Verdugo happy to eliminate Rays after they ordered champagne to Boston

Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo was pleased to end the Rays' season with Monday's win in Game 4 of the ALDS after Tampa Bay players prematurely prepared to celebrate a series victory.

"Seeing them eat popcorn in the dugout. Hearing that they ordering champagne already to Boston to celebrate. ... They throwing jabs out, man. And really, we just happy to send them home," Verdugo said postgame.

The Rays dominated Game 1 of the best-of-five series, but the Red Sox stormed back to take three straight contests, including two nail-biters at Fenway Park.

Verdugo, 25, has become a fan favorite in Boston thanks to his brash style on and off the field.

The Red Sox will play the winner of the Houston Astros-Chicago White Sox series in the ALCS.