Baseball in the Pythagorean Universe 1871-Present

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 5 of the 1987 National League Championship Series from Candlestick Park in San Franciisco. The date is Sunday, October 11:

Note: I'm a bit under the weather, so I'm just going to do a one-paragraph recap. I should be back to normal tomorrow.

Giants 8, Mets 7 (NBC: Vin Scully, Joe Garagiola; SF leads series 3-2)

The Mets made a game of it despite losing several starters to food poisoning, but the Giants held them off to take Game 5 and put themselves one step away from the World Series. Kevin Mitchell, Jeffrey Leonard, and Candy Maldonado all drove in pairs of runs, while Robby Thompson had three hits and scored three times. Kelly Downs got the win despite giving up seven runs on ten hits in six and a third innings, while Scott Garrelts gave up just two hits in two and third innings to earn the save. Barry Lyons, who started behind the plate in place of Gary Carter, hit a grand slam in the seventh for New York to bring them back to within 8-7. Howard Johnson, who was one of the few unaffected starters, and Keith Miller, who started at second in place of Tim Teufel, each had two hits. Unfortunately, starting pitcher John Mitchell lasted just three innings, giving up five runs on eight hits.

Game 6 will be Tuesday night at Shea Stadium, with Dave Dravecky of the Giants starting against Rick Aguilera of the Mets.

W- Downs (1-1)
S- Garrelts (2)
L- Mitchell (0-1)

HR- NYM: Lyons (1)

Next: We look at Game 6.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 5 of the first 2013 American League Division Series from Fenway Park in Boston. The date is Thursday, October 10:

Lineup Changes:

Rangers- A.J. Pierzynski will serve as the designated hitter. Geovany Soto will take his place behind the plate and bat sixth, which moves Mitch Moreland down to seventh and Craig Gentry down to eighth. One piece of good news: Leonys Martin has been cleared to play after being hit in the knee by a pitch in Game 4; he'll start in center field and bat ninth.

Red Sox- Jonny Gomes will start in left field and bat sixth.

Weather: 58 degrees, cloudy skies, east-northeast wind at 10 MPH.

Since there was no real-life Game 5, let's take a look at the umpiring crew:

Home Plate: Mike Winters
First Base: Larry Vanover
Second Base: Chris Guccione
Third Base: Eric Cooper
Left Field: Dana DeMuth
Right Field: Paul Emmel

Rangers 1st: With two out, Alex Rios blooped a single to left, then stole second. After Adrian Beltre walked on four pitches, Pierzynski lined a base hit up the middle to score Rios and give the Rangers a 1-0 lead. Soto's fly to Jacoby Ellsbury in shallow center ended the inning with runners still at first and second, but the Rangers have scored first thanks to two hits, a walk, and a stolen base. It's up to the Red Sox to counter.

Red Sox 1st: Ellsbury led off with a single to right against Rangers starter Yu Darvish. Shane Victorino's base hit to left center put runners at the corners, and a walk to Dustin Pedroia loaded the bases. David Ortiz grounded into a 6-4-3 double play, which brought Ellsbury home to tie the game at one. Victorino moved to third on the play, and Mike Napoli walked to put runners back at the corners. But Darvish struck Gomes out swinging to strand the runners and retire the side. The Sox have tied the game thanks to two hits, two walks, and a productive double play, and we're tied at one after one in Game 5.

Rangers 3rd: Rios led off against Red Sox starter Jon Lester. Here's Ernie Johnson with the count two balls and no strikes:

"Rios hit a bloop single to left in the first, stole second, and came home on the base hit by Pierzynski. We're tied at one here in the top of the third, and this is just Game 1 of our ALDS doubleheader here on TBS. The other game comes after us, and it's the Tigers going against the A's out at the Coliseum in Oakland. By the end of the day, the ALCS matchup will be decided, so stay here with us and see it all unfold. The NLCS has already been decided; it'll be the Cardinals against the Dodgers. Here's the 2-0 from Lester.......LINED DEEP TO LEFT, GOING BACK IS GOMES, AT THE WARNING TRACK, AT THE MONSTER, AND THIS ONE IS GONE!...…Alex Rios takes Jon Lester deep here in the third, and the Rangers go out in front 2-1."

Jim Kaat: "Lester hasn't quite been himself today, EJ. The Rangers have hit him hard, even when they've made outs, and he's been consistently high, unable to get he ball down into the strike zone. Rios takes full advantage of that here and really stings this ball. Most of the Rangers have consistently hit the ball to left, either on the gorund or in the air, so this fits their pattern, and it's up to Lester to break it."

Lester got the next two outs, as Beltre grounded to Napoli at first and Pierzynski bounced to second. That brought Soto to the plate with two out, and here's EJ again:

"Soto can indirectly thank Nelson Cruz's bruised knee for his start today. With Cruz unable to start, even as a DH, (Rangers manager) Ron Washington felt he needed a more experienced bat in that spot going into a deciding game, and he picked Pierzynski. So Soto, who was so hot for the Cubs during the postseason a few years back, starts behind the plate. With the weather cool and overcast, we may not even see Cruz as a pinch hitter in this one. Here's the first pitch to Soto.....HIT HIGH AND HARD DOWN THE LEFT FIELD LINE, ANOTHER LONG RUN FOR GOMES, HE'S AT THE TRACK, AT THE MONSTER, AND IT'S GONE!.......The Rangers have homered twice off Jon Lester in this inning to take a 3-1 lead, and this time it's Geovany Soto doing the honors."

Kaat: "Again, this ball's too far up in the strike zone, and if Soto hadn't gotten under it slightly, this would have been a tape measure shot. As it is, he pulls it a ton down the left field line, and there's enough power behind the ball to get it over the wall, (Catcher Jarrod) Saltalamacchia's out to try and calm Lester down a little, because this can;t continue if the Red Sox want to have any chance in this ballgame."

Moreland went down swinging to end the inning, but homers from Rios and Soto have staked the Lawmen to a 3-1 lead after two and a half.

Red Sox 4th: Napoli drew a leadoff walk, which brought Gomes to the plate against Darvish. Here's EJ with the count one ball and one strike:

"We've talked several times about Lester being wilder than usual, but the walk to Napoli was the fifth given up by Darvish on the day. Fortunately for the Rangers, none of the walks have hurt them so far, but they've driven up Darvish's pitch count; he's already thrown fifty-one pitches in a little over three innings. Gomes struck out to end the first, and there's Napoli at first being held on by Moreland; he's not really a threat to run in any case.. Darvish heaves a sigh to collect himself, now here's the one-one pitch.......SWING AND A LINE DRIVE DEEP TO LEFT, CRAIG GENTRY GOES BACK, HE'S AT THE TRACK, AT THE MONSTER, AND THIS BALL'S GONE!.....Jonny Gomes hits a two-run homer here in the bottom of the fourth, and we're tied at three."

Kaat: "Darvish is having the same problem Lester is: he's getting the ball too far up in the strike zone, and that allows hitters to get full extension with the arms and hit deep line drives and fly balls. Here's another one off the bat of Gomes, and Gentry thinks he might have a play on it until he reaches the warning track, when he knows it's gone. There's something about deciding games that bring out the unusual, so fasten your seat belts for a wild one, folks."

Salty walked to keep the inning going, but Stephen Drew grounded into a 3-6-3 double play. Will Middlebrooks' fly to Rios in right ended the inning, but the Red Sox have tied the game on Gomes two-run homer. At the end of four, it's Texas 3, Boston 3.

The game remained tied until the eleventh. Both team wasted several golden opportunities to unsnap the tie. The Rangers' best chance came in the fifth, when Rios reached on Middlebrooks' throwing error, then stole second and third. Soto walked with two outs to put runners at the corners, but Moreland's bouncer to second ended the inning. The Red Sox' best opportunity came in the seventh. Middlebrooks walked with one out, but was forced by Ellsbury. Victorino's single to left put runners at the corners, but Pedroia's bouncer to short ended the inning.

Rangers 11th: With two out, Rios was hit in the knee by a pitch, then stole second, his fifth stolen base of the day. A walk to Beltre put two on, and Pierzynski came to the plate against Red Sox reliever Craig Breslow. We join EJ with the count two balls and one strike:

"Junichi Tazawa warming up for the Red Sox; he'll face Soto if Breslow can't get Pierzynski out. Rios is always a threat to steal, especially toight, but I doubt he'll try now and risk being thrown out at third. Breslow looks him back to second anyway, now into the stretch, and here's the two-one pitch.......ground ball, BASE HIT INTO RIGHT CENTER FIELD! RIOS AROUND THIRD, HERE'S THE THROW FROM ELLSBURY.....NOT IN TIME! PIERZYNSKI'S SINGLE PUTS THE RANGERS HAEAD 4-3, AND BELTRE'S NOW AT THIRD!"

Tazawa caught Soto looking to retire the side, have taken the lead thanks to a hit, a walk, a hit batsman, and a stolen base. Joe Nathan's already been used, so the winning pitcher in the Wild Card Game, Martin Perez, will try to nail down a trip to the ALCS for the Rangers in the bottom of the eleventh. He'll face Gomes, Salty, and Drew while trying to protect a 4-3 lead.

Red Sox 11th: With one out, it was Satly against Perez. Here's EJ with the count one ball and no strikes:

"We've talked about wasted opportunities and how the losing team will rue letting them get away. In addition to the ones we've mentioned earlier, the Ranger stranded Martin in the sixth after a one-outcut double. In the seventh, Beltre singled and Pierzynski was hit by a pitch, but Jon Lester ended his night by striking out both Soto and Moreland. In the ninth, Rios singled and stole second, but was left in scoring position when Pierzynski flew out. In spite of it all, they're just two outs from the ALCS. There you see Drew on deck, and if someone should get on, it'll be Middlebrooks up next. Perez ready, and here's the 1-0 pitch........HIGH FLY BALL, DEEP RIGHT CENTER, BACK IS MARTIN, AT THE WALL, AND IT'S GONE!...…Just like that, this game is tied, thanks to Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Fenway Park is alive and on its feet!"

Kaat: "A good pitch by Perez, put exactly where he wanted it on the outside part of the plate. but Saltalamacchia got to it anyway. This wasn't a cheap home run by any means, and Perez has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. He has to go back to work and focus on getting the next couple of hitters out, and he's tough enough to do that, as we saw against the Indians in the Wild Card Game."

Drew grounded to first for the second out. A walk to Middlebrooks kept the inning alive, but Will was forced by Ellsbury to end the inning, The Red Sox have tied the game thanks to Salty's homer. and we head to the twelfth tied at four.

Red Sox 12th: With one out, Pedroia beat out a bouncer to third for an infield single. David Ortiz singled to left, and Gentry picked up the ball and fired to third in an effort to throw Pedroia out. But Dustin was safe by an eyelash, and runners were at the corners for Napoli. Here's EJ:

"Everybody's in for the Rangers, both infield and outfield. A fly ball of any depth or a grounder not hit right at somebody means the series goes to the Red Sox. Even if the ball is caught easily, it'll be close, as Pedroia at third has decent speed. Perez really needs a strikeout here so the defense behind him can play more normally. Napoli hitless in two official at-bats, and he's walked three times. There you see Jonny Gomes on deck in case Napoli makes an out. One out, bottom of the twelfth, tied at four. Here's the first pitch to Napoli...…grounded between first and second INTO RIGHT CENTER FIELD! HERE COMES PEDROIA, AND THE RED SOX WIN THE SERIES!.......Mike Napoli with the one-out base hit here in the bottom of the twelfth, and the Red Sox, who were behind 4-3 going to the bottom of the eleventh, tie the game on a homer by Jarrod Saltalamacchia, then win the game on a base hit by the former Ranger Mike Napoli in the bottom of the twelfth.

It's the top of the second out in Oakland with the Tigers and A's scoreless, so we'll take a break and then join Don Orsillo, Dennis Eckersley, and Buck Martinez . Once again our final in twelve innings, as we look at our Player of the Game, Mike Napoli: the Boston Red Sox 5, the Texas Rangers 4 , and the Red Sox win the series three games to two. For Jim Kaat and our dugout reporter Rachel Nichols, I'm Ernie Johnson saying good night from Fenway Park in Boston. You're watching coverage of the American League Division Series on TBS."

In addition to Napoli, the Red Sox were led offensively by Pedroia, who was two for three with a run scored and walked three times. For the Rangers, Pierzynski was two for five with two RBIs. and Rios was three for five with an RBI and three runs scored. He also stole five bases, which is a record for a postseason game regardless of universe. The Rangers' pitching staff surrendered ten walks, nine of which came from Darvish. The Rangers also struck out sixteen times; Tuzawa fanned the final four Texas batters to earn the win.

Final totals: Red Sox 5-10-1, Rangers 4-11-0.

W- Tuzawa (1-0)
L- Perez (0-1)

HR- TEX: Rios (1), Soto (1)
BOS: Gomes (1), Saltalamacchia (1)

The Red Sox went on to defeat the Tigers in six games to win their ninth American League pennant so far in this timeline, then defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in six games to claim their fourth world championship so far in this timeline. By my unofficial count, we've now crowned a hundred and two modern world champions, and the American League leads the all-time standings 53-49.

Next: To be determined.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 4 of the 2016 World Series from Wrigley Field in Chicago. The date is Saturday, October 29:

Lineup Changes:

Red Sox- Dustin Pedroia returns to second base and will lead off. Mookie Betts drops down to third. Travis Shaw moves from third base to first base and will bat cleanup. Aaron Hill starts at third base and will bat fifth. Finally, Andrew Benintendi returns to left field and will bat eighth.

Cubs- Wilson Contreras moves up to fifth and Addison Russell to sixth, while Javier Baez moves down to eight. Jason Heyward is back in right field and will bat seventh.

Red Sox 1st: Pedroia drew a leadoff walk. Xander Bogaerts singled to left center to put two men on, and a walk to Betts loaded the bases with nobody out. Cubs starter John Lackey struck Shaw out swinging, but walked Hill on a three-two pitch to force Pedroia home and give the Red Sox a 1-0 lead. Cubs pitching coach Chris Bosio paid a quick visit to the mound, and a refreshed Lackey retired Jackie Bradley Jr. on a pop to Baez at second and Sandy Leon on a grounder to first to end the inning the bases still loaded. The visitors have to settle for a run on a hit and three walks, and Wrigley Field is still buzzing as the Cubs come to bat.

Cubs 1st: Dexter Fowler led off by beating out a bouncer to short for an infield single. That brought Kris Bryant to the plate. Here's Joe Buck with the count one ball and one strike:

"Even though Lackey still gave up a run in the top of the first, the fact that he left the base loaded and prevented even more damage has this crowd in an uproar. Now they need offense, and this is one of the guys who can get it for them. There's still some question over whether his long-term future is at third base or at an outfield corner, and he's made starts in both left and right field over the first few years of his career, but for this series he's strictly a third baseman, according to (Cubs manager) Joe Maddon. Maddon wants Bryant to have defensive stability so he can focus on his hitting, and after a year in which he hit thirty-nine home runs and drove in a hundred and two runs, you can understand why. Fowler could go at any time, AND THIS PITCH IS ABSOLUTELY HAMMED DEEP TO LEFT CENTER! BOGAERTS TAKES A LOOK, BUT THIS ONE'S WITH THE BLEACHER BUMS!.....Kris Bryant hits his first homer of the series, and the Cubs are out in front 2-1."

John Smoltz: "Lackey meant to throw one in the dirt to see if Bryant would chase, but he gets the ball up in the strike zone, and Bryant absolutely obliterates it. On a warm, sunny summer day with the wind blowing out, this one may have been out of the park. As it is, a fan in an old Ron Santo jersey has a World Series souvenir. There you see him showing it off to our camera."

Buck: "It's 353 feet to left center at Wrigley, and that ball traveled 379 feet according to StatCast."

Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz retired Anthony Rizzo on a comebacker and Ben Zobrist on a fly to Betts in shallow right, then struck Contreras out swinging to end the inning. The Cubs have taken the lead thanks to Bryant's two-run homer, and after one it's Cubs 2, Red Sox 1.

Red Sox 2nd: After two out, Pedroia singled to left. That brought Bogaerts to the plate, and here's Joe:

"Pedroia seems to have gotten over the twenty-four hour flu that limited him to defensive replacement duty last night, as he came in at second in the ninth after David Ortiz batted for Marco Hernandez. Bogaerts singled in the first, but was one of those left stranded. We'll see if Pedroia's strong enough to be a running threat. Lackey nods to Contreras, now comes to the plate, AND BOGAERTS HITS ONE TO DEEPLEFT CENTER! BACK IS FOWLER, AT THE TRACK, AT THE WALL, AND IT IS GONE!...…That one was hit about as well as the ball Bryant hit in the last half-inning, and it's now 3-2 Boston here in the second."

Smoltz: "The pitch was similar to the one Bryant hit too, Joe. Lackey's trying to make Bogaerts chase, and he doesn't get away with it, either. Let's see where this ball lands.......a little over to the right of Bryant's ball and about a row down. Unfortunately, nobody caught it, or it would have been back on the field."

Buck: "Someone must have found it, because there it goes. A Wrigley Field tradition live on here in the World Series, and that ball was hit an estimated 368 feet."

Betts' grounder to Bryant at third ended the inning, but Bogaerts' two-run blast has given the Red Sox a 3-2 lead after an inning and a half.

Cubs 2nd: Buchholz retired the Cubs in order. We've played two, and it's still 3-2 Red Sox.

Red Sox 3rd: Shaw led off with a double into the right center power alley. He held at second while Hill bounced to short for the first out, but Bradley doubled inside the bag at first and down the left field line. Shaw scored easily, and the Red Sox led 4-2. Leon went down swinging for out number two, and Maddon ordered an intentional walk to Benintendi, which would bring up the inexperienced hitter Bucholz. Clay lined the first pitch he saw right at Baez, and the inning was over. The Sox settle for a run on two hits and a walk while leaving runners at first and second. After two and a half, it's AL Champs 4, NL Champs 2.

Cubs 3rd: A one-two-three inning for Buchholz: Lackey's liner was caught by Baez, Fowler went down swinging, and Bryant flew to Benintendi in shallow left. Buchholz has retired the last nine Cubs batters in a row. After three, the Red Sox are still up by a pair.

Red Sox 4th: Pedroia led off with a base hit tor ight center, but was forced by Bogaerts. Betts' fly to left center was caught by Fowler, and Shaw was retired on a comebacker to end the inning. We're through three and a half, and the Red Sox still lead 4-2.

Cubs 4th: Rizzo and Zobrist both grounded to third, and Contreras flew to Betts in shallow right. That makes twelve in a row retired by Buchholz, and the Red Sox still lead by two after four.

Red Sox 5th: Leon doubled to right after two out. Benintendi walked- unintentionally this time- and Buchholz was next. This time he came through, as he lined a double into the right center power alley. Leon and Benintendi both scored, and it was 6-2 Red Sox. Pedroia flew to shallow left center to strand Buchholz at second and end the inning, but the Sox have added to their lead with two runs on two hits and a walk. Halfway through Game 4, it's Boston 6, Chicago 2.

Cubs 5th: Russell popped to third, Heyward took a called third strike, and Baez's fly down the line in left was caught by Benintendi, Buchholz has pitched a perfect game since allowing Bryant's homer in the first, and the Red Sox are leading 6-2 after five.

Red Sox 6th: New Cubs pitcher Justin Grimm had a one-two-three inning: Bogaerts popped to first, Betts went down swinging, and Shaw popped to short. We've played five and a half, and it's Beantown 6, Windy City 2.

Bogaerts' pop to first is our Defensive Play of the Night, and here's how Joe called it:

"Popped up behind first, over toward the dugout, Rizzo still chasing, he'll have tp reach in.....did he get it? YES, HE DID!...…..Joe Maddon reaches out to steady his star first baseman, and there's one out here in the sixth with Betts coming to the plate."

Cubs 6th: Fowler walked with one out to snap Buchholz's string of consecutive batters retired at sixteen. He moved to second on Bryant's bouncer to short, but was stranded there when Rizzo flew to left center to retire the side. After six, the Cubs still trail by four.

Red Sox 7th: Another one-two-three inning for Grimm: Hill grounded to third, Bradley lined out to second, and Leon struck out swinging. As we stretch on the North Side of Chicago, the Red Sox are still in front 6-2.

Cubs 7th: Zobrist drew a one-out walk. Contreras struck out swinging for out number one, but Russell walked to put two men on. Heyward followed with a single to right center; Betts came up throwing, but Zobrist beat Leon's tag, and the Boston lead was down to 6-3. Russell went to third on the throw home. Next was Baez, who popped up to Bogaerts at short for out number two. Next came the pitcher's spot, and the crowd buzzed in anticipation of Kyle Schwarber being announced as the pinch hitter. Instead, Chris Coghlan batted and walked to load the bases for Fowler. Dexter bounced to second on the first pitch, and the Cubs had left the bases loaded. But they've still scored a run on a hit and three walks, and as we go to the eighth they trail the Red Sox 6-3.

Red Sox 8th: Ortiz batted for Buchholz with one out and blooped a single to left center, but he was stranded there, as Pedroia flew to Heyward in left center and Bogaets grounded to second. After seven and a half, it's still 6-3 Scarlet Hose.

Cubs 8th: Red Sox reliever Koji Uehara had a one-two-three inning: Bryant struck out swinging, Rizzo lined to Shaw at first, and Zobrist took a called third strike. We've reached the end of eight, and the Red Sox still lead by three.

Red Sox 9th: Betts drew a leadoff walk against new Cubs pitcher Pedro Strop, but Shaw grounded into a 3-6-3 double play. Hill's grounder to third ended the inning. Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel is ready to go in the bottom of the ninth, and he'll face Contreras, Russell, and Heyward while trying to protect a 6-3 Boston lead.

Cubs 9th: Russell singled to left center with one out. Heyward was next, and here's Joe with the count one ball and two strikes:

"The Red Sox infield is at double-play depth, and Heyward grounded into twelve on the regular season. A Red Sox victory tonight means that David Ortiz will finish his storied career in front of the Fenway faithful, as a Game 6 would be guaranteed for Tuesday night in Boston. There you see Javier Baez on deck, and Kyle Schwarber has a bat in his hands, so he'll pinch hit if we get to the pitcher's spot. One ball and two strikes to Heyward, and Russell takes his lead off first. Next pitch IS HIT HIGH IN THE AIR TO DEEP CENTER! BACK IS BRADLEY, AT THE TRACK, AT THE IVY, AND THIS IS A ONE-RUN GAME!...…Jason Heywrard takes Craig Kimbrel deep to bring the Cubs within 6-5, and now if Baez or Schwarber run into one, the game is tied. They're going wild at Wrigley Field, and here comes Javier Baez."

Smoltz: "Kimbrel tried for the strikeout by throwing this one right down the middle, but he didn't get all the velocity he wanted on it, and Heyward was able to time it and hit it a long way. Bradley thought for a moment about tying to climb the ivy, but quickly decided against it. Now Kimbrel's in trouble; Baez and Schwarber are both home run threats, and then we go to the top of the order with Fowler and maybe Bryant. This one's not over yet, Joe."

But Baez went down swinging for the second out, and Schwarber's liner was gloved by Bogaerts to end the game. Our final: Red Sox 6, Cubs 5, and this series is tied at two games apiece.

Buchholz was named Player of the Game by Fox. He pitched seven strong innings, holding the Cubs to three runs on three hits while walking four and striking out five. He also helped his own cause with his two-run double in the fifth. Bogaerts was two for five with his two-run homer, while Pedroia was two for four plus a walk and scored twice. Heyward was the offensive leader for the Cubs; he went two for four with a homer and three RBIs. Bryant also had his two-run homer.

Final totals: Red Sox 6-9-0, Cubs 5-5-0.

W- Buchholz (1-0)
S- Kimbrel (1)
L- Lackey (0-1)

HR- BOS: Bogaerts (1)
CHC: Bryant (1), Heyward (1)

The series will continue with Game 5 tomorrow night here at Wrigley Field. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 8PM Eastern, with David Price starting for the Red Sox and Jon Lester taking the hill for the Cubs.

Next: We look at Game 5.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

I'm going to change course and do the American League Wild Card playoff game from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The date is Tuesday, September 30:

Here are today's umpires:

Home Plate: Cory Blaser
First Base: Eric Cooper
Second Base: Joe West
Third Base: Jeff Nelson
Left Field: Adam Hamari
Right Field: Laz Diaz
Replays: Tony Randazzo

Indians 1st: Shortstop Francisco Lindor led off the game against Rays starting pitcher Charlie Morton. Here's Sean McDonough:

"Leading off for the Indians is the shortstop, Francisco Lindor. He's batting .284 with thirty-two home runs and seventy-four runs batted in. A reminder that today's stats count toward the player's regular season totals, as this is a real Game 163, with the winner headed to Oakland to take on the A's in the American League Wild Card Game tomorrow night. First pitch of the ballgame is SMOKED TO DEEP LEFT FIELD, TOMMY PHAM BACK, HE'S AT THE WALL, AND THIS BALL IS GONE!........One pitch, one home run, and we're off to a wild start here at The Trop. Fans are still filing in, as you can see behind you, and they won't be happy that the Indians already lead 1-0."

Harold Reynolds: "Lindor's sitting dead fastball, and that's exactly what (Rays starting pitcher) Charlie Morton throws here. Right over the heart of the plate, and Lindor hit that ball really hard. This isn't the way Charlie wanted to start for sure, but it's only one pitch; he's got plenty of time to get it together."

Center fielder Oscar Mercado grounded to second for out number one, but first baseman Carlos Santana walked to keep the inning alive. Right fielder Yasiel Puig stroked a single to right that put runners at the corners, but second baseman Mike Freemen grounded into an inning-ending 5-4-3 double play. The Tribe has grabbed the early lead thanks to Lindor's leadoff homer, but they've also left a runner at third. Now let's hear from the hometown Rays.

Rays 1st: With one out, right fielder Austin Meadows faced Indians starting pitcher Shane Bieber. Here's Sean with the count no balls and a strike:

"Meadows is having a breakout season this year after being acquired last year from the Pirates. He's spent time in both left field and right field this year, with fifty-five starts in right and thirty-two in ;eft. He can also play center, but (Kevin) Kiermaier has that spot locked down tight. This is his first full year in the big leagues, so he only figures to get better from here, which so far is thirty-three home runs and eighty-nine runs batted in. One strike pitch.........A WICKED LINE DRVIE HIT DEEP TO RIGHT CENTER, BACK IS MERCADO, HE'S AT THE WALL, AND THIS BALL IS GONE!.......The first batter for the Indians homered to give them the lead, and now the second batter for the Rays has homered to tie the game. This is homer number thirty-four for Meadows, and it looks like we're in for a slugfest at The Trop."

Reynolds: "The Pirates will regret giving up on this guy, as he has awesome power, which he just showed here. That ball was absolutely scalded, and there was nothing Bieber could have done differently. It was just an exhibition of pure power by a great young power hitter, and I have a feeling we'll see more just like it as this game goes on."
'
Pham drew a walk, then stole second. That brought up first baseman Ji-Man Choi, whose single to right center brought Pham home and out the Rays in front 2-1. Third baseman Joey Wendle lied a single to left to put runners at the corners, and shortstop Willy Adames' bloop double to left center scored both Choi and Wendle to extend the Tampa lead to 4-1. After a visit from Indians pitching coach Carl Willis, Bieber finally righted himself, as center fielder Kevin Kiermaier went down swinging and designated hitter Nate Lowe's fly to deep right center was caught by Mercado to end the inning. But the Rays have answered the Tribe's first-inning tally with four of their own, obtained on four hits, a walk, and a stolen base. We've only played one in this wild card playoff, and it's already Tampa Bay 4, Cleveland 1.

Rays 2nd: With one out, second baseman Eric Sogard faced Bieber. Here's Sean with the count one ball and two strikes:

"Sogard's been the starting second baseman for the most part since he came to the Rays from the Blue Jays at the trading deadline. He was the prototypical utility player in Toronto, spending time at short, second, third, and in the outfield corners. Second base is his primary position, though, and he took over for Brandon Lowe when he got here. He's down a ball and two strikes here, as Bieber looks to get back on track after giving up four runs in the first. One-two pitch......HIGH FLY BALL GOING DEEP TO RIGHT, PUIG IS BACK, HE'S AT THE WALL, BUT THIS BALL IS GONE!.......The Rays lead 5-1 here in the second, as that's Sogard's fourth homer with the Rays and his fourteenth overall this season. Bieber's looking rattled out there, Harold."

Reynolds: "He sure does, as Sogard's waiting on the fastball, then sees the curve hanging over the plate and pounces on it. I've noticed that Bieber's curveball has no break on it today, so he's been turned into a fastball pitcher. Now we'll see how good he really is, since he's only able to get his fastball over and the Rays know it."

Meadows followed with a sharp single to left, but Pham struck out swinging and Choi's popup was caught by Lindor at short to end the inning. Sogard's homer has given the Rays another run, and they lead the visiting Indians 5-1 after two.

Rays 4th: Catcher Mike Zunino led off and took a pitch off of his wrist. The game was delayed for several minutes before Zunino finally was declared fit to continue and made his way to first. Sogard struck out swinging for out number one, which brought Meadows to the plate once more. Here's Sean with the count two balls and a strike:

"We all know what Meadows did his first time up; that might have been one of the hardest-hit balls of the season. Adam Plutko throwing in the Indians' bullpen, and it looks like he'll be ready for Tommy Pham if needed. Shane Bieber certainly hasn't been at his best in this game, as he's given up five runs on seven hits in three and a third innings, with two of the hits leaving the ballpark. Zunino won't be going anywhere at first, now the two-one pitch to Meadows.......HIGH FLY BALL GOING DEEP TO RIGHT! PUIG IS BACK, HE'S AT THE WALL, BUT THIS ONE'S GONE!.......Two home runs today for Meadows gives him thirty-five on the season, and Terry Francona doesn't want to see any more from Shane Beber today. Adam Plutko's coming in to face Pham."

Reynolds: "The last one was a bullet, and this one is a work of art. It's soaring as it leaves the bat, and although Puig actually makes this a closer play than it should have been, it was pretty much a no-doubter. Bieber's leaving now, but he gave up seven runs on eight hits in three and a third innings, including three home runs. I guess you'd call him the ace of the staff with Trevor Bauer gone and Corey Kluber injured, and he sure didn't give the Indians an ace-like performance todayy."

Adam Plutko, who had started just two days before and given up eight runs on seven hits in an inning and a third against the Nationals, relieved and faced Pham, who lined the first pitch he saw right at Lindor for out number two. Choi hit a bouncer to Lindor, who juggled and dropped it, allowing Choi to reach on the error. The inning ended when Wendle struck out swinging, but the Rays have added two runs on Meadows' second homer of the day, a hit batsman, and an error. We've played four, and the Rays are now enjoying a 7-1 lead.

Rays 5th: Adames led off against Plutko. Here's Sean with the count one ball and no strikes:

"Plutko got out of the fourth inning, but Pham and Choi each hit the ball hard for their outs, and Wendle sent a ball down the left field line that would have been out of here by a mile if it had been fair before he eventually struck out to end the inning. Adames' batting average has dipped this year- he came into the game today batting .254, down from .278 last year- but he's increased his RBI production by over half from thirty-four to fifty-two as well as doubling his home run production from ten to twenty. He looks to be the shortstop of the future for the Rays, AND HE SENDS PLUTKO'S NEXT PITCH DEEP TO LEFT CENTER! MERCADO GOING BACK, HE'S AT THE WALL, AND IT'S GONE!.......Number twenty-one this year for Adames makes four Tampa home runs today, as they're running away with this one to the tune of 8-1 here in the fifth."

Reynolds: "Power usually comes with experience, Sean, and it's clear that Adames has found his power stroke this year. The Indians need to find someone in their bullpen who can get outs in a hurry; they're down by seven runs now, and they only have four more chances against Charlie Morton, who's been terrific so far. It looks like Plutko's staying in for now, but they have Dan Otero warming up, and they have to go to him unless Plutko figures it out in a hurry."

Kiermaier followed with a double into the right field corner, and that was all for Plutko. Otero got Lowe to ground to short for out number one, with Kiermayer holding at second. Zunino's fly to the warning track in center was snagged by Mercasdo for out number two with Kiermaier moving to third, but Sogard's tapper to Santana at first ended the inning. The Rays have added a run on two hits and a productive fly ball, with the big blow coming on Adames' leadoff homer. At the end of five, it's Former Devil Rays 8, Former Naps 1.

Indians 8th: Mercado led off against Morton. Here's Sean with the count one ball and one strike:

"Morton's been cruising through the first seven innings. He's only allowed one run so far, and that was on the first pitch of the game when Lindor homered. He's only allowed four hits since then, walked two, and struck out ten. Mercado's the first to try and solve him here in the eight, and we have to wonder how much longer Morton will go today; he's already at ninety-nine pitches and ready to throw number one hundred.......hit down the line in left, Pham coming over, ball's carrying well, and IT'S IN THE SEATS FOR A HOME RUN!.......Number sixteen on the year for Mercado; it didn't look like trouble off the bat, but it lands in the first row of seats, and the Indians have their second run."

Reynolds: "Mercado's fooled on the pitch and pulls it with all of his strength. He just manages to get it over the fence, which shows you just how strong he really is. The question is: Was that just a mistake that could happen to anyone, or is Morton finally getting tired? That was his hundredth pitch, which is the limit that most managers put on their starting pitchers these days."

Santana followed with a single up the middle, and Puig walked to put two men on. Second baseman Mike Freeman followed with a routine double-play grounder to short, but Adames couldn't come up with the ball cleanly and had no play. Freeman reached on the error, and Jose Ramirez came out of the dugout to bat for designated hitter Franmil Reyes. Ramirez took a strike, then belted the next pitch he saw over Meadows' head in right. The bases cleared to bring the visitors within 8-5, and Ramirez chugged into third with a standup triple.

Morton's day was finally over, and Oliver Drake came out of the Tampa bullpen to face left fielder Jake Bauers, who walked. Indians manager Terry Francona then went back to his bench, as Roberto Perez batted for catcher Kevin Plawecki. Perez hit the first pitch he saw into the left center power alley for a double, which scored Ramirez to make it 8-6. Bauers stopped at third, and there was still nobody out. That quickly changed, as Drake struck out both third baseman Yu Chang and Lindor out swinging, then retired Mercado on a fly to right to strand the tying runs and end the inning. But the Tribe is back in the game after scoring five runs on four hits, two walks, and an error, and as we go to the bottom of the eighth it's Rays 8, Indians 6.

Indians 9th: With two out, Jason Kipnis batted for Freeman against Rays closer Emilio Pagan. Here's Sean with the count one ball and one strike:

"This is a real roll of the dice for Terry Francona. Kipnis hasn't played since turning his ankle back on September 15 against the Twins; he's been taking batting practice, but hasn't faced anything close to game-action pitching, and to make matters worse, he'll have to go in at second base if the Indians tie the game here in the top of the ninth."

Reynolds: "We'll see how good that ankle's feeling if he has to swing the bat. He didn't look too good coming up to the plate. Of course, neither did Kirk Gibson in 1988,"

McDonough: "The Indians are hoping for similar heroics here in 2019. Pagam gets the sign from Zunino, one-one pitch IS HIT DEEP TO CENTER! KIERMAYER GOING BACK, HE'S AT THE WALL, DOES HE HAVE A CHANCE?.......NO! HOME RUN JASON KIPNIS!.........That's number eighteen this season for Kipnis. but he's really taking his time around the bases, so we'll see if he comes back out for a projected bottom of the ninth."

Reynolds: "He certainly put everything he had into that swing. The ball had to go at least 408 feet to clear the center field wall, and while this isn't exactly a tape-measure shot, it's an impressive feat for someone who hasn't played in two weeks because of a bad ankle. But the work's not done for Cleveland; they need at least one more."

Ramirez followed with a single to left that put the tying run on base and brought Bauers to the plate. Here's Sean with the count one ball and two strikes:

"A lot has been made of the supposed apathy of the crowds here in St. Pete, but they're on their feet now. The Rays are one strike away from a playoff berth, but the tying run is at first in Jose Ramirez. Pagan has saved twenty games this year, but number twenty-one will be his biggest if he can get it. Ramirez will be off on contact; the sign from Zunino, and the one-two pitch.......GOT HIM SWINGING! THE RAYS ARE HEADED TO OAKLAND!.........They led 8-1 heading into the eighth inning, than withstood a furious Cleveland rally, as the Indians scored five times in the eighth, then got the heroic homer from Kipnis here in the ninth, but they hold on for an 8-7 victory, and they'll be going to Oakland on Wednesday night to face the A's in the American League Wild Card Game.

Our Player of the Game is Austin Meadows, who hit two home runs off of Shane Bieber today and finished his day three for five with three RBIs. Willy Adames was three for four with a homer and three RBIs, Eric Sogard added a homer, and Kevin Kiermayer was two for four. The Indians spread their offense around, with Francisco Lindor, Oscar Mercado, and Jason Kipnis hitting home runs, and Jake Bauers going two for four. Jose Ramirez added a bases-clearing triple that was the big blow in the five-run seventh inning that got the Indians back into the game.

Once again, our final score from Tropicana Field: the Tampa Bay Rays 8, the Cleveland Indians 7. We'll take a break and come right back with interviews from the victorious Rays clubhouse from Buster Olney and a preview of the upcoming American League Wild Card Game. Back to The Trop in exactly sixty seconds."

Final totals: Rays 8-11-2, Indians 7-11-1.

W- Morton (17-6)
S- Pagan (21)
L- Bieber (15-9)

HR-CLE: Lindor (34), Kipnis (18), Mercado (16)
TB: Meadows 2 (35), Adames (21), Sogard (14)

The Rays went on to defeat the A's 5-1 in the Wild Card Game, but lost a thrilling five-game division series to the Houston Astros. The Astros went on to win their second American League pennant and fourth overall by defeating the New York Yankees in the ALCS four games to two. Jose Altuve's two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 6 off of Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman was the pennant-winning blow.

Next: Game 6 of the 2019 NLCS between the Nationals and the Dodgers.

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