INSIDER
Braves' Ronald Acuรฑa is placed on IL after second season-ending knee injury in 4 years
Read full article: Braves' Ronald Acuรฑa is placed on IL after second season-ending knee injury in 4 yearsThe Atlanta Braves have placed outfielder Ronald Acuรฑa Jr. on the 10-day injured list after the reigning NL MVP tore his left ACL, ending his season.
Fraley homers twice, hits tiebreaking shot in 9th as Reds beat Marlins 7-4 to spoil Pรฉrez's debut
Read full article: Fraley homers twice, hits tiebreaking shot in 9th as Reds beat Marlins 7-4 to spoil Pรฉrez's debutJake Fraley homered twice, including a tiebreaking three-run shot in the ninth inning that sent the Cincinnati Reds past the Miami Marlins 7-4.
Mattingly wins his last game as Marlins manager, tops Braves
Read full article: Mattingly wins his last game as Marlins manager, tops BravesDon Mattingly went out as a winner in his final game as Miamiโs manager when rookie Peyton Burdick homered and drove in four runs to lead the Marlins over the NL East champion Atlanta Braves 12-9.
Freeman, Dodgers edge Marlins 3-2 in 10 innings
Read full article: Freeman, Dodgers edge Marlins 3-2 in 10 inningsFreddie Freeman drove in the go-ahead run with a grounder in the top of the 10th inning, Chris Martin escaped a bases-loaded jam in the bottom half and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Miami Marlins 3-2.
Castano hit on head by 104 mph liner in Marlins' 7-6 win
Read full article: Castano hit on head by 104 mph liner in Marlins' 7-6 winDaniel Castano was hit on the forehead by a 104 mph line drive off the bat of Donovan Solano in the first inning of the Miami Marlinsโ 7-6 win over the Cincinnati Reds.
Ohtani dominant on mound, hits go-ahead single for Angels
Read full article: Ohtani dominant on mound, hits go-ahead single for AngelsShohei Ohtani allowed one unearned run in seven dominant innings and had the go-ahead hit in the Los Angeles Angelsโ 5-2 victory over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night.
Mets' Lindor homers after surprise visit from mom
Read full article: Mets' Lindor homers after surprise visit from momFrancisco Lindor homered after being surprised by his momโs first visit to see him at Citi Field, Pete Alonso slugged a grand slam during an eventful sixth inning and the New York Mets beat the Miami Marlins 10-4.
Bรกez to Detroit, MLB teams race to finish biz before lockout
Read full article: Bรกez to Detroit, MLB teams race to finish biz before lockoutJavier Bรกez agreed to bring his high motor to the Motor City, while other teams around the majors raced to finish up business before Tuesdayโs deadline to tender contracts and a likely roster freeze coming when baseball's collective bargaining agreement expires Wednesday.
Rays clinch 2nd straight AL East title, beat Marlins 7-3
Read full article: Rays clinch 2nd straight AL East title, beat Marlins 7-3The Tampa Bay Rays clinched their second straight AL East title, with Mike Zunino hitting a go-ahead homer and Brandon Lowe later adding a pair of RBI doubles to beat the Miami Marlins 7-3.
Rays' Franco extends streak, exits with hamstring tightness
Read full article: Rays' Franco extends streak, exits with hamstring tightnessTampa Bay Rays rookie Wander Franco extended his on-base streak to 39 games, then exited in the first inning against Detroit because of tightness in his right hamstring.
Kiermaier ends combined no-hit bid, Rays top Red Sox 1-0
Read full article: Kiermaier ends combined no-hit bid, Rays top Red Sox 1-0Kevin Kiermaier broke up a combined no-hit bid by the Boston Red Sox with a one-out double in the eighth inning and Manuel Margot scored on a wild pitch in the ninth to give the Tampa Bay Rays a 1-0 victory.
Frazier's 11th-inning HR lifts slumping Yankees over Rays
Read full article: Frazier's 11th-inning HR lifts slumping Yankees over RaysClint Frazier hit a game-ending, two-run homer with two outs in the 11th inning after making a game-saving catch in the eighth, and the slumping New York Yankees beat the rival Tampa Bay Rays 5-3.
Rays win 11th in a row, score 7 in 11th to beat Toronto 14-8
Read full article: Rays win 11th in a row, score 7 in 11th to beat Toronto 14-8Francisco Mejรญa hit a tiebreaking, two-run single during a seven-run burst in the 11th inning and the Tampa Bay Rays won their 11th straight game, outlasting the Toronto Blue Jays 14-8.
Rays finish Bronx sweep, last-place Yanks lose 5th straight
Read full article: Rays finish Bronx sweep, last-place Yanks lose 5th straightThe last-place New York Yankees lost their fifth straight game as Yoshi Tsutsugo hit a tiebreaking double off Gerrit Cole in the seventh inning that lifted the Tampa Bay Rays to a 4-2 win and a three-game sweep.
Hill sharp, Kluber roughed up as Rays beat Yankees 10-5
Read full article: Hill sharp, Kluber roughed up as Rays beat Yankees 10-5Rich Hill pitched six strong innings, Austin Meadows led a hit parade against Corey Kluber and New Yorkโs bullpen, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Yankees 10-5 to snap a four-game skid.
Betts hits 2 HRs in final spring training game of the year
Read full article: Betts hits 2 HRs in final spring training game of the yearIn the final spring training game of the year, Betts hit two home runs Tuesday night and the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Los Angeles Angels 6-4. GOOD SIGNOn the final day of spring training, former All-Star pitcher Mike Soroka took a big step toward getting back on a regular-season mound. AdโIt was a perfect way to end a really good spring training on a positive note,โ manager Brian Snitker said. Kolten Wong hit a two-run homer and Christian Yelich singled to finish spring training with a .393 batting average. AdDIAMONDBACKS 3, INDIANS 2At Phoenix, Diamondbacks starter Taylor Widener struck out seven over 5 2/3 innings, allowing four hits.
Padres star Tatis feels better, expected back in lineup soon
Read full article: Padres star Tatis feels better, expected back in lineup soonA day after Tatis walked off the field during an exhibition game in a worrisome scene, the Padres said the discomfort in his left shoulder had improved. In fact he was lobbying to get in the lineup today, so I thought that was very encouraging,โ Tingler said. I think everybodyโs kind of expecting him to be back in the lineup in the next day or two. AdMichael Pineda was roughed up in his second start for Minnesota, surrendering five runs on nine hits in five innings. Ian Anderson went six innings in his fourth start, allowing four runs on eight hits and a walk.
Padres star Tatis has shoulder problem, to be re-evaluated
Read full article: Padres star Tatis has shoulder problem, to be re-evaluatedThe Padres said Tatis had discomfort in his non-throwing left shoulder and would be re-evaluated on Wednesday. Corbin Burnes turned in 4 2/3 innings, striking out six while allowing two runs on three hits. Jon Lester allowed one run and three hits in 3 2/3 innings in his second start of the spring for Washington. He gave up five hits, hit two batters and struck out three. PADRES 5, REDS 4MacKenzie Gore worked 3 2/3 innings in his third start for San Diego, allowing two runs on three hits.
Nats reliever Harris out with blood clot in pitching arm
Read full article: Nats reliever Harris out with blood clot in pitching armHarris has a blood clot in his right arm and is leaving spring training camp to be examined by a specialist, manager Dave Martinez said Friday, March 19, 2021. (Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via AP)Washington Nationals reliever Will Harris has a blood clot in his right arm and the team doesn't expect him to be in the bullpen on opening day. Carlos Martรญnez struggled in his fourth start for St. Louis. DODGERS 7, RANGERS 2Julio Urรญas made his fourth start for Los Angeles, allowing two hits in four shutout innings, striking out three. Adrian Houser made his fourth start.
The Latest: Dodgers' Turner tests positive for coronavirus
Read full article: The Latest: Dodgers' Turner tests positive for coronavirusLos Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner flies out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays a baseball World Series Game 6 Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)ARLINGTON, Texas โ The Latest on Game 6 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays (all times local):11:10 p.m.Justin Turner was removed from the Dodgersโ World Series-clinching victory after testing positive for the coronavirus. ___10:10 p.m.With postseason star Julio Urรญas on the mound, the Los Angeles Dodgers are clinging to a 2-1 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays heading into the eighth inning. โI donโt know if weโve got any Tampa Bay Rays fans here in Orlando,โ Obama said. The Globe Life Field roof will be closed for Game 6 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays.
Dodgers 1 win from title after 32 years and more than $3.6B
Read full article: Dodgers 1 win from title after 32 years and more than $3.6BLos Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw, center, celebrates after their win against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5 of the baseball World Series Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. Dodgers beat the Rays 4-2 to lead the series 3-2 games. The rookie right-hander hopes to keep the World Series from reaching a Game 7 for the fourth time in five years. The Rays and Cash have impressed Roberts with their relentlessness, evidenced by their ninth-inning rally to win Game 4. Hershiser, the 1988 World Series MVP, says each time the postseason is lengthened it adds another level of uncertainty to the competition.
Like Margot's steal attempt, Rays come up short in Game 5
Read full article: Like Margot's steal attempt, Rays come up short in Game 5(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)ARLINGTON, Texas โ Manuel Margot snuck a few steps down the line and took off toward home plate, trying to steal a run for Tampa Bay. He came up a little short โ just like the rest of the Rays in their attempt to nab Game 5 and go ahead in this World Series. Needing a win to force a deciding Game 7, the Rays are set to start 2018 AL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell on Tuesday night. The lefty struck out nine in 4 2/3 innings when the Rays won 6-4 in Game 2 last Wednesday. The Rays weren't able to get back up in Game 5.
Kershaw stops steal of home, hands Dodgers 3-2 Series lead
Read full article: Kershaw stops steal of home, hands Dodgers 3-2 Series leadWith a 175-76 regular-season record, five ERA titles and an MVP, Kershaw ranks alongside Dodgers greats Sandy Koufax, Fernando Valenzuela and Orel Hershiser. Kershaw also set a career postseason record with 207 strikeouts, two more than Justin Verlanderโs previous mark. Glasnow allowed four runs and six hits in five innings, leaving him 0-2 with a 9.64 ERA in the Series. He tied a Series record with two wild pitches in the inning and set the mark with three in the game. He became the record ninth Dodgers player to homer in the postseason, one more than the 1989 Oakland Athletics of Bash Brothers fame.
In Joctober, Pederson does it all for Dodgers
Read full article: In Joctober, Pederson does it all for Dodgers(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)Joc Pederson is the guy the Los Angeles Dodgers didnโt need or want โ until October. After nearly being traded in February and hitting .190 in the regular season, Pederson is coming up big in the postseason. The left-handed slugger also homered in the Dodgers' losing efforts in the 2017 and 2018 World Series. He started in left in Games 1, 3 and 5 of the World Series. He's hitting .400 in the World Series, second on the team to red-hot Corey Seager, who's batting .471.
Bellinger back in CF for LA with roof closed for Game 5
Read full article: Bellinger back in CF for LA with roof closed for Game 5Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Cody Bellinger celebrates their win against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3 of the baseball World Series Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The roof will be closed Sunday night because of dreary conditions and an increasing chance of rain into the night. Bellinger, a National League Gold Glove finalist, was listed in center field for Game 5 after he was a late switch to designated hitter a night earlier because of back stiffness. Against Rays right-hander Tyler Glasnow in Game 5, Pederson was in left and Taylor at second base. The rest was changed from Game 4, with left field Hunter Renfroe batting fifth, ahead of Wendle, shortstop Willy Adames, center fielder Kevin Kiermaier and catcher Mike Zunino.
The Latest: Seager drives in go-ahead run, Dodgers up 7-6
Read full article: The Latest: Seager drives in go-ahead run, Dodgers up 7-6Pinch-hitter Joc Pederson delivered a two-run single with two outs in the top of the seventh that put Los Angeles ahead 6-5. At least one run has scored in seven straight half innings, a first in World Series history. With one out and runners on first and second, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pulled Blake Treinen and put in Pedro Bรกez. Tampa Bay pulled within one on Renfroeโs leadoff homer in the fifth, but Los Angeles answered right away. ___8:20 p.m.Corey Seager matched a major league record with his eighth home run of the postseason, giving the Los Angeles Dodgers a 2-0 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays after three innings.
Rays stack lineup with righties against Urรญas in Game 4
Read full article: Rays stack lineup with righties against Urรญas in Game 4Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner celebrates their win against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3 of the baseball World Series Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. Dodgers beat the Rays 6-2 to lead the series 2-1 games. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas โ The Tampa Bay Rays started four right-handed hitters at the top of their batting order and seven in all against Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Julio Urรญas in World Series Game 4 on Saturday night. The Rays started four right-handed hitters at the top of their batting order. Yarbrough threw 19 pitches in the World Series opener, his only action since pitching five innings against Houston in the AL Championship Series on Oct. 13.
The Latest: LA leads Series 2-1 after dominant Buehler start
Read full article: The Latest: LA leads Series 2-1 after dominant Buehler startJustin Turner and Austin Barnes homered for Los Angeles, and Max Muncy had two hits and two RBIs heading into the eighth. ___7:25 p.m.Justin Turner put the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead 1-0 in the first inning, homering on Charlie Mortonโs 14th pitch. That tied the team record set by Duke Snider over 36 games with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1954 to 1959. The Los Angeles Dodgers are the visiting team for Game 3 of the World Series, and batting first. An average of 10.42 runs have been scored in the postseason games in Arlington, including 21 total runs in the first two World Series games.
Parade of pitchers not a merry-go-round for Dodgers
Read full article: Parade of pitchers not a merry-go-round for Dodgers(AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas โ More was not merrier for Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts went with an opener against the team that invented the concept, sending Tony Gonsolin to start Game 2 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays as the first of seven pitchers -- one shy of the record for a nine-inning Series game. By the end of the Dodgersโ 6-4 defeat Wednesday night, which evened the Series at one game apiece, it appeared the Dodgers are down to a two-man rotation of Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw is lined up for Game 5 on Sunday following his victory in the Series opener, when he threw 78 pitches over six innings. It remains to be seen whether the parade of pitchers will be a fun ride for Roberts and the Dodgers.
Lowe homers twice, Rays hold off Dodgers 6-4 to even Series
Read full article: Lowe homers twice, Rays hold off Dodgers 6-4 to even SeriesAfter Lowe finally busted out in Game 2 of the World Series, the Rays and Dodgers are tied deep in the heart of Texas. Snell attacked with breaking pitches in the strike zone, not his usual pattern, against a Dodgers team that doesn't often chase. SHORT HOPSSnellโs nine strikeouts were the most in a World Series game by a pitcher who didn't last five innings. Dodgers: Buehler threw six shutout innings to win Game 6 of the NL Championship Series against Atlanta and force Game 7. His only previous World Series start was Game 3 against Boston in 2018, when he fired seven scoreless innings in the only game the Dodgers won.
The Latest: Dodgers pull within 6-4 on Seager homer in 8th
Read full article: The Latest: Dodgers pull within 6-4 on Seager homer in 8thTampa Bay is looking to even the Fall Classic after Los Angeles won 8-3 in the opener. He and Dylan Floro are the only Los Angeles pitchers who havenโt been charged with at least one run in Game 2. The Los Angeles Dodgers try to take a 2-0 World Series lead against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Los Angeles Dodgers have certainly settled into the new ballpark deep in the heart of Texas. Game 2 of the World Series will be the Dodgersโ 15th game at the $1.2 billion Globe Life Field.
No knocking Bellinger's homer celebration in World Series
Read full article: No knocking Bellinger's homer celebration in World Series(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)Cody Bellinger bashed a home run in the World Series opener, and celebrated with his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates. Much easier on his delicate right shoulder that popped out of its socket during a home run celebration in Game 7 of the NL Championship Series. He said it felt sore going into the World Series. The 2019 NL MVP is finding his stroke just in time to help the Dodgers try to end a World Series championship drought that dates to 1988. Bellinger entered 5 for 44 (.114) in 12 career World Series games, with 23 strikeouts.
Pandemic World Series draws smallest crowd in over century
Read full article: Pandemic World Series draws smallest crowd in over centuryThe Los Angeles Dodgers line up during during the national anthem and a fly over before Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. Tampa Bay infielder Joey Wendle is married to one of their cousins, and they werenโt going to miss his World Series debut. That was the smallest Series crowd since 10,535 attended Game 6 in 1909 between the Tigers and Pittsburgh at Detroit's Bennett Park, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. But this World Series had a surreal, at times somber feel caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic. Roughly the same amount of tickets were sold for each World Series game.
World Series Notebook: LA rookie vs Cy Young winner in G2
Read full article: World Series Notebook: LA rookie vs Cy Young winner in G2(AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas โ The Los Angeles Dodgers are going with rookie right-hander Tony Gonsolin to start Game 2 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. KERSHAW KsDodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw became only the second pitcher ever with at least 200 postseason strikeouts. His 112 pitches were a career high, and the most for any Rays pitcher since July 2018. Now Cash is leading the Rays in their first World Series since 2008, which is being played in the Rangers' new $1.2 billion stadium. It was a pleasant night for the first World Series game played in Arlington since 2011, when the Rangers played in their second consecutive World Series.
The Latest: Kershaw, Dodgers take Game 1 over Rays
Read full article: The Latest: Kershaw, Dodgers take Game 1 over RaysBehind the pitching of Clayton Kershaw and the speed and power of Mookie Betts, the Los Angeles Dodgers lead the Tampa Bay Rays 8-3 after seven innings. ___8:45 p.m.Cody Bellingerโs two-run homer has given Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers a 2-0 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays after four innings. The Dodgersโ Clayton Kershaw and the Raysโ Tyler Glasnow each pitched scoreless first innings in the World Series opener. It is a pleasant night for the first World Series game played in Arlington since 2011, when the Rangers played in their second consecutive World Series. ___4:37 p.m.Pentatonix will sing the national anthem before Game 1 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tampa Bay Rays.
Rays, Dodgers set lineups for Game 1 of the World Series
Read full article: Rays, Dodgers set lineups for Game 1 of the World SeriesLos Angeles Dodgers' Cody Bellinger celebrates his home run with Enrique Hernandez against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning in Game 7 of a baseball National League Championship Series Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)ARLINGTON, Texas โ Cody Bellinger was in his normal spot in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. The rest of the Rays lineup had second baseman Brandon Lowe batting second, ahead of Randy Arozarena, who has seven homers this postseason. Right fielder Hunter Renfroe was batting fourth, followed by left fielder Manuel Margot, third baseman Joey Wendle, shortstop Willy Adames, center fielder Kevin Kiermaier and catcher Mike Zunino. Kiermaier was still dealing with a sore left wrist after getting hit by a 99 mph fastball in Game 3 of the AL Championship Series against Houston.
Correa hits walkoff homer to keep Astros alive in ALCS
Read full article: Correa hits walkoff homer to keep Astros alive in ALCSThe Astros defeated the Rays 4-3 and the Rays lead the series 3-2 games. The Astros forced Game 6 on Friday, a rematch of the first game started by left-handers Blake Snell of Tampa Bay and Valdรฉz. Otherwise, big league clubs leading 3-0 in a best-of-seven postseason series are 37-1. Correa also hit a walkoff homer in Game 2 of the 2017 ALCS off Aroldis Chapman of the New York Yankees. Houston became the first team with a leadoff and walk-off home run in a postseason game.
Rays beat Astros 5-2, move within 1 victory of World Series
Read full article: Rays beat Astros 5-2, move within 1 victory of World Series(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)SAN DIEGO โ Kevin Kiermaier and the Tampa Bay Rays โ with big assists from two former Padres who know Petco Park's outfield well โ are one win from the second World Series berth in franchise history. โWeโve played just tremendous defense all season long,โ Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. Kiermaier, the longest-tenured Tampa Bay player, said it was โan amazing feelingโ to be so close to going to the Fall Classic. Wendle lined a single off third baseman Alex Bregman's glove to give Tampa Bay a 2-1 lead. Paredes hit Kiermaier on the hand to load the bases and then grazed Willy Adames on the pinkie with a pitch to bring in another run.
Altuve's throwing yips hurt Astros again in Game 3 of ALCS
Read full article: Altuve's throwing yips hurt Astros again in Game 3 of ALCS(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)SAN DIEGO โ Josรฉ Altuve was the AL MVP in 2017 when his Houston Astros sometimes knew exactly what pitches were coming. The normally reliable second baseman has an undeniable case of the yips, and it has bitten the Astros badly. Altuve also made two throwing errors in Game 2 of the ALCS, contributing significantly to the Astros' 4-2 loss. โAltuve is a great player, man,โ said shortstop Carlos Correa, Altuve's counterpart in the Astros' double-play combo since 2015. After the second error, Correa took Altuve's normal spot in the Astros' shift, and he retained the spot in Game 3.
Arozarena powers Rays past Yanks 8-4 for 2-1 lead in ALDS
Read full article: Arozarena powers Rays past Yanks 8-4 for 2-1 lead in ALDS(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)SAN DIEGO โ The Tampa Bay Rays are unanimous in their praise of Randy Arozarena, who is living up to his nickname, โThe Cuban Rocket." Arozarena hit a shot deep to left leading off the fifth Wednesday night to chase Masahiro Tanaka and give Tampa Bay a 5-1 lead. The Rays took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five Division Series. On Tuesday night, Rays starter Tyler Glasnow called Arozarena โthe best baseball player on earth right now. He lasted two-thirds of an inning against the Rays on Sept. 2, allowing two-run homers to Arozarena and Mike Brosseau.
Rays' Kiermaier: `They donโt like us, we donโt like them'
Read full article: Rays' Kiermaier: `They donโt like us, we donโt like them'(AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)SAN DIEGO โ After losing eight of 10 games in a contentious regular-season series, the New York Yankees just canโt shake the AL East rival Tampa Bay Rays. โThey got the best of us this year, arguably the best team in baseball,โ Gardner said of the Rays, the ALโs top seed. He went 2-0 with a 0.57 ERA in two starts against Tampa Bay in last yearโs ALDS. COMFORTABLE SNELLSnell was injured last year when the Rays visited the Padres, but he loves Petco Park. โItโs going to be even more weird when itโs like, โThe Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Yankees at San Diego.โ Itโll be weird but Iโm enjoying it.
Rays beat Mets 8-5, clinch 1st AL East title in 10 years
Read full article: Rays beat Mets 8-5, clinch 1st AL East title in 10 yearsTampa Bay Rays' Brandon Lowe, left, celebrates with teammate Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, of Japan, after they scored on a two-run home run by Lowe during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)NEW YORK โ Randy Arozarena homered twice and the Tampa Bay Rays clinched their first AL East title in 10 years Wednesday night with an 8-5 victory over the New York Mets. Joey Wendle and Brandon Lowe also went deep for the Rays, who will be home at quirky Tropicana Field for a best-of-three first-round playoff series beginning next Tuesday. It is the third division crown in franchise history for the thrifty Rays, who also won the AL East in 2008 and 2010. The Rays (37-20) broke a 2-all tie in the sixth and took care of business themselves.