The Rays are dominating the Rangers through six innings in the first game of the ALDS, with Kelly Shoppach leading the way offensively with two home runs and five RBIs. But as amazing as Shoppach has been, the real story of tonight’s game is Matt Moore.
Moore was rated by Baseball America as the best pitching prospect in baseball earlier this season, and he’s done everything within his power to prove them right since being promoted to the majors in mid-September. In his first major league start, Moore struck out 11 hitters while allowing no runs in five innings…and that while pitching in Yankee Stadium in the midst of a playoff race.
As if that wasn’t enough, in his second major league start, Matt Moore got picked to start Game One of the ALDS for the Rays. In short, so far he’s been incredible. He’s throwing a six innings, two hit shutout against the Rangers, one of the best offenses in the majors, while striking out five batters.
That’s right, in his first two major league starts, Matt Moore has the following line: 11 IP, 0 runs, 16 strikeouts. Utter domination.
What were you doing when you were 22 years old?