And that my friend, is the story behind Game 1 of the Tampa Bay Rays first ever World Series. You would have liked to see the Rays get off to a fast start but that was not to be. When your 2-3-4 hitters go 0 for 12 and leave 5 on base the writing is on the wall.

Scott Kazmir had a typical game for him. The problem was we needed an atypical game from him. Kaz throwing against Cole Hamels was going to need to pitch better than he had all season long. He did not pitch too badly but did give up 3 ER including a first inning bomb by Chase Utley. That was all Hamel needed. Kaz pitched the usual 6 innings with 110 pitches thrown, 4 free passes and 4 strike outs.

The story of this game was Cole Hamels and his very effective change up. He had the Rays hitters off balance all night long. He made a very good hitting team take a lot of check swings for 3rd strikes. Carl Crawford and Akinori Iwamura were really the only Rays to get good wood on the ball. CC sent a line drive shot into the RF seats and Aki nailed a shot to LCF to drive in the 2nd Ray run.

This is the type of game I expected. I was very concerned about the Ray hitters matching up against the very tough LHP for the Phils. The Rays absolutely had opportunities to score runs a few times early in the game but Hamels shut the door, twice enticing BJ Upton in to inning ending DP. But, these are the 2 best teams in MLB so expect more of the same for this series.

The fan energy was very low last night in The Trop. I was quite surprised considering the gigantic stage the Rays were now playing on. So, leave work early, go take a nap and get to The Trop all rested and ready to ring that cowbell!

See you there!