ST. PETERSBURG. Fla. (AP) — Rookie pitcher Josh Fleming allowed four hits over six innings and the AL East champion Tampa Bay Rays eliminated the Philadelphia Phillies from the playoff race with a 5-0 victory Sunday.
Philadelphia needed a win over the Rays and losses by San Francisco and Milwaukee to earn its first playoff berth in nine years. The Brewers and Giants both lost, but the Phillies were unable to give themselves a chance.
The Phillies, who were swept by the Rays in the three-game series and lost seven of eight overall to finish the season, went 28-32 under first-year manager Joe Girardi.