Baseball is one of those things where it almost doesn't matter who you have on the team.Just like in hockey, whichever team hits wins the game.
We are now assured of two teams being in the bottom half of the league in payroll, representing the league in the World Series.The Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Guardians play Game 3 on Friday night.The Rays came into this series as the best team in the American League.
Their regular season saw them win 98 games and take the top spot in the League.They swept the New York Yankees in the ALDS and didn't even really sweat in that series.
Now they are down 2-1 after having the lead in all three games.It is hard to close out games in the playoffs, but the Guardians seem to have the same never-say-die mentality that the Milwaukee Brewers have.
Their hitting really hasn't been bad, and their pitching has been strong, but the Guardians have just been a bit better in both areas.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated.
This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.Tampa Bay Rays' Chandler Simpson celebrates a two-run triple against the Cleveland Guardians during the fourth inning in Game 3 of an American League Championship Series baseball game in Cleveland, Thursday, Oct.15, 2026.
(AP Photo/David J.Phillip)Tonight, the Rays send out Nick Martinez to the hill.
In the regular season, Martinez went 15-6 with a 3.10 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP.Those numbers were all top-15 in baseball.
He made the first road start of the ALDS against New York, and he allowed two earned runs over 3.2 innings on five hits.The good news for Tampa fans is that Martinez has been elite against the Guardians this season.
He has two starts this year against Cleveland, and he allowed seven hits and no walks in 13 scoreless innings this season.Jose Ramirez is 1-for-11 against him.TAMPA BAY RAYS WIN GAME TWO OVER GUARDIANS THANKS TO TERRI...