The Tampa Bay Rays have continued their dominance of visiting teams at The Trop by pounding the Chicago White Sox 6-2 in the second game of the ALDS.  The Rays combined all components of the game – hitting, pitching and defense – to take a convincing 2-0 lead in the series.

Scott Kazmir pitched as he has all season long, early trouble, a lot of pitches and early exit.  Kaz had allowed the Sox to load the bases with 0 outs in the first inning. He showed a great deal of poise and resilience while limiting the damage to 2 runs.  His line ended at 5.1 innings, 8 H, 2 ER, 2 free passes and 4 K’s.  More importantly his postseason record stands at 1-0!  Enough cannot be said of the Rays bull pen.  Grant Balfour, JP Howell and Chad Bradford followed Kaz and stifled the mighty White Sox bats!  These guys have been outstanding in any and all situations you send them into.  They fear no situation and more often than not are successful!  The turn around in that BP is by far the biggest reason, in my opinion, for the Rays consistent success this season. 

The offense was potent in racking up 12 hits.  The big bat was provided by Akinori Iwamura in the 5^th inning.  With Jason Bartlett standing on first base and the Rays down 2-1 Aki hit a bomb into the LC field seats!  The Trop exploded!  Aki smack placed the Rays on top to stay.  The Rays added 3 insurance runs in the bottom of the 8^th to secure the game!  Aki’s hit was even more exciting because SP Buehrle had made Aki look sick up to that point.  Aki’s concentration and focus when his team needed him most exemplifies the Rays success all season long.  Key hits, key plays, key pitches at the most important times all season long, that’s the Ray’s game.

I have to tell you, I’m exhausted!  LOL – having gone to the first 2 playoff games in Tampa Bay Rays history is in my top 5 of most exciting things I’ve ever done (not sure what kind of statement that makes about my life but..).  The atmosphere is amazing in and around The Trop!  The restaurants in and around The Trop will find people from all walks of life sitting together at tables cajoling about our Rays!  I have met more people just trying to get a bite to eat than I have met in a long time.  The tie that binds is our Rays!  Even though the ALDS is far from over it has been a very eye opening experience for me. Around the nation the Ray’s fan base has been knocked continually for not being absent.   But, trust me, they are there.  Next year The Trop will have a much bigger fan base and more seats will be filled.  From what I’ve seen and heard I’d just about guarantee it! 

Go Rays!!