ARLINGTON, Texas — The importance of a hit is proportional to its timing. Score and inning give value as the leverage rises. But in measuring the weight of a hit, do not overlook the who behind it.
Timing and person coalesced in World Series Game 2 Wednesday for the Tampa Bay Rays. With one swing, the Rays found their equilibrium and jumped back into the series after playing the role of bystanders in Game 1. With one swing, their wide-eyed look from the night before turned into smiles that made for a dugout funhouse. With one swing they took a lead they were never giving up.