World Series Recap - Game 2 - Tampa Bay Rays 4 Philadelphia Phillies 2

The Tampa Bay Rays were able to even up the series at a game a piece.

Tampa Bay Rays 4 Philadelphia Phillies 2: There really wasn't much going on in this game to talk about. The Rays were able to manufacture some runs, got a solid but not great start from Jamie Shields, and then had their bullpen hold on for the victory. The one thing I took from this game is that the Rays looked a lot more comfortable out there on the field, which doesn't always lead to success, but it provides you with the best opportunity to win. I thought the Rays would settle down in Game 2 and they were able to put a few runs on the board early and didn't look back from there.

The Rays bullpen should be very well rested for Game 3, considering that only Dan Wheeler and David Price were used and there is also an off day. I would imagine everyone would be available for that game except for Price. However, with Matt Garza on the mound they may not even need the bullpen for too long. You have to like the Rays chances in Game 3, since Garza has been lights out in the postseason. Considering that Jamie Moyer is going up against him, I expect the Rays to be able to put some runs on the board. Carlos Pena and Carl Crawford absolutely murder the ball against Moyer throughout their careers despite both being lefties. Pena is hitting .500 off of Moyer with 2 HR and 6 RBI in 20 at-bats, while Crawford sports a .474 average in 19 at-bats. Nobody on the Phillies has even faced Matt Garza, except for Matt Stairs who most likely will not be playing. I think that is a decided edge to Garza and the Rays.

Something that needs to improve for the Phillies is the production of Jimmy Rollins and Pat Burrell. Neither one has a hit in the first two games and in Rollins case he needs to get on base for the big bats behind him to be able to drive in some runs. Maybe they will play better now that the series is headed back to Philly. With Moyer on the mound, I expect that the Phillies are going to need to score a decent amount of runs and that will be no easy task against Matt Garza. One good thing to note is that Ryan Howard had a couple of hits in Game 2, so maybe he is starting to turn things around at the plate after struggling most of the postseason.

Put On Notice: Jamie Moyer, Jimmy Rollins, Pat Burrell

Game 1: Philadelphia Phillies 3 Tampa Bay Rays 2