The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Boston Red Sox 5-0 on Thursday night, in the first game of the best-of-five American League Division Series.
The Rays, therefore, take the lead in the matchup and confirmed that they are the heavy favorites to advance to the Championship Series.
Randy Arozarena was the star of the night for the winning team, scoring three runs, belting a homer, and even stealing home plate.
Despite scoring five runs, the Rays offense didn’t exactly light the world on fire, with six hits in total, but it was enough to win because their pitching was absolutely marvelous.
Yes, Arozarena was perhaps the most spectacular performer yesterday, but the only batter who had at least two hits on the Rays’ side was none other than rookie sensation Wander Franco.
The 20-year-old shortstop, who was called up to the majors around midseason, was 2-for-4 with a run scored, an RBI, and a strikeout.
His two hits were for extra-bases; doubles, to be more specific.
Wander Franco (20y, 220d) is the youngest player in #postseason history with 2 XBH in his debut. pic.twitter.com/r12g5cdQ9Z
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) October 8, 2021
Handling Himself Like A Veteran
Franco, at 20 years and 220 days old, became the youngest player to record a postseason RBI since Bryce Harper (19 years, 362 days) did it back in 2012.
It’s hard to believe it was Franco’s postseason debut, because he handled himself like a veteran.
Wander Franco (20y, 220d) is the youngest player to record a #postseason RBI since Bryce Harper (19y, 362d) in 2012. pic.twitter.com/mkqXDPGtxv
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) October 8, 2021
Everything has happened so fast with him, but his talent has taken him where he needs to be: in the big leagues at a very young age, helping his teammates achieve the ultimate goal of a World Series ring.
Tampa hasn’t given anything to him: if he is the Rays shortstop in the postseason, it’s because he is the best option in the organization.
In fact, the Rays traded their starting shortstop during the last couple of seasons, Willy Adames, to the Milwaukee Brewers to open up a spot for Franco to take over eventually.
And boy, has he impressed during his time in the bigs.
An A grade for his debut would seem appropriate.
An Incredible Debut
He opened the score in the first inning, during his first at-bat of the night.
Facing left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez, Franco laced a hard-hit, low liner that found its way to center field.
Center fielder Kike Hernandez got to the ball quickly but bobbled it and allowed Arozarena to score from first base.
However, the hit was ruled a double, the first of two for the young sensation.
He doubled again in the seventh frame, but he was stranded there.
His talent and track record of success suggest this is the first big game of many in Franco’s postseason career.
In a phenomenal showing during the regular season, he hit .288/.347/.463 with seven home runs and an .810 OPS in his first 70 major league games.
The scary things is that his quick, compact swing has the potential to yield a .320 average or higher at his peak, with around 20 or 25 home runs.
If he reaches his ceiling, Franco will be a perennial MVP candidate for years to come.
At the moment, let’s watch him dominate as a 20-year-old on the biggest of stages.
He has the talent to be the Rays’ best hitter in their 2021 postseason run.
NEXT: 3 Reasons Rays Should Sweep The Red Sox