Rays continue to shine in playoffs, Longoria brightest star

With the Tampa Bay Rays up 3-1 in the ALCS the postseason only looks to get sweeter for them. Up and down the lineup this team who had the worst record in the AL East last year isn't the most fierce, but have deliver with clutch hits during crunch time. They've been underestimated the whole year and are now on the verge of heading to the World Series for the first time in franchise history. A big reason why is Evan Longoria. The 22-year-old has came through time and again, surging the Rays' offense and being a motivating factor. With Carl Crawford back everyone in the lineup is contributing is one way or another.

In yesterday's rabid 13-4 win in Boston the homeruns sprung off the bats' of Longoria, Pena, and Aybar. Even at Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in baseball the Rays seem to feel at ease and in control. It didn't hurt their starting pitcher, Andy Sonnanstine, tossed 7 innings to allow 6 hits and 3 earned runs. Only walking a batter the young right-hander kept the Red Sox in check. Plus he had plenty of run support. The player of the game had to be Willy Aybar who went 4-for-5 with 5 RBIs! For Boston to come back from the 3-1 deficit it will take a special team effort. Their bats aren't exploding or as potent as they were in the ALDS against the Angels.

The numbers Evan Longoria is putting up in the playoffs are remarkable. Without him in the lineup the Rays managed to suffice in the regular season, but now with him present the team averages at least 2 more runs a game. That has been a big influence on pulling out close wins. Luckily Tampa Bay has a solid crop of young talent which is combining for their efforts to get the team to the World Series. B.J. Upton has also played a steady role so far in the postseason. His 11th inning sac fly made the difference in Game 2 and will a key player for the rest of the way. With the emerging outcome of the playoffs I don't think anyone predicted the Rays and Phillies playing at each other in the World Series. It would be amazing if Tampa Bay won it all!