Last year the Tampa Bay Rays lost in the American League Division Series against the Houston Astros after two very strong starts by Gerrit Cole. In games two and five he threw 15.2 innings while allowing only one run in securing two Astros victories. His only blemish was a game five homer by Eric Sogard.
Last winter the New York Yankees signed Cole to the largest contract for a pitcher in Major League history. The primary reason was to lead a Yankees rotation in the playoffs and moments just like this.
This year the Rays have found much more success against Cole.