There's two MLB playoffs 2013 live stream and televised games on the schedule for Saturday, Oct. 5, as both of the ALDS matchups arrive at Game 2. Among Friday's big winners were the Boston Red Sox, who crushed the Tampa Bay Rays 12-2 at Fenway. They'll resume their series on Saturday, also at Fenway. The latest televised and live online MLB playoffs action will come by way of TBS and the MLB website service, with two teams looking to bounce back from Game 1 losses.
According to Boston.com in their Oct. 5 report, the Tampa Bay Rays will be one of those teams needing a "bounce back" win. The Rays were walloped by the Red Sox by a final of 12-2 in Game 1. They'll send their ace pitcher to the mound for Game 2, looking to limit the Boston bats to less hits and runs then they exploded for in the first meeting at Fenway.
Despite the loss, Tampa Bay and their players won't make excuses, realizing they have played two more games than the Red Sox, and one more game in their season than any other playoff team. The Rays had to win a tie-breaker matchup against the Texas Rangers, then followed that up with a big win against the Cleveland Indians to earn their place in the first round of the AL playoffs, drawing the Red Sox as their foes.
As Rays manager Joe Maddon told the media post-game:
"We've been playing very well. We've not been making any mistakes. We made a bunch tonight. But I've also learned one other thing regarding baseball: 24 hours can make a huge difference. That’s just one game, baby. That’s just one. We'll be back tomorrow, I promise you. We'll be ready to play. We will not be affected mentally by tonight’s game."
Two home runs came in the first game of the series, and both were by the Rays with Sean Rodriguez and Ben Zobrist hitting solo home runs in different innings. That was it for the Rays in terms of run production. One would think the Red Sox may have exploded for several multiple-run homers, but instead it was just solid hitting from the likes of Shane Victorino, Jonny Gomes and catheter Jarrod Saltalamacchia who had 3 RBI's to lead the team. Pedroia, Ortiz and Gomes each scored two runs from base for the Sox. The Sox were also 8-for-17 with runners in scoring position, while Tampa Bay was 0-for-6, thanks to pitching excellence.
In effect, John Lester limited the Rays for 7.2 innings, striking out 7, while also giving up the two home runs to the opponents. However, he kept the Rays to just three hits. In relief, Tazawa and Dempster allowed just 1 hit. Pitcher Matt Moore for the Rays was absolutely rocked by batters in Boston, as he only lasted 4.1 innings and gave up 8 hits and 8 runs. Moore had 4 strikeouts for Tampa Bay which used a total of five different pitchers for Game 1.
Game 2 will feature reigning AL Cy Young winner David Price on the mound for the Rays with his 10-8 record and 3.33 ERA. The Red Sox will send out right-handed pitcher John Lackey who has been making his comeback after Tommy John surgery. Over the past season, he's been considered among the most reliable starters for the Red Sox with a 10-13 record and 3.52 ERA. Of note, Price is 10-6 with a 2.93 ERA in 20 starts against the Sox. At Fenway he's gone 6-1 with a 1.88 ERA.
In today's Game 2, odds makers have given the Rays a slight edge to win. Tampa Bay is valued at a line of about -115 at their highest at several books, while the underdog Red Sox are listed at anywhere from -105 to +105 depending on the book. The over/under bet for the combined runs scored in the game is set at 7 1/2 at many sports books. Weather reports indicate cloudy skies with a game temperature in the low 60's for tonight's matchup at Fenway.
Today's Rays vs. Red Sox game has a start timed scheduled for 5:30 p.m. EST. Televised coverage can be seen on many cable or satellite providers on TBS. The live streaming online coverage for this game can be seen as part of the subscription service, MLB Postseason TV, available through the MLB.com site for $4.99. The service provides "alternate angle companion viewing" of the game which is different than the video shown on TV. Other features are included in the service, as well as all of the division series games, and National League Championship series.
