2019 Division Series: Tuesday’s Top Play

After the Yankees sweep of the Twins on Monday night, only one game remained on the calendar for Tuesday: American League Division Series Game 4 between the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays.

Rays 4, Astros 1 (box score)

W: Ryan Yarbrough
L: Justin Verlander
S: Blake Snell

The Rays got to SP Verlander early, scoring three runs in the 1st inning on a solo shot by DH Tommy Pham, an RBI single by C Travis d’Arnaud, and an RBI double by INF Joey Wendle. INF Willy Adames added an insurance run with a solo homer in the 4th.

The Rays would shut out the Astros through 7 innings, nailing INF José Altuve at home on a relay with Adames as the middle man between OF Kevin Kiermaier and d’Arnaud in the 4th inning.

The Rays’ win means a winner take all Game 5 on Thursday at 7:07 PM ET. Matchup: Tyler Glasnow (6-1, 1.78 ERA) vs. strikeout artist Gerrit Cole (20-5, 2.50 ERA).

Division Series action continues this evening with two decisive Game 5 contests in the National League. First up is the Cardinals at Braves at 5:02 PM ET. Matchup: Jack Flaherty (11-8, 2.75 ERA) vs. Mike Foltynewicz (8-6, 4.54 ERA). The Nationals at Dodgers will be the prime-time tilt at 8:37 PM ET. Matchup: Stephen Strasburg (18-6, 3.32 ERA) vs. Walker Buehler (14-4, 3.26 ERA).

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