Rays knock off Rangers, 5-2, to claim 2nd AL wild card spot

In Game #163, David Price pitched his 4th complete game of the season and Evan Longoria hit a two-run homerun as the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Texas Rangers, 5-2, to clinch the 2nd AL wild-card spot. Prior to the start of the game, both teams were 91-71 and were tied while Cleveland prepared to face either team in the AL Wild Card Game.

Price (10-8 ), the reigning AL Cy Young winner, had a 10.26 ERA in four previous starts at Rangers Ballpark. This time, he struck out four, walked one, picked off two runners, allowed seven hits, and threw 81 of 118 pitches for strikes.

The Rays earned the right to face another must-win situation this Wednesday night when they take on the Indians at Cleveland in the AL Wild Card Game. This will be Tampa Bay's third game in three cities in a four-day stretch. The winner faces Boston in the AL Divisional Series, starting this Friday afternoon.

In the meantime, the postseason in the National League will officially begin this Tuesday night at 8 pm when the Cincinnati Reds face the Pirates in Pittsburgh in the NL Wild Card Game. The winner moves on to St. Louis to play the Cardinals in the NL Divisional Series, which begins this Thursday evening.