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Moriarty9 · 02-25-2009, 04:43 PM

Devil Rays advance to ALCS
Ogea shuts down Oakland lineup in Game 4
October 9, 1999

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The improbable Cindarella story that is the 1999 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season became even more remarkable tonight as the team topped the Oakland Athletics 8-1 to advance to the American League Championship Series.

"It's a great feeling, one that is unparalleled for me in my career," said Devil Rays manager Christian O'Neal. "These guys have put in hard work all year, from spring training to the playoffs so far. They deserve this."

Tampa Bay exploded for five runs in the home half of the third inning, highlighted by a three-run home run off the bat of Raul Mondesi with two out and a 2-2 count.

Erubiel Durazo, 3-for-4, had a double, a home run, three runs scored and three RBI. Leadoff hitter Rickey Henderson went 2-for-3 with two walks and two runs scored.

The real story of the game for the Devil Rays was pitcher Chad Ogea, owner of an 8-15 record during the regular season. Ogea held Oakland to just one hit in the first seven innings before the A's could score their only run in the eighth inning. Oakland catcher Einar Diaz fouled off 10 pitches in a 15-pitch at bat to open the eighth before hitting a double to left-centerfield. He later scored on a RBI groundout by Doug Mientkiewicz. Ogea's final line was one run on two hits and six walks, striking out five in eight innings. Closer Paul Quantrill pitched a perfect ninth, retiring the side on six pitches in his lone playoff appearance so far.

"I was a little wild out there at times today but it worked out in our favor, I guess," Ogea said. "These guys are such good players, such good hitters, so strong in the field, the guys in the bullpen do their jobs, you have guys like Pedro (Martinez) and Aaron (Sele) heading the rotation, coaches who know what they're doing."

The Devil Rays will play the American League Central champion Cleveland Indians in a best-of-seven series to see who will win the pennant and advance to the World Series.

02-25-2009, 04:43 PM	#152 (permalink)
Moriarty9 All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,855 Thanks: 9 Thanked 3x in 3 posts	Devil Rays advance to ALCS Ogea shuts down Oakland lineup in Game 4 October 9, 1999 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The improbable Cindarella story that is the 1999 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season became even more remarkable tonight as the team topped the Oakland Athletics 8-1 to advance to the American League Championship Series. "It's a great feeling, one that is unparalleled for me in my career," said Devil Rays manager Christian O'Neal. "These guys have put in hard work all year, from spring training to the playoffs so far. They deserve this." Tampa Bay exploded for five runs in the home half of the third inning, highlighted by a three-run home run off the bat of Raul Mondesi with two out and a 2-2 count. Erubiel Durazo, 3-for-4, had a double, a home run, three runs scored and three RBI. Leadoff hitter Rickey Henderson went 2-for-3 with two walks and two runs scored. The real story of the game for the Devil Rays was pitcher Chad Ogea, owner of an 8-15 record during the regular season. Ogea held Oakland to just one hit in the first seven innings before the A's could score their only run in the eighth inning. Oakland catcher Einar Diaz fouled off 10 pitches in a 15-pitch at bat to open the eighth before hitting a double to left-centerfield. He later scored on a RBI groundout by Doug Mientkiewicz. Ogea's final line was one run on two hits and six walks, striking out five in eight innings. Closer Paul Quantrill pitched a perfect ninth, retiring the side on six pitches in his lone playoff appearance so far. "I was a little wild out there at times today but it worked out in our favor, I guess," Ogea said. "These guys are such good players, such good hitters, so strong in the field, the guys in the bullpen do their jobs, you have guys like Pedro (Martinez) and Aaron (Sele) heading the rotation, coaches who know what they're doing." The Devil Rays will play the American League Central champion Cleveland Indians in a best-of-seven series to see who will win the pennant and advance to the World Series.