The Rays and Rangers have played six months this season, 162 games, and have had a lot of tine to separate themselves from the crowd in the postseason races. They didn't. They both finished 91-71, tying for second in the American League Wild Card race. It will all come down to this, the Rays and Rangers fighting for that final playoff spot in one game, at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
The Rays were in Toronto yesterday, will play in Texas today, and could play in Cleveland on the 2nd with a win over the Texas Rangers today. They are going to be behind the "surest" thing on the mound in David Price, who has gone 9-8 with a 3.39 ERA on the season thus far. The Rays have collapsed over the past few games, however, as they should've been able to take the second AL Wild Card without much problem. Even if they had won on Saturday, they would be playing Cleveland on the second for sure.
For the Rangers, this game is like new life for them. After being nearly irrelevant in the Wild Card race, they came into the final weekend looking to at least tie the race, to be able to get into the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year. They'll be playing behind 22-year-old Martin Perez. He has gone 10-5 with a 3.55 ERA over 19 starts in the first 162 games this year. The Rangers will also be activating Nelson Cruz from his PED suspension, as he was apart of the mid-season PED scandal. It's unknown whether he will be in the lineup today.
My prediction:
It's hard to go against the home team, but if someone could do it, it'd be the Rays and David Price. For the reason of playing at home, I've gotta go to with the Texas Rangers, although they are pitching Martin Perez, who could wither in the bright sunlight. But, I just can't see the Rangers losing this game in a playoff atmosphere. 5-2 Rangers.
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