Charlie Morton still makes the difference

The Tampa Bay Rays will be in the World Series, and part of it owed to starter Charlie Morton, who once again demonstrated on Saturday that he is a man of great opportunities.

By securing the victory after a victory of 4-2 in the seventh duel of the American League Championship series against the Houston Astros, the 36-year-old gunner indeed won a fourth career ultimate game in playoffs. No other pitcher in the history of major league baseball has won more than two.

Morton had been particularly decisive in 2017, when he consecutively eliminated the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers to lead the Astros to the World Series.

“We’re lucky to have Charlie Morton,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said after the game, according to comments reported by the official major league website. In a group that doesn’t have much experience in this situation, Charlie does. He has been through it all before and has done very well for us. I appreciate Charlie Morton so much, what he brings to our club on the pitch, and certainly in the locker room. ”

Reverse the steam

The task promised to be complicated for Morton, however, as the Rays were trying to stop a dangerous slide. Indeed, the Florida team had lost its last three meetings after triumphing in the first three meetings of this series.

Morton was very solid, however, conceding no runs, two hits and one walk in five innings and two-thirds of work. But the veteran right-hander refused to take all the credit after his night’s work.

“After [le match de vendredi], you let a 3-0 lead slip away, and on Saturday when I got to the stadium everyone was ready to play from the start with a high level of energy, Morton said. From the first round, they were there and they were hungry. “

Special feeling

The Rays, who will be making their second appearance in the final after 2008, will now cross swords with the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Atlanta Braves. But in the moments after Saturday’s victory, it didn’t matter who was the opponent.

“It’s a special feeling,” said Cash, who will be making his first World Series appearance as a manager. I don’t know if I’ve had any better ones other than getting married and having three kids. It is very close. I am part of a special group. It’s fun to see them win games and just be a part of it. ”