When it comes to success in the postseason, normally it's the team that takes advantage of mistakes that comes out on top. Manuel Margot proved that theory to be correct Monday.
Margot's three-run homer off Lance McCullers proved to be the difference Monday night, as the Tampa Bay Rays took a 2-0 series lead over the Houston Astros with a 4-2 victory in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series.
The mistake Houston made came in the very first inning, as Lance McCullers allowed a two-out single to Randy Arozarena, and appeared to have gotten out of the inning by getting Ji-Man Choi to ground to Jose Altuve, but the Hoston second baseman lobbed a toss to Yuli Gurriel that the first baseman couldn't handle for an error, extending the inning for Margot, who turned around a fastball for a three-run homer, his third of the postseason.
Margot also flashed the leather an inning later, going up and over the wall in left to nab a fly ball hit by George Springer to end the top of the second.
Charlie Morton battled through five innings without allowing a run, scattering five hits and a walk to earn his second win of the postseason. Hoston got on the boar din the sixth, when Carlos Correa homred off Pete Fairbanks, but Mike Zunino gave Tampa Bay some more breathing room with a solo homer in the seventh off McCullers.
Nick Anderson battled through the ninth, loading the bases and giving up a run when George Springer grounded into a double play. He then reloaded the bases, but Alex Bregman lined out to Kevin Kiermaier to end the game.
Tampa Bay takes a two games to none lead in the best-of-seven series.
Ryan Yarbrough will get the nod in Game 3, taking on Jose Urquiddy. First pitch is scheduled for 8:40, with coverage on WDAE beginning at 7:30 with The Inside Pitch.
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