TAs they clinch the AL for the playoffs and the best record in franchise history, the Rays want more.
“I don’t think we are satisfied“said starter Drew Rasmussen.” We still have a chance to reach 100 wins. “
Rasmussen and three relievers combined for a three-hitter, and Tampa Bay sailed quietly to overwhelm the Houston Astros 7-0.
Brandon Lowe and Ji-Man Choi each hit home runs to condemn the Astros to their fifth loss in six games, during a night when they could have clinched their fourth title in five seasons in the AL West.
His “magic number” remained one for Seattle, which later prevailed 4-2 against Oakland.
“The key is that we are still at the top”, Houston manager Dusty Baker said. “There are many people who are not there. You have to play. Nobody is going to give us anything.”
Tampa Bay improved to 98-60. It surpassed the record for victories in the history of the franchise, imposed in 2008. With the best record of the Young Circuit, the two-time division champions they secured home-court advantage in an eventual American Championship Series.
It is the third time the Rays will enter the playoffs as the top seed. The last team to do so in consecutive seasons in the AL were the New York Yankees (2011-12).