10/18/2020 8:40 AM Article By: Michael Lane
Rays 4 - Astros 2 (Rays Win Series 4-3)
For just the second time in franchise history, the Tampa Bay Rays are headed to the World Series. The Rays avenged their 2019 ALDS loss to the Astros by defeating them in Game 7 Saturday night. Mike Zunino (YD ’11) had a solo home run in the second inning to extend the Rays lead to 3-0. Zunino would add a sacrifice fly in the sixth to make it 4-0. The Astros had opportunities in both the sixth and seventh innings, with runners on the corners both times, but were unable to drive in any runs. After the Astros cut the lead in half during the eighth inning, Pete Fairbanks (Hyannis ‘13/’14) escaped the inning. Fairbanks would close out the ninth, throwing in total an inning and a third scoreless receiving the save. The Rays will await the winner of tomorrow’s Game 7 between the Braves and Dodgers.
Dodgers 3 - Braves 1 (Series Tied 3-3)
The Dodgers are have forced a Game 7 in the NLCS after their 3-1 victory Saturday night. Walker Buehler (YD ’14) was dominant for the Dodgers, throwing six scoreless innings, striking out six and receiving the win. The Dodgers struck early with a pair of solo home runs, including one from Justin Turner (YD ’05.) The Dodgers bullpen retired the final eight batters of the game in order, after the Braves scored their first run of the game. The Braves will hope to avoid blowing a 3-1 series lead Sunday night and advance to their first World Series since 1999.
