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.

https://twitter.com/RaysBaseball/status/1707212521596178657

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