Texas Rangers vs Tampa Bay Rays: Rookie Matt Moore Carries Rays to Win

The Tampa Bay Rays came back to win the wild card. This was a feat that many did not think possible when there was a month left to the season.

The Rays did not stop with their surprising feats. If you were told the Tampa Bay Rays would start a rookie in Game 1 of the American League Divisional Series and obtain the win even though it was only his second start, would you believe that?

It sounds unlikely, but that is exactly what they did last night.

Matt Moore was the ace in the hole the Rays have been hiding. He pitched a great game of two-hit baseball.

Moore looked like a grizzled veteran when he took the mound to face one of the most dominating offenses in baseball. The 22-year-old was not afraid and took it right at the Rangers hitters.

The Tampa Bay Rays are the team of destiny this season, but they also hold the title of wild card very well because they are just that. The Rays have a minuscule payroll, but they have loads of young talent.

Moore was just another example of the talent of the Rays' youth.

Moore was an unknown commodity to most just a short time ago. Now he is throwing his mid 90s fastball by the likes of Ian Kinsler and Josh Hamilton.

With Moore's great start, the Rays have put themselves in a great position because they are now going to trot out James Shields, David Price and Jeremy Hellickson.

Joe Maddon’s experiment with Moore paid off and has put his team in a great position to continue their amazing run.