Recap: Price's CG, Longoria's big night lead Rays to 5-2 win

Game 163 proved to be a fun one. Behind David Price, the Tampa Bay Rays took the one game playoff 5-2 over the Texas Rangers for their fourth playoff appearence in six years. The Rays will be headed to Cleveland, as they are playing the Indians for (what else?) a one game playoff.

The Rays played extrememly well in the first inning by loading the bases. They only had one run to show for it, however, because Texas pitcher Martin Perez was able to get out of the inning. But, the Rays then scored two more unanswered, as Evan Longoria put a two run bomb into right center field. The Rays and Rangers each put up two from that point, but the first three runs proved to be the difference in this 5-2 win.

David Price was fantastic. He had no troubles yesterday, and pitched a 118 pitch complete game gem. What a job well done by a pitcher who had had a down year overall. Price got the job done, and was able to defeat the Rangers with a little help from his offense. That is classic Price right there. Price struck out four, and gave up two runs over seven hits. He improved to 10-8 on the season.

The Rays got most of their offense from Evan Longoria, as he tallied three of the seven Rays hits, homered, drove in two, and scored two more en route to the win.

Martin Perez gave up three runs over 5.1 innings of work, as his record goes to 10-6. The Rays got to him early, as he struggled throughout all of his work. He did not pitch the way the Rangers needed him to or expected him to.

The Rays will travel to Cleveland for the American League Wild Card game. They finish the regular season 92-71.