ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- On consecutive nights this week, the Tampa Bay Rays were finally eliminated from playoff contention, then assured of a losing record with their 82nd loss of the year.
However, as they close out the season at home with three games against Baltimore at Tropicana Field, they have the season series with the Orioles on the line, plus a chance to avoid finishing in last place.
Tampa Bay (77-82) is two games up on Baltimore (75-84) and the Toronto Blue Jays (75-84), and a single win would clinch avoiding the American League East cellar.