BOSTON (SNN-TV) – Kike Hernandez’ walk-off sacrifice fly in tonight’s ALDS Game 4, propelled the Red Sox to the American League Championship Series.
Following a controversial Game 3, the 100-win Tampa Bay Rays entered Game 4 with a chip on their shoulder.
Finding themselves down early, 5-0, the Rays would ride the bat of rookie phenom, shortstop Wander Franco. Franco sparked a late-inning rally by the Rays with a 2-run home run to bring Tampa within two runs of the lead.
Despite the comeback, the hottest player in the postseason, Kike Hernandez delivered in the bottom of the 9th, eliminating the AL-favorite Rays from postseason play by a score of 6-5.
While it ended earlier than hoped, this Rays season is not a total loss. Setting a franchise record of 100 wins, helped claim Tampa the American League’s best record.
This season also saw the emergence of rookies and future stars of the organization, like the aforementioned Franco, Randy Arozarena, Shane Baz and many more.
With their victory, the Red Sox advance to the ALCS and await their opponent, being either the Houston Astros or Chicago White Sox. The Astros currently lead their ALDS, 2-1.
Game 1 of the ALCS is set for Friday, October 15th.
