The Rays did something Wednesday they hadn't done in 12 years, and that's win a playoff series. Hunter Renfroe hit a grand slam and Tyler Glasnow pitched six solid innings, only giving up two solo home runs, as the Rays finished off their sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays after their 8-2 victory.
Next up, the division rival Yankees. The Yanks also swept their series with the Cleveland Indians after their 10-9 victory.
For the shortened season, Tampa went 8-2 against New York.
This season has been anything but smooth for the Rays despite the fact they won the AL East by seven games. They entered the season with the third lowest payroll in Major League Baseball (via Spotrac), at one point had 10 pitchers on the injured list, used 25 pitchers throughout the season, had 12 different pitchers close out games, and had only three position players play in more than 50 games this season.
While a trip to the ALDS is nice, the Rays know the job isn't finished yet. "We've been confident since Day One. So if we put the our heads down and just do what we've been doing and prepare like we've been preparing, the sky's the limit," said Glasnow (via ESPN).
The ALDS begins Monday from San Diego.
PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES