Rays fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing this was not a must-win game. The opening game of the ALDS saw Cy Young candidate Justin Verlander take on young Tyler Glasnow, who was only activated from the injured list on September 8. Of course Verlander was heavily favored to be the winning pitcher, but no Rays fan would bet against the 6’8″ Glasnow, who has been tremendous since coming to the Rays from Pittsburgh.
Verlander did indeed dazzle, as he has so often done in the postseason. He pitched seven innings, giving up only a single hit, walking three, and striking out eight on exactly 100 pitches.