[Nick Soulis]

Series #172



2023 Tampa Bay Rays
Record: 99-63
Finish: Lost n Wild Card
Manager: Kevin Cash
Ball Park: Tropicana Field
WAR Leader: Wander Franco (5.5)
Franchise Record: 1-2
2023 Season Record: 0-1
Hall of Famers: 0
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TBR/2023.shtml

1947 Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 62-92
Finish: 7th in NL
Manager: Ben Chapman
Ball Park: Shibe Park
WAR Leader: Harry Walker (6.7)
Franchise Record: 3-14
1947 Season Record: 1-2
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PHI/1947.shtml
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Rays Sting Phils In Five
After Downing Opener, Tampa Races To Series Win



Game 1
At Tropicana Field
1947 Philadelphia Phillies 8
2023 Tampa Bay Rays 5
WP: D. Leonard (1-0) LP: Z. Eflin (0-1) S: B. Donnelly (1)
HR: W. Franco (1), H. Ramirez (1)
POG: Wander Franco (3-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R)
1947 Phillies Lead Series 1-0

In a thrilling opener of the Field of Dreams best-of-seven series, the 1947 Philadelphia Phillies defeated the 2023 Tampa Bay Rays 8-5 in front of 40,189 fans at Tropicana Field. The Phillies capitalized on a six-run outburst in the fourth inning, highlighted by Ron Northey’s clutch two-run double and Ralph LaPointe’s first of three doubles, setting a playoff record for his era. Despite a three-double performance by Josh Lowe of Tampa Bay, the Rays' late-game rally fell short as Bill Donnelly closed the door with a perfect ninth for the save. Wander Franco, the Rays’ shortstop, shined in defeat, going 3-for-5 with a homer and two RBIs, earning him Player of the Game honors. The series continues tomorrow, with the Phillies carrying momentum into Game 2.

Game 2
At Tropicana Field
1947 Philadelphia Phillies 1
2023 Tampa Bay Rays 6
WP: T. Glasnow (1-0) LP: O. Judd (0-1)
HR: J. Siri (1)
POG: Tyler Gasnow (7 UP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 10 K, 100 P)
Series Tied 1-1

The 2023 Tampa Bay Rays evened their best-of-seven Field of Dreams series against the 1947 Philadelphia Phillies with a commanding 6-1 victory in Game 2 at Tropicana Field. Tyler Glasnow dominated on the mound, striking out 10 batters over seven innings of three-hit ball, earning him Player of the Game honors. Tampa Bay’s offense surged early, posting three runs in the first inning, highlighted by Yandy Díaz’s RBI double and Josh Lowe’s RBI triple. Wander Franco’s two-out RBI in the second and José Siri’s solo home run in the third extended the Rays’ lead, while the Phillies’ lone run came in the fourth on Andy Seminick’s RBI double. Despite defensive hiccups with two errors, the Rays' pitching stifled Philadelphia, as reliever Ryan Thompson closed out the final two innings. The series now shifts to Shibe Park, where the Phillies will look to regain momentum in Game 3 on October 4.

Game 3
At Shibe Park
2023 Tampa Bay Rays 4
1947 Philadelphia Phillies 3
WP: S. McClanahan (1-0) LP: B. Donnelly (0-1) S: P. Fairbanks (1)
HR: C. Bethancourt (1), B. Adams (1), R. Northey (1), J. Wyrostek (1)
POG: Shane McClanahan (8 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, 95 P)
2023 Rays Lead Series 1-0

In a tightly contested Game 3 of the Field of Dreams series, the 2023 Tampa Bay Rays edged out the 1947 Philadelphia Phillies, 4-3, under the lights of historic Shibe Park. Shane McClanahan delivered a commanding performance on the mound, navigating eight innings with precision despite surrendering three solo home runs. The Rays trailed 3-0 entering the seventh but came alive with a two-run homer by Christian Bethancourt to spark a rally. Wander Franco sealed the game in the ninth with a clutch two-out single, driving in the go-ahead run. Pete Fairbanks earned the save, navigating a tense ninth inning. Randy Arozarena and Franco combined for six hits, showcasing the modern Rays' relentless approach at the plate. With the victory, Tampa Bay seized a 2-1 series lead and momentum heading into Game 4.

Game 4
At Shibe Park
2023 Tampa Bay Rays 5
1947 Philadelphia Phillies 2
WP: S. Armstrong (1-0) LP: K. Raffensberger (0-1) S: P. Fairbanks (2)
HR: I. Paredes (1)
POG: Shawn Armstrong (7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 78 P)
2023 Rays Lead Series 3-1

In a classic clash under the lights at the Field of Dreams, the 2023 Tampa Bay Rays overpowered the 1947 Philadelphia Phillies, securing a 5-2 win and a commanding 3-1 series lead. Tampa Bay’s Shawn Armstrong delivered a masterful performance on the mound, scattering five hits over seven innings while striking out three. Isaac Paredes and Josh Lowe provided the offensive spark, with Paredes launching a two-run homer in the second and Lowe adding a clutch two-run double in the third. Despite a brief rally by the Phillies in the fourth inning, highlighted by Del Ennis’s RBI single, the Rays' bullpen shut the door. Drew Rasmussen and Pete Fairbanks combined for two scoreless innings to seal the victory. With their backs against the wall, the Phillies will need a historic effort in Game 5 at Shibe Park to stay alive in the series.

Game 5
At Shibe Park
2023 Tampa Bay Rays 9
1947 Philadelphia Phillies 2
WP: Z. Eflin (1-1) LP: D. Leonard (1-1)
HR: Y. Diaz (1), I. Paredes (1)
POG: Zach Eflin (6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 88 P)

The 2023 Tampa Bay Rays clinched defeating the 1947 Philadelphia Phillies 9-2 in Game 5 to secure the series 4-1. Under the nostalgic glow of Shibe Park’s vintage charm, the Rays delivered a commanding performance that showcased their modern firepower and discipline. Isaac Paredes and Yandy Díaz led the charge with solo home runs, while Wander Franco added two stolen bases and drove in a pivotal run. Tampa Bay’s pitching staff was equally dominant, with starter Zach Eflin throwing six strong innings and striking out seven. The Phillies, despite a spirited second-inning RBI double from Lee Handley, struggled to generate momentum against the Rays' relentless attack. Tampa Bay sealed the victory with a four-run ninth inning, igniting celebrations both on the field and back home. Franco was named series MVP, capping a dominant postseason run with key performances at the plate and in the field.

2023 Tampa Bay Rays Win Series 4 Games To 1

Series MVP:

(.435, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 6 R, 3 SB, .565 OBP, 1.024 OPS)