The Tampa Bay Rays experienced their first playoff race last season, but only one side of it, the part where you head to the park every day with room to operate rather than wondering if time is running out. They never felt the precise tension of last night’s game, when a loss meant virtual elimination. (Full article: 737 words)

This article is available in our archives:

Globe Subscribers

FREE for subscribers

Subscribers to the Boston Globe get unlimited access to our archives.

Not a subscriber?

Non-Subscribers

Purchase an electronic copy of the full article. Learn More

• $4.95 1 article
• $9.95 4 articles
• $25.95 Monthly