TORONTO — The Rays had done so much right in making their entertaining, exciting and endearing September run to make it a race for the final American League playoff spot.
But it was what they couldn't do Thursday night, get the final three outs of a game they led by six runs, that ultimately will have done them in.
The shocking 9-8 loss to the Blue Jays didn't officially eliminate the Rays, but it certainly was a staggering blow.
Combined with the second wild-card-holding A's earlier squeaking past the Angels, the Rays now find themselves 6½ games back with only 10 to play.