Baseball in the Pythagorean Universe: 1995

Now it's time for Game 3 of the first American League Division Series from Fenway Park in Boston. The date is Friday, October 6:

Lineup Changes:

Mariners- We're back to the Game 1 lineup for the most part. Joey Cora bats second, Tino Martinez bats fifth, Jay Buhner bats sixth, and Mike Blowers bats seventh, just as they did Tuesday night. One fresh change: Luis Sojo bats eighth, while Dan Wilson drops down to ninth.

Red Sox- Jose Canseco moves to right field, while Reggie Jefferson takes his place as the designated hitter and will bat sixth. Tim Naehring will move down to seventh, and Luis Alicea and Mike Macfarlane will flip-flop; Alicea will bat eighth, while Macfarlane bats ninth.

Weather: 54 degrees, cloudy skies, north-northeast wind at 15 MPH.

Mariners 1st: With two out, Junior Griffey lined a base hot to right center. Edgar Martinez was next, and his fly ball to left dropped in for a double, which scored Junior and gave the M's a 1-0 lead. A patented Wakefield knuckler froze Tino for strike three to end the inning, but the M's have struck first in an effort to save their season. Now it's up to the home squad.

Red Sox 1st: John Valentin and Mo Vaughn worked back-to-back walks with one out. Next was Canseco, whose base hot to center plated Valentin to tie the game at one. Greenwell grounded into a 3-6-3 double play to end the inning, but the Bssox have evened thing up with a run in the bottom of the first. After one, we're even at one.

Mariners 3rd: Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield booted Cora's easy comebacker for an error. After Joey stole second, Junior lined a base hit to right to bring him in and give Seattle a 2-1 lead. After Edgar walked, Tino's single to right loaded the bases. Buhner's infield fly was caught by Alicea for out number two, and the runners held. Then came Blowers, who slapped one down to Naehring at third. Tim decided to try for Junior at home, and the play was close, but Junior touched the plate with his left foot while Macfarlane tagged him on the right hip. Home plate umpire Jim McKean called Juniior safe, and the Mariners led 3-1. The Boston bench erupted, and manager Kevin Kennedy made a beeline out of the dugout right for McKean. The argument lasted for six minutes, and even Kennedy admitted after the game that he would have been thrown out "ten times over" if this hadn't been a postseason game. Finally, Kevin ran out of expletives, and we were back to play.

The delay didn't bother Wakefield, as he retired Sojo on a fly to center and Wilson on a fly to left center to end the inning. The Mariners have scored twice to take the lead on two hits, a walk, and an error. Time will tell if they'll regret leaving the bases loaded. After two and a half, it's Mariners 3, Red Sox 1.

Red Sox 3rd: After one out, Hosey lined a base hit up the middle, then stole second. Valentin was caught looking for out number two, but Vaughn's base hit to left drove in Hosey, which cut the Seattle lead to 3-2. Canseco walked on five pitches, as did Greenwell, and the bases were loaded. Jefferson was next, and he got too far under Mariners starter Randy Johnson's first pitch and lofted a lazy fly to right. Buhner made the easy catch, and the inning was over. The Sox can't take advantage of Johnson's wildness, as they settle for a run on two hits and two walks and leave the bases loaded. After three in Game 3, the Mariners still lead 3-2.

Red Sox 4th: Naehring led off with a base hit to left, and Alicea's base hit to left center moved him to third. Macfarlane took a called third strike for out number one, which meant that Hosey was next. Here's Vin Scully with the count no balls and one strike:

"Randy Johnson had a one-two-three second, but other than that the Red Sox have roughed him up just like they roughed up Chris Bosio and Andy Benes in the first two games. First and third, one out and the count 0-1 to Dwayne Hosey. Johnson studies the sign from Wilson, and here's the next pitch...….High fly ball deep to center field, Griffey going back, back, at the wall, off the top of the wall and bouncing back toward the infield! Naehring scores easily, Alicea's right behind him, and Hosey's thinking about three! He's now around third, and he stops!......No sense trying for an inside-the-park job with just one out and a chance to come in on a fly ball or a miscue of some sort. Anyway, it's 4-3 Red Sox."

Joe Garagiola: ""Anybody but Griffey in center and Hosey gets that inside-the-park-job, Vin. Kenny fell down on the track for just a second, and it's a sign of what a great athlete he is that he was able to get up and cut the ball off to hold Hosey at third, The Mariners' pitching staff has been such a disappointment all series. and everyone who thought Randy Johnson would cure what ailed them today......well, they can think again. He's getting pounded like everyone else."

The woes continued for the M's, as Valentin slapped a base hit to left, cashing Hosey in and extending the Sox' lead to 5-3. Vaughn then laced a double into the right center power alley to score Valentin and make it 6-3. Anyone else by The Big Unit would probably have gotten the hook at this point, but manager Lou Piniella stuck with his ace, who got Canseco to ground to Cora for the second out, with Vaughn moving to third. Greenwell went down swinging to end the inning, but the Fenway faithful are standing for their Red Sox, who have taken the lead with four runs on five hits and left another potential run at third. After four, the boys from Beantown are in command 6-3.

Red Sox 7th: After one out, Greenwell lined a double off the wall in right. Jefferson's grounder to short held Mike at second, but Naehring cashed him in with his bloop double down the line in left, which made it 7-3 Boston. Alicea's grounder to short ended the inning but the Sox have added another run here in the seventh, and the M's have six outs to erase a four-run deficit.

Red Sox 8th: Macfarlane greeted new Mariners pitcher Dave Fleming with a base hit to left, and Hosey's single to left put two on. Valaentin rapped a base hit to left center, and Sox third base coach Steve Oliver sent Macfarlane home. Unfortunately for the Sox, Mariners left fielder Vince Coleman had fielded the ball cleanly, and he made a perfect one-hop throw to Wilson at home plate, which had Macfarlane out by five feet. It was up to Vaughn to keep the inning going, and he did so with a single to left center which scored Hosey and extended the Bosox' lead to 8-3. Canseco grounded into a tailor-made 6-4-3 inning-ending double play, but the Sox have scored again in the eighth to pad their lead to 8-3, and they're just three outs from the ALCS.

That was all the scoring. Here's Vin's call of the final out:

"Bases loaded, two out here in the ninth, and you wonder just how long Kevin Kennedy is going to stick with Wakefield. who's thrown 145 pitches. That's high even if you consider that knuckleballers don't put the stress on their arm that regular pitchers do. Still, nobody's throwing yet in the Red Sox' bullpen, so let's see what Buhner does. One ball and one strike, and here comes pitch number 146......high fly ball deep to right, but playable! Canseco drifts back to the track to make the catch, and the Red Sox pull off the sweep!......The Red Sox pound the Mariners into submission, scoring twenty-nine runs on forty-nine hits over the series if my math is right, including eight runs on fifteen hits today.

There's no official MVP in the Division Series yet, but if there was, Canseco would be it. He finished eight for fifteen with two home runs and eight RBIs. Talk about a hot bat, and we'll see if he can keep it up in the American League Championship Series against either the Angels or the Indians. Also, a bow at the waist for Tim Wakefield, who went all the way today on 146 pitches, giving up three runs on eight hits while walking four and striking out five.

Our final score here in Game 3: Red Sox 8, Mariners 3, and the Red Sox sweep the series three games to none. We'll be back with interviews from both clubhouses and much more from a victorious Fenway Park after these messages and a word from your local station."

Hosey was named Player of the Game by NBC. He was four for five with three runs scored and two RBIs, both of which came on the fourth-inning triple that gave the Red Sox the lead for good. In addition to Wakefield, Vaughn also received consideration; he was three for four with three RBIs.

Final totals: Red Sox 8-15-2, Mariners 3-8-0.

W- Wakefield (1-0)
L- Johnson (0-1)

Next: We turn to the other ALDS, as the Angels host the Indians in Game 1 at The Big A.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 1 of the second American League Division Series from Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California:

Indians 1st: After one out, shortstop Omar Vizquel walked. Second baseman Carlos Baerga was next, and he ripped Angels starter Mark Langston's first pitch down the right field line. Right fielder Tim Salmon was able to stop the ball from going into the corner, but Vizquel still scored easily to give the Tribe a 1-0 lead. Left fielder Albert Belle's foul pop was aught by J.T. Snow at the box seat railing for the second out, and designated hitter Eddie Murray's infield popup was gloved by third baseman Tony Phillips for the final out. The visitors have gotten on the board with a run in the top of the first; now let's hear from the homestanding Halos.

Indians 2nd: With two out, first baseman Paul Sorrento faced Langston. Here's Bob Costas:

"With Eddie Murray playing first base less and less, Sorrento has now established himself as at least the majority starter at the position. It's unclear whether we'll see Eddie in the field in this series or not. Right now, Langston seems to have settled down after a rocky first inning, as he pitches, and SORRENTO WHACKS ONE TO DEEP RIGHT CENTER! AT THE TRACK IS EDMONDS, BUT HE WON'T GO BACK FURTHER! THIS ONE'S GONE!...….Sorrento hits one far into the late afternoon sun here in Anaheim, and it's 2-0 Indians."

Tony Kubek: "Look at the short, compact swing from Sorrento here, Bob, He doesn't waste a bit of energy getting out to meet this ball, and it's absolutely launched. The Indians are one of the best hitting teams in baseball, and the Angels better watch themselves before they're blown out early."

Catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. almost made it back-to-back home runs, but his deep fly to center hung in the air just long enough for Edmonds to make the catch and end the inning. The Tribe has extended their lead to 2-0 after an inning and a half thanks to Sorrento's long home run.

Angels 2nd: Snow led off with a line drive single to left center. Left fielder Garret Anderson grounded another base hit to left center, with Snow moving to third. Second baseman Rex Hudler forced Anderson, which allowed Snow to score the Angels' first run. Catcher Greg Myers flew to right center for the second out, but Hudler stole second. Third baseman Tony Phillips walked to put two men on, and shortstop Gary DiSarcina's bloop fell in short left center for a hit. Hudler scored easily to tie the game at two, and Phillips moved to third. Center fielder Jim Edmonds' screaming liner was nabbed by Baerga for the third out, but the Angels have scored twice to tie the game on three hits and a walk while leaving runners at the corners. We've played two in Game 1, and we're tied at two.

Indians 3rd: With one out, Vizquel ripped a double to right center. Baerga's fly to Anderson in left sent him to third, and Belle was pitched around before walking. The Angels had decided that they'd rather face Murray, and the old man made them pay by stroking a single to left that scored Vizquel and gave the Indians a 3-2 lead. Thome popped out to Snow behind first base to retire the side, but the Indians have manufactured a run to take the lead. After two and a half, it's Tribe 3, Halos 2.

Indians 4th: Right fielder Manny Ramirez led off with a single to right center. After Sorrento took a called third strike, Alomar's single to left moved Ramirez to third. Lofton forced Alomar at second, but Manny trotted home on the play to make it 4-2 Cleveland. Lofton then tried to steal second, but was thrown out easily by Myers to end the inning. Still, the Tribe has bolstered their lead with a run to lead 4-2 after three and a half.

Indians 7th: With one out, Baerga singled up the middle. Belle's fly ball dropped in short right, but rolled past Salmon and to the warning track. That scored Baerga with the Tribe's fifth run as Belle pulled up at second with a double. Langston's evening was over, and Scott Sanderson came in to get Murray to ground to short and strike out Thome swinging. The visitors have added anther run here in the seventh, and as we stretch at The Big A it's Cleveland 5, California 2.

Indians 8th: Sorrento drew a one-out walk. That brought up Alomar, who ran the count to three balls and no strikes against Sanderson. Here's what happened next, as called by CBS Radio's Ernie Harwell:

"Three and nothing to Alomar, and Sanderson has to get this one over. Sorrento not fast at first, so he probably won't be running. Indian lead 5-2 here in the top of the eighth, with the top of the order and Lofton due up next. Sanderson gets the sign from Myers, and here's the pitch......HIT A LONG WAY TO DEEP RIGHT CENTER FIELD, EDMONDS, BACK, BUT THIS BALL IS FAR GONE!......Sandy Alomar Jr. has just hit Cleveland's second long homer of the night, and they now lead 7-2 here in the eighth."

Johnny Bench: "Sanderson hung that slider over the middle of the plate, and Alomar really turned on it. The Indians have really gotten hold of both of their home runs tonight: first Sorrento, now Alomar. if this is a preview of the rest of this series, we'll see quite a show from these Cleveland Indians."

Lofton flew to center for the second out, but Vizquel walked. That was finally all for Sanderson; Troy Percival got Baerga to ground to third, ending the inning. But Alomar's two-run blast has extended the Tribe's lead to 7-2 as we go to the bottom of the eighth.

Angels 8th: Edmonds stroked a leadoff double to left. After Salmon struck out looking, designated hitter Chili Davis sliced a double down the left field line and into the corner as Edmonds came home with the third California run. Snow's grounder to second moved Chili to third, but Anderson's fly to the warning track in right was gloved by Ramirez to retire the side. The Angels settle for one while leaving a man at third, and they still trail the Tribe 7-3 after eight.

Indians 9th: Belle's leadoff fly to left as muffed by Anderson, and by the time Garret gathered himself and got the ball back to the infield Albert was standing at second. Murray lined a base hit to right to cash in Bella and make it 8-3 Cleveland, then Thome put the cherry on the evening for the Tribe. Here's Bob with the count one ball and two strikes:

"Back here tomorrow afternoon at 4PM Eastern with Game 2, then we head to Cleveland over the weekend. Indians up 8-3, as Percival looking for an out here in the top of the ninth without suffering any more damage. Gets the sign from Myers, and here's the 1-2 to Thome……..High fly ball to deep right, Salmon over at the track, and the wall, makes the leap, BUT CAN'T GET IT!...…..A home run for Thome, a 10-3 lead for Cleveland, and also a Game 1 victory for the Tribe barring a miracle only Hollywood could write."

Kubek: "They really grow those power hitters over by Lake Erie, and Thome's another one of them. He doesn't quite get all of this ball, but he's strong enough to hit it out anyway."

Russ Springer replaced a departing Percival and got the next three hitters in short order: Ramirez grounded to short, Sorrento grounded to second, and Alomar flew to Edmonds in deep right center. Bit the Tribe has scored three more times on two hits, plus a costly error from Anderson. We head to the bottom of the ninth with the visitors in control, 10-3.

Angels 9th: With one out, Myers dumped a double into left center. Phillips' fly to right was caught by Ramirez for out number two, with Myers remaining at second. DiSarcina was next, as his double to left brought Myers home with the fourth California run. Edmonds' single to right put runners at the corners, and Salmon's seeing-eye base hit to left center drove in DiSarcina to make it 10-5. Indians manager Mike Hargrove reluctantly removed Martinez in favor of Eric Plunk, who walked Davis to load the bases. But Snow lied the first pitch he saw right at Baerga to end the game. The Angels scored twice here in the ninth on four hits and a walk, but they left the bases loaded. Our final score in Game 1 of this best-of-five series: Indians 10, Angels 5.

Alomar was named MVP by NBC. He was three for five with a homer and two RBIs.

Game 2 is scheduled for 4PM Eastern tomorrow here in Anaheim. Orel Hershiser will get the start for Cleveland, while Jim Abbott will pitch for the Angels.

Final totals: Indians 10-14-0, Angels 5-12-1.

W- Martinez (1-0)
S- Plunk (1)
L- Langston (0-1)

HR- CLE: Sorrento (1), Alomar (1), Thome (1)

Before we go, here are our Defensive Plays of the Night. First, Vizquel leads off the top of the fifth with the Tribe leading 4-2. Here's Bob:

"High fly ball right center field, it's gonna drop in unless Edmonds can get there.....HE DOES! What a running catch by Jim Edmonds, and Vizquel was robbed of at least a double."

Now to the bottom of the fifth. It's DiSarcina leading off for the Halos, who are trailing 4-2. Here's Bob again:

"On the ground to deep short. Vizquel's got a long throw......SORRENTO STAYS ON THE BAG FOR THE OUT!......The question wasn't whether Vizquel would make the play; it was whether Sorrento could keep his foot on the bag long enough to get the out, and he did."

Next: We look at Game 2.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 2 of the second 1995 American League Division Series from Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The date is Wednesday, October 4:

Weather: 68 degrees, fair skies, southwest wind at 6 MPH.

Orel Hershiser (Indians) and Jim Abbott (Angels) engaged in a scoreless pitcher's duel through eight innings. The Indians left runners at second and third in the second and left the bases loaded in the fourth and seventh, while the Angels got only one runner into scoring position all day: Greg Myers singled to lead off the bottom of the sixth and advanced to second on a groundout, but was left stranded.

The Defensive Play of the Day happened in the bottom of the fourth, with Tim Salmon at first bas after a two-out walk. Chili Davis was at the plate, and here's how Bob Costas called it:

"One-one pitch......LINED RIGHT BACK AT HERSHISER! The question is, can he continue? He's slowly getting to his feet after almost getting his chest caved in by that Chili Davis line drive, and he'll head to the dugout having kept the Angels off the board. We're scoreless through four in Game 2."

Indians 9th: With one out against reliever Troy Percival, Kenny Lofton walked, then stole second. Omar Vizquel's fly to right center failed to advance him, but Carlos Baerga grounded a single to right. Tim Salmon got to the ball in time to hold Lofton and third, but his throw got away from Tony Phillips. which allowed Lofton to score and give the Tribe a 1-0 lead. Albert Belle's grounder to third ended the inning, but the Indians have finally drawn first blood here in the top of the ninth. Now it's up to Hershiser to keep the Halos off the board in the last of the ninth.

Angels 9th: With one out, Edmonds singled to right. Salmon went down swinging for out number two, but Davis' base hit to left kept the inning going. J.T. Snow was next, and after a brief mound conference Indians manager Mike Hargrove decided to stick with Hershiser even though Jose Mesa was almost ready in the Cleveland bullpen. Meanwhile, Spike Owen came in to run for Davis. Hershiser got two quick strikes on Snow, and that's where we rejoin Bob:

"No balls, two strikes, Hershiser is one pitch away from the shutout. Mesa's ready in case Snow reaches, and Garret Anderson is on deck. Hershiser shakes off the first sign, okays the second, and here's the 0-2 pitch...….LINE DRIVE TO CENTER, IT'S GONNA DROP IN! EDMONDS WILL SCORE! HERE COMES OWEN! THE THROW FROM LOFTON...….OWEN BEAT IT! THE ANGELS WIN!......He beat Alomar's tag, not the throw, but it amounts to the same things: An Angels victory and a tied series at one game apiece going to Jacobs Field."

Tony Kubek: "They'll blame Mike Hargrove for not going to Mesa, but Snow just flat-out won this confrontation. This ball was a laser shot that got down quickly, and everyone was off and running the second the ball dropped in. Edmonds scores easily, but Lofton's right there with the throw to get Owen. It comes in on a hop, and Owen, just gets underneath it with the winning run."

Snow was named MVP by NBC because of his game-winning hit, but Hershiser had been named prior to the bottom of the ninth, and he still deserves kudos for his effort; he went eight and two-thirds innings, giving up two runs on seven hits while walking just one and striking out seven on 111 pitches. Abbott went seven and two-thirds innings, shutting out the Tribe on seven hits while walking four, striking out four, and throwing 124 pitches.

The scene will shift to Jacobs Field in Cleveland for Game 3 on Friday night. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 8PM Eastern, with Charles Nagy taking the ball for the Tribe and Shawn Boskie doing likewise for the Halos.

Final totals: Angels 2-7-0, Indians 1-8-0.

W- Percival (1-0)
L- Hershiser (0-1)

Next: We look at Game 3.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 3 of the second American League Division Series from Jacobs Field in Cleveland. The date is Friday, October 6:

Lineup Changes:

Angels- Andy Allanson starts behind the plate in place of Greg Myers. He'll be batting eighth, while Rex Hudler moves down to ninth.

Weather: 64 degrees, cloudy skies, calm winds.

Indians 2nd: Albert Belle led off against Angels starter Shawn Boskie. Here's Bob Costas:

"Belle looking to establish himself in front of the home crowd after not being a real pert of the offense in the first two games. The Angels have been pitching very carefully to him, especially with runners on base. Let's see how Boskie handles him leading off the second......First pitch is whacked down the left field line, Anderson going over, it's toward the corner, curving......….IT STAYS FAIR AND IT'S GONE! It was curving foul, but didn't curve fast enough for Boskie and the Angels, and the Indians grab the early lead."

Tony Kubek: "This home run was just a matter of a foot or two at most. As you said, Bob, it was curving foul as it went toward the line, but somehow it dropped on the fair side of the line. Albert Belle's dangerous enough; he doesn't need luck like that."

Eddie Murray kept thing going by lining a base hit to left center, and Jim Thome singled to right center for the inning's third consecutive hit. Manny Ramirez cooled things off a bit with a comebacker to Boskie, who started a 1-4-3 double play as Murray moved to third. Next up was Paul Sorrento, who dumped a fly ball into center that dropped in front of Kenny Lofton for a double. Murray scored easily, and it was 2-0 Tribe. Sandy Alomar Jr. went down swinging to end the inning, but the home squad has broken on top with two runs on four hits here in the second. After two, it's Indians 2, Angels 0.

Angels 5th: Tony Phillips worked a two-out walk. Next was Gary DiSarcina, who grounded one past Thome at third and down the left field line. Anderson was able to play the ball before it got lost in the corner, but Phillips still scored to put the Halos on the board. Edmonds' fly to right was caught by Ramirez to end the inning, but the Angels have cut the Indians' lead in half here in the fifth. Speaking of half, we're halfway through Game 3, and it's Cleveland 2, California 1.

Angels 7th: Hudler led off by lining a base hit to right center. He stole second almost immediately, then moved to third on Phillips' grounder to second. DiSarcina flew to Ramirez in right; Angels third base coach Rick Burleson was going to hold Hudler at third, but watched Manny double-clutch before he threw and sent Rex home. The throw never reached the plate, instead taking off up the line at first, and Hudler scored with ease to tie the game at two. Indians starter Charles Nagy was pulled in favor of Eric Plunk, and Edmonds greeted the new hurler by lining his first pitch off the wall in right center for a double, but Plunk got Tim Salmon to ground to Sorrento at first, ending the inning. The Angels have tied the game here in the top of the seventh. and as we stretch at The Jake, we're embroiled in a 2-2 deadlock.

Angels 14th: J.T. Snow led off against new Indians pitcher Jason Grimsley. He got behind two strikes, and that's where we rejoin Bob:

"Extras have been quiet, as neither team has gotten a runner in scoring position. Right now the difference in the game is Burleson looking like a genius because of Ramirez's bad throw on DiSarcina's fly ball in the seventh. We're now in the fourteenth, and here's the 0-2 to Snow.....down the left field line, this one's fair all the way, Belle looks up, AND IT'S GONE!.....It landed about three or four rows deep over by the left field corner, and the Angels lead 3-2."

Kubek: "Snow got every last bit of that pitch, Bob. He's one of the Angels' big hitters, and he really took that one for a ride. Looked like a curve that hung just a touch, but that's all Snow needs to get it out."

Next up was Anderson. Here's Bob with the count one ball and one strike:

Costas: "If Grimsley can hold it here, the Indians have Belle, Wayne Kirby who ran for Murray earlier, and Thome in the bottom of the fourteenth. But he needs to take care of Garret Anderson, then it looks Jorge Fabregas will bat for Allanson. One-one is drilled deep to center, Lofton coming over, but it gets away from him and hops off the wall. Lofton can't come up with it cleanly, and Anderson's around second and going for three, now Lofton falls flat on his face, and Anderson's still going! Lofton's up now, but Anderson will still score without a throw! An inside-the-park home run for Garret Anderson, and it's 4-2 California as Grimsley just stands on the mound stupefied."

Kubek: "Lofton never got his glove on the ball; that's why it's an inside-the-park-homer instead of a double or triple and an error. The key pert of the play came when Lofton took a header. It wasn't his fault, but it still meant that Anderson was going to be able to come home instead of having to stop at third."

It got worse for Grimsley, as he fell behind Fabregas three balls and no strikes:

Costas: "Grimsley's night is almost over, as Jim Poole looks to be coming in to face Hudler regardless. But for his own sanity if nothing else, he needs this out. 4-2 Angels, top of the fourteenth, they've gone ahead on back-to-back home runs by Snow and Anderson, with Anderson's coming inside the park. Grimsley gets the sign from Alomar, and the 3-0 to Fabregas...….HIT HIGH AND DEEP TO RIGHT! RAMIREZ BACK AT THE FENCE, LOOKING UP, AND THIS ONE IS GONE!THREE HOME RUNS IN A ROW FOR THE ANGELS, WHO NOW LEAD 5-2!...….Grimsley looks like he could sit down on the mound and burst into tears right about now, and who could blame him? I don't have the stats handy, but three home runs in a row isn't exactly common, especially in the postseason."

Kubek: "Marcel Lachemann said before the game that Greg Myers would be given the whole night off, that it would be Fabregas going in if something happened to Allanson, and Fabregas certainly showed why Lachemann was so confident in him. Ramirez goes back a few steps and takes a look, but this one was out of here by a fair margin."

Grimsley's night was mercifully over, and Poole got Hudler to fly to right and Phillips to ground to third. DiSarcina kept the inning going with a double to right center, but Edmonds struck out swinging to retire the side. A pall has descended over the Jake, as Snow, Anderson, and Fabregas have gone back-to-back-to back here in the top of the fourteenth to give the visiting Angels a 5-2 lead. Now, the Tribe will get their first look at future Hall of Famer Lee Smith in this series as they try a comeback in the bottom of the fourteenth.

Smith retired the Indians one-two-three in the bottom of the fourteenth, and the Angels had a 5-2 win and a two games to one lead in the series.

Snow was named Player of the Game by NBC, mostly because it was his homer that gave the Halos the lead in the fourteenth. He was also the only Angel with three hits. Thome had three hits for the Tribe in a losing cause.

Game 4 will be tomorrow night here at Jacobs Field. Thanks to the Red Sox' sweep of the Mariners, first pitch is now scheduled for shortly after 8PM Eastern. Dennis Martinez will start for the Tribe in an effort to save their season, while Chuck Finley gets the call for California.

W- Habyan (1-0)
S- L. Smith (1)
L- Grimsley (0-1)

HR- CAL: Snow (1), Anderson (1), Fabregas (1)
CLE: Belle (1)

Sorry, but I forgot the totals.

Next: We look at Game 4.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 4 of the second American League Division Series from Jacobs Field in Cleveland. The date is Saturday, October 7:

First, let's set up the umpiring crew:

Home Plate: Larry McCoy
First Base: Rich Garcia
Second Base: Jim Joyce
Third Base: Mike Reilly
Left Field: Dale Scott
Right Field: Jim McKean

Indians 1st: Kenny Lofton's leadoff grounder to third was fumbled by Tony Phillips, which allowed Lofton to reach. Omar Vizquel followed up with a fly ball to right that dropped in front of Tim Salmon for a double. Lofton scored easily, and the Indians led 1-0. Phillips was able to handle Carlos Baerga's grounder to third, which forced Vizquel to remain at second. Albert Belle walked to put two men on, but Eddie Murray's fly down the left field line was snagged by Garret Anderson for the second out, with Vizquel moving to third. Next up was Jim Thome, whose popup was caught by Phillips for the third out as he was falling into the Indians' dugout. The Tribe has broken on top with a run here in the bottom of the first, and they lead Game 4 1-0 after one.

Here's Bob Costas' call of the final out:

"Popped up behind third. Phillips going over toward the dugout, does he still have a play? Reaches up and...…..HE'S GOT THE BALL!.....Mike Hargrove himself giving temporary aid and comfort to the enemy as the Indians go out in the first. We go to the second scoreless as we get one last look at Phillips' great catch."

Angels 3rd: Rex Hudler led off with a single to left, but was forced by Phillips. After DiSarcina popped out to Thome for the second out, Jim Edmonds lined a double off the wall in center to score Hudler and tie the game at one. Salmon's fly to left center chased Lofton deep into the power alley, but Kenny snagged the ball for the final out. The visitors have tied the game thanks to Edmonds' RBI double, and we're even at one after two and a half.

Indians 4th: With one out, Sandy Alomar Jr. faced Angels starter Chuck Finley. Here's Bob Costas with the count two balls and one strike:

"Finley behind two balls and a strike to Alomar, who's got enough power to be dangerous even though he's not the home run threat that Belle and Ramirez are, Another ball pretty much guarantees that Alomar will be swinging for the fences, so Finley has to make this one good. Here it comes...….over the heart of the plate and WHACKED DOWN THE LEFT FIELD LINE! ANDERSON BACK, AT THE WALL, LOOKING UP AND GONE!......Sandy Alomar has given the Indians the lead here in the bottom of the fourth, and Finley made that pitch a bit too good."

Tony Kubek: "This one got away from Finley and got out over the heart of the plate. Alomar really got a hold of it, and although it was close to the foul pole, there was no question it was fair."

The inning continued with Lofton lining a single up the middle. Vizquel walked to put two men on, and Mike Harkey started to throw in the California bullpen. Next up was Baerga, who lined a double into the left field corner. Lofton and Vizquel both scored, and it was 4-1 Cleveland. Pitching coach Chuck Hernandez went out to steady Finley, who promptly struck Belle out swinging and got Murray to fly to center, ending the inning. But the Tribe has scored three times on three hits and a walk, and they have a 4-1 lead through four.

Angels 6th: With one out, Salmon faced Martinez. Here's Ernie Harwell of CBS Radio:

"Salmon looking to get the Angels back into ballgame here in the top of the sixth; he's 0 for 2 so far. Martinez good for perhaps one more inning on short rest, then we'll most likely see the Cleveland bullpen. Here's the first pitch to Salmon...…..IT'S WELL HIT DEEP TO LEFT! BACK IS BELLE, AND HE'LL WATCH IT GO! A mammoth home run for Tim Salmon here in the top of the sixth, and it's now a 4-2 game."

Johnny Bench: "Tim Salmon got every bit of that pitch, and there was never any question that it was gone. The important thing for Martinez is not to let this get him down; he's still got a two-run lead, so just make his pitches and go after the hitters."

Left field is only 325 feet at The Jake (now Progressive Field). Salmon's blast measured 374 feet.

It went from bad to worse for El Presidente, as he walked Davis, Snow, and Anderson on a combined fourteen pitches to load the bases. With his season slipping away, Hargrove called on Eric Plunk to face Andy Allanson, only for Angels manager Marcel Lachemann to counter with Greg Myers, whose fly ball to left was caught by Belle for the second out. Now it was up to Hudler, who was quickly down two strikes:

Harwell: "One more big pitch and Plunk is out of the inning. Myers will almost certainly be in to catch in the bottom of the sixth, so look out for that. Hudler down two strikes, and the Indians still lead 4-2. Baes loaded, two out, everybody running on contact. Here's the pitch......fly ball, BASE HIT LEFT FIELD! Davis comes around to score, here comes Snow to the plate without a throw, Anderson stops at second, and we have a tie game, as Rex Hudler knocks in a pair."

Bench: "Hudler was definitely expecting the heat from Plunk, and he got it. Down a little, not quite over the heart of the plate, but Hudler went with it and served it into left. Normally a ball hit like that won't score two, but as you said, Ernie, everyone was running with the pitch, and we have a brand-new ballgame."

Phillips' grounder to Sorrento at first ended the inning, but the Angels have scored thrice here in the top of the sixth on just two hits and three costly walks, and they've also left two men on base. After five and a half, we're even at four apiece.

Indians 6th: Vizquel led off with a single to right. Baerga walked, but Belle's line drive was gloved by Finley for out number one. All Murray could do was pop one up on the infield, and it was gloved by Phillips for the second out. It was now up to Thome, and like Salmon in the top of the inning, he took two quick strikes. Then:

Harwell: "This is eerily similar to Salmon's at-bat in the top of this inning, and Indians fans hope that it ends up the same way. Finley's done a great job pitching out of trouble so far; all he needs is one more strike. The sign from Myers, 0-2 pitch.....DRIVEN DOWN THE RIGHT FIELD LINE, OVER GOES SALMON, HE'S AT THE WALL, AND IT'S GONE!...….As Salmon went deep in the top of the sixth for California, so Thome goes deep in the bottom of the sixth for the Indians, who now lead 7-4."

Bench: "Finley got this one up too high, and Thome just pulls it down the line ir right. It's 325 feet to right field from home plate here at Jacobs Field, and if that ball went 330 feet I'll be surprised. But it was enough to get over the wall and give Cleveland the lead."

That was all for Finley; Harkey came on to strike Ramirez out swinging to end the inning. But Thome's homer has given the home squad a 7-4 lead through six.

Angels 8th: With one out, Anderson singled to right center. Thome caught Myers' foul pop for the second out, but Hudler spanked a double to left that brought Anderson home and cut the Cleveland lead to 7-5. Philllips walked on five pitches, and Paul Assenmacher replaced Julian Tavarez on the mound for the Tribe. DiSarcina got in front of him two balls and no strikes, and that's where we join Bob:

"Mesa up in the Cleveland bullpen, but he's at least two hitters away, so for right now it's up to Assenmacher against DiSarcina. Edmonds on deck, and the Indians want no part of him with the bases loaded. Here's the 2-0 pitch.....little bloop job into right center, will it get down....YES, AND ROLL AWAY FROM LOFTON! HUDLER SCORES! HERE COMES PHILLIPS! THE THROW GOES TO THIRD, AND WE'RE ALL TIED UP AGAIN! WHAT A GAME!"

Kubek: "This didn't look like trouble off of DiSarcina's bat, but when it rolled away from Lofton things started to happen. If he fields it cleanly, one run scores, but by the time he came up with the ball, Phillips was already rounding third and coming home. Looks like we'll see Mesa one batter too late."

Mesa got Edmonds to fly to Belle on the left field line for the final out, but the Angels have scored three times on three hits and a walk to tie the game at seven after seven and a half.

Here's Bob's call of the inning's first out, with Snow facing Tavarez:

"Line shot HANDLED BY TAVAREZ BEFORE IT PUT A DENT IN HIS FOREHEAD! One out in the eighth, as Julian wipes his brow in relief."

Now to the bottom of the eighth. There's one out with Belle at first, and Murray's facing Angels reliever Mike James. Here's Bob again:

"Fly ball into right center. Edmonds has a long run, has to dive......CATCHES IT, ROLLS OVER AND PRESENTS THE BALL FOR THE OUT! What a play by Jim Edmonds! Two out in the eighth and Belle back to first."

Angels 9th: With two out, it's Snow against Mesa. Here's Bob:

"Mark Clark warming in the Cleveland bullpen in case there's a tenth inning. It'll be Ramirez, Sorrento, and Alomar in the bottom of the ninth for Cleveland. Who they'll face depends on how the rest of this inning goes, as Snow's ready. So is Mesa. First pitch...…..AND THAT'S DRIVEN DEEP TO CENTER! LOFTON BACK, AT THE WALL. THE ANGELS LEAD!...….J.T. Snow hits his second hoomer in as many game to put the Angels up 8-7, and it's going to be Lee Smith against the Angels in the bottom of the ninth."

Kubek: "This was a no-doubter. Snow got every bit of wood he could get on that pitch, and Lofton really had no chance at it, though he goes back just in case. What an upset this will be if the Angels hold on."

Anderson's fly to tight was caught by Ramirez to end the inning, but Snow's homer has given the Angels an 8-7 lead heading to the bottom of the ninth. Now it's up to Lee Smith to shut down the Tribe.

And shut them down he did. Here's Bob with the final out:

"A hundred-win season in jeopardy for the Indians. Alomar at first on the force, and the count one strike to Lofton. On deck is Vizquel, then comes Baerga. A sellout crowd almost demanding a miracle, as Smith looks in to Myers for the sign. The one -strike pitch.....Fly ball to right center, Edmonds over, HE HAS IT! THE ANGELS ARE MOVING ON, AND THE INDIANS ARE OUT!....The overwhelming favorite to represent the American League in the World Series has just been eliminated, and the champions of the West, the Angels will host Game 1 of the ALCS against the Red Sox on Tuesday night.

It's the home run that did it; they hit three in a row, including an inside-the-park job, in the fourteenth last night against Jason Grimsley. and tonight it was J.T. Snow, who was one of yesterday's home run heroes, going deep again against Jose Mesa in the top of the ninth to break a 7-7 tie. Lee Smith shut the Indians down in the bottom of the ninth, and that was that. Our final from Jacobs Field: Angels 8, Indians 7, and the Angels win the series three games to one. We'll be back with interviews from both clubhouses and much more after these messages and a word from your local station."

Snow was named Player of the Game by NBC after hitting the game-winning home run. Hudler also received consideration after going three for four with three RBIs.

Final totals: Angels 8-11-1, Indians 7-9-0.

W- James (1-0)
S- L. Smith (2)
L- Mesa (0-1)

HR- CAL: Snow (2), Salmon (1)
CLE: Thome (2), Alomar (2)

The Angels will host the Red Sox in Game 1 of the ALCS on Tuesday afternoon, as Bob said earlier. Game time is scheduled for just after 4PM Eastern. Jim Abbott will pitch for the Angels, while Roger Clemens will pitch for the Red Sox.

Next: We look at Game 1 of the ALCS.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 1 of the American League Championship Series from Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The date is Tuesday, October 10:

Weather: 68 degrees, cloudy skies, calm winds.

Red Sox 2nd: Designated hitter Reggie Jefferson led off by lining a double into the left center power alley. After left fielder Mike Greenwell walked, right fielder Matt Stairs lined a base hit to right center, which scored Jefferson and gave the Bosox a 1-0 lead. Catcher Bill Haselman grounded the next pitch from Angels starter Jim Abbott into right field for a base hit, which drove in Greenwell with the second Boston run. Third baseman Chris Donnels grounded one to J.T. Snow at first, who threw to shortstop Gary DiSarcina for the force on Haselman, then took the return throw for a double play. Second baseman Luis Alicea's grounder to third ended the inning, but the visitors have broken on top with two runs on three hits and left another potential run at third. After an inning and a half, the Red Sox lead the Angels 2-0.

Angels 2nd: Designated hitter Chili Davis stroked a leadoff single to right. After Snow popped out to Alicea and left fielder Garret Anderson struck out swinging, second baseman Damion Easley, batting for the first time this postseason, ripped a double into the left center power alley to score Davis and get the Angels on the board. Catcher Jorge Fabregas' grounder to third ended the inning, but the Angels have gotten on the board thanks to Easley's double and are back to within 2-1 after two.

Angels 7th: After one out, Easley dumped a base hit into right. Fabregas' line drive was smothered by Alicea for out number two, which left DiSarcina as the Angels' last chance in the inning. Here's Bob Costas:

"DiSarcina one of the big reasons why the Angels beat the Indians three in a row after losing Game 1, and they need something from him here in the bottom of the seventh. Stan Belinda throwing in the Red Sox' bullpen in case Clemens steps in it even further. DiSarcina ready, and here's the first pitch......fly ball down the right field line. Stairs coming in, Vaughn going out, but there's a cavern between them and the ball will drop in! Easley will score, well, easily, and the Angels have tied Game 1 at two!"

Tony Kubek: "Neither Vaughn nor Stairs was anywhere near quick enough to get to this ball, which is why it drops and allows Easley to score. This is a prime example of why you need to be an athlete of some sort to play first base. If Vaughn can run faster, he gets to the ball and it's a popup to end the inning."

Joe Garagiola: "What was Stairs' problem? Was he really that slow, or did he think someone as big as Mo Vaughn would actually beat him to that ball? (Jose) Canseco's not that much better, but I have to think he'd have made a better effort to get to that ball."

That was all for Clemens, as Red Sox manager Kevin Kennedy brought in Belinda to pitch to Angels third baseman Tony Phillips:

Costas: "A ball and a strike on Phillips with DiSarcina at second and two out. Ken Ryan now throwing in the Boston bullpen, but right now it's up to Stan Belinda in perhaps his biggest spot since the 1992 NLCS, when he gave up the game-winning base hot to the Braves' Francisco Cabrera as a member of the Pirates. Right now, a base hit could give the Angels the lead. The sign from Haselman, the check of DiSarcina at second, and the one-one pitch...…..LINED INTO RIGHT CENTER FOR A BASE HIT! THIS'LL SCORE DISARCINA! THE ANGELS HAVE A 3-2 LEAD IN THE SEVENTH!......And there's the Cowboy, Gene Autry. Not as spry as he once was; he didn't travel to Cleveland over the weekend to watch the Angels finish their comeback against the Indians, but he has a front row seat for this comeback."

Kubek: "Just a bullet into right center by Tony Phillips. DiSarcina's running on contact with two out, so he's able to score with no problem, and California has its first lead of the day."

Garagiola: "This series is special, because it was the Red Sox that the Angels blew a three games to one lead against in the American League Championship Series nine years ago. As for Belinda, he's just plain snakebit. What else can go wrong for him in the postseason?"

Belinda recovered to strike out Edmonds swinging to end the inning, but the Angels have taken the lead with two runs on three hits here in the bottom of the seventh. The Red Sox now have six outs to do something about their predicament; they trail 3-2 after seven.

That was all the scoring; Abbott hit a batter leading off the top of the eighth, but he and Mike James combined to hold the Sox off the board. Lee Smith had an "immaculate inning" in the top of the ninth, striking out the side on nine pitches to earn his third save of the postseason and preserve the Halos' 3-2 win. The Angels lead the best-of-seven series one game to none.

Phillips was named MVP by NBC for getting the game-winning hit. Abbott also deserves a tip of the cap; he pitched seven and two-thirds innings, giving up just two runs on five hits while walking three and striking out seven.

Final totals: Angels 3-8-0, Red Sox 2-5-0.

W- Abbott (1-0)
S- L. Smith (1)
L- Clemens (0-1)

Game 2 of the ALCS will be tomorrow night here at the Big A. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 8PM Eastern, with Shawn Boskie pitching for the Angels and Zane Smith making his first start of the postseason for the Red Sox.

Next: We look at Game 2.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 2 of the American League Championship Series from Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The date is Wednesday, October 11:

Lineup Changes:

Red Sox-
Dwayne Hosey returns to center field and will bat in the leadoff spot. Jose Canseco returns as well after sitting out yesterday's game due to back spasms; he's the designated hitter and will bat fourth. Tim Naehring is back at third base and batting sixth. Finally, Carlos Rodriguez will fill in for Luis Alicea at second base while the latter nurses a pulled hamstring. He'll be batting ninth. Also, in late breaking news, Vaughn Eshelman replaces Zane Smith as today's starting pitcher.

Angels- Spike Owen gets the start at short and will bat seventh. which means that Damion Easley moves down to ninth.

Angels 2nd: After one out, Owen lined a single to center. Jorge Fabregas' base hit to right center put runners at the corners. Easley was next, and he grounded what looked like an easy double play ball to Rodriguez at second. Carlos' throw got past John Valentin at short, though, and Owen jogged home to give the Angels a 1-0 lead while Easley went to second. Tony Phillips foul pop was caught by Tim Naehring at third for the second out, with the runners holding, and Eshelman struck out Jim Edmonds swinging to end the inning. The Angles have been gifted a run due to the Red Sox' slipshod defense, and they lead Game 2 1-0 after two.

Red Sox 4th: After one out, Canseco reached when Owen fluffed his grounder to short. Mike Greenwell walked, and Naehring's base hit to right center loaded the bases. Matt Stairs' fly to right center was caught by Edmonds for the second out, but Jim had to take an extra second to get a good grip on the ball for the throw to the plate, and that was enough for Canseco to hustle home with the tying run. Bill Haselman's grounder to third ended the inning, but the Sox have scratched out a run to tie the game at one after three and a half.

Angels 5th: Phillips grounded a leadoff single into center. After Edmonds took a called third strike, Salmon blooped a dying quail into right center for another single, which moved Phillips to third. Naehring took a sure double away from Chili Davis by gloving his liner for the second out, but J.T. Snow's grounder just eluded Eshelman's glove and bounded into center field for a hit that scored Phillips and gave the Angels a 2-1 lead. Next up was Garret Anderson with the hit that broke the game wide open. Here's Bob Costas with Anderson down a strike:

"Salmon at third, Snow at first with two out. Eshelman's managed to keep it together so far, but another hit here breaks this one open, and barring a comeback means that the Red Sox are looking at a two games to none hole going back to Fenway. Anderson's count is 0-1, and Eshelman's set. Next pitch is WHACKED DOWN THE LAFT FIELD LINE AND HEADED TOWARD THE CORNER! HERE COMES SALMON! SNOW BEING WAVED AROUND, AND HE'LL SCORE AS WELL! ANDERSON'S AT SECOND WITH A TWO-RUN DOUBLE!...…….. The Angels are up 4-1 in the fourth, and the Autry family box is going wild like everyone else here in Anaheim!"

Tony Kubek: "Eshelman came a bit too far inside, and Anderson just swatted this one down the line. Greenwell can't play it until it's almost in the left field corner, and by that time both Salmon and Snow have come in to score. The Angels are getting the key hits when they need them throughout this postseason."

Joe Garagiola: "That's all for Eshelman, fellas. He's looked a bit overmatched from the beginning today, and they finally got to him here in the fifth."

Mike Maddux replaced Eshelman and retired Owen on a grounder to short, but the Angels have gotten separation with three runs in the fifth on four hits, and despite committing three errors so far they lead the Red Sox 4-1 after five.

Angels 6th: Fabregas led off by blooping a double into right center. Easley's single to right center brought Jorge home and gave the Halos a 6-1 lead. Phillips forced Easley at second, Edmonds's fly to right center was caught by Hosey, and Salmon grounded to Naehring at third to retire the side. The Western champs have added a run here in the bottom of the sixth, and after six it's California 5, Boston 1.

Angels 7th: With one out, new Red Sox pitcher Rheal Cormier hit Snow in the shin with a pitch. Anderson's base hit to left moved him to third, and after Owen flew to right center for out number two Fabregas slapped a base hit into right center to drive in Snow and put the Angels up 7-1, with Anderson moving to third. The runners were stranded when Easley grounded to short to end the inning, but the Angels have added yet another run to lead 6-1 after seven.

Angels 8th: Phillips ended up at second when his fly ball to right fell out of Stairs' glove for a two-base error. After Edmonds was caught looking for the first out, Salmon's bloop single to left cashed in Phillips and made it 7-1 Angels. Ken Ryan replaced Cormier and immediately walked Davis to put two men on. He struck out Snow swinging for the second out, but Anderson drove in his third run of the day by lining a base hit to right center that brought Salmon home with California's eighth run. Owen went down swinging to end the inning, but the Angels have topped the evening off with a pair of runs on two hits, an error, and a walk. We head to the top of the ninth with the Angels on the positive end of an 8-1 laugher.

That was all the scoring. Troy Percival pitched a perfect ninth, and the Angels had an 8-1 victory and a series lead of two games to none.

Anderson was named Player of the Game by NBC. He was three for five with three RBIs. Salmon was also three for five with an RBI and two runs scored, while Fabregas was three for four with a run scored and an RBI. Boskie also deserves kudos; he pitched eight innings, giving up just one run on three hits while walking three and striking out nine.

Final totals: Angels 8-14-3, Red Sox 1-3-2.

W- Boskie (1-0)
L- Eshelman (0-1)

The scene will shift to Fenway Park in Boston for Game 3 on Friday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 4PM Eastern, Mark Langston will start for the Halos, while Erik Hanson will get the call for the Bosox.

Next: We look at Game 3.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 3 of the American League Championship Series from Fenway Park in Boston. The date is Friday, October 13:

Lineup Changes:

Angels- Damion Easley moves up to the seventh spot, while Gary DiSarcina is back at short and batting ninth. Also, Andy Allanson replaces Jorge Fabregas behind the plate and bats eighth.

Red Sox- First and most importantly, Zane Smith will start on the mound in place of Erik Hanson. Willie McGee gets the start in right and will bat sixth, which moves Tim Naehring up to fifth. Chris James will get the start in left and bat seventh. Finally, Mike Macfarlane will make his first start of the series behind the plate and will bat eighth.

Weather: 73 degrees, fair skies, southwest wind at 15 MPH.

Red Sox 1st: Tinsley led off with a single to left center, and John Valentin's single to left moved him to third. Mo Vaughn was next, and he grounded one just out of J.T. Snow's reach and into right field for a third straight hit to bring Tinsley home and give the Bosox a 1-0 lead. Jose Canseco's grounder to third was enough to score Valentin, and the Sox led 2-0. Then came Naehring, and here's Bob Costas with the count two balls and one strike:

"Fenway on its feet early, as the Red Sox have grabbed a 2-0 lead here in the first against Langston. Naehring had several key hits in the Division Series against Seattle, but hasn't put it together in this series yet. He'll have his chance here, with Vaughn at second and two out, and Langston needing to get one over. The sign from Allanson, and the 2-1 pitch...….HAMMERED DEEP TO LEFT CENTER! IT'S GOT A CHANCE! EDMONDS BACK AT THE FENCE, AND IT'S GONE!......Tim Naehring has just launched one into the stands in left center, and the Red Sox lead 4-0."

Tony Kubek: "They're going wild here at Fenway, as Naehring got every last bit of this pitch; he went down in the zone and really got hold of it. There wasn't much that Langston could have done differently."

Joe Garagiola: "(Angels pitching coach) Chuck Hernandez is out to talk to Langston, and Mike Bielecki's throwing in the bullpen. They really don't want this one to get away."

Langston got McGee to ground to third and James to ground to second, ending the inning. But the Bosox have put up a four-spot here in the bottom of the first on four hits, and after one they lead the Angels 4-0.

Red Sox 2nd: With one out, second baseman Carlos Rodriguez stroked a base hit to center, and he stole second after two out. Valentin lined a double off the wall in center to bring home Rodriguez and make it 5-0 Boston, but Vaughn's grounder to short ended the inning. The Sox have added another tally here in the second, and after two it's Bosox 5, Angels 0.

Angels 4th: Chili Davis lined a leadoff single to left. After Snow popped to Valentin at short for the first out, Garret Anderson singled to left to put two men on, and Easley's single to left center loaded the bases. Allanson's fly to deep center was caught at the warning track by Tinsley, but Davis jogged home with the Halos' first run. DiSarcina's grounder to second ended the inning. The Angels have gotten on the board, but they've also left runners at the corners. After three and a half, it's East Champs 5, West Champs 1.

Angels 5th: Phillips led off by lining a base hit to left. After Edmonds popped to short for out number one, Salmon dropped a ball in front of Tinsley in center for a double. Phillips was held at third by Angels third base coach Rick Burleson, and both runners had to hold when Davis grounded to third for the second out. Snow was next, and he lined a bullet off the Green Monster in left to score both Phillips and Salmon and cut the Boston lead to 5-3. Anderson the whacked a double to right to drive in Snow and make it 5-4. That was all for Smith; Mike Maddux came in out of the bullpen to retire Easley on a grounder to third. But the Angels have struck for three runs on four hits here in the fourth, and halfway through Game 3 it's Boston 5, California 4.

Red Sox 5th: Naehring grounded a one-out single to left. McGee flew to Edmonds in left center for out number two, and Mike Greenwell came out of the dugout to bat for James. He ripped the first pitch he saw into center for a double, which easily scored Naehring and put the Sox up 6-4. That was finally all for Langston; Macfarlane grounded to short on Bielecki's first pitch, and the Angels were out of the inning. But Greenwell's pinch-hit double has given the Sox an insurance run, and after five they lead the Halos 6-4.

Red Sox 6th: Valentin doubled to left with two out, and Vaughn drive him in with a lined single to left center; it was now 7-4 Boston. Canseco's grounder to Phillips at third ended the inning, but the Red Sox have tacked on another insurance run to lead 7-4 after six.

Angels 8th: With one out, DiSarcina grounded to Valentin, who couldn't field the ball cleanly, allowing Gary to reach. Phillips' double to left moved DiSarcina to third, and he scored on Edmonds' grounder to Vaughn at first, bringing the Halos within 7-5. Phillips moved to third, but he was stranded there when Red Sox reliever Stan Belinda caught Salmon looking to end the inning. The Angels have crept a bit closer but they still trail by two after seven and a half.

That was all the scoring. Red Sox closer Rick Aguilera had a one-two-three top of the ninth, and the Sox put a 7-5 win in the books. The Angels still lead the series two games to one.

Naehring was named Player of the Game by NBC thanks to his two-run homer in the first. He finished the day two for four with two runs scored and two RBIs. Vaught was also two for four with two RBIs and a run scored, while Valentin was a perfect three for three with an RBI and two runs scored. Phillips was three for five with a run scored in a losing cause for the Halos.

Final totals: Red Sox 7-11-1, Angels 5-13-0.

W- M. Maddux (1-0)
S- Aguilera (1)
L- Langston (0-1)

HR- BOS: Naehring (1)

The series will continue with Game 4 tomorrow night here at Fenway. Tim Wakefield will get the start for the Red Sox, while Chuck Finley will take the hill for the Angels.

Next: We look at Game 4.

Thoughts?
 
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I wiped out the first, longer version of Game 4, so rather than take a day off, here's the short version of Game 4 with a fresh sim:

Angels 8, Red Sox 6 (11 innings; CAL leads series 3-1)

Tim Salmon's two-run double in the top of the eleventh off of Red Sox reliever Rheal Cormier has the Halos one step from the World Series. The Sox had tied the game in the bottom of the seventh on Lee Tinsley's sacrifice fly. Chili Davis, Gary DiSarcina, and J.T. Snow drove in the other California runs, while Edmonds had two hits and scored three runs and Phillips had two hits and scored twice. Jose Canseco's two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth tied the game at four for the home squad, which also got a pair of RBIs from Tinsley and one from second baseman Carlos Rodriguez. Lee Smith gave up a one-out double to Mike Greenwell in the bottom of the eleventh, but Tim Naehring's fly ball to deep center was caught by Edmonds at the wall to end the game. Smith saved the game for Mike James, who had pitched a scoreless bottom of the tenth.

The Angels can wrap up their first ever American League pennant with a victory tomorrow in Game 5. First pitch is scheduled for a little after 8PM Eastern, and it's a rematch of Game 1 on the mound: Jim Abbott pitches for the Angels, while Roger Clemens goes for the Red Sox.

W- M .James (1-0)
S- L. Smith (2)
L- Cormier (0-1)

HR- BOS: Canseco (1)

Next: We look at Game 5.

Thoughts?
 
Now it's time for Game 5 of the American League Championship Series from Fenway Park in Boston. The date is Sunday, October 15:

Weather: 71 degrees, cloudy skies, south wind at 22 MPH gusting to 38 MPH.

Lineup Changes:

Angels- Gary DiSarcina moves up to the two hole, while Damion Easley slides to ninth. Jim Edmonds, Tim Salmon, Chili Davis, J.T. Snow, and Garret Anderson, who filled spots 2-6 in that order last night, will occupy spots 3-7 in that order tonight. Finally, Greg Myers replaces Andy Allanson behind the plate and will bat eighth.

Red Sox- Dwayne Hosey is back in center field in place of Lee Tinsley and will bat in the leadoff spot. Mo Vaughn is still batting third, but he's battling a cold and isn't up to running the bases, so he'll be the designated hitter. Normal designated hitter Jose Canseco will still bat cleanup, but he'll be in right field. Reggie Jefferson gets the start at first and will bat sixth. Finally, Luis Alicea's sor7e knee is feeling a bit better, so he'll be back at second base and batting ninth.

Angels 1st: Tony Phillips drew a leadoff walk and stole second. DiSarcina's fly to left drove Mike Greenwell back to the warning track before he could make the catch, with Phillips moving to third. Edmonds' bloop single to left center drove Phillips in with the first California run, but Salmon's fly to center was caught by Hosey for out number two. That brought up Davis, who took two quick strikes. That's where we join Bob Costas:

"The Angels have already scored once, but that would seem a bit disappointing considering how Clemens has been throwing, which has been un-Clemens-like to say the least. A hit from Davis would make things look a lot brighter, but he's down two strikes with two out. Now getting the sign from Macfarlane, and here's the 0-2 pitch...….THAT'S HIT A LONG, LONG WAY TO LEFT, AND GREENWELL WATCHES IT SAIL FAR OVER THE GREEN MONSTER FOR A HOME RUN!......The Angels lead 3-0, and Mike Maddux is already warming for the Red Sox. Not even the Rocket gets a long leash tonight."

Tony Kubek: "Davis is sitting fastball all the way, and he just launches this one. Greenwell knows it's gone, doesn't even bother to go back on it. Clemens hasn't been right all evening, and Maddux, as Bob said, is just about ready in the Boston bullpen."

Joe Garagiola: "The Red Sox saved Clemens for just this situation, with their season on the line. You have to wonder if the Red Sox will be able to come back from a hole that their best pitcher put them into."

Snow's fly to left center was caught by Hosey to end the inning, but the Halos have jumped on The Rocket for three runs, two of them on Davis' 356-foot blast over the Green Monster. Let's see how the Red Sox dig out from under their 3-0 deficit after a half.

Red Sox 1st: Hosey stroked a leadoff single to center, and Valentin walked to put two men on. Valentin was forced by Vaughn, which allowed Hosey to move to third. Canseco bounced into another force play, which allowed Hosey to score the Sox' first run, but Greenwell's fly to left center ended the inning. The Red Sox have manufactured a run in the bottom of the first, but they still trail 3-1 after one.

Angels 3rd: Salmon walked with one out and went to third on Davis' single up the middle. Snow's base hit to left brought Tim home, and the Angels led 4-1. Anderson was next, and he singled to left center. Inexplicably, Angels third base coach Rick Burleson sent Davis home, and Vakentin leapt to cut off Hosey's throw to the plate, then gunned it home himself on the fly. Davis was out by three feet and knew it, as he was picked up on camera spiking his helmet in frustration. There were still runners at first and third, and Clemens reloaded the bases by walking Myers. But Easley's weak bouncer to short ended the inning. The Halos get one, but they leave a big inning on the table by leaving the bases loaded. After two and a half, it's Angels 4, Red Sox 1.

Red Sox 3rd: With one out, Canseco rapped a double to left center. Greenwell's infield pop was caught by Snow for the second out, which brought up Jefferson. Here's Bob:

"Jefferson's only in there because Mo Vaughn, who's already slow, is having a bit of respiratory difficulty which makes running the bases a chore. But he's got a chance to really help the Red Sox get back in this game here in the bottom of the third. He singled to lead off the last inning, but the Sox left the bases loaded. Can he do it again? The first pitch from Abbott is whacked to left center. Going back is Salmon, the ball's still carrying, it's at the wall...….AND OUTTA HERE!.....It didn't look like trouble off the bat of Jefferson, but it went over the wall, and we're now looking at a one-run game."

Garagiola: "Jefferson's showing his power here, and a bit of a wind gust didn't hurt either. Salmon thinks he has a play on this until the second it disappears over the fence. You know, we've made a lot about how shaky Clemens has been tonight, but Jim Abbott hasn't been much better for the Angels."

Kubek: "Both teams have definitely brought their bats tonight. We could be looking at a back-and-forth game right up until the end."

Easley thought he had ended the inning with a grounder to third, but Tim Naehring had trouble picking the ball up to throw, and by the time he managed it Easley was safe at first. Macfarlane's fly to left center ended the inning, but the Red Sox have drawn closer thanks to Jefferson's two-run homer. After three, it's California 4, Boston 3.

Red Sox 6th: After two out, Hosey beat out a grounder to second for an infield single, then stole second. Valentin's single to left scored Hosey to tie the game at four, but John was thrown out trying to steal second, ending the inning. The home squad has evened the game at four after six.

Red Sox 7th: Vaughn led off by grounding a base hit to right center, and Canseco's single to left center moved Mo to third. Greenwell forced Canseco at second, but Mo trotted home on the play to give the Red Sox a 5-4 lead. Jefferson's fly to right pushed Salmon back to the wall before he could make the catch, but Greenwell decided to stay at first. He ended up scoring anyway when Naehring banged Mike James' first pitch off the wall in center for a double that gave the Sox a 6-4 lead. James departed in favor of Troy Percival, who retired Macfarlane on a fly to deep left center that was caught by Hosey to end the inning. The Bosox have used two runs on three hits to take the lead here in the last of the seventh, and we head to the eighth with them in front 6-4.

Angels 8th: Phillips and DiSarcina worked back-to-back walks against Red Sox reliever Stan Belinda to start the inning. Edmonds popped to short for the first out, but Salmon singled to left center to load the bases. Next up was Davis, whose single to left center scored Phillips and made this a 6-5 ballgame. Rheal Cormier relieved Belinda, and on his first pitch he got Snow to ground into a 4-6-3 inning-ending double play. The Angels have drawn closer with a tally here in the eighth, but they still trail 6-5 after seven and a half.

Red Sox 8th: Alicea lined a leadoff base hit to right. Hosey walked to put two men on, but was forced by Valentin, with Alicea moving to third. Vaughn singled to right to score Alicea and put the Sox up 7-5, and Canseco walked to load the bases. Tired of watching his team's chance to clinch the pennant circle the drain, Angels manager Marcel Lachemann brought closer Lee Smith in to hold the Sox where they were. Meanwhile, Willie McGee went to third base to run for Vaughn. The move to Smith worked at first, as Greenwell grounded to Phillips at third. Phillips threw home to get Hosey for the second out, which brought up Jefferson. We join Bob with the count two balls and one strike:

"If Smith holds the Angels here, but needs help in a potential bottom of the ninth, it''ll come from Mark Langston, who's throwing now in the California bullpen. But that's a long way off; right now he's facing Jefferson with a count of two and one. There you see Naehring on deck. Big Lee now nodding in agreement with Myers, and here's the two-one......and that's grounded into right center, BASE HIT! McGee scores easily! Here comes Canseco! Salmon's throw to the plate cut off by Snow, and it's 9-5 Boston!...….Reggie Jefferson has provided the Red Sox' two biggest hits of the night and driven in four runs. Not bad for Mo Vaughn's understudy."

Kubek: "Jefferson punches the ball between first and second. It's a given that McGee will get home, but they might have had a play on Canseco, who isn't as fast as he used to be. But the throw's offline and cut off by Snow, and the Sox are up by four."

Garagiola: "isn't that the way it goes in the postseason so often? The heroes are the guys you'd least expect, like Reggie Jefferson tonight."

Naehring's fly to center got the Angels out of the inning, but the Red Sox have added three runs here in the last of the eighth, and they need just three outs to send the series back to Anaheim for Game 6. After eight, they lead the Angels 9-5.

That was all the scoring; Rick Aguilera needed just ten pitches to retire the Angels one-two-three in the top of the ninth. Our final: Red Sox 9, Angels 5, and this series will head back to The Big A on Tuesday night with the Angels in front three games to two.

To no one's surprise, Jefferson was named Player of the Game by NBC. Just to reiterate, he went three for five with a homer and four RBIs. Vaughn and Canseco each had three hits and scored twice, while Hosey had two hits and scored twice. Davis was three for four with a homer and three RBIs for the Angels in a losing cause.

Final totals: Red Sox 9-15-0, Angels 5-12-1.

W- Belinda (1-0)
S- Aguilera (2)
L- M. James (1-1)

HR- CAL: Davis (1)
BOS: Jefferson (1)

Before we go, here's our Defensive Play of the Night. We're in the top of the eighth with two on and nobody out, and Edmonds is facing Belinda. Here's Bob:

"High pop fly in behind short. Valentin looking around for it, can't find it, now sees it AND MAKES THE CATCH!...….It was just about to drop when Valentin finally spotted it, and he had to lunge forward to make the grab, but he got it for out number one, and the runners hold."

The series now shifts back to Anaheim Stadium for Game 6 on Tuesday night. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 8PM Eastern, and Erik Hanson will take the hill for the still-desperate Red Sox. Shawn Boskie will get the ball for the homestanding Halos.

Next: We look at Game 6.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 6 of the American League Championship Series from Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The date is Tuesday, October 17:

Lineup Changes:

Red Sox- Lee Tinsley is back in center field and the leadoff spot. Reggie Jefferson moves up to the cleanup spot, and he gets his second consecutive start at first base. Troy O'Leary replaces Jose Canseco in right field and will bat sixth. Finally, Bill Haselman is back behind the plate in place of Mike Macfarlane and batting eighth,

Angels 1st: Tony Phillips led off against Red Sox starter Erik Hanson. We pick up Bob Costas' call after he took the first pitch for a strike:

"Phillips had two hits and scored two runs in Game 5, and although he's not really the typical leadoff hitter in terms of skill set, he's certainly a much-need table setter for the rest of the California lineup. Hanson got the first one over for a strike, now he's ready again, and the next one is WHACKED TO DEEP RIGHT CENTER! ON THE RUN IS TINSLEY, HE'S AT THE TRACK, CLIMBS THE WALL, BUT IT'S GONE!.....Phillips certainly sets the table tonight, as he goes deep on the second pitch he sees to give California the early lead."

Tony Kubek: "Hanson hangs this slider right over the heart of the plate, and there you see Phillips turn on it. Not a lot of wind to help it; this one got out by pure muscle. Nice try by Tinsley to take it away by climbing the fence, but no such luck."

Joe Garagiola: "Not the best of starts for Hanson, but he's gotta shake it off right away and start fresh. This game's too important to the Red Sox for him to get into a funk over one bad pitch."

Hanson was still rattled, as Gary DiSarcina hit his next pitch hard, but right at John Valentin for the first out. Jim Edmonds stroked a base hit just out of Hanson's reach and into center field, and Tim Salmon walked on five pitches to put two men on. Next up was Chili Davis, whose base hit to left center drove in Edmonds to give the Angels a 2-0 lead and moved Salmon to third. Snow grounded into a 3-6-3 inning-ending double play, but the Angels have drawn first blood with a pair of runs on three hits and a walk and left another potential run at third. After one, it's Angels 2, Red Sox 0.

Angels 4th: Jefferson couldn't find the handle on Snow's slow grounder, allowing J.T. to reach. Garret Anderson lined a double off the right field wall to put runners at second and third with nobody out. Greg Myers went down swinging for out number one, but Easley smacked a ball to right center that eluded Tinsley, dropped on the warning track, and hopped over the wall for a ground-rule double. Both Snow and Anderson were awarded home plate, and it was 4-0 California. Phillips was caught looking for out number two, and DiSarcina's bouncer to third ended the inning. The Angels have added a pair of runs here in the fourth, and they lead 4-0 after four.

Angels 5th: With one out, Salmon singled to left. Davis went down swinging for out number two, but Snow's base hit to left center put runners at the corners. Anderson lined a single to right center for the third hit of the inning, and Salmon came home to give the Halos a 5-0 lead. Myers flew to center to end the inning, but the Angels have added a run here in the fifth. After five, it's Halos 5, Bosox 0.

Angels 7th: Red Sox reliever Ken Ryan struck out the first two batters, but Davis' base hit to left kept the inning going. Snow was next, and he dumped a double in front of O'Leary in right to score Chili and extend the Angels' lead to 8-0. Anderson grounded to third to end the inning, but another run for the Angels has made the Bosox' task even more daunting. As we head to the eighth. it's California 6, Boston 0.

Angels 8th: Easley worked a one-out walk. Phillips' base hit to left center put runners at the corners, and DiSarcina scalded a line drive double off the wall in center to bring both Easley and Phillips home and make it 8-0 Angels. Ryan departed in favor of Mike Maddux, whose first task was Edmonds. Here's Bob with the count one ball and one strike:

"Miracles have happened, but at this point it looks like the Angels are headed for Atlanta to begin the World Series on Thursday night here on NBC. First pitch is a little after 8PM, and your favorite Must See TV shows will move to Wednesday this week. Check your local listings for the times in your area. Edmonds ready for the next pitch...…..driven down the right field line. Over is O'Leary, he's at the wall, HE RUNS OUT OF ROOM!......A two-run homer for Edmonds puts the Angels in double digits, and now the fans know for sure that there will be more baseball here at The Big A this season."

Kubek: "This pitch was muscled down the right field line. There was no real danger of it going foul; it was just a matter of whether O'Leary would have enough room to make the catch at the last second. As it turned out, he didn't."

Garagiola: "I expected the Red Sox to be a bit better tonight after they took two out of three at Fenway, but the Angels wanted it more. It should be a heck of a series."

Salmon flew to left for the second out, and Davis' grounder to third ended the inning. The Angels have put an exclamation point on the evening with four runs on three hits and a walk, and as we head to the ninth they're three outs away from their first-ever American League pennant with a 10-0 lead over the Red Sox.

Before we go on, a word about Shawn Boskie's performance. He retired the first fourteen Red Sox in order before O'Leary singled with two out in the Boston fifth. Tiim Naehring followed up with a double, and Haselman was hit in the leg to load the bases. But Boskie got out of trouble by freezing Luis Alicea with a called third strike to end the inning. Speaking of Alicea, he was the Sox' only other baserunner thanks to his two-out walk in the eighth. Let's go to the ninth, where Jefferson is the last chance for Boston. Here's Bob with the count two strikes:

"Boskie has been incredible in his two starts in this series, giving up just one run in sixteen and two-thirds innings. None of us has a vote, but if I did, he'd be the MVP of this series going away. Speaking of which, one more strike and the Red Six do just that. Boskie wants to put a topper on this evening with his eleventh strikeout. Here's the 0-2 pitch.....grounded to third, Phillips up with it, on to Snow, AND THE ANGELS WIN THEIR FIRST-EVER AMERICAN LEAGUE PENNANT!.....Boskie getting most of the congratulations, as he just finished a two-hit shutout with only one walk and one hit batter in 112 pitches to go with ten strikeouts. Edmonds and Phillips provided the longballs, and Easley doubled in two more. An all-around pennant-clinching effort for the boys from Anaheim, who shut out the Red Sox here in Game 6 10-0. Their next stop is Atlanta, where they'll take on the Braves on Thursday night in Game 1 of the World Series, which you'll see right here on NBC.

Our final score again, the California Angels 10, the Boston Red Sox 0, and the Angels take the American League pennant four games to two. We;'ll be back with interviews from both clubhouses and much more from The Big A after these messages and a word from your local station."

Final totals: Angels 10-15-0, Red Sox 0-2-1.

W- Boskie (2-0)
L- Hanson (0-1)

HR- CAL: Phillips (1), Edmonds (1)

As expected, Boskie was named both NBC's Player of the Game and ALCS MVP.

Before we go, here's our Defensive Play of the Night. With one out in the fifth and a perfect game still going, Boskie has to contend with Mike Greenwell. Here's Bob:

"Fly ball, right center field. Edmonds coming in, ball dropping quickly, has to dive...….HE GOT IT!.....Greenwell arguing with (home plate umpire) Drew Coble that it was a trap, they ask the right field umpire Tim McClelland for help, and he rings up the out!......The replay shows that it's the right call, and the ball nestles in Edmonds' glove just before he hits the ground. That's fourteen in a row retired for Boskie and two out in the fifth."

Next: Game 1 of the 1995 World Series.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 1 of the 1995 World Series from Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta.. The date is Thursday, October 19:

Weather: 63 degrees, partly cloudy skies, calm winds.

Angels 1st: Third baseman Tony Phillips led off with a base hit to center, but was forced by second baseman Rex Hudler, who then stole second. That brought up center fielder Jim Edmonds, who took two quick strikes from Braves starter Greg Maddux. Here's Bob Costas:

"The Angels are definitely the Cinderella of this series, as they upset the heavily-favored Indians in the Division Series, then did the same to the Red Sox to win the pennant. Now they face the team that many are calling the Team of the '90s, with one of baseball's best pitching staffs. Maddux comes inside on the two-strike pitch, and it's BELTED DEEP TO RIGHT! BACK GOES JUSTICE, AT THE FENCE, BUT IT'S OUTTA HERE!...…...Jim Edmonds isn't afraid of Greg Maddux or his reputation, and he just proved it by whacking a line drive over the fence in right to give the Angels a 2-0 lead."

Tony Kubek: "Edmonds reaches out and gets this one, like he's done to so many others in this postseason, and it gets out in a hurry. A couple of steps back for Justice, but he has no chance."

Joe Garagiola: "The Angels look like they're being extra aggressive against Maddux; they're not waiting around for him to make a mistake, they're forcing him to make mistakes. Phillips' hit was a rocket, and so was this one."

Maddux recovered to strike out right fielder Tim Salmon, and first baseman J.T. Snow popped out to Mark Lemke at second to end the inning. But the Angels have drawn first blood due to Edmonds' dinger. It's Angels 2, Braves coming up.

Braves 1st: Center fielder Marquis Grissom led off with a double o right center, and Lemke walked to put two men on. But third baseman Chipper Jones flew to right for the first out, and although Grissom moved to third when first baseman Fred McGriff forced Lemke, right fielder David Justice's grounder to first retired the side. The Braves leave runners at the corners, and they trail 2-0 after one.

Angels 2nd: Maddux enjoyed a one-two-three inning. After one and a half, it's Angels 2, Braves 0.

Braves 2nd: Left fielder Ryan Klesko drew a leadoff walk, but Angels starter Mark Langston retired the next three hitters in order. After two, it's AL Champs 2, NL Champs 0.

Angels 3rd: Langston struck out swinging, Phillips grounded to short, and Hudler was caught looking. Maddux has now retired seven in a row, but the Angels still trail 2-0 after two and a half.

Braves 3rd: Grissom drew a leadoff walk and moved to third on Lemke's base hit to left center. The runners held as Chipper's infield pop was caught by Hudler for out number one, but McGriff bounced into another force play to cash in Grissom and put the Braves on the board. After Justice walked, Langston fell behind Klesko two balls and one strike. Here's Bob:

"The Angels had their chance to knock Maddux out of the game early, but Greg has settled down and retired the last seven California hitters. Now the offense has awakened. Lemke at second, Justice at first, and two balls and a strike to Klesko with two out. Langston looking to get out of major trouble here in the third. Two-one is lined into right center field, over is Edmonds, going back, ball still carrying, AND IT'S GONE!......Klesko's power was enough to propel a simple line drive over the fence in right center, and the Braves lead 4-2."

Kubek: "This one wasn't hit especially hard, but it just kept carrying, and all of a sudden Edmonds has no play on it. Klesko's a powerful man, but that wasn't a home run swing."

Garagiola: "It'll look like one in the boxscore tomorrow, though. Langston has to settle down in a hurry; it looks like the Braves may have figured him out a little bit."

Catcher Charlie O'Brien kept things going with a walk, but shortstop Rafael Belliard grounded to Hudler at second, ending the inning. The Braves have scored four runs on just two hits with the help of three Langston walks, and as we head to the fourth it's Bravos 4, Halos 2.

Angels 4th: Edmonds led off with a single to right. Salmon's infield hit to third put two men on, but Tim was forced by Snow for the first out. Left fielder Garret Anderson took a called third strike, and Maddux got two quick strikes on catcher Greg Myers. That's where we join Vin Scully of CBS Radio:

"Neither pitcher's been at his best tonight, but Maddux retired seven in a row before he got into trouble here in the fourth. Now he has two out, with Edmonds at third and Snow at first, and he's looking to punch out Myers if he can. O'Brien lays down the fingers for the curve, and the two-strike pitch is whacked down the left field line and toward the corner. Over is Klesko, thinks he has a play, BUT HE DOESN'T! IT'S GONE!...….This is another unexpected homer, if there is such a thing, as Klesko thought he had a play until he watched the ball go over the fence right before his eyes. 5-4 Angels."

Johnny Bench: "This is why they call Fulton County Stadium "The Launching Pad", Vin. Any ball hit well enough to the outfield has a chance to leave the park, and we've seen two examples here tonight. It looks like we're in for a slugfest, even with Greg Maddux pitching."

Shortstop Gary DiSarcina's grounder to third ended the inning, but Myers has answered Klesko's three- run blast with one of his own, and the Angels lead 5-4 after three and a half.

Braves 4th: Lemke lined a two-out single to left, but Chipper's line drive was gloved by DiSarcina to end the inning. After four, it's Angels 5, Braves 4.

Angels 5th: Langston went down swinging, Phillips' foul pop was caught by McGriff, and Hudler was caught looking. Halfway through Game 1, it's California 5, Atlanta 4.

Braves 5th: McGriff led off with a base hit up the middle. Justice followed with a base hit to right center, but he was forced by Klesko. O'Brien then grounded into a 6-4-3 inning-ending double play. After five, the Angels still lead 5-4.

Angels 6th: With one out, it was Edmonds against Maddux. Here's Bob:

"Angels led 5-4 in the sixth as Salmon steps in. One for two with an infield single in the fourth."

Kubek: "Let's see how Maddux pitches him the third time around."

Costas: "Starts off down the middle, AND EDMONDS LINES IN DEEP TO LEFT! KLESKO HAS NO PLAY ON THIS ONE EITHER! AN ABSOLUTE BULLET INTO THE LEFT FIELD BULLPEN, AND THE ANGELS LEAD 6-4!"

Garagiola: "That one got out of here almost as fast as it left the bat, Bob. That's one of those where if you blink, it's five rows deep."

Kubek: "I guess we can say that the Angels' hitters has figured out Greg Maddux. Three home runs tonight, which never happens to Maddux. I know it's only a little over five innings, but it looks like the Braves may have more trouble than they thought with the boys from Anaheim,"

Snow struck out swinging, and Anderson's grounder to short ended the inning. But Edmonds' second homer of the game has increased the Angels' lead to 6-4 after five and a half.

Braves 6th: Belliard led off by grounding a single to left. Braves manager Bobby Cox opted not to bat for Maddux, and Greg hit a comebacker to Langston, who threw to second for the force on Belliard. Grissom's fly to deep left center was caught by Edmonds for the second out, and Lemke's grounder to first retired the side. After six, the Angels lead the Braves 6-4.

Angels 7th: Myers grounded to third, DiSarcina flew to left, and Langston struck out swinging, which was Maddux's tenth strikeout of the evening. As we stretch at The Launching Pad, it's 6-4 Halos.

Braves 7th: With one out, McGriff walked. Justice lined a base hit up the middle to put two on, and Klesko's single to right loaded the bases. Knowing that Maddux was finished for the evening, Cox went to his bench and sent Javy Lopez up to bat for O'Brien. Angels skipper Marcel Lachemann countered by bringing in Troy Percival, but it did no good, as javy lined Percival's first pitch into the left center gap for a double to clear the bases and put the Braves up 7-6. Belliard's grounder to first moved Javy to third, and pinch hitter Mike Deveraux (batting for Maddux) drew a walk. Grissom's liner was speared by Phillips to end the inning, but Lopez's heroics have given the NL champs a 7-6 lead after seven.

Angels 8th: New Braves pitcher Greg McMichael got two quick strikeputs, but then he had to face Edmonds. Here's Vin:

"Fulton County Stadium still buzzing over Javy Lopez's bases-clearing double in the bottom of the seventh, and McMichael has kept the buzz going with two quick strikeouts to start the California eighth. Now it's Edmonds' turn, and he's already homered against Maddux tonight. Braves 7, Angels 6, and the Braves will have Lemke, Jones, and McGriff in the bottom of the eighth. Edmonds waiting, and here's the first pitch...….HIGH FLY BALL GOING DEEP TO RIGHT, BACK GOES JUSTICE, AWAY BACK, AND WE'RE TIED!...…..Edmonds ties the game just like that, and we're back to even. This place is stunned."

Bench: "These Angels have brought their bats tonight, Vin. Edmonds has had good swings all night against Maddux, and he really turned on this pitch from McMichael. It's hit a mile and a half, and all Justice can do is watch it go."

Scully: "Now here's Tim Salmon, who homered last time up against Maddux to give the Angels a 6-4 lead in the sixth, which seems like hours ago. He also had an infield single in the fourth. McMichael has to shake off the Edmonds homer, because Salmon is just as dangerous. Lopez gives the sign, and the first pitch IS HAMMERED TO LEFT CENTER! GRISSOM OVER, BACK, AT THE WALL, AND IT'S GONE!...….Not just back-to-back homers, but back-to-back second homers of the game for Edmonds and Salmon, and in the blink of an eye it's 8-7 California."

Bench: "Five homers for the Angels tonight, and this one may be the most impressive of them all. Grissom, as good an athlete as he is, was on a useless mission, because this ball was long gone from the second it left the bat."

Next up was Snow. Here's Vin with our Defensive Play of the Night:

"Fly ball to left, Klesko back, now sprints in, dives, AND MAKES THE CATCH!...….Klesko not known for his defense, but he took a sure hit away from Snow there. For the Angels, two runs on two hits, the back-to-back homers from Edmonds and Salmon, and nobody left. At the end of seven and a half turns of this seesaw, it's Angels 8, Braves 7."

Braves 8th: With one out, it was Chipper against Percival. Here's Bob:

"The rookie Jones hasn't joined the offensive festivities yet; he's 0 for 4. It's a massive stretch to put this at the top of the list of the greatest World Series games ever played, but it's not a stretch to call it one of the best Game 1s ever played, and it's not over yet. First pitch to Jones HIT ON A LINE TO RIGHT CENTER! BACK GOES EDMONDS, AT THE FENCE, AND WE'RE TIED AGAIN!...…..Up and down, back and forth, and we're right back where we started, tied at eight."

Kubek: "Jones has looked a bit lost at times tonight, but he sure knew what to do with that pitch. That's the seventh combined home run by the two teams tonight, which has to be some kind of a record for one game in a World Series."

Garagiola: "And to think we've got six more games of this. I know it's early, but this could be one of the greatest Series ever played if these teams hold up."

McGriff almost made it back-to-back homers, but Edmonds caught his fly to right center at the wall for out number one. Justice walked to keep the inning going, but Percival struck Klesko out swinging to end the inning. Chipper's home run has tied the game again; after eight, we're even at eight.

Angels 9th: Anderson and Myers each grounded to second against new Braves pitcher Brad Clontz, and DiSarcina went down swinging to end the inning. We head to the bottom of the ninth even at eight apiece.

Braves 9th: Lopez led off with a single up the middle. He was bunted over to second by Belliard and moved to third on a grounder to second by pinch hitter Mike Mordecai, who was batting for Clontz. Grissom thus had a chance to win the game with a hit, but instead fouled out to Snow, which retired the side. We'll play free baseball in Game 1, as the Angels and Braves are still tied at eight.

Angels 10th: Chili Davis led off the inning batting for reliever Mike James, facing new Braves pitcher Steve Bedrosian. Here's Vin with the count one ball and no strikes:

"What a game so far, and we have as many as six more coming, so keep your chair pulled up to your radio and follow all the action right here on this CBS station. Davis is normally the Angels' designated hitter; he used to play the outfield, but there's no room for him there on this team, so he'll come off the bench here in Atlanta and take his regular hacks in Anaheim. Right now he's in front one ball and no strikes against the man they call 'Bedrock'. Bedrosian ready, gets the sign from Lopez, and the 1-0 pitch...…..high fly ball deep to right, over goes Justice, at the wall, AND SHE'S GONE!......That's the sixth home run of the night for the Angels, the eighth combined by both teams, which is a World Series record, and by the way, the Angels lead 9-8."

Bench: "Chili Davis is the top home run threat for the Angels, and we thought he wouldn't be much of a factor in the first two games because of the National League rules, but we were wrong. Bedrosian gets this one down a little too far, and Davis almost sweeps it out of the dirt like you'd rake a pile of leaves. Justice goes back, but this one's hit too high and too far."

Phillips grounded to third for the first out, but Hudler drew a walk. Bedrosian came back to strike out Edmonds swinging, but Hudler stole second, and Salmon walked on five pitches. Not wanting the game to get away, Cox called on closer Mark Wohlers, who caught Snow looking to end the inning. Braves pitchers have recorded fifteen strikeouts tonight, but Davis' homer has their team trailing 9-8 as we head to the bottom of the tenth.

Braves 10th: Lemke greeted Angels closer Lee Smith with a double to right center, but Chipper's liner was speared by Phillips for out number one, Hudler caught McGriff's screamer for the second out, and Justice's fly to deep right center was caught by Edmonds at the wall to end the game. Our final in ten innings: Angels 9, Braves 8, and the Halos lead the best-of-seven series one game to none.

Davis was named Player of the Game by NBC because of his game-wining homer.

Final totals: Angels 9-9-0, Braves 8-13-0.

W- M. James (1-0)
S- L. Smith (1)
L- Bedrosian (0-1)

HR- CAL: Edmonds 2 (2), Salmon 2 (2), Davis (1), Myers (1)
ATL: Jones (1), Klesko (1)

Time of the game: four hours and thirty-one minutes.

Game 2 will be tomorrow night here at Fulton County Stadium, with first pitch scheduled shortly after 8PM Eastern. Tommy Glavine will get the ball for the Braves, while Chuck Finley starts for the Halos.

Next: We look at Game 2.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 2 of the 1995 World Series from Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta. The date is Friday, October 20:

Lineup Changes:

Braves- Javy Lopez starts behind the plate in place of Charlie O'Brien and will bat seventh.

Angels- Rex Hudler moves down to the sixth spot, which causes Jim Edmonds, Tim Salmon, J.T. Snow, and Garret Anderson, who batted third through sixth last night, to move up one spot apiece.

Weather: 64 degrees, partly cloudy skies, calm winds.

Angels 1st: Edmonds drew a one-out walk, but Salmon fouled out to McGriff behind first base and Snow popped up to him in fair territory to end the inning. After a half, it's Angels 0, Braves coming to bat.

Braves 1st: A one-two-three inning for Angels starter Chuck Finley. We're scoreless after one.

Angels 2nd: Anderson led off with a single to right. Hudler hit a fly ball to left; Ryan Klesko appeared to make the catch, but the ball tumbled out of his glove. Hudler was safe at second on the error, with Anderson moving to third. Bur Braves starter Tommy Glavine took charge from there, striking out Greg Myers and Finley swinging and getting Gary DiSarcina to ground to second in between. The Angels leave runners at second and third but are held off the board, and we're still scoreless after an inning and a half.

Braves 2nd: McGriff drew a leadoff walk and moved to second on David Justice's single to right. Klesko lined to DiSarcina for out number one, and Lopez's grounder to Snow produced the second out. Rafael Belliard was next, and he grounded to DiSarcina. It was a routine play, but Raffy sped down the line and just beat DiSarcina's throw to first, which allowed McGriff to score and give the Braves a 1-0 lead. Glavine struck out on three pitches to end the inning, but Belliard's infield hit has given the Braves a 1-0 lead through two.

Angels 3rd: Tony Phillips led off with a single to left center, but was erased when Edmonds grounded into a 3-6-3 double play. Salmon walked, but Snow's pop fly was caught by Belliard in shallow center to end the inning. After two and a half, the Braves lead 1-0.

Braves 3rd: Chipper Jones drew a two-out walk, but McGriff looked at strike three to end the inning. After three, it's Braves 1, Angels 0.

Angels 4th: Anderson slapped a leadoff single to right, but was forced by Hudler, who stole second. Myers' fly ball sent Justice crashing into the right field fence, but David held on to the ball for the out as Hudler moved to third. Braves manager Bobby Cox then ordered DiSarcina walked intentionally to bring Finley to the plate, and his strategy worked as Chuck went down on three weak swings to end the inning. The Halos leave runners at first and third and trail the Braves 1-0 after three and a half.

Braves 4th: With one out, Finley faced Klesko. Here's Bob Costas:

"This game much quieter offensively than the slugfest that was Game 1, but Braves fans will take it, as it's their team leading 1-0 in the last of the fourth. Klesko's biggest play so far in this one was the error he made by dropping the ball on Hudler's fly in the second, but no damage as done as Glavine got the Braves out of trouble. Here's the first pitch, AND IT'S HIGH AND DEEP TO RIGHT! BACK GOES SALMON, AT THE WALL, AND HERE WE GO AGAIN!...…..Home run number nine in the series so far, the third by the Braves, who now lead 2-0."

Tony Kubek: "The second for Ryan Klesko, and this one was a much more powerful swing that the one he had last night. This one was very high, and Salmon just turns around and watches it sail outta here."

Joe Garagiola: "Klesko's got the raw power to be one of the best home run hitters in the game, but it hasn't quite come together for him yet. Maybe this series will be the springboard to bigger things for him."

Lopez followed with a single to right, but Belliard grounded into a 4-6-3 inning-ending double play. Klesko's homer has padded the Atlanta lead to 2-0 after four in Game 2.

Angels 5th: Phillips walked to lead things off, but with one out he was caught stealing second by Lopez. Salmon's popup to short ended the inning. Halfway through Game 2, it's Atlanta 2, California 0.

Braves 5th: Glavine smacked a leadoff single to right center. Grissom's base hit up the middle put two men on, and Glavine moved to third on Mark Lemke's deep fly to left. Chipper's comebacker to Finley looked like a sure second out, but the ball slithered through Finley's legs for an error, which allowed Glavine to score the third Atlanta run. McGriff's sharp single to right center brought Grissom home to make it 4-0, and Justice's deep fly to right center was caught by Edmonds at the warning track, but was also enough to bring Chipper home and make it 5-0 Atlanta. Klesko thought he'd made it 7-0 when he uncorked a deep fly to right, but Salmon stayed with the ball and made the catch just in front of the wall to end the inning. The Braves have scored three times on three hits and an error, and after five they lead the Angels 5-0.

Angels 6th: Glavine's first one-two-three inning. After five and a half, it's NL Champs 5, AL Champs 0.

Braves 6th: Lopez led off with a single up the middle. Belliard legged out his second infield hit of the game, this one to third. Glavine's fly to the warning track in right moved Javy to third, but the runners had to hold when Grissom popped weakly to Hudler for out number two. That brought up Lemke, and also set up our Defensive Play of the Night. Here's Bob:

"Fly ball, left center. In comes Edmonds, out goes DiSarcina, it'll drop in...….NO! WHAT A CATCH BY EDMONDS AT THE LAST SPLIT SECOND TO SAVE AT LEAST ONE RUN!.....This series may be the one that makes Jim Edmonds a superstar. He hit two home runs in Game 1, and he's played outstanding defense in both games of which this amazing catch is just a sample. You can look at it again as we go to break with the Braves leading 5-0 after six. Back after these messages and a word from your local station."

Angels 7th: Another perfect inning for Glavine: Myers grounded to second, DiSarcina flew to Grissom in right center, and pinch hitter Chili Davis (batting for Finley) lined to McGriff at first. As we stretch in Atlanta, it's 5-0 Bravos.

Braves 7th: Chipper led off with a double into the left center power alley. He held at second while McGriff grounded to short and Justice struck out swinging, but scored on Klesko's seeing-eye base hit to left center to give the Braves a 6-0 lead. Lopez's grounder to Phillips at third ended the inning, but the Braves have added another tally to lead by six after seven.

Angels 8th: With one out, Glavine faced Edmonds. We join Bob with the count one ball and two strikes:

"Our schedule for Anaheim is as follows: Sunday night for Game 3 at 8 Eastern, followed by a special Monday afternoon first pitch at 4 Eastern as a favor to our friends at ABC, and Tuesday night we're back to 8 Eastern for Game 5, which looks like it's going to be necessary with the Braves up 6-0. Edmonds has his new bat, and he's back in there against Glavine. Here's the one-two-pitch...…..HIGH FLY BALL TO DEEP RIGHT, JUSTICE OVER, BACK, BUT HE CAN FORGET ABOUT IT!......The Angels have now hit seven home runs in this series, which are responsible for all ten of their runs, and Edmonds already has three. The shutout for Glavine's gone as well."

Garagiola: "I do Angels games, so I've seen Edmonds more than most of you, and trust me, what he's done throughout these playoffs is what he does for a hundred and sixty-two games. He doesn't get the ink that a lot of other guys do, but there aren't many more complete players in this league. Offense, defense, smart baserunning, he does it all."

Kubek: "It'll be interesting to see if Cox gets someone up in the bullpen now that Glavine's shutout is gone. It doesn't look like he's doing it now, but we'll see how Glavine handles these next few hitters."

Glavine handled the next two hitters just fine: Salmon grounded to second, and Snow flew to Grissom in left center to retire the side. Edmonds' homer has put the Halos on the board, but they still trail 6-1 as we head to the bottom of the eighth.

Braves 8th: Belliard led off by beating out his third infield hit of the game, this one to third. But new Angels pitcher Bob Patterson retired the next three men in order. After seven and a half, it's Braves 6, Angels 1.

Angels 9th: Anderson smacked Glavine's first pitch into the right center gap for a double, but Tommy finished with a flourish, as Hudler flew to center, Myers' hot liner was gloved by Chipper, and DiSarcina grounded to Lemke at second to wrap things up. Our final: Braves 6, Angels 1, and this series is even at one game apiece.

Glavine was named Player of the Game by NBC. He pitched a complete game, allowing just one run on five hits while walking four and striking out three in 114 pitches. Klesko was two for four with a home run and two RBIs, and Belliard had three infield hits and drove in a run.

Final totals: Braves 6-12-1, Angels 1-5-1.

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

HR: CAL- Edmonds (3)
ATL: Klesko (2)

The series will shift to Anaheim Stadium for Game 3 on Sunday night. First pitch is scheduled for just after 8PM Eastern, with John Smoltz taking the hill for the Braves and ALCS MVP Shawn Boskie starting for the Angels.

Next: We look at Game 3.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 3 of the 1995 World Series from Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The date is Sunday, October 22:

Lineup Changes:

Angels- Most importantly, the designated hitter is back, which means that Chili Davis starts and bats cleanup. Also, Damion Easley gets his first start of the series at second base and bats second. Jim Edmonds, Tim Salmon, J.T. Snow, and Garret Anderson, who batted in slots two through six in Game 2, all move down a notch to accommodate Davis, as does Gary DiSarcina, who will bat ninth. Finally, Andy Allanson will start behind the plate for the first time in the series and bat eighth.

Braves- Ryan Klesko will serve as the designated hitter after starting the first two games in left field. This means that Luis Polonia will get his first start of the series in left and will bat second. Mark Lemke moves down to eighth, and Rafael Belliard will move down to ninth.

Braves 1st: Marquis Grissom led off with a single up the middle. Polonia walked to put two men on, but Chipper Jones' line drive was caught by Easley for the first out while the runners held. Fred McGriff forced Polonia while Grissom moved to third, and David Justice grounded to second, retiring the side. The Braves leave runners at first and third; now let's see what the Angels can do.

Angels 1st: Easley walked with one out against Braves starter John Smoltz. Edmonds then whacked a double off the wall in left to score Easley and tie the game at one; it was the first California run so far in this series not driven in by a home run. After Davis grounded to Belliard at short, Salmon walked, but Snow's popup was caught by McGriff to end the inning. The Angels have hit the board first thanks to Edmonds' double, and they lead 1-0 after one.

Braves 2nd: Javy Lopez singled to right center with one out and moved to second on Lemke's grounder to third, but Belliard's line drive was gloved by Tony Phillips at third to end the inning. After one and a half, it's Angels 1, Braves 0.

Angels 2nd: DiSarcina singled to left center with two out, then stole second. After Phillips walked, Easley forced him at second to end the inning. After two, the Angels still lead 1-0.

Braves 3rd: After two out, Chipper faced Angels starter Shawn Boskie. Here's Bob Coatas with the count two balls and no strikes:

"Boskie hasn't exactly been sailing through the Braves' lineup, not that any pitcher would expect to, but he's kept them off the board so far. it's 1-0 Angels here in the top of the third. There have been no home runs yet in this one, which is a minor miracle...…..AND YOU CAN FORGET I SAID THAT! DEEP TO RIGHT ON THE 2-0, AND LONG GONE!......Chipper Jones goes deep for the second time in this series, and we're tied at one."

Tony Kubek: "Boskie got this pitch a little further up than he wanted to, and Jones put a perfect swing on it, He's already a force to be reckoned with, but he could be an all-time great if he keeps this up."

Joe Garagin ola: "What a great natural swing by Chipper Jones. He can hit balls like this out of the park without even trying to. That's something only the truly great ones can do."

McGriff kept the inning going by singling to left center, and Justice followed with a walk. But Klesko's grounder to second ended the inning. The Braves have drawn even on Chipper's homer, and we're even at one after two and a half.

Angels 3rd: Edmonds led off against Smoltz. Here's Vin Scully of CBS Radio:

"I can hear some of you out there asking, 'Well, why don't they just walk Edmonds intentionally, especially when he's leading off an inning and can't hurt them?' Well, Davis, Salmon, and Garret Anderson are all power threats as well. So you pays your money and you takes your choice. Edmonds has already driven in a run with his double in the second. First pitch to him......down the right field line, JUSTICE OVER, LOOKS UP, AND HE'S DONE IT AGAIN!...….That's four home runs in three games for Jim Edmonds, and the Angels lead 2-1. This guy is unstoppable, John."

Johnny Bench: "He's having the Series of a lifetime so far, Vin. Everything he hits is either dropping in or going over the fence, and let's no forget his great defensive play in center field. He might end up as the MVP even if the Angels lose."

Smoltz got the next three hitters out in order, but Edmonds' dinger has given the Halos a 2-1 lead after three.

Braves 4th: Lemke drew a one-out walk, then moved to second on Belliard's single to center. But Raffy was forced by Grissom while Lemke moved to third, and Polonia was caught looking to end the inning. The Braves leave runners at the corners again, and after three and a half they still trail the Angels 2-1.

Angels 4th: DiSarcina stroked a two-out single to left, but was caught trying to steal second by Lopez to end the inning. We've played four, and it's California 2, Atlanta 1.

Braves 5th: Chipper led off with a single to left, but McGriff fouled out to Allanson and Justice grounded into a 3-6-3 inning-ending double play. We're halfway through Game 3 with the Angels leading 2-1.

Angels 5th: Edmonds drew a two-out walk, but Davis' fly to left ended the inning. After five, it's Halos 2, Bravos 1.

Braves 6th: After one out, Lopez singled to left, and Lemke did the same. Mark was forced by Belliard for out number two, which brought up Grissom. Here's Bob with the count one ball and one strike:

"Boskie's time in this game is growing short; he's never really settled in, and he's fast coming up on the hundred-pitch mark even though it's only the sixth inning. Mike Bielecki, the former Brave, is loosening in the California bullpen, and we figure to see him next inning if not sooner. Grissom now ready, and Boskie has his sign. Pitch is DRIVEN DEEP TO CENTER! EDMONDS BACK, AT THE FENCE, AND THIS TIME HE WATCHES ONE GO OUT!...…...The home run insanity continues, as Marquis Grissom tomahawks, no pun intended, this one to deep center. It's 4-2 Atlanta."

Kubek: "Grissom can hit one out for you if he gets the right pitch, and this one starts outside, then tails right back into his wheelhouse. If Bielecki was ready, Boskie would be out, but he's just started to throw, so Boskie has at least one more hitter, maybe two."

Garagiola: "Grssom's known mostly for his speed and defense, but he's got some pop in his bat too. Of course, in this series everybody's got pop in their bats."

Polonia flew to center to end the inning, but Grissom's three-run homer has given the NL champs a 4-2 lead after five and a half.

Angels 6th: Smoltz's first one-two-three inning. After six, it's Braves 4, Angels 2.

Braves 7th: McGriff walked with one out, but was forced by Justice. Klesko singled to right to put two men on, and Lopez's base hit to left cashed in Justice to put the Braves up 5-2. Lemke's fly to Edmonds in left center ended the inning, but the Braves have added a run to lead Game 3 5-2 at the seventh-inning stretch.

Angels 7th: Phillips singled to center with two out, but Polonia caught Easley's fly to left at te warning track to end the inning. We're through seven with the Braves leading 5-2.

Braves 8th: With one out, Grissom singled to left center. Polonia followed suit, with Grissom moving to third. After Angels reliever Troy Percival struck Chipper out swinging, McGriff walked to load the bases. But Justice grounded to Phillips on the first pitch, and the side was retired. The Braves load the bases but don't score, which means that their lead is still 5-2 after seven and a half.

Angels 8th: Edmonds led off against Smoltz. Here's Vin with the count no balls and one strike:

"Braves 5, Angels 2, bottom of the eighth. A reminder that tomorrow is an afternoon game, with first pitch at 4:08 Eastern, which will lead into Monday Night Football here on CBS Radio. A sports doubleheader tomorrow, so keep it right here. Crowd on its feet looking to see what Edmonds will do next. Here's the 0-1 pitch......AND IT'S WHACKED DEEP TO CENTER! GRISSOM BACK, AT THE WALL, AND HE'S DONE IT AGAIN! Jim Edmonds with his fifth home run in three games, and the Angels are back to within 5-3 with Chili Davis coming up."

Bench: "This is unheard of, Vin. Five home runs in three games! What is he doing, anyway? And don't foret his defense, as I said earlier. He's my runaway choice for MVP so far, and it's not even close."

Scully: "That makes nine home runs in the series so far for the Angels. and fourteen combined by both teams. Unbelievable."

Next was Davis, who fell behind two strikes:

Scully: "The Monday night game, if you're curious, features the Buffalo Bills with Jim Kelly going up to Foxborough to take on Drew Bledsoe and the New England Patriots. It should be a barnburner, just like Game 4 of this series. Smoltz looking to strike out Davis and restore order, with Mark Wohlers ready in the Atlanta bullpen. Sign from Lopez, 0-2 pitch, AGAIN HIT DEEP TO CENTER! GRSSOM BACK, AT THE WALL, AND THE ANGELS GO BACK-TO-BACK! Chili Davis' second homer of the series, the Angels' tenth as a team, and it's 5-4 Braves."

Bench: "Wohlers is coming in for the Braves, as Davis' home run was even more impressive than Edmonds'. It had to go at least four rows deep in center. I'm not sure if the Braves' pitchers are tipping their pitches somehow or if the Angels are just sizzling hot, but I've never seen one team hit another quite like this, especially in a World Series. The Angels could have twenty home runs as a team by the time it's all over."

It wasn't over yet for the Angels, as Salmon cracked Wohlers' first pitch into center for a hit. Snow stroked another single to center to put two men on, and after Anderson flew to left, Greg Myers batted for Allanson and walked to load the bases. It was up to DiSarcina, who grounded Wohlers' first pitch to third. Chipper threw to the plate to nail Salmon, and Lopez' relay to first was just in time to nab DiSarcina and end the inning. The Angels have drawn to within one on the strength of Edmonds and Davis' back-to-back jacks, and we go to the ninth with the Braves leading 5-4.

Braves 9th: Klesko led off with a base hit to center against Mike James, but was forced by Lopez. Lemke's double to center put runners at second and third, but Belliard grounded to third for the second out, and Grissom's liner was speared by DiSarcina to end the inning. The Bravos leave runners at second and third, and we head to the bottom of the ninth with them clinging to a 5-4 lead.

Angels 9th: With one out, Easley singled to left. Edmonds' fly to right center was caught by Grissom for out number two, but Davis kept things going by singling to right center, which moved Easley to third. Rex Hudler came in to run for Davis, but it was all for naught, as Wohlers' 96 MPH fastball buckled Salmon's knees for a called third strike to end the game with the tying run ninety feet away. Our final: Braves 5, Angels 4, and the Braves lead the series two games to one.

Grissom was named MVP by NBC for his three-run homer in the sixth, which put the Braves ahead to stay. He finished the evening three for six. Lopez added three hits and an RBI. For the Angels, Edmonds was three for four with two homers and three runs batted in.

Final totals: Braves 5-15-0, Angels 4-11-0.

W- Smoltz (1-0)
S- Wohlers (1)
L- Boskie (0-1)

HR: ATL: Jones (2), Grissom (1)
CAL: Edmonds 2 (5), Davis (2)

Game 4 will be tomorrow afternoon here at Anaheim Stadium, with first pitch scheduled shortly after 4PM Eastern. Steve Avery will take the mound for the Braves, while Jim Abbott will get the start for the Angels.

Next: We look at Game 4.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 4 of the 1995 World Series from Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The date is Monday, October 23:

Lineup Changes:

Angels- The biggest comes at the designated hitter spot, where Mike Aldrete will replace Chili Davis, who sore knees prevent him from running at all. Aldrete will hit second. This means that Tim Salmon moves up to the cleanup spot, J.T. Snow to fifth, and Garret Anderson to sixth. Also, Rex Hudler is back at second base and batting seventh, while Greg Myers is back behind the plate and batting eighth.

Weather: 68 degrees, partly cloudy skies, calm winds.

Braves 1st: Marquis Grissom grounded the game's first pitch into right center for a single, but Luis Polonia struck out swinging and Chipper Jones grounded into an around-the-horn inning-ending double play. After a half, it's Braves 0, Angels ready to hit.

Angels 1st: Tony Phillips smacked Braves starter Steve Avery's first pitch back up the middle for a base hit. But Aldrete struck out swinging, and catcher Javy Lopez gunned Phillips down at second for out number two. Next was Jim Edmonds, who doubled into the right center power alley to keep his red-hot Series going. After Salmon walked, it was Avery against Snow. Here's Bpb Costas with the count one ball and one strike:

"Avery in trouble quickly here in the bottom of the first. He seemed to be on the right track after Aldrete struck out and Phillips was thrown out, but Edmonds doubled, Salmon walked, and he's right back in a mess. One and one to Snow, as Avery checks his runners, gets the sign from Lopez, and pitches...….down the right field line toward the corner, Justice goes over, looks up, AND IT'S GONE!......Snow joins the Angels' home run brigade, and it's 3-0 California. That's eleven for the Angels in the series."

Tony Kubek: "Even if the Braves win this series, the invincibility of their pitching staff has taken a serious hit. They've now given up eleven home runs to the Angels in four games, and every one of them has been honest. Now it's Snow's turn to join the party, and he certainly clobbered this one. (Kent) Mercker now up in the bullpen for Atlanta."

Joe Garagiola: "If there's a weak link in this staff, t's Avery. The Angels can definitely get him out of a game sooner than (Greg) Maddux, (Tommy) Glavine, or (John) Smoltz; (Braves manager Bobby) Cox won't hesitate to replace him if things are going badly."

Anderson grounded to second to end the inning, but Snow's blast has given the Halos a 3-0 lead after one.

Braves 2nd: Ryan Klesko drew a two-out walk, but Lopez grounded to DiSarcina at short to end the inning. After an inning at a half, it's Angels 3, Braves 0.

Angels 2nd: Starter Jim Abbott had a one-two-three inning. After two, the Angels lead 3-0.

Braves 3rd: Ditto for Avery. The Halos still lead 3-0 after two and a half.

Angels 3rd: After one out, Aldrete grounded to Lemke at second, who had trouble picking up the ball, then threw it past Fred McGriff at first, allowing Aldrete to reach. Edmonds' sharp single up the middle put Halos at the corners, and Salmon's double into the left field corner scored both Aldrete and Edmonds to give the Angels a 5-0 lead. Mercker began to throw in the Braves' pen for the second time today, but Avery got Snow to ground to Rafael Belliard at short for the second out, and Anderson went down swinging to end the inning. The Angels add two runs on two hits and an error, and after three they lead the Braves 5-0.

Braves 4th: With one out, Chipper beat out an infield grounder to short for a hit. After McGriff popped to Hudler for the second out, Justice's single to right center put runners at first and third. But Klesko went down swinging to end the inning. The Braves leave runners at the corners, and after three and a half they trail the Angels 5-0.

Angels 4th: Avery struck out Hudler swinging and Myers looking, then retired DiSarcina on a grounder to first to retire the side. After four, it's California 5, Atlanta 0.

Braves 5th: Both Lopez and Lemke grounded to third, and Belliard struck out swinging to end the inning. We're halfway through Game 4, and the Angels lead 5-0.

Angels 5th: Aldrete singled up the middle with one out, but Edmonds flew to right and Salmon lined to first, ending the inning. After five, it's AL Champs 5, NL Champs 0.

Braves 6th: Polonia's fly ball to left center went over the wall on a hop for a ground-rule double, but Chipper popped to first nd McGriff few to Edmonds in center. We're through five and a half, and the Angels still lead 5-0.

Angels 6th: Snow drew a leadoff walk against Mercker, and Anderson's bloop fell on the right field line for a double, which drove in Snow and extended the California lead to 6-0. Hudler took a called third strike for out number one, but Myers' grounder to second moved Anderson to third. DiSarcina's single to left brought Myers home to put the Angels up 7-0, and Phillips walked on four pitches to end Mercker's afternoon. New pitcher Brad Clontz was greeted by Aldrete's single to right, which loaded the bases. But Clontz caught Edmonds looking, and the inning was over. The Halos leave the bases loaded, but they still enjoy a seven-run lead after six.

Braves 7th: With one out, Klesko and Lopez drew back-to-back walks. Lemke's single to right loaded the bases, and Klesko scored when Belliard forced Lemke to put the Braves on the board. Runners were still at first and third for Grissom, but he grounded to Phillips at third to end the inning.. The Bravos have to settle for getting on the board, and they still trail the Angels 7-1 as we stretch at The Big A.

Angels 7th: Clontz retired the Angels in order: Salmon flew to left, Snow took a called third strike, and Anderson popped to Lemke at second. We're through seven, and it's AL Champs 7, NL Champs 1.

Braves 8th: Polonia grounded to short, Chipper struck out swinging, and McGriff popped to short, After seven and a half, it's still 7-1 Angels.

Angels 8th: Hudler took new Braves pitcher Greg McMichael's first pitch off of his elbow, then stole second. He had to hold when Myers grounded to short, but scored on DiSarcina's double to center to make it 8-1 California, Phillips' grounder to second moved DiSarcina to third, but Aldrete's tapper to McGriff at first ended the inning. The Angels add another run, which means that the Braves are down by seven heading to the top of the ninth.

Braves 9th: Justice worked new Angels pitcher Mike Bielecki for a leadoff walk, but Klesko's liner was speared by Hudler for out number one. Lopez's fly to deep right center was caught on the run by Edmonds for out number two, but Lemke's single to left kept the game alive for Atlanta. Belliard ended it by grounding to second,, and the Angels wrapped up an easy 8-1 win. This series is now tied at two games apiece.

Snow was named MVP by NBC, primarily because of his three-run homer in the first. Others receiving consideration were DiSarcina, who was two for four with two RBIs, and Salmon, who was one for three with a run scored and two runs driven in. Abbott also deserves a tip of the cap; he pitched eight innings, giving up a run on five hits while walking three and striking out four.

Final totals: Angels: 8-10-0, Braves 1-6-1.

W- Abbott (1-0)
L- Avery (0-1)

HR- CAL: Snow (1)

The proverbial pivotal Game 5 will be tomorrow night at The Big A. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 8PM Eastern, and it's a mound rematch of Game 1, with Greg Maddux of the Braves facing Mark Langston of the Angels.

Before we go, we have three nominees for our Defensive Player of the Night. Number one comes in the top of the fifth, with one out and Lemke facing Abbott. Here's Bob:

"One-one pitch grounded deep to third. Phillips gets to it, has to throw on the run......GOT HIM AT FIRST!......Lemke not exactly slow, so Phillips was under pressure to get it over to Snow in a hurry, and he did to get the out."

Play number two came in the bottom of the fifth. Aldrete's at first, two out, and Salmon at the plate:

Costas: "Liner SPEARED BY MCGRIFF TO END THE INNING!......For those who don't think McGriff can play defense, get a load of this play. He had to dive and smother it before it's down the right field line, and he looks like Jerry Rice making a catch in the end zone. Speaking of football, let's go to Greg Gumbel in New York for a recap of yesterday's NFL action. The Angels lead 5-0 after five."

Play number three came before either of the first two. It's the top of the second with one out and Justice at the plate:

Costas; "First pitch to Justice is hit to deep right center. Edmonds going back, toward the wall, has to leap and MAKES THE CATCH!......If Edmonds doesn't make the catch at that exact moment, the ball's off the wall for at least two bases, maybe three. As it is, there are two out in the second, as Edmonds dusts himself off after hitting the wall. Another great defensive play."

Next: We look at Game 5.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 5 of the 1995 World Series from Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The date is Tuesday, October 24:

Lineup Changes:

Braves- As is usually the case when Greg Maddux pitches, Charlie O'Brien will start behind the plate. He's batting eighth, which means that Mark Lemke moves up to seventh.

Angels- Dave Gallagher will get the start in left in place of Garret Anderson. and he'll lead off. Rex Hudler moves up to second, Chili Davis is back as the designated hitter after a day off, and he'll bat fifth. J.T. Snow moves down to sixth, and Eduardo Perez will get his first start of the series at third and bat seventh. Anderson fouled a pitch off the back of his hand in batting practice, and Phillips has been battling a respiratory infection since the postseason began.

Braves 1st: Marquis Grissom led off the game with a base hit to right center, but was thrown out trying to steal second. Luis Polonia flew to right, and Chipper Jones' fly to deep right center was caught by Edmonds to end the inning. After a half, it's Braves 0, Angels coming up.

Angels 1st: Gallagher celebrated his first World Series start in style. Here's Bob Costas:

"Gallagher's in there because Anderson needs to keep his hand wrapped for an hour or so after he fouled a ball off of his hand on his last swing in batting practice. He can pinch hit later if needed. Phillips, on the other hand, is on his way back to Atlanta so (Angels manager) Marcel Lachemann won't be tempted to use him. He may play in Game 6, or he may be done for good. Gallagher SWINGS AT THE FIRST PITCH AND LINES IT TO RIGHT! BACK GOES JUSTICE, AT THE WALL....GOODBYE!...….First pitch, first swing, first home run, A memorable World Series debut for Gallagher, and the Angels strike first."

Tony Kubek: "I'd like to know how the Angels know what Maddux is throwing. They teed off on him in Game 1, and they're starting again tonight. Gallagher meets this pitch and drives it over the wall in right, and Maddux is talking now to Charlie O'Brien. he may be asking if he's doing something to tip his pitches."

Joe Garagiola: "I don't think he is, Tony. They've been hitting like this in every game of this series. It's just more noticeable against Maddux because he's been so dominant before now."

Greg settled down and retired the next three hitters in order, but Gallagher's leadoff homer, the twelfth for the Angels in the series, has given them a 1-0 lead after one.

Braves 2nd: With one out, it was Justice against Langston. Here's Bob with the count one ball and one strike:

"The Braves' pitching staff has now given up twelve home runs to the Angels, and before the series, you'd figure that if one team would have a dominant advantage in home runs, it would be the Braves, with them having the home field advantage. Justice has been relatively quiet.....1-2 pitch HAMMERED TO RIGHT! SALMON GOING BACK, HAS A PLAY.....NOPE! IT'S GONE!...……...Justice finally makes himself heard, and we're even at one."

Garagiola: "The Angels have been on fire power-wise, but the Braves haven't exactly been playing patty-cake. This is their sixth homer of the series, and it comes from one of their big boppers in Justice, who got all of that ball. We may be in for a repeat of Game 1 if this keeps up."

Kubek: "Lachemann's getting Brian Anderson ready in the bullpen just in case."

Ryan Klesko flew to left center for the second out, and Lemke's grounder to short ended the inning. The Braves have drawn even on Justice's dinger, which means we're tied at one after an inning and a half.

Angels 2nd: Snow singled to right with one out, but Perez popped to short and Myers lined the first pitch he saw right back to Maddux, retiring the side. After two, it's Braves 1, Angels 1.

Braves 3rd: O'Brien led off with a single to right. After Rafael Belliard flew to left, Grissom walked on five pitches to put two men on. But Polonia flew to center, and Lemke's grounder to second ended the inning. After two and a half, we're still tied at one.

Angels 3rd: Gary DiSarcina stroked a leadoff single to right, but Gallagher grounded into a 4-6-3 double play, and Hudler struck out swinging to end the inning. After three, it's still 1-1.

Braves 4th: After two out, Klesko smacked a double down the right field line. Lemke followed with a base hit up the middle to drive him in and give the visitors a 2-1 lead. O'Brien struck out swinging on three straight pitches to end the inning, but the Braves have taken a 2-1 lead after three and a half.

Angels 4th: Edmonds grounded the first pitch into right for a single. Salmon's fly to deep center was caught by Grissom at the wall for out number one, and Davis went down swinging for out number two, Snow kept the inning alive with a single to left, and Perez followed with a base hit to right center to bring Edmonds home and tie the game at two. Snow moved to third, but he was stranded there when Myers popped to Lemke to end the inning. The Angels have pushed across the tying run thanks to Perez's hit. After four, it's Bravos 2, Halos 2.

Braves 5th: Belliard led off by beating out a grounder to second for an infield hit, but was forced by Grissom, who was in turn forced by Polonia. Luis ended the inning by getting thrown out trying to steal second. Halfway through Game 5, we're deadlocked at two.

Angels 5th: DiSarcina led off by grounding the first pitch down to Chipper. The ball took a bad hop, making it impossible for Chipper to field the ball cleanly, and DiSarcina reached. He promptly stole second, then moved to third on Gallagher's fly to right. Hudler lined a single to right to drive him in and give the Angels a 3-2 lead. Hudler then stole second, and Edmonds' single to center drove Rex in to make it 4-2. Salmon grounded an infield single to second, and Davis' base hit to left scored Edmonds to make it 5-2. Maddux recovered to strike Snow out swinging and Perez out looking, which ended the inning. But the Angels have taken the lead with three runs on four hits, an error, and two stolen bases. At the end of five, it's California 5, Atlanta 2.

Braves 6th: Chipper drew a leadoff walk. After McGriff took a called third strike, Justice singled to right center. Edmonds' throw to third almost nailed Chipper at third for the second out, but the rookie just managed to slide his hand onto the base prior to Perez's tag. It came to nothing, however, as Klesko struck out swinging and Lemke flew to left center, retiring the side. The Braves leave runners at the corners and the tying run at the plate, and they still trail 5-2 after five and a half.

Angels 6th: With one out, DiSarcina doubled to left. After Gallagher struck out, Hudler lined a base hit to left center that scored DiSarcina and gave the Halos a 6-2 lead. Hudler then stole second, and he scored on Edmonds' double into the left center power alley to make it 7-2 California. Salmon's grounder to Chipper at third ended the inning, but the home squad has added a pair to lead by five after six.

Braves 7th: Langston's first one-two-three inning of the night. As we stretch in Anaheim, the Angels lead 7-2.

Angels 7th: New Braves pitcher Brad Clontz had a three-up three-down inning of his own. After seven, it's AL Champs 7, NL Champs 2.

Braves 8th: Chipper drew a one-out walk, ad McGriff took a pitch off of his elbow. But Langston mowed down Justice and Klesko in six consecutive swinging strikes to end the inning. After seven and a half, it's 7-2 Angels.

Angels 8th: Myers flew to the warning track in left center, DiSarcina grounded to third, and Gallagher's foul pop was caught by McGriff behind first to end the inning. We go to the ninth with the Angels in front.

Braves 9th: Lemke's leadoff bloop fell in left center for a double. After Javy Lopez, who was now catching, grounded to short, Belliard's single to right put runners at the corners and brought up Grissom. Here's Vin Scully of CBS Radio with the count one ball and two strikes:

"Lemke at third, Belliard at first, and Langston trying to finish this one off after a superb performance. Troy Percival behind him in the California bullpen just in case. Crowd on its feet, as they want Langston to bring it home. He checks the runners, now stretches and comes home......AND THAT ONE'S CRUSHED TO DEAD CENTER! EDMONDS, BACK, AT THE WALL, BUT IT'S GONE!...….Marquis Grissom has just hit his second homer of the series, which makes seven for the Braves and nineteen combined for the series, and we're looking at a 7-5 game. Here comes Lachemann, and we'll see Troy Percival."

Johnny Bench: "Langston's been showing signs of tiredness all through this inning, and he got that one just a little too far into Grissom's wheelhouse. That was hit a ton, just like so many other balls in this series, and all of a sudden the Braves have life and Percival's coming in to nail this one down for California."

Percival started off well by getting Mike Devereaux, batting for Polonia, to fly to center on his first pitch. But he proceeded to walk Chipper and McGriff on back-to-back three-two pitches, then walk Justice on four pitches to load the bases. It was now time for Lee Smith, and the Angels' closer needed only one pitch to finish the game, as Klesko grounded to Perez at third to get the Angels out of trouble and into their clubhouse with a 7-5 victory and a three games to two lead in the series.

Edmonds was named Player of the Game by NBC after going three for four, scoring twice, and driving in a pair of runs. Hudler was also considered after going two for four, driving in a pair of runs and scoring twice. For the Braves, Grissom was two for four with a three-run homer.

Final totals: Angels 7-13-0, Braves 5-10-1.

W- Langston (1-0)
S- L. Smith (2)
L- Maddux (0-1)

HR- ATL: Grissom (2), Justice (1)
CAL: Gallagher (1)

Game 6 will be back in Atlanta on Thursday night. First pitch is scheduled for just after 8PM Eastern, and the mound matchup will be a replay of Game 2, as Chuck Finley will pitch for the Angels and Tommy Glavine for the Braves.

Before we go, here are our Defensive Plays of the Night. First, let's go to the bottom of the second. Snow is at first with two out, and Myers is at the plate against Maddux. Here's Vin:

"Two-one pitch...….HOT SHOT BACK AT MADDUX! He stuck his glove up like a hockey goalie would, and the biscuit thumped into the basket to end the inning. We go to the third tied at one."

Now to the bottom of the sixth. The Angels have already scored twice to go up 7-2, and Edmonds is at second with two out and Salmon at the plate. Mr. Scully, if you please:

"Ground ball deep in the hole at third. Chipper knocks it down, picks it up, the throw......GOT HIM AT FIRST!...….It needed to be a bullet to get there in time, and that it was, as McGriff looks at his glove amazed that there isn't a hole in the pocket. After six in Game 5, it's Angels 7, Braves 2. We'll be back in just a moment."

Next: We look at Game 6.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 6 of the 1995 World Series from Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta. The date is Thursday, October 26:

Lineup Changes:

Braves- With no designated hitter, Ryan Klesko moves back to left field. Mark Lemke is back in the two hole, Javy Lopez is back behind the plate and batting seventh, and Rafael Belliard moves back up to eighth.

Angels- Tony Phillips is feeling better, and he's back in the leadoff spot at third. Jim Edmonds moves up to second, Tim Salmon to third, and J.T. Snow to the cleanup spot. Garret Anderson is back in left field and hitting fifth, while Spike Owen starts at short for the first time in the series and bats sixth. Also, Damion Easley is back at second base and will bat eighth.

Weather: 48 degrees, fair skies, calm winds.

Angels 1st: Salmon drew a two-out walk, and Snow's single to right center put runners at the corners. But Anderson forced Snow to end the inning. After a half, it's Angels 0, Braves coming up.

Braves 1st: With two out, Chipper Jones stepped to the plate against Angels starter Chuck Finley. Here's Bob Costas:

"Two balls and a strike to Jones, who's established himself as one of the top third basemen in the National League in just his rookie season. There's always a question about whether rookies can perform year in and year out, but he looks like he'll have staying power based on what we've seen. Two-one pitch...…..FLY BALL TO DEEP RIGHT CENTER, EDMONDS BACK, AT THE WALL, IT'S OUTTA HERE!...….In case you're keeping track, that's eight home runs for the Braves in the series, three for Jones, and a 1-0 Braves lead."

Joe Garagiola: "I've never seen a power display like this in a World Series, especially when a team like the Braves has the pitchers that they do. Twenty home runs in a six-game series so far, and this guy Jones has three of them. Look at this one, hit a mile over the fence in right center."

Tony Kubek: "Chipper looks like he's going to be everything Bob Horner was, and a better defender to boot. He's not as big as Horner, but he's got the same kind of easy home run swing, and he's also a good contact hitter. In other words, he either has now or will have in the near future just about very tool you'd like a player to have."

Finley recovered to strike out McGriff swinging and end the inning, but Chipper's home run has given the Braves a 1-0 lead after one.

Angels 2nd: Myers walked with one out, but Easley flew to right and Finley went down swinging. After an inning and a half, it's Braves 1, Angels 0.

Braves 2nd: With one out, Klesko whacked a double to right, then came home on Lopez's base hit to left to give the Braves a 2-0 lead. Belliard's base hit to left center put Braves on the corners, but Glavine grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to kill the rally. The Braves settle for one, and after two they lead the Angels 2-0.

Angels 3rd: Phillips drew a leadoff walk, but was forced by Edmonds. Salmon's bloop base hit to center moved Edmonds to third, and Snow's base hit to left cashed him in to cut the Braves' lead to 2-1. Anderson grounded into a 4-6-3 inning-ending double play, but the Angels have hit the board. After two and a half, it's Bravos 2, Halos 1.

Braves 3rd: Marquis Grissom led off with a single up the middle, moved to third on Lemke's lined single to left center, and came home when Chipper bounced into a fielder's choice to make it 3-1 Braves. For the third half-inning in a row, we ended with a 4-6-3 double play, this one courtesy of McGriff. But the Braves have scratched across another run, and after three they lead the Angels 3-1.

Angels 4th: Easley singled to center with two out, than stole second. But Finley struck out swinging to retire the side. We've played three and a half, and the Braves lead the Angels 3-1.

Braves 4th: The home squad went down one-two-three. After four, it's NL Champs 3, AL Champs 1.

Angels 5th: Salmon singled to left with two out, and Snow followed up with a base hit to right. But Anderson flew to Grissom in center to retire the side. Halfway through Game 6, it's Atlanta 3, California 1.

Braves 5th: Grissom drew a two-out walk, but Lemke's comebacker to Finley ended the inning. After five, it's still 3-1 Braves.

Angels 6th: Glavine had his first one-two-three inning of the evening. It's 3-1 Braves after five and a half.

Braves 6th: Justice and Klesko drew back-to-back walks with two out, but Lopez took a called third strike to end the inning. After six, it's Braves 3, Angels 1.

Angels 7th: Edmonds doubled into the right center power alley with two out, but Glavine caught Salmon looking to end the inning. As we stretch in Georgia's capital, the home squad leads by a pair.

Braves 7th: Glavine walked with one out, and Lemke walked with two out, but Finley struck Chipper out swinging to strand runners at first and second. It's 3-1 Braves after seven.

Angels 8th: Snow led off with a single to left, his fourth hit of the night. He was forced by Anderson, however, and Glavine retired Owen on a pop to short and Myers on a fly to right. As we go to the last of the eighth, the Braves still lead 3-1.

Braves 8th: Justice and Klesko drew back-to-back walks with one out against Angels reliever Mike James. But Lopez struck out swinging, and Belliard's liner was gloved by Phillips to end the inning. The Braves need three more outs to force a Game 7, and they have a two-run lead to work with.

Angels 9th: Glavine finished with a flourish, striking out the side. Pinch hitter Gary DiSarcina (batting for Easley) and final batter Phillips went down swinging, and pinch hitter Chili Davis (batting for James) was caught looking in between. Final score: Braves 3, Angels 1, and this series is even at three games apiece.

Glavine was named Player of the Game by NBC. He pitched his second complete game of the series, giving up just one run on eight hits while walking three and striking out seven in 126 pitches. Chipper homered and drove in two of the three Atlanta runs. For the Angels, Finley and James combined for eleven strikeouts, and Snow was four for four with an RBI.

It all comes down to Game 7 tomorrow night here at Fulton County Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for a little after 8PM Eastern, and the starting pitchers will be John Smoltz for the Braves and Shawn Boskie for the Angels.

Final totals: Braves 3-6-0, Angels 1-8-0.

W- Glavine (2-0)
L- Finley (0-2)

HR- ATL: Jones (3)

Before we go, here's our Defensive Play of the Night. It's the top of the sixth, with two out and nobody on. Easley's at the plate against Glavine, and here's Bob:

"Another popup behind third, tailing away from Jones. He gives chase, now he's over by the dugout, AND IN HE GOES! Did he get the ball?"

Garagiola: "He sure did, Bob!"

Costas: "He shows it triumphantly to the world, and the Angels go down in order here in the sixth. Chipper doesn't appear to be the worse for wear, but we'll soon find out for sure, as he's due to lead off the bottom of the sixth. 3-1 Atlanta after five and a half."

Next: We look at Game 7.

Thoughts?
 
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Now it's time for Game 7 of the 1995 World Series from Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta. The date is Friday, October 27:

Lineup Changes:

Angels- Jim Edmonds moves up to the leadoff spot, while Tony Phillips slides down to second. J.T. Snow and Tim Salmon also swap places from yesterday's lineup, with Snow batting third and Salmon fourth. Rex Hudler is back at second and batting sixth, and Gary DiSarcina is back at short and batting eighth. Finally, Jorge Fabregas is an emergency replacement for an ill Greg Myers behind the plate and will bat seventh.

Angels 1st: Edmonds drew a leadoff walk, but on the first pitch he saw Phillips grounded into a 4-6-3 double play. Snow struck out swinging to end the inning. After a half, it's Angels nothing, Braves on their way to the plate.

Weather: 60 degrees, cloudy skies, calm winds.

Since there was no Game 7 in real life, let's run down tonight's umpiring crew:

Home Plate: Harry Wendelstedt (National League)
First Base: Jim McKean (American League)
Second Base: Bruce froemming (National League)
Third Base: John Hirschbeck (American League)
Left Field: Frank Pulli (National League)
Right Field: Joe Brinkman (American League)

Braves 1st: Chipper Jones drew a two-out walk, which brought McGriff to the plate against Angels starter Shawn Boskie. Here's Bob Costas with the count one ball and no strikes:

"McGriff having a very quiet series so far, and that's exactly how the California pitchers prefer it. If he gets hot, the only two players incapable of major home run power in their regular lineup are (Mark) Lemke and (Rafael) Belliard, and even Lemke can hit a mistake out. Boskie ready with the next one, and it's hit a ton down the right field line. Over for a look is Salmon, ball's still carrying, and IT'S......GONE!...….It took a while to finish its journey, but McGriff's finally hit one out, and Atlanta leads 2-0."

Tony Kubek: "It hung up there for a while over by the wall, and Salmon looked for a moment that he might have a play on it, but it finally went over the wall. It's not one of McGriff's best home runs, but I'm sure he'll take it."

Joe Garagiola: "I wouldn't have bet that it would take until Game 7 for McGriff to hit his first home run, or that the Braves would have hit eight home runs in this series before he hit his first. Yet another case of baseball being a funny game."

David Justice flew to Edmonds in right center to end the inning, but McGriff's first homer of the series has given the Braves a 2-0 lead after one.

Angels 2nd: Garret Anderson singled up the middle with one out, then stole second. But Hudler took a called third strike for out number two, and Fabregas flew to Marquis Grissom in center to end the inning. We've played one and a half, and the Braves lead the Angels 2-0.

Braves 2nd: Ryan Klesko drew a leadoff walk, but Javy Lopez flew to left center and Belliard hit into a 4-6-3 inning-ending double play. After two, it's Braves 2, Angels 0.

Angels 3rd: A three-up, three-down inning for Braves starter John Smoltz. After two and a half, it's still 2-0 Atlanta.

Braves 3rd: Smoltz led off with a bloop single to left. After Grissom flew to right center for the first out, Lemke doubled into the right center power alley, with Smoltz being held at third by Braves third base coach Jimy Williams. That proved to be a mistake, as both Chipper and McGriff flew to Salmon in right to end the inning. The Braves leave two in scoring position, but the still lead the Angels 2-0 after three.

Angels 4th: Smoltz struck out the side, getting Phillips looking and Snow and Salmon swinging. That makes eight strikeouts for Smoltz in four innings, and his Braves lead the Angels 2-0 through four.

Braves 4th: Boskie answered with a one-two-three inning of his own. After four, it's Bravos 2, Halos 0.

Angels 5th: Anderson's single to left center led off the inning, and Hudler followed with a single to left. Fabregas' fly to right center was too shallow to move either runner, and DiSarcina forced Hudler, with Anderson moving to third. Boskie ended the inning by going down swinging, which made nine strikeouts for Smoltz. The visitors leave Halos at the corners, and halfway through Game 7 they trail 2-0.

Braves 5th: Belliard led off with a single to left, but Smoltz erased him by grounding into a 4-6-3 double play. Grissom grounded to short to retire the side. We've played five, and it's Atlanta 2, California 0.

Angels 6th: Phillips doubled into the right field corner with one out, but he was left there when Snow was caught looking and Salmon lined to short. Smoltz has now struck out eleven, and the NL champs lead 2-0 after five and a half.

Braves 6th: Lemke led off by singling off of Boskie's glove. He moved to second on Chipper's tap to Snow at first, but held when McGriff popped to short for the second out. With Troy Percival behind him in the California bullpen, Boskie faced David Justice. Here's Bob with the count three balls and two strikes:

"A pivotal moment in the game; if Justice gets a hit, Lemke could score easily and make it a 3-0 game. If Boskie gets him, the Angels are still only two runs down with three innings left and the heart of the order guaranteed to come up one more time. If Justice walks, Klesko is just as big a power threat. Boskie now ready, three-two pitch is HAMMMRED DEEP TO RIGHT! SALMON WONLT EVEN GO BACK, AS THIS ONE'S WAY OUTTA HERE!......They're chopping like mad in Atlanta, as their Braves now lead 4-0 and (Angels manager) Marcel Lachemann's on his way to the mound for Boskie."

Kubek: "An absolute no-doubter, and Salmon just turns around and admires it as it goes three or four rows up in the stands. Boskie was so great against Boston in the ALCS, but the Braves have hit him the way the Angels have hit Greg Maddux."

Garagiola: "I hate to sound like a broken record, but this makes a combined total of twenty-two home runs in the series: twelve for the Angels and ten for the Braves, with two being hit by Justice. It's a different era, gentlemen."

Percival struck Klesko out swinging to end the inning, but Justice's two-run homer has given the Braves a 4-0 lead after six.

Angels 7th: Fabregas drew a two-out walk, but DiSarcina went down swinging to end the inning and give Smoltz a dozen punchouts on the night. We're stretching in Atlanta with the Braves still leading 4-0.

Braves 7th: Smoltz waked with two out and moved to third on Grissom's single to left center. But Lemke's fly to center retired the side. The Braves leave runners at first and third, but they still lead 4-0 after seven.

Angels 8th: Chili Davis batted for Percival to led off and singled to left center. Edmonds flew to center for out number one, but Phillips' single to left put two men on. Snow doubled off the base of the wall in center to bring Chili home with the Angels' first run, but Smoltz rebounded to fan Salmon for out number two. Anderson's single to right scored Phillips to make it 4-2, and that brought up Hudler. Smoltz got ahead two quick strikes. Then:

Costas: "Smoltz looking for his fourteenth strikeout of the night, the Angels looking to keep the inning alive. 0-2 pitch...….AND THAT'S WHACKED DOWN THE LEFT FIELD LINE AND INTO THE CORNER! SNOW SCORES! ANDERSON'S COMING HOME! KLESKO'S THROW GOES TO THIRD! WE'RE TIED IN GAME 7!"

Garagiola: "And thirteen strikeouts don't mean a thing. (Braves manager) Bobby Cox is coming for Smoltz. It's a shame, because he was on his way to pitching a once-in-a-lifetime game before this inning."

Kubek: "I've announced my retirement from broadcasting after this series, and let me just say that I couldn't have picked a better last game. Not just a Game 7, but what's looking like a classic Game 7. I'll remember this one on plenty of cold nights in Wisconsin."

Fabregas grounded to second to end the inning, but the Angels have come back to tie the game with four runs on five hits, and they've ruined a brilliant pitching performance by Smoltz in the process. We've played seven and a half, and we're now tied at four.

Braves 8th: Chipper led off against new Angels pitcher Mike Butcher. Here's Bob:

"Jones stepping in to lead off, 0 for 2 plus a walk and a run scored. Crowd here in Atlanta deflated after the Angels' explosion in the top of this inning; now it's up to Jones to bring them back to life in the bottom of the eighth. AND HE LINES THE FIRST PITCH DEEP TO LEFT! BACK IS ANDERSON, AT THE FENCE..... GOODBYE! BRAVES LEAD 5-4!"

Garagiola: "Wow! What a blast by Chipper Jones! He just put himself in the lead for MVP if this score holds up, as Butcher got this one a little too far inside. You can hardly hear yourself think here in Atlanta, and they want a curtain call for the kid!"

Kubek: "Here he comes, Joe! What a series for Chipper Jones!"

Once Chipper finally got back into the dugout, McGriff walked to keep the inning going. That was all for Percival, as Lee Smith came out of the pen to hold the Braves where they were. He struck Justice out swinging on three pitches, then got Klesko to bounce into a 4-6-3 inning-ending double play. But Chipper's home run has put the Braves three outs away from their second world championship in Atlanta. We go to the ninth with the Braves leading the Angels 5-4.

Angels 9th: Braves closer Mark Wohlers retired DiSarcina on a comebacker, then caught Andy Allanson (who came in to catch thanks to a double switch when Smith replaced Butcher) looking for out number two. Edmonds thus came to the plate as the Angels' last chance. Here's Bon with the count one ball and two strikes:

"Nobody on, two out, one and two to Edmonds, who's cooled off a bit after hitting five home runs in the first three games of this series. Crowd is on its feet and chopping, as Wohlers looks to Lopez, into the stretch, one-two......GOT HIM LOOKING! THE BRAVES ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS!...…...The Atlanta Braves have taken one of the wildest-hitting World Series of the modern era four games to three. The Angels and Braves combined for twenty-three home runs, but the final one will be the most remembered, as Chipper Jones hit his fourth of the series on the first pitch he saw against John Butcher leading off the bottom of the eighth. Wohlers shut down the Angels one-two-three in the ninth to wrap it up. Greg McMichael, who got the last out in the top of the eighth, is the winning pitcher. The save goes to Wohlers, his second of the series, and Butcher is the loser.

Before we go to break, let me say a truly fond farewell to a wonderful partner. As Tony told you, this is his last game as a baseball broadcaster after twenty-nine years, most of them right here at NBC. I worked with him for ten of those years, including the last two, and I will treasure every last one of them for the rest of my career. Joe worked with him for parts of eleven seasons, including these last two, and I know he echoes my sentiments. Joe will be back as part of our postseason coverage under the new television contract next season, and we're happy about that."

Garagiola: "So long, Tony. You've been one of the best, and I'll miss you, buddy."

Costas: "Back to the present, we'll be going down to Jim Gray in the Braves' locker room for interviews and the trophy presentations, as we've now confirmed that Chipper Jones has been named World Series MVP. We'll get to all of that right after these messages and a word from your local station. Our final again: Braves 5, Angels 4, and the Braves are world champions. Back in a few moments."

This is the Braves' fifth world championship as a franchise so far in this timeline, and their second to date in Atlanta.

We've now contested eighty-two World Series so far in the Pythagorean universe, and the American League holds a 45-37 all-time lead.

Final totals: Braves 5-8-0, Angels 4-9-0.

W- McMchael (1-0)
S- Wohlers (2)
L- Butcher (0-1)

HR- ATL: Jones (4), Justice (2), McGriff (1)

Next: To be determined.

Thoughts?
 
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Now let's finish the 1995 regular season, starting in the National League. Our first three games take place April 15-17, when the Pirates hosted the Braves in Pittsburgh.

Here's the result from Saturday, April 15:

Braves 11, Pirates 3 (ABC; Chris Berman, Tommy Hutton)

The Braves continue to make the Pirates lives miserable whenever they possibly can. Today, pitcher Steve Avery was a one-man wrecking crew, not only pitching seven and two-thirds innings, but driving in four runs at the plate.He socked both a two-run double in the fourth and a seventh-inning home run that made him the first pitcher to hit an upper deck home run at Three Rivers Stadium. Catcher Javy Lopez went four for five with another RBI. Only Dave Clark's three-run tater in the eighth prevented a shutout.

Perhaps because the game was televised in addition to the cold weather and the on-field cluelessness of the home team, only 6128 fans show up, and the future of the team in Pittsburgh became a lively topic of discussion over the final five or six innings. For the record, Chris Berman believes they'll be in Northern Virginia next year, while Tommy Hutton says they'll be in Charlotte, North Carolina.

W- Avery (9-14)
L- Parris (6-7)

HR- ATL: Avery (3)
PIT: Clark (5)

Now let's look at Sunday, April 16:

Braves 7, Pirates 3 (ABC; Chris Berman, Tommy Hutton)

For the second day in a row, a Pirates starter failed to get out of the first inning, as the Braves chased Jon Lieber with four runs, three coming on a blast by Fred McGriff. Former closer Jim Gott threw the next seven and a third innings and kept the Braves off the board until the eighth, but the Pirates were unable to make a comeback. Jeff Blauser teed off on an exhausted Gott in the eighth to end all hope for the Black and Gold. Carlos Garcia had two hits and drove in two runs for the home side.

The attendance numbers tell another depressing story: Paid attendance, 7230; total in the stadium, an estimated 3400.

W- Glavine (18-7)
S- Wohlers (28)
L- Lieber (4-8)

HR- ATL: McGriff (29), Blauser (15)

Finally, here's Monday, April 17:

Pirates 10, Braves 7

it seemed like business as usual through the seventh-inning stretch, as the Braves built a 5-1 lead in an eminently forgettable fashion. But Three Rivers was rocked when the Buccos exploded for seven in the bottom of the seventh. The Braves' bullpen gave up four walks in the inning, including three in a row which lead to the first run. Carlos Garcia got the go-ahead hit when he spanked one down the right field line, scoring Clark and Jay Bell. The Braves crept back to within 8-7 in the top of the eighth, but the Buccos put it away with two more runs in the bottom half. Closer Dan Miceli set down the Braves one-two-three in the ninth. Here's Lanny Frattare's call of the final out:

"Pirates 10, Braves 7, top of the ninth inning, two balls, no strikes on Charlie O'Brien. Miceli to the letters, the 2-0 pitch.........line shot gloved by Garcia, the ballgame is over! The Pirates come from behind to beat the Atlanta Braves, as Dan Miceli saves it for Dan Plesac, after the Pirates scored seven times in the seventh and twice in the eighth. AND THERE WAS NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DOUBT ABOUT IT! Final score, before 8006, our Pittsburgh Pirates 10, the Atlanta Braves 7."

W- Plesac (6-4)
S- Miceli (25)
L- Bedrosian (2-6)

Here are the updated standings in the affected divisions. First, the East:

Braves: 92-65 (clinched)
Mets: 87-75-- 7.5 GB
Expos: 81-77- 11.5 GB
Marlins: 78-80- 14.5 GB
Phillies: 76-84- 17.5 GB

Now, the Central:

Reds: 91-70 (clinched)
Astros: 88-73- 3 GB
Cubs: 83-76- 7 GB
Pirates: 67-92- 23 GB
Cardinals: 65-94- 25 GB

Next: More National League games.

Thoughts?
 
Now to our next series, which has the Giants visiting the Braves in Atlanta. Here's Joe Ray with the action from April 18:

Giants 12, Braves 3

Former Brave Deion Sanders and Mark Carreon drove in four runs apiece for the visitors, and Braves starter Steve Avery was touched up for six runs. To make matters worse for the Braves, Steve Bedrosian sprained his wrist while diving for a comebacker. As we saw earlier in this thread, he returned to pitch in the postseason.

W- Dewey (3-0)
L- Avery (9-15)

HR- SF: Williams (26), Carreon (19)
ATL: Lopez (17), Grissom (13)

Now for April 19:

Braves 9, Giants 4

The Braves hit four home runs: two in the sixth from Fred McGriff and David Justice, and two more in the seventh from McGriff and Chipper Jones. Justice's three-run blast to left in the sixth put the game away for Atlanta, and McGriff's second homer was good for two more tallies in the seventh. Barry Bonds went deep for the G-Men, who loaded the bases in the ninth before Mark Wohlers ended the evening by striking out Williams.

W- Smoltz (13-7)
S- Wohlers (29)
L- Mulholland (5-16)

HR- SF: Bonds (35)
ATL: McGriff 2 (31), Jones (27), Justice (27)

Finally, here's April 20:

Braves 5, Giants 4 (12 innings)

This one saw a combined 380 pitches and took almost five hours to play. Ryan Klesko's second homer of the night won it for Atlanta in the bottom of the twelfth. Tom Glavine pitched a scoreless top of the twelfth and ended up getting the win, while starter Greg Maddux scattered eleven hits in seven innings while giving up just one run. Terry Mulholland, who started last night's game for the Giants, took the loss.

W- Glavine (19-7)
L- Mulholland (5-17)

HR- SF: Williams (27)
ATL: Klesko 2 (30)

Now let's move forward to April 22, as the Braves host the Dodgers:

Braves 7, Dodgers 3

The Braves scored three times in the third thanks to four walks and a Jeff Blauser single, and Klesko went deep again in the sixth to expand their lead to 6-1. Blauser singled in the Bravos' final run later in the inning.

Roberto Kelly later doubled in a run for Los Angeles, and a bases-loaded walk to Delino Deshelds cut Atlanta's lead to 7-3 in the ninth after Dave Hansen had singled to load the bases. But Jose Offerman bounced into a game-ending fielder's choice.

W- Avery (10-15)
S- Wohlers (30)
L- Nomo (14-7)

HR- ATL: Klesko (31)

Here are your up-to-date standing in the affected divisions. First, the West:

Dodgers: 84-78 (clinched)
(tie) Padres: 81-80- 2.5 GB
(tie) Rockies: 81-80- 2.5 GB
Giants: 67-92- 15.5 GB

Now, the East:

Braves: 95-66 (clinched)
Mets: 87-75- 8.5 GB
Expos: 81-77- 12.5 GB
Marlins: 78-80- 15.5 GB
Phillies: 76-84- 18.5 GB

Note: I have no idea which game of the Braves is missing; their record checks out to this point, we didn't sim their last game in the original project at All Time Sports, and Retrosheet has long since replaced the original 1995 schedule with the revised 144-game schedule that was used once the strike was settled.

Next: More NL East games.

Thoughts?
 
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