The Tampa Bay Rays hoisted the American League championship trophy on Saturday night after a wild 7-game series victory over the Houston Astros, winning a 2020 ALCS unlike any we will ever see again.
Played without fans in San Diego, the Rays jumped ahead early and didn’t look back, tightening up down the stretch and ultimately winning, 4-2. They advance to play either the Braves or Dodgers in the 2020 World Series at GlobeLife Field in Arlington, Texas.
The Rays’ 2020 ALCS championship merchandise is flying off the shelves already at Fanatics, where we have Tampa Bay Rays ALCS champs shirts, hats, and locker room gear worn by the players during celebrations.
The Rays were far from championship favorites going into the season, but despite the low odds they strolled to the AL East championship, outpacing the Yankees by a whole seven games. Tampa Bay again outlasted New York in the divisional round, before facing Houston for the pennant.
The Astros fought valiantly to battle back from a 3-1 series deficit and tried to claw back in Game 7, but the Rays’ incredible bullpen slammed the door shut. Rays left-fielder Randy Arozarena hit a two-run homer in the first inning to set an early tone, and the Rays pitchers never relinquished that lead.
For Tampa, it’s a first AL championship since 2008, when the Rays came up short in the World Series and lost in five games to the Philadelphia Phillies. This Rays crew aims to write their own history, having defied the odds already just to get here.
As the Rays head on to the 2020 World Series, shop at Fanatics for the best licensed selection of 2020 Rays World Series gear including Rays World Series jerseys, hats, and jackets.
