Baseball in the Pythagorean Universe 1871-Present

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 2 of the first 2018 American League Division Series from Minute Maid Park in Houston. The date is Saturday, October 6:

Lineup Changes:

Yankees- Luke Voit moves up to third, while Gary Sanchez moves up to fifth and Gleyber Torres to eighth. Also, Brett Gardnar replaces Aaron Hicks in center field and will bat ninth.

Astros 7th: With one out, Josh Reddick lined a single up the middle against Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka. Martin Maldonado followed with a single to left center that put runners at the corners, and George Springer followed with a fly ball to Aaron Judge in right. Judge made the catch in front one step from the warning track, but his throw to the plate was offline, which allowed Reddick to score and give the Stros a 1-0 lead. Jose Altuve walked to put two men on, but Alex Bregman's infield pop was caught by Didi Gregorius at short to end the inning with runners still at first and second. The Astro shave broken the ice thanks to two hits, a walk, and a sacrifice fly, and as we go to the eighth in Game 2, they lead the Yankees 1-0.

That was all the scoring, as Astros starter Gerrit Cole went the distance, pitching a six-hit shoutout while walking two and striking out nine in a hundred and fourteen pitches. His dominant performance earned him Player of the Game honors from TBS. The Yankees had several chances to score, but couldn't take advantage of any of them. In the fourth, Voit singled past Cole and up the middle with one out, and a walk to Giancarlo Stanton put two on, but Sanchez grounded into a 6-4-3 inning-ending double play. In the fifth, a leadoff bloop single by Gregorius and a one-out single by Torres combined to put runners at first and third, but Gardner popped to Altuve at second and Andrew McCutchen flew to Marwin Gonzalez along the left field line to end the inning.

The Yanks also wasted a pair of doubles by Sanchez in the late innings, stranding him at second each time. In the seventh, Cole followed Gary's book-rule double by striking Gregorius out swinging, then retiring Miguel Andujar on a bouncer to Alex Bregman at third and Torres on a fly to Springer in center. In the ninth, Gregorius' fly to Springer, who was now in right field, was too shallow to move Sanchez to third, and Andujar's grounder to Yuli Gurriel at first ended the game.

Tanaka's performance was superb as well; he gave up just one run on seven hits in seven inning while walking two and striking out eight. The Astros managed just two minor threats against him in the first six innings. Springer led off the bottom of the first with a single to left, then stole second. After two out Gurriel walked to put two men on, but Gonzalez' roller to Voit at first ended the inning. In the fourth, Gonzalez singled to right with two out, and Carlos Correa followed with a bloop single to left. But Tyler White's grounder to short ended the inning.

Offensively, Springer led the Astros; he was two for three and drove in the game's only run with his sacrifice fly in the seventh, while Gonzalez was two for four. The Yankees ' offensive leaders were Voit and Sanchez, who each went two for four.

The Astros now lead the series two games to none.

Final totals: Astros 1-7-0, Yankees 0-6-0.

W- Cole (1-0)
L- Tanaka (0-1)

The series will shift to Yankee Stadium in New York for Game 3 on Monday night. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 7:30 PM Eastern, with Dallas Keuchel pitching for the Astros and Luis Severino starting for the Yankees.

Next: We look at Game 3.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 3 of the first 2018 American League Division Series from Yankee Stadium in New York. The date is Monday, October 8:

Lineup Changes:

Astros- Josh Reddick moves up to sixth, which moves Carlos Correa down to seventh. Brian McCann replaces Martin Maldonado behind the plate and will bat eighth, while Tony Kemp will serve as the designated hitter and bat ninth.

Yankees- Didi Gregorius and Gary Sanchez switch places in the batting order; Gregorius will bat fifth while Sanchez bats sixth.

Astros 1st: With one out, Jose Altuve faced Yankees starter Luis Severino. Here's Bob Costas with the count one ball and one strike:

"Altuve didn't get involved in the home run derby that was Game 1, but he's no slouch in the power department, as he hit thirteen home runs in the regular season after hitting a career-high twenty-four in 2016 and matching that total last season. He's also one of the few, if not the only, current Astros who was with the team when it was still in the National League; he made his major league debut on July 20, 2011 against the Nationals, and the Astros switched leagues in time for the 2013 campaign. Severino now ready, gets the sign from Sanchez, and here's the one-one pitch...….HIT HIGH AND DEEP INTO RIGHT CENTER FIELD, GARDNER GOING BACK, HE'S AT THE WALL, AND THIS BALL IS GONE!......Altuve swats the third pitch he sees tonight over the wall in right center, and the Astros lead 1-0 early in Game 3."

Jim Kaat: "Altuve may only be five foot six, but he certainly plays the game like a giant. This ball is absolutely hammered, and right center's three hundred and eighty-five feet away from home plate here at Yankee Stadium, so there aren't many cheap home runs out there like there are down the left and right field lines at times. This isn't the kind of start that Severino wanted, but it's only 1-0. That was his mistake for the night; he can't afford any more."

Alex Bregman walked, but Yuli Gurriel struck out swinging for out number two. Bregman then stole second, and a wild pitch moved him to third, but Marwin Gonzalez also went down swinging to end the inning. The Astros are on the board early thanks to Altuve's homer, but all a walk, a stolen base, and a wild pitch got them was a runner stranded at third. see how the Yankees respond.

Yankees 1st: Andrew McCutchen drew a leadoff walk against Astros starter Dallas Keuchel. That brought Aaron Judge to the plate, and here's Bob:

"As you see a selection of the various legal-themed banners that sing Judge's praises, keep in mind that's he's been quiet for the first two games. but coming off of a fifty-two home run season, he isn't likely to remain that way for long. It's a little early to compare him to Babe Ruth the way some experts are; then again, The Bambino didn't hit fifty-two homers in his rookie year. McCutchen has base-stealing capability, but with Judge at the plate, it's a safe bet that he's going nowhere. The crowd roars in anticipation, and here's the first pitch.......ABSOLUTLEY CRUSHED DEEP TO LEFT! GONZALEZ TURNS AROUND, BUT HE DOESNT MOVE! THIS ONE'S LONG GONE!.......Let me join the parade: Aaron Judge bangs the gavel down on Dallas Keuchel and the Astros here in the first, and it's 2-1 New York. How was that, Kitty?"

Jim Kaat: "That was pretty good for two hours of rehearsal. (laughs) Aaron Judge is going to inspire a lot more calls like that if he keeps hitting home runs like this. He got every bit of that pitch, and Gonzalez was so sure it was gone that he never moved. He turned around and watched it fly out of here like the rest of us. I might have at least taken a step or two, but either way, the result would have been the same."

Costas: "The left field porch here at Yankee Stadium is only 318 feet away. Judge's home run traveled 346 feet."

Luke Voit continued the inning with a single to left, but he was forced by Giancarlo Stanton for out number one. Gregorius' fly to deep left was caught by Gonzalez in foul territory for the second out, but Sanchez lined a double into the left center power alley to score Voit and give the Yankees a 3-1 lead. Miguel Andujar's bouncer to Altuve stranded Sanchez and ended the inning, but the Yankees have scored three runs on three hits, a walk, and a fielder's choice, with the big blow coming on Judge's two-run homer. After one, it's Yankees 3, Astros 1.

Yankees 2nd: With two out, McCutchen faced Keuchel. Here's Bob with the count two balls and no strikes:

"McCutchen's homer in Game 1 is what has earned him the last two starts; when Brett Gardner was ready to return to the lineup in Game 2, (Yankees manager) Aaron Boone put Gardner in center field and kept Cutch in left. He had said earlier in the series that McCutchen could see some time in center, but decided to keep him where he was in the hopes of keeping his bat hot. Game 2 wasn't a good offensive day for almost anyone, so we'll see if Boone's hunch pays off tonight. Keuchel down two balls and no strikes, figures to throw one down the middle to get a strike, does just that AND IT'S HIT TO STRAIGHTAWAY CENTER! BACK IS SPRINGER, HE'S AT THE WALL, AND IT'S OUTTA HERE!.....We called it up here, so surely McCutchen knew what was coming as well. He sure hit it like he did, and the Yankee lead is now 4-1."

Kaat: "We'll see if the Astros bullpen gets going now, as Keuchel hasn't been sharp all night. A ball down the middle is one thing, but this one hangs right in McCutchen's wheelhouse, and Cutch makes sure he pays for it. Springer makes this play closer than it should have been, but it was just hit too hard not to go out. (Astros pitching coach) Brent Strom's coming out to see if he can get Keuchel back on track."

Judge followed with a lined single to left, but Voit flew to Springer in center to retire the side, The Yankees have added a run on two hits and a walk, with the run coming on McCutchen's second homer of the series. We've played two, and it's Yanks 4, Stros 1.

Astros 6th: With one out, Bregman beat out a bouncer to third for an infield single. He was forced by Gurriel for out number two, which brought Gonzalez to the plate. Here's Bob with the count one ball and one strike:

"Severino had retired eight in a row before Bregmam's infield hit, and that was just the third Houston hit of the game. Severino is continuing Tanaka's great work from Game 2, and the New York media being what it is, the big question is whether the Yankees could be tied if Domingo German hadn't started Game 1. He gave up three homers in a 7-3 loss on Friday in Houston, and the Yankees have been trying to dig out of the hole that game created ever since. Two out here in the sixth, and the Yankees up 4-1. Severino will pitch from the stretch, and the one-one pitch........HIGH FLY BALL TO DEEP RIGHT CENTER FIELD! A LONG RUN FOR GARDNER, HE'S AT THE WALL, AND THIS ONE IS GONE!...…Gardner was playing Gonzalez over in right center field, which means he came a long way for nothing, as Gonzalez's two-run homer brings the Astros back within 4-3."

Kaat: "This didn't look like a homer off the bat, but it just kept carrying and carrying. By the time Gardner gets there, he doesn't have a play. Would he have had a play if he'd been in his normal position? That's debatable. It would have been a lot closer, that's for sure. Now we'll see how Severino deals with adversity in this game, as Reddick's no slouch with the bat either."

Severino got out of the inning with ease, as Reddick hit the first pitch he saw to shallow center, where Gardner made the catch. But the Astros are back in the game thanks to Gonzalez's two-run homer; at the end of five and a half, it's New York 4, Houston 3.

Astros 7th: Carlos Correa drew a leadoff walk. McCann hit a bouncer to short which was booted by Gregorius, allowing McCann to reach on the error. Tyler White batted for Kemp and hit a fly ball to right which was caught by Judge for the first out, with Correa moving to third. Springer followed with a base hit to left center, which brought Correa home to tie the game at four , with McCann moving to third. That was all for Severino; J.A. Happ came out of the bullpen to face Altuve, and here's how Bob called it:

"Happ made eleven starts in the regular season after coming over from the Blue Jays, but Boone put him in the bullpen for the series. This is his second appearance; he pitched an inning in Game 1 after the game was well out of hand. Altuve one for three with his homer in the first. There are your baserunners: McCann at third and Springer at first. Happ ready now, and his first pitch IS DRIVEN INTO LEFT CENTER FIELD FOR A BASE HIT! MCCANN WLL SCORE, AND THE ASTROS TAKE A 5-4 LEAD! SPRINGER'S HEADED TO THIRD, AND HE'LL GET THERE WITHOUT A THROW!...…The Yankees have blown a 4-1 lead over the last two innings, and the boo birds are out in the Bronx as Bregman steps in."

Alyuve quickly stole second to put two runners in scoring position, but Happ struck Bregman out swinging, then retired Gurriel on a fly to McCutchen in shallow left to end the inning. The Astros have taken the lead with two runs on two hits, a walk, an error, a productive fly ball, and a stolen base while leaving runners at second and third. It's stretch time in the Bronx, and the Astros lead the homestanding Yankees 5-4.

That was all the scoring. As we rejoin Bob in the bottom of the ninth, the Yankees have runners at first and third thanks to a two-out triple by Gardner and a walk to McCutchen. Astros closer Roberto Osuna is facing Judge, and the count is one ball and two strikes:

"The infield and the outfield are each at normal depth for the Astros; almost anything Judge does offensively ties the game, and with the way he hits the ball, playing shallow is the kiss of death. One ray of hope for Astros fans is that Judge struck out two hundred and eight times on the regular season. Osuna's looking for the one that would end the Yankees' season. Looks like McCann wants the fastball; Osuna nods, and here it comes.......SWING AND A MISS, AND JUDGE CAN'T BELIEVE HE MISSED IT! THE ASTROS SWEEP THE SERIES!.....Judge has made mincemeat out of that pitch all year long, but when the Yankees needed a hit most, Osuna blew it by him. The Yankees leave the tying run at third and the winning run at first.

Jose Altuve is our Player of the Game. He was two for five, with a home run in the first to begin the scoring and a single in the seventh that drove in the eventual winning run. George Springer was two for five with a run batted in, while Alex Bregman was two for three plus a walk. Marwin Gonzalez's two-run homer brought the Astros back within 4-3 in the sixth. For the Yankees, Judge was two for five with a two-run homer in the first. while Gary Sanchez was two for four with an RBII and McCutchen homered, walked twice, and scored twice. As for the pitchers, Dallas Keuchel got the win; he went seven innings, giving up four runs on seven hits while walking one and striking out three. Luis Severino pitched six and a third innings for the Yankees, giving up five runs, four of them earned, on five hits while walking two and striking out ten.

Once again, our final score: the Houston Astros 5, the New York Yankees 4, and the Astros sweep the series three games to none. Coming up next: The Postseason Show Presented by Chrysler. with Brian Kenny and the gang back in Atlanta. They'll have highlights of this game, along with interviews from here at Yankee Stadium with Lauren Shehadi ad a preview of the American League Championship Series, which will begin on Wednesday night at Fenway Park, as the Red Sox will host the Astros after sweeping the Indians earlier today in Cleveland. We'll have that for you right here on TBS, as Kitty, Lauren, and I will be joined by Ron Darling. Until then, I'm Bob Costas saying so long from Yankee Stadium. We'll take a break, then head back to Atlanta for our postgame show. You're watching TBS' exclusive coverage of the 2018 American League postseason."

Final totals: Astros 5-7-0, Yankees 4-8-2.

W- Keuchel (1-0)
L- Severino (0-1)

HR- NYY: McCutchen (2), Judge (1)
HOU: Altuve (1), Gonzalez (1)

The Astros went on to lose to the Red Sox in six games in the ALCS. The Red Sox then defeated the Dodgers in five games to win the World Series. The Red Sox have now won twelve American League pennants and six world championships so far in this timeline.

We've now crowned a hundred and eight modern world champions by my unofficial count, and the American League's lead now stands at four, 56-52.

Next: To be determined.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 1 of the second 2007 National League Division Series from Turner Field in Atlanta. The date is Wednesday, October 3:

Weather: 76 degrees, cloudy skies, east-northeast wind at 12 MPH.

Padres 3rd: Left fielder Scott Hairston drew a one-out walk against Braves starter Tim Hudson. Third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff's bloop single to left center put runners at the corners, and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez followed with a single up the middle that scored Hairston and gave the Padres a 1-0 lead. Kouzmanoff moved to third on the hit, but shortstop Khalil Greene grounded into a 6-4-3 inning-ending double play. The Padres have drawn first blood thanks to two hits and a walk, but they've also left Kouzmanoff at third. We've played two and a half in Game 1, and it's Padres 1, Braves 0.

Padres 4th: With one out, second baseman Geoff Blum singled to left. Center fielder Brady Clark followed with a bloop double to left center. Blum scored, and it was 2-0 Padres. Pitcher Jake Peavy's grounder to Braves first baseman Mark Teixeira moved Clark to third, but right fielder Bran Giles' shallow fly to right center was caught by Braves center fielder Andruw Jones to end the inning. The Padres have added another run on a pair of hits and a productive groundout, and they lead the Braves 2-0 after three and a half.

That was all the scoring; the rest of the game belonged to Padres starting pitcher Jake Peayy, who was named Player of the Game by TBS.. He went the distance, pitching a six-hit shutout while walking two and striking out seven in a hundred and fourteen pitches. Three of the hits belonged to second baseman Kelly Johnson, who finished three for four. Johnson was the only Atlanta baserunner to get past first base all day; he singled to left with two out in the third and moved to second when shortstop Edgar Renteria walked. Third baseman Chipper Jones struck out swinging to strand the runners and end the inning.

Hudson pitched a fine game for the Braves in a losing cause; he gave up two runs on six hits in seven innings while walking three and striking out six in an even one hundred pitches. The only Padre with more than one hit was Kouzmanoff, who was two for four.

Final totals: Padres 2-6-1, Braves 0-6-0.

W- Peavy (1-0)
L- Hudson (0-1)

The series will continue with Game 2 tomorrow afternoon here at Turner Field. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 3PM Eastern, with Justin Germano pitching for the Padres and John Smoltz starting for the Braves.

Next: We look at Game 2.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 2 of the second 2017 National League Division Series from Turner Field in Atlanta. The date is Thursday, October 4:

Weather: 78 degrees, mostly cloudy skies, east-southeast wind at 12 MPH.

Padres 1st: With one out, left fielder Scott Hairston faced Braves starter John Smoltz. Here's Ernie Johnson with the count one ball and one strike:

"Hairston came over to the Padres from the Diamondbacks on July 27 in exchange for minor league pitcher Leo Rosales, and in thirty-one games he batted .287 with eight home runs and twenty RBIs. Overall, he finished at .243 with eleven home runs and thirty-six RBIs, and he also became the Padres' everyday left fielder. One ball and one strike on him, as the Braves are hoping for the same effort from John Smoltz that the Padres got from Jake Peavy yesterday. Windup by Smoltz, and the one-one pith is A HIGH FLY BALL GOING DEEP TO LEFT! BACK IS DIAZ, HE'S AT THE WALL, AND THIS BALL'S GONE!...…(Braves left fielder) Diaz made a spirited run, but this ball was hit just a bit too far, and the Padres strike first here in Game 2."

Ron Darling: "Hairston's never been a big RBI man, but he's always had above-average power when he's had a chance to play regularly. He had a chance when he was a rookie in Arizona back in '04, and he hit thirteen home runs. Now he has another chance with the Padres, and he's been one of their hottest hitters over the last couple of months. He gets every bit of this Smoltz curveball and drives it out toward left, and even that spirited run Ernie talked about from Matt Diaz wasn't enough to keep it from going over the fence."

Kevin Kouzmanoff followed with a fly to deep left, but Diaz was able to run this one down at the wall for out number two. Adrian Gonzalez struck out swinging to end the inning, but Hairston's homer has put the Padres on the board. How will the Braves respond?

Padres 2nd: With two out, Geoff Blum doubled into the right center power alley. Brady Clark walked to put two men on, and starting pitcher Justin Germano helped his own cause by slapping a base hit into right center. Blum scored, and the Padres led 2-0. Clark moved to third on the hit, but both runners were stranded when Brian Giles grounded to Mark Teixeira at first to retire the side. The Padres have added a run on two hits and a walk, and they lead the Braves 2-0 after an inning and a half.

Padres 3rd: Hairston led off against Smoltz. Here's EJ with the count two balls and no strikes:

"Smoltz pitching Hairston a bit more carefully this time than he did back in the first. He's been battling pain in his throwing shoulder since late July, and there's speculation that he'll need surgery on that shoulder in the offseason, although rest and rehab is also an option. Under those circumstances the 14-8 record he posted during the regular season is even more impressive. But he's given up two runs so far in this one, while Germano, like Peavy yesterday, has kept the Braves off the board. Here's the two-ball pitch...…..pulled down the line in left, it could be trouble, Diaz comes over, he's at the wall, OUT OF ROOM, AND IT'S GONE!...….Even though he was jammed by Smoltz, Hairston managed to hit that ball hard enough to get it out of here down the line. That's two homers today for Hairston and a 3-0 lead for the Padres."

Darling: "I'm not sure how Hairston even swung at that pitch, let alone hit it out of here. He's jammed about as thoroughly as a hitter can possibly be, but manages to fight the ball off and get it up in the air. The wind might have helped this one carry a bit, but Hairston showed his power by getting the ball in the air to begin with. Diaz comes over from shallow left center, but there's enough force behind the ball to get it over the fence. Two homers in two at-bats for Hairston, and Smoltz is trying to shake his shoulder out. He may not be in this game too much longer."

Smoltz overcame the pain in his shoulder to get the next three outs in order: Kouzmanoff struck out swinging, Gonzalez flew to right, and Khalil Greene flew to Andruw Jones in shallow left center to end the inning. But Hairston's second homer of the game has extended the Padres' lead again; at the end of two and a half, it's Friars 3, Bravos 0.

Braves 4th: With one out, Germano faced catcher Brian McCann. Here's EJ with the count no balls and a strike:

"This series has gone twelve and a half innings, and the Braves have gotten only two baserunners past first, one yesterday and one so far today. The one today came in the first, when Kelly Johnson led off with a single to right for his fourth hit of the series so far, then stole second. Chipper Jones walked to put runners at first and second, but Teixeira struck out and the man at the plate now, McCann, fouled out to Josh Bard behind the plate. He's looking to do better here in the fourth, but he's down a strike against Germano with one out. Here's the one-strike pitch........HIGH FLY BALL HEAD TOWARD RIGHT CENTER FIELD, BACK GOES CLARK, HE'S AT THE WALL, AND THIS BALL IS GONE!.......The Braves finally get a runner past first, all the way back to home plate as a matter of fact, as Brian McCann puts them on the board for the first time in this series."

Darling: "This may be the best hit ball by the Braves in this series. I know that sounds obvious, but that shows how dominant Peavy and Germano have been so far. Kelly Johnson has four hits so far, but no one else has been able to do much until right now. McCann has been one of the most consistent hitters in the Braves' lineup all year; he hit eighteen home runs with ninety-two RBIs. Now that he's gone deep, maybe the Braves can relax and start to get better swings against the Padres' pitchers."

Germano got the next two outs to end the inning, as right fielder Jeff Francoeur struck out swinging and center fielder Andruw Jones was retired on a comebacker. But the Braves are on the board thanks to McCann's homer, and as we go to the fifth the Padres' lead is now 3-1.

Braves 5th: With two out, Johnson singled to left center, his fifth hit of the series so far. Edgar Renteria's single to right put two men on, and Chipper lined a single up the middle to score Johnson and bring the Braves back within 3-2. Runners were at first and second for Teixeira, but his liner was gloved by Gonzalez for the final out. The Braves have crept a run closer thanks to three consecutive hits, but they've squandered a chance at a bigger inning by leaving runners at first and second. After five, it's San Diego 3, Atlanta 2.

That was all the scoring. The Braves nearly tied the game in the bottom of the ninth, as McCann led off with a double into the right center power alley against Padres closer Trevor Hoffman. He moved to third on Francoeur's bouncer to second, but the Braves couldn't get him home, as Andruw's fly to left center was too shallow and Diaz's fly to shallow center was caught by Clark to end the game. Our final: Padres 3, Braves 2, and the Padres lead the series two games to none.

Hairston was named Player of the Game by TBS. He finished two for three plus a walk with two home runs, which accounted for exactly half of the San Diego hits for the game. McCann led the Atlanta offense; he was two for four with a homer. Johnson was also two for four and scored a run, which makes him five for eight with a run scored so far in the series. On the mound, Germano got the win, pitching eight innings and giving up two runs on six hits while walking one and striking out six in a hundred and two pitches. Smoltz also pitched eight innings in a losing cause, giving up three runs on just four hits while walking three and striking out six in a hundred and five pitches.

Final totals: Padres 3-4-0, Braves 2-7-0.

W- Germano (1-0)
S- Hoffman (1)
L- Smoltz (0-1)

HR- SD: Hairston 2 (2)
ATL: McCann (1)

The series will shift to Petco Park in San Diego for Game 3 on Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 9:30 PM Eastern, with Chuck James starting for the Braves and former Brave Greg Maddux taking the mound for the Padres.

Next: We look at Game 3.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 3 of the second 2007 National League Division Series from Petco Park in San Diego. The date is Saturday, October 6:

Lineup Changes:

Braves- Major changes. Willie Harris will lead off and play center field. Yunel Escobar replaces Edgar Renteria at short and will bat second. Jeff Francoeur moves up to fifth, while Matt Diaz moves up to sixth. Martin Prado will bat seventh and play second base. Finally, Corky Miller will catch and bat eighth.

Weather: 66 degrees, fair skies, north wind at 13 MPH.

Padres 1st: Right fielder Brian Giles led off against Braves starter Chuck James. Here's Ernie Johnson with the count one ball and one strike:

"Giles hit thirty-five or more homers for four straight years with the Pirates between 1999 and 2002, but the most he's managed here in San Diego was twenty-three in 2004. Whether that's mostly due to the bigger, more pitcher friendly ballpark and the different climate here or due to Giles' advancing age is a matter for debate. He still drove in eighty-three runs in both 2005 and 2006, but managed just fifty-one this year with a .271 batting average. One-one pitch IS HIT HIGH AND DEEP TO CENTER! BACK IS HARRIS, HE'S AT THE WALL, AND THIS BALL IS GONE!.......That's more like the Brian Giles our viewers in Pittsburgh will remember, as he takes Chuck James deep over the wall in straightaway center to put the Padres on the board in Game 3."

Ron Darling: "James hung a slider out over the heart of the plate, and that's fresh meat for a veteran power hitter like Brian Giles, even if he's not quite as dangerous a hitter as he once was. He really muscled that ball out to center, and it looked like Willie Harris got a late break on it too, not that it would have mattered. The crowd here is on its feet for their native son, who was a former San Diego County Male Athlete of the Year in 1989."

Scott Hairston's liner was gloved by Chipper Jones at third for out number one, and Kevin Kouzmanoff's liner was speared by Mark Teixeira at first for out number two. Adrian Gonzalez kept the inning alive with a double down the right field line, but Khalil Greene's fly to center was caught by Harris to end the inning. The Padres are on the board thanks to Giles' home run, which traveled exactly four hundred feet. After one, it's Padres 1, braves 0.

Note: Straightaway center field is 395 feet away from home plate at Petco Park.

Padres 2nd: With two out, Brady Clark came to the plate against James. Here's EJ:

"Brady Clark's had quite the interesting season. He started this year with the Brewers, who traded him and some cash to the Dodgers for pitcher Elmer Dessens on March 26. He was released by the Dodgers on June 20, then was signed by the Red Sox on July 16. The Red Sox released him on August 14 before he ever played a game for them, and he ended up here in San Diego. James gets the sign from the rookie Miller, and here's the first pitch to Clark...…..FLY BALL GOING DEEP TO LEFT! DIAZ ON HIS HORSE, BACK TO THE TRACK, NOW THE WALL, AND GONE!.....That's two home runs given up by James in as many innings, and the Padres now lead 2-0."

Darling: "I'm not sure if the balls are carrying more than they normally would or if the Padres are just getting harder swings on James. Brady Clark's never been what most people would call a masher, but he was able to really sting this pitch. Diaz gives it the best run he can, but to no avail. You don't often see the types of home runs that Giles and now Clark have hit tonight in this park, and it's not exactly hot, so the problem has to be that James can't quite get his stuff over as consistently as he needs to. The Braves may not be able to wait for him to straighten himself out; either, if they lose tonight, their season's over."

Starting pitcher Greg Maddux's fly to shallow left center was caught by Harris to retire the side, but the Padres have added a run on the homer by Clark, and they lead the Braves 2-0 after two.

Padres 3rd: Giles lined a leadoff single to right center, which brought Hairston to the plate. Here's EJ with the count one ball and no strikes:

"Hairston was the hero of Game 2, as you'll recall; his two home runs off of (Braves starter) John Smoltz were the difference in the Padres' 3-2 victory at Turner Field. Tonight, he's 0 for 1, but not for lack of trying, as his line drive was hit almost hard enough to crack a couple of Mark Teixeira's ribs. James has to keep the Padres off the board starting now in order to allow his teammates to get back into this game, and that'll be tough, because Greg Maddux is on tonight, giving up just one hit in three innings. 1-0 to Hairston.......AND THIS BALL IS LAUNCHED TO DEEP LEFT CENTER, HARRIS GOES BACK, BUT HE HAS NO CHANCE! SEE YOU AT THE BORDER!...…….A mammoth two-run homer, to say the least, for Scott Hairston, and it's now 4-0 Padres."

Darling: "I'm not sure what James was trying to throw here, but whatever it was, it ended up being nothing, and Hairston just pulverized it."

Johnson: "I'm not even sure he meant to throw it, Ronnie, it looked like it slipped out of his hand before he was ready."

Darling: "But it got to the plate regardless, and this was too easy. Left center field is 367 feet away from home plate here at Petco Park, and that one had to go close to four hundred. You don's see a ball crushed like this too often in the park no matter the conditions. Incredible."

Johnson: "Tale of the tape reads 391 feet, and (Braves pitching coach) Roger McDowell is out to have a word with Chuck James, who has now given up three home runs in as many innings."

McDowell's words had the desired effect, as James got the next three outs in order. Kouzmanoff took a called third strike, Gonzalez went down swinging, and Greene bounced to short. But Hairston's third homer of the series has opened a wider lead for the home squad; at the end of three, it's Friars 4, Bravos 0.

Padres 6th: Greene stroked a leadoff single to left center. After catcher Josh Bard flew to left center for the first out, Geoff Blum lined a double off the wall in center to score Greene and put the Padres up 5-0. Blum moved to third when Clark bounced to second for the second out, but he was stranded when Maddux looked at a called third strike to end the inning. The Padres have added another run on two hits and a productive groundout, and as we got to the seventh it's San Diego 5, Atlanta 0.

Padres 8th: Gonzalez led off with a double to center against Braves reliever Oscar Villareal. Greene followed with another double, this one a bloop to right center, that scored Gonzalez with the sixth San Diego run. Bard's fly ball to right was caught by Francoeur in foul territory, with Greene moving to third. But Blum took a called third strike, and Clark's line drive was caught by Renteria, bow in the game as a defensive replacement at short, to strand the runner and end the inning. The Padres have added another run on back-to-back doubles by Gonzalez and Greene plus a productive fly ball, and now Maddux will take a three-hit shutout into the ninth, where he'll face Renteria, Harris, and the pitcher's spot with a 6-0 advantage and a chance to send the Padres to the NLCS.

Braves 9th: Renteria was hit in the hip by the first pitch he saw, and Andruw Jones came up to bat for Harris. His triple into the left field corner scored Renteria and put the Braves on the board. Julio Franco batted for reliever Peter Morlan and struck out swinging in what turned out to be his final major league at-bat. That brought Chipper to the plate against his old friend Maddux, and here's EJ with the count two balls and one strike:

"We've seen vintage Maddus all day today; so far he's working on a four-hitter against his former teammates, and he'd like nothing better than to go the distance. Chipper is o for 3 plus a walk tonight. There's Mark Teixeira on deck, and Trevor Hoffman is throwing in the San Diego bullpen in case this gets to a save situation. Chipper ahead two balls and a strike, with Andruw at third following the triple and one out. Maddux checks the runner, now comes to the plate, AND THAT ONE'S HIT A TON TO DEEP RIGHT CENTER! CLARK GOING BACK, HE'S AT THE WALL, BUT THIS ONE IS GONE!...…Chipper Jones with a two-run homer, and the Braves have scored three in the ninth off of Greg Maddux. They won't score any more off of him, though, as (Padres manager) Bud Black wants Hoffman posthaste."

Darling: "The pitch Chipper hit was the first ball really hit hard off of Greg Maddux tonight, and even though his pitching line may not reflect it, this was the best postseason start we've seen from Maddux in quite some time. Over the last few years, he seemed to be the one who got hardest hit by his teams' opponents, but tonight, he showed why he's headed to the Hall of Fame. This standing ovation is sort of mixed because it's Hoffman coming in, but I'm sure Padres fans fully appreciate the job that Maddux has done tonight."

Teixeira went down swinging for out number two, which brought Francoeur to the plate. As we rejoin EJ, the count is two balls and two strikes:

"The Padres are looking for the sweep, and that will only add to the frustration of the Braves organization. They made the playoffs for fourteen straight years from 1992 through 2005, all under (manager) Bobby Cox, then came back this year after the streak was broken last year. In that time, they've been to just three World Series and won only one, as they beat the Angels back in 1995. For all of their regular season dominance, they simply have not gotten it done in October, and now Hoffman's one strike away from sending them into another long offseason. Diaz is on deck should Francoeur be able to extend the inning. Bard gives the sign to Hoffman, looks like a fastball, and here comes the two-two pitch.......LINE DRIVE RIGHT AT GREENE, AND THE PADRES HAVE SWEPT THE BRAVES!.....The Padres use three home runs plus a dazzling pitching performance against his former team by Greg Maddux to wrap up this series, and they'll face either the Cubs or the Rockies in the NLCS.

Maddux pitched eight and a third innings, giving up three runs, all in the ninth, on five hits while walking one and striking out six. Offensively, Giles led the way going two for four with a home run and scoring twice, Khalil Greene was two for four with a run scored and another run driven in, and Adrian Gonzalez was two for four and scored a run. Scott Hairston added a two-run homer in the third, his third of the series. Mark Teixeira was the only Brave with more than one hit; he finished two for three plus a walk.

That about wraps in up from San Diego. Up next: Inside MLB Presented by Captain Morgan, with Matt Winer and the gang back in our Atlanta studio. They'll have highlights and analysis of this game plus the incredible comeback by the Rockies earlier tonight against the Cubs. Craig Sager will also have interviews with as many players as he can find in what will be a jubilant Padres clubhouse. All of that will come after the break. Once again, our final score from Petco Park: the San Diego Padres 6, the Atlanta Braves 3, and the Padres sweep this series three games to none. For Ron Darling and Craig Sager, I'm Ernie Johnson saying good night from San Diego. You're watching TBS' exclusive coverage of Major League Baseball's Division Series."

Final totals: Padres 6-10-0, Braves 3-5-1.

W- Maddux (1-0)
S- Hoffman (2)
L- James (0-1)

HR- ATL: C. Jones (1)
SD: Hairston (3), B. Giles (1), Clark (1)

The Padres will face the Colorado Rockies in the NLCS. Because the Rockies won the real-life Wild Card tiebreaker game between the two teams, they will start with a one game to none series advantage, and we'll begin our coverage with Game 2 at Coors Field.

Next: A recap of Game 1.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's a recap of Game 1 of the 2007 National League Championship Series:

The Rockies jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings against Padres starter Jake Peavy, highlighted by catcher Yorvit Torrealba's second-inning homer. But the Padres stormed back with a five-run third to take the lead. The key blow came on first baseman Adrian Gonzalez's grand slam off of Rockies starter Josh Fogg. Gonzalez's counterpart Todd Helton went deep in the bottom of the third to bring the Rox back to within 5-4, and single runs in the fifth and sixth gave Colorado a 6-5 lead. In the top of the eighth, second baseman Geoff Blum led off with a single, moved to second on a wild pitch, and scored on right fielder Brian Giles' double to left to even the game at six. In extra innings, the Padres left two on in the tenth and one on in the eleventh, while the Rockies left the tying run at second in the bottom of the eleventh.

In the top of the thirteenth, Giles drew a leadoff walk against Rockies reliever Jorge Julio, and left fielder Scott Hairston hit his fourth homer in three games to put the Padres up 8-6. But the visitors left a runner on base, their fifth stranded runner in extra innings, and it would come back to haunt them. Rockies second baseman Kazuo Matsui greeted Padres closer Trevor Hoffman with a leadoff double to center in the bottom of the thirteenth, and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki followed with another double to make it an 8-7 game. Left fielder Matt Holliday followed with a triple to bring Tulo home and tie the game at eight, and after Helton was walked intentionally, third baseman Jamey Carroll won the game for the Rox with a sacrifice fly. Our final in thirteen innings which lasted four hours and forty minutes: Rockies 9, Padres 8, and the Rockies lead the best-of-seven series one game to none.

Final totals: Rockies 9-14-1, Padres 8-15-0.

W- Ortiz (1-0)
L- Hoffman (0-1)

HR- SD: Gonzalez (1), Hairston (1)
COL: Torrealba (1), Helton (1)

The series will continue with Game 2 tomorrow night here at Coors Field. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 10PM Eastern on TBS, with Justin Germano starting for the Padres and Jeff Francis taking the ball for the Rockies.

Next: We look at Game 2.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 2 of the 2007 National League Championship Series from Coors Field in Denver. The date is Friday, October 12:

Lineup Changes:

Padres- Mike Cameron will make his first postseason start in center field and bat second. Milton Bradley will start in left field and bat third. Kevin Kouzmanoff moves down to sixth, while Josh Bard moves down to seventh. Finally, Marcus Giles will start at second base and bat eighth.

Rockies- Willy Taveras will lead off and play center field, which moves Kazuo Suzuki down to second, Troy Tulowitzki down to sixth, and Brad Hawpe to seventh.

Weather: 52 degrees, mostly cloudy skies, east-northeast wind at 10 MPH.

Rockies 1st: Taveras led off by beating out a bouncer to short for an infield single, then stole second. Matsui struck out swinging for out number one, and Matt Holliday grounded to short for the second out. But Todd Helton walked to put two men on, and Garrett Atkins continued his sizzling postseason by lining a base hit to left that scored Taveras and gave the Rox a 1-0 lead. Tulowitzki followed with a single up the middle, and Helton raced around third ad toward the plate. The throw from Cameron had to be perfect to get him, and it was; Bard applied the tag on Helton's hip pocket, and the Padres were out of the inning. But the Rox have drawn first blood thanks to three hits, a stolen base, and a walk while leaving a runner at second. After one in Game 2, it's Rockies 1, Padres 0.

Padres 2nd: With one out, Kouzmanoff faced Rockies starter Jeff Francis. Here's Dick Enberg with the count one ball and one strike:

"They call the phenomenon here in Denver that surrounds these Rockies 'Rocktober', and through six games it has produced some of the most exciting postseason baseball seen in many years. The last two games have been undisputed classics: the unforgettable Game 5 against the Cubs that saw thirty runs scored and multiple lead changes before the Rockies finally won it, and then last night, we played thirteen innings over almost five hours, and the Rockies shook off (Scott) Hairston's two-run homer in the top of the thirteenth to score three in the bottom of the inning and beat Trevor Hoffman in a 9-8 thriller. It's getting to the point that we expect a classic every night. One and one to Kouzmanoff, and the next pitch is HAMMERED TO STRAIGHTAWAY CENTER, BACK IS CAMERON, HE'S AT THE WALL, AND THIS BALL IS GONE!......Kevin Kouzmanoff touches 'em all for the Padres, and we're tied at one here in the second."

Jim Kaat: "It's a cool night here in Denver, so you wouldn't normally expect a ball to carry like that one did. But Kouzmanoff really got a hold of that pitch, and even though center field is 415 feet away from home plate here at Coors Field, a well-hit ball will fly out of here no matter what the weather is."

Ron Darling: "Jeff Francis has pitched here enough to know what the deal is. He's no doubt given up plenty of shots like that, and he might give up one or two more before the night's over,. As long as no one's on base, they don't hurt that much."

Francis got the next two outs to end the inning. Both came at third base, as Bard bounced to Atkins and Marcus' popup was caught by him. Kouzmanoff's homer has tied the game after an inning and a half; it's Friars 1, Rox 1.

Rockies 2nd: Hawpe led off with a single to right. Yorvit Torrealba followed with a single to right center, which moved Hawpe to third. The runners held while Francis popped to Khalil Greene at short for out number one, but Taveras' fly to right for out number twowas deep enough to score Hawpe and put the Rockies up 2-1. Torrealba moved to second on the play, but he was stranded there when Matsui's bouncer to short retired the side. The Rockies have retaken the lead thanks to a pair of hits and a sacrifice fly; at the end of two, they lead the Padres 2-1.

Rockies 4th: With two out, Torrealba singled to left center. Francis followed by slapping one past Germano's outstretched glove and up the middle for another hit that put runners at the corners. and Taveras' double off the wall in left scored both Torrealba and Francis to put the Rox up 4-1. A walk to Matsui put two men on for Holliday, but Germano struck him out swinging to strand both runners and end the inning. The home squad has added two runs on three hits and a walk, and after four they lead the visiting Padres 4-1.

Padres 5th: Brian drew a leadoff walk, but was forced by Cameron. A walk to Bradley put two men on, and Gonzalez's infield single to short loaded the bases. Greene's fly to left was caught by Holliday along the line, and Matt hit cutoff man Tulowitzki with a perfect relay throw, But Tulo's throw to the plate took off up the first base line. which allowed Cameron to score the second San Diego run. Runners were still at second and third for Kouzmanoff, but his grounder to Helton at first ended the threat. The Padres settle for a run on a hit , two walks, a fielder's choice, and a sacrifice fly while leaving two runners in scoring position, and halfway through Game 2 it's Colorado 4, San Diego 2.

Padres 6th: Bard drew a leadoff walk. Marcus beat out a bouncer to short for an infield single to put two men on, and pinch hitter Geoff Blum (batting for Germano) walked to load the bases. Brian was next, and his base hit to center scored Bard and Marcus to tie the game at four. That was all for Francis; Jeremy Affeldt relieved and retired Cameron on a fly to the warning track in left center, with Blum moving to third, Bradley's liner was gloved by Helton for out number two as the runners held, and Gonzalez tapped to Helton at first to end the inning with runners still at the corners. But the Padres have tied the game with two runs on two hits, two walks, and a productive fly ball. We've played five and a half, and we're deadlocked at four.

Bradley's line drive is our first Defensive Play of the Night. Here's how Dick called it:

"Wicked line drive SPEARED BY HELTON!...…If that ball gets by him and down the line the Padres have a two-run lead. He took a step to his left just before the ball was hit, and that step made all the difference. Two out now, and it's up to Gonzalez."

Padres 8th: Hairston led off the inning batting for reliever Doug Brocail against Rockies reliever LaTroy Hawkins. Here's Dick with the count two balls and no strikes:

"Hawkins is pitching Hairston very carefully, and why not? He hit two home runs in the Padres' Game 2 victory in Atlanta, then homered last Saturday night in Game 3 at Petco Park to spark the sweep of the Braves, and last night his home run against (Rockies reliever)Jorge Julio in the top of the thirteenth gave the Friars an 8-6 lead and forced the Rockies to score three in the bottom of the thirteenth against Trevor Hoffman to win. Tonight, we're tied at four here in the top of the eighth, and Hairston's ahead two balls and no strikes. Hawkins ready with the next pitch, AND IT'S HIT HIGH AND DEEP TO RIGHT CENTER FIELD, TAVERAS IS BACK, AT THE WALL, AND SCOTT HAIRSTON'S DONE IT AGAIN! FIVE HOME RUNS IN FOUR GAMES! OH, MY!.......The Padres lead 5-4, and many questioned before the game why (manager) Bud Black would leave his hottest hitter out of the lineup. Right now, he looks like a genius, as Hairston proves to be the ace in the hole for San Diego."

Darling: "Hawkins had to come over the plate with a strike, and Hairston knew it. He dips his bat slightly through the zone so it can meet the ball squarely, and even though Taveras goes through the motions, there's really no doubt that this one's gone.

Kaat: "Hairston's in one of those streaks right now where there's no right way to pitch him. The only thing the Rockies can do is make the best pitches they can and hope he's fooled. Either that or start walking him intentionally, which opens the door for the rest of the lineup to do damage."

Hawkins retired the next three batters in order to end the inning: Brian grounded to Helton at first, Cameron's fly down the left field line was caught by Holliday, and Bradley's fly to the warning track in right was caught by Hawpe to end the inning. But Hairston has struck again; his pinch-hit home run has given the Padres a 5-4 lead after seven and a half.

Brian's grounder to Helton is our second candidate for Defensive Play of the Night. Here's how Dick called it:

"Grounded down to first on two, now three hops, Helton gloves it, now Hawkins has to hurry over, Helton with the flip.....IN TIME! GOT HIM BY A WHISKER!.....You've heard of a bang-bang play; well. this was a bang-bang-bang play. The ball hit Hawkins' glove, Hawkins foot hit the bag, and Brian's foot hit the bag all at about the same time. First base umpire Larry Vanover gave the decision to Hawkins, and there's one out in the eighth."

Padres 9th: Gonzalez led off against Hawkins, and here's Dick:

"Gonzalez one for four tonight, and should he get on, we'll probably see Manny Corpas come out of the bullpen for the Rockies, as they need to hold the Padres where they are. In the bottom of the ninth for Colorado it'll be Torrealba, the pitcher's spot, then Taveras, and I wouldn;t be surprised if we see Ryan Spilborghs bat for either the pitcher or Taveras. Hawkins responded well after giving up the pinch-hit homer to Hairston in the eighth; he retired the next three hitters quickly. Now Gonzalez HITS THE FIRST PITCH HIGH AND DEEP TO RIGHT CENTER, TAVERAS BACK, HE'S AT THE WALL, AND GONZALEZ TOUCHES 'EM ALL FOR THE SECOND GAME IN A ROW!.....The hottest hitters in the San Diego lineup, Hairston and Gonzalez, have each homered, and the Padres now lead 6-4 in the ninth with Trevor Hoffman ready and waiting."

Kaat: "Gonzalez really got a hold of this pitch and hits it almost to the same spot Hairston did. Both balls looked like home runs right off the bat, but Taveras gave each a good run. He even readies himself to climb the wall and bring this one back, but he quickly sees that it's no use."

Darling: "That's gonna be all for Hawkins, guys. (Rockies manager) Clint Hurdle's out, and he's made the sign for Manny Corpas."

Corpas retired Greene on a fly to right center for the first out, but Kouzmanoff kept the inning going by doubling over the head of defensive replacement Spilborghs in center. Bard struck out swinging for out number two, but a walk to Marcus kept the inning alive. Brady Clark batted for reliever Cla Meredith and went down swinging to end the inning with runners at first and second. The Padres have added a big insurance run on two hits and a walk, with the big blow coming on Gonzalez's second homer of the series. Can the Rockies make a second consecutive comeback against Trevor Hoffman? We'll find out in the bottom of the ninth; it's now Padres 6, Rockies 4.

Rockies 9th: Torrealba drew a leadoff walk. Spilborghs struck out swinging for out number one, and Seth Smith batted for Corpas and took a called third strike for the second out. A walk to Matsui kept the game alive, and Holiday singled past Hoffman and into center field to score Torrealba and cut the Padres' lead to 6-5. Matsui moved to third with the tying run, but Helton took a called third strike to strand the runners and end the game. Our final: Padres 6, Rockies 5, and this series is tied at a game apiece.

Hairston was named Player of the Game by TBS for hitting the home run that put the Padres ahead for good.. Kouzmanoff led the San Diego offense, going three for five with a homer of his own. Gonzalez was two for five, and his homer turned out to be the difference in the game due to the Rockies' comeback in the bottom of the ninth. Brian walked twice and tied the game in the sixth with his two-run single. Taveras was the offensive leader for the Rockies; before leaving the game in the eighth, he was two for three plus a sacrifice fly with a run scored and three runs batted in. Holliday was two for five and drove in a run, while Atkins was two for four with an RBI; he's eighteen for twenty-eight so far in this postseason. Torrealba was two for three plus a walk and scored twice.

Final totals: Padres 6-9-0, Rockies 5-12-2.

W- Brocail (1-0)
S- Hoffman (1)
L- Hawkins (0-1)

HR- SD: Gonzalez (2), Hairston (2), Kouzmanoff (1)

The series will shift to Petco Park in San Diego for Game 3 on Sunday night. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 8:30 PM Eastern, with Ubaldo Jimenez pitching for the Rockies and Greg Maddux going to the hill for the Padres.

Next: We look at Game 3.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 3 of the 2007 National League Championship Series from Petco Park in San Diego. The date is Sunday, October 14:

Lineup Changes:

Rockies- Brad Hawpe and Troy Tulowitzki switch places in the batting order. Hawpe will bat sixth, while Tulowitzki bats seventh.

Weather: 65 degrees, cloudy skies, north-northwest winds at 9 MPH.

Padres 3rd: Brian Gules drew a one-out walk against Rockies starter Ubaldo Jimenez. Mike Cameron struck out swinging for out number two, but Milton Bradley blooped a double to right center which scored Giles and gave the Padres a 1-0 lead. He was stranded at second, as Adrian Gonzalez's line drive was speared by Todd Helton at first to end the inning. But the Padres have scored first thanks to a hit and a walk, and they lead the Rockies 1-0 after three.

Rockies 5th: Tulowitzki lined a leadoff double off the wall in right. Yorvit Torrealba walked to put two men on, and Jimenez beat out a bouncer to third for an infield single to load the bases. Willy Taveras forced Jimenz for out number one, which allowed Tulo to score and tie the game at one. Torrealba moved to third on the play, and Taveras soon stole second to put two me in scoring position. But Padres starter Greg Maddux caught Kazuo Matsui looking for the second out, the struck Matt Holliday out swinging to end the inning with runners still at second and third. The Rox have tied the game with a run on two hits, a walk, a stolen base, and a productive fielder's choice, but they've lost their chance for a much bigger inning. Halfway through Game 3, it's Colorado 1, San Diego 1.

The Padres threatened in the bottom of the fifth, sandwiching walks to the Giles brothers around a fielder's choice from Maddux, but Jimenez struck Cameron out swinging, and Bradley forced Brian to end the inning. The next time a runner reached second base was in the bottom of the tenth, when Termal Slege, batting for reliever Trevor Hoffman, walked with one out, then stole second. He moved to third on Brian's bouncer to second, but Rockies reliever LaTroy Hawkins retired Cameron of a fly to Holliday in left to end the inning. The Rockies staged a two-out rally in the top of the eleventh against Padres reliever Kevin Cameron, as Hawpe walked and moved to third on Tulowitzki's single up the middle. But Torrealba was called out on strikes to strand the runners and end the inning.

Rockies 12th: Pinch hitter Seth Smith batted for reliever Matt Herges and stroked a leadoff single to left center. Ryan Spilborghs batted for Taveras followed with a single to left to put two men on, and Matsui's infield single to short loaded the bases. Helton was next to face Padres reliever Jack Cassel, and here's how Dick Enberg called it:

"Another memorable game involving the Rockies; out of eight postseason games so far, the only one they've played that wasn't a thriller was Game 4 of the Division Series against the Cubs, which they won in a blowout 10-3. The bases are loaded for Helton, who isn't the power threat that he used to be, but still drove in ninety-one runs in the regular season. This is Cassel's seventh major league appearance, and he'll have to do the pitching job of his young career to hold the Rockies off the board. Smith at third, Spilbprghs at second, and Matsui at first. The count is one and one on Helton. Bard lays down one for the fastball, the stretch by Cassel , and the one-one pitch......HGIH FLY BALL TO CENTER, CAMERON HAS TO COME IN, AND IT'LL DROP IN FRONT, AND THEN GET PAST HIM! SMITH SCORES, SPILBORGHS IS BEHIND HIM, AND HERE COMES MATSUI! THE THROW'S A LOLLIPOP CUT OFF BY KOUZMANOFF, AND HELTON HAS A BASES-CLEARING DOUBLE! THE ROCKIES LEAD 4-1!"

Atkins' fly down the line in left was caught by Bradley for the second out, and Hawpe's liner was gloved by Greene at short to end the inning. But the Rockies have taken the lead with three runs on four hits. Helton was stranded at second, but his bases-clearing double has given the Rox a 4-1 lead as we head to the bottom of the twelfth, where Rockies closer Brian Fuentes will face Bard, Marcus, and the pitcher's spot.

That was all the scoring; Fuentes retired the Padres in order in the bottom of the twelfth. Our final in twelve: Rockies 4, Padres 1, and the Rockies lead the series two games to one.

Helton was named Player of the Game by TBS because of his game-winning, bases-clearing double in the twelfth.; he finished three for five plus a walk and his three RBIs. Tulo was two for five plus a walk with a run scored, while Torrealba was two for four plus a walk and Jimenez was two for three plus a walk. Bradley was the Padre with more than one hit; he finished two for four plus a walk with a run batted in. A tip of the cap to the starting pitchers for their performances; he gave up one run on three hits over eight innings while walking four and striking out nine. Maddux pitched seven and two-thirds innings, giving up one run one eight hits while walking two and striking out six. Maddux threw a hundred and eight pitches, while Jimenez threw a hundred and three.

Final totals: Rockies 4-15-0, Padres 1-6-0.

W- Herges (1-0)
S- Fuentes (1)
L- Cassel (0-1)

Before we go, we have two candidates for Defensive Play of the Night. First, here's how Dick called Bradley's inning-ending fielder's choice in the bottom of the fifth:

"Two-hopper down to short, takes forever to get to Tulowitzki, can he get he force......YES, JUST IN TIME!.....That ball was hit very slowly, and Tulo just did get it to Matsui in time to force Brian Giles and end the inning, The Padres settle for one here in the fifth while leaving a pair, and we go to the sixth here in San Diego tied at one."

Our other play comes in the bottom of the sixth. Gonzalez has led off with a single, and Greene is facing Jimenez. Take it, Dr. Enberg:

"Hit hard, LOOK WHAT JIMENEZ FOUND! OH, MY!......That one whizzed by Jimenez's right ear, and he put the glove up in self-defense and came down with the ball. One out in the sixth, and Kevin Kouzmanoff is next."

The series will continue with Game 4 tomorrow night here at Petco Park. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 10PM Eastern, with Josh Fogg starting for the Rockies and Chris Young taking the ball for the Padres.

Next: We look at Game 4.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 4 of the 2007 National League Championship Series from Petco Park in San Diego. The date is Monday, October 15:

Lineup Changes:

Padres- Milton Bradley moves up to second, while Kevin Kouzmanoff moves up to third. This means that Mike Cameron down to sixth.

Weather: 63 degrees, cloudy skies, west-northwest wind at 6 MPH.

Padres 1st: Brian Giles led off against Rockies starting pitcher Josh Fogg. Here's Dick Enberg with the count two balls and a strike:

'Brian Giles and Josh Fogg know each other well; they were teammates with the Pirates in 2002 and 2003. They've also gotten to know each other well as opponents since Fogg came to the Rockies before the start of last season. Giles homered in Game 2 off of (Rockies starter) Jeff Francis, whom you see right there. What a pitching matchup tomorrow night in Game 5: Francs for the Rockies against Padres ace Jake Peavy. The Padres would love to go into that game with the series even at two games apiece. The two-one pitch......HIGH FLY BALL GOING DEEP TO RIGHT, GOING BACK IS HAWPE, HE'S AT THE WALL, AND IT'S GONE!.......Brian Giles starts the evening off for the Padres by touching 'em all against his former teammate Fogg, and quickly it's 1-0 San Diego."

Ron Darling: "Fogg tries to place a curve on the outside corner for a called strike, but it has no life to it, and Brian Giles is able to meet it perfectly. It's not exactly crushed, but hitting a ball in the right spot is almost as important as how hard you hit it, and Brian Giles certainly knows how to hit them and where to hit them."

Jim Kaat: "Fogg has to shake that one off. He doesn't have any outs yet, so it should be like he's starting a completely new game at this point, with Milton Bradley as the leadoff hitter. If he sticks to his original game plan from here on out, he should be fine."

Bradley's liner was caught by Troy Tulowitzki at short for out number one, but Kouzmanoff drew a walk. He was stranded at first, as Adrian Gonzalez flew to Matt Holliday in left for out number two and Khalil Greene took a called third strike to end the inning. The Padres have struck first thanks to Brian's homer, and after one in Game 4 they lead the Rockies 1-0.

Padres 6th: Bradley drew a leadoff walk. Kouzmanoff's single to left center put runners at the corners, but Gonzalez went down swinging for out number one. Greene followed with a bloop single to right center that scored Bradley to put the Padres up 2-0. Kouzmanoff moved to third on the hit, and he scored the third San Diego run when Cameron lined a bas hit to left. Greene moved to third on the hit, but Josh Bard hit the first pitch he saw right back to Fogg, which began a 1-6-3 inning-ending double play. The Padres have added two runs on three hits and a walk while leaving a runner at third. After six, it's Padres 3, Rockies 0.

Rockies 8th: Holliday led off with a base hit to left. Todd Helton's single to right put two men on, and a walk to Garrett Atkins loaded the bases. Padres manager Bud Black replaced Young with reliever Cla Meredith, but Brad Hawpe hit the first pitch he saw to deep right center, where it dropped on the warning track and hopped over the wall for a book-rule double. Holliday and Helton were able to score to cut the San Diego lead to 3-2, while Atkins was awarded third base. Meredith settled down after that and retired the next three batters in order: Tulowitzki popped to his counterpart Greene, Yorvit Torrealba struck out swinging, and pinch hitter Cory Sullivan (batting for Fogg) tapped to Gonzalez at first to end the inning with runners still at second and third. Bu the Rockies are back in the game after scoring two runs on three hits and a walk, and as we go to the bottom of the eighth it's now Friars 3, Rox 2.

That was all the scoring. Our final: Padres 3, Rockies 2, and this series is tied at two games apiece.

Young was named Player of the Game by TBS. He pitched seven-plus innings, allowing two runs on six hits while walking five and striking out six. Fogg also pitched well in a lowing cause, giving up three runs on five hits in six innings while walking three and striking out six. Young threw a hundred and eighteen pitches, while Fogg threw ninety-two. The only player on either team with more than one hit was Helton, who was two for two plus two walks and scored a run.

Final totals: Padres 3-5-1, Rockies 2-7-0.

W- Young (1-0)
S- Hoffman (2)
L- Fogg (0-1)

HR- SD: B. Giles (2)

before we go, we have two contenders for Defensive Play of the Night. The first comes in the top of the third, with one out and Willy Taveras at the plate against Young. Here's Dick::

"Bouncer down to second, DIVING STOP BY MARCUS GILES, HAS TO GET UP AND THROW IN A HURRY.....OUT AT FIRST!......That one was headed for center field , but Giles smothered it, got to his feet in one motion, and threw to first to nail Taveras by a step. A superb play by the Friars' second sacker, and now (Kazuo) Matsui comes up with two out."

Now for our second contender. Ryan Spilbprghs is leading off the top of the seventh as the pinch hitter for Fogg, and here's Dick again:

"Line drive SMOTHERED BY GONZALEZ1.......Spilborghs shakes his head as he walks back to the dugout, as he was robbed of a sure double. Gonzalez laid out for that one like he was a wide receiver for the Chargers; as a matter of fact, there's Chargers head coach Norv Turner applauding the play, as he takes in Game 4 at the beginning of his team's bye week. Here's Taveras with one out."

The series will continue with Game 5 tomorrow night here at Petco Park. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 10PM Eastern, and Dick gave us the pitching matchup earlier: Jeff Francis (Rockies) against Jake Peavy (Padres).

Next: We look at Game 5.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 5 of the 2007 National League Championship Series from Petco Park in San Diego. The date is Tuesday, October 16:

Lineup Changes:

Padres- Scott Hairston is back in left field and will bat second. Geoff Blum will start at second base and bat seventh, which means that Josh Bard moves up to sixth. Finally, Brady Clark is back in center field and will bat eighth.

Since there was no real-life Game 5 in the NLCS, let's meet tonight's umpires:

Home Plate: Angel Hernandez
First Base: Jim Joyce
Second Base: Tim McClelland
Third Base: Mark Wegner
Left Field: Larry Vanover
Right Field: Tom Hallion

Weather: 63 degrees. mostly cloudy skies, west wind at 3 MPH.

Rockies 3rd: Willy Taveras led off with a single to left center. Kazuo Matsui's bloop single to left put runners at the corners, but Matt Holliday forced him for out number one. Taveras scampered home on the play, and the Rox led 1-0. Todd Helton followed with a double off the wall in left to score Holliday and make it 2-0, and he moved to third on Garrett Atkins' grounder to second. But he was stranded at third when Brad Hawpe struck out swinging to end the inning. The Rockies have hit the board first with two runs on three hits, a fielder's choice, and a productive groundout, and they lead the Padres 2-0 after two and a half.

Rockies 8th: Matsui drew a leadoff walk against Padres reliever Heath Bell. Holliday was next, and he belted a triple off the wall in right to bring Matsui home and give the Rockies a 3-0 lead. A walk to Helton put runners at the corners, and the Padres traded two outs for a run when Atkins grounded into a 6-4-3 double play, with Holliday scoring the fourth Colorado run. Next to the plate was Hawpe, and here's Dick Enberg with the count no balls and two strikes:

"Bell finally seems to be settling down, but the Rockies have scored twice here in the eighth, which makes the Padres' job against Jeff Francis in the bottom of the eighth even harder. Blum will lead off, and Clark and the pitcher's spot are scheduled after, but there are plenty of offensive options for (Padres manager) Bud Black to go to, including Mike Cameron and Milton Bradley, each of whom were benched tonight after the Padres won Game 4 to tie this series. Meanwhile, Bell, who's been mentioned as the possible successor to Trevor Hoffman as the closer here in San Diego, has Hawpe down two strikes. He'll pitch from the windup with nobody on, and here's the two-strike delivery........LINED DEEP TO CENTER! REALLY HIT HARD, GOING BACK IS CLARK, AT THE WALL, AND TOUCH 'EM ALL, BRAD HAWPE!......That ball got out of here in a twinkling, and the Rockies have jumped on Heath Bell here in the eighth, scoring three runs and extending their lead to 5-0."

Jim Kaat: "This may be the hardest-hit ball of the series so far. It doesn't jump off of Hawpe's bat; it leaps off of it. I'm actually surprised that Clark was able to run fast enough to track it back to the wall. This isn't the first homer Hawpe has hit like that; he had a career-high twenty-nine home runs this season and drove i a career-high one hundred and sixteen runs, so we know he has a ton of power. His homer may have just put this game out of reach, and Bud Black is going to the mound to replace Bell, probably a batter or two too late."

Ron Darling: "Bell never got untracked tonight. Even the double play ball from Atkins could have been a hit; it was really smacked. Cla Meredith's coming in now, and he has to stop he bleeding by getting the last out and allowing the Padres to try and get back into this game over the next two innings."

Troy Tulowitzki bounced to second on Meredith's first pitch for the final out, but the Rockies have added three runs on two hits, two walks, and a productive double play. As we go to the bottom of the eighth, it's Colorado 5, San Diego 0.

Padres 8th: Blum drew a leadoff walk. Mike Cameron batted for Clark and struck out swinging for the first out, which brought up the pitcher's spot. Milton Bradley came pout of the dugout to bat for Meredith, and here's Dick:

"Bradley wasn't very happy with being benched in favor of Hairston for this game, and he and Bud Black had some, shall we say, intense words in Black's office before the game. What that means for Bradley and the Padres going forward is unclear, but right now he's in a situation to put the Padres on the board and hopefully spark a comeback here in Game 5. Jeff Francis has pitched a great game, but (Rockies manager) Clint Hurdle has had Manny Corpas throwing in the Colorado bullpen since the start of the inning, and if Bradley gets on, he's just about ready to come in, with Brian Giles on deck for San Diego. This is pitch number ninety-eight coming up for Francis, AND IT'S HIT HIGH AND DEEP TO RIGHT CENTER, TAVERAS IS BACK, AT THE WALL, AND THIS BALL IS GONE!.......Milton Bradley channeled every bit of his anger over being benched into that swing, and it's now 5-2 Colorado. Clint Hurdle consults his lineup card, and he's on his way to home plate to make a double switch."

Darling: "Manny Corpas is coming in to pitch, and Ryan Spilborghs is coming in to play center field, guys. As for Milton Bradley, production like this is why teams keep signing him despite his well-documented attitude problems. This wasn't actually a bad pitch by Francis, but Bradley meets it as it comes over the heart of the plate and absolutely hammers it. We talked about how hard Brad Hawpe's ball was hit last half-inning, but this one may have been hit harder."

Kaat: "He didn't accept any high-fives or other kinds of greetings, Ronnie. Tomorrow's a travel day back to Denver, and Bud Black has to spend part of it trying to figure out where Bradley's head is. Is he fully committed to winning a world championship for the Padres? If he is, he needs to not worry about how often he plays and concentrate on producing when he's called on. If he's not, he needs to be benched for the last game or two of this series and left off the World Series roster, if the Padres get there. "

Darling: "You actually expect him to say he isn't, Kitty? How do you stop him from doing something like this again if he says the right things when Bud talks to him?"

Kaat: "I have no idea. That's why I was only a coach for a year. I decided that I didn't need headaches like this."

(Author's note: Kaat was actually the pitching coach of the Reds for a little more than a year; he was hired by new manager Pete Rose on August 24, 1984 and left after the 1985 season.)

Brian walked to keep the inning going, and Hairston's single to left put two men on. But Kevin Kouzmanoff popped to Tulowitzki at short for the second out, and Adrian Gonzalez forced Hairston to retire the side. The Padres have hit the board with two runs on two hits and two walks. with the key blow coming on Bradley's two-run pinch-hit homer. But they've also left runners at first and second, and as we go to the ninth it's Rockies 5, Padres 2.

That was all the scoring;, as Rockies closer Brian Fuentes retired the Padres one-two-three in the ninth to earn the save. Our final: Rockies 5, Padres 2, and the Rockies lead the series three games to two.

Francis was named Player of the Game by TBS. He pitched seven and a third innings, giving up two runs on five hits while walking one and striking out nine. As Dick mentioned above, he threw ninety-eight pitches. Holliday was the offensive leader for the Rockies; he tripled in a run, drove in another with a fielder's choice, and scored twice. Taveras was two for four and scored a run before leaving the game in the eighth. For the Padres, Peavy pitched well in a losing cause, giving up two runs on six hits in seven innings while walking one and striking out six. He threw a hundred and two pitches. No Padre had more than one hit.

Final totals: Rockies 5-8-0, Padres 2-6-0.

W- Francis (1-0)
S- Fuentes (2)
L- Peavy (0-1)

HR- COL: Hawpe (1)
SD: Bradley (1)

Before we go, here's our Defensive Play of the Night. It's the bottom of the fifth, and Gonzalez is leading off against Francis. Here's Dick:

"Hit sharply down to second, Matsui bobbles, now gathers, it'll be close at first......GOT HIM!....Matsui had to gather himself in a hurry, as Gonzalez was running as hard as he could down the line. Matsui got a firm grip on the ball, then fired a bullet to first to get Gonzalez by a little less than a step. Here's Greene with one out."

The series now goes back to Coors Field in Denver for Game 6 on Thursday night. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 8:30 PM Eastern, with Justin Germano pitching for the Padres and Ubaldo Jimenez going to the hill for the Rockies.

Next: We look at Game 6.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 6 of the 2007 National League Championship Series from Coors Field in Denver. The date is Thursday, October 18:

Lineup Changes:

Rockies- Kazuo Matsui moves up to the leadoff spot, while Troy Tulowitzki moves up to second. Also, Ryan Spilborghs replaces Willy Taveras in center field and will bat seventh.

Here are tonight's umpires:

Home Plate: Jim Joyce
First Base: Tim McClelland
Second Base: Mark Wegner
Third Base: Larry Vanover
Left Field: Tom Hallion
Right Field: Angel Hernandez

Weather: 45 degrees, partly cloudy skies, west wind at 9 MPH. Wind chill at first pitch was 40 degrees.

Padres 1st: Scott Hairston drew a one-out walk against Rockies starter Ubaldo Jimenez. Kevin Kouzmanoff followed with a double to left that scored Hairston and gave the Padres a 1-0 lead. Adrian Gonzalez's tapper to first moved Kouzmanoff to third, but he was stranded there when Khalil Greene's fly to Brad Hawpe in shallow right ended the inning. The Padres have scored first thanks to a walk, a hit, and a productive groundout; now let's welcome the homestanding Rockies.

Rockies 1st: With one out against Padres starter Justin Germano, Tulo singled to left. He was forced by Holliday for the second out, but Todd Helton kept the inning alive by hitting a fly ball to left center field that dropped on the warning track, then hopped over the fence for a book-rule double. Holliday was awarded third base on the hit, and both runners scored when Garrett Atkins singled to left to give the Rockies a 2-1 lead. Brad Hawpe's grounder to Gonzalez at first retired the side, but the Rox have answered the Padres run with two of their own, produced by three hits and a productive force play. At the end of one in Game 6, it's Rockies 2, Padres 1.

Padres 3rd: With one out, Hairston faced Jimenez. Here's Dick Enberg with the count two balls and a strike:

"Early in the series, Hairston was red-hot; he hit five home runs in four games, which encompassed Games 2 and 3 of the NLDS against the Braves and Games 1 and 2 of this series. (Padres manager) Bud Black gave Milton Bradley the start in left for Games 2, 3, and 4, but Hairston returned to the starting lineup yesterday, much to Bradley's anger and disappointment. Black said before the game that he didn't talk to Bradley during the off day yesterday, that if Bradley wants to talk about his status, he'll make the first move when he's ready. There's Bradley, and he seems a little friendlier tonight than he was in Game 5, as he's having a word with fellow outfielder Mike Cameron. Two and one to Hairston, one out in the third, and Jimenez's next pitch IS HIT A TON TO LEFT CENTER! GOING BACK IS SPILBORGHS, HE'S AT THE WALL, AND TOUCH 'EM ALL FOR THE THIRD TIME IN THIS SERIES, SCOTT HAIRSTON!......That was a towering home run into the second, maybe third row in left center field here at Coors Field, and the we're even at two in Game 6."

Jim Kaat: "It's nice to see that a couple of games on the bench haven't dulled Scott Hairston's power stroke. This ball was absolutely walloped, as Jimenez hung a curveball right over the heart of the plate. If Bradley can accept his role going forward and Buddy Black can alternate these two in the lineup, that may be the best thing for the Padres going forward. Bradley hit a no-doubter in Game 5, so we know he's hot, and now we know Hairston's still hot, or at least warm and on his way back to hot."

Enberg: "Left center field is 390 feet from home plate here at Coors Field, and that ball traveled 413 feet."

Darling: "The more productive hitters you have on your ballclub, the better chance you have in the postseason. Unless, of course, you run into a hot pitching staff on the other side (laughs)."

Kouzmanoff popped to Atkins at third for the second out, but Gonzalez kept the inning going with a base hit to right. Greene's bouncer to short ended the inning, but the Padres have tied the game on Hairston's monster home run. After two and a half, we're deadlocked at two.

Rockies 3rd: Tulowitzki drew a one-out walk. Holliday's bloop single to right put runners at the corners, and another bloop single to right, this one from Helton, scored Tulo to give the Rockies a 3-2 lead. Holliday went to third on the hit, but both runners were stranded, as Atkins went down swinging for the second out and Hawpe bounced to Kouzmanoff at third to retire the side. The Rockies have retaken the lead with a run on two hits and a walk, and after three they lead the Padres 3-2.

Rockies 5th: Tulowitzki singled to left center with one out, then stole second. Holliday followed with a lined single to left that scored Tulo and put the Rockies up 4-2. Helton flew to Brian Giles in right for the second out, and Atkins' bouncer to short ended the inning, But the home squad has added a run on two hits and a stolen base. At the end of five, it's Rox 4, Friars 2.

Padres 6th: Gonzalez drew a leadoff walk, but was forced by Greene. Josh Bard's bloop single to center put two men on, and Geoff Blum's fly to the warning track in right moved Greene t o third. Brady Clark beat out a bouncer to short for an infield single, which allowed Greene to score and cu the Colorado lead to 4-3. Rockies manager Clint Hurdle went to the mound at that point and Jimenez departed in favor of reliever Jeremy Affeldt. Black, who had sent reserve catcher Michael Barrett to the plate to bat for Germano, called Barrett back and sent Bradley up instead. Here'a Dick with the count one ball and one strike:

"Talk about Bud Black rolling the dice; Barrett was already announced as the pinch-hitter for Germano when Hurdle removed Jimenez, which means that the Padres are out of catchers if Bard goes down. He most likely sent Barrett up as a placeholder to force Hurdle's hand, but Hurdle waited him out, and while Black probably has the matchup, he wants he only has his starting catcher left. At any rate, one ball and one strike on Bradley, 4-3 Colorado here in the top of the sixth, with Bard at second and Clark at first. Affeldt checks the runners, and here's the one-one pitch......HIGH FLY BALL DEEP TO LEFT, BACK IS HOLLIDAY, AT THE WALL, AND......GONE!....... A three-run homer for Milton Bradley, and the Padres now lead 6-4. Holliday leapt for the ball at the last split second, but it landed just out of his reach."

Darling: "As long as Josh Bard doesn't break his leg sometime tonight, Bud Black's a genius. Affeldt does what Jimenez did earlier against Hairston, which is hang a curveball over the heart of the plate, and just like Jimenez, he pays for it. Bradley most likely didn't think he'd be contributing much once he was benched, but he's hit pinch-hit homers in the last two games, and this one has given the Padres the lead. We've already see that he's been more sociable on the bench tonight, so maybe he just wanted to be a contributor."

Kaat: "Or maybe he realizes that he's closer than he's ever been to a world championship. You'd be surprised how having a chance to be a world champion, or even get to the World Series, can sweeten a player's disposition."

A walk to Brian Giles continued the inning, but Hairston's grounder to first ended the inning. The Padres have taken the lead thanks to four runs on three hits, two walks, a fielder's choice, and a productive fly ball, with the key blow coming on Bradley's three-run pinch-hit homer. At the end of five and a half, it's San Diego 6, Colorado 4.

Hairston's inning-ending grounder is our Defensive Play of the Night. Here's how Dick called it:

"Bouncer down to Helton. he'll take it himself, the race is on to the bag, AND HELTON WINS IT BY A WHISKER!.....You don't often see hustle like that from both players on a grounder to first, and it was refreshing to see it here. The Padres are finally out in the top of the sixth, but Bradley's three-run pinch-hit bomb has given them a 6-4 lead after five and a half in Denver."

Padres 7th: Greene came to the plate with two out against Rockies reliever Franklin Morales. Here's Dick with the count no balls and one strike:

"Morales has gotten the first two outs easily here in the seventh. There's Josh Fogg, who if this score holds up will make his third start of the series tomorrow night in Game 7 against future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux. if Game 7 is necessary, we'll be on the air with our pregame show at 9PM Eastern, with first pitch coming at shortly after 10PM Eastern. The Rockies, of course, are looking to make a comeback and take the pennant tonight, then wait to see who survives the ALCS between the Indians and the Red Sox. The World Series is scheduled to begin at the home of the American League champion, either Jacobs Field or Fenway Park, a week from yesterday (Wednesday, October 24). One-strike pitch coming to Greene.......AND THAT ONE'S HIT A TON TO STRAIGHTAWAY CENTER, SPILBORGHS IS BACK, BUT ALL HE CAN DO IS WATCH IT WATCH IT LEAD! TOUCH 'EM ALL, KHALIL GREENE, AND TAKE YOUR TIME DOING IT!.....The Padres have used the longball to come back from a 4-2 deficit; it's now 7-4 San Diego here in the eighth. What a blast by Khalil Greene."

Kaat: "For the third time tonight, a Rockies pitcher leaves a breaking pitch up in the strike zone, and for the third time tonight, a Padres hitter turns it into a home run. This one is a tape measure shot by Greene, as he was on top of it from the start. Everyone here at Coors Field knows it's gone; the only question is what the Tale of the Tape will say, and we'll get that in a moment. Straightaway center field is 415 feet from home plate, as you may remember."

Enberg: "Tale of the Tape reads an even 430 feet."

Darling: "Even though the Rockies have the reputation of being a power hitting team, the Padres have outhomered them 10-3 over the course of the series, and that's one reason why they're in a position to force a Game 7 tomorrow night."

Bard's fly to left center was caught by Spilborghs to end the inning, but the Padres have added a run thanks to Greene's home run. It's time to stretch in the Mile High City, and the Padres lead the Rockies 7-4.

Padres 8th: Clark drew a one-out walk, then stole second. Cameron came out of the dugout to bat for reliever Heath Bell and lined a base hot to left center that brought Clark home and extended the San Diego lead to 8-4. A walk to Brian put two men on, and that was all for Morales. Hairston faced new Rockies pitcher Jorge Julio and bounced into a force play, which eliminated Brian for out number two but allowed Cameron to move to third. Kouzmanoff grounded to Helton at first to end the inning with runners still at the corners, but the Padres have added an insurance run on a hit, a walk, a stolen base, and a productive force play. As we head to the bottom of the eighth, their lead over the Rox now stands at 8-4.

That was all the scoring. Our final: Padres 8, Rockies 4, and this series is tied at three games apiece.

Bradley was named Player of the Game by TBS; it was his pinch-hit homer in the sixth that put the Padres ahead for good. Hairston was one for four plus a walk with a homer and scored a pair of runs, and Greene was one for five with a homer and scored another pair. Clark was officially one for two, but he walked twice, scored twice, and drove in a run. Tulowitzki led the Colorado offense; he finished three for four plus a walk and scored twice. Holliday was also three for four plus a walk with a run scored and an RBI, and Helton was two for five with a run scored and an RBI.

Final totals: Padres 8-8-0, Rockies 4-9-0.

W- Germano (1-0)
L- Jimenez (0-1)

HR- SD: Hairston (3), Bradley (2), Greene (1)

The series will come down to Game 7 tomorrow night here at Coors Field. As Dick said earlier, first pitch is scheduled for shortly after 10PM Eastern, with Greg Maddux starting for the Padres and Josh Fogg taking the hill for the Rockies.

Next: We look at Game 7.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 7 of the 2007 National League Championship Series from Coors Field in Denver. The date is Friday, October 19:

Lineup Changes:

Rockies- Willy Taveras is back in center field and will lead off, which means that Kazuo Matsui moves down to the two hole and Troy Tulowitzki moves down to seventh.

Now let's meet tonight's umpires:

Home Plate: Tim McClelland
First Base: Mark Wegner
Second Base: Larry Vanover
Third Base: Tom Hallion
Left Field: Angel Hernandez
Right Field: Jim Joyce

Weather:59 degrees, mostly cloudy skies, southeast wind at 7 MPH.

Padres 1st: With one out, Scott Hairston tripled into the left field corner. Rockies starter Josh Fogg then lost all concept of a strike, first walking Kevin Kouzmanoff, then Adrian Gonzalez to load the bases, and finally Khalil Greene to force Hairston in and give the Padres a 1-0 lead. Fogg finally got out of the inning by getting Josh Bard to ground into a 4-6-3 inning-ending double play that stranded runners at second and third, but the Padres have used a hit and three walks to grab the early lead. How will the Rockies respond?

Rockies 1st: Taveras greeted Padres starter Greg Maddux with a base hit to right. He was forced by Matsui for out number one, but Holliday belted a triple off the top of the wall in right, just inches from the home run line, to score Matsui and tie the game at one. Todd Helton's fly to the warning track in right was caught by Brian Giles for out number two, but Holliday trotted home easily to give the Rox a 2-1 lead. Garrett Atkins kept the inning going with a lined single to left, which brought Bard Hawpe to the plate. Here's Dick Enberg with the count two balls and no strikes:

"Future Hall of Famer though he may be, Maddux is in danger of being knocked out here in the first inning. Yes, that's Jake Peavy warming up in the San Diego bullpen, and he may just be throwing to keep on schedule for a Game 1 start in the World Series on Wednesday, but I'm sure (Padres manager) Bud Black wouldn't hesitate to use him tonight if he had to."

Jim Kaat: "That's for sure, Dick. If they don't win tonight, they don't need to worry about Wednesday."

Enberg: "Atkins at first won;t be trying to steal with a power threat like Hawpe at the plate. Two balls, no strikes two out, Rockies already leading 2-1 in the bottom of the first in Game 7."

Ron Darling: "If I'm Hawpe, I take this one. Make Maddux throw a clean strike."

Enberg: "Instead, he swings and DRIVES ONE DEEP TO RGHT CENTER! CLARK AT THE TRACK AT THE WALL, AND TOUCH 'EM ALL, BRAD HAWPE!.....A two-run homer over the wall in right center field to put the Rockies up 4-1, and Coors Field is electric!"

Darling: "Maddux is having trouble getting the ball over the plate; he just hangs this slider, and Hawpe tattoos it. The only reason there was a chance for Clark to make a play is because it's a cool night here in Denver, which means the ball doesn't carry as well as it does in the summer. In the end, though, this ball was too well-hit not to be a home run."

Kaat: "Bud Black's staying with Maddux for the moment, mostly because he's due to bat third in the top of the second."

Tulowitzki was hit in the thigh with a pitch, but Yorvit Torrealba's line drive was caught by Khalil Greene at short to finally end the inning. The Rox have taken command of this game with four runs on four hits, a fielder's choice, a hit batsman, and a sacrifice fly. At the end of one in Game 7, it's Rockies 4, Padres 1.

Padres 3rd: With one out, Kouzmanoff lined a single to left, which brought Gonzalez to the plate. Here's Dick with the count one ball and one strike:

"Gonzalez homered in each of the first two games of this series, but his bat's been quiet since. That's not usually the case for Gonzalez, who hit thirty homers and drove in exactly a hundred runs for his hometown team this year. The Rockies hope he stays quiet for about six more innings; he hit three home runs against them in the regular season, which means he's now hit five against them altogether this year. He may have also hit a few in the spring, since the two teams play against each other in Arizona. In any case, the Colorado pitchers will be glad to see the back of Gonzalez until next March. Fogg checks Kouzmanoff at first, and here's the one-one pitch.......HIGH FLY BALL GOING DEEP TO CENTER, TAVERAS IS BACK, AND THE WALL, AND IT'S GONE!.......Adrian Gonzalez touches 'em all against the Rockies for the third time in this series and the sixth time overall this year, and this is now a one-run game. 4-3 Colorado."

Kaat: "This is why the Padres traded for him. Straightaway center field here in Denver is 415 feet away from home plate, and all Gonzalez has to do to hit a ball out of here is flick his wrists. It's just that simple. Yes, the ball carries better in the thin air out here and all that stuff, but to hit a ball out of any ballpark at a distance of over four hundred feet with just a flick of the wrists is still incredible."

Darling: "This looks like Game 1, guys. Both teams have their hitting shoes on tonight, and we may have a whole bunch of heroes on both sides before it's over."

Greene bounced to third for the second out, and Bard's grounder to Matsui at second ended the inning. But the Padres are back to within one thanks to Gonzalez's two-run, 432-foot homer to center. We've played two and a half, and it's Rox 4, Friars 3.

Rockies 5th: Taveras led off against Peavy by beating out a grounder to third for an infield single, then stealing second. Matsui doubled over Brady Clark's head in center to bring Taveras home and put the Rockies up 5-3. Holliday was next, and he bounced one to Greene at short. The ball squirted out of Khalil's hand as he tried to throw to first, allowing Holliday to reach on the error and Matsui to move to third. Helton forced Holliday for out number one; Matsui scored on the play, and the Rox led 6-3. Atkins followed with a single to right to put two men on, and the runners moved up on Hawpe's grounder to third. But Tulo took a called third strike to end the inning with runners still at second and third. The Rox have added to their lead with two runs on three hits, a stolen base, an error, and a productive groundout. At the end of five, it's Colorado 6, San Diego 3.

Padres 6th: Greene led off with a bloop single to left. Bard followed with another base hit to left to put two men on, but he was forced by Geoff Blum for out number one. Greene moved to third on the play, but both runners had to hold when Cameron's fly was caught in shallow left by Holliday for out number two. Peavy's spot was next, and for the third straight game Black called on Milton Bradley for a key pinch hit. For the third straight game Bradley delivered, this time a double off the wall in right that brought Greene home and cut the Rockies' lead to 6-4. Blum moved to third on the hit, and that was all for Fogg. Jeremy Affeldt came out of the Colorado bullpen to face Brian Giles, who smacked the first pitch he saw into right center field for a base hit. Blum and Bradley both scored, and we were tied at six. Hairston's fly to left center was caught by Taveras to end the inning, but the Padres have tied the game with three runs on four hits and a productive force play. As we go to the bottom of the sixth, it's Padres 6, Rockies 6.

Rockies 6th: Torrealba led off against new Padres pitcher Heath Bell with a single to left center. Rockies manager Clint Hurdle allowed Affeldt to bat for himself, and Jeremy's sacrifice bunt in front of the plate moved Torrealba to second. Taveras walked to put two men on, but he was forced by Matsui for out number two. That left it all up to Holliday, and here's how Vin Scully of ESPN Radio called it:

"Torrealba at second, Matsui now at first ,but there are two outs now for Matt Holliday. In a series with fifteen home runs, Holliday has been held off the board so far despite hitting thirty-six in the regular season and driving in a league-leading one hundred and thirty-seven runs. It's only the sixth inning, and this is Coors Field, but this feels like the at-bat that could send one team or the other to the World Series. Get Holliday here, and the Padres have the heart of their order coming up in the seventh with a chance to take the lead. A base hit from Holliday gives the lead to Colorado, and they have Manny Corpas and Brian Fuentes ready in their bullpen. Bell ready, and the first pitch is WHACKED TO DEEP LEFT FIELD! BACK IS HAIRSTON, AWAY BACK, AT THE WALL, AND THIS BALL IS GONE!......Matt Holliday picks the best time possible for his first home run of the series, and the Rockies now lead 9-6. Heath Bell shakes his head in exasperation, as the noise at Coors Field reaches sonic-boom level."

Joe Garagiola: "The Padres couldn't keep Holliday off the board forever, Vin, He's just too good of a hitter. Bell makes the best pitch he can under the circumstances, but Holliday was able to whip his bat through the strike zone and catch up to it. You know, I've been in baseball for over sixty years, and I've never heard fans as loud as these fans. This is our seventh postseason game here, and we've seen nothing but noise and enthusiasm from these fans here in Denver, whether it's here at the ballpark, in the hotel, in the restaurants, everywhere. Whether the Rockies end up winning this series or not, the fans of Denver are certainly winners in my book."

Black went back to his bullpen for Cla Meredith, who gave up a walk to Helton but retired Atkins on a fly to left to end the inning. The Rockies have retaken the lead with three runs on two hits, two walks, a fielder's choice, and a sacrifice bunt. The big blow came on Holliday's three-run homer, which has the Rockies in front 9-6 after six.

Padres 9th: Giles led off against Rockies closer Brian Fuentes with a single to right center. That brought Hairston to the plate. Here's Dick with the count one ball and no strikes:

"We all know how dangerous Hairston's been throughout the series; he's homered three times in this series and six times in the postseason."

Darling: "If I was Hiarston, I'd be looking to punch something into the outfield to move Giles up. That sets things up for Kouzmanoff and Gonzalez."

Kaat: "Giles' hit has guaranteed both of them a chance to hit in this inning. If the Rockies want the pennant, they'll have to go through the heart of the San Diego order to get it."

Enberg: "One ball, one strike to Hairston. With the way Hairston's been hitting, there's no way Giles is moving off of first. Fuentes gives him a look just to make sure, now goes into the stretch. The one-one pitch......HIGH FLY BALL GOING DEEP TO CENTER, TAVERAS IS BACK, HE'S AT THE WALL, AND IT'S GONE!.....Hairston touches 'em all for the fourth time in this series, and we're looking at a one-run game with more of the Padres' big hitters coming up."

Kaat: "No matter what pitch has been thrown at him in this postseason, Hairston's been able to hit it. Fuentes tries his best fastball to get a swing and amiss, only for Hairston to meet it and send it to the deepest part of the park. Taveras runs out of room at a hurry, and now either Kouzmanoff or Gonzalez can tie the game with one swing."

Darling: "Fuentes has to forget about that last homer in a hurry. If he doesn't, he's liable to give up another one that will either tie the game or maybe even win it for the Padres."

Fuentes got the next two outs, as Kouzmanoff grounded to Matsui at second and Gonzalez went down swinging. But a walk to Greene kept the Padres' hopes alive, and Black sent Mike Cameron to the plate to bat for Bard. Here's Dick with the count one ball and one strike:

"The Padres are taking a chance here, but they have no choice. Cameron's been one of their most consistent hitters all year; he hit twenty-one homers to Bard's five and drove in seventy-eight runs to Bard's fifty-one. Backup catcher Michael Barrett's getting his gear on just in case there's a bottom of the ninth, and the Padres hope that they'll need Trevpr Hoffman in that case, because it means they'll have the lead. Right now, it's 9-8 Colorado. Greene's not going anywhere with two outs. Fuentes checks with Torrealba, has the sign, and the one-one pitch........hit down to third, Atkins up with it, on to Helton, AND ROCKTOBER WILL CONTINUE! THE COLORADO ROCKIES WIN THEIR FIRST-EVER NATIONAL LEAGUE PENNANT!.......There's the man of the hour here in Denver, Matt Holliday, whose three-run homer gave the Rox the lead for good in the bottom of the sixth. It's hard to tell whether that will be enough for the series MVP award, as Scott Hairston may have won it wth the home run he just hit, his fourth of the series, even though the Rockies won.

Holliday finished three for four plus a walk with a homer and four runs batted in; he also scored another run. Brad Hawpe was two for four with his two-run homer, and Garrett Atkins was two for four and scored a run, as was Willy Taveras. Kazuo Matsui drove in a run and scored three more, while Todd Helton drove in a pair of runs despite being 0 for 3 plus a walk. Brian Giles was two for for plus a walk and scored a run for the Padres, while Khalil Greene was two for three, walked twice, scored a run, and drove in another. Hairston was three for five plus his two-run homer and scored twice, and we've just gotten word that he's won the series MVP award in a losing cause. Adrian Gonzalez added a two-run homer in the third, his third of the series.

Once again, our final score: the Colorado Rockies 9, the San Diego Padres 8, and the Rockies win the National League pennant four games to three. Up next here on TBS: Inside MLB Presented by Captain Morgan. with Matt Winer and our team of analysts back in Atlanta. They'll have interviews from the Rockies' victorious clubhouse, highlights of both games that took place tonight, plus a preview of tomorrow night's Game 7 of the ALCS between the Red Sox and the Indians at Fenway Park. We'll also see the presentation of the series MVP trophy to Scott Hairston and the Warren C. Giles trophy to the National League champion Rockies. All of that will come up after the next break. For Jim Kaat, Ron Darling, and our dugout reporter Craig Sager, this is Dick Enberg saying so long from Coors Field in Denver and thanking you for being with us throughout this magical postseason, It's been a wonderful rookie season for me here at TBS, and I'm already looking forward to 2008. I hope you are as well. Our crew in Atlanta is up next."

Final totals: Rockies 9-11-0, Padres 8-12-1.

W- Affeldt (1-0)
S- Fuentes (3)
L- Bell (0-1)

HR- SD: Hairston (4), Gonzalez (3)
COL: Hawpe (2) Holliday (1)

Before we go, here's our Defensive Play of the Night. It's the bottom of the seventh with nobody out. Hawpe's at first after a leadoff single, and Tulowitzki's at the plate against Meredith. Here's Dick:

""Line drive.....LEAPING GRAB BY GREENE! TULOWITZKI HAS TO SCRAMBLE BACK TO FIRST, GREENE THROWS, AND TULOWITZKI JUST MAKES IT BACK SAFELY!......The Padres were just inches from a double play, as Greene had the presence of mind to see Tulowitzki roaming off of first and try to throw him out. He just made it back by inches, and here's Yorvit Torrealba with one out."

The Rockies were swept by the Red Sox in the World Series, four games to none. This is the Red Sox' seventh world championship so far in this timeline.

By my unofficial count, we've now crowned a hundred and nine modern world champions, and the American League's all-time lead is now five at 57-52.

Next: To be determined.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for the 2015 American League Wild Card Game from Yankee Stadium in New York. The date is Tuesday, October 6:

Indians 3rd: With one out, left fielder Mike Aviles faced Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka. Here' Bob Costas with the count no balls and one strike:

"(Indians manager) Terry Francona is playing a lot of reserves tonight because of the wear-and-tear of the Wild Card race. That allows Aviles to get the start in left for Michael Brantley, who's been playing for the last two wees on a sore left knee. There are others as well; Carlos Santana is the DH tonight, which puts Chris Johnson at first, Jerry Sands is in right field instead of Brandon Moss, and there are others. It's a calculated risk by Francona: Hope that the bench players can win you one game, even a winner-take-all game like this, so the regulars can be in a better position to go as many as five against a super-tough young Astros team starting Thursday in Houston. Right now, Tanaka's ahead of Aviles one strike, and the next pitch is HAMMERED TO DEAD CENTER! BACK IS GARDNER, AT THE TRACK, AT THE WALL, AND THIS ONE IS GONE!........Mike Aviles went deep five times in ninety-eight games during the regular season, but this is unquestionably his biggest homer of the year. It's 1-0 Cleveland here in the third."

John Smoltz: "Some of you out there will remember Aviles form 2011, when he contributed a lot of key hits in the Red Sox' postseason, which ended when they lost to the Cardinals in the World Series. He's still at it for the Indians, as this ball is absolutely crushed to deep center. Gardner goes back and looks up, but this one's in about the third row. What's the Tale of the Tape on that one, Bob?"

Costas: "Straightaway center is 408 feet from home plate here at Yankee Stadium, and that ball traveled 420 feet. Not bad for a ninth-place hitter who only hit five home runs all year."

Second baseman Jason Kipnis took a called third strike for the second out, and third baseman Jose Ramirez's shallow fly to left center retired the side. Bur Aviles' mammoth home run has given the Tribe a 1-0 lead after two and a half.

Indians 7th: With two out, center fielder Abraham Almonte faced Tanaka. Here's Bob with the count no balls and a strike:

"With all due respect to anything either team is doing at the plate. The story of this game is the pitching performance of Indians starter Carlos Carrasco. He no-hit the Yankees for four and a third innings tonight before (third baseman) Chase Headley broke it up with a single to right, but that's not all he's done. Forget the Wild Card round, which has only been in existence for three years. He's on pace to either tie or break the strikeout record for any postseason game in baseball history, which is seventeen set by Bob Gibson of the Cardinals in Game 1 of the 1968 World Series against the Tigers. He's struck out fourteen so far tonight, which means he needs three to tie it and four to break it. That's a tall order, especially since Francona has (closer) Cody Allen waiting in the wings. As for Almonte, he's one for three with a single in the second. Tanaka ready with the one strike pitch, AND THAT'S HIT TO DEEP LEFT CENTER, ANOTHER LONG RUN FOR GARDNER, HE'S AT THE WALL, AND IT'S GONE!......Another no-doubter off the bat of someone who only hit five home runs all year, and in Almonte's case, it's his career high. The Indians now lead 2-0, and the way Carrasco's pitching, that might be enough."

Smoltz: "The Indians haven't gotten many good swings against Tanaka, but they've certainly made the ones that they have gotten count. Just like Aviles before him, Almonte gets every bit of this pitch, and as you said, Bob, it's a no-doubter. There's Carrasco in the dugout, and he can really let fly in the bottom of the eighth knowing that each batter he faces won't represent the tying run."

Costas: "Let's check the Tale of the Tape on this one. Left center field here at Yankee Stadium is 399 feet from home plate, and that ball traveled 414 feet. The reserves are coming through in spades for Francona and the Indians tonight,"

Right fielder Jerry Sands struck out swinging to end the inning, but the Indians have added another run thanks to Almonte's homer. As we go to the bottom of the eighth, it's Tribe 2, Yankees 0.

I'll finish the scoring summary, then document Carrasco's strikeouts as warranted.

Indians 9th: Ramirez and shortstop Francisco Lindor drew back-to-back walks to start against Yankees reliever Dellin Betances. Santana's line drive was gloved by second baseman Stephen Drew for out number one while the runners held, but catcher Yan Gomes lined the first pitch he saw into right center for a base hit to score Ramirez and put the Indians up 3-0. Lindor went to third on the hit, but both runners were stranded when Bentances struck both Almonte and Sands out swinging to end the inning. but the Indians have added another insurance run thanks to a hit and a pair of walks. Carrasco has now struck out seventeen to tie Gibson's record, and Francona will let him try to break it in the bottom of the ninth against center fielder Brett Gardner, Drew, and shortstop Didi Gregorius. It's now Indians 3, Yankees 0.

As for Carrasco, he struck out one in the first, the side (sandwiched by an error) in the second, one in the third, two in the fourth, the side in the fifth (while working around Headley's single), the side in the sixth (working around a single by Gardner), one in the seventh, and the first two in the eighth, which makes sixteen when we rejoin Bob. The count on Gregorius is one ball and two strikes:

"They're on their feet here at Yankee Stadium, whether they want to see the record tied or not. It's still only a 2-0 game, and if Gregorius gets on, we go to the top of the Yankee order and Gardner, who would be the tying run. This is the hundred and first pitch for Carlos Carrasco, and here it comes.......GOT HIM SWINGING, THAT'S SEVENTEEN!......Carrasco has now struck out the side in four of the eight innings he's pitched so far, and even though their Yankees are three outs from elimination, the baseball-savvy fans at Yankee Stadium are standing and cheering for Carlos Carrasco. We'll let the cheers take us to break. After eight, the Indians lead 2-0."

Now it's the top of the ninth, with Gardner leading off and the count no balls and two strikes:

"Everybody again standing here at Yankee Stadium. You have to wonder if Francona will go to Allen once Carrasco gets the record, if he gets it. This is pitch number one hundred and five coming up for Carrasco. According to our gun, the last one to Gardner came in at 96 MPH. Carrasco nods to Gomes, now kicks and deals.....GOT HIM LOOKING ON THE CORNER! CARRASCO HAS THE RECORD!.........Gardner seemed to stare at the spot where that pitch crossed the plate forever after (home plate umpire) Eric Cooper rung him up.. Meanwhile, as he slowly makes his way back to the dugout, Carrasco's waving his teammates back to their positions; he wants to keep going while he's hot. They want to come and congratulate him, but he'll have none of it, at least not yet."

Jacoby Ellsbury batted for Young and went down swinging to to become victim number nineteen. That left right fielder Carlos Beltran as the last home for the Yankees; as we rejoin Bob, the count is one ball and two strikes:

"Unless Carrasco completely falls apart and gives up four runs with two outs in the ninth, it's safe to say that he'll be our Player of the Game. It's also safe to say that even with the monster home runs from Almonte and Aviles, Carrasco has singlehandedly shut down the Yankees tonight. Now he's set himself up to end the night with a flourish, as he's ahead of Beltran one ball and two strikes, and the upcoming pitch will be his hundred and thirteenth tonight. I don't think it's violating any objectivity rules to say that we're all hoping for strikeout number twenty here. do you,, Smoltzie?"

Smoltz: "i won't tell if you won't."

Costas: "You've got a deal. One-two pitch.....LINED RIGHT AT CHRIS JOHNSON, AND THAT'LL DO IT! NOW CARRASCO AND THE INDIANS CAN CELEBRATE!...........Lost in all of the hoopla surrounding Carrasco's performance is that the Indians will move on to face the Astros in the ALDS on Thursday at Minute Maid Park. But they'll deal with team matters tomorrow; it's all about Carlos Carrasco tonight. It's hard to say that a two-hitter is a better pitching performance than a no-hitter or a perfect game, so let's say instead that Carrasco just pitched what could be the most dominant game in postseason history. Only three Yankee hitters reached base: (catcher) Brian McCann on Kipnis' throwing error in the second, Headley on his single in the fifth, and Gardner on his single in the sixth. Not only did Carrasco not walk anyone, he never went to a three-ball count on any batter, which is almost unheard of in this day and age.

We also need to remember that Masahiro Tanaka pitched a fine game in a losing cause, giving up two runs on just four hits in eight innings while not allowing a walk and striking out nine. The first walk of the game was given up by Dellin Betances when he walked Jose Ramirez to lead off the top of the ninth, and the game's other walk came on the next hitter, when he walked Francisco Lindor. Tanaka and Betances combined to strike out eleven Indians, which made a combined thirty between the two teams. The only player on either team with more than one hit was Abraham Almonte of the Indians, who was two for four with a home run.

That wraps it up from Yankee Stadium. Stay tuned for MLB Tonight with Greg Amsinger and the gang back in Secaucus, as they'll analyze the historic performance we've just seen from Carrasco. We'll also have highlights of this game, a preview of tomorrow night's National League Wild Card Game between the Cubs and the Pirates, plus full coverage of both Carlos Carrasco's postgame press conference and Terry Francona's postgame press conference. Our own Tom Verducci will have an exclusive interview with Carrasco as well. That's all coming up on MLB Tonight.

Our final score once again on this historic night, the Cleveland Indians 3, the New York Yankees 0. For John Smoltz and Tom Verducci, I'm Bob Costas saying good night from the Bronx. Now here are Greg Amsinger and his guys with MLB Tonight."

Final totals: Indians 3-5-1, Yankees 0-2-0.

W- Carrasco (1-0)
L- Tanaka (0-1)

HR- CLE: Aviles (1), Almonte (1)

Next: We look at Game 1 of the first 2015 American League Division Series from Minute Maid Park in Houston on Thursday night. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 7:30 PM Eastern on FS1, with Cody Anderson pitching for the Indians and Dallas Keuchel taking the ball for the Astros.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 1 of the first 2015 American League Division Series from Minute Maid Park in Houston. The date is Thursday, October 8:

Indians 1st: First baseman Carlos Santana led off with a double to center. Right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall followed by hitting a ball that struck one of the metal caps on top of the wall in front of the bullpen in right center field for a ground-rule double. Santana was awarded home plate, and the Indians led 1-0. Chisenhall was stranded at second, as Astros starter Dallas Keuchel retired the next three Cleveland batters in order: third baseman Chris Johnson and center fielder Abraham Almonte each struck out swinging, and catcher Yan Gomes' infield pop was caught by Astros third baseman Luis Valbuena to retire the side. But the Indians have used back-to-back doubles to score the game's first run, and they lead the Astros 1-0 after an inning and a half.

Astros 2nd: With one out, first baseman Chris Carter faced Indians starter Cody Anderson. Here's Joe Buck with the count one ball and no strikes:

"Carter may be the prime example of a feast-or-famine hitter in baseball today. He hit twenty-four home runs this year and drove in sixty-four runs, which seems like a pretty good year until you also see that he struck out a hundred and fifty-one times and couldn't even break the .200 mark; he finished the year batting .199. The best batting average he's had in the majors to date was .239 with the A's back in 2012. and he's struck out over a hundred times in each of the last three years, including a major league-leading 212 times two years ago. The only place that he's guaranteed to hit a ball is right down the middle, and then he absolutely crushes them. Anderson's next pitch......RIGHT DOWN THE PIPE AND AND CRUSHED TO RIGHT CENTER! BACK IS ALMONTE, AT THE TRACK, AT THE WALL, AND GONE!.......I hereby apologize to Indians fans everywhere for opening my big mouth. No sooner did I say that Carter lives for the pitch down the middle than Anderson put it there, and Carter hit it out to tie the game."

Harold Reynolds: "He must've heard you, Joe! (laughs) Seriously, Anderson was trying to throw a strike here, but if he'd paid attention to his scouting reports, he ought to have known that you don't groove one down the middle to a hitter like Carter. If he swings and misses, you're lucky; if he makes contact, that ball is about five or six rows up. That time, he made contact."

John Smoltz: "Not that you ever want to give up a homer if you're a pitcher, guys, but with a hitter like Chris Carter, it's almost safe to throw a pitch like that, because he'll miss it a lot of the time. if he connects with nobody on, it's not that big a deal. The only time Anderson really needs to be careful with Carter is when runners are on base, because then a homer can really do damage."

Buck: "Tale of the Tape on that homer reads 394 feet. Right center field is 373 feet away from home plate here at Minute Maid Park."

Anderson got the next two outs to end the inning, as catcher Jason Castro's infield pop was caught by Indians second baseman Jose Ramirez for out number two and center fielder Jake Marisnick struck out swinging, The home squad has tied the game on the home run by Carter; at the end of two, it's Indians 1, Astros 1.

Indians 3rd: Left fielder Michael Martinez led off with a bloop single to center. Designated hitter Jason Kipnis followed with a double off the wall in right to score Martinez and give the Indians a 2-1 lead. Keuchel rebounded to strike out both Ramirez and shortstop Francisco Lindor swinging, but Santana walked to keep the inning alive. Chisenhall followed with a base hit up the middle to score Kipnis and make it 3-1. Santana went to third on the hit, and a walk to Johnson loaded the bases, but Almonte's grounder to Carlos Correa at short ended the inning. The Indians have retaken the lead with two runs on three hits and two walks, but they've also left the bases loaded. We've played two and a half, and it's Tribe 3, Stros 1.

Astros 7th: Valbuena led off against Anderson. Here's Joe:

"As we begin play here in the bottom of the seventh, Cody Anderson has retired the last seven Astros hitters in a row, and has only given up a pair of ultimately harmless singles since Carter's home run in the second. Meanwhile, Dallas Keuchel hasn't allowed a baserunner since he walked Chris Johnson to load the baes in the third, a total of thirteen Indians hitters in a row. Luis Valbuena leads off; he's 0 for 2. Anderson has continued the streak that Carlos Carrasco began in the Wild Card Game against the Yankees; the Indians haven't haven't walked a batter so far this postseason. FIRST PITCH IS HIT A MILE TO RGHT CENTER! BACK IS ALMONTE, AT THE TRACK, AT THE WALL, AND THIS IS A ONE-RUN GAME!......Luis Valbuena turns on the first pitch he sees here in the bottom of the seventh, and the Indians' lead is down to 3-2."

Smoltz: "Anderson tries to start Valbuena off with a curve in the dirt, but the ball hangs in the hitting zone, and Valbuena gets a really good swing on it. Almonte has a better chance to make the catch here than he did on Carter's ball earlier, but by the time he gets to the wall and gets set, the ball's already gone."

Reynolds: "Anderson's pitched a great game except for the two home runs he's given up. Now we'll see if this homer means that Anderson's starting to run out of gas. The Indians would love for him to get through this inning; they have Bryan Shaw waiting in the bullpen for the eighth and (closer) Cody Allen ready for the ninth, but it's up to Anderson to get them there if he can."

Anderson did just that, getting the next three outs in order: Carter took a called third strike, and both Castro and Marisnick bounced to Lindo at short. Valbuena's dinger has brought the Astros a run closer, but they still trail the Tribe 3-2 after seven.

Astros 8th: With two out, Correa single to left, which brought left fielder Colby Rasmus to the plate. Here's Joe with the count one ball and one strike:

"Cody Allen still warming up in the bullpen for the Indians. Anderson wants to put the finishing touches on what would be a superb start, holding the Astros to just two runs on seven hits in eight innings without allowing a walk and striking out nine, which makes twenty-eight strikeouts in two games for the Cleveland starters. Rasmus can certainly send those plans to pot in a hurry; he hit twenty-five home runs on the regular season. Anderson checks Correa at first, he's not going, pitch to the plate........HIGH FLY BALL GOING DEEP TO LEFT! BACK IS MARTINEZ, AT THE TRACK, AT THE WALL, AND THIS ONE'S IN THE CRAWFORD BOXES! ASTROS LEAD 4-3!......That looked like former President George W. Bush leaning out trying to catch the ball, but it landed in the next box over. That's all for Anderson, whose great start has turned sour thanks to one swing from Colby Rasmus."

Smoltz: "Anderson tried to pain the corner with a curveball for a strike, but the ball never got there; Rasmus went out and got it. He ends up underneath the ball and pulls it into straightaway left, but he hit it so hard that it goes straight out and into the boxes. I can't get a really good look to see if President Bush tried to make the catch, but I did see him here tonight."

Reynolds: "This is a shame for Anderson in a way, but you don't win many postseason games as a pitcher if you give up three home runs lie he did tonight. Hopefully he'll learn from what he did tonight, both right and wrong, and be better prepared for his next start, whether it's in this series, in the ALCS if the Indians move on, or at some point in the future."

Buck: "Left field is 315 feet away from home plate here at Minute Maid Park. That ball traveled 342 feet, according to our Tale of the Tape."

Allen struck out designated hitter Evan Gattis swinging to retire the side, but the Astros have taken the lead with two runs on two hits, with the key blow coming on Rasmus' two-run homer. Closer Luke Gregerson will face Almonte, Gomes, and Martinez in the top of the ninth while trying to protect a 4-3 Houston lead.

Author's note: Former U.S. President George W. Bush owned the Texas Rangers before he took office, and both he and his father, former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, frequently attended Astros games after they each left office. Bush the Younger still does, as far as I know.

That was all the scoring; Gregerson gave up a leadoff bloop single to Almonte, then retired the next three batters in order. Our final: Astros 4, Indians 3, and the Astros lead the best-of-five series one game to none.

Rasmus was named Player of the Game by FS1 because of his game-winning homer. Carter finished two for three with a homer of his own for the Astros, and second baseman Jose Altuve was two for four. The only hitter in the Indians' lineup with more than one hit was Chisenhall, who was two for four and drove in two runs. On the mound, Keuchel got the win; he pitched eight innings, giving up three runs on six hits while walking two and striking out eight in a hundred and twenty pitches. Anderson and Allen combined to strike out ten Astros while not allowing a walk, which means that the Cleveland pitching staff has fanned twenty-nine batters so far this postseason without allowing a base on balls.

Final totals: Astros 4-8-1, Indians 3-7-0.

W- Keuchel (1-0)
S- Gregerson (1)
L- Anderson (0-1)

HR- HOU: Carter (1), Valbuena (1), Rasmus (1)

The series will continue with Game 2 tomorrow afternoon here at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 3:30 PM Eastern, with Trevor Bauer pitching for the Indians and Collin McHugh starting for the Astros.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 2 of the first 2015 American League Division Series from Minute Maid Park in Houston. The date is Friday, October 9:

Lineup Changes:

Indians- Jose Ramirez moves up to the leadoff spot and Francisco Lindor to the two-hole, which slides Jason Kipnis down to third. Abraham Almonte moves up to sixth and Michael Martinez to eighth. Also, Roberto Perez replaces Yan Gomes behind the plate and will bat seventh, while Gio Urshela replaces Chris Johnson at third base and will bat ninth.

Astros- Carlos Gomez replaces Jake Marisnick in center field and will bat sixth. This means that Luis Valbuena will bat seventh, Chris Carter will bat eighth, and Jason Castro will bat ninth.

Astros 1st: Jose Altuve led off with a single to right against Indians starter Trevor Bauer. That brought right fielder George Springer to the plate. Here's Joe Buck with the count one ball and two strikes:

"Springer is one of the major reasons for the Astros' resurgence, although he missed two months of the season with injuries. This franchise has gone from a legitimate zero television rating to one of the up-and-coming teams in the American League. in just two seasons. I'm not sure exactly how many homes constitute a ratings point in the Houston market, but less than that number of fans watched Astros games on average in 2013. As for Springer, the Astros hope that he'll be their future in center field, although they certainly appreciate his versatility. Bauer checks Altuve, not going, and the one-two pitch IS A SCORCHING LINE DRIVE HIT DEEP TO LEFT CENTER! BACK IS ALMONTE, AT THE TRACK, AT THE WALL, AND IT IS GONE! THE ASTROS STRIKE EARLY IN GAME 2!......That was a laser shot off of Spriger's bat that seemed to take about three seconds to get into the seats."

John Smoltz: "Less than that, Joe. We talk all the time abot balls exploding off of hitters' bats. This almost happens literally here, as the ball takes off like a bullet. Almonte has had plenty of long runs so far in this series, and he probably thinks he can make every play, but he's barely at the wall before this one's out of here."

Harold Reynolds: "The Astros have certainly brought their power bats to the park these last two days. All six of the runs that they've scored over the last two games have come on homers: two two-run homers and two solo shots. It goes without saying, really, but the Indians need to do a batter job of keeping the ball in the ballpark."

Carlos Correa walked to continue the inning, and Colby Rasmus' fly to deep center sent Almonte back to the wall before he could make the catch for out number one. A wild pitch moved Correa to second, and Even Gattis lined a base hit to left that brought Carlos home and put the Astros up 3-0. Gomez followed with a double into the left center power alley that scored Gattis to make it 4-0, and Bauer received a visit from Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway. He proceeded to strike out the next two batters to end the inning, as Valbuena was called out on strikes and Carter went down swinging. But the Stros have stormed to an early lead thanks to four runs on four hits, a walk, and a wild pitch while leaving Gomez at second. After one, it's Astros 4, Indians 0.

Astros 4th: Gomez led off with a single to right, which brought Valbuena to the plate. Here's Joe with the count two balls and no strikes:

"Bauer has settled down considerably since the first. He retired eight in a row before giving up the base hit to Gomez a moment ago, and six of them came via strikeout, which means that the Indians have struck out thirty-five batters in three games during this postseason. The walk to Correa in the first is the only walk they've allowed, but all they've gotten with this pitching brilliance is one win, one loss, and a 4-0 deficit here tonight. Valbuena took a called third strike from Bauer in the first, but he's ahead two balls and no strikes here. Perez sets up down the middle, and THE PITCH IS HIT DOWN THE LEFT FIELD LINE! OVER IS MARTINEZ, HE'S AT THE RACK, AT THE WALL, AND IT IS.....GONE!......Valbuena was fooled by that pitch, but still managed to pull it out of the park down the line in left, and it's now 6-0 Houston."

Smoltz: "Valbuena wasn't expecting Bauer to throw one right down the middle; that's why his swing was a bit late. But he still manages to meet the ball, and he's powerful enough that he was still able to pull it down the line. Martinez has a bead on the ball, but it stays just in front of him, and he eventually runs out of room. The ball doesn't go over by much, maybe a foot or two, and Martinez may have been able to make the catch if the ball had been hit to straightaway left instead of down the line."

Reynolds: "Trevor Bauer needs to get ack to what he was doing earlier, when he retired eight in a row, in order to give his offense a chance to get back in the game. As it is, a six-run deficit's going to be really hard for the Indians to overcome."

Bauer got the next three outs in order, as Carter flew to the warning track in right center, while both Castro and Altuve flew to left center. The Stros have added two more runs on Valbuena's second homer in as many games, and they lead the Tribe 6-0 after four.

Indians 5th: With two out, Martinez doubled down the right field line. Urshela's single to left put runners at the corners, and Ramirez followed with a single to right that scored Martinez and put the Indians on the board. Lindor's hallow fly down the left field line was caught by Rasmus to end the inning, but the Indians have used three consecutive hits to score their first run while leaving runners at first and second. Halfway through Game 2, it's Houston 6. Cleveland 1.

Astros 7th: Gattis faced Indians reliever Ryan Webb with two out. Here's Joe with the count one ball and one strike:

"Many experts believed that the fans here in Houston wouldn't accept the switch from the National League to the American League, but with the success that the Astros have enjoyed this year, that argument has been proven ridiculous. This franchise is unquestionably on the rise, and there are some who believe that, as football-crazy as the city of Houston is, the Astros could surpass the Texans as the number-one team in town if they can sustain this success over the next few seasons. That may be a stretch, but baseball is definitely back in Houston, and has the potential to be better than ever. One-one pitch to Gattis is HIT DOWN THE LEFT FIELD LINE! MARTINEZ BACK, AT THE TRACK, AT THE WALL, STAYING FAIR, AND GONE!......That's three homers for the Astros today, six so far in the series and a 7-1 lead in Game 2."

Smoltz: "This ball wasn't quite as well-hit as Valbuena's earlier, and it was hooking toward the foul pole at one point, but it straightened out and continued on its way out of the park. What a power display by the Astros in these last two games. If they can keep it up, they'll be dangerous in any series they get to during this postseason."

Reynolds: "We'll see if they can sustain it when they get to Cleveland. I've been looking at the forecast, and it'll be warm, but particularly on Monday for Game 4, there may be problems with high winds. Of course, we may not get to Game 4 at this rate."

Gomez walked to extend the inning, but Valbuena grounded into a 4-6-3 inning-ending double play. The home squad has added another run on Castro's homer, and as we got to the eighth they lead the Indians 7-1.

Indians 8th: Urshela led off with a grounder to third, which was bobbled, then dropped by Valbuena for an error. Ramirez's fly to the warning track in left was caught by Rasmus for out number one, which brought Lindor to the plate. Here's Joe:

"Lindor is one for three, with a single in the first. This series heads to Progressive Field in Cleveland for Game 3 on Sunday, and our pregame show will be on the air at 3PM Eastern, with forst pitch shortly after 4PM Eastern. If Game 4 is necessary on Monday, we'll be on the air at noon Eastern with the pregame show. followed by first pitch at a little after 1PM Eastern. Should we need Game 5, it will be back here at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday night at a little after 8PM Eastern. The Indians have a lot of work to do before that's a possibility, however. FIRST PITCH TO LINDOR IS WHACKED INTO STRAIGHTAWAY CENTER! BACK IS MARISNICK, AT THE TRACK, AT THE WALL, AND IT'S GONE!......Lindor hits the first home run of the series for the Indians, who are now back to within 7-3, and that's going to do it for (Astros starter) Collin McHiugh, who should still get a nice ovation as he leaves."

Smoltz: "What a power display by Francisco Lindon. Hitting a home run to dead center here at Minute Maid Park is always a feat, since it's 435 feet from home plate, and this one looked rather easy. Lindor got every bit of the pitch, and this is as close to a no-doubter as you can get considering the distance involved. There's McHugh leaving, and as you said, Joe, the fans in Houston are on their feet for him."

Reynolds: "Maybe this will be the hit that the Indians can use to get themselves back into both this game and the series. They sure need a spark of some sort before the Astros completely wipe them out."

Buck: "Tale of the Tape on this home run reads 443 feet."

Reliever Tony Sipp got Kipnis to bounce to Altuve at second for out number two, but Santana kept the inning going with a single to right. Lonnie Chisenhall's fly to Springer in right ended the inning, but the Tribe has scored twice on two hits and an error, with the key blow coming on Lindor's two run homer. After seven and a half, the Astros still lead the Indians 7-3.

Astros 8th: Carter drew a leadoff walk, which brought Castro to the plate. Here's Joe with the count one ball and no strikes:

"The walk to Carter was the fifth issued by Indians pitching in this game, and though they've fanned thirty-six batters so far in this postseason with the seven they've recorded so far today, that number is becoming more insignificant by the inning. Not only did most of it come on Carlos Carrasco's performance for the ages in the Wild Card Game against the Yankees, but the Astros have hit six home runs over the last two games, and they're in position to take a commanding two games to none lead in this series barring a major rally of some sort in the top of the ninth. Castro is hitless in three at-bats today, as he awaits the 1-0 pitch........HIGH FLY BALL GOING DEEP TO RIGHT CENTER! ANOTHER LONG RUN FOR ALMONTE, AT THE TRACK, AT THE WALL, AND GONE!.........That's the fourth home run for the Astros today and their seventh of the series so far, and the Indians' road back just got a bit longer. It's now 9-3 Houston."

Smoltz: "This is the second home run given up by Webb today, and it's absolutely hammered. Castro's not generally seen as a home-run threat, but he's hit double-digit home runs in each of the last four seasons. Here he lands all over a hanging curveball from Webb, and it lands about five rows up in right center to potentially put the game on ice for the Astros."

Reynolds: "At this point, guys, I have a hard time believing that the Indians can come back, either in this game or in the series, unless the Astros' bats go stone cold overnight and their own bats catch fire. That's the only way possible."

Buck: "Right center field is 373 feet from home plate here at Minute Maid Park, and Castro's home run traveled 391 feet, according to our Tale of the Tape."

That was all for Webb; new Cleveland pitcher Austin Adams was greeted by Altuve's single to left center, but retired Springer on a fly to shallow left center and got Correa to ground into a 5-4-3 inning-ending double play. The Astros have added two more runs on two hits and a walk, with the big hit coming on Castro's two run homer. At the end of eight, it's now Stros 9, Tribe 3.

That was all the scoring. Our final: Astros 9, Indians 3, and the Astros lead the series two games to none.

McHugh was named Player of the Game by FS1. He pitches seven and a third innings, giving up three runs on eight hits while not allowing a walk and striking out three. He threw ninety-six pitches. Offensively, Gattis and Valbuena were each two for four with a two-run homer, and Gattis also scored another run. Springer and Castro each added two-run homers of their own, and Gomez was two for three plus a walk with a run scored and another run batted in. Altuve was two for four and scored a run. The Indians were led offensively by Lindor, who was two for four and hit a two-run homer. Ramirez was two for five ad drove in a run, while Martinez was two for four and scored a run. Santana was also two for four.

Final totals: Astros 9-11-1, Indians 3-10-0.

W- McHugh (1-0)
L- Bauer (0-1)

HR- CLE: Lindor (1)
HOU: Valbuena (2), Springer (1), Gattis (1), Castro (1)

The series shifts to Progressive Field in Cleveland for Game 3 on Sunday afternoon. As Joe said earlier, first pitch is scheduled for shortly after 4PM Eastern, with Lance McCullers Jr. l pitching for the Astros and Carlos Carrasco taking the ball for the Indians.

Next: We look at Game 3.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 3 of the first 2015 American League Division Series from Progressive Field in Cleveland. The date is Sunday, October 11:

Lineup Changes:

Indians- Ryan Raburn will serve as the designated hitter and bat third. Yan Gomes is back behind the plate and will bat fifth. Chris Johnson replaces Gio Urshela at third base and will bat sixth, which moves Abraham Almonte down to eighth. Jerry Sands will start in right field and bat seventh, while Mike Aviles starts in left field and will bat ninth.

Weather: 73 degrees, fair skies, south-southwest wind at 12 MPH.

Indians 1st: With one out, Francisco Lindor stroked a double to center. He moved to third on Raburn's bouncer to second, and a walk to Carlos Santana put runners at the corners. Gomes was next, and he lined a double off the wall in center that scored both Lindor and Santana to put the Tribe up 2-0. Johnson struck out swinging to ed the inning, but the home squad has jumped on top with two runs on two hits, a walk, and a productive groundout. After one, it's Indians 2, Astros 0.

Astros 2nd: Colby Rasmus drew a leadoff walk against Indians starter Carlos Carrasco. Evan Gattis flew to Aviles i left for out number one, but Carlos Gomez's single to left put two men on. Luis Valbuena was next, and here's Joe Buck with the count one ball and one strike:

"Valbuena has homered in both games so far, and he's the only Houston player to have done that, which is amazing considering the power display they put on at Minute Maid Park, hitting seven home runs in two game. Carrasco only allowed three baserunners in the entire Wild Card Game against the Yankees, and he's already allowed two in this inning. That just shows you how dominant Carrasco was last Tuesday night in New York. Right now, he has to deal with Rasmus at second and Gomez at first with one out here in the second. Runners not going with Valbuena at the plate, and here's the one-one pitch.........HIT HIGH IN THE AIR AND DEEP TO LEFT, BACK GOES AVILES, AT THE TRACK, AT THE WALL, AND IT'S GONE! VALBUENA STRIKES AGAIN, AND THE ASTROS TAKE THE LEAD IN GAME 3!......That might be the first truly bad pitch that Carlos Carrasco has thrown in this postseason."

John Smoltz: "That's just about right, Joe. Carrasco gets this ball a bit too far up in the strike zone, and Valbuena jumps all over it. He's the hottest hitter for the Astros right now, the only batter to homer in all three games of this series at the moment, although that could certainly change at some point today. If it does, the Indians' season is most likely over."

Harold Reynolds: "You're right, Smoltzie. The Indians can't give up any more homers, and they need to start hitting some of their own if they want to get back in the series. That's the eighth homer that the Astros have hit in this series so far, and the Indians have only hit one."

Chris Carter took a called third strike for the second out, but Jason Castro kept the inning going with a double to right. Jose Altuve followed by blooping a double down the line in right. Sands was able to cut the ball off before it could roll into the corner, but Castro still scored easily to put the Astros up 4-2. George Springer's bouncer to Chris Johnson at third ended the inning, but the Stros have solved Carrasco for the moment, getting to him for four runs on four hits and a walk while stranding Altuve at second. We've played an inning and a half, and it's Stros 4, Tribe 2.

Astros 5th: Altuve drew a leadoff walk, then stole second. Springer's fly to shallow center was caught by Almonte for the first out, but a walk to Correa put two men on. Rasmus was next, and he lined a base hit to right that scored Altuve to make it 5-2 Houston. Correa went to third on the hit, but both runners were stranded, as Gattis flew to shallow center for out number two and Gomez struck out swinging to end the inning. The Astros have added a run on a hit, two walks, and a stolen base. We're halfway through Game 3, and it's Houston 5, Cleveland 2.

Indians 6th: Santana drew a leadoff walk. Gomes' fly to deep left center was caught at the warning track by Springer for the first out, and Johnson took a called third strike for out number two. Sands was next, and he belted a triple into the left field corner, which scored Santana and brought the Tribe to within 5-3. Sands was stranded at third when Almonte's bouncer to second ended the inning, but the Indians have drawn closer thanks to a walk and a hit. At the end of six, it's Houston 5, Cleveland 3.

That was all the scoring. As we rejoin Joe, it's the bottom of the ninth with two out, and Astros closer Luke Gregerson is in front of Lindor one ball and two strikes:

"The Indians have had chances in the last two innings to either cut into their deficit or even tie the game, but they haven't been able to take advantage. Lindor doubled with two out in the seventh, but Lonnie Chisenhall betted for Raburn in the DH slot and grounded to third to end the inning. In the eighth, (Astros reliever) Will Harris walked Santana to start. Santana was forced by Gomes, and Johnson reached on Correa's error, but Sands flew to left and Almonte took a disputed called third strike to end the inning. Now the Astros are one strike away from a sweep and a spot in the ALCS against either the Blue Jays or the Royals. They'll have home field advantage against the Royals, but a series against the Blue Jays will begin at the Rogers Centre. Gregerson pitches from the stretch even with the bases empty, and here's the one-two pitch......SWING AND A MISS, AND THE ASTROS MOVE ON!......Luke Gregerson notches his second save of the series, and Luis Valbuena's third homer of the series puts the Astros in front to stay. He would undoubtedly be the series MVP , if they gave out such an award in the Division Series.

Valbuena finished two for four with a homer and three RBIs today, and Altuve was two for four with a run scored and an RBI. For the Indians, Lindor was three for five and scored a run, while Sands was two for four with an RBI. Starter Lance McCullers got the win for the Astros; he pitched seven innings, giving up three runs on seven hits while walking three and striking out seven. He threw ninety-seven pitches. Carrasco pitched well outside of that disastrous second inning; he ended up pitching seven innings and giving up five runs on seven hits while walking three and striking out ten. The Cleveland pitching staff ended up with a dozen strikeouts today, which gives them a final total of forty-one strikeouts for the series. That's a very small bit of consolation for all of you disappointed Indians fans out there.

Once again, our final score: the Houston Astros 5, the Cleveland Indians 3, and the Astros sweep the series three games yo none.. We'll come back here to Progressive Field after the break, as our Tom Verducci will have interviews from the victorious Astros clubhouse, and we'll also preview the upcoming Game 3 between the Royals and Blue Jays, which will be coming up from Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City at the top of the hour here on FS1. Back with all of that in just a few moments after these message and a word from you local cable system. You're watching FS1's exclusive coverage of the American League postseason."

Before we go, here's our Defensive Play of the Day. It's the top of the eighth with two out and Gomez at first following a fielder's choice and Carter at the plate.. Here's Joe:

"Slow roller down to first, picked up by Santana, Carter going down the line pretty hard, flip to (Indians reliever Bryan) Shaw, AND CARTER IS OUT!.....Carter saw a chance for an infield hit and went down the line as fast as he could, but Shaw got to the base just half a step sooner. The Astros are done in the eighth, and the Indians have Santana, Gomes, and Johnson due up in the bottom of the inning trailing 5-3."

Final totals: Astros 5-9-1, Indians 3-7-0.

W- McCullers (1-0)
S- Gregerson (2)
L- Carrasco (0-1)

HR- HOU: Valbuena (3)

The Astros will face the Kansas City Royals in the American League Championship Series. Because of the result of their real-life Division Series, we will begin our coverage with the Royals leading three games to two.

Next: A recap of Games 1-5 of the ALCS.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's a recap of Games 1-5 of the 2015 American League Championship Series:

The ALCS began on Friday, October 16 at Houston's Minute Maid Park, and the Astros thrilled their fans with a 4-2 victory. Catcher Jason Castro's two-run single in the bottom of the fifth erased a 1-0 Royals lead, and first baseman Chris Carter capped of a perfect three-for-three evening with an eighth-inning homer. Center fielder Carlos Gomez knocked in the other Houston run, and starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel held the Royals to one run on five hits in seven innings. That run came on center fielder Lorenzo Cain's homer in the fourth, which gave the Royals a1-0 lead. Left fielder Alex Gordon's homer in the ninth off of Astros closer Luke Gregerson came too little too late for the visitors..

Final totals: Astros 4-8-1, Royals 2-7-0.

W- Keuchel (1-0)
S- Gregerson (1)
L- Volquez (0-1)

HR- KC: Cain (1), Gordon (1)
HOU: Carter (1)

Game 2 on Saturday, October 17 was a wild one. The Royals grabbed an early 2-0 lead in the second on a home run from catcher Salvador Perez, but Gomez answered with a solo shot of his own in the bottom of the second, and shortstop Carlos Correa hit the first of his two home runs to tie things up at two after three. Correa proceeded to give the Astros the lead in the fifth when his double brought right fielder George Springer home, and his second homer of the day, a two-run shot off of Royals reliever Ryan Madson, gave the Stros a 5-2 lead in the seventh. Left fielder Colby Rasmus followed with a solo homer.

The tide turned in the eighth, as the Royals staged a five-run comeback to take the lead. Cain and first baseman Eric Hosmer contributed RBI singles that cut into the lead, and Correa brought home two runs to tie the game. The visitors took the lead on Gordon's RBI groundout, and in the ninth Hosmer put the game on ice with a two-run homer off of Astros reliever Josh Fields. Royals closer Wade Davis pitched around Correa's leadoff single in the bottom of the ninth, and the Royals had wrapped up a 9-6 victory and a split of the first two games in Houston.

Final totals: Royals 9-8-0, Astros 6-8-1.

W- Madson (1-0)
S- Davis (1)
L- Sipp (0-1)

HR- KC: Perez (1), Hosmer (1)
HOU: Correa 2 (2), Gomez (1), Rasmus (1)

The series moved to Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City for Game 3 on Monday, October 19, and the Astros scored three runs in the first two innings and knocking Royals starting pitcher Yordano Ventura out of the game on their way to a 5-2 win and a two games to one series lead. Second baseman Jose Altuve led the Houston offense, going three for five with a run scored and an RBI, while Rasmus knocked in a pair of runs. one with a homer in the eighth. Springer hit a solo homer in the fifth and finished two for four with a pair of runs scored. Staring pitcher Collin McHugh got the win, giving up two runs on just four hits in six innings. Both runs came on solo homers by Royals designated hitter Kendrys Morales, one in the second and the other in the fourth. Second baseman Ben Zobrist also had two hits in a losing cause.

Final totals: Astros 5-11-0, Royals 2-6-0.

W- McHugh (1-0)
S- Gregerson (2)
L- Ventura (0-1)

HR- HOU: Rasmus (2), Springer (1)
KC: Morales 2 (2)

Game 4 took place on Tuesday, October 20, with winds gusting upwards of 35 MPH. The Astros led 4-2 after three innings on the strength of Springer's two-run single in the second and Rasmus' third homer of the series in the third. Perez hit a solo homer in the second, his second of the series. The Royals tied the game in the sixth on an RBI single by Hosmer and a bases-loaded walk to Perez. They then took the lead for good in the seventh, as shortstop Alcides Escobar belted a leadoff triple and came home on a single by Zobrist. They caught a break in the ninth with one out when pinch runner Gomez stole second, but the call was overturned by replay. Altuve grounded to third to wind things up. Our final: Royals 5, Astros 4, and this series was tied at two games apiece.

Final totals: Royals 5-11-0, Astros 4-8-0.

W- Herrera (1-0)
S- Davis (2)
L- Harris (0-1)

HR- HOU: Rasmus (3)
KC: Perez (2)

The Royals moved to within one game of the World Series with a 7-2 win in Game 5 on Wednesday, October 21. The Astros took a 2-0 lead on third baseman Luis Valbuena's two-run homer in the second, but were shut out thereafter. Royals starter Johnny Cueto allowed only one other hit in eight innings: an infield single by designated hitter Evan Gattis that directly preceded Valbuena's homer. Gomez and Valbuena were the only two baserunners allowed by the combination of Cueto and Davis in the game. The Royals took the lead for good on right fielder Alex Rios' two-run double in the fifth and put the game away when Morales belted a three-run homer off of Keuchel, who had come on in relief. Final score: Royals 7, Astros 2, and the Royals lead the series three games to two.

Final totals: Royals 7-8-0, Astros 2-2-0.

W- Cueto (1-0)
L- McHugh (1-1)

HR- HOU: Valbuena (1)
KC: Morales (3)

The series will go back to Minute Maid Park for Game 6 on Friday night. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 8PM Eastern, with Edinson Volquez starting for the Royals and Scott Kazmir taking the ball for the Astros.

Note: Since the Astros had home-field advantage in this universe, I changed the order of games slightly; real-life Games 3 and 4 in Houston were my first two games, followed by real-life Games 1,2, and 5, which were played in Kansas City,

Next: We look at Game 6.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 6 of the 2015 American League Championship Series from Minute Maid Park in Houston. The date is Friday, October 23:

Lineup Changes:

Astros- Jake Marisnick will replace Carlos Gomez in center field and bat ninth. This means that Evan Gattis, Luis Valbuena, Chris Carter, and Jason Castro, who batted in spots six through nine respectively in Game 5, will bat in spots five through eight.

Astros 1st: With one out, George Springer singled to left, then stole second. Carlos Correa's fly to the warning track in center was caught by Lorenzo Cain for the second out, but Springer was able to move to third. Colby Rasmus followed with a triple into the right field corner, which scored Springer easily and gave the Astros a 1-0 lead. Evan Gattis' fly ball chased Cain back to the warning track in center again, but Lorenzo put the ball away for the final out. The Stros have struck first thanks to a run on two hits, a stolen base, and a productive fly ball, and they lead the Royals 1-0 after one.

Royals 2nd: Eric Hosmer lined a leadoff single to right. Astros starting pitcher Scott Kazmir got the next two outs, as Kendrys Morales popped to Correa at short and Mike Moustakas' line drive was caught by Valbuena. But Salvador Perez slapped a base hit past Kazmir's outstretched glove and into center field, which moved Hosmer to third. A walk to Alex Gordon loaded the bases, and Alex Rios took a Kazmir fastball off of his forearm to force Hosmer home and tie the game at one. Alcides Escobar followed with a single to left that scored Parez and put the Royals in front 2-1, and Ben Zobrist smacked another single to left to bring Gordon and Rios home and extend the lead to 4-1.

Astros pitching coach Brent Strom came to the mound to give Kazmir a breather, but his visit didn't pay immediate dividends, as Cain was hit in the hip by a pitch to reload the bases. Hosmer, who had led off the inning, also finished it with a bouncer to Jose Altuve at second, and the Royals had left the bases loaded. But they'd also sent ten men to the plate and scored four runs on four hits, a walk, and a pair of hit batsmen. We've played an inning and a half in Game 6, and it's Royals 4, Astros 1.

Royals 3rd: Morales lined a leadoff single to left center. He moved to second on Moustakas' grounder to second and scored on Perez's double off the wall in left to give the Royals a 5-1 lead. Gordon was next, and he hit a routine fly ball to right. Springer went back a couple of steps, saw the ball wasn't going to carry that far, and raced in to make the catch. He had to dive at the last moment, and appeared to make the grab, only for the ball to fall out of his glove on the way down. Perez took advantage of the confusion to score the sixth Kansas City run, and Gordon ended up at second base on the error. Rios' fly to left was caught by Rasmus for the second out, with Gordon staying put at second. It was up to Escobar to keep the inning going, and his base hit past the mound and up the middle scored Gordon to make it 7-1. Zobrist forced Escobar to retire the side, but the Royals have added three more runs on three hits, a productive fly ball, and Springer's costly two-base error. We've played two and a half, and it's Heartland 7, Gulf Coast 1.

Astros 5th: With one out, Marisnick doubled off the wall in left. Altuve beat out a bouncer to short for an infield single to put runners at the corners, and Springer's base hit to left center scored Marisnick to cut the Royals' lead to 7-2. A walk to Correa loaded the bases, and Royals starter Edinson Volquez walked Rasmus to force in Altuve and make it 7-3. Gattis followed with a base hit up the middle to score Springer ad Correa to bring the Stros within 7-5, and that was all for Volquez. Kelvin Herrera relieved, and he only needed one pitch to get the Royals out of the inning, as Valbuena lined said pitch to Zobrist, who stepped on the bag at second to double off Rasmus and complete an unassisted inning-ending double play. But the Astros have clawed their way back into the game, scoring four runs on four hits and two walks, one of which came with the bases loaded. At the end of five, it's Kansas City 7, Houston 5.

Astros 7th: Altuve drew a leadoff walk against Royals reliever Ryan Madson. Springer lined a base hit to left to put runners at the corners, and Correa lined another single to left that scored Altuve and cut the KC lead to 7-6. Rasmus forced Correa for the first out, but Springer was bale to score, and the game was tied at seven. Gattis went down swinging for out number two, and Valbuena's foul pop was caught by Hosmer just behind first to end the inning. But the home squad has completed its comeback from six runs down, scoring two runs on two hits, a walk, and a productive fielder's choice. Sevens are wild here in Game 6; we've played seven innings, and our score is Royals 7, Astros 7.

Astros 9th: Springer drew a leadoff walk against Royals closer Wade Davis. Correa's fly to the warning track in center was caught by Cain for out number one, but Rasmus stroked a base hit to right center to put runners at the corners. Gattis was next, and here's Joe Buck with the count one ball and two strikes:

"What a defensive night for Lorenzo Cain, He's made several catches in deep center field, which is especially difficult to play here in Houston because of the distance from home plate, and his throw to third a moment ago was just an eyelash too late; Springer got o more than a fingertip on the bag before Moustakas put the tag down. Now it's one and two on Gattis, with Valbuena on deck. This is Davis' second inning, so the Royals will most likely need a new pitcher if there's a tenth inning. Speaking of pitching, what a relief job by (Astros reliever) Mike Fiers: six scoreless innings while giving up just three hits and striking out eight. He's only thrown sixty-nine pitches, so (Astros manager) A.J. Hinch could get one more inning out of him should he choose to.

But Gattis can save him from having to make that decision right here. Davis checks the runner at third, and the one-two pitch........anither fly ball to deep center. Cain going back, toward the warning tack, and makes the catch. Springer's on his way home, it's gonna take a perfect throw to beat him......UP THE LINE AT THIRD, AND THE ASTROS FORCE GAME 7!......They were down 7-1 after three, but scored four in the fifth, two in the seventh, and the winning run here in the ninth. Mike Fiers gets the win with six shutout innings of relief, and George Springer finishes four for four plus a walk and scores four runs, including the game-winner on the sacrifice fly by Evan Gattis. There's a lot to digest, and we'll start after the break. Our final score: Astros 8, Royals 7, and this series is even at three games apiece. Back to Minute Maid Park in a moment."

Springer and Fiers shared Player of the Game honors from FS1. In addition to getting four hits and scoring four runs, Springer also drove in a run. He was assisted offensively by Rasmus, who was two for four plus a walk and had three RBIs.. Gattis also drove in tree runs, including the game-winner. Marisnick was two for four and scored a run, and Altuve scored a pair of runs. Escobar was the Royals offensive leader; he finished three for five with a pair of RBIs. Perez was two for four with an RBI and scored twice, while Hosmer was two for five and scored a run. Zobrist drove in a pair of runs with his second-inning single, while Gordon scored twice.

Final totals: Astros 8-12-1, Royals 7-10-0.

W- Fiers (1-0)
L- Davis (0-1)

Before we go, here's our Defensive Play of the Night. It's the bottom of the third with two out, and Springer's at second with a double. Correa's at the plate, and here's Joe:

"Fly ball to left, not very deep. Gordon goes back, now has to come in, slides and MAKES THE CATCH! GREATPLAY BY ALEX GORDON!......If he'd dived, the ball would have gone past him and possibly to the wall, so he just put himself on his backside and snagged it rather artistically for the final out. The Astros leave Springer at second, and as we go to the fourth they still trail the Royals 7-1."

The series will be decided with Game 7 tomorrow night here at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 8PM Eastern, with Yordano Ventura making his third start of the series for the Astros and Lance McCullers Jr. going to the mound for the Astros.

Next: We look at Game 7.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 7 of the 2015 American League Championship Series from Minute Maid Park in Houston. The date is Saturday, October 24:

Before we go any further, let's meet tonight's umpires:

Home Plate: Jim Reynolds
First Base: Laz Diaz
Second Base: John Hirschbeck
Third Base: Hunter Wendelstedt
Left Field: Dan Iassogna
Right Field: Jeff Nelson

Royals 1st: With one out, Ben Zobrist faced Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr. Here's Joe Buck with the count one ball and two strikes:

"(Astros manager) A.J. Hinch is taking a bit of a calculated risk here in holding back Dallas Keuchel for a potential World Series Game 1 on Tuesday night here in Houston. The last time we saw Keuchel was in the bottom of the eighth inning in Game 5, when he was giving up a three-run bomb to Kendrys Morales. Apparently, Hinch saw something he didn't like, so McCullers, who started Game 2 here last Saturday, got the call instead. Here's the one-two pitch to Zobrist......HIT HIGH IN THE AIR AND DEEP TO RIGHT CENTER! BACK IS MARISNICK, AT THE TRACK, AT THE WALL, AND THE ROYALS HAVE THE EARLY LEAD!........Zobrist with his first homer of the series, and that looks like Dallas Keuchel, of all people, going down to the Astros bullpen to start throwing."

Harold Reynolds: "McCullers tries for a strikeout by trying to throw a ball in the dirt, but Zobrist anticipates that and golfs the pitch over the wall in right center, and that really looked like a drive off the first tee. I'm a bit surprised at A.J. for getting someone up so soon, especially someone who was off in a relief outing the last time we saw him and gave up a three-run homer."

John Smoltz: "He's still their ace, H, and besides, it worked well for the Astros last night, as Mike Fiers shut out the Royals over the final six innings. He's not throwing just yet from what I can see on the monitor, so McCullers has time to get himself together and stay in the game."

Young Lance did just that, striking both Lorenzo Cain and Eric Hosmer out swinging to retire the side. Zobrist's hoer has put the Royals on top; let's see how the Astros respond.

Astros 1st: Jose Altuve led off with a single up the middle. George Springer's single to left moved Altuve to third, and both runners scored on Carlos Correa's bloop double to left center. Colby Rasmus struck out swinging for the first out, but Evan Gattis stroked a single to left that brought Correa home and put the Stros up 3-1. Luis Vabuena's infield pop was caught by Alcides Escobar for out number two, and Chris Carter went down swinging to end the inning. The Astros have answered with three runs on four hits, and at the end of one they lead the Royals 3-1.

Royals 2nd: With one out, Mike Moustakas singled to right center. Salvador Perez's bloop double to left center moved him to third, and he came home when Alex Gordon beat out a bouncer to Correa at short for an infield single. Perez moved to third on the hit, but both runners were stranded when Alex Rios struck out swinging and Escobar flew to Jake Marisnick in center. The Royals settle for a run on three hits, and after an inning and a half it's Stros 3, Monarchs 2.

Astros 3rd: With one out, Correa was hit in the knee by a pitch. After Rasmus went down swinging for out number two, Correa stole second. Gattis lined a single to left center that scored Correa and put the Astros up 4-2. Valbuena walked to put two men on, and Ventura hit Carter in the knee with a pitch to load the bases. That brought Jason Castro to the plate, and he smacked a single to right center that scored Gattis and Valbuena to make it 6-2 Houston. Carter went to third on the hit, and that was all for Ventura. Danny Duffy relieved and caught Marisnick looking at strike three to end the inning. The Astros have added to their lead with three runs on two hits, two hit batsmen, a walk, and a stolen base while leaving runners at the corners. At the end of three, it's Houston 6, Kansas City 2.

Royals 4th: Morales led off with a double to right and moved to third on Moustakas' grounder to first. A wild pitch from McCullers brought Morales home, and the Royals were back within 6-3. But Lance again recovered, striking out Perez swinging and retiring Gordon on a bouncer to second to end the inning. The Royals have scored a run on a hit, a productive groundout, and a wild pitch, but they still trail the Astros 6-3 after three and a half.

Royals 6th: Hosmer led off against McCullers. Here's Joe with the count one ball and one strike:

"McCullers has settled down since giving up the first-inning homer to Zobrist, and now the question is: How long will A.J. Hinch stay with him? This could be his last inning if either Will Harris or Luke Gregerson is ready to pitch two tonight with two days off coming before the World Series. As for the Royals, they're hoping that their bats awaken in a hurry, as they have three runs to make up before the Astros can get twelve outs. Hosmer is 0 for 2 tonight; he grounded into a double play his last time up in the third. Here's the one-one pitch........AND THAT ONE IS HIT A MILE TO DEEP RIGHT CENTER! MARISNICK IS BACK, AT THE TRACK, AT THE WALL, AND IT'S GONE!.......A towering blast from Eric Hosmer, and the Royals are back to within two runs here in the sixth. "

Reynolds: "This is an absolute bomb right off of Hosmer's bat. No question that this one is gone. and now we have to wonder if McCullers is getting tired. His pitch count is in the mid-seventies right now-seventy-seven, I believe- but in Game 7, every pitch is magnified, and it may be that the pressure of the situation is draining his energy. Tony Sipp is going down to the bullpen to warm up, so we'll see how McCullers reacts to this home run. Sipp's not wasting any time, so they must think Lance is about out of gas."

Smoltz: "He still has a hitter or two to turn things around, though. If he gets out of this inning quickly, I think he at least starts the seventh, with Harris or someone else ready to go behind him."

Morales walked to continue the inning, but he was forced by Moustakas for the first out. Perez grounded into a 6-4-3 inning-ending double play, but the Royals have crept a run closer on Hosmer's 392-foot home run. After five and a half, it's now Astros 6, Royals 4.

Note: Right center field is 373 feet away from home plate at Minute Maid Park.

Moustakas' force play is our Defensive Play of the Night. Here's how Joe called it:

"Hit down to first, gobbled up by Carter, to second for one AS ALTUVE GETS BOWLED OVER, GETS THE THROW OFF......SAFE AT FIRST!......Moustakas is safe, but the story is Jose Altuve's accurate throw, which he got off as he was almost literally cut off at the knees by Kendrys Morales. Moustakas was safe by no more than half a step, and he'd have been out by much more than that had Altuve had a chance to set himself. Here's Salvador Perez with one out."

Royals 7th: With one out, McCullers faced Rios. Here's Joe with the count no balls and two strikes:

"Sipp warmed uo last inning, so he's just about ready to go should the Royals mount a threat. Escobar on deck, and behind him is Ben Zobrist. This is probably McCullers' last inning anyway, as he's thrown ninety-two pitches as of this moment. Rios is 0 for 2 so far, BUT HITS THAT ONE HIGH AND DEEP TO RIGHT! SPRINGER IS BACK, AT THE TRACK, AT THE WALL, AND GONE! IT'S NOW 6-5 ASTROS IN GAME 7!.......That'LL be it for McCullers, as A.J. Hinch has already made the sign to the bullpen for Tony Sipp."

Reynolds: "Rios got underneath this ball a bit, but he still got enough of the bat on it to get it out to right. I think Springer was surprised at how far the ball was carrying, because he doesn't turn on the speed until the ball's almost to the warning track. Give him credit for busting his hump after that, because he's right at the wall when the ball goes over it."

Smoltz: "The Royals still have the heart of their order due up at least one more time, so this is still anybody's ballgame. Let's see how the Astros bullpen responds."

Escobar continued the inning with a single up the middle, but he was forced by Zobrist. Cain's grounder to Correa at short retired the side. The Royals are within one thanks to Rios' solo homer; as we stretch at Minute Maid, it's now Astros 6, Royals 5.

That was all the scoring. As we rejoin Joe with two out in the top of the ninth. Astros closer Luke Gregerson is ahead of Zobrist one ball and two strikes:

"The big chance for the Royals came in the eighth. They had runners at first and third with one out against Will Harris after Morales walked and Moustakas singled, but Perez's pop was caught by Valbuena and Gordon went down swinging on three straight pitches. The Astros are one strike away from becoming the first franchise to win a pennant in both modern major leagues. On the other hand, one swing from Zobrist and we're tied. Stretch by Gregerson, and the one-two pitch.......HIT HIGH IN THE AIR AND DEEP TO CENTER! MARISNICK IS BACK, AT THE TRACK, AT THE WALL, AND MAKES THE CATCH! THE ASTROS ARE AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!...........This franchise was, to put it bluntly, in the toilet just two years ago, and now they're going to the World Series in a reprise of one of the greatest postseason series in baseball history. We'll soon see whether the 2015 World Series will hold a candle to the 1986 NLCS, but if it doesn't it won't be for lack of trying on the part of these Astros. Down three games to two and 7-1 after three innings in Game 6, they pulled off that incredible comeback last night, then held off the Royals' big bats tonight.

Offensively, the Astros were led tonight by Altuve and Springer, each of whom finished three for five and scored a run. Evan Gattis was two for three plus a walk with a run scored and two more batted in, Carlos Correa knocked it two runs with a double in the first and also scored twice, while Jason Castro drove in a pair with a base hit in the third. For the Ryoals, Zobrist was two for four with a home run, while Moustakas was two for four and scored a run.

As the Astros gather on the field for the presentation of the American League championship trophy, we'll step aside for just thirty second before joining Ken Rosenthat on the field. In addition to the American League championship trophy presentation, we'll also have the presentation of the series MVP trophy, which will go to Luke Gregerson because of his three saves in four Houston victories.

Once again, our final score: the Houston Astros 6, the Kansas City Royals 5, and the Astros take the series four games to three. You're watching FS1's coverage of the American League Championship Series, and we'll go down to Ken Rosenthal on the field in exactly thirty seconds."

Final totals: Astros 6-11-0, Royals 5-10-0.

W- McCullers (1-0)
S- Gregerson (3)
L- Ventura (0-2)

HR- KC: Hosmer (2), Zobrist (1), Rios (1)

As Joe mentioned above, this is the Astros' first American League pennant and their third pennant overall.

Next: We look at Game 1 of the 2015 World Series, which will take place on Tuesday, October 27 at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 8PM Eastern on Fox, with Matt Harvey pitching for the Mets and Dallas Keuchel taking the hill for the Astros.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 1 of the 2015 World Series from Minute Maid Park in Houston. The date is Tuesday, October 27:

Mets 1st: A one-two-three inning for Astros starter Dallas Keuchel. Speaking of the home squad, they're coming to bat.

Astros 1st: Second baseman Jose Altuve reached when Mets shortstop Wilmer Flores couldn't field his leadoff grounder. He subsequently stole second, but Mets starter Matt Harvey retired the next three batters in order: right fielder George Springer and shortstop Carlos Correa each struck out swinging, while designated hitter Evan Gattis bounced to Daniel Murphy at second. The Astros have stranded Altuve at second, and we're scoreless after one.

Mets 2nd: First baseman Lucas Duda singled to right center with one out, but catcher Travis d'Arnaud flew to right center, and left fielder Michael Conforto went down swinging to end the inning. We've played an inning and a half with no score.

Astros 2nd: Harvey retired the Astros in order. After two, there's still no score.

Mets 3rd: Right fielder Curtis Grnaderson's two-out walk was wasted when third baseman David Wright grounded to the Astros' Chris Carter at first. After two and a half, it's Mets 0, Astros 0.

Astros 3rd: Altuve lined a single to right center with two out, but he was forced by Springer to end the inning. We've played three in Game 1, and it's still zip-zip.

Mets 4th: Another three-up three-down inning for Keuchel: Murphy's line drive went back to the mound, center fielder Yoenis Cespedes flew the the Astros' Colby Rasmus in shallow left, and Duda was called out on strikes. After three and a half, it's Empire State 0, Lone Star State 0.

Here's how Joe Buck called Murphy's liner, which is our Defensive Play of the Night:

"Line drive back at Keuchel, WHO PLUCKS IT RIGHT OUT OF THE AIR FOR THE OUT!........Most pitchers woudl have ducked or put their glove up, but Keuchel stared that ball down as long as he could, then made the leaping grab. Here's Cespedes with one out."

Astros 4th: Rasmus whacked a two-out double into the right center power alley, but Cespedes caught third baseman Marwin Gonzalez's fly to deep center at the warning track to end the inning. The Astros leave Rasmus at second, and we got to the fifth still scoreless.

Mets 5th: d'Arnaud's leadoff single to right center came to nothing, as Keuchel quickly recorded the next three outs: Conforto struck out swinging, Flores' fly to deep center was caught by the Astros' Jake Marisnick, and designated hitter Kelly Johnson's liner was gloved by Altuve to end the inning,, Halfway through Game 1, it's NL Champs 0, AL Champs 0.

Astros 5th: With two out, Marisnick singled to right, then stole second. But Altuve's infield pop was caught by Wright just behind third base to retire the side. Marisnick has been stranded at second, and after five it's New York 0, Houston 0.

Mets 6th: Granderson struck out swinging, Wright grounded to first, and Murphy bounced to second. There's still no score after five and a half.

Astros 6th: Springer and Correa each took called third strikes, and Gattis' shallow fly to left was caught by Conforto. It's still a pitcher's duel through six, and there's still no score.

Mets 7th: Cespedes lined a leadoff single to left, and Duda walked to put two men on base for the first time tonight. But d'Arnaud's liner was gloved by Correa, and Conforto grounded into a 3-6-3 inning-ending double play. It's stretch time at Minute Maid, and we're still scoreless.

Astros 7th: Rasmus lined a leadoff single to right, but Harvey got the next three outs in order: Gonzalez took a called third strike, Carter flew to Conforto in shallow left, and Castro struck out swinging. We've played seven, and Keuchel has shut out the Mets on three hits, while Harvey has shut out the Astros on four hits.

Mets 8th: Another one-two-three inning for Keuchel: Flores' foul pop was caught by Gonzalez in front of the third base dugout, Michael Cuddyer (batting for Johnson) grounded to second, and Granderson was called out on strikes. As we go to the bottom of the eighth, there's still no score.

Astros 8th: With one out, Altuve faced Harvey. Here's Joe with the count one ball and one strike:

"This game is going to go down with the great pitcher's duels in World Series history regardless of outcome. Both Harvey and Keuchel have been outstanding, and there was a question about Keuchwl going into the game after (Astros manager) A.J. Hinch skipped over him in Game 7 of the ALCS against the Royals in favor of Lance McCullers Jr. That ended up working out for Houston, but there was a question about Keuchel's shoulder or elbow possibly showing signs of stiffness. Well, if there was any stiffness anywhere, it certainly left before tonight's first pitch. Altuve has one of the Astros' four hits tonight, and he's looking for his second right here to finally get this Astros offense off the ground. Here's the one-one pitch.....HIT HIGH IN THE AIR TO DEEP LEFT! GOING BACK IS CONFORTO, AT THE TRACK, AT THE WALL, AND THIS BALL IS GONE!......What a way to break the scoreless tie, as Jose Altuve takes Matt Harvey deep here in the bottom of the eighth to give the Astros a 1-0 lead."

John Smoltz: "This is the same Matt Harvey curveball that's been dominant all night, but this time Altuve's able to time it and hit it a long way. Conforto does a great job of tracking the ball, but it beats his glove over the wall by just a hair. We'll see if this is a momentary blip or if Harvey's running out of gas."

Harold Reynolds: "He needs to get the homer out of his mind in a hurry, because the Astros have a bunch of dangerous hitters coming up, starting with Springer and Correa. if Harvey doesn't watch himself, this close game could become a rout."

Springer drew a walk, but Harvey recovered to strike Correa out swinging for out number one. Gattis was next, and he blooped a double down the line in left. Even though Conforto cut the ball off before it reached the corner, Springer still scored easily to put the Astros up 2-0. Rasmus' grounder to first ended the inning with Gattis still at second, but the Stros have finally solved The Dark Knight, scoring two runs on two hits and a walk. Now it's up to Keuchel to preserve the shutout and the victory in the top of the ninth; he'll face Wright, Murphy, and Cespedes with the home squad up 2-0.

Mets 9th: Wright led off with single to left, but Keuchel retired the next three hitters in order to end the game: Murphy's line dirve was caught by defensive replacement Luis Valbuena at third, Cespedes struck out swinging, and Duda grounded to Gonzalez, who was now at first in place of Carter, to end the game. Our final: Astros 2, Mets 0, and the Astros lead the best-of-seven series one game to none.

Keuchel was named Player of the Game by Fox. He pitched a four-hit shoutout, walking two and striking out nine while throwing a hundred and sixteen pitches. Offensively, Altuve led the way for the Stros; he was two-for four with the tiebreaking home run in the eighth. Rasmus was also two for four. Harvey also pitched an eight-inning complete game in a losing cause, giving up two runs on six hits while walking one and striking out ten. He threw a hundred and eleven piches.

Final totals: Astros 2-6-0, Mets 0-4-1.

W- Keuchel (1-0)
L- Harvey (0-1)

HR- HOU: Altuve (1)

The series will continue with Game 2 tomorrow night here at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 8PM Eastern, with Jacob deGrom starting for the Mets and Lance McCullers Jr. taking the ball for the Astros.

Next: We look at Game 2.

Thoughts?