200
Striking out Boston based loaded with 97 mph heat...Price.
Posted by: DJ | October 20, 2008 at 12:47 PM
This season, and especially this series, shows why baseball is the greatest game ever invented. You can't run out the clock. No taking a knee. No four-corners. No flopping. You must get all 27 outs, each, and every game. One game flows into the next. The drama builds. There is a huge void on off days. And those of you who think ballplayers are wusses...ask Pedroia how that 95 MPH fastball felt on his elbow.
Go Rays!!! I don't want this ride to end. 4 to 7 more games for the math to work out...9=1!!!!!!!!!! As annoying as it is... MORE FREAKIN'COWBELL!!!
Posted by: Raymond | October 20, 2008 at 12:35 PM
How can I be so pumped and so dead tired at work at the same time?
We're going to the world Series!
The WORLD SERIES!!
At all four of the games, a lot of the Sox fans were classy. Loud and obnoxious for their team but classy. I have no voice because we continually had to shout "LET'S GO RAYS!" over them. Just made it fun.
I would love to drive over to St. Pete for the party today, but my car needs a break! I feel like I live in St. Pete! Definitely worth it. We'll be back Wednesday to our home away from home, THE TROP!!
Posted by: Go Rays! | October 20, 2008 at 11:48 AM
FIND A WAY - RAYS!
Posted by: Jeff | October 20, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Great game and Boston fought hard to the end. Stayed classy. (Unlike many of their fans.) Thanks to BOTH teams for an exciting series!
GO RAYS!!!
Posted by: SJ | October 20, 2008 at 10:59 AM
As a native of St. Petersburg, currently living near Durham, NC, I am so proud of the Rays and their former Durham Bulls players. I stayed up way too late last night but I had to see the end of the game! Congratulations!
Posted by: Cindy | October 20, 2008 at 10:13 AM
As a native of St. Petersburg, currently living near Durham, NC, I am so proud of the Rays and their former Durham Bulls players. I stayed up way too late last night but I had to see the end of the game! Congratulations!
Posted by: Cindy | October 20, 2008 at 10:06 AM
What a great series. I am so proud of them. It is also nice to see CLASSY Boston fans wishing us luck. Only four more to go, what started as a impossibility to even think about has turned into: "Why the hell not. We are here, might as well go win this thing"
GO RAYS!!!!!!!
Posted by: Eric | October 20, 2008 at 09:20 AM
fake Anthony - too funny. Thanks - keep 'em comin'!
Posted by: MikeD | October 20, 2008 at 08:45 AM
attn: RedSux IMAGInation
Tell us ... how's our A S S taste?
Sincerely,
Rays Republic
Posted by: Rays Republic | October 20, 2008 at 08:09 AM
What a joke!
Umps gave that game to Tamper
Sox petitioning for another couple games
Sox in 9
Posted by: Anthony | October 20, 2008 at 08:08 AM
An Open Letter To Rays Fans:
Great Job! I didnt think you had it in you. You must know I dont mean this in a negative way. The best team won, no question. It was a fantastic series and if nothing else Im glad you had a chance to see a first class series. It was one for the ages. When the pressure was on Garza couldnt have been better in game 7. The Sox had thier chances in the 8th inning. Not only did they have thier chances but they had the guys coming up in the lineup that we'd wanna see in that situation. And with 0 outs the Rays held them off. It was a great series. ........Also, in the future I would like to welcome you to what is the American League East. As a Red Sox fan and i want you to know Im looking forward to the rivalry of the coming years. It was getting to be a little too much Red Sox/Yankees. Its always great to go to the Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Its especially great when you can get your hands on Red Sox/Yankees tix. And, now it's just as great to get your hands on a pair of Red Sox/Rays tix. Good luck in the World Series!! There's no question in my mind your fine team will prevail.
Posted by: SPaz_says"" | October 20, 2008 at 07:29 AM
Weird coincidence #1: My husband called the score before the game.
Weird coincidence #2: The Rays started scoring when I broke out a Carl Crawford figurine (give away from a Mother's Day weekend game in 2006) and put it on my coffee table. Carl will be brought out again for the World Series.
YEEEEEAAAAAHHHH!!! What an awesome (and nerve wracking) ALCS...can't believe this is happening...
And I can't believe I'm still up. Work tomorrow will be interesting.
Posted by: Helene | October 20, 2008 at 03:19 AM
Tampa Bay to Boston: Shut your bean hole once and for all. (evil grin) Well, till next season, no doubt. But seriously, we're a better team for playing the Sox, frankly, especially in this incredible ACLS, and now we'll win it for the AL !!!! Go Rays!
Posted by: Meems | October 20, 2008 at 01:52 AM
Congratulations, Rays fans, your team did what I thought after last night was impossible. Very impressive. Best of luck in the World Series. I know you don't expect it to be a one time thing, but savor it like it might be. I speak from experience as a Chicago South-Sider.
Posted by: cwsstlfan | October 20, 2008 at 01:46 AM
Lee-
Remember, to be fair, even some long-time fans bought new gear for the playoffs.
Thank you for the good wishes! What a series!
Posted by: Amanda | October 20, 2008 at 01:44 AM
As a resident of the Tampa Bay Area and Rays supporter from 2003-2006 I would like to be the first to congratulate them on a season well played! During that time I attended approximately a half dozen games which is approximately 5 more than most of the people who attended the ACLS Series. At the games I attended, the Visiting Team's fans typically out numbered Ray's fans and there were more empty seats than full. Watching the ALDS and ALCS it was fairly obvious by the number of new Ray's hats, caps and jerseys that the band wagon was alive and well. As the camera panned through the stands and captured the tears and looks of despair at the end of Game 5, I wondered if any of those "fans" ever had to pay for parking or were even aware that they were cheering for the Rays and not the Devil Rays. Again, well done Rays and hopefully this is the beginning of a new dynasty in the AL East...just hope your fans will stick around through the tough times after all that’s what being a baseball fan is all about!
Posted by: Lee | October 20, 2008 at 01:39 AM
I'm emotionally spent . This past week has been nothing short of amazing . It feels really awesome to have a hometown team to cheer for . Congrats Rays I'm so happy for each one of them !
Posted by: Kisha | October 20, 2008 at 01:32 AM
Way to go Rays!! Great set of photos by a great group of photographers, nicely done as usual. Have fun at the Series.
Posted by: Ken H. | October 20, 2008 at 01:27 AM
Nova-
You're a good fan. I think I speak for the group when I say you've earned our respect.
We'll do our best to keep in in the AL East!
Posted by: Amanda | October 20, 2008 at 01:01 AM
I'm wondering why Manager of the Year (from last night's blogs) hasn't bothered to check in yet. Go Rays! Win the World Series!
Posted by: GoRays | October 20, 2008 at 12:52 AM
Nova, my sincere condolences. We'll do our best to carry the flag for the division. This was a GREAT series, and a great last game. History would have been made either way, and fortunately it was on the RAYS side tonight. See you here for the WS live blog.
Posted by: MikeD | October 20, 2008 at 12:46 AM
A series we won't soon forget.
I'm completely devastated.
Congrats Rays - please beat the Phillies. Keep the World Series title in the division.
Novangelus
Posted by: Novangelus | October 20, 2008 at 12:40 AM
great series by two great teams
Posted by: Harold | October 20, 2008 at 12:27 AM
Go Rays! What a long time coming!
Posted by: kathryn | October 20, 2008 at 12:05 AM