Randy Arozarena puts Rays on board early in ALCS Game 7 (Video)

The Tampa Bay Rays are on the board early in ALCS Game 7, courtesy of their star outfielder Randy Arozarena.

The Tampa Bay Rays entered a territory that their division rival, the New York Yankees, knows about all too well: blowing a 3-0 lead in the ALCS. Tampa Bay appeared to be on the verge of sweeping the despised Houston Astros but ended up dropping the following three contests, forcing a Game 7 on Saturday. The Rays wasted no time in sending a message to the world that they aren’t going quietly into that good night.

In the top of the bottom of the first inning, Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. hit Manuel Margot with a pitch, which turned out to be a very costly error. Rays superstar outfielder Randy Arozarena stepped up to the plate two batters later and sent a McCullers sinker to right-center field to give his squad an early 2-0 lead.

Randy Arozarena’s historic postseason continues

After this at-bat, Arozarena now holds the record for the most home runs hit by a rookie in a single postseason with seven. That record was previously held by former Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, who hit six during Tampa Bays’ run to the World Series in 2008. Most impressively, Arozarena only trails Barry Bonds, Nelson Cruz and Carlos Beltran for most homers hit in a single postseason run, all of whom have hit eight.

Pour one out for the St. Louis Cardinals, who have now realized they gave away a budding superstar. Oh, and the Astros too, since they face an early deficit in Game 7.