The Texas Rangers have forced a one-game tiebreaker game against the Tampa Bay Rays, scheduled for Monday night, with the last playoff spot on the line.
The Rangers, who lost the American League (AL) West division lead in August after starting the month of September in a 8-15 slump, beat the Los Angeles Angels 6-2 Sunday afternoon for their seventh win in a row to force an extra regular season game.
"It was a must-win for us, and we know that the Angels come to play baseball," said Rangers catcher Geovany Soto in a post-game television interview. "It feels great. We're looking forward to Tampa, and hopefully we can press on."
The Rangers will host Tampa Bay on Monday night after the Rays hung on to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-6 Sunday afternoon, needing to hold off Toronto's rally after building an early seven run lead Sunday afternoon.
"We have something to prove in Texas," said Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, who went 1-for-4 with an RBI double in the top of the first. "We've left that place too many times with our heads down and disappointed. I feel like now is the time to be able to turn that page."
Cleveland clinched finishing first in the AL Wild-card standings, beating the Minnesota Twins 5-1 Sunday afternoon, and will host the winner of the Tampa Bay-Texas game in the AL Wild-card game set for Wednesday. Cleveland pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez tied a career high 13 strikeouts with Nick Swisher homering in the first inning to help the team win their 10th game in a row.
"I'm so crazy about this group of guys," said, Cleveland manager Terry Francona, who was signed during the off-season as helped guide the team to their first playoff berth since 2007. "From ownership to baseball ops to the clubhouse guys, to be able to stand here and say the Indians are going to the playoffs, I'm so proud of everybody."
TV Schedule
You can catch the Texas Rangers-Tampa Bay Rays tiebreaker game Monday night 8:05 p.m EST on TBS.
Live Stream (video)
Live stream coverage can be seen on MLB.tv.
Live Stream (audio)
Live stream coverage can be heard MLB.com Gameday Audio.
Live Score
Live scores could be followed by clicking here.
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