Dodgers hope Gonsolin more than an opener in Game 6
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin leaves the game against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning in Game 2 of the baseball World Series Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas โ Tony Gonsolin found out after Game 2 that he would be starting Game 6 as well for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This time, they plan for the rookie right-hander to be more than an opener with the Dodgers having a chance to clinch their first World Series title since 1988. Gonsolin went 1 1/3 innings against Tampa Bay in Game 2, a planned bullpen game for the Dodgers. RAY OF HOPEEleven of the last 14 teams that trailed going into Game 6, and then forced a Game 7, went on to win the World Series.
Rays burned by opener in Game 4; tab Glasnow for Game 5
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)SAN DIEGO โ Manager Kevin Cash and the Tampa Bay Rays introduced the concept of an opener to modern baseball two years ago. But just as New York almost certainly regretted using an opener in Game 2 when Deivi Garcรญa and J.A. Glasnow threw 93 pitches in Game 2, getting the victory after tossing four-run ball over five innings. The Rays used an opener seven times in this year's 60-game regular season, going 6-1 when employing the scheme. โ(Glasnow) has obviously got his heater, but heโs got one of the best curveballs in the game, too.
Voit, Torres homer as Yankees beat Rays 5-1 to force Game 5
New York Yankees' Luke Voit, right, celebrates with Gleyber Torres (25) after Voit hit a solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning in Game 4 of a baseball American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, in San Diego. Asked the Yankees mentality for Game 5, Voit said, โWe're going to win it." It's a rematch of last yearโs ALDS Game 5 between Houston and Tampa Bay. โWe've seen him," Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. Tampa Bay loaded the bases in the third but got just one run, on Brandon Loweโs fielderโs choice.
Arozarena powers Rays past Yanks 8-4 for 2-1 lead in ALDS
(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)SAN DIEGO โ The Tampa Bay Rays are unanimous in their praise of Randy Arozarena, who is living up to his nickname, โThe Cuban Rocket." Arozarena hit a shot deep to left leading off the fifth Wednesday night to chase Masahiro Tanaka and give Tampa Bay a 5-1 lead. The Rays took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five Division Series. On Tuesday night, Rays starter Tyler Glasnow called Arozarena โthe best baseball player on earth right now. He lasted two-thirds of an inning against the Rays on Sept. 2, allowing two-run homers to Arozarena and Mike Brosseau.