Rays Sweep Red Sox, Looking to Avoid Wildcard

The Tampa Bay Rays successfully swept the Boston Red Sox (2-0) Wednesday night with a 5-0 win. They currently sit two and a half games behind the Baltimore Orioles as they head into their last series of the regular season against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Red Sox Sweep

The Rays cruised to a 5-0 win in the second game of the sweep after a (9-7) win in the first game of the series. Rays Right Fielder, Zach Lowe, hit his 20th home run of the season to join the 20-30 club with 30 doubles as well.

After clinching another playoff berth 10 days ago, the Rays finally celebrated following their second win over the Red Sox last night.

This season has been trying, but we're not gonna go without recognizing what we've accomplished. 🍾

97 wins and we're not done yet. pic.twitter.com/dxywZhWYz6

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) September 28, 2023

Is It Still Possible for Rays?

Although Tampa Bay has already clinched a playoff berth, their division is still up for grabs. They currently sit two and a half games behind their AL East divisional rivals, the Baltimore Orioles.

However, with only one regular season series left to play, the Rays winning the AL East seems more unlikely. A little less than a week ago, it was very plausible as the Rays were only one and a half games behind the Orioles.

But with the Rays losing their most recent series against the Blue Jays (1-2) and having to play them again, the Rays will probably have to settle with a wildcard spot. In addition, the Orioles have a relatively easy matchup against the a struggling Red Sox squad, the worst team in the AL East.

Wins for both the @Orioles and @RaysBaseball keep the AL East race tight with 8 days left in the regular season. #SeptemberBaseball pic.twitter.com/j87TruupRb

— MLB (@MLB) September 24, 2023

Last Series of the Season

The Blue Jays can easily ruin Tampa Bay’s chances of skipping a wildcard series. Both teams have split the season series so far this year (5-5).

The Blue Jays currently sit in prime position to make a playoff berth as well. Meaning that the Rays will have to fight long and hard just for a slight to chance to advance straight to the divisional round.

Tampa Bay struggled to edge out a win (6-7) in their last series less than a week ago against the Blue Jays.

Just another fun-filled day at America's Favorite Ballpark#RaysUp

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) September 24, 2023