David Price Sends Tampa Bay Rays to World Series

David Price, a Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect who we have followed extensively this season on KnuckleCurve, got the save as the Rays defeated 3-1 the Boston Red Sox to advance to the 2008 World Series.

Price, who is regarded by some as the best pitching prospect in baseball, got the final four outs to record his first career save. After Price was called up from the minors he didn’t record a win or a save in the regular season, but has one of each in the 2008 playoffs.

The hitting star for the Rays was Willy Aybar, who went 2-3 with a solo home run and also scored a run in the bottom of the fifth to break a 1-1 tie. On the mound, starting pitcher Matt Garza was amazing. He went seven innings and gave up only two hits and one earned run while striking out nine batters. The only run he gave up to the defending World Series champion Red Sox was a Dustin Pedroia home run in the first inning.

Now the Rays advance to take on the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series. Since the American League won the All-Star Game, the Rays will have home field advantage. The 2008 World Series begins on Wednesday in Tampa Bay.

Here is a video with 2008 ALCS MVP Matt Garza: