Rays Should Not Despair

After losing Game 1 at home 3-2 to the Phillies Wednesday night, many Rays fans probably immediately started to worry. It was game 1, and they immediately surrendered the momentum they had. It was a home game, and they had the best home record in the majors. Kazmir gave them a good outing. 

It's not all bad, though. 

The winner of game 1 has won 63 of the 103 World Series that have been decided in the best-of-7 format. That's really not that significant, because there are numbers that go in the Rays' favor, too. Consider that the team with home-field advantage has won 18 of the past 22 meetings. 

Rays fans should also bear in mind that while the Phillies put their ace out on the mound for game 1 (Hamels, who was absolutely brilliant), Tampa's Garza won't come out until game 3. 

One more note: Upton, Pena, and Longoria combined for an 0-12 for Tampa Bay. No, this can't be counter-argued by saying "well Howard was terrible, too." Ryan Howard has been terrible this entire postseason, while those three at the top of the Tampa lineup have been dynamite. 

If Tampa loses game 2, then it's time to worry. But until then, know that most things will only get better.