Just about there...
The Rays are now one win away from a trip to the World Series for the first time in four seasons, their longest drought since they became baseball's dominant franchise in the mid-20s, after a come-from-behind 7-3 win over the Angels. For six innings it looked like it would be a 2-2 series as Chris Kimble was dominating Tampa Bay bats, which had only scored one run the night before. But a 3-run rally in the 7th keyed by a 2-run Zeke Avalos double put them ahead and the other Avalos (Jesus) broke it open with a 2-run homer. I almost got too cute with the bullpen as I pulled closer Steve Talbott, who got the final out in the 8th, after they went up 7-2 and went with Steve Cleland. Cleland managed to load the bases and give up a run without retiring anybody but Willie Navarro saved my bacon by getting the next three batters. Now ace Dave Rose will try to allow us to clinch at the first time of asking tomorrow.
And it will be the Dodgers waiting for us should we make it:
This time they decided to actually win a game by more than one run so they picked twelve. Andy Randall, the walk-off hero and MVP of the NLDS, was series MVP again, hitting .421 with 3 HR and 10 RBI.