Rays Need More Cowbell!
Thursday, October 23rd, 2008 | MLB, Sports
Rays Cowbell
The Rays will definitely need more cowbell if they expect to win the franchise’s first ever World Series Championship. The Phillies defeated the Rays 3-2 in Game 1 of the World Series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Phillies got off to a quick start with a first inning walk to Jayson Werth and a 2-run home run by Chase Utley off Rays starter Scott Kazmir to give the Phils an early 2-0 lead. After an RBI-groundout by Carlos Ruiz in the 4th inning, the Phils rode the arm of ace Cole Hamels en route to the Game 1 victory. Hamels pitched 7 innings of 2-run, 5-hit ball and then turned the ball over to his trusty bullpen to do the rest. 8th inning specialist Ryan Madson and Closer Brad Lidge didn’t disappoint – 2 scoreless innings of no-hit relief, striking out 3 batters. They did not allow a single player to reach base in protecting a delicate 1 run lead late in the ball game in the opposing team’s park.
The Rays hot bats didn’t faze the Phils pitchers at all. B.J. Upton, Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria combined for no hits in 12 at-bats, including 5 strikeouts (3 by Longoria). Carl Crawford hit a solo home run in the 4th inning. Akinori Iwamura had 3 of the Rays 5 hits, including an RBI-double in the 5th inning that cut the lead to 3-2. But the Rays wouldn’t get any closer than that. Even the Rays fans and their annoying cowbells couldn’t bring life to the Rays bats. Rays management should consider inviting Christopher Walken to throw out the 1st pitch with a giant cowbell attached around his neck. Maybe America’s favorite cowbell critic will be able to light a fire in the bats of the Rays hitters for World Series Game 2 on Thursday, October 23rd.
So far my prediction is right on track:
Rays in 7 – still a posibility – the Rays went down to the Red Sox 1-0 in the ALCS and ended up winning in 7 games to advance to the World Series.
Cole Hamels winning both of his starts – so far so good.
B.J. Upton MVP – well, the 0 for 4 start Game 1 showing doesn’t help, but 2 home runs in Game 2 against Bret Myers will turn the tide in my favor…
