The Tampa Bay Rays won the AL East for the first time in 10 years and their 3rd division title in their history. The Rays defeated the New York Mets 8-5 Wednesday behind 3 RBIs each from Brandon Lowe and Randy Arozarena and 8 strikeouts in 6 innings from starter Tyler Glasnow.
After the final out, the Rays celebrated in style.
Tampa entered the season with the 28th largest (or smallest) opening day payroll at $28,290,689. Who was number 1 you ask? Why of course it was the New York Yankees at $109,501,599.
Despite the low payroll, the Rays also have the 2nd best record in baseball. The Dodgers, who started the season with the 2nd highest payroll ($105,744,857) already clinched the best record.
**Payroll information via Spotrac.com**
If there was only one negative from Wednesday night, it was that there wasn't any champagne to spray around. Said Kevin Kiermaier, "I'm completely dry right now, which I'm not a huge fan of. But you have to adapt to what we're asked of.'' (Via ESPN)
The next thing for the Rays to do is clinch the No. 1 seed in the AL.
PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES