Early Series Lead

It was easy to see the nerves of the Rays showing in the first game of their first post-season series in franchise history. The sold out stadium did not help. But the fears and anxieties were quickly put to rest when rookie Evan Longoria blasted a 2nd inning lead off homerun to put the Rays up 1-0 on the visiting Chicago White Sox. Starting pitcher James Shields held Chicago's offense to only 3 runs through 6 and a third innings. A three run homerun in the 3rd was the sox's only offense through the majority of the game. The Rays quickly responded to the 2 run deficit by posting three runs of their own, including another solo homerun by Longoria. The Rays added a couple more runs in the fifth and took a 6-3 lead. The fourth best bullpen in the league held the sox scoreless into the ninth inning when Dan Wheeler came in to save the first post-season win for the team. The pressure was on and the crowd was wild. The nerves showed again as he gave up a lead-off solo homerun to Paul Konerko. Suddenly it was a game again with a nervous closer on the mound and only a two run lead. But after the blast Wheeler settled down and easily retired Junior, Alexei Ramirez and Pierzynski in order to close out Game one.

Series: 1-0 Tampa Bay Lead

Player of the Game: Evan Longoria 3-3 2HR 3RBI

Next Game: 10/3 probables: Buehrle vs Kazmir

Other Notes:
Phillies Lead Brewers series 2-0
Dodgers Lead Cubs series 2-0
Red Sux lead Angels series 1-0