Baseball in the Pythagorean Universe: 1995

Now here's the action for Friday, April 14:

Red Sox 4, Royals 1

John Valentin's two-run single put the Bosox ahead to stay, even though it was too late to help starter Roger Clemens, who left with the game tied at one. Former Royal Stan Belinda got the win in relief.

The Bosox' magic number to clinch the East has fallen to nine.

W- Belinda (9-1)
S- Aguilera (34)
L- Gubicza (12-15)

Orioles 18, Rangers 2

The O's got most of their runs through an eight-run fourth and a five-run ninth. Jeff Manto hit two home runs, and Cal Ripken Jr. added a third. The Rangers' pitching staff was helpful as well; they gave up no less than four bases-loaded walks.

The O's are still two and a half back in the Eest, and for the moment they've tied the Yankees in the wild card race; both teams are a game and a half behind Seattle.

W- Brown (12-10)
L- Gross (10-15)

HR- TEX: Tettleton (36)
BAL: Manto 2 (24), Ripken Jr. (18)

Twins 7, Blue Jays 2

Marty Cordova's big hit (Note: Anthony doesn't say what kind of hit it was) keyed a four-run fourth for the Twins. Paul Molitor homered twice to provide both runs for the Jays.

W- Radke (12-16)
L- Guzman (5-16)

HR- TOR: Molitor 2 (18)

White Sox 6, Yankees 4 (ESPN: Jon Miller, Joe Morgan)

The Pale Hose scored three times in the second off of Yankees starter Scott Kamieniecki and later added a three-run homer from Ron Karkovice. The Yanks put the tying runs on base in the ninth, but Chisox closer Roberto Hernandez caught Don Mattingly looking to end the game.

The Yankees now trail the East-leading Red Sox by two and a half games, and their elimination number in the East is down to eight. They're still tied with the Orioles in the wild card race, as both teams are a game and a half behind the Mariners. Their elimination number in the wild card race is now nine,

W- Sirotka (2-3)
S- R. Hernandez (34)
L- Kamieniecki (7-8)

HR- CWS: Karkovice (16)

A's 5, Tigers 4

The big inning in this one was the Athletics' four-run fourth, which was highlighted by RBI hits from Mike Bordick and Rickey Henderson. Todd Stottlemyre goes eight and third innings before turning the proceedings over to Dennis Eckersley, who administers the coup de grace.

W- Stottlemyre (16-8)
S- Eckersley (32)
L- D. Wells (10-5)

HR- OAK: Brosius (18)
DET: Fryman (16)

Mariners 16, Brewers 1

Randy Johnson went all the way on the mound for his twentieth win of the season, striking out ten Brewers in the process. Edgar Martinez belted a grand slam in the fourth, and the Mariners scored eight times in the eighth as well. The key hit in that inning was a Tino Martinez double. A Joe Oliver homer produced Milwaukee's only run.

The Mariners hold a two-game lead over both the Yankees and the Orioles in the wild card race.

W- R. Johnson (20-3)
L- Scanlan (4-9)

HR- SEA: E. Martinez (32)
MIL: Oliver (15)

Angels 7, Indians 4

All seven California runs came via the longball: Tim Salmon hit a solo shot in the third, Tony Phillips cracked a two-run homer in the fifth, Jim Edmonds flew solo in the sixth, and Greg Myers capped things off with a three-run bomb in the eighth. Albert Belle and Eddie Murray went yard for the home squad.

The Angels still have a two and a half game lead over the Mariners in the West, and their magic number is down to eight.

W- Boskie (8-8)
L- Hershiser (18-7)

HR- CLE: Murray (24), Belle (53)
CAL: Edmonds (39), Salmon (39), Phillips (30), Myers (11)

Now for your up-to-the-second standings, beginning in the East:

Red Sox: 85-67
(tie) Yankees: 83-70- 2.5 GB
(tie) Orioles: 84-71- 2.5 GB
Blue Jays: 64-89- 21.5 GB
Tigers: 56-98- 30 GB

Note: The elimination number for the Orioles is seven; the elimination number for the Yankees is eight,

In the Central:

Indians: 99-54 (clinched)
White Sox: 78-77- 22 GB
(tie) Brewers: 74-79- 25 GB
(tie) Royals: 74-79- 25 GB
Twins: 61-92- 38 GB

In the West:

Angels: 87-65 (Magic Number: 8)
Mariners: 85-68- 2.5 GB
Athletics: 74-80- 14 GB
Rangers: 71-82- 16.5 GB

In the Wild Card:

Mariners; 85-68
(tie) Orioles: 84-71- 2 GB
(tie) Yankees: 83-70- 2 GB

Note: The elimination number for the Orioles is seven; the elimination number for the Yankees is eight.

Next: We look at April 15.

Thoughts?
 
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Now here's the action for Saturday, April 15:

Orioles 9, Rangers 2 (NBC: Jay Randolph, Jim Rooker)

Brady Anderson's pair of home runs led the Birds to a much-needed victory.

W- Moyer (10-7)
L- Tewksbury (9-10)

HR- BAL: B. Anderson 2 (18)

Red Sox 10, Royals 4 (NBC: Dick Enberg, Tom Seaver)

A five-run fifth blew the game wide open for the Eastern leaders. They were already up 1-0 going into the inning, added one on Mo Vaughn's line drive into the right field seats, then tacked on three more on Troy O'Leary's bomb over the Green Monster in left. Tim Wakefield pitched a complete game, only giving up a grand slam to Gary Gaetti.

Who the Sox lead in the East, by how much, and their magic number will be determined by our next game, as the Yankees host the White Sox in the Bronx.

W- Wakefield (18-9)
L- Gordon (13-13)

HR- KC: Gaetti (40)
BOS: M. Vaughn 2 (44), Canseco (27), O'Leary (11)

Yankees 6, White Sox 4 (NBC: Charlie Jones, Johnny Bench)

The White Sox grabbed an early 1-0 lead on a Frank Thomas homer, and led 4-2 in the fifth when Tim Raines was called safe on a play of unknown origin by plate umpire Richie Garcia. Yankees manager Buck Showalter came out to argue the call and was promptly ejected. As so often happens in baseball, that proved to be the spark that the Yanks needed, as they scored four in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead for good.

The Yanks thus stayed tied with the Orioles in both the East race and the wild card race. The two teams are two and a half games behind the Red Sox in the East and two games behind the Mariners in the wild card race with the Mariners-Brewers result from Milwaukee pending. At this point, the Yanks' elimination number in the East is seven, while the Orioles' is six.

W- Hitchcock (13-11)
S- Wetteland (33)
L- Abbott (11-9)

HR- CWS: Thomas (44)

Mariners 6, Brewers 1 (NBC: Vin Scully, Joe Garagiola, Hannah Storm)

Jay Buhner homered in the first, and Tino Martinez followed suit in the fourth to give the Mariners all the runs they needed. Starter Tim Belcher contributed seven strong innings to the Seattle cause.

The Mariners maintain their two-game lead over the Yankees and Orioles in the wild card race, and they'll be no worse than two and half games behind the Angels in the West at the end of the day. As is the case in the East, the Yankees' elimination number in the wild card race is seven, while the Orioles' is six.

W- Belcher (11-12)
L- Sparks (9-13)

HR- SEA: T. Martinez (33), Buhner (41)

Angels 5, Indians 4 (NBC: Bob Costas, Tony Kubek, Jim Gray)

Garrett Anderson's grand slam gave the visiting Halos a 4-1 lead in the second, Albert Belle's fifty-fourth home run of the season was part of a Cleveland rally that saw them tie the game, but the Angels took a 5-4 lead into the bottom of the ninth, where Belle faced Angels closer Lee Smith with the bases loaded. On the 2-1 pitch, Belle lofted a deep fly ball to left, sending Edmonds back to the wall. With a mighty effort, he reached over the fence to snag the ball just before it would have hit the ground for a game-winning grand slam.

The Angels maintain their two and a half game lead over the Mariners in the West, and their magic number to clinch the division has dropped to seven.

W- Langston (17-7)
S- L. Smith (39)
L- Clark (9-8)

HR- CLE: Belle (54)
CAL: G. Anderson (18)

The A's-Tigers and Twins-Blue Jays series have been canceled due to the new collective bargaining agreement not taking effect until April 26. (They were allowed to play last weekend in order to collect their national TV money from MLB.)

Now for your up-to-the-second standings, beginning in the East:

Red Sox: 86-67
(tie) Yankees: 84-70- 2.5 GB
(tie) Orioles: 85-71- 2.5 GB
Blue Jays: 64-89- 22 GB
Tigers: 56-98- 30.5 GB

In the Central:

Indians: 99-55 (clinched)
White Sox: 79-77- 21 GB
(tie) Brewers: 74-80- 25 GB
(tie) Royals: 74-80- 25 GB
Twins: 61-92- 37.5 GB

In the West:

Angels: 88-65 (Magic Number: 7)
Mariners: 86-68- 2.5 GB
Athletics: 74-80- 14.5 GB
Rangers: 71-83- 17,5 GB

In the Wild Card:

Mariners: 86-68
(tie) Yankees: 84-70- 2 GB
(tie) Orioles: 85-71- 2 GB

Next: We look at April 16.

Thoughts?
 
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Now let's look at the action for Sunday, April 16:

Rangers 16, Orioles 7 (NBC: Jay Randolph, Jim Rooker)

The Rangers scored ten runs in the first three innings to knock Orioles starter Kevin Brown out of the game. Mickey Tettleton and Jeff Frye homered for the Lawmen.

The Birds' elimination number in both the Eastern and wild card races is down to five; they now trail the Mariners by two and a half games for the wild card and the Red Sox by three full games in the East.

W- Pavlik (12-11)
L- Brown (12-11)

HR- TEK: Tettleton (37), Frye (5)
BAL: Hoiles (22), Palmeiro (42)

Mariners 8, Brewers 4 (NBC: Vin Scully, Joe Garagiola, Hannah Storm)

The Mariners scored six times in the seventh to erase a 3-1 Milwaukee lead. Junior Griffey doubled in a pair and Edgar Martinez added a bases-clearing triple.

The Mariners' magic number to clinch the wild card spot is down to six.

W- Torres (5-8)
L- Bones (10-13)

HR- SEA: T. Martinez (34), Amaral (20)

Yankees 9, White Sox 7 (NBC: Charlie Jones, Johnny Bench)

Like the Mariners, the Yankees used a big inning to overcome a deficit; in this case, a seven-run fourth to wipe out a 4-2 disadvantage. The key hits came from Paul O'Neill and Wade Boggs.

The Yankees remain two games behind the Mariners in the wild card race, and their elimination number stays at six.

W- Hitchcock (14-11)
S- Wetteland (34)
L- Alvarez (10-13)

HR- CWS: Durham (9)

Royals 9, Red Sox 4 (NBC: Dick Enberg, Tom Seaver)

The Royals teed off on Red Sox starter Erik Hanson for six runs in the first, and added single runs in the second, fourth, and seventh. Johnny Damon led the Kansas City offense with four hits.

The Red Sox' lead over the Yankees in the East is down to a game and a half. Their magic number remains at seven, and they have eight games remaining while the Pinstripes have seven. Meanwhile, the Royals have taken over third place in the Central by themselves

W- Gubicza (13-15)
L- Hanson (16-6)

HR- BOS: Naehring (11)

Angels 6, Indians 4 (NBC: Bob Costas, Tony Kubek, Jim Gray)

Chili Davis' two-run homer in the top of the second put the Angels in front, but Eddie Murray tied the game for Cleveland with a two-run shot of his own in the bottom of the third. The Angels scored single runs in the third and top of the seventh to go ahead 4-2, but Albert Belle went deep with a man on against Angels starter Chuck Finley to tie the game again. The Angels went ahead to stay in the eighth when Gary Disarcina's RBI double drove in Jim Edmonds, and added an insurance run for good measure. Lee Smith walked Murray with one out and one on in the bottom of the ninth, but got Belle to fly to Edmonds in center and Manny Ramirez to fly to right, ending the game.

The Angels thus maintain their two and a half game lead over the Mariners in the West, and their magic number is down to six.

W- Percival (4-4)
S- L. Smith (40)
L- D. Martinez (14-10)

HR- CAL: C, Davis (22)
CLE: Belle (55), Murray (25)

Now for your up-to-the-second standings, beginning in the East:

Red Sox: 86-68 (Magic Number: 7)
Yankees: 85-70- 1.5 GB
Orioles: 85-72- 2.5 GB
Blue Jays: 64-89- 21.5 GB
Tigers: 56-98- 30 GB

In the Central:

Indians: 99-56 (clinched)
White Sox: 79-78- 21 GB
Royals: 75-80- 24 GB
Brewers: 74-81- 25 GB
Twins: 61-92- 37 GB

In the West:

Angels: 89-65 (Magic Number: 6)
Mariners: 87-68- 2.5 GB
Athletics: 74-80- 15 GB
Rangers: 72-83- 17.5 GB

In the Wild Card:

Mariners: 87-68 (Magic Number: 6)
Yankees: 85-70- 2 GB

Next: To be determined.

Thoughts?
 
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Now let's look at the action for Monday, April 17:

Yankees 6, Twins 2 (ESPN: Gary Thorne, Dave Campbell)

Wade Boggs and Paul O'Neill drove in runs for the Yanks in the first, and they cruised from there. O'Neill later hit a home run, as did Jim Leyritz. Andy Pettitte pitched a complete game.

The Yankees stay within a game and a half of the Red Sox in the East, and they're also within a game and a half of the Mariners in the wild card race.

W- Pettitte (16-9)
L- Erickson (10-14)

HR- NYY: O'Neill (26), Leyritz (10)

Red Sox 3, Royals 0

Mike Greenwell drove in all three Boston runs: two with a double to center in the second and one with a single in the seventh. Spot starter Mike Maddux and Rick Aguilera combined on the shutout.

The Red Sox still lead the Yankees by a game and a half in the East, and their magic number to clinch the division is down to six.

W- Maddux (5-4)
S- Aguilera (34)
L- Gordon (13-14)

Angels 9, Indians 4

The Angels completed their four-game sweep of the Central champs. Tim Salmon homered in the third, and Jim Edmonds' run-scoring double was the key blow in a four-run sixth. Albert Belle provided some thrills for the crowd at Jacobs Field when he hit his fifty-sixth homer of the year off of Troy Percival in the eighth; it was a 1-1 pitch that bounced off the left field foul pole and into the stands.

The Angels now lead the Mariners by three games in the West, and their magic number is down to five.

W- B. Anderson (8-8)
L- Nagy (18-7)

HR- CLE: Belle (56), Sorrento (31)
CAL: Salmon (40)

Now for your up-to-the-second standings, beginning in the East:

Red Sox: 87-68 (Magic Number: 6)
Yankees: 86-70- 1.5 GB
Orioles: 85-72- 3 GB
Blue Jays: 64-89- 22 GB
Tigers: 56-98- 30.5 GB

In the Central:

Indians: 99-57 (clinched)
White Sox: 79-78- 20.5 GB
Royals: 75-81- 24 GB
Brewers: 74-81- 24.5 GB
Twins: 61-93- 37 GB

In the West:

Angels: 90-65 (Magic Number: 5)
Mariners: 87-68- 3 GB
Athletics: 74-80- 15.5 GB
Rangers: 72-83- 18 GB

In the Wild Card:

Mariners: 87-68 (Magic Number: 6)
Yankees: 86-70- 1.5 GB

Next: We look at April 18.

Thoughts?
 
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Now here's the action for Tuesday, April 18:

Angels 8, Tigers 2

The Angels hit four home runs in their destruction of the Tigers. Tim Salmon had two, and Garrett Anderson and Jim Edmonds also went deep. One of Salmon's homers came on the top of the first to begin their offensive onslaught. On the mound, Mark Langston was dominant, only giving up a homer to Travis Fryman.

The Angels now lead the Mariners by three and a half games in the West, and their magic number is four.

W- Langston (18-7)
L- D. Wells (10-6)

HR- CAL: Salmon 2 (42), Edmonds (40), G. Anderson (19)
DET: Fryman (17)

Yankees 19, Twins 3 (ESPN: Gary Thorne, Dave Campbell, Joe Morgan)

The big inning for the Pinstripes was a six-run fourth highlighted by Do Mattingly's home run. Mike Stanley also hit a three-run homer. On the mound, starter Jack McDowell gave up just three hits in eight innings.

The Yankees are now within a game of both the Red Sox in the East and the Mariners in the wild card race.

W- McDowell (17-11)
L- Trombley (5-9)

HR- NYY: Stanley (20), Mattingly (8)

Orioles 5, Royals 3

The Orioles clung to life in both the East and the wild card race by defeating the Royals. Chris Hoiles hit a two-run homer in the third, and Jeff Manto added a solo shot in the fifth. Gary Gaetti broke up the Baltimore shutout bid with a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth. Little-used reliever Terry Clark recorded the save for the O's.

The Birds' elimination number in both the East and the wild card race is four. Meanwhile, the Royals are once again tied for third with the Brewers in the Central.

W- Krivda (4-9)
S- T. Clark (2)
L- Haney (4-5)

HR- KC: Gaetti (41)
BAL: Hoiles (23), Manto (25)

Red Sox 5, Rangers 4

Jose Canseco's two-run homer in the top of the eighth broke a 3-3 tie. The Rangers scored a run in the bottom of the ninth and got the tying run as far as third, but Rheal Cormier got Jeff Frye to ground to third, ending the game.

The Sox still lead the Yankees by a game and a half in the East, and their magic number is down to four.

W- Maddux (6-4)
S- Cormier (1)
L- Rogers (17-12)

HR- BOS: Canseco (28), John Valentin (28)

Indians 9, Mariners 7 (ESPN: Chris Berman, Tommy Hutton)

The Mariners led 7-1 going to the bottom of the seventh, thanks mostly to a six-run second that knocked Tribe starter Chad Ogea out of the game and the dominance of Randy Johnson. But Albert Belle took The Big Unit deep to center in the seventh for Number 57, and the Tribe scored seven times in the bottom of the eighth, with the big hit being Belle's bases-clearing double.

The Mariners' hopes in the West are just about dashed, as their elimination number is now three. As for the wild card race, the Seattle lead over the Yankees is down to a scant half-game. The Mariners and the Angels each have six games remaining, while the Yankees have five,

W- Tavarez (11-2)
S- Mesa (49)
L. R. Johnson (20-4)

HR- CLE: Belle (57), Ramirez (35)
SEA: Blowers (26)

Now for your up-to-the-second standings, beginning in the East:

Red Sox: 88-68 (Magic Number: 5)
Yankees: 87-70- 1.5 GB
Orioles: 86-72- 3 GB
Blue Jays: 64-89- 22.5 GB
Tigers: 56-99- 31.5 GB

In the Central:

Indians: 100-57 (clinched)
White Sox: 79-78- 21 GB
( tie) Royals: 75-82- 25 GB
(tie) Brewers: 74-81- 25 GB
Twins: 61-94- 38 GB

In the West:

Angels: 91-65 (Magic Number: 3)
Mariners: 87-69- 4 GB
Athletics: 74-80- 16 GB
Rangers: 72-84- 19 GB

In the Wild Card:

Mariners: 87-69 (Magic Number: 6)
Yankees: 87-70- .5 GB

Note: The Brewers-White Sox and A's-Blue Jays series that were scheduled for the past two days have been canceled.

Next: We look at April 19.

Thoughts?
 
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Here's the action for Wednesday, April 19:

Orioles 4, Royals 1

Mike Mussina struck out twelve in a masterful complete game performance to keep the Birds in the playoff picture. He only gave up a first-inning run, and the Orioles took the lead in the fifth when Chris Hoiles' two-run homer broke a 1-1 tie. Cal Ripken Jr. drove in an insurance run.

With only three games to play, the Birds have an elimination number of three in the East and four in the wild card race. As for the Royals, they're now in fourth place in the Central by themselves.

W- Mussina (22-10)
L- Brewer (2-5)

HR- BAL: Hoiles (24)

Red Sox 10, Rangers 9

John Valentin's two-run homer in the top of the ninth won it for the visitors. The lead changed hands five times in this wild one.

The Red Sox' magic number to clinch the East is down to four.

W- Cormier (9-6)
S- Aguilera (35)
L- Cook (0-3)

HR- BOS: John Valentin (29), Naehring ((12)
TEX: Rodriguez (13)

Yankees 11, Twins 5 (ESPN: Gary Thorne, Dave Campbell, Joe Morgan)

The longball was the difference in this one, as Ruben Sierra hit a grand slam in the fourth and Jim Leyritz added a two-run shot in the fifth.

With the win, the Yankees stay within a game and a half of the Red Sox in the East, and if the Indians beat the Mariners tonight at Jacobs Field, they'll be tied with the M's in the wild card race.

W- Macdonald (2-1)
L- Stevenson (5-5)

HR- NYY: Leyritz (11), Sierra (9)

Mariners 17, Indians 4 (ESPN: Chris Berman, Tommy Hutton)

The Mariners throttled the Central champs, hitting four home runs. Tino Martinez had two: a three-run shot in the first and a grand slam which was the centerpiece of a nine-run fourth. Edgar Martinez and Junior Griffey provided the others. For the Indians, Albert Belle went one for four without a homer.

The M's maintain their half-game lead over the Yankees in the wild card race, and but they're still down three and half games to the Angels in the West with five to play. They need the Tigers to beat the Halos in our final game of the night.

W- Carmona (4-4)
L- Clark (9-9)

HR- SEA: Griffey Jr. (18), T. Martinez 2 (36), E. Martinez (33)

Tigers 12, Angels 10 (ESPN alternate: Dave Sims, Fred Lynn)

The Tigers scored eleven runs in the bottom of the seventh to wipe out a 9-1 California lead. Two of them came on tape-measure home runs, as John Flaherty hit one that bounces off the roof and Cecil Fielder topped that by blasting one that left the park altogether. Juan Samuel added a three-run homer.

The Angels' magic number to clinch the West is still at three, and their lead over the Mariners is down to three games.

W- Doherty (6-9)
S- Henneman (19)
L- Sanderson (1-4)

HR- DET: Fielder (34), Samuel 2 (13), Flaherty (12)

Now for your up-to-the-second standings, beginning in the East:

Red Sox: 89-68 (Magic Number: 4)
Yankees: 88-70- 1.5 GB
Orioles: 87-72- 3 GB
Blue Jays: 64-89- 23 GB
Tigers: 57-99- 31.5 GB

In the Central:

Indians: 100-58 (clinched)
White Sox: 79-78- 20.5 GB
Brewers: 74-81- 24.5 GB
Royals: 75-83- 25 GB
Twins: 61-95- 38 GB

In the West:

Angels; 91-66 (Magic Number: 3)
Mariners: 88-69- 3 GB
Athletics: 74-80- 15.5 GB
Rangers: 72-85- 19 GB

In the Wild Card:

Mariners: 88-69 (Magic Number: 5)
Yankees: 88-70- .5 GB

Next: We look at April 20.

Thoughts?
 
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Now here's the action for Thursday, April 20:

Yankees 3, Royals 1

The Yanks went up 2-0 in the first on a Wade Boggs double, but Wally Joyner singled in a run in the third to cut the lead to 2-1. Jim Leyritz's homer to right in the bottom of the eighth provided insurance.

The Yankees are currently within a game of the Red Sox in the East, and they're tied with the Mariners in the wild card race. Both the Bosox and the M's play later tonight.

W- Rivera (6-3)
S- Wetteland (35)
L- Appier (15-11)

HR- NYY: Leyritz (12)

Mariners 12, Tigers 6

The M's used the longball to subdue the Tigers in Detroit. Edgar Martinez hit a two-run shot in the third, Jay Buhner whacked a solo shot in the fifth and Junior Griffey topped things off with a grand slam in the eighth. Lou Whitaker went deep for the home squad.

The M's maintain their half-game lead over the Yanks in the wild card race, and they could be within two games of the Angels in the West if the Halos lose to the Blue Jays later.

W- Bosio (12-9)
S- Risley (2)
L- Lima (3-11)

HR- DET: Whitaker (16)
SEA: Griffey Jr. (19), E. Martinez (34), Buhner (42), Sojo (8)

Angels 3, Blue Jays 2

The Angels took a 3-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh thanks to run-scoring hits by Jim Edmonds and Garrett Anderson. But when Roberto Alomar's two-run double in the last of the seventh made it a one-run game, Angels manager Marcel Lachemann called on Lee Smith to hold the Jays where they were. Big Lee got the next six outs in order, then turned things over to Mike James, who promptly loaded the bases in the ninth, but rebounded by fanning Joe Carter to end the game.

The Halos' magic number to clinch the West is now down to two.

W- Finley (16-12)
S- M. James (2)
L- A. Leiter (12-12)

Red Sox 11, Rangers 1

As the Mariners did against the Tigers, the Red Sox used the home run as their primary weapon against the Rangers. Mo Vaughn hit a two-run shot in the fourth, and Mike Greenwell, Mike Macfarlane, and Luis Alicea added solo shots. On the mound, starter Tim Wakefield pitched a complete game.

The Red Sox' magic number to clinch the East now stands at three.

W- Wakefield (19-9)
L- Witt (5-12)

HR- BOS: M. Vaughn (45), Greenwell (16), Macfarlane (16), Alicea (7)

Now for your up-to-the-second standings, beginning in the East:

Red Sox: 90-68 (Magic Number: 3)
Yankees: 89-70- 1.5 GB
Orioles: 87-72- 3.5 GB
Blue Jays: 64-90- 24 GB
Tigers: 57-100- 32.5 GB

In the Central:

Indians: 100-58 (clinched)
White Sox: 79-78- 20.5 GB
Brewers: 74-81- 24.5 GB
Royals: 75-84- 25.5 GB
Twins: 61-95- 38 GB

In the West:

Angels: 92-66 (Magic Number: 2)
Mariners: 89-69- 3 GB
Athletics: 74-80- 16 GB
Rangers: 72-86- 20 GB

In the Wild Card:

Mariners: 89-69 (Magic Number: 4)
Yankees: 89-70- .5 GB

Next: We look at April 21.

Thoughts?
 
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Now here's the action for Friday, April 21:

White Sox 4, Red Sox 2

Frank Thomas' fourth-inning homer was the key blow in the Chisox' victory. Boston starter Erik Hanson pitched eight innings in a losing cause.

The Red Sox' magic number to clinch the East remains at three with three games to play.

W- A. Fernandez (14-9)
S- R. Hernandez (35)
L- Hanson (16-7)

HR- CWS: Thomas (45)

Angels 7, Blue Jays 6 (ESPN: Dave Sims, Fred Lynn)

Jim Edmonds' eighth-inning homer off of Jays reliever Tim Crabtree won it for the Halos. Lee Smith shut the visitors down in the ninth to earn the save.

The Angels have clinched at least a tie for the Western Division title. They'll take the title tonight if the Tigers defeat the Mariners in Detroit.

W- Percival (5-4)
S- L. Smith (41)
L- Crabtree (0-4)

HR- CAL: Edmonds 2 (42), Phillips (31)
TOR: Molitor (19)

Orioles 4, Twins 3

Rafael Palmeiro's eighth-inning homer off of Brad Rake gave the O's a win they needed to stay alive in both the East and the wild card race.

The Birds' magic number in the East is one; in the wild card race, it's two.

W- Benitez (2-5)
S- Jones (26)
L- Radke (12-17)

HR- BAL: Palmeiro (43)

Royals 11, Yankees 4 (ESPN: Chris Berman, Tommy Hutton)

A four-run first got the Royals off and running. The key hit in the inning was Gary Gaetti's two-run double.

The Yanks' elimination number in the East is down to two, and they need the Tigers to beat the Mariners in order to stay a half game behind Seattle in the wild card race.

W- Haney (5-5)
L- Kamieniecki (7-9)

HR- NYY: Velarde (10)

Mariners 9, Tigers 8 (12 innings; ESPN alternate: Bob Carpenter, Jim Rooker)

Bobby Higginson's homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth tied the game at eight for the Tigers, but current Pirates third base coach Joey Cora won it for the visitors with a solo shot in the top of the twelfth. Bob Wells shut down the home squad in the bottom of the inning to earn the save.

The M's remain barely alive in the West with an elimination number of one, but they now have a game and a half lead on the Yankees in the wild card race with a magic number of two.

W- Charlton (3-1)
S. B. Wells (1)
L- Boever (5-10)

HR- SEA: Cora (4), T. Martinez 2 (38)
DET: Whitaker (17), Fielder (35), Higginson 2 (17), Gibson (12)

Now for your up-to-the-second standings, beginning in the East:

Red Sox: 90-69 (Magic Number: 2)
Yankees: 89-71- 1.5 GB
Orioles: 88-72- 2.5 GB
Blue Jays: 64-91- 24 GB
Tigers: 57-101- 32.5 GB

In the Central:

Indians: 100-58 (clinched)
White Sox: 80-78- 20 GB
Brewers: 74-81- 24.5 GB
Royals: 76-84- 25 GB
Twins: 61-96- 38.5 GB

In the West:

Angels: 93-66 (Magic Number: 1)
Mariners: 90-69- 3 GB
Athletics: 74-80- 16.5 GB
Rangers: 72-86- 20.5 GB

In the Wild Card:

Mariners: 90-69 (Magic Number: 2)
Yankees: 89-71- 1.5 GB

Note: The A's-Brewers and Rangers-Indians series scheduled for this weekend have been canceled.

Next: We look at April 22.

Thoughts?
 
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Now here's the action for Saturday, April 22:

Angels 8, Blue Jays 3 (NBC: Bob Costas, Tony Kubek, Jim Gray)

The Angels are the champions of the West, as Jim Edmonds' home run broke a 3-3 tie in the fifth; it was one of two homers for Edmonds on the evening.

Who the Angels play in the ALDS depends on the rest of the pennant races; if the Yankees win the wild card, they'll open their series at Yankee Stadium. If the Mariners win it, the two teams won't be allowed to play each other in the divisional round, so the Mariners will face the Indians (who will have the best record in the AL), and the Angels will face the Eastern Division winner.

W- Eichhorn (1-0)
L- Menhart (2-5)

HR- CAL: Edmonds 2 (44)
TOR: Carter (30)

Orioles 9, Twins 1 (NBC: Greg Gumbel, Earl Weaver)

Harold Baines' homer kicked off the Birds' rout of the Twinkies, which kept them alive for the moment in both the East and the wild card race.

W. Moyer (11-7)
L- Tapani (10-15)

HR- BAL: Baines (26)
MIN: Puckett (26)

Tigers 12, Mariners 8 (NBC: Vin Scully, Joe Garagiola, Hannah Storm)

Cecil Fielder's grand slam in the bottom of the eighth broke an 8-8 tie. The Mariners' loss actually happened before the Angels win over the Blue Jays in Anaheim, which meant that the Angels found out about the Seattle loss while their game was going on.

W- Doherty (7-9)
L- Torres (5-9)

HR- SEA: E. Martinez (35), Buhner (43), Sojo (9)
DET: Fielder (36), Flaherty (13), Gomez (13)

Red Sox 11, White Sox 3 (NBC: Charlie Jones, Johnny Bench)

The Bosox clubbed five home runs in their laugher over the Chisox. Jose Canseco hit a pair, with Mo Vaughn (fourth inning), Mike Greenwell (sixth inning), and John Valentin (eighth inning) contributing one apiece.

This win eliminates the Orioles from contention in the East and clinches at least a tie for the Red Sox.

W- Eshelman (7-3)
L- DeLeon (5-4)

HR- BOS: John Valentin (30), Canseco 2 (30), M. Vaughn (46), Greenwell (17)
CWS: Deveraux (13)

Yankees 21, Royals 3 (NBC: Dick Enberg, Tom Seaver)

Andy Pettitte pitched a complete game, but the story was the Yankee offense; they set a major league record for either applicable universe with four grand slams in a game. Don Mattingly had two, including the capper for this incredible power display in the eighth which went to dead center. Mattingly's first homer had gone to right. Paul O'Neill's blast in the third went to right as well, while Randy Velarde's salami in the sixth went to center.

The Yanks are hanging on in the East with an elimination number of one, and they're also within half a game of the Mariners in the wild card race. Their season finale is tomorrow against the Royals, while the Mariners have two games left and still have to play on Monday.

W- Pettitte (17-9)
L- Gordon (13-15)

HR- NYY: Velarde (11), Mattingly 2 (10), O'Neill (27)

Here are your up-to-the-second standings, beginning in the East:

Red Sox: 91-69 (Magic Number: 1)
Yankees: 90-71- 1.5 GB
Orioles: 89-72- 2.5 GB
Blue Jays: 64-92- 25 GB
Tigers: 58-101- 32.5 GB

In the Central:

Indians: 100-58 (clinched)
White Sox: 80-79- 20.5 GB
Brewers: 74-81- 24.5 GB
Royals: 76-85- 25.5 GB
Twins: 61-97- 39 GB

In the West:

Angels: 94-66 (clinched)
Mariners: 90-70- 4 GB
Athletics: 74-80- 17 GB
Rangers: 72-86- 21 GB

In the Wild Card:

Mariners: 90-70 (Magic Number: 2)
Yankees: 90-71- .5 GB

Next: We look at April 23.

Thoughts?
 
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Now here's the action for Sunday, April 23:

Yankees 14, Royals 4 (NBC: Dick Enberg, Tom Seaver)

Tony Fernandez's homer on the first pitch of the game set the tome, as the Yanks rolled over the Royals for the second day in a row to end their season on a winning note. Bernie Williams hit two dingers of his own, including an inside-the parker. On the mound, Sterling Hitchcock went all the way, striking out nine.

The Yankees have now tied the Mariners in the wild card race, and could be in the lead at the end of the day if the Tigers can beat the Mariners at Tiger Stadium.

W- Hitchcock (15-11)
L- Gubicza (13-16)

HR- NYY: T. Fernandez (6), B. Williams 2 (23)

Tigers 5, Mariners 4 (NBC: Vin Scully, Joe Garagiola, Hannah Storm)

The Mariners took a 4-3 lead into the bottom of the ninth, and closer Bobby Ayala was sent in to save the game for starter Randy Johnson. But Ayala walked Bobby Higginson to lead things off, and Kirk Gibson made him pay for it with a two-run homer that won it for the Tigers and allowed the Yankees to take the lead in the wild card race with one game left to play for Seattle. This was a memorable at-bat for Gibby, as he went down two strikes, then fouled off five straight pitches.

W- Bohannon (2-2)
L- Ayala (6-6)

HR- DET: Gibson (13)

Orioles 7, Twins 6 (NBC: Greg Gumbel, Earl Weaver)

Rafael Palmeiro's walkoff homer against the Twins' Dave Stevenson ended the Birds' season on a high note, although their wild card hopes were still dashed by the Yankees and Mariners later in the day.

W- Qquist (3-1)
L- Stevenson (5-6)

HR- BAL: Baines (27), Palmeiro 2 (45), Manto (26)
MIN: Cordova (25)

The Red Sox-White Sox game at Comiskey Park has been postponed due to a power failure. It will be made up tomorrow as part of a doubleheader.

Here are your up-to-the-second standings, beginning in the East:

Red Sox: 91-69 (Magic Number: 1)
Yankees: 91-71- 1 GB
Orioles: 90-72- 2 GB
Blue Jays: 64-92- 25 GB
Tigers: 59-101- 32 GB

In the Central:

Indians: 100-58 (clinched)
White Sox: 80-79- 20.5 GB
Brewers: 74-81- 24.5 GB
Royals: 76-86- 26 GB
Twins: 61-98- 39.5 GB

In the West:

Angels: 94-66 (clinched)
Mariners: 90-71- 4.5 GB
Athletics: 74-80- 17 GB
Rangers: 72-86- 21 GB

In the Wild Card:

Yankees: 91-71
Mariners: 90-71- .5 GB

I'm going to freeze this project in its tracks for the moment. There are no more relevant sims over at All Time Sports, and I'm not ready to run original baseball sims yet. I'm going to finish the '94 postseason (which was already done in full at All Time Sports and just needs to be copied and pasted), and then that's it for baseball until my NFL timeline is finished.

Thanks for reading so far!
 
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Now let's look at the action for Monday, April 24. We begin in Chicago, where if the Red Sox can take one game of today's doubleheader with the White Sox they'll win the East:

Red Sox 6, White Sox 5 (Game 1; ESPN: Jon Miller, Joe Morgan)

Noted home run hitter Jose Canseco won this game with a two-run bloop single, which drove in Luis Alicea and Jose Valentin with the runs that broke a 4-4 sixth-inning tie. John Vlalentin had singled in Tim Naehring with the tying run earlier in the inning. Valentin also hit a two-run homer in the fourth for the Bosox, while Mike Greenwell had three hits and the other RBI. Second baseman Norberto Martin and right fielder Mike Deveraux went deep in a losing cause for Chicago. On the mound, Tim Wakefield threw all but the last five pitches, going eight and a third innings and giving up five runs on seven hits. Rick Aguilara relieved him after Craig Greback doubled in Lance Johnson to cut the Boston lead to 6-5; he got Ray Durham to line one at second baseman Alicea for put number two, then got Martin to fly out to Lee Tinsley in center to nail down the division title. Jason Bere took the loss for the home squad, giving up six runs on six hits in five and a third innings.

The Red Sox will face the AL Central champion Indians in the ALDS.

W- Wakefield (20-9)
S- Aguilera (36)
L- Bere (8-16)

HR- BOS: John Valentin (31)
CWS: Deveraux (14), N. Martin (3)

Red Sox 7, White Sox 6 (10 innings; Game 2)

Canseco drove in the winning run again, this time on a single to right that drove in Tinsley in the top of the tenth.

The Bosox finish 93-69, while the Chisox wind up 80-81.

W- Hudson (1-1)
L- McCaskill (6-6)

HR- BOS: M. Vaughn (47)
CWS: Thomas (46), Da. Martinez (7), L. Johnson (12)

Now to Detroit, where the Mariners need a victory over the Tigers to force a tie for the wild card berth:

Mariners 11, Tigers 7 (ESPN: Chris Berman, Tommy Hutton)

There will be a one-game playoff for the wild card spot on Monday, October 2, as the Mariners scored seven in the second and held on from there. The key blows in the inning were Joey Cora's vases-clearing double and Jay Buhner's two-run homer, the first of two for him on the day. Buhner went on to drive in four runs, and Edgar Martinez also went deep for the visitors, while Mike Blowers, Felix Fermin, and Ken Griffey Jr. all had two hits apiece, with Fermin scoring a pair of runs as well. Cecil Fielder homered for the Tigers, who got two RBIs apiece from Chris Gomez and John Flaherty. Juan Samuel had three hits and scored three runs in a losing cause.

The Mariners finished 91-71, while the Tigers finished 59-102.

W- Fleming (2-5)
L- Lima (3-12)

HR- SEA: Buhner 2 (45), E. Martinez (36)
DET: Fielder (37)

The Mariners won the season series with the Yankees nine games to four, so the wild card playoff took place at the Kingdome. The Mariners won 7-4, so they'll be the wild card and face the Angels in the other ALDS.

Note 1: I took the wild card playoff from Game 3 of the real-life ALDS.

Note 2: "I have no idea how the real-life Division Series rotation would have played out in this scenario, so I'm waiving the "no division opponents" rule for the ALDS. In fact, the M's already have a one game to none lead thanks to Randy Johnson's complete game shutout, which I took from the real-life AL West playoff.

Next: We begin the postseason.

Thoughts?
 
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Since it was a hard and fast real-life rule that division rivals couldn't meet in the Division Series prior to 2012, I decided to seed the AL playoff teams this year and see if I could get more acceptable matchups. I came up with the top-seeded Indians against the wild card Mariners and the third-seeded Red Sox against the second-seeded Angels. The Indians eliminated the Mariners in five games to take one ALDS just as they beat the Mariners in six in the real-life ALCS, so we still have to see what happens with the Red Sox and the Angels, who will begin their series at Fenway Park.

More coming soon!
 
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Now it's time for Game 1 of the second National League Division Series from the Astrodome in Houston. The date is Tuesday, October 3:

Braves 1st: With one out, second baseman Mark Lemke dumped a fly ball double into left center field. Next was third baseman Chipper Jones, who lined a single to right to score Lemke and give the Braves a quick 1-0 lead. First baseman Fred McGriff walked on five pitches, and right fielder David Justice brought Jones home with a single to right center to make it 2-0 Atlanta and move McGriff to third. After left fielder Ryan Klesko struck out swinging, catcher Charlie O'Brien walked to load the bases. But Houston starter Doug Drabek got out of trouble when shortstop Jeff Blauser's lazy fly to left was caught by John Cangelosi for the final out. Still, the Braves have picked up two runs on three hits and left the bases loaded. How will the Astros answer?

Braves 2nd: With one out, center fielder Marquis Grissom beat out a grounder to short for an infield single, then stole second. After Lemke walked, Jones grounded a single into left center to score Grissom and give the Braves a 3-0 lead. McGriff grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning, but the Braves have added a run to lead 3-0 after an inning and a half.

Astros 4th: With one out, second baseman Craig Biggio walked. First baseman Jeff Bagwell grounded a base hit just out of Jones' reach and into left field, which moved Biggio to third. Right fielder Derrick May was next, and he grounded to McGriff, who threw to second to get the force on Bagwell. Lemke's return throw was late, which allowed May to reach and Biggio to score the Stros' first run. Third baseman Dave Magadan was caught looking to end the inning, but the Stros have gotten on the board with a run here in the fourth. We've played four in Game 1, and it's Braves 3, Astros 1.

Astros 5th: With one out, catcher Rick Wilkins lined a base hit to left center. Shortstop Ricky Gutierrez grounded a single to right to put two men on, and with two men on and chance to tie the game with one swing, Astros manager Terry Collins sent Derek Bell up to bat for Drabek. The strategy backfired, as Braves starter Greg Maddux struck Bell out on three straight pitches. Cangelosi's infield hit to short kept the inning going, and we pick up Al Michaels' call with the count a ball and strike on Biggio:

"Bell hitting for Drabek didn't work out as planned, but Doug wasn't especially sharp tonight, giving up three runs on seven hits in five innings. If the Astros can tie the game in this inning, he'll be off the hook. Count one and one to Biggio, as Maddux checks the runners just in case. Pitch is driven into left center field for a base hit! Wilkins will score, here comes Gutierrez as the throw goes to second, and just like that we're tied."

Tim McCarver: "This one was a bit outside, and Biggio went and got it. Hit it on the button into left center, and both runs can score with ease. Maddux hasn't been at his best tonight, either."

Jim Palmer: "Credit the hitters for some of that, Timmy. Some of the most powerful and skilled hitters in the National League are in this series. That kind of hitter will make any pitcher look bad."

Maddux rebounded to catch Bagwell looking at strike three, and the inning was over. But the home squad has strung together four hits to score twice and tie the game. After five, we're deadlocked at three.

Braves 8th: With one out against Astros reliever Jim Dougherty, Javy Lopez stepped up to bat for Maddux. Here's Al:

"There's nothing personal between Lopez and Maddux that we know of, but allowing Greg a personal catcher allows them to give Javy a day off every five days, which gets O'Brien in the lineup and keeps Javy fresh. He'll almost certainly be in there for Game 2 tomorrow night. Right now he's facing Dougherty, and here's the first pitch...…...BELTED DEEP TO CENTER, HUNTER BACK AT THE TRACK, AT THE WALL, BUT IT'S GONE!...….Javy Lopez gives the Braves the lead on the first pitch he sees, and as bad a hitters' park as the Astrodome is, that was a goner right off the bat."

McCarver: "He was sitting on the bench storing up his energy for that swing, Al. That ball was tattooed. Watch his reaction; he knew it was gone the second he hit it. And there's Maddux, who now has a chance to win the game."

Palmer: "We were just giving (Braves manager) Bobby Cox some flak for not batting Lopez for O'Brien with runners at first and third with two out last inning. Well, this isn't the first time we've been proven wrong up here."

The inning continued, as Grissom flew to May in right for the second out. But Lemke lined a double into the left field corner to keep the inning going, and that was it for Dougherty. New pitcher Doug Brocail retired Jones on a fly to right center, and the inning was over. But the Braves have retaken the lead on Lopez's pinch-hit home run, and after seven and a half it's Atlanta 4, Houston 3.

That was all the scoring, as the Braves held on to win 4-3 and take a one game to none lead in the best-of-five series.

Lopez was named Player of the Game by ABC for hitting the eventual game-winning homer. Maddux got some consideration despite not bring at his best; he went seven innings, giving up three runs on six hits while walking two and striking out five. Greg McMichael and Mark Wohlers finished things up for the Braves, with Wohlers pitching a scoreless ninth to earn the save.

Game 2 will take place tomorrow here at the Astrodome, with first pitch coming shortly after 3PM Eastern. Darryl Kile will start for the homestanding Stros, while Tommy Glavine pitches for the Braves.

I completely forgot about the totals. Sorry!

W- Maddux (1-0)
S- Wohlers (1)
L- Dougherty (0-1)

HR- ATL: Lopez (1)

Next: We look at Game 2.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 2 of the second National League Division Series from the Astrodome in Houston. The date is Wednesday, October 4:

Lineup Changes:

Astros-
Craig Shipley replaces Ricky Gutierrez at short and will bat eighth.

Braves- Javy Lopez replaces Charlie O'Brien behind the plate and will bat sixth. Ryan Klesko moves down to seventh.

Astros 1st: John Cangelosi stroked a leadoff single to center, then stole second. Craig Biggio's fly to deep left was caught at the wall by Klesko, with Cangy moving to third. Jeff Bagwell was next, and his screaming liner into the right center gap scored Cangy and gave the Stros a 1-0 lead. Braves starter Tommy Glavine recovered to catch Derrick May looking for out number one, but Dave Magadan's single to right put runners on the corners. Brian Hunter's fly to shallow left center was caught by Marquis Grissom to end the inning, but the Stros have broken on top with a run, and they lead the Braves 1-0 after one.

Braves 2nd: David Justice drew a leadoff walk. Lopez's base hit to left center moved him to second, and he scored when Klesko lined a base hit to right, Jeff Blauser's pop fly was caught by Magadan at third for the first out, and the runners held. Glavine's grounder to Bagwell moved them up ninety feet, but Grissom grounded to Magadan to retire the side. The Braves have tied the game with a run, but they've left a potentially bigger inning on the table by stranding runners at second and third. After an inning and a half, it's Atlanta 1, Houston 1.

Astros 2nd: Rick Wilkins led off with a base hit to right. After Shipley flew to left, Wilkins was forced by Kile. Cangy's dribbler found right center for a single, with a hustling Kile moving to third. Cangy then swiped second, which led to the eventual game-winning hit. Here's Al with the count one ball and one strike on Biggio:

"The thing that is going to make the inning what it becomes is Kile movig to third on Cangelosi's hit. Without that, Cangy can't steal second, and we're looking at first and second with two gone. Here, a base hit could put the Astros comfortably in front. Glavine shakes off one sign, now nods and throws......high fly ball going into right field. Over is Justice, BUT IT DROPS IN! Dave scrambles to cut it off, but Kile still scores! Here comes Cangelosi behind him, and Biggio has a double! 3-1 Astros!"

Tim McCarver: "This one looked like it would hang up there long enough for Justice to catch, but it drops instead and rolls past David on the artificial surface. The only reason Biggio doesn't have a triple is that Justice cuts the ball off and throws to third to make sure he stays at second. It's still enough to give the Astros the lead, though."

Jim Palmer: "It hasn't been easy for the Braves' pitchers so far, although Maddux got the win last night. The Astros certainly don't seem intimidated by their reputations like some teams are."

Bagwell was "unintentionally intentionally" walked to load the bases, but May lined Glavine's first pitch back up the middle to score Biggio with the fourth Houston run, Next up was Magadan, who fell behind two strikes. Here's Al again:

"Two on, two out, two strikes on Magadan, which means the runners will be going on the pitch. Astros have gotten to Glavine for four runs here in the second, and they lead 4-1. Tommy from the stretch, pitch is LINED INTO LEFT FIELD, AND THAT'LL GO INTO THE CORNER! Bagwell comes in, May comes in, they'll hold Magadan at second, and the Astros now lead 6-1."

Palmer: "Glavine got that right out over the heart of the plate, and it was just spanked by Magadan. Once it rolls into the corner, Bagwell and May are sure to score, and Magadan pulls up at second so that Birian Hunter can get his chance to keep the inning going."

McCarver: "Kent Mercker finally warming up for the Braves, as it's obvious that Glavine simply doesn't have it today."

Hunter's grounder to Lemke at second ended the inning, but the home squad has exploded for five runs on five hits and a walk against Glavine, and they now lead the Braves 6-1 as we head to the third.

That was all the scoring. Kile gave up only one run on five hits in seven superb innings, and Dave Veres allowed just one walk in the final two as the Stros prevailed 6-1 to even the series at a game apiece.

Kile was named Player of the Game by ABC, although Biggio and Magadan both received some consideration for their big hits in the Stros' five-run second.

Final totals: Astros 6-10-2, Braves 1-5-0.

W- Kile (1-0)
L- Glavine (0-1)

The series now shifts to Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta for Game 3 on Friday night. First pitch is scheduled for just after 8PM Eastern, with John Smoltz scheduled to start for the Braves and Mike Hampton for the Astros.

Next: We look at Game 3.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 3 of the second National League Division Series from Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta. The date is Friday, October 6:

Lineup Changes:

Braves- For the second game in a row, Javy Lopez and Ryan Klesko switch places in the batting order. Tonight, Klesko bats sixth and Lopez seventh.

Astros- First, Brian Hunter moves up to the leadoff spot. Next, Derrick May shifts from right field to left field. Next, Ricky Gutierrez is back at short and batting eighth. Finally, there are two first-time starters for the series: Tony Eusebio replaces Rick Wilkins behind the plate and will bat sixth, and Milt Thompson takes over in right field and will hit seventh.

Astros 1st: Craig Biggio drew a one-out walk. after Jeff Bagwell got caught looking at strike three for the second out, Biggio stole second. May was next, and he dropped a double in front of David Justice in right to score Biggio and give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Dave Magadan's grounder to Fred McGriff at first ended the inning. The Astros have struck first in Game 3; now the Braves get to answer.

Astros 2nd: With one out, Thompson faced John Smoltz. Here's Jack Buck on CBS Radio:

"Thompson batting for the first time in this series after not playing in either game at the Astrodome. What a first assignment he has: facing John Smoltz. Hit just .220 for the year in ninety-two games, with two home runs and nineteen RBIs. First pitch to him, swung on, hit deep to left! Klesko goes, back, to the track, at the wall, sticks the glove up...…..HE DIDN'T GET IT! IT'S A HOME RUN FOR MILT THOMPSON, AND THE ASTROS LEAD 2-0!......That was a dose of power from an unexpected source, Sparky."

Sparky Anderson: "Sure was, Jack. This guy Thompson's not known as much of a hitter, but anybody can really sting the right pitch once in a while, and that one was it for him. You know, Jack, these Atlanta pitchers really haven't had their best stuff, even in the game (Greg) Maddux won. I'm not sayin' that they're overrated or anything, but you'd think they'd be havin' a little easier time than they are, except maybe against a power hitter like Bagwell."

Gutierrez slapped a single to right to continue the inning, but Hampton forced him at second, and Hunter grounded to Jeff Blauser at short to end the inning. Thompson's home run has extended the Houston lead to 2-0 after an inning and a half.

Astros 5th: Hampton grounded a leadoff single to left. Hunter beat out a groundball to third for an infield hit, and there were two on. Biggio's fly to Marquis Grissom in center moved Hampton to third, and Mike scored on Bagwell's grounder to short; it was 3-0 Houston. Next was May, who stroked a base hit to right center, driving Hunter in with the fourth Houston run. Magadan singled to right to extend the inning, but Braves starter John Smoltz struck Eusebio out swinging to end the inning. The visitors have added two runs on four hits here in the fifth, and halfway through Game 3 they lead the Braves 4-0.

Braves 5th: Hampton had been perfect through the first four and a third innings, but David Justice became the Braves' first baserunner by lofting a double to center. Klesko's fly ball to left sent May back to the warning track before he could make the catch, which allowed Justice to move to third. Next up was Lopez, who lined a base hit to right to score Justice with the first Atlanta run. After Blauser walked, Braves manager Bobby Cox let Smoltz bat for himself, and the future Hall of Famer responded by slashing a base hit to left center. Lopez scored, Blauser moved to third, and we were looking at a 4-2 ballgame. unfortunately for the Bravos, Grissom's weak grounder to short ended the inning. The Braves have scored twice here in the fifth, but they've also left runners at the corners. After five, it's Houston 4, Atlanta 2.

Astros 6th: Thompson led off with a base hit to left center, then moved to third on Gutierrez's single to right. Hampton struck out on three straight fastballs, and Hunter forced Gutierrez at second, which brought Thompson home to put the Stros up 5-2. Biggio's grounder to short ended the inning, but the Stros have regained their three-run bulge, as they lead 5-2 after five and a half.

Braves 9th: With one out against Astros closer Todd Jones, Klesko walked. Lopez singled to left center to put two men on, and Jones hit Blauser to load the bases. Mike Mordecai then batted for reliever Jason Schmidt, and he smacked a double into the right center gap to score Klesko and Lopez and bring the Braves within 5-4. Grissom popped to short for the second out, but Lemke walked to load the bases for Chipper Jones (no relation to Todd). Todd won this battle of the Joneses, as Chipper's popup behind third base was caught by Magadan to end the game. The Braves scored twice in the bottom of the ninth, but they also left the bases loaded and allowed the Astros to escape with a 5-4 victory and a two games to one series lead.

Hampton was named Player of the Game by ABC. He gave up two runs on six hits while walking two and striking out eight in eight innings.

Final totals: Astros 5-12-0, Braves 4-8-1.

W- Hampton (1-0)
S- T. Jones (1)
L- Smoltz (0-1)

HR- HOU: Thompson (1)

The Reds clinched their berth in the NLCS with a victory over the Dodgers this afternoon, and their division rivals from Houston will attempt to join them there with a win in Game 4 tomorrow night. Shane Reynolds will take the mound for the Stros, while Greg Maddux will start on short rest in an attempt to save the Braves' season. Thanks to the Reds' sweep,first pitch from The Launching Pad will be a little after 8PM Eastern.

Next: We look at Game 4.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 4 of the second National League Division Series from Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta. The date is Saturday, October 7:

Lineup Changes:

Astros- John Cangelosi is back in the lineup in left field and batting leadoff. Derrick May moves back to right field after starting last night in left; he's still batting fourth. Brian Hunter moves back down to sixth. while Rick Wilkins is back behind the plate and batting seventh.

Braves- As is almost always the case when Greg Maddux pitches, Charlie O'Brien is behind the plate and batting seventh. Also, Rafael Belliard replaces Jeff Blauser at shortstop and will bat eighth.

Braves 2nd: Ryan Klesko led off by lining a double to right. O'Brien flew to center for the first out, but Belliard's base hit to right drove in Klesko to give the Braves a 1-0 lead. Maddux bunted Belliard over to second, and Marquis Grissom served a single into left center to bring Raffy home and put the Bravos up 2-0. After Grrissom stole second, Lemke scalded a ball into the left field corner. By the time it stopped rolling long enough for Cangelosi to get it back to the infield, Grissom had scored the third Braves' run easily and Lemke had steamed into third with a triple. Chipper Jones' fly to Cangy in left ended the inning, but the Braves have scored three runs on six hits here in the second and lead 3-0 after two.

Braves 3rd: Fred McGriff led off with a base hit to right center, but was erased when David Justice hit into an around-the-horn double play. That left Klesko to face Houston starter Shane Reynolds. Here's Al Michaels with the count no balls and one strike:

"The Braves figured to have something going with McGriff's leadoff single, but Justice's double play took care of that. Klesko down a strike, Braves up 3-0 here in the second. Next pitch is hit deep to left, Cangy's quick, he may get to it, at the wall and GONE!...…..That was hit a little higher than we thought, so it leaves the yard and the Braves are up 4-0."

Tim McCarver: "Cangelosi went back on the ball as if he'd have a chance to make a play, but like Al he misjudged how high it was. John's a short guy at five-six, but he would have been out of room if he'd been six feet four."

Jim Palmer: "Klesko doesn't have the power reputation of a guy like Fred McGriff, but as we just saw he can certainly put a charge into the ball."

O'Brien's grounder to short ended the inning, but Klesko's dinger has extended the Atlanta lead to 4-0 after three.

Braves 5th: McGriff drew a one-out walk, which got Dave Veres up and throwing in the Houston pen. Meanwhile, Reynolds faced Justice. Here's Al again:

"Reynolds not performing the way (Astros manager) Terry Collins envisioned, and if this score holds up Collins will have to use Doug Drabek tomorrow night in Game 5, which means that he won't be available until later in the NLCS if they make it. Right now, though, they're staring at a 4-0 deficit to the Braves in Game 4 with Justice at the plate, one on, and one out. McGriff almost surely won't be running, so Reynolds will pitch from the windup, PITCH IS WHACKED DEEP TO LEFT CENTER, GOING BACK IS HUNTER, BUT HE'S LOOKING AT A TAPE-MEASURE SHOT!......That one was up about six or seven rows in left center field, and it's now 6-0 Atlanta."

Jim Palmer: "This one was right in Justice's wheelhouse, Al. About the fattest, hanging-est curve you could serve up, and Reynolds is lucky it didn't literally leave the ballpark."

Michaels: "Hanging-est?"

Palmer: "This game teaches you new words every day Al. Most of them aren't meant for television, though."

McCarver: "And in Houston right now, they're wondering why Collins didn't go to Drabek on short rest the way (Braves manager) Bobby Cox went to Maddux."

Klesko's fly to right center was caught by an interloping May for out number one, but O'Brien walked on five pitches, and that was finally all for Reynolds. Veres struck out Belliard to end the inning, but Justice's two-run blast has extended the Braves' lead to 6-0 after five.

Braves 7th: After two outs against reliever Greg Swindell, Klesko singled to right. O'Brien walked, and Belliard stroked a single up the middle to score Klesko with the seventh Atlanta run. Maddux popped to Ricky Gutierrez at short to end the inning, but the Braves have scratched out another run and are cruising after seven with a 7-0 lead.

Braves 8th: After one out, Lemke grounded one past Jeff Bagwell at first and into right field for a hit. Chipper was next, and he smacked one off the wall in center for a double, which scored Lemke and extended the Braves' cushion to 8-0. McGriff failed to move the runner over when he grounded to short, but Justice walked to put two men on. Swindell struck out Klesko to end the inning, but the Braves have scored another run, and we head to the ninth with the Braves now leading 8-0.

Astros 9th: Cangy beat out a grounder to third for a leadoff infield single. Biggio's bae hit to left center moved John to third, and Bagwell's grounder to second brought him home with the Stros' first run. May also grounded to second for the second out, but Biggio moved to third, and he scored on Dave Magadan's ringing double to right. Brian Hunter beat out a grounder to short for another infield single, and closer Alejandro Pena began to throw in the Braves' bullpen. But Maddux retired Tony Eusebio, who was batting for Wilkins, on a first-pitch comebacker to end the game. The Astros spoiled Maddux's shutout in the ninth with two runs, but the Braves have earned a rather easy 8-2 victory to tie the series at two games apiece.

Maddux was named Player of the Game by ABC. He pitched a complete game, giving up two runs (both earned) on seven hits and striking out five in 112 pitches. Klesko was the offensive star for the Braves, going three for five with a home run and scoring three times. Lemke also had three hits and an RBI.

Final totals: Braves 8-14-0, Astros 2-7-0,

W- Maddux (2-0)
L- Reynolds (0-1)

HR- ATL: Justice (1), Klesko (1)

It all comes down to Game 5 tomorrow here at Fulton County Stadium. First pitch will be just after 8PM Eastern, with Tommy Glavine starting for the Braves and Doug Drabek getting the ball for the Astros.

Next: We look at Game 5.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 5 of the second National League Division Series from Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta. The date is Sunday, October 8:

Weather: 55 degrees, fair skies, calm winds.

Lineup Changes:

Astros- There's a shakeup in the outfield, as Brian Hunter, who's started the first four games in center field, is out of the lineup. That means that John Cangelosi moves to center, Derrick May goes back to left, and Mike Simms will make his first start of the series in right and will bat seventh. Also, Tony Eusebio is catching and batting fifth, which bumps Dave Magadan down to sixth.

Braves- With Tommy Glavine pitching, Javy Lopez is back behind the plate and batting sixth. This means that Ryan Klesko moves down to seventh. Also, after a night off last night, Jeff Blauser is back at shortstop and batting eighth.

Now let's set the umpiring crew:

Home Plate: Bruce Froemming
First Base: Gary Darling
Second Base: Ed Montague
Third Base: Bob Davidson
Left Field: Eric Gregg
Right Field: Frank Pulli

Braves 1st: Marquis Grissom drew a leadoff walk. Mark Lemke smacked a base hit to right center to put runners at the corners. The runners held while Chipper Jones popped out to Jeff Bagwell at first, and Grissom scored when McGriff bounced into a force play, giving the Braves a 1-0 lead. Justice singled to right to put two men on, and Darryl Kile started to throw in the Astros' bullpen. Next up was Lopez, who bounced a base hit into left center to bring home The Crime Dog and make it 2-0. Then came the big hit of the inning, as a desperate Drabek faced Klesko. Here's Al with the count one ball and one strike:

"Drabek in trouble already, as Kile's just about ready in the Astros' pen. That means that Doug has to get Klesko to stay in. A ball and a strike to him, with Lopez at third and Justice at first. Eusebio gives the sign.....looks like the hard stuff, and here it comes...….and that's lined into right center, gets down for a base hit, and it'll roll all the way to the wall! Lopez scores, they'll wave Justice around, the Braves lead 4-0 here in the first, and Drabek won't last an inning, as here comes Terry Colllins!"

Tim McCarver: "Drabek's had a tough time against the Braves in his postseason career back to his days in Pittsburgh three years ago, and that may have been playing in his mind, as he wasn't at all sharp tonight. This ball's a laser shot that brings home Lopez and Justice with ease, and the Braves are off and rolling."

Jim Palmer: "It's a shame to see someone as good as Doug Drabek has been get knocked around in a game that has a nationwide audience like this. These are the games that everyone will remember, and tonight Doug came up short."

Kile struck out Blauser on three pitches to end the inning, but the Braves have scored four times on four hits and a walk, and they lead 4-0 after one.

Braves 2nd: Glavine drew a leadoff walk. Grissom's single to left center put two men on, and Lemke walked to load the bases. Chipper's infield pop was caught by Craig Biggio behind second base for the first out while the runners held, but McGriff's grounder to Biggio brought Glavine home with the fifth Atlanta run. Justice's line shot back up the middle scored Grissom with run number six, and that brought up Lopez. Here's Al again:

"Now it's 6-0 Braves, and if the Astros don't hold it right there, this game's petty much over. Kile's in there to suck up innings, so there's no one behind him in the pen; it's up to him. Javy, of course, hit the game-winning home run in Game 1 at the Astrodome. Here's the first pitch......fly ball into left center, Cangelosi sprints over, but it's falling, AND IT'S DOWN! Lemke will come in, will they send Justice? Yes they will, and here's the throw.....cut off by Magadan to keep Lopez at second. The Braves lead 8-0, and the Tomahawk Chop is deafening."

Palmer: "It looked like Cangelosi was a bit out of position, and he had to come in from right center almost, and he just couldn't get there. We can't be sure if he would have made the play, but maybe he could have held Lopez to a single, which would have scored only one run."

McCarver: "The Braves have certainly played with much more energy the past two nights. This is the team that everyone predicts will represent the National League in the World Series."

Kile caught Klesko looking at strike three to end the inning, but the home squad has scored four more times in the second on three hits and a pair of walks, and they lead 8-0 after two in Game 5.

Braves 3rd: After two out, Grissom and Lemke drew back-to-back walks. Chipper then grounded a ball past Bagwell and into right field for a seeing-eye base hit, which plated Grissom with the ninth Atlanta run. McGriff struck out swinging to end the inning, but the Braves have added a run and left runners at first and second. After three, it's Braves 9, Astros 0.

Braves 6th: McGriff led off with a bloop single to right center. Justice's tapper to first moved him to second. and Lopez grounded a single to right center to bring McGriff home and put the Braves up 10-0. Kile then lost the strike zone, as Klesko walked on four pitches and Blauser on five more. Glavine then joined in the offensive fun by lining a bae hit to right. Lopez and Klesko both scored, and the Braves had an even dozen. That was all for Kile, who departed in favor of Dave Veres. Grissom took Veres' first pitch off of his elbow, which loaded the bases. Grissom didn't appear to be hurt, but with his team up by twelve runs and already looking toward the NLCS, Luis Polonia was brought in to run for him.

Next up was Lemke, who slapped a two-strike curveball into right for a hit to bring home Blauser and make it 13-0. Then it turned downright humiliating for the visitors, as Chipper walked on four pitches to force in Glavine, then McGriff walked on four more to bring in Polonia. It was 15-0 Atlanta, and Dean Hartgraves came in from the bullpen to try his luck. He got the Stros out of trouble by striking out Justice looking, then Lopez swinging. But the Braves have scored six runs on four hits, four walks, and a hit batsman, and they've also left the bases loaded. At the end of six, it's Atlanta 15, Houston 0.

Astros 7th: Derek Bell made his first appearance of the series batting for Hartgraves, and it was memorable indeed. Here's Al:

"Bell nursing a sore hamstring, so Collins has decided to go with May, Cangelosi, or tonight Simms in right. I wouldn't think he'd stay in the game with the Astros down by fifteen, which kind of makes the decision to use him here curious. Nevertheless, here he is, and he spanks the first pitch he sees into center field. Polonia coming in, now dives, and he completely missed it! He might have knocked himself out, too, as Klesko has to come over to get the ball, and Bell's ignoring the stop sign at third. He's running pretty well, it'll be close......HE'S SAFE! An inside-the-park home run by Derek Bell, bad hamstring and all, and the Astros are on the board."

McCarver: "Call me crazy, Al, but this is actually a bad play by Bell. His run means nothing, and he risked further injury to his hamstring by running the bases at top speed. Normally, I'd say he should have pulled up with a double, but because Polonia was down and unable to throw, I'm okay with him going to third. But he should have stopped there regardless. Let the next guy knock him in and build a big inning for his team."

Palmer: "I don't know, Timmy. They haven't hit all night, and I'm sure Bell was itching to get out there and do something after sitting for the last few games of the regular season and the first four games of this series. It's just a shame that, as you say, this run is meaningless unless the Astros can make a historic comeback."

Michaels: "Polonia coming out with his team up 15-1, an Dwight Smith is going into center. As for Bell's play, I'm on Jim's side. If you have a chance to make a play, especially in the postseason, you take it. Polonia had knocked himself out, and Klesko's throw was a lollipop. Bell had a chance to score easily, and he took it. Good for him."

Al and Jim were proved right, as Glavine struck out the next three batters. Cangelosi and Bagwell went down swiniging, while in between Biggio was caught looking. The Stros are on the board thanks to Bell's inside-the-parker, but they still trail 15-1 as we stretch at The Launching Pad.

Astros 8th: Glavine got he first two outs, but Magadan lined a double to left, and pinch hitter Phil Plantier, batting for reliever Greg Swindell, singled to left to bring Magadan home with the second Houston run. Braves manager Bobby Cox decided to get Glavine, who exited to a standing ovation. Brad Clontz came on and walked Ricky Gutierrez, but Bell, betting in the ninth spot, grounded to Chipper to end the inning. The Stros get one, but they leave runners at first and second, and they still trail 15-2 after seven and a half.

Astros 9th: With one out, Biggio walked. Bagwell's single to right moved him to third, and May stepped up to face Clontz. Here's Al again:

"The Astros got a spark from Bell's inside-the-park homer in the seventh; unfortunately, they're still down by thirteen with only two outs left. Tim's in the Atlanta clubhouse, looking to interview the victorious Braves, so we'll go to him when this one's over. Now Clontz with the sign, and here's his first pitch to Derrick May...…..and that's a fly ball down the left field line, over toward the corner is Klesko, but he'll run out of room! The ball's fair, and it's a three-run homer for Derrick May to make this a 15-5 game."

Palmer: "Fastball a bit up in the strike zone, and this one was really stung down the left field line. Klesko was trying to take away the extra base hit, so he was a bit late getting over to the corner, and that meant the he was unable to make a play on the ball before it got over the home run line. If he'd gotten there earlier, he might have been able to make the catch, even though it would have been a difficult one."

Eusebio grounded to short for the second out, but Magadan kept the Stros alive with a base hi to right center. Milt Thompson was next, batting for reliever Jim Dougherty. Here's Al with the count one ball and two strikes:

"(Steve) Bedrosian ready in the pen in case Thompson gets on, so this is it for Clontz. He has Thompson one ball and two strikes, with Magadan the runner at first. They're on their feet and chopping in Atlanta. Clontz now checking the runner, now from the stretch, and here's the one-two pitch......GOT HIM LOOKING!...……...The Braves pound the Astros into submission tonight after getting a masterful performance from Greg Maddux last night, and they'll be in Cincinnati on Tuesday night to open the National League Championship Series against the Reds. Our final from The Launching Pad: Braves 15, Astros 5, and the Braves overcome a two games to one deficit to take the series three games to two. We'll be back with interviews from both clubhouses and more from Atlanta after these messages and a word from our ABC stations."

Lopez was named MVP by ABC. he finished three for four plus a walk, scoring twice and riving un four runs. McGriff scored twice and drive in three runs, and Grissom scored three runs before he left the game. On the mound, Glavine pitched seven and two-thirds innings, giving up two runs on five hits and five walks while striking out five.

The Braves went on to sweep the Reds in four straight to take the NLCS and move on to the World Series.

Final totals: Braves 15-14-1, Astros 5-8-0.

W- Glavine (1-1)
L- Drabek (1-1)

HR- HOU: Bell (1), May (1)

Next: We turn to the American League, as the Red Sox host the Angels in Game 1 of their ALDS.

Thoughts?
 
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Before we get to the American League playoffs, there's been a matchup change. When I recapped the Pythagorean universe for The 506 (without sims), I ran into the same problem I did here. Knowing that the teams weren't seeded back in 1995, I juggled the matchups and came up with the only other possible solution: Red Sox-Mariners in one Division Series, Indians, Angels in the other. So I've decided to go that route in this thread to keep everything about this universe the same.

We begin with the Red-Sox Mariners series. The first two games will take place at the Kingdome, so let's look at Game 1 from Tuesday, October 3:

Mariners 1st: Red Sox starter Roger Clemens got the first two outs. Then it was time to face Junior Griffey. Here's how Vin Scully called that confrontation for NBC:

"This is it right off the bat: the confrontation of the series, Roger Clemens against Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey was held hitless in three at-bats yesterday in the playoff against the Yankees, so he'll be looking to make some noise. And Clemens is on top of his game right out of the gate, needing just five pitches to get the first two outs. Let's see what happens; here's the first pitch...…..and that one is lined to right, over goes (Dwayne) Hosey, back at the wall, SHE'S GONE!...…...Ken Griffey Jr. baptizes this series in fine fashion by lining a 98 MPH fastball from Roger Clemens over the right field wall, and the Mariners have struck first."

Joe Garagiola: "Power against power, Vin. That's all this was, and Griffey got the best of it. There was nothing for Clemens to do but tip his cap, as that ball was still rising when it went over the wall. Nothing you can do about those if you're a pitcher."


Designated hitter Edgar Martinez followed that up with a base hit to right, and first baseman Tino Martinez walked on five pitches. But right fielder Jay Buhner ended the inning when his fly down the left field line was caught by Mike Greenwell for the final out. The Mariners have struck first on Junior's dinger, but they've also left two men on. After one, it's Mariners 1, Red Sox 0.

Red Sox 2nd: Greenwell lined a leadoff double to left. Next up was third baseman Tim Naehring, whose fly ball to right center eluded Junior and rolled up the power alley. Greenwell scored to tie the game at one, and Naehring took his place at second. Center fielder Lee Tinsley grounded to second for the first out, with Naehring moving to third. Catcher Mike Macfarlane walked on four pitches to put runners on the corners, but Mariners starter Chris Bosio got second baseman Luis Alicea to bounce into a force play, which scored Naehring with the second Boston run but also gave the M's the second out.

Next up was Hosey, who scalded one into the right center power alley. Alicea scored with ease, and it was 3-1 Boston. Bill Risley started to throw in the Seattle bullpen, and shortstop John Valentin golfed a fly ball deep to left. The ball died at the wall, though, and Vince Coleman was able to make the catch and end the inning. The Bosox have scored three runs on three hits and a walk, and after an inning and a half they lead 3-1.

Red Sox 3rd: First baseman Mo Vaughn led off against Bosio. Here's Sean McDonough of CBS Radio:

"Mo the big power man of the Red Sox this season, and every season since he's been in Boston. Meanwhile, Bosio has to somehow shake off that second inning, where everything was falling in for the Red Sox. He's down 3-1 and ready to pitch to Vaughn, who swings at the first pitch and drives it deep to right center! Griffey going over, taking a look, BUT THIS ONE'S GONE!.....Mo Vaughn has answered Ken Griffey Jr.'s home run in the first with one of his own here in the third, and it's now 4-1 Red Sox."

Jim Kaat: "Bosio wanted to get that pitch down, but it ended up over the heart of the plate, and Vaughn got every last bit of it. Junior goes over to take a look just to make sure, but it's well beyond him."

With Dave Fleming now throwing in the Mariners' bullpen, Bosio faced designated hitter Jose Canseco, who promptly whacked a double into the left field corner. Greenwell's fly to right center was caught by Junior, with Canseco remaining at second. Now it was Naehring's turn. Here's Sean with the count two balls and no strikes:

"Fleming's just about ready, so this may be it for Bosio regardless. Ideally, Randy Johnson would have been the Game 1 starter, but he started yesterday's playoff for the wild card against the Yankees and got the win, so we won't see him until Friday at Fenway Park. It's up to Bosio to hold the Red Sox where they are and give his offense the chance to spark a comeback. Stretch by Bosio, here's the 2-0 pitch.......fly ball to left, Coleman goes back, at the track, at the wall, makes the leap.....IT'S OUTTA HERE! Tim Naehring got just enough of it to elude Vince Coleman's glove, and the Red Sox lead 6-1."

Kaat: "(Mariners manager) Lou Piniella's out, and that's it for Bosio, who didn't have much of anything today. Naehring's homer just cleared the wall, but again, his curveball hung right out there where Naehring could get it. Pitchers can't do that against major-league caliber hitters for very long and expect to stay in a game, especially a postseason game."

Fleming replaced Bosio and got Tinsley to fly to right center and Macfarlane to fly to left center, ending the inning. But Vaughn and Naehring have gone yard for the Bosox to the tune of three runs, and after two and a half he visitors from Beantown are enjoying a 6-1 lead.
 
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For whatever reason, I can't get a cursor on my first post, so I'm starting a fresh post where the first one left off.

Red Sox 7th: With one out, Canseco faced Mariners reliever Tim Belcher. Here's Vin with the count one ball and one strike:

"After the first-inning homer by Griffey, Clemens has kept the Mariners off the board, while the Red Sox scored three in the second and three more in the fourth to lead 6-1. Canseco one for three, his first time facing Belcher, of course. One ball and one strike. Here's the next pitch......and it's a high fly ball into left. Coleman coming over, it's still carrying, at the wall, and GONE!......It was only a matter of time before Canseco joined the home run derby; he enters in the seventh, and it's 7-1 Boston."

Garagiola; "The Red Sox are really hitting the ball to left today. It may be coincidence, or they may be trying to avoid Griffey in center, but whatever it is, it's worked for them, especially in the longball department. If Canseco and Vaughn stay hot, this could be a short series for Seattle."

Greenwell's liner was caught by Luis Sojo at second for out number two, and Naehring grounded to second to end the inning. Canseco's dinger is the third of the day for the Red Sox, and as we stretch at the Kingdome, the visitors are on top 7-1.

Mariners 8th: With two out, Edgar faced Red Sox reliever Stan Belinda. Here's Vin with the count no balls and one strike:

"Red Sox up 7-1 in the last of the eighth here in Game 1. A reminder that tonight here on NBC, Bob Costas, Tony Kubek, and Jim Gray will be in Anaheim for Game 1 between the Indians and the Angels at 8PM Eastern, and we'll be back here at 8PM Eastern tomorrow for Game 2......0-1 pitch to Edgar is whacked deep into left center field, back is Tinsley, at the wall, IT'S GONE!......A bit of consolation for the Mariners and their fans, as Edgar Martinez rounds the bases with the Mariners' second run here in the bottom of the eighth."

Garagiola: "Edgar's a pure power hitter, one of the best in the American League, and he meets this pitch from Belinda and just crushes it. With guys like Vaughn and Canseco for the Red Sox and Griffey and both Martinezes for the Mariners, if you like home runs, this series will be for you."

Tino spanked a double to left to keep the inning going, but right fielder Jay Buhner's foul pop behind third was caught by Naehring to end the inning. Edgar's homer has cut the Red Sox' lead to 7-2 after eight.

Red Sox 9th: Vaughn drew a one-out walk against new Seattle pitcher Bob Wells. Canseco was next, and his scorching line drive to right center went for a double, which brought Mo home with the eighth Boston run. Greenwell flew to left for the second out, but Naehring grounded a single to left, bringing Canseco home and making it 9-2 Red Sox. Tinsley struck out to end the inning, but the Sox have added a pair here in the top of the ninth. They have three outs to get and a 9-2 lead.

Mariners 9th: Third baseman Mike Blowers drew a leadoff walk. After one out, Alex Rodriguez stepped to the plate, batting for Sojo. Here's Vin:

"They're already calling this kid A-Rod, and all signs point to him being the Mariners' starting shortstop next season and for many years to come; he's on the playoff roster to gain experience and get rid of the first-time butterflies. Right now, he's facing Ken Ryan. He looks like a ten-year veteran at the plate, let's see if he swings like one......First pitch whacked into right center field, Tinsley back, at the wall, SHE IS GONE!.......An error on the announcer for putting his foot in his mouth. Challenge an athlete, whether he can hear you or not, and you see the result."

Garagiola: "Wow, was this ball tagged. Are you sure he's only twenty, Vin? Like you said, he looks at least thirty with his presence at the plate and that swing. He'll hit six hundred home runs easily if he stays healthy, and I hope we see him again before this series is over."

Scully: "The Red Sox sure don't!"

Coleman took a pitch off of his left elbow to keep the inning going, but he was forced by Cora, and Junior's fly to right was caught by Hosey to end the game. A-Rod's two-run blast thrilled the fans, but the Red Sox have taken Game 1 9-4 and a one game to none lead in this best-of-five series.

Naehring was named Player of the Game by NBC. He was four for five with a home run and four RBIs, and he also scored twice. Canseco also received consideration after going three for five with a home run, two RBIs and three runs scored. Clemens starred on the mound, pitching seven inning while giving up just one run on five hits while walking three and striking out seven.

Before we go, here are our Defensive Plays of the Day. Our first one is in the top of the sixth. Hosey is at the plate against Tim Belcher with Alicea at first and one out. Here's Vin:

"Fly ball, right center field. Sojo going out, Griffey coming in, AND IT'S JUNIOR WITH THE DIVING CATCH! That ball was just about to drop in for at least a single before Griffey almost picked it off the turf. Two out, and Alicea back to first."

Now it's the bottom of the seventh with one out and catcher Dan Wilson at the plate. Here's Sean:

"One-two pitch from Clemens......fly ball right center field. Tinsley comes in, Alicea goes back, and it's Tinsley who......did he make the catch? He ran into Alicea, but he still held on! What concentration by Tinsley, as he held on to the ball even after bumping into Alicea. Two out in the Seattle seventh."

Game 2 will be tomorrow night here at the Kingdome, with first pitch scheduled for a little after 8PM Eastern. Andy Benes will start for the M's, while Erik Hanson goes for the Red Sox.

Final totals: Red Sox 9-14-0, Mariners 4-8-0.

W- Clemens (1-0)
L- Bosio (0-1)

HR- BOS: Vaughn (1), Canseco (1), Naehring (1)
SEA: Griffey Jr. (1), E. Martinez (1), Rodriguez (1)

Next: We look at Game 2.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 2 of the first American League Division Series from The Kingdome in Seattle:

Lineup Changes:

Red Sox- Dwayne Hpsey moves from right field to center field. Willie McGee will take Hosey's place in right and bat seventh.

Mariners- Luis Sojo and Joey Cora flip-flop in the batting order; Sojo moves up to second, while Cora moves down to ninth. Also, Jay Buner moves up to fifth and Mike Blowers sixth, while Tino Martinez slides down to seventh.

Red Sox 1st: Hosey led off the game by blooping a double into left center. After John Valentin walked, Mo Vaughn grounded a base hit to right center to bring Hosey home and give the Bosox a 1-0 lead. Valentin moved to third, from whence he scored on Jose Canseco's base hit up the middle to make it 2-0 Boston. Mike Greenwell's line shot found Tino's glove to finally give the M's am out, but Tim Naehring walked to load the bases. Mariners starter Andy Benes rebounded to strike out both McGee and Mike Macfarlane swinging to end the inning, but the visitors have picked up where they left off in Game 1: two runs, three hits, two walks, and the bases left loaded. Now let's see if the Mariners can stop two games' worth of bleeding.

Mariners 1st: Junior Griffey and Edgar Martinez drew back-to-back two-out walks against Boston starter Erik Hanson. Next up was Buhner, who stroked a single to right to bring Junior home and cut the Boston lead to 2-1. Blowers' grounder to Valentin should have ended the inning, but Valentin couldn't field it cleanly and the bases were loaded. With a chance to break open the inning and put the M's in the lead, Tino struck out swinging on three pitches, and the inning was over. The Mariners settle for one here in the bottom of the first, and like the Red Sox, they leave the bases loaded. After one, it's Red Sox 2, Mariners 1.

Red Sox 2nd: Luis Alicea whacked a leadoff double to left, but was picked off almost immediately. After Hosey tapped to Tino for the second out, Valentin dumped a base hit into right to keep the inning going. Vaughn's double to right brought Valentin home to make it 3-1 Red Sox, and Canseco's double off the wall in left scored Vaughn to make it 4-1/ Greenwell's pop behind third was caught by Blowers toB end the inning, but the Bosox have added a pair of runs on four hits, and after an inning and a half they lead the M's 4-1.

Red Sox 4th: After two out, Vaughn's line shot to right missed a homer by inches, as it scraped the top of the wall and came back down in play. By the time Buhner got the ball back into the infield, Mo was standing at third with a triple. With Dave Fleming just about ready in the Seattle bullpen, Benes had to retire Canseco to stay in the game. Here's Vin Scully with what happened next:

"You see in these past two games how having to survive a playoff can impact the winners. Instead of having Randy Johnson, one of the game's dominant pitchers, on the mound for Game 1, the Mariners had to turn to Chris Bosio, and tonight to Andy Benes. Fine pitchers, to be sure, but not in the class of The Big Unit. Now Benes has to do the virtually impossible: retire Jose Canseco to stay in the game......First pitch is SWUNG ON AND CRUXHED DEEP TO LEFT CENTER! THEY'LL SEE THAT BALL ACROSS THE BORDER IN VANCOUVER!...….What a blast by Jose Canseco, and for the second game in a row the Seattle starter is knocked out early. as Boston has a 6-1 lead."

Joe Garagiola: "The Red Sox have really put on a show with the bats in these two games, and this ball is the most impressive of the lot. What do you think, Vin? Four hundred feet? Four fifty?"

Just to clarify, left center field at The Kingdome was 376 feet from home plate. Tale of the tape on Canseco's blast: 430 feet.

Greenwell greeted Fleming with a single to right, and Naehring walked to put two men on. McGee then joined the offensive party with a single to left that scored Greenwell and made t 7-1. Macfarlane's popup was caught by Tino near the Red Sox' dugout at first to end the inning, but the Sox have put up three more runs on four hits, two of them on Canseco's prodigious blast. We've played three and a half, and it's Boston 7, Seattle 1.

Red Sox 5th: After one out, Hosey stepped to the plate. Here's Vin:

"The Kingdome is eerily quiet as we play here in the fifth. The Mariners down 7-1, and Hanson has settled down since giving up the run in the first. Hosey now to try his hand at Fleming. He's grounded to Tino twice...…...Fleming gets the sign from Wilson, and here's the first pitch......high fly ball to left center field, carrying well, Griffey back, at the wall, AND IT'S GONE!...….Dwayne Hosey has joined the power brigade here in the fifth, and the Red Sox now lead 8-1. They're just whacking that ball everywhere, Joe."

Garagiola: "They are, but also the Mariners' pitching staff just hasn't had it, starters or relievers. Fleming gets this ball way up in the strike zone, and although Hosey's not known for his power he's all over it. The Red Sox are already a fine hitting ballclub; they don't need the Seattle pitchers to make them look better than they are."

A rattled Fleming hit Valentin in the leg with a pitch, but came back to strike out Vaughn swinging and Canseco looking to end the inning. Hosey's homer has put the Red Sox up by seven midway through Game 2.

Mariners 5th: With one out, Griffey grounded one past the mound and into center for a hit. Hanson walked Edgar on five pitches to put two men on, then Buhner on a 3-2 pitch to load the bases. Blowers then worked a third consecutive walk to force Junior in with the Mariners' second run. Next up was Tino, who grounded his first pitch to Vaughn, Mo fired to Valentin for the out on Blowers, then took the return throw to complete the double play. Hanson's wildness has gifted the Mariners a run here in the fifth, but they still trail the Red Sox 8-2 after five.

Red Sox 6th: Greenwell drew a leadoff walk, but was forced by Naehring, who was in turn forced by McGee. Macfarlane whacked a double into the right center gap to score Willie and make it 9-2 Boston, and Alicea kept tings going by drawing a walk. Hosey's grounder to short ended the inning, but the Red Sox have regained their seven-run lead, as they're up 9-2 after five and a half.

Mariners 7th: Edgar drew a leadoff walk, and after two out Tino walked to put two men on. Wilson then smacked a base hit to center to bring home Edgar and make it 9-3, and Cora just beat out an infield hit to short to bring Tino home with Seattle's fourth run. Coleman's grounder to second ended the inning, but the Mariners have posted a pair here in the seventh on two hits and two walks. Unfortunately, they still trail 9-4 as we head to the eighth.

Red Sox 9th: Alicea led off against Tim Belcher with a base hit to right center. Hosey's fly ball down the right field line dropped in for a double, and Alicea came home to put the Bosox in double digits. Next up out of the pen was Jeff Nelson, who fanned Valentin for the first out but then watched in disbelief as the glacially-slow Vaughn beat out a grounder to short for an infield single. Canseco smacked a single to right to bring home Hosey and make it 11-4, and Greenwell's seeing-eye base hit to right center brought Mo home and gave the Scarlet Hose an even dozen. Nelson managed to finish the inning by catching both Naehring and McGee looking, but the Sox have put three more on the board with the help of five hits, which gives them twenty for the game. The Mariners need a miracle in the bottom of the ninth, as they now trail 12-4.

That was all the scoring, and soon the Red Sox had wrapped up a 12-4 victory to take a two games to none series lead.

Canseco was the NBCs unanimous choice for Player of the Game. He went four for six with a homer and five runs batted in; for the series so far, he's seven for eleven with three runs scored, two home runs, and seven RBIs. Vaughn also had four hits; he was four for six with three runs scored and a pair of RBIs. Hosey was three for six including a home run) and scored three times.

Final totals: Red Sox 12-20-1, Mariners 4-10-0.

W- Hanson (1-0)
L- Benes (0-1)

HR- BOS: Canseco (2), Hosey (1)

The scene shifts to Boston's Fenway Park for Game 3 on Friday afternoon. Randy Johnson will take the mound in an attempt to save the Mariners' season, while the Red Sox will start knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 4PM Eastern.

Next: We look at Game 3.

Thoughts?
 
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