King of Diamonds 6

Video of the tying run scoring in Game 3

2009-05-03T20:28:00.000-07:00

Game 3 of the World Series: Ted Abernathy walks in the tying run.

World Series Game 4: 88-MON 5, 72-KC 4 (11 inn)

2009-04-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

GAME 4 (Stade' Oympique): (88)Expos 5, (72)Royals 4 - 11 innings

Up 3 games to 0 the Expos decided to tap 5th starter John Dopson to start the game. On the brink of elimination the Royals did not have the luxury of going to a lesser arm, so they hoped to get one more stellar performance from hard throwing rookie, Steve Busby. Whether it was nerves or fatigue, on can only speculate. What one is certain of is the fact Busby was lifted after only getting 2 outs in the 1st for veteran Bruce Dal Canton. Royal manager Milo Miller made one of those judgment calls that really paid off. Busby was shaky and the Expos already had 1 run and were threatening to score more. With runners on 1st and 3rd and 2 out Dal Canton got Tim Wallach to fly out to short center and minimize the damage. Certainly in a regular season game or even if the series were tied, Busby would have been given every chance to continue on. With no margin for error Miller had to make the move, and Dal Canton rewarded his skipper with 6 rock solid innings in relief. KC tied the game up in the 3rd when Lou Piniella singled home Amos Otis from second. The Expos answered right back when Tom Foley hit a solo shot in the bottom of the inning to make it 2-1. Not to be outdone Paul Schaal hit a solo shot of his own and the game stood tied again at 2. That's the way it would stay until the 6th when Dopson hurt his own cause by allowing the opposing pitcher (Dal Canton) to reach first with one out on an throwing error charged to Dopson. Otis then walked and Rojas doubled Dal Canton home to make it 3-2 KC. Dopson was now officially in a jam, with runners on 2nd and 3rd, nobody out and the heart of the KC lineup due up. With 1st base open, and with John Mayberry on deck intentionally walking Richie Scheinblum was not an option. Instead Dopson reared back and struck out the hard hitting Scheinblum on 5 pitches to make it 2 out. As Mayberry strolled up to the plate he had to be thinking that there was no way on earth the Expos were going to pitch to him. If that was his thought he was dead on right as Dopson issued him an intentional pass in order to face the less lethal righthanded Piniella, who grounded weakly to Foley at second to end the inning and keep the score at 3-2. HOF pitcher Tom Seaver says that every hurler has 3 or 4 must outs that he needs to get in order to win a game. This was one of those moments for Dopson. By getting Scheinblum and Piniella out he prevented KC from posting a big inning, which would have put the game out of reach. The bottom of the 7th saw the Expos tied it on 3 successive singles, which included a pinch hit RBI from Otis Nixon. The bottom of the 8th saw Raines single his way on and then steal second, which might have been a questionable move since that opened up 1st base and allowed KC to intentionally pass the Expos cleanup hitter Andres Galarraga. Mitch Webster, who replaced the injured Hubie Brooks in the 4th inning, singled off of Al Fitzmorris to score the speedy Raines and give the Expos a 4-3 lead, which they would take into the 9th. Reliever Jeff Parrett started the 9th hoping to close it out for the 'Spos. Scheinblum worked out a walk on 6 pitches and sent notice that this was not going to be a mere formality. Montreal was going to have to earn this win. Andy McGaffigan came on to get John Mayberry who slammed a game tying double off the right field wall. KC had life ! Piniella was intentionally passed to create a force at any base. Kirkpatrick, who has one heck of a batters eye took the count full and worked out a walk to load the bases with only 1 out. Just like that Montreal went from the precipice of closing out the game and series to losing the game entirely. With the infield drawn in pinch hitter Bobby Knoop grounded sharply to Galarraga at first who went home to force Carl Taylor who pinch ran for Mayberry. Light hitting Freddy Patek came up looking to walk and was forced to swing at a 2 strike pitch which was weakly popped back to McGaffigan for the 2nd out. With a 1-2 count on pinch hitter Bob Oliver, KC manager Milo Miller took a bold initiative and sent Piniella in an attempt to steal home and the game. Burke, who no doubt was shocked beyond belief recovered just in time to nail Lou at the plate on a low throw that Oliver could not get his bat on. Game 4 headed to extra innings. The 10th inning was uneventful for both teams. The 11th inning played out to be a classic. With closer Tim Burke on the mound the for his second inning the Royals hoped to take advantage. Scheinblum, like he's done time and time again this season seized the moment and slammed a lead off double down the right field line. Burke hoped to get off easy facing Taylor, who stayed in the game after pinch running for Mayberry. Taylor grounded out to third and failed to advance the runner, which violates the rules learned in baseball 101. Royal reliever Paul Splittorff (goat) was forced to bat for himself, since there was nobody left to relieve in the pen. Splits is a darn good hitter for a pitcher and for some reason Burke felt the need to over respect him and walked him on 5 pitches to make it 1st and 2nd with 1 out. A wild pitch would put runners on 2nd and 3rd, with Ed Kirkpatrick coming to bat. Montreal brought the infield in and Kirkpatrick obliged them by popping up to 2nd for the second out. Bobby Knoop came on to bat for Schaal and was intentionally passed to load the bases for the banjo hitting Patek, who flew out weakly to right. The Expos half of the 11th started poorly. Wallach grounded out to Patek and Hudler went down looking. Mike Fitzgerald (hero), who entered the game in the 7th as a pinch hitter jumped on Splittorff's first pitch and barely missed a walk off homer. The ball bounced around and was mishandled by Otis in center, which allowed Fitz to wind up on 3rd with a two out triple. Tracy Jones was then tapped to pinch hit for Burke, who after 2 innings was done anyway. Jones, who destroys lefties, never saw a pitch and was intentionally passed on 4 straight soft tosses. The following batter, Dave Martinez, was intentionally walked as well to create a force everywhere and for the lefty Splittorff to face Tom Foley, who's next hit off a southpaw just might be his first. If imitation is the finest form of flattery, KC's Milo Miller would have been extremely flattered when his Montreal counterpart decided to send Mike Fitzgerald home for the steal. Unfortunately for Miller and his Royals Montreal netted a different result on the same play choice as Splits threw the ball inside and by the time catcher Ed Kirkpatrick dove across the plate Fitzgerald had touched home and thus presented us with one of the wackiest endings for a World Series ever. The final 2 games of the series ended in bizarre fashion: a walk off walk and a walk off steal of home. Montreal won their second KOD championship in a row and presented their manager with 4 championships in 6 seasons. Special congrats have to be handed out to KC and their gritty manager Milo Miller, who kept his overachieving charges in it all year and presented the Expos with a World Series battle that was epic, even though the series only went the minimum 4 games.

World Series Game 3: 88-MON 3, 72-KC 2

2009-04-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

GAME 3 (Stade' Oympique): (88)Expos 3, (72)Royals 2

Roger Nelson and Bryn Smith faced each other in this pitching dominated matchup. Smith went 7 innings, which was by far his longest outing of the season, yet he left of the losing side of the ledger at that point. Nelson was locked in for 8 innings of 1 run ball, but the 9th inning was unkind to him and the Royals cause. Montreal drew first blood and had Nelson on the ropes in the opening stanza. Speedy Mitch Webster led off with a double and then advanced to third on Tom Foley's infield dribbler. The Rock, Tim Raines lifted a sac fly to cent to score Webster for the first run of the game. The Expos seemed to be poised for a big inning, but Nelson would have none of that as he jammed Galarraga into hitting a weak roller to third and fanned Hubie Brooks. KC tied it up in the 3rd when Patek bunted his way on and moved to second on Nelson's sacrifice bunt. Smith struck out Otis for the second out of the inning, but Cookie Rojas came through with a clutch opposite field double to tie it. It stayed tied until the top of the 6th when the Royals began to produce another run. Otis led off with a single and went all the way over to third when Rojas dropped a parachute into short right field. The combination of Otis' speed and Brooks' weak arm landed Famous Amos on 3rd with nobody out. Sweet Lou Piniella, for one of the few times in his career did not come up big. Looking to at least hit a deep fly ball to bring Otis home, Lou lined to Foley at second. In defense of Piniella the ball was scorched and if it went a foot to either Foley's right or left it would have been a clean single. As good teammates do, John Mayberry picked up his mate by slamming an RBI single off the wall. Mayberry hit it so hard the ball caromed right back to Brooks who held Big John to a single. Bryn Smith was now on the ropes. Getting past the 6th inning has been a chore for him this season. With Andy McGaffigan warming up in the pen Smith new he had one more batter to face if he could not record an out. Smith fooled Scheinblum with a cutter that the lefty fisted to Raines, who was hard charging and able to throw a strike to third while on the run. This prevented the runners from advancing and put the pressure squarely on the shoulders of Ed Kirkpatrick who lined one right back to Smith for the final out of the inning. All the while Nelson was making the right pitch at the right time and not allowing Montreal to get that big hit to score a run. Nelson started the 9th and got Tim Wallach to fly weakly to Scheinblum in right for the first out. Mike Fitzgerald came on to pinch hit for Santovenia and promptly sent a hump backed liner into right center for a clean single. Luis Rivera then struck out on 3 pitches and all Nelson needed to do was record 1 more out and KC would have their first win of the series. Wallace Johnson (hero) was then tapped to pinch hit for Joe Hesketh, who pitched beautifully in relief. Montreal's team strength is their bench, specifically their pinch hitters like Johnson and Tracy Jones. Johnson loves these pressure packed spots and on a 2-2 pitch he delivered a low liner to right that moved Fitzgerald over to third, since with 2 outs he was in motion. KC manager had enough and went to his pen to bring in his ace closer Ted Abernathy (goat) to face Expo lead off man Mitch Webster, who ran the count to 3-2 and then walked to load the bases. You could now cut the tension with a machete. Montreal's "other" pinch hitting star Tracy Jones came up to bat for Foley and he too worked out a walk to force in the tying run and bring up Raines. It became apparent to all that the normally reliable Abernathy did not have any control. Raines being the patient hitter ran the count to 3-0 before he saw a strike, a borderline one at that. Raines looked into the dugout for the sign, but it was obvious to most in Stade Olympiqu that he was not going to help Abbernathy out and swing wildly. Abernathy's 3-1 offering wasn't even remotely close and just like that the Mike Fitzgerald scored the winning run scored thanks to 3 successive bases on balls. The Expos now had a commanding three games to none lead over the Royals. KC hung tight, but 3 close losses still put them on the brink of elimination.

World Series Game 2: 88-MON 3, 72-KC 1

2009-04-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

GAME 2 (Municipal Stadium - KC): (88)Expos 3, (72)Royals 1

The opening inning saw both teams make errors, yet only 1 run crossed the plate. KC starter Dick Drago was able to hold the Expos at bay by getting Galarraga to ground out and fanning Hubie Brooks to strand Tom Foley and Tim Raines. In the bottom of the inning Tom Foley (Goat & Hero) booted a grounder from Amos Otis to start things off. Cookie Rojas flied to left, but Foley followed things up by booting a second one in the inning when Richie Scheinblum found him with a sinking liner. Expo starter Pascual Perez was walking in circles and talking to himself by this point. A visit from his manager was needed, but none was forthcoming. Instead Perez walked the next two Royal hitters (Mayberry/Kirkpatrick) to force in a run...all with 2 outs. Finally a visit from the pitching coach calmed Perez down as he got Piniella to ground right back to the box to start a beautiful 1-4-2 DP to get out of the jam. Royal manager Milo Miller commented later how his team didn't maximize the damage they could do. Dick Drago got out of another jam in the second, but could not escape problem in the third when he violated one of the cardinal rules of baseball: Don't allow the opposing pitcher to reach base. Pascual Perez is a bad hitter for a pitcher, so Drago must have taken him so lightly that he grooved a 80 mph fastball that Perez punched into RF for a clean single. With the corners in Nixon still was able to bunt Perez over to second. That sacrifice wouldn't be needed when Tom Foley redeemed himself with a 2 run homer. Baseball is a game of redeeming qualities and no better form of redemption can occur when a guy who makes 2 errors in the 1st inning can hit a 2 run homer in the 3rd inning, which effectively puts him in the black on the ledger. Drago was definitely ticked that the light hitting Foley homered off him. To his credit he might have bent a bit (he walked the speedy Raines), but he didn't break as was evidenced by him forcing Galarraga to ground into a 5-4-3 DP. Both hurlers settled into a comfort zone and cruised until the top of the 7th when Montreal tacked on an insurance run off of a Luis Rivera homer that barely cleared the fence. Perez took the hill for the start of the 8th and after he got Scheinblum to line to Foley at second his day was done. Lefty specialist Joe Hesketh came on for the second game in a row to put down the big left bats in the Royals line-up and Tim Burke pitched an un-eventful 9th to put the Royals down in order and help the Expos to a 2 games to 0 lead in the series, which will head north across the border for games 3 and 4 + game 5 if necessary. Dick Drago pitched a fantastic game for the Royals, but his inability to get the Expos weaker hitter out burned him. Pascual Perez, was stellar after righting the ship after the challenging opening stanza. He gave up 1 unearned run in 7+ innings of work in a clutch and gutty performance.

World Series Game 1: 88-MON 9, 72-KC 7

2009-04-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

GAME 1 (Municipal Stadium - KC) Expos 9, Royals 7

To sum up this game in a nutshell one would advertise it as "Pitching, need not apply". Both teams trotted out their respective aces. What they got were two jokers that were very wild. Dennis "El Presidente" Martinez did get the win, but he should not have much pride in the fact that he surrendered 7 runs in only 6 innings of work. Every time his team's offense gave him a nice lead he found it in heart to be generous enough to give some back. KC starter Paul Splittorff was even more generous. The Royals lefty surrendered 6 runs in 4 innings of work. His replacement Bruce Dal Canton was just as pitiful yielding 3 runs in 2 innings. The difference in the game was the Expo bullpen, which held the fort down after Martinez was finally relieved of his duties. For those who like to see baseball games with football scores this was your kind of game. The Expos wasted no time, by jumping all over Splittorff for 3 quick 1st inning runs. Hubie Brooks picked up his teammate Andres Galarraga, who fanned, by smashing a 3 run shot to draw first blood. KC clawed back to tie it with 1 in the first and 2 in the second by playing some scrappy small ball, which was very effective. KC manager, Milo Miller said, "I guess I'm not Earl Weaver...since I don't play for the 3 run homer". Miller is a smart man, who knows the talent level of his team's personnel. If he sat back and played for the 3 run homer he wouldn't be managing in this fall classic. Montreal played a little small ball themselves and carried a 6-3 lead into the 6th frame. Usually that type of lead is safe with Martinez on the mound, but not this evening. The bottom of the 6th saw the Royals post 4 runs and take a 1 run lead. In the process Martinez was chased from the hill and the hometown fans were ecstatic. The 6th saw John Mayberry lead off with a walk (the fifth by Martinez on the day). Martinez, who struggled with his control all day clipped Sweet Lou Piniella on the left thigh. Up stepped Royal catcher Ed Kirkpatrick, who was only hitting .368 with 4 HR's with runner in scoring postion. Kirkpatrick crushed Martinez' 1-0 offering and watched the ball sail over Mitch Webster's head in center. When the dust cleared Kirkpatrick was standing on second with a double and Mayberry and Piniella were exchanging high fives on their way back to the duguout. Schaal then grounded to Wallach at third for the 1st out of the inning. Up stepped Fred Patek, who might be short in stature, but he's real big when it comes to heart. Patek, down 0-2 in the count fought off what seamed to be Martinez' best pitch of the day and dropped it into left field to score Kirkpatrick and tie the game. Bruce Dal Canton (goat), allowed to hit for himself left a dribbler in front of the plate, which in essence worked out like a sac bunt as it moved Patek over to thrid with 2 outs. On the next pitch lead off man "Famous" Amos Otis singled and KC had a 1 run lead. The top of the 7th would be both KC's and Dal Canton's undoing. I'm sure if manager Miller had a crystal ball and could see the future, he would have lifted Bruce for a pinch hitter in the 6th. Unfortunately managing is a lot like driving blind. You have to trust your instincts and you hope the road ahead is clear. This road was going to be filled with lots of pot holes and sharp turns. Rex Hudler led off the inning with a homer to tie it at 7 off a knuckler that still hasn't knuckled. Right fielder Richie Scheinblum could only look up and watch it sail over his head. The Rock, Tim Raines followed that up with a clean single between Schaal and Patek. At this point Dal Canton was rattled and knowing that Raines can flat out fly he began paying more attention to the runner (Raines) than the batter Andres Galarraga (hero). This proved to be a fatal mistake, since El Ghatto can flat out swing the lumber. Dal Canton finally delivered one to the plate that again did not knuckle. Apparently he tried to over throw it, which we all know inhibits the kuckler from dancing. Galarraga turned on it and the only question that was left to be answereed was: "fair or foul". The answer was fair, and just like that Montreal was up by 2. KC went quietly in the bottom of the 7th as lefty Joe Hesketh fanned Mayberry and Piniella after getting Scheinblum to ground to second. Tim Burke came on to work a scoreless 8th and got the first 2 outs in the 9th, before walking Scheiblum on 5 pitches. Prior to that walk the Expos might have pulled off the defensive gem of the series. Facing a 1-2 count, Cookie Rojas hit one up the middle that Rex Hudler dove for and barely got. Hudler had no ability to get up and throw, but he alertly flipped to shortstop Luis Rivera who nailed Rojas by a stride. Without that play Montreal would have been facing John Mayberry with 1 out and runners on 1st and second. Instead, big John came up with a man on first and 2 down. At this point Tim Burke, who had done a fine job in relief was lifted for Neal Heaton to give the Expos the coveted lefty/lefty matchup. Mayberry kills righthanded pitching and Burke struggles vs southpaws. Heaton, who was added to the roster after sitting out the first 2 post season series, got a called strike on the inside corner on his first pitch. Mayberry, who struggles vs lefties, decided to jump on the next offering, an offspeed pitch on the outside corner. Big John didn't get good wood on it and when the ball comfortably came to rest in Mitch Webster's glove about 20 feet in front of the warning track the game was over. Heaton notched a 2 pitch save in a very tense situation. The Expos came out alive with a win, but KC served notice that they were a scrappy lot they will not quit.

The Bucs stop here, as the '88 Expos capture the NL Flag in 6

2009-04-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

1988 Montreal Expos (M.Weiss) vs 1973 Pittsburgh Pirates (J.Elicker)

GAME 1 (Three Rivers) MON 6, PIT 5:

Montreal staked staff ace, Dennis Martinez, to a 4-0 lead, which on most days is an insurmountable lead for El Presidente. Today was not one of those days as Martinez felt a twinge in his right forearm and was removed for precautionary reasons. John Dopson came on and in 3 inning of work proceeded to undo all the good work the Expo offense did. Montreal opened the scoring off of Dock Ellis with 2 in the first thanks to a 2 run shot by Andres Galarraga. A Mike Fitzgerald solo shot in the 2nd and a small ball run in the 3rd put Ellis on the ropes and the Expos up 4-0. Dennis Martinez gave a run back to Pittsburgh in the 4th when Gene Clines, who doubled, scored off of a Richie Zisk ground out. Pittsburgh scored 4 big runs in the 6th off of Dopson to take a 5-4 lead and stun the Expos. Zisk hit a 3 run shot and Sanguillen doubled home Stargell, who was on third thanks to a passed ball. If we've learned anything from this Expo team, we've learned that they are a resillient bunch. With 2 out in the 7th Tom Foley doubled down the line then scored when "the rock", Tim Raines lined a double into the gap to tie it up. The game stayed tied until the top of the 13th when Mike Fitzgerald led off with a clean single and moved to second on a wild pitch. Rivera sacrificed him over to third and pinch hitter Nelson Santovenia scored Foley with a sac fly to deep right. Jeff Parrett came on in the bottom of the inning to set the Bucs down in order and save the game for Floyd Youmans, who won the game with 2 scoreless innings in relief.

GAME 2 (Three Rivers) PIT 7, MON 5:

Game 2 had miserable weather just like the opener. Both games featured rain delays of nearly an hour. Many of the fans in attendance wondered just how the KOD commissioner could allow a game to be played in these conditions, but somehow it did get in and thankfully it did not have a hand in determining the outcome. Game two was pretty much a mirror of game 1. This time Pittsburgh jumped out to the 4-0 lead, and Montreal battled back to tie it 3 innings later. Montreal starter Bryn Smith was again not economical with his pitches and he was gone even before the end of the 5th inning. Pittsburgh's Jim Rooker, who did get the win, allowed 15 hits and 5 runs over 7 innings. It's amazing that he was around to get the win with such a poor pitching performance.

GAME 3 (Olympic Stadium) MON 5, PIT 3:

The NLCS moved north of the border to the province of Quebec. Nelson Briles took the hill for the Pirates. He was opposed by Dennis Martinez, who felt fine after leaving game 1 with an injury. With the score tied at one the Bucs jumped on top of Martinez for 3 in the 5th to take a 3-1 lead, when Manny Sanguillen doubled home Rennie Stennett and Gene Clines. The Expos cut the Pirates lead to 3-2 with a run in the 6th. Briles faced the bases loaded with 1 out, but came up clutch by allowing only 1 run. By this time Martinez had hit the showers due to fatigue. Possibly his manager rushed him back into the rotation way too soon. Tough to tell. Briles would allow the Expos to score solo runs in the next two innngs, which enabled the 'Spos to carry a 4-3 lead into the 9th. Lefty Randy Johnson started the inning and was scheduled to face lefty Milt May, but instead Richie Zisk came to bat as a pinch hitter and lined a single to right. Johnson's sole job was to get 1 batter and he did not come through. Jeff Parrett took over and got the speedy Dave Cash to hit into a 6-4-3 DP. Stennett flew out to Hubie Brooks in deep right to end it and give Montreal a 2-1 lead in the series.

GAME 4 (Olympic Stadium) MON 3, PIT 2:

Dock Ellis and Pascual Perez treated the fans to a darn good pitching matchup. Ellis yielded 2 runs in 7 innings of work and Perez did the same in 7 1/3. Neither man would get a decision in this contest. The win would go to Montreal's Joe Hesketh, who came up clutch in the 9th. The loss would go to Dave Giusti who's defense betrayed him. With the score knotted at 2, Tim Raines led off the home half of the ninth with a gapper that turned into a two base hit. Without hesitation Pirate manager Jesse Elicker gave Andres Galarraga an intentional pass to setup a force at any base. Giusti got Hubie Brooks to line out to Dave Cash at second, who barely missed doubling El Ghatto off of 1st. Fearing the DP Montreal ordered up a double steal, but only Raines decided to go as Galarraga must have missed the sign. Raines landed safely at 3rd, which put him 90 feet away from winning the game. Giusti then got Tim Wallach to hit a fly to medium right, which Sanguillen (usually a catcher) caught, but his throw to the plate was airmailed 10 feet above Milt May's head as Raines came on to score. The Expos now had a 3-1 series lead and hoped to close it all out in game 5 in front of the home town fans.

GAME 5 (Olympic Stadium) PIT 5, MON 3:

By this point it doesn't take a Rhode Scholar to realize that these two teams were evenly matched and every contest was going to be a 1 or 2 run nail biter. Game #5 proved to follow the same recipe. With their backs up against the wall, the Lumber Company needed to pull out a victory to force a game 6 and head back to the Steel Town. It took every bit of grit and resolve to do just that. Both starters (Bob Moose-PIT & Scott Holman-MON) posted goose eggs for the first 3 innings. As you could imagine the tension was definitely beginning to mount. The Pirates broke through in the 4th to score 2. Richie Zisk singled to lead off the frame. Holman got too cute trying to pick the corners with Stargell at the plate and he lost him, thus putting runners on 1st and second. Oliver flew out to deep center, which allowed the runners to tag and advance 1 base. Milt May singled home Zisk, but the plodding Stargell was forced to hold at third until Dave Cash plated him with a sac fly to the warning track in left. Two innings later Al Oliver scored on 2 past balls by Expo catcher Mike Fitzgerald after he doubled with 1 out. Pirate starter Bob Moose was cruising along until the bottom of the 7th, when the Expos struck for 2 runs and made it a 1 run game. Tom Foley doubled home a run and later scored on a wild pitch charged to Moose. With 2 outs in the top of the 9th the Bucs put together an old fashioned 2 run rally to post 2 insurance runs. Gene Clines and Richie Hebner singled, putting runners on 1st and 3rd until Richie Zisk hit a bases clearing double to make it 5-2. Nothing comes easy to the Bucs and the Expos opened the inning against reliever Ramon Hernandez with a Walk and a single. PH Nelson Santovenia grounded to short to score Mike Fitzgerald, but Hernandez was able to induce Foley into grounding out to end it. The series was now 3-2 Montreal and headed back to Pittsburgh.

GAME 6 (Three Rivers) MON 10, PIT 5:

With their backs up against the wall the Pirates came out swinging and broke the ice vs Expo starter Bryn Smith by scoring 1 in the bottom of the first. Clines led off with a double and 2 batters later Hebner singled him home. No further scoring occurred until the top of the 4th when the Expos took the lead 2-1 on a 2 run shot by Andres Galarraga. Not to be outdone, the desperate Pirates plated 3 runs of their own in the bottom of the frame to take a 4-1 lead. Buc pitcher Jim Rooker singled with 2 out and the bases loaded to knock in 2. Clines followed that up with a single of his own to score the 3rd run of the inning. Montreal made the score 4-3 with a solo run in the 6th as Wallach singled home Raines. By this time Expo starter Bryn Smith was gone. Smith has made it a habit of not getting more than 5 innings of work in most of his starts. Game 6 was no exception to Smith's pattern. The top of the 7th saw the Expos bust it open with 4 runs. Luis Rivera led off with a single. Pinch hitter Tracy Jones walked on 4 pithes. Both runners advanced 9 feet into scoring position when Mitch Webster bunted them over. Rex Hudler grounded to second to score Rivera and move Jones to 3rd. Tim Raines singled home Jones on the 1st pitch and Galarraga hit his second 2 run shot of the day to cap it all off. The Pirates came back to score an unearned run in the bottom of the 7th, but the Expos were able to add on 3 more insurance runs to put the game out of reach. The key to winning game 6 was the power of the Expos pen. 5 relievers combined for 4 innings of work and only 1 run. Floyd Youmans came through again with his second middle relief stint of the NLCS. As his reward he got the win. conversely, Pittsburgh's pen gave up 5 runs in 3 innings of work in relief of Rooker who took the loss. Montreal closed out the series 4 games to 2 to advance to the World Series to play the comeback Royals.

'72 Royals capture AL Flag with Amazing comeback after being down 3 games to 0 to '64 Twins

2009-04-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

72 KC (Milo Miller) vs 64 MIN (Marvin Sik)

GAME 1: MIN 8, KC 4
Jim Kaat and Steve Busby squared off in Game 1. The Royals held a 4 run lead after 6 innings, with Lou Pinella driving in 2 of the runs. Minnesota started their dramatic comeback scoring 8 runs over the final 3 innings to garner the victory. Hits by Zoilo Versailes and Earl Battey made the score 4-3 after 7. Bob Allison and Versailes hit back to back homers to give the Twins the lead for good. Minnesota banged out 18 hits in the victory.

GAME 2: MIN 7, KC 4
Camilo Pascual and Dick Drago squared off in Game 2. Minnesota jumped on Drago for 5 runs in the 1st, highlighted by Bobby Allison's 3 run homer and Earl Battey's solo shot. Pascual surrendered 3 runs in 6 innings en route to the victory.

GAME 3: MIN 9, KC 8
Roger Nelson and Jim Roland met in Game 3 as the series shifted to Minnesota. The Royals built up an 8-4 lead after 7 innings, but the Twins exploded for 5 runs in the 8th. Rich Rollins and Jim Hall each had run scoring doubles in the inning and put the Twins on the brink of sweeping the Royals.

GAME 4: KC 2, MIN 1
Game 4 seen Paul Splittorff against Jim Grant. The Royals plated 2 in the 1st on a John Mayberry homer and 5 KC relievers pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings to slow down the Twin bats to push the series to a 5th game.

GAME 5: KC 7, MIN 4 (10 INN)
It was Drago and Kaat in Game 5. The Royals plated 7 runs off of Kaat to garner the 7-4 win. Mayberry and Paul Schaal each homered for the Royals to lead a 13 hit attack.

GAME 6: KC 6, MIN 5
Camilo Pascual and Steve Busby met in Game 6. The Royals had a 3-1 lead after 7 innings. Andy Kostro's 3 run homer highlighted a 4 run Twin rally to give them a 5-3 lead after 7 1/2 innings. In the bottom of the 8th, Lou Pinella hit a 3 run homer off of Al Worthington and the Royals escaped with a 6-5 victory.

GAME 7: KC 9 MIN 5
Dick Stigman and Roger Nelson met in the series finale. Minnesota built a quick 3-1 lead after 3 innings. Tony Oliva and Harmon Killebrew led the way with homers. Oliva made it 4-1 in the top of the 5th with a single, but the Royals plated 2 in the bottom of the inning on Bernie Allen's and Bob Allison's misplays of back-to-back grounders. The Royals tied it at 4 after 7 innings, only to have Rich Rollins get hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to give the Twins a 5-4 lead. The Royals bats came to life in the 8th scoring 5 times. Richie Scheinblum and Paul Schaal each drove in 2 runs in the inning. Bruce Dal Canton set the Twins down in order to send the Royals to the World Series.

SERIES MVP: Richie Scheinblum 28 AB 10 H 7 RBI 3 DOUBLES
--submitted by Milo Miller--

NLDS: Bucs outlast not so hapless Cubbies in 5

2009-04-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

1973 Pittsburgh Pirates (Jesse Elicker) vs 1995 Chicago Cubs (Bill Keller, subbing for Mike Kenney)

GAME 1 (Three Rivers): Cubs 5, Pirates 2

The North siders jumped out to a quick lead in the series on the arm of Jamie Navarro, who went the distance and only yielded 2 runs. Brian McRae went 3 for 5 with a big homer off Pirate starter Nelson Briles who gave up 4 (3 earned) in 7 innings of work. Chicago's top of the order went 10 for 14. The big story of the day was Navarro controlling Pittsburgh's potent lefty bats.

GAME 2 (Three Rivers): Cubs 7, Pirates 6

Game 2 saw both offenses slug it out toe to toe with the Pirates "O" coming out on top for 8 innings. Unfortunately for the Steel Town 9 you have to play 9 innings to close out a victory. Up by 1 the Pirates went to closer Dave Giusti to close it out. Mark Grace led off the top of the 9th with a clean single up the middle and Sammy "Say it ain't so" Sosa blasted one deep into the night to put the Cubs us by 1. Turk Wendell came on to get the final 2 outs and give the Northsider a 2 games to none lead in this best of 5 series.

GAME 3 (Wrigley): Pirates 11, Cubs 2

With their backs up against the wall the Lumber Company splintered the Cubs pitching for 11 runs in this big time blow out. Starter Jim Rooker yielded only 1 run against in eight solid innings of work. Chicago went through 5 pitchers on the day. Stargell was 2 for 3 with 4 RBI's and one mammouth 2 run homer.

GAME 4 (Wrigley): Pirates 12, Cubs 3

Different day, same results. The Pirates again blow out the Cubbies and knot the series at 2 apiece. Cub starter Telemaco gave up 9 runs in 5 miserable innings of work. Richie Hebner was 3 for 5 with 5 RBI's and a pair of homers.

GAME 5 (Three Rivers): Pirates 4, Cubs 3

The decisive 5th game was a made for TV classic. This game had it all: good pitching, good hitting, great fielding, a walk off clincher and a 1 hour rain delay. What isn't there to love about a game like this ? The Cubs broke the ice when Mark Grace doubled home Sandberg and Gonzalez. The Bucs answered back in the bottom of the frame when Dave Cash singled home Milt May. Chicago increased its' lead to 3-1 with a solo run in the 5th and held tight until the 8th when Pittsburgh made it 3-2 when May hit a solo shot. PH Vic Davalillo led off the bottom of the 9th with a single. Al Oliver then flew to right and Manny Sanguillen flew to left to make it 2 outs and a runner on 1st. Cub reliever Turk Wendell looked to be in total control. Richie Hebner worked out a walk to put runners on 1st and 2nd. With the runners in motion Willie Stargell lashed a gapper that scored both runners and clinched the series for the Bucs in a moment that ranks right up their with Maz's walk off homer off Ralph Terry.

ALDS: KC outlasts Pale House in 5

2009-04-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

72 Royals (milo miller) vs 71 White Sox (dan holm)

GAME 1: KC 6 WSox 2 Wilbur Wood vs Roger Nelson.
The Royals jumped on Woodie for 2 runs in the 1st on a run scoring single by John Mayberry and a Richie Scheinblum double. The Sox made it 2-1 in the top of the 4th on a Jay Johnstone double. The Royals came right back with 2 in the bottom of the inning on a Paul Schaal double and Fred Patek single. Kansas City plated single runs in the 6th and 7th and the Sox 1 in the 9th. The story was Nelson, who went the distance, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits, and striking out 5.

GAME 2: WSox4 KC 0 Tom Bradley vs Dick Drago.
Game 2 turned out to be a pitchers duel, as the game was scoreless through 4 innings. Carlos May gave the Sox a 1-0 lead in the 5th with a triple. As Tom Bradley continued to baffle the Royals offense, the Sox added 3 insurance runs in the 8th with May, Jay Johnstone, and Ed Hermann each driving in a run. Bradley was brilliant, going 8 innings and scattering 3 hits, while striking out 6

GAME 3: KC 15 WSox 3 Paul Spittorff vs Wilbur Wood.
The series moved to Chicago for Game 3, and the Sox brought back knuckleballer Wilbur Wood for his 2nd start. Amos Otis got the Royals going in the 2nd inning with a 2 run double. The Sox made it 2-1 in the bottom of the inning. In the 5th the Royals started pulling away plating 4 runs, highlighted by John Mayberry and Richie Scheinblum back to back homers. The Royals added 5 more in the 6th, in route to a 15-3 victory. The Royals pounded out 22 hits, with Otis, Mayberry, and Lou Pinella all banging out 4 hits. Splittorff went the distance, allowing 3 runs and striking out 9.

GAME 4: WSox 4 KC 1 Monty Montgomery vs Bart Johnson
Game 4 turned into the Bart Johnson show, as the flame thrower totally dominated the Royals and pitched a jem. Rick Reichardt delivered a 2 run shot in the2nd to get the Sox going. Ed Kirkpatrick lofted a Sacrifice Fly to draw the Royals within a run in the 4th. Reichardt delivered his 2nd homer of the game in the 5th, a solo shot and a Johnson Sacrifice Fly made it 4-1, and that's all the Sox needed. Johnson silenced the Royal bats, going the distance and striking out 9

GAME 5: KC 9 WSox 4 Tom Bradley vs Roger Nelson
The series moved back to Kansas City for Game 5. Bradley and Nelson both were making there 2nd start. The Royals jumped on Bradley for 2 runs in the 1st on a Scheinblum 2 run triple. Mike Andrews evened the score at 2 with a double in the 3rd. The Royals offense broke it open in the 4th, scoring 6 times. Amos Otis and Scheinblum each drove in 2 runs with hits in the inning. Roger Nelson went the distance for the 2nd time in the series. He did allow 4 runs, but struck out 6 to send the Royals to the ALCS. Scheinblum was 4-5 with 5 RBI's.

MVP: Richie Scheinblum, 22 AB, 11 HITS, 3 HRS, 9 RBIS
--submitted by Milo Miller--

"Minny Series": Twins advance to LCS with 3-1 series win over '21 Tigers

2009-04-18T06:05:00.000-07:00

The Eastern Division Champions 1921 Detroit Tigers faced off against the top seeded Wild Card 1964 Minnesota Twins.

Game 1: Dutch Leonard opened for Detroit vs. Mudcat Grant for Minnesota.

An early injury knock Grant out of the game. He was replaced by Gerry Arrigo who yield 3 runs to give Detroit a 3-2 lead. Detroit was leading going into the 9th when Minnesota tied the game to send it into extra innings. The score remained tied until the bottom of the 11th when Jim Perry gave up the game winning 2 run HR to Bobby Veach to give Detroit an 1-0 lead in the series. Carl Holling came in the game in the 11th inning to hold the Twins scoreless and earn the victory.

Game 2: Red Oldham vs. Jim Kaat.

Oldham held Minnesota to only 1 run going into the 9th. Detroit led 2-1 when Minnesota scored 3 runs to take a 4-2 lead. A leadoff walk to Killebrew in the 9th started the whole Twins rally. After Jimmy Hall lined out to Young at second Bobby Allison singled to make it first and second. Versalles worked out a walk to load the bases and the pressure really began to mount. Earl Battey grounded to short to score the tying run and put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Don Mincher was summoned to pinch hit for Jerry Kindall, and was immediately given a free pass to load the bases. Detroit's strategy was simple: Play for the DP and get out of the inning with minimal damage. The strategy backfired when pinch hitter Frank Kostro laced a two run double down the right field line, which gave Minnesota a 2 run lead. By the time Rich Rollins grounded weekly to third the damage was done and Detroit's 1 run lead was now a two run deficit with 3 outs to go. Al Worthington pitched the 9th to earn the save and even the series at a game a piece.

Game 3: The series moved to Minnesota with Camilo Pascual facing off against Howard Ehmke.

The Twins jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the 1st, thanks to a 3 run shot by HOF'er Harmon Killebrew. They added 3 additional runs going into the 5th. Detroit scored two runs in the fifth before the skies opened and the game was called due to rain. Immediately after hearing about the rain delay issue the KOD executive staff called an impromptu meeting and decided that MLB's new rule regarding rain outs in post season games would be adopted. Thankfully this game was not close, but the obvious chance for embarrasment was there. Obviously Commish Weiss, does not want to be compared with that Selig guy. (This blurb comes from the official league news agency).

Game 4: Minnesota sent Dick Stigman out vs. Bert Cole for Detroit.

The Twins again trailed 3-1 going into the bottom of the 7th before scoring 3 runs to take a 4-3 lead. All 3 Twin runs were scored with 2 outs. The 7th started innocently with Rich Rollins popping up weakly to second and Versalles ground out to short. Tony Oliva hit a sharp single to right and promptly moved to third on a Killebrew parachute that just fell into shallow right field. With runners at the corners, Bobby Allison worked out a walk to load the bases. Jimmy Hall came up clutch by lacing a 2 run single to center plating Oliva and Killer. Early Battey singled home Allison for the much needed insurance run. Gerry Arrigo came in to pitch the final two innings and hold the potent Detroit offense scoreless to earn the save and send the Twins to the AL championship where they await the winner of the Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox series.

--contributed by Marvin Sik--

NLDS: '88 Expos sweep '06 Braves in 3

2009-04-15T22:44:00.000-07:00

GAME 1 - Turner Field - 88-MON 8, 06-ATL 5:

El Presidente, Dennis Martinez was just ordinary, but thankfully his teammates were not. Martinez yielded 4 runs in 6 innings of work, but still notched the win. Down 3-1 in the 4th Montreal exploded for 4 huge runs on back to back Jacks from backup catcher Mike Fitzgerald and banjo hitting Luis Rivera. Fitzgerald's blow was a 3 run shot that went deep into the Southern night. Atlanta chipped away by making it 5-4 with a solo run in the 6th. Montreal had to rely on 4 relievers and 2 ninth inning insurance runs before the could rest easy. Tim Burke came on to notch the save. Atlanta's Tim Hudson gave up 5 runs in 7 innings of work despite fanning 7 Expos.

GAME 2 - Turner Field - 88-MON 6, 06-ATL 1:

Montreal scored early and often in this contest and Atlanta's bats went cold. Brave manager Terry Priest said this at his post game press conference, "After scoring 17 vs LA in the play in game I feared it would catch up to us and we would struggle for runs vs Montreal". After scoring 5 in the opener the Braves managed only 1 run in game 2 and could not capitalize on their 8 hits. Expo starter Bryn Smith threw 5 shutout innings before running out of gas. The bullpen carried them the rest of the way. John Smoltz did not come up aces for the Braves as he didn't survive the 6th inning and gave up 4 runs. Every Expo starter had at least 1 hit, except for catcher Nelson Santovenia. Tim Wallach had 3 hits, but did not score or knock in any runs. Luis Rivera continued his hot hitting by homering in his second consecutive game.

GAME 3 - Olympic Stadium - 88-MON 9, 06-ATL 1:

The Expos enjoyed their first sellout of the year. Youpi and the fans were all anticipating a LDS clincher at home and they were not disappointed. Montreal got out of the gate quick by posting 2 runs in the first 2 innings to give starter Pascual Perez a 4-0 lead. Perez has been lights out all year and 4 runs in his back pocket is almost insurmountable. El Ghato, Andres Galarraga hit a 2 run shot for the first 2 runs in the 1st. Mitch Webster and Tracy Jones single home runs in the 2nd off of Brave starter Chuck James, who would be gone after 5 innings of work. James gave up 5 runs, but 2 of them came off of errors, so you have to feel that he didn't pitch all that terrible. The fielding got worse as Oscar Villarreal gave up 3 unearned runs himself and by that point the game was out of reach. Perez pitched 8 full innings and the only blemish on his record was a meaningless solo shot by Brian McCann. Tim Burke worked the ninth even though it wasn't a save situation. Rex Hudler had 3 hits and scored 3 runs as he made one of his rare starts. Santovenia also banged out 3 hits as well as the Expos closed out the 3-0 sweep of the Braves and wait for the winner of the Cubs/Pirates series.

'06 Bravos destroy '79 Bums 17-1 in NL West 1 game playoff

2009-04-15T22:13:00.000-07:00

The '79 Dodgers rallied to win 3 of their last 4 vs the Rockies to force a Play in Game with the '06 Braves for the NL West title and an opening round matchup with the '88 Expos. LA tapped Burt "Happy" Hooton, the master of the knuckle curve to face Atlanta's Lance Cormier. Hooton was only able to get 1 out before his arm seized up on him and he had to be replaced. Curiously LA manager Rousel Graciano tapped seldom used Gerry Hannahs to relieve him. Hannahs had nothing and by the 3rd inning the Braves were up 8-1. A slew of Dodger relievers served up a ton of runs to the Braves and the final score of 17-1 was not a realistic indication of how bad it was. Wilson Betemit had 3 hits and 4 RBI's on the day to pace the potent Brave offense. Andrew Jones, who went 3 for 4 had the game's only homer, which is a surprise onto itself. Atlanta will stay at home to host the Wild Card Expos in the LDS.

Pale Hose win Play in Game over Brew Crew 8-2

2009-04-15T22:10:00.000-07:00

The Pale Hose scored early and often off of Brewer starter Dan August, who didn't make it out of the 2nd inning. With the South siders staked to a 8-0 lead Joe Horlen went out and just threw strikes for a little over 7 innings before hitting the showers. Rick Reichardt had 2 hits and 3 RBI's for the Sox. Odly the Brew crew had 1 more hit than Chicago, but obviously they didn't make them count. Reichardt also hit his 3rd round tripper of the season. Future HOF'ers Robin Yount and Paul Molitor both finished the season hitting over .300, but alas the post season was not meant to be where they ended up. The White Sox will pack up and head to Kansas City to face the top seeded Royals in the opening round of the KOD6 Playoffs.

Motown drives to AL East Crown

2009-04-12T18:41:00.001-07:00

Dutch Leonard cruised in the first game supported by ample run producing to clinch the East title for the Tigers. 11-1. With the title clinched, Johnny Bassler, Donnie Bush and Ralph Young started the rest of the series on the bench and the Tigers began to set their rotation for the post season. The Yankees jumped all over Jim Middleton in the second game and Doc Medich won handily 9-4. All the Tigers' runs in the second game came off three Ty Cobb homers. The third game was the closest of the four, with the Yankees losing a 2 run lead in the bottom of the seventh, regaining the lead in the eighth, only to only to lose the game in the bottom of the ninth 5-4 as Sparky Lyle blew his first save of the season.. In the closer, Hooks Dauss threw a complete game for the Bengals, winning 8-4 as Bobby Veach drove home thee runs an hit his 12th homer of the season.

Jints / Cubbies split. Cubbies clinch 2nd WC slot

2009-04-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

The Giants and Cubs split, with each team winning their home games. Only three homers hit in the entire series, all by New York and all in the third game Hoyt Wilhelm blew a save in the first game, lost by the Giants in extra innings, but redeemed himself with a win in the third game and a save in the fourth game. Chicago had a lot hanging in the balance during this series. If they were able to win 3 games they would have tied Montreal for the 1st WC slot and put all the tie breakers into play.

--submitted by Tom "crash" Davis--

Bucs clinch best overall record by taking 3 games from Redbirds

2009-04-12T18:21:00.001-07:00

65 St. Louis - Mike Roberts vs 73 Pittsburgh - Jesse Elicker

GAME 1: 73 Pit 6-4

The Cards come in needing at least a split to stay mathematically alive. The Pirates hold a 1-game lead on Montreal, but a playoff berth is in hand. After scoring a run in the 1st on Bill White's single, St. Louis added 3 more in the 2nd. Tim McCarver was hit by a pitch to start the inning. Mike Shannon doubled, then both runners advanced on Julian Javier's ground out, 2-0. Ray Washburn followed with a double to score Shannon, 3-0. An out later, Dick Groat's double plated Washburn, 4-0. It stayed that way until the 6th when the Pirate bats woke up. PH Milt May got a 1-out single. Gene Clines doubled. Richie Hebner singled, 4-1. Richie Zisk doubled in another run, 4-2. Willie Stargell's ground out plated Hebner, 4-3. Top of the 7th, another Pirate PH made a contribution. Manny Sanguillen singled to open the inning, then moved to 2nd on a ground out. With 2 down, PH Fernando Gonzalez' single brought home Sanguillen with the tie run, 4-4. Top of the 8th, relief ace Hal Woodeshick on for the Cards. He walked Hebner to open the inning. Then the lefty challenged Zisk, but lost the battle. Zisk's 2-run HR put the Bucs up 6-4. Ramon Hernandez worked the 8th, and Dave Giusti the 9th as the Pirates held on for the win.

GAME 2: 73 Pit 4-3
Game 2 was a reverse of game 1, except for the final score. The Pirates opened with 2 in the 2nd on Milt May's RBI double and Jackie Hernandez' 2-out RBI single. In the 4th it was Hernandez again with a single to score Manny Sanguillen, 3-0 Pittsburgh. Top of the 6th, Bob Gibson gave up another run. A lead off walk to Willie Stargell, followed by Milt May's single made it 4-0 Pirates, as Bruce Kison took the shutout into the bottom of the 6th. But Kison ran into some trouble. A walk to Ken Boyer, a single by Bill White plus Stargell's bobble, put runners on 2nd and 3rd. Tim McCarver's sac fly made it 3-1, and another out later, Julian Javier's single cut the lead to 4-2. Bottom of the 7th, Bob Johnson now on for the Pirates. Consecutive singles by Brock, Groat, and Curt Flood made it a 4-3 score. Ramon Hernandez replaced Johnson and shut down the rally by retiring Boyer, White, and McCarver. On to the bottom of the 9th, Dave Giusti pitching. Dick Groat got a 1-out single to put the tie run on base. Giusti struck out Flood, and did the same to Boyer to end the game, a 4-3 Pirates' win.

GAME 3: 65 StL 9-1

With their backs at the wall, the Cards explode for 9 runs and 14 hits as they pound Bob Moose for a 9-1 win. The game's beginning gave an indication of what was to come. Singles by Lou Brock, Curt Flood, and Tim McCarver opened the game with a 1-0 Cards' lead. Two outs later Bobby Tolan's single made it 2-0. Moose and the Buccos hung on until the 6th when St. Louis put 5 runs on the board and sealed away the win. For St. Louis, Curt Simmons threw a complete game, allowing just 5 hits and 1 walk.

GAME 4: 73 Pit 3-1
Bob Robertson's sac fly and Al Oliver's 2-run single in the first was all that Jim Rooker would need as he and two Pirate relievers took the finale 3-1. The lone St. Louis run can in the 3rd on Ken Boyer's solo HR. Rooker worked 6 innings, Bob Johnson worked 1.1, and Dave Giusti the final 1.2.

TURNING POINT: Richie Zisk's HR in game 1.
SERIES MVP: Dave Giusti - 5 innings, no runs, 3 saves
--submitted by Jesse Elicker--

Spoiler Padres make Braves earn Western Div Crown

2009-04-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

1982 Padres Joey Scigliano vs 2006 Braves Terry Priest

GAME 1: Braves 6...Padres 2 at San Diego
The Braves erupted for 4 runs in the fourth inning to put this game on ice. Horacio Ramirez earned the victory for Atlanta to even his record at 2-2. Juan Eichelberger got the loss for the Friars to finish the year at 1-4. Chipper Jones and Andy Laroche both hit homeruns off Eichelberger as the Braves pounded out 8 hits in the victory.

GAME 2: Padres 3....Braves 2, at San Diego
Tim Hudson and the Count Montefusco got the starts in game two of this season ending series. Hudson pitched a strong game as he went 6.2 innings but the bullpen cost him the victory late in the game. With the Braves leading the game 2-1 going into the ninth, Paronto came in for the Braves to try to nail down the win. However, Gary Templeton led off the 9th with a triple and was followed by an Alan Wiggins game tying pinch hit single. Wiggins promptly stole second base and was moved to third on a throwing error by Paranto who tried to pick off Wiggins at second base. Mike Remlinger was called out of the Atlanta bullpen to try to put out the fire. However, after an intentional walk to Ruppert Jones, Sixto Lezcano laced a single to center to score Wiggins for the Padres win.

GAME 3: Braves 4....Padres 3 at Atlanta
Tim Lollar and John Smoltz started game three of this four game series. Lollar has had his troubles pitching in this tournament and today would be no different. Lollar was staked to an early 1-0 in the top of the first inning as Broderick Perkins drove in Ruppert Jones with a base hit. Lollar coughed up the lead in the 3rd inning as Edgar Renteria smacked a two-run homerun, his 3rd of the year, Renteria would enjoy a great day as he also hit a double and two singles to fulfill a 4 for 5 day! The Padres retook the lead in the fourth inning on an RBI double by Tony Gwynn and a sacrifice fly by Ruppert Jones. Atlanta tied the game in the 8th inning off Tim Lollar as Andrew Jones walked and scored all the way from first base on a double down the right field line that just landed inside the chalk off the bat of Jeff Francoeur. The game was won in the bottom of the 9th when Andrew Jones hit a deep flyball to center field to drive in Willy Aybar, who walked earlier, for the winning run. The losing pitcher in relief for the Padres was veteran righthander, Rick Wise (0-1).

GAME 4: Padres 10...Rockies 5 at Atlanta
"Can anyone here pitch?" was the recurring theme in this game. Both teams could not find an answer to stop the other team from scoring. In the end, the Padres prevailed to finish the tournament on a high note and split the 4 game series with Atlanta. Eric Show (3-1) got the win for the Padres but would last only 5 innings pitched. Chuck James would far no better for Atlanta as the lefty was lifted after 3 innings and 8 earned runs. San Diego appeared to put this one away early as they score d4 runs in the top of the 1st. The Braves retaliated with a solo run in the bottom half of the inning. The Friars added a run in the second and 3 more in the third to widen their lead. After only three innings, the Padres lead 8-3. The southerners tried to pick away at the Padre lead with single runs in the 5th and 8th innings but San Diego tallied 2 more runs in the eighth to put it out of reach. Southpaw Dave Dravecky pitched 3 solid innings of relief for the Padres and Luis DeLeon came in for the 9th inning to seal the win for the Padres.

SERIES MVP: Alan Wiggins..Because he stole a number of bases to start or maintain rallies.
--submitted by Joey Scigliano--

Motown beats Coldtown 2 out of 3

2009-03-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

Red Oldham won his 5th game of the year in Game 1, 5-1. Tony Oliva's 9th inning homer (2) was the Twins only run. Game 2 saw the Twins reverse the score on the Tigers with Camilio Pascual picking up his fourth win. He was backed by homers by Bob Allison (3) and Earl Battey (1). In game 3 the Tigers scored 6 unanswered runs in the early going including homers by Bobby Veach (10) and Lu Blue (2). Howard Emhke gave up two runs late to win his fourth, 6-2.
--submitted by Tom "Crash" Davis--

Jints sweep Friars

2009-03-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

The New York Giants swept a series for the first time this season winning all three from the San Diego Padres. Ruben Gomez threw his third one hitter of the season in Game 1 easily handling the Padres, 6-0. He was backed by homers by Monte Irvin (4) Don Muellar (1) and Bobby Hoffman (1). Game 2 saw Dave Koslo win his third against no losses. The two teams traded three run outbursts in the early going but Hank Thompson's third homer of the season in the third inning put an end to the scoring and the Giants won 4-3. Gene Richards led off Game 3 for the Padres with a homer (1) to give the Padres a lead for the first time in the series. The Giants tallied single runs in the 3rd and 5th to take a lead but Sal Maglie surrendered a homer in the top of the 9th to Terry Kennedy (5) to tie the game. Hank Thompson would come through again getting his second consecutive game winning RBI with a single in the bottom of the 9th to secure Malie's first win of the season.
--submitted by Tom "Crash" Davis--

Bucs sweep Rox...take 1 game lead in NL East

2009-03-29T19:20:00.000-07:00

Justin Ryan - 06 Colorado, Jesse Elicker - 73 Pittsburgh

GAME 1: 73 Pit 9-1 - Sept 17 - Rooker vs. Cook.

Jim Rooker threw a complete game and went 4 for 5 to lead the Bucs to a 9-1 win. Al Oliver's 2-run double in the first put Pittsburgh up 2-0. In the 5th, Oliver was walked intentionally to get to Milt May. May belted a 3-run HR to increase the lead to 5-1. The Pirates pulled away in the final 3 innings to finish at 9-1.

GAME 2: 73 Pit 5-4 - Sept 18 - Briles vs. Jennings.

The scoring came early in this one with Todd Helton's double in the first giving the Rock's a 1-0 lead. Pittsburgh answered with 3 in the 2nd. An error, a single, and RBI single by Dave Cash, and Gene Alley's 2-run double accounted for the runs. No matter, back came Colorado in the bottom of the frame, scoring a pair on Clint Barmes' 2-run HR to tie the game at 3. The lead didn't last long. Richie Hebner led off the 3rd with a single followed by a Richie Zisk double. Willie Stargell singled in a run, and another scored on a double play. This put the Pirates up 5-3. The Rockies made it 5-4 on a pair of singles and Barmes' ground out in the 4th. Then the scoreboard went silent. The Pirates managed only 1 hit in the final 5 innings, while the Rockies had 4, but none in the 8th or 9th. The key play in the game may have come in the 6th when Garrett Atkins led off with a single, then was thrown out stealing. Yorvit Torrealba followed that with a double, which may have tied the game. For the Pirates, Dave Giusti pitched the 9th to earn another save.

GAME 3: 73 Pit 7-4 (11 innings) - Sept 19 - Francis vs. Moose

A wild game indeed. Colorado went up 2-0 in the 3rd on Todd Helton's 2-run double, set up by a pair of walks off starter Bob Moose. The Pirates tied the game in the 4th on Bob Robertson's 2-run HR, 2-2. Bottom of the 6th, the longball helped Pittsburgh again...Willie Stargell hit a 2-run HR to put the Pirates up 4-2. Top of the 7th, Bob Johnson in for Moose. Matt Holliday singles, and one out later so does Yorvit Torrealba. Clint Barmes follows with a sac fly to cut the Pirate lead to 4-3. 8th inning, Dave Giusti on for what hopes to be a 2-inning save. Forget that...lead off batter Cory Sullivan homers to tie the game at 4! Nothing the rest of regulation so it's on to extra innings. Nothing in the 10th. 11th inning, the Pirates are down to McKee, who gets a 1-2-3 inning. For the Rockies, it's Tom Martin, who gets two quick outs. Then Mike Venafro enters and intentionally walks Stargell. He leaves in favor of Ramon Ramirez, who unintentionally walks Bob Robertson. Out goes Ramirez, in comes Brian Fuentes. Up steps Al Oliver...bang! 3-run HR to end the game, 7-4 Pirates.

SERIES MVP: Al Oliver. 5 for 10, 3 runs, 5 RBI, big 3-run HR in game 3.

--Submitted by Jesse Elicker--

LA takes 2 of 3 from Cubbies to get to .500 and 1 game of NL West Lead

2009-03-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

1979 LA DODGERS Rousel Glaciano and 1996 CHICAGO CUBS Mike Kenny

GAME 1: CHC 5 LAD 7

The two aces would take the hill in Game 1 but the batters must have forgotten in this see-saw affair. The Dodgers would hammer out 12 hits. Davey Lopes went 3 for 3 with 3 RBI'S and the three,four,five hitters combined to go 6 of 15 and 4 RBI's. Sutcliffe didn't have hit best outing but he has his bullpen mates to thank for his 5th win as they shut the door on any potential rally by the Cubs. The Cubs were lead by Scott Servais who went 2 for 3 and slugged his first HR.

GAME 2: CHC 2 LAD 4

Second verse, same as the first? Not quite as GM 2 produced the pitchers duel we expected in GM 1. Frank Castillo pitched quite possibly the best game of his career for the Cubs. 7 innings of 2 hit ball in just 69 pitches. Don Sutton was also on his game going 8 innings and scattering 5 hits and 1 walk. The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the 8th when usually dependable Cub reliever Rodney Myers would give a Gary Thomasson double to give the Dodgers a 2-0 Dodgers lead. The Dodger BP would prove less reliable this time and allowed a couple walks to come across in the 9th tying the game at 2-2. After Ron Cey walked and 2 outs later Mr.Thomasson would come to the plate again. This time against Cub ace reliever Turk Wendell he would work the count and would deposit a Wendell fastball in the LF seats for a walk-off HR his 1st of the year.

GAME 3: LAD 4 CHC 5
The Cubbies desperate for a win to keep their playoff hopes alive would send ever steady Steve Trachsel to the hill. He didn't disappoint allowing only 3 hits in 5 IP and 3 W but no ER. The BP would again betray Chicago but their offense didn't erupting for 5 runs in their half of the 7th. The Dodgers would rally for 3 themselves in the top of 8th. This time Wendell shut the door and protected a 5-4 lead gaining his 5th save. Sandberg and Grace each went 2 for 4 to lead the Cubbies. Jerry Reuss dropped to 1-4 scattering 11 hits in 8 IP.

--submitted by Mike Kenney--

Reds Expose Montreal as Pretenders

2009-03-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

GAME 1 - Riverfront Stadium - CIN 4, MON 0:

The Reds scored an unearned run in the 3rd when Pete Rose singled home Woody Woodward from second and Hubie Brooks airmailed the ball to the backstop. Both teams settled into an offensive rut until Cincinnati broke it open with 3 in the bottom half of the 6th. Tommy Helms led off with double and scored when "Doggie" Tony Perez singled to right and Hubie Brooks made his second throwing error of the game. Expo starter Scott Holman was rattled and as evidence he gave up consecutive doubles to Bench and Carbo and yielded 3 runs in the inning before all was said and done. Cincy starter Gary Nolan was on his game for 7 1/3 innings of no run ball. The normally shaky Red bullpen came on to get the next 5 outs and preserve the shutout.

GAME 2 - Riverfront Stadium - MON 7, CIN 1:

Montreal evened the series behind a solid 2 hit/8 inning performance by El Presidente', Dennis Martinez. Cincy's only run came in the first as Martinez, who rarely makes mistakes, walked Rose and balked twice. At that point the Reds realized that the only way to score off of Martinez was to manufacturer runs and shutout the Expos. They would do neither the rest of the way. Montreal came right back to tie it in the second when Tim "Eli" Wallach doubled home Hubie Brooks. With the score 3-1 the Expos scored 3 in the 8th to put the game out of reach. Up by 5 Martinez left the game and Tim Burke closed it out without incident. The big blow in the 8th was a 2 run shot by Brooks. Don Gullett gave up 6 (3 earned) for the Reds.

Game 3 - Olympic Stadium - CIN 5, MON 2:

For 7 innings Jim McGlothlin and Pascual Perez dueled it out. Perez left after the 7th on the short side of the ledger down 2-1. Cincy exploded for 3 in the 8th when Johnny Bench hit a 2 out 2 run homer off Expo reliever Jeff Parrett. Hal McRae followed it up with a solo shot for insurance. The Expos had big threats in both the 8th and 9th, but failed to hit the knock out blow as McGlothlin flirted with danger, but never got stung.

Nats break 8 game losing streak and take 2 of 3 from A's

2009-03-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

GAME 1 (Oakland Colliseum) - WAS 6, OAK 4
Oakland looked to have this locked with a 3-1 lead and the ball in the hands of ace hurler Dave Stewart. Washington scored 4 runs in the 3rd, which isn't so strange, but hitting 2 homers in 1 game let alone 1 inning was the strange part. The "twig" Wayne Terwilliger led the inning off with the long ball. Mickey Vernon then hit a 3 runs shot after Jim Busby doubled and Eddie "the walking man" Yost walked (he had 3 on the day). The Nats added an insurance run in the 8th when DH Bob Porterfield doubled home Clyde Volmer. Chuck Stobbs went the distance and notched his third victory on the year. Stobbs has been the only Washington hurler to receive adequate run support this season.

GAME 2 (Oakland Colliseum) - OAK 7, WAS 1
Clyde Vollmer led off the second with a solo shot to give the Nats their only lead of the game. Oakland put the pedal to the metal and turned this one into blowout city by scoring the next 7 runs. Curt Young was masterful for the A's, going the distance and allowing just that solo shot by Vollmer. Washington let their starter, Masterson, take one for the team as he went the distance and was responsible for all 7 runs allowed. They A's banged out 12 hits in all. Part timer Dwayne Murphy went 3 for 3 with an homer, a double and 2 RBI's.

GAME 3 (Griffith Stadium) - WAS 1, OAK 0
So often in this great game of baseball one team will score a bushel full of runs the night before and then get shut out the following night. This was the case in the rubber match of this series. Sadly this adversely affected Oakland starter Jose' Rijo who allowed only 1 unearned run in 7 2/3 innings worth of work. Spec Shea was brilliant for the Nats as he scattered 8 hits over 9 innings worth of work, as he recorded his second win of the season and his first shutout. The lone run of the game was scored in the the bottom of the 4th inning, when Jim Busby led off with a double off the base of the right center field wall. Pete Runnells bunt attempt was mishandled by Oakland catcher Terry Steinbach, who threw the ball into right field, which allowed Busby to score. Eddie Yost followed up with a single, which would have scored Busby anyway, but one can't predict if that would have happened if Steinbach's error did not already occur.

Bombers season a Royal Flush

2009-03-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

72 Royals (Milo Miller), 73 Yankees (Ed Mikhli)

GAME 1: Royals 6, Yanks 0

The Yankees sent righty George "Doc" Medich against the Royals Paul Splittorf in Game 1 of the 3 game series. The Royals scored all their runs in the 1st inning, stringing together 7 straight singles for 6 runs. From there on the story was Paul Splittorf. Splittorf went the distance, scattering 4 hits and striking out 5 for the complete game shutout.

GAME 2: Royals 13, Yanks 2

The Yanks tried to rebound in Game 2 sending righty Steve Kline against Jim Rooker. The Royals jumped on Kline for 2 in the 1st on an Ed Kirkpatrick homer. The Royals put it away in the 4th scoring 6 times, 3 crossing on Kirkpatrick's 2nd homer of the game. Jim Rooker pitched 9 strong innings for the victory, yielding 2 runs.

GAME 3: Royals 4, Yanks 3

Sam McDowell took the hill for the Yanks in the series finale against the Royals Dick Drago. John Mayberry's RBI single made it 1-0 in the top of the 1st. The Yanks came right back, plating 2 of their own on Bobby Murcer's double and Thurman Munson's Sac Fly. The Royals evened it in the 2nd on a Freddie Patek roller to 3rd. The Royals built a 4-2 lead after 4, scoring single runs in the 3rd and 4th innings. The score stayed this way until the bottom of the 9th when Bobby Murcer singled with 1 out and came around to score on pinch hitter Jim Ray Hart's double. But Ted Abernathy struck out pinch hitter Mike Hegan to end the game.

TURNING POINT: Was the offensive production of the Royals.
SERIES MVP: Ed Kirkpatrick- 10 AB's4 Hits2 HR's6 RBI's

--submitted by Milo Miller--

Triple Play...KOD6 First Ever

2009-03-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

Buccos take 2 of 3 from Hou to move to within 1 game of NL East lead

2009-03-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

MANAGERS: Paul Johnson - Houston 74, Jesse Elicker - Pittsburgh 73
GAME 1: Hou 2 at Pit 6 (Three Rivers Stadium)

Back-to-back HR in the 7th by Richie Zisk and Willie Stargell iced a 6-2 Pirate win. The Buccos rapped out 14 hits and scored 6 times in 7+ innings off Claude Osteen, while Nelson Briles held the Astros to 7 hits and 2 runs in 8 innings. Houston did make a serious threat in the 9th. Lee May walked to lead off the inning. One out later, Bob Watson singled. That brought Dave Giusti to the mound. He walked Milt May to load the bases. Giusti struck out Doug Rader, then did the same to PH Cliff Johnson to end the game.

GAME 2: Hou 12 at Pit 5 (Three Rivers Stadium)

The final score does not tell the story. Houston DEMOLISHED the Pirates, getting 24 hits in what appeared to be an eruption of frustration by the Astros. Bob Watson's 2-run HR in the 1st started the beating, and his sac fly in the 9th ended it. In between he added a 2-run single to end with 5 RBI on the day. Tommy Helms had 5 hits, Doug Rader had 4, and Roger Metzger, Greg Gross, and Milt May each added 3. Don Wilson went the distance for Houston. The lone Pirate highlight - Willie Stargell's two 2-run HR.

GAME 3: Pit 4 at Hou 2 (Astrodome)

Still hungover perhaps from the beating of yesterday, the Pirates sent a fatigued Dock Ellis to the mound, and the Astros took the early advantage. In the 2nd, with 1 out, Milt May singled, Bob Watson walked, and Cesar Cedeno singled to load the bases. Ellis fanned Doug Rader, but he couldn't foil Astro starter Tom Griffin, who singled in 2 runs to put himself up 2-0. Doubles in the 3rd by Gene Alley and Dave Cash cut the lead in half 2-1. Things settled down until the 6th when the Pirates tied the game at 2. Richie Hebner drew a 1-out walk. One out later, Milt May's double scored Hebner to tie the game. (Confused? Milt May played for both clubs. He was pretty tired!!) The Pirates took the lead in the 7th. Manny Sanguillen doubled, moved to 3rd on a sac bunt, then scored on PH Vic Davalillo's sac fly. Dave Cash followed with a single, and Al Oliver doubled, with Cash holding 3rd. Mike Cosgrove replaced Griffin and uncorked a wild pitch to score Cash, 4-2 Pirates. From there the Bucs' pen took over. Ramon Hernandez worked a perfect 7th and 8th, and Dave Giusti closed out the 9th. 4-2 Pittsburgh.

Milt May's 2-out double in the 6th of game 3 (for Pittsburgh) that tied the game at 2.
Willie Stargell - 5 for 12, 5 RBI, 3 HRDave Giusti - 2 saves

--submitted by Jesse Elicker--

KC takes 2 of 3 from DET

2009-03-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

Game One saw Jim Rooker earned his second win of the season as 6 Royal pitchers were needed to stave off the Tigers ina 9-8 win. Schienblum twice, Kirkpatrick and Mayberry all hit homers from the winners.

In Game Two, 4 Tiger pitchers scattered 6 Royals hits as the Tigers tied the series with a 2-0 victory. Bobby Jones hit a homer for the Tigers.

The rubber match went ten innings before a winner was decided. Veach and Heilman hit solo homers for the Tigers but it was Lou Piniella's 10th inning double driving home Amos Otis that gave the Royals a 3-2 win

--submitted by Tom "Crash" Davis--

'Spos can't hold a Candaele to Bravos

2009-03-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

MANAGERS: 88 Montreal - Marc Weiss, 06 Atlanta - Terry Priest

GAME 1 - ATL 0, MON 1

El Presidente blanks Atlanta 1-0 on 3 hits Dennis Martinez dominated the Braves with a complete game 3 hit shutout. The lone run was scored in the 6th when Horacio Ramirez plunked Todd Jones with an inside fastball. Tim Raines pinch ran for Jones and with 2 outs Tim Wallach singled him home. Martinez shut the Bravos down for the rest of the way, earning his 4th win lowering his ERA to 1.47. Ramirez pitched well for 6 and 2/3 but was tagged with his 2nd loss of the season.

GAME 2 - ATL 12, MON 11 (12 innings)

Improbable Comebacks and Split Personalities as Braves win 12-11 in 12 Innings. The bats for both teams got started early as Montreal led 4-3 going to the home half of the 4th. Casey Candaele led off the bottom of the inning with a bunt single down the 3rd base line. Chipper Jones came up lame after trying to make the play and had to be replaced. At this point Candaele decided to be the runner at 1B and the batter simultaneously. No amount of coaxing by Expos manager Marc Weiss could convince the second basemen to vacate the batters box as Candaele stubbornly tried to be both batter and runner. The game was temporarily postponed while the Montreal trainer found Casey's medication. When the game resumed Candaele did stay in the batters box but would allow himself to be pinch run for. The Expos then continued their assault on Atlanta starter Lance Cormier adding 3 runs and taking a 7-3 lead. Another Montreal run in the 6th took the game to the 9th inning leading 8-3. After Jeff Francoeur and pinch hitter Pete Orr went quietly to start the 9th the Braves began an improbable 2-out rally. Giles and Diaz singled and then Wilson Betemit, who took over for the injured Chipper in the 4th, went yard to make the score 8-6. McCann singled, LaRoche walked and Andruw Jones tied the game with a double. Renteria then struck out to end the inning with the score now tied 8-all. After a quiet bottom of the 9th the game went to extra innings. In the 11th Matt Diaz singled and Brian McCann poked his 4th homer of the year to put the visiting Bravos up 10-8. The lead wouldn't last as the Atlanta bullpen and defense broke down. Tim Raines singled with one out and Andres Galarraga moved him to 3rd with a base hit to right that Francoeur booted allowing Big Cat to go to second. After Brooks struck out Tim Wallach tied again the game with a 2-out single sending the game to the 12th. Renteria lead off the Braves 12th with a triple. Francoeur then attoned for his fielding with a bomb into the LF stands to put the Braves up 12-10. Montreal mounted another comeback when Rex Hudler scored Mitch Foley from 3rd with a sacrifice fly. But this time the rally fell short as Tyler Yates struck out Tim Raines to end the game. Paronto received his 3rd relief win this season and Yates recorded his 1st save. Youmans was saddled with his first loss.

GAME 3 - MON 4, ATL 5

Braves Hold On for 5-4 Win. The series finale moved to Atlanta with John Dopson of the Expos squaring off against John Thomson of the Braves. Hubie Brooks put the visitors out in front with a solo HR in the 2nd. The Braves scored 3 in the 4th and 2 in the 5th, taking a 5-1 lead into the 8th. Once again the fiesty Montreal club fought back, scoring 1 in the 8th and 2 in the 9th to make the score 5-4. The Braves collectively exhaled as Franceour gloved Tim Raines line drive to end the game. Dopson took his 1st loss of the season, Thomson got his 2nd win and Bob Wickman recorded his 6th save.

TURNING POINT: The series turned around with 2 out in the 9th of game 2 with the Braves 5-run comeback.
SERIES MVP: Casey Candaele should split the series MVP award with himself but Jeff Francoeur gets the honors with 4 for 9 batting, 4 RBIs, a HR and the game winning RBI in both Braves victories. --submitted by Terry Priest--

Padres "Show" Mets no Love

2009-03-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

Managers: Mets Jim Walden, 1982 Padres Joey Scigliano

Game 1..Padres 9....Mets 3 at Shea

Eric Show went the distance for the Padres as he surrendered three runs on ten hits. Tim Flannery was the hitting star for San Diego as he compiled4 hits, and drove in 3 runs. Ruppert Jones smacked out 3 hits as well. Seven different Padres drove in runs as they manhandled the host Mets

Game 2..Mets 3...Padres 1 at Shea

The Mets exacted their revenge in game two as Brett Saberhagen shut down the Padres on on one run and eight hits. Saberhagen went the distance. Brett helped himself at the plate as he drove in a big run for the Mets. Stinnett, Segui, Everett, and Brett Butler all had two hits a piece to lead the offense charge for the New Yorkers.

Game 3..Padres 5...Mets 3 at San Diego

Alan Wiggins was the offensive star of this game as he collected two hits, drove in two runs, and stole two bases. Wiggy also got help from second baseman Joe Pittman as he smashed out two hits including an RBI single in the 4th innings as the Padres erupted for 4 of their 5 runs in the game. Chris Welsh started for the Padres and pitched well into the 7th inning but was removed after 6.67 innings when he started to tire. Luis Deleon came on in relief and put out the fire. Gary Lucas came in the ninth and earned his 4th save of the season despite surrendering a pinch homerun to Todd Hundley. Bill Pulsipher(2-3) got hung with the loss for the Mets.

SERIES MVP: Eric Show for pitching a complete game victory in game 1. --submitted by Joey Scigliano--

Cubbies Coors Rox to fold

2009-03-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

1996 Chicago Cubs by Mike Kenny & 2006 Colorado Rockies by Justin Ryan

GAME 1: Chicago 2 Colorado 1 Wrigley Field:

What was expected to be an offensive series turned out to be a pitchers duel. Sosa homered to tie the game at 1 and Luis Gonzalez homered for the Cubbies which would prove to be the game winner. Frank Castillo was terrific against the vaunted Rockies offense holding them to 5 hits in 7 innings with 7 strikeouts. Josh Fogg pitched well in the loss for Colorado surrendering only 4 hits in 8 innings of work but walked 4 batters.

GAME 2: Chicago 8 Colorado 1

Another pitcher's duel from Wrigley until the bottom of the 5th when the Cubbies broke thru with 2 runs. Jim Bullinger pitched surprisingly well for the Cubbies despite his regular season ERA of 6.00 plus. He only allowed 2 hits in 5 innings of work and 0 ER. The Cubbies would break the game open with 6 runs in the bott of the 8th to break the game open including a pinch hit homerun by Terry Shumpert.

GAME 3: Chicago 13 Colorado 9

The Cubbies would continue their offensive punch at the expense of Rockies starter Ubaldo Jiminez who would last just 1 1/3 innings giving up 4 runs, all earned. Byung Kim would fare no better giving up 9 hits in 1 2/3 innings with 7 runs crossing the plate. The Cubbies would lead 13-5 with the Rockies mounting a late rally to trim the lead to 13-9 before the Cubbies bullpen would extinguish the fire. The Cubbies would end the day with 22 hits. Steve Trachsel would struggle but improve to 4-1 on the year. Allowing 7 ER in 7 innings of work. "If you walk their batters sooner or later you will be hurt by that lineup" stated Mike Kenny manager of the Chicago team.
--submitted by Mike Kinney--

Mariners big bats bash Nats

2009-03-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

98 Seattle (Jeff Shelton), 53 Washington (Marc Weiss)

GAME 1: 11-8 Seattle

Edgar Martinez wakes up from season long slump hitting 2 homers and knocking in 5 . Bobby Ayala allows the Senators back in the game with 5 runs in the 7th inning then A-Rod hits his 8th him run to get Seattle a 11-8 lead which the hold on to .

GAME 2: 13-2 Seattle

Seattle scores 4 runs in the 1st inning and the "Big Unit", Randy Johnson goes the distance giving up 4 hits and not worrying about thre 4 Seattle Errors in the game to cruise to a 13-2 win

GAME 3: 5-0 Seattle

This contest saw Jeff Fassero toss a 3 hit shutout and Edgar Martinez goes deep in the 5th a 3 run shot which would be more than enough for him

TURNING POINT: Seattle's big bats Griffey , A-Rod , Martinez went a combined 14-35 .400 5 Hr's 13 Rbis
Series MVP: Edgar Martinez in 2 games 6-8 8 RBI's

--submitted by Jeff Shelton--

The Bucs weren't stopped here

2009-03-14T22:41:00.000-07:00

71 Reds - Rick Tharpe, 73 Pirates - Jesse Elicker
Sep 10 - Pit 4-1, 11 innings - Bob Moose vs. Ross Grimsley

Both teams were getting men on base, but scoring was another issue. The Reds left 13 men on base in the game; Pittsburgh left 6. The Bucs scored a run in the 4th on Willie Stargell's 6th HR of the year. Cincinnati tied it in the 7th when Pete Rose reached an error, Tommy Helms singled, and Hal McRae hit a sac fly. Tied at 1, bottom of the 9th, PH Willie Smith led off with a double. Rose was intentionally walked, and Dave Giusti got Helms, McRae, and Lee May to get out of the jam. Top of the 11th, Richie Zisk hit a 1-out double off Steve Blateric. Greg Garrett came in to face Stargell, who walked. Clay Carroll replace him, and gave up a single to Dave Parker. Zisk scored, 2-1. A walk to Al Oliver loaded the bases, and Richie Hebner's single made it 3-1. Gene Alley delivered an insurance run with another single, 4-1. Bottom of the 11th, Bob Johnson gave up a 2-out walk but that was it as the Pirates took the opener 4-1.

Sep 11 - Pit 7-1 - Dock Ellis vs. Gary Nolan

Dock Ellis had his A game going, holding the Reds to 3-hits through the first 8, and finishing with a 7-1, 4-hit complete game. Ellis aided his own cause with a pair of hits and an RBI. The big inning for the Pirates came in the 4th. Up 1-0, Willie Stargell led off with a triple. A ground out plated him, 2-0. An out later, Bob Robertson drew a walk. An error allowed Rennie Stennett to reach, and Dock Ellis delivered his first hit to make it 3-0. A walk to Dave Cash loaded the bases. Richie Hebner singled, 4-0, with Stennett being thrown out at the plate to end the inning. Homers by Willie Stargell (7) and Richie Zisk (6) finished off the Bucs' scoring.

Sep 12 - Pit 10-7 - Don Gullett vs. Jim Rooker

The Reds scored in the 1st to take an early 1-0 lead. Hal McRae hit a lead off double, moved to 3rd on Pete Rose' single, and scored on Tony Perez' single. Rooker avoided disaster by striking out Lee May and George Foster before getting Johnny Bench to fly out. In the 5th, McRae led off with a HR (3). Rose singled, Perez doubled him in, 3-0 Reds. Again it was McRae and Rose in the 6th, a double by Hal and Pete's single to put the Big Red Machine up 4-0. The Pirates finally scratched out a run in the bottom of the 6th. A Dave Cash single and a walk to Rennie Stennet put two on...and two outs later Bob Robertson's single broke the shutout, 4-1. Then in the bottom of the 7th, Cincinnati imploded. Al Oliver and PH Dave Augustine singled. A walk to PH Jackie Hernandez chased Gullet, and Wayne Granger entered. Cash singled to score two, making it a 4-3 game. One out later, Richie Zisk's sac fly tied the game at 4. Then Willie Stargell hit is 8th HR of the campaign to put the Pirates up 5-4. If that weren't bad enough, in the bottom of the 8th, things really went bad for the Reds. Manny Sanguillen singled. Two outs later, Jackie Hernandez singled. An error on Pedro Borbon loaded the bases, and Richie Hebner followed with a grand slam, number 6 on the year, and the Bucs went from being down 4-0 to leading 10-4. Cincinnati put together a good rally in the top of the 9th, with four singles and three runs, but they fell short, 10-7.

Turning Point - Maybe Stargell's HR in game 3, or Hebner's slam?
Series MVP - Willie Stargell - 6 for 12, 3 HR, 5 RBI Richie Hebner - 5 for 9, 1 HR, 7 RBI
--submitted by Jesse Elicker--

Nats drop first 2 to Twinkies...Game 3 to be played later

2009-03-11T18:59:00.000-07:00

64-MIN (Marvin Sik), 53-WAS (Marc Weiss)

GAME 1 (Metropolitan Stadium): MIN 5, WAS 3

MIN: Horace "Mudcat" Grant (4-1, 5.20) vs Bob Porterfield (3-3, 2.77)

The Twinkes tallied first in the bottom of the second with a huge 3 run shot by Zoilo Versalles off of Hard Luck Porterfield. Jimmy Hall and Bobby Allison led off the inning with back to back singles. Yost and Vernon were in at the corners expecting the Versalles to sacrifice the runner up. Instead Zoilo swung away and hit one deep into the left center pavilion. Washington scratched back to respectability as Pete Runnels tripled home Wayne Terwilliger in the 3rd and Jackie Jensen hit a solo shot in the 4th. The score remained 3-2 until the bottom of the 6th when pinch hitter frank Kostro his a 2 run shot off of Porterfield to make it 5-2. Washington added a solo shot by Gil Coan in the 7th, but could not get any closer. Grant notched his 4th win of the season despite his baloon like ERA and the fact that he had to leave the game in the 7th with one out due to arm trouble.

GAME 2 (Metropolitan Stadium): MIN 3, WAS 2

MIN: Camilio Pascual (3-3, 3.56) vs Connie Marrero (0-2, 4.67)

Earl Battey led off the second with a one hop double off the centerfield wall just left of the flagpole. Light hitting Bernie Allen bunted him over to third and pitcher Camilio Pascual doubled him home. Washington hurler, Connie Marrero settled down and got the next 2 batters (Rich Rollins & Tony Oliva) to end the inning and strand Pascual on 2nd. Minnesota added a second run in the fourth when Bobby Allison hit his first homer of the year. Minnesota manager, Marvin Sik, has wondered aloud how a guy who hit 32 long balls in real life would have to wait until game 23 to hit his first. To say Allison has been an enigma to the Twins offense is an understatement. The true turning point of the game occured in the vistor's half of the 6th. Pete Runnels led off with a sharp single. Marrero walked on 4 pitches and Jim Busby then singled to load the bases with nobody out and the Twins up 2 zip. Pascual struck out Terwilliger for the first out, but yielded a bloop single to Yost to plate Runnels and cut the deficit to 2-1 and only 1 out and the bases still jammed. Pascual rose to the occasion and fanned the heart of the order (Vernon / Jensen) to get out of the inning. This was the make or break point in the game and Pascual definitely made it. Minnesota got the run back in the bottom of the frame, when Bernie Allen doubled home Versalles. The score held at 3-1 until the top of the 9th, when Vernon led off with a single and Jackie Jensen, who executed the perfect hit and run, singled him home. With nobody out and a man on second Pascual answered the gut check and struck out the rest of the side (Vollmer, Pitz Gerald and Runnels) to end the game and give the home town fans a great win.

Oh, Da-Da-Deer !

2009-03-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

With the game on the line and an 2-2 count, Juan Guzman reared back and went for the big K. Rob Deer, who has more holes in his swing than the ozone layer is ripe for the strikeout. The law of averages says Guzman will win out. Not this time as Deer clouted a 2 run walk off homer to ensure a series split. Here is the PBP:

BAL 4, MIL 3 Inning 9 Out:1 On Base: 2, 2-2 count

Guzman delivers

Deer swings...he rips a deep fly balldown the left field line

it's got a chance to go

Surhoff back pedaling...home run!

he got a hanging curve!

number 8 on the season for Rob

a 331 foot shot

Bucos jolt Jints

2009-03-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

Game 1 Bob Moose (2-1) vs Jim Hearn (0-4)
Moose was backed by three solo homers by Gene Alley (2), Dave Parker (1) Richie Hebner (4). Pirates win easily 6-3.

Game 2 Dock Ellis (0-1) vs Rueben Gomez (3-1)
This was all Dock Ellis as he completely shut down the Giants on three hits 6-0. Bob Oliver and Rennie Stennett each went 3-4 with 2 rbis.

Game 3 Dave Koslo (1-0) vs Jim Rooker (2-1)
Lefty Dave Koslo was masterful, allowing the Pirates but one run. The Giants hitting picked up as well, stroking 14 safeties off Pirate pitching. White Lockman was the star going 3-5 with two rbis. Bobby Thomson also chipped in two hits and 2 ribbies.

Game 4 Sal Maglie (0-3) vs Nellie Briles (2-1)
Monte Irvin opened the scoring in the third with a two run homer (2). Briles (1) answered with a two run of his own in the bottom of the frame. The Pirates would add two more and leave the third ahead 4-2. Wes Westrum (1) hit a solo shot in the fourth, but the Pirates tallied three in their half of the inning on Hebner's fifth homer of the year. Irvin (3) would hit his second dinger of the game in the fifth, then in the sixth, the Giants added three more to tie the game. That was how the game remained until the bottom of the 10th when Rennie Stennett doubled home Willie Stargell for the 8-7 win. --submitted by Tom "Crash" Davis--

Friars and 'Stros Split

2009-03-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

Joey Scigliano 1982 Padres Paul Johnson 1974 Astros

GAME 1: Padres 10....Astros 4 (Astrodome)

Lee May smashed a grandslam homerun in the 3rd inning to give the Astros a 4-1. San Diego ate away at the Houston lead and tied the game in the 7th on a 2 RBI single by Sixto Lezcano. The Padres pulled away in the 9th as they plated 6 runs to put the game out of reach. Eric Show came in the 9th for the Friars to nail down the victory. Padre southpaw reliever, Gary Lucas earned the win to even his record at 1-1. Cosgrove, york and Forsch got hammered for 6 runs in only 2 innings in relief for the Astros. The loss went to Jim York who also blew the save opportunity. San Diego 10...Astros 4.

GAME 2: Astros 6.....Padres 5 (Astrodome)

No Update

GAME 3: Astros 3.....Padres 2 (San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium)

Another close game as Houston again jumped out to an early lead. Juan Eichelberger and Dave Roberts battled each other and matched scoreless frames for most of the game. However, the Padres plated a run in the 4th on Sixto Lezcano's 4th homerun of the year. San Diego tied the game in the 9th on a bases loaded walk to Ruppert Jones. The game went extras and was won on a Roger Metzger RBI hit off Luis DeLeon. Deleon suffered his second loss in the series.

GAME 4: Padres 3.....Astros 3 (San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium)

Chris Welsch and Don Wilson squared off in the series finale and again the Astros jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on Metzger and Helm's RBI hits. The Padres came back in the bottom of the seventh inning when Randy Bass, who came in an inning earlier on a double switch, got hold of a Wilson fastball and crushed it deep into the right field seats for a game tying 2 run homerun. The Padres added another run in the inning as Sixto Lezcano knocked in Gene Richards with a single. Gary Lucas came on in the ninth and immediately worked himself into a jam. Both Watson and Lee singled and was followed by a sacrifice bunt. Dangerous Doug Rader was the next hitter but Lucas came through with a clutch strikeout. Runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs and Cliff Johnson was the batter. Lucas got Johnson looking a fastball on the inside part of the plate for a game ending called third strike. Chiffer (1-0) earned his first win of the year and Lucas collected his 3rd save. The loss was hung on Don Wilson (1-3)

The Padres split the series but scored late in every game. Sixto Lezcano...he went 7 for 17 with 6 RBI's during the series. --submitted by Joey Scigliano--

Motown and Beantown Split

2009-03-09T09:46:00.001-07:00

Game 1 Oil Can Boyd (3-1) vs Dutch Leonard (3-0)
This game was all Boston. Dwight Evans (4) and Steve Lyons (1) hit homers and Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd scattered 4 hits in a 7-0 win over the Tigers

Game 2 Bruce Hurst (0-2) vs Red Oldham (3-1)
Dwight Evans (6) hit two more homers andTony Armas (2) and Bill Buckner (1) each added another as the BoSox leaped out in front 7-2 going into the bottom of the third. The Tigers scrambled back with 4 in the bottom of the 6th and added another in the 7th to take a 9-7 lead into the ninth. But the Sahx rallied for 2 in the top of the ninth and won the game in the tenth on Buckner's grand slam. Red Sox 13-9

Game 3 Hooks Dauss (2-2) vs Al Nipper (2-1)
The second extra inning game of the series saw both starters pitch at least 9 innings and yet neither received a decision. Harry Heilman hit his 12th homer of the season and the Tigers won the game in the 12th, scoring a run without the benefit of a hit, taking advantage of 4 Boston walks. Tigers 3-2

Game 4 Howard Emhke (1-2) vs Roger Clemens (0-0)
The Tigers took advantage of weak armed Sox catcher Dave Sax and stole 7 bases in the contest. Each team had trouble fielding the ball, the Tigers two errors allowed three unearned runs while the three BoSox errors also allowed three unearned runs. The Tigers scored two in the top of the 7th to take a lead which they would not relinquish and won the game 5-4.

Each team was the perfect host, allowing the visitors to leave with a win. Wade Boggs went 11-19 during the series raising his average to 477. --submitted by Tom "Crash" Davis--

Pale hose take 3 of 4 from the A's

2009-03-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

GAME 1 Wood vs Ontiveros:
A's come up with 3 in 1st as Carney Lansford and Mark McGuire homer. McG a 2- run shot. Sox fought back with 2 in the 4th on a Rick Reichardt 2- run homer and tied game in 6th on a Jay Johnstone SF. Sox score 2 in 9th on 3 doubles, Meltons and Walter "no neck" Williams being run scoring. ..... Wilbur Wood shuts down A's after 1st.... 5-3 Sox ....Eckersley loss (0-2) Wood win (4-0)

GAME 2 Bradley vs Young:
Tom Bradley pitches a masterpiece throwing only 78 pitches in a 4-1 Sox win. Rich McKinney a homer. Bradley had 5 K's and 0 walks with his 5-hitter. Young pitches well in the loss (1-3) ..Bradley win (2-2)

GAME 3 Stewart vs B Johnson:
A's had a 1-0 lead until Sox get 3 off A's ace in 4th with homers from Mike Andrews and a Johnstone 2 -run dinger. The A's come up big with 5 in their top half of inning number 5. Mickey Tettleton a 3-run shot and McGuire a 2-run triple. Pale Hose then chase Stewart in their half on the inning with 4 runs to take a 7-6 lead they never relinquished. Walt Williams a 2-run double. Sox then put it away with 3 more in the 6th. 2 big Tony Bernazard errors in game were costly for A's. Romo the win (2-1) pitching 4.2 in relief letting up only 1 run. Stewart his first loss (3-1)... 10-7 Chisox.

GAME 4 Rijo vs Horlen:
When Mike Andrews hits a 2-run homer in 1st off Rijo and his close to 6 era it looked like a WSox sweep was coming. But Jose did not let another run throwing only 85 pitches as the A's avoid the sweep and win 5-2. Rijo LOWERED his era to 6.63 with his CG. He is now (1-2). Joel Horlen the loss (2-1) Tony Phillips homer, 4 RBI.
Mark McGwire 6 for 16 2 2b's, 1 triple, homer for A'sJay Johnstone 7 for 15 , 4 runs, 6 rbi, homerMike Andrews 7 for 16 4 runs, 4 rbi, 2 hr's

--submitted by Dan Holm--

Nats sweep Bombers to move over .500 for 1st time all season

2009-03-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

GAME 1 (Griffith Stadium) - '53-WAS 3, '73-NYY 1

A classic matchup between respective aces, with similar styles. Neither guy is overpowering, but the both have great location and make great clutch pitches. For 6 innings Bob Porterfield blanked the Bronx Bombers. Mel Stottlemyre gave up only 1 run over the first 7 himself. With the score tied at 1 the Nats decided to do some damage in the 8th. Porterfield has pitched in hard luck this season. Anyone who is 3-2 with a 2.25 ERA must not be getting any run support. Because of this scenario Porterfield has to make the runs that he gets count. Sometimes he even has to drive them in himself. The bottom of the 8th started with Stottlemyre walking Mickey Vernon on four careful pitches. Vernon is Washington's only lethal bat, so one can't blame Mel for being careful. Jackie Jensen came up next and swung wildly at 3 pitches without making contact. Clyde Vollmer followed that up with a single to put runners at the corners for "the Twig", Wayne Terwilliger who slammed an opposite field double to score both runners and give the Nats a 3-1 lead that they would never relinquish.

GAME 2 (Griffith Stadium) - '53-WAS 3, '73-NYY 2

Doc Medich and Johnny Schmitz hooked up in another fine pitching classic. Medich was the victim of 3 unearned runs in the 3rd thanks to his own lack of fielding prowess. With 2 outs and a man on first Medich mishandled a Jim Busby squibber back to the mound, which put runners safely on 1st and 2nd. Pete Runnels doubled home Fitz Gerald and back to back singles by Eddie Yost and Mickey Vernon plated 2 more. This quickly erased NY's 2-0 lead. Both pitchers settled down after that and posted goose eggs the rest of the way. Medich went the distance to take a tough loss and Schmitz gave way to Sonny Dixon who came on and notched his 2nd save of the season by tossing a perfect 9th.

GAME 3 (Yankee Stadium) - '53-WAS 10, '73-NYY 9

This was one heck of a wild one up in the Bronx. The Nats carried a 10-3 lead into the 8th and almost threw it all away. Washington spot starter Tommy Byrne went 7 1/3 and gave up only 3 and looked to have notched an easy win, until his manager got a bit cute and put in scrub pitchers Pearce and Lane, who yielded 6 unanswered tallies. The outcome was totally in doubt until Artie Moreno came on to get pinch hitter Johnny Callison on a line shot back to the box. Washington's near collapse detracted from Eddie Yost fine day at the plate. The "walking man" went 3 for 5 with a huge homer and 4 RBI's. Yankee backstop, Thurman Munson had a 3 for 4 day and hit hit two homers himself.

GAME 4 (Yankee Stadium) - '53-WAS 8, '73-NYY 3

Sudden Sam McDowell was hoping to recapture his youth, his fastball and Yankee pride all in one start. He accomplished none of those tasks and in the process looked more like "Sad" Sam. McDowell gave up 8 runs and was battered around by one of the most anemic offenses in the AL. The Yanks jumped out to a quick 1 run lead in the first, when Roy White hit a line shot into the right field porch. McDowell looked good for the first 3 innings as Washington was unable to score. Then the floodgates opened in both the 4th and 5th innings as the Nats scored 4 runs in each and never looked back. Mickey Vernon went 2 for 3 with a big triple as Washington featured a well balanced attack. Masterson went the distance for his second win of the season.

Clemens Fans 19, but gets No Decision

2009-03-01T21:20:00.000-08:00

Clemens fanned 19 Mariners over 8 innings of work, but gave up 1 un-earned run to the Mariners in the 4th thanks to a throwing error by backstop Rich Gedman. The Sawx won the game on a walk off single by Marty Barrett in the bottom of the 9th. Glenn Hoffman, who doubled to lead off the inning scored the winning. An interesting footnote to Clemens fine performance was Randy Johnson striking out 12 Red Sox batters. Steve Crawford recorded one K in the 9th for Boston to combine with Clemens to strike out 20 Mariners. Raul Ibanez earned the "Golden Sombrero", when he struck out for the 4th time in the top of the 8th. The law firm of Monahan, Davis and Buhner each K'd 3 times. Curiously the local sports writers voted Mike Greenwell the game MVP, even though he didn't play... Boxscore is below:

85 Boston Edges 98 Seattle 2-1, Clemens Fans 19

Redbirds take 2 of 3 from Friars

2009-03-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

1982 Padres(Joey Scigliano) vs 1965 Cardinals(Mike Roberts)

Game 1...Cardinals 8 Padres 5 (At Jack Murphy Std, San Diego, CA)

A pair of lefties matched up as Tim Lollar was on the mound for the hometown Padres and Ray Sadecki on the hill for the Redbirds. The game was scoreless until the fourth inning as Curt Flood touched Lollar for a solo homerun. St. Louis added another run in the inning to make the score 2-0 in favor of the visitors. San Diego cut the lead in half in the bottom half of the inning with Terry Kennedy's 3rd homerun of the year. The Padres plated 3 runs in the sixth on run scoring singles by Salazar and Ramirez as well as being aided by a Dick Groat error. St. Louis answered back with 4 runs in the 7th to take the lead for good. Woodeshick came on to nail the victory for the Cardinals and earn his 2nd save of the season. Ray Sadecki(2-1) earned the win and Danny Boone(0-1) got the loss.

Game 2...Padres 3 Cardinals 2 (At Busch Stadium, St.Louis, MO)

Bob Gibson and Juan Eichelberger started the second game in St. Louis. Gibson was spoted to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Lou Brock singled, stole second and then later scored on a Curt Flood sacrifice fly. The Padres tied the score in the 3rd when Gene Richards walked, stole second and scored on a Ruppert Jones basehit. The Friars took the lead in the sixth inning as Sixto Lezcano popped a solo homerun off a frustrated Bob Gibson. Terry Kennedy, the next batter, paid the price for Lezcano's success as Gibson buzzed a high hard one by TK's head. Kennedy was visibly upset and would exact his revenge later. The Cardinals tied the game in the bottom half of the inning. Kennedy led off the 9th inning in a 2-2 tie. Terry got hold of a hanging Gibson slider and crushed it deep into the right field bleachers to untie the game. As Kennedy ran around the bases, he wore a smile on his face and was mobbed in the dugout with his heroics. Gary Lucas came in the ninth to shutdown the Cardinals and earn his 2nd save of the season. Juan Eichelberger (1-2) achieved his first victory and Gibson (2-2) evens his record dispite a solid 2.91 ERA.

Game 3...Cardianls 9 Padres 3 (At Busch Stadium, St.Louis, MO)

This game was close until for most of the game as Simmons and Montefusco were dueling each other through 5 1/2 innings. The score was tied at 2 until the bottom of the 5th when the redbirds tallied 2 runs. St. Louis put the game out of reach in the 8th inning on a Bill White grandslam homerun to right off stellar reliever, Luis DeLeon. DeLeon had not surrendered a run all season until the slam. Simmons improved to 3-1 with 6 innings of 5 hit ball. He surrendered two unearned runs. Nellie Briles and Woodeshick pitched the final 3 innings to secure the victory. St. Louis took 2 of 3 games in the short series.

TURNING POINT IN SERIES: Bill White's 8th inning grandslam off reliever Luis Deleon in game 3

SERIES MVP: Bill White drove in 5 runs in the series, including a grandslam

--submitted by Joey Scigliano--

Expos take 2 of 3 from Dodgers and move to 15-2

2009-02-27T13:26:00.000-08:00

GAME 1 (Dodger Stadium) LA 3, MON 2: The mighty 'Spos jumped out to a 2-0 lead and starter Dennis Martinez looked to be cruising. Montreal manager, Georges Bseraini, let his aprhension show as he didn't have a lot of faith in his squads ability to comeback. During his on camera interview in the middle of the 4th he said, "Some staff...how do you beat them. No wonder they only have 1 loss". Well his team must have heard him, especially his starter, Rick Sutcliffe. The tall bearded right shut the Expos down for the final 6 frames, which allowed his offense to chip away slowly. To lead off the bottom of the 4th Steve Garvey doubled to left and with 2 outs Bill Russell delivered a clutch RBI single to make it 2-1. In the 5th Sutcliffe helped his own cause with a long homer into the left center field pavilion just under the Union 76 sign. With the score knotted at 2 "General" Dusty Baker led off the the 6th with a double down the left field line. Cey hit one that Tim Raines tracked down in the power alley to advance Baker to third with 1 out. Bill Russell delivered again by chasing Raines to the warning track for a great sac fly out. Montreal threatened in the 8th, but Sutcliffe closed the door on them as the Dodgers win the opener.

GAME 2 (Olympic Stadium) MON 3, LA 1: Bryn Smith tossed 8 innings of 1 run ball and handed it off to Tim Burke and Joe Hesketh to close it out. LA's Jerry Reuss went the distance, but yielded 2 more runs than Smith did to earn the loss. Montreal scored first in the 3rd, when "the Rock" Tim Raines hit a solo shot to dead center. LA evened it up in the 4th when Dusty Baker led the inning off with a solo shot. The bottom of the 6th would be Reuss' undoing as the Expos plated 2 with only 1 hit, a Tim Wallach RBI double.

GAME 3 (Olympic Stadium) MON 6, LA 2: Pascual Perez won his 4th game of the season as he went the distance and yielded only 2 runs. LA's Don Sutton was victimized for 6 runs over 8 innings of work. Montreal scored 3 big runs in the 3rd to jump out to a 4-0 lead that they would never relinquish. Nixon led that inning off with a single and then promptly stole second. With 2 out "El Ghatto" Andres Galarraga singled him home. Sutton looked to be a bit rattled at this point and third baseman Tim Wallach locked in on his first offering and crushed a hanging curve ball that never broke deep into the left field bleachers. With the score 4-2 the Expos tacked on 2 insurance runs in the 7th and 8th innings to win this one going away. Montreal improved to a league best 15-2. LA dropped below .500 (8-9) for the first time this season.

Nats get Royal Flush

2009-02-25T18:28:00.000-08:00

1953 Washington Marc Weiss vs 1972 Kansa City Milo Miller

GAME 1: Wash 6 KC 4

Washington came into Kansas City and sent Spec Shea to the mound against the Royals Mark Montgomery. The Royals jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the 4th, highlighted by a John Mayberry double and an Ed Kirkpatrick sac fly. Washington mad it 3-2 in the 6th on a Eddie Yost 2 run homer. Kansas City made it 4-2 in the bottom of the inning as Fred Patek picked up the RBI with a grounder. Royals manager decide to go to the pin in the 8th, calling on Al Fitzmorris to protect the lead. Ed Fitz Gerald doubled to start the inning and pinch hitter Frank Sacka singled to put runners at the corners, Fitzmorris was gone. Royals reliever Ken Wright was summoned and was hurt when Patek booted a routine grounder to allow a run to score. Wright retired the next 2 hitters on strikes. Tom Burmeier was summoned and proceded to walk Mickey Vernon to load the bases and Jackie Jensen to force in a run. Clyde Vollmer singled to plate 2 more. Johnny Schmidt came on to get the save in the 9th. Wayne Terwilliger was the star of the game going 2-4, with a homer and 2 RBI's.

GAME 2: KC 11 Wash 4

The series shifted to Washington for game 2 with the Royals sending

Tom Murphy to the mound to face Washington's Al Sima. Kansas City took a 1-0 lead in the 2nd, only to have the Senators come back with single tallies in the 4th and 5th , with Pete Runnels and Jackie Jensen driving in runs. The Royals took control in the 6th scoring 6 times with John Mayberry homering to right and Bob Oliver hitting a pinch hit 3 run shot to left. The Royals added 4 more in the 9th with Paul Schaal homering. The Senators scored 2 in the bottom of the ninth as Mickey Vernon launched a shot to right. Mayberry paced the Royals attack, going

4-5 with a homer.

GAME 3: KC 12 Wash 1

The series finale seen Steve Busby take the mound against the Senator's Walt Masterson. Kansas City pounded Masterson, who gave the Senators 5 innings, for 10 runs on 12 hits. The Royals added single tallies in the 7th and 8th, en route to a 12-1 victory. Busby worked 7 innings, striking out 4. Amos Otis, Ed Kirkpatrick, and Lou Pinella all chipped in 3 hits, with Pinella driving in 4 runs for the Royals.

The turning point of the series was the Royals 6th in game 2. They scored 6 times and the offense broke loose to score 22 runs over the final 13 innings. John Mayberry was the series MVp as he went 6-11 with a homer, double, and 3 RBI's. --submitted by Milo Miller--

Royals sweep O's

2009-02-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

72 Royals Milo Miller vs 99 Orioles Justin Ryan

Game 1 (KC 10 BALT 5) was a matchup of lefty Paul Splittorf (1-1) against righty Juan Guzman (2-0). The Orioles jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the 2nd highlighted by a Jerry Hairston double and a Rich Amaral RBI grounder. Kansas City got to Guzman in the 5th scoring 7 times, highlighted by 4 singles and 3 walks. Kansas City added 3 more runs and Baltimore a single tally. John Mayberry went 2-5 with a homer and 3 RBI's to lead the Royals offensive attack.

Game 2 (KC 6 BALT 5) saw Roger Nelson squaring off against Scott Erickson. Baltimore once again jumped off to a 2-0 lead in the 2nd on a Charles Johson homer to left. Kansas City plated 2 in the top of the 3rd, but Baltimore came right back with 2 in the bottom of the inning, on a Delino DeShields 2 run shot to right. Baltimore added another run in the 4th on a Jeff Conine homer. The Royals closed the gap to 5-3 on a Bob Oliver pinch hit single, and the stage was set for the 9th.
Cookie Rojas greeted Oriole reliever with a double to start the 9th. Baltimore turned to Mike Timlin to close the door,but Richie Schienblum promptly greeted him with a double to make it 5-4. John Mayberry stepped in and sent a shot to rightcenter to give the Royals a 6-5 lead. Ted Abernathy was brought in to quiet the Orioles, but Mike Bordick drilled a 2 out triple to put the tieing run on 3rd. Abernathy then got pinch hitter Will Clark to bounce to 3rd to end the game. Delino DeShields went 3-4 for the Orioles.

Game 3 (KC 2 BALT 0) was a pitcher's duel as Mike Mussina and Dick Drago squared off in the series finale. The pitchers matched putting up zeros until the bottom of the 7th. John Mayberry got the Royals going with a 1 out double. Richie Scheinblum then grounded to short which Mike Bordick booted, putting runners on the corners. Pinch hitter Ed Kirkpatrick singled, plating Mayberry and sending Scheinblum to 3rd. Paul Schaal then missed on his suicide squeeze attempt, but Scheinblum eluded the tag with his slide for a steal of home*. Dick Drago worked into the 9th and Ted Abernathy came on to notch his 2nd save.

* - An interesting side not, Scheinblum NEVER stole a base in his actual major league career.

Turning point in series was John Mayberry's game winning homer in game 2.

Series MVP: John Mayberry, he was 6-12, scoring 4 runs, and driving in 5. He had 2 homers and 2 doubles also. --submitted by Milo Miller--

Cubbies sweep Bravos

2009-02-21T19:36:00.000-08:00

2006 Atlanta Braves (Terry Priest) and 1996 Chicago Cubs (Mike Kenny)
Game 1 Atlanta 4 Chicago 5

The Braves would strike first with 3 quick runs in the top of the 1st. The Cubs responded with 2 in their half of the 1st. Frank Castillo would settle down and would go 6 innings. Tim Hudson would struggle and later leave the game with an elbow strain. The teams would battle to a 4-4 tie with the Cubbies pulling it out in the bottom of the 11th after a throwing error put Rey Sanchez on 3rd base.

Game 2 Atlanta 0 Chicago 2

The respective Ace pitchers would take the hill for Game 2 and they didn't disappoint. Jamie Navarro would get his 1st win against 2 losses going 7 innings and only allowing 3 hits. Adams worked 2 scoreless for the save. John Smoltz was a hard luck loser only allowing 1 ER in 5 IP. Brian McRae and Mark Grace paced the Cubs with 2 hits each.

Game 3 Atlanta 2 Chicago 3
Atlanta proved to be pitcher friendly as Mike Campbell would improve to 2-0 with a 6 hit SO for the Cubbies. Again an error would hurt the Braves and lead to two unearned runs. The Cubs would pound 10 hits to complete the sweep.
The keys to the series was errors Atlanta had 5 and the Cubs only 1. Starting in Gm 1 and going to Gm 3 the Braves would not score for 21 innings!
Sosa continues to hit for average and power. --contributed by Mike Kenney--

'73 Bucs grab 2 of 3 from '82 Friars

2009-02-21T12:48:00.000-08:00

1982 Padres(Joey Scigliano), 1973 Pirates(Jesse Elicker)

Game 1 at Pittsburgh 9...Padres 8: This game was a slug fest as both starters were knocked from the game before the fifth inning. The Pirates jumped out to an early 2-0 lead with runs in the first inning. San Diego plated a pair of 2 run innings in the second and third to take a 4-2 advantage. Luis Salazar smacked a two run blast in the help the Padres. Richie Zisk connected for a solo bomb in the third and the score was 4-3 San Diego. Pittsburgh took the lead for good in the fifth inning as Pops Stargell walloped a 3 run homerun deep in the seats. The Pirates added two more runs in the same inning to distance themselves from The Friars. The Padres were not finished as they struck for 4 runs in the sixth inning to tie the game at 8. Luis Salazar led off the inning with his second homerun of the game. Then Joe Lefefebvre and Alan Wiggins singled, followed by a walk to Richards and another a run scoring hit by Lezcano. Kennedy hit a sacrifice fly to end the scoring. Gary Lucas came in the 7th inning but was greeted by leadoff hitter Richie Hebner, who smacked a homerun to center. Dave Giusti came in the 8th inning and he held the Padres down for the save.

Game 2 at Pittsburgh 4...Padres 5: John Montefusco and Nelson Briles squared off in game two and both pitched better than the two starters in game one. Terry Kennedy hit a homerun off lefty reliever Luke Walker to break a 2-2 tie. The lead was short lived as Willie Stargell hit a homerun off Montefusco in the bottom half of the sixth. The Padres came right back in the 7th as Sixto Lezcano tripled in Alan Wiggins to make it 4-3 Padres. San Diego added another run in the 9th for insurance. Gary Lucas came in the bottom of the ninth to nail down the victory but pinch hitter Bob Robertson clobbered a homerun to narrow it to a one run lead. However, Lucas buckled down and struck out the next batters and got homerun threat Al Oliver to ground out to end the game.

Game 3 at San Diego 1....Pirates 5: Jim Rooker and Andy Hawkins were the starters in the series finale in San Diego. That man again...Willie Stargell came up in the first inning with a man on base and hit another tape measure homerun to put the Pirates in front 2-0. That was the third homerun of the series for the big man know as "Pops" to his teammates. Pittsburgh picked up 3 more runs during the game and were never in any threat to lose it. Rooker had a no hitter untilthe fourth inning but speedster Alan Wiggins bunted for a hit to breakit up. Wiggins then stole second base and scored on a Terry Kennedy base hit. Rooker earned the win as he pitched 6 innings of 2 hit ball. He walked no one and struck out 4. Andy Hawkins pitched a good game as he went 7 innings allowing 5 hits and 4 runs.

Series MVP: Willie Stargell because he hit 3 homeruns(one in each game) and drove in 5 runs. --submitted by Joey Scigliano--

Motown steamrolls Bay City Boys

2009-02-18T15:05:00.000-08:00

Game 1 Dennis Lamp (1-0) vs Bert Cole (first appearance) The Tigers opened the scoring in the bottom of the first with consecutive singles by Harry Heilman, Ty Cobb and Bobby Veach. They pushed across one run on a Johnny Bassler ground out and that closed the scoring in the first inning. Ralph Young drove home a second run in the second inning on a ground out. Oakland responded in the third when Terry Stienbach tripled home Alfredo Griffin and then posted another run when Mike Gallego bunted home Jose Canseco with the bases loaded. The Tigers took the lead for good in the sixth on a two run homer by Veach (2). Canseco answered with a homer of his own (2). The Tigers broke away with four runs in the bottom of the eighth including a two run homer by Cobb (5). Cole lasted into the ninth when a lengthy rain delay sent hm to the showers and Jim Middleton closed out the game for his first save. Tigers 8 As 5

Game 2 Dave Stewart (2-0) vs Howard Emhke (0-1) This game was a pitchers duel through the first seven and a half innings. The As scored on a leadoff homer in the second by Canseco (3) (and his second leadoff homer of the series) and a sacrifice fly by Steinbach in the 8th. The Tigers scored on a solo shot by Veach (3) in the 4th and a single by Lu Blue in the 6th. Then the wheels fell off the wagon for the As pitching in the bottom of the 8th. Although Eric Plunk took the loss, the real culprit was Dennis Eckersley. Heilman worked Plunk for a leadoff walk in the 8th. Eck came in to face Cobb, wild pitched Heilman to second and then intentionally walked Cobb. Bobby Veach singled and Blue drove home two with a one out double. Bobby Jones cleared the bases with a single and the Tigers had a four run lead. Emhke gave up a leadoff pinchhit homer to Tony Bernazard (1) in the 9th, but finished the game for his first win. Tigers 6 As 3

Game 3. Dutch Leonard (2-0) would take the mound for the Tigers. The As with a pitching staff of only 8 and playing their sixth game in a row was at a loss for starters and went with Eckersley who had been the goat in the previous game. The Tigers would again show no respect for Eck as they plated one run in the 2nd and then five more in the 3rd, including a three run homer by Cobb (6), back to back doubles by Veach and Bassler and a single by Chick Shorten, playing rightfield for Heilman who was DH'ing. The Tigers added solo homers by Veach (4) in the 5th and Heilman (10) in the 6th and two more runs in the 7th on a Jones triple and Shorten double. The As came back with two runs in the bottom half of the 7th on a homer by Steinback (1) but the Tigers, feasting on the tired As bullpen, matched it in the 8th on a triple by Heilman and doubles by Ira Flagstead and Veach. Leonard, who would go on to star as Red Forman in "The 70s Show," had his knuckler working all game giving up five hits, five walks and striking out 6. Tigers 12 As 2. --submitted by Tom "Crash" Davis--

'88 Spos sweep '06 Rox

2009-02-18T09:43:00.000-08:00

2006 Colorado Rockies (Justin Ryan) vs 1988 Montreal Expos (Marc Weiss)

GAME 1 (Olympic Stadium): MON 3, COL 1

Mitch Webster led off the game with a single off Byun Kim. Tom Foley hit a liner to center that Sullivan misplayed making it 1st and 2nd with nobody out. Galarraga was intentionally passed to load the bases for Hubie Brooks who flew out for the 2nd out of the inning. Tim Wallach hit a hot smash off of Rockie third baseman Garrett Atkins to score 2 unearned runs. Nelson Santovenia struck out to end the inning, but the damage was done. The Rox scratched out a run in the 6th by playing small ball. Sullivan singled home Torrealba who was bunted into scoring position by the snake bit Kim. Expo starter Bryn Smith was cruising, but he ran out of gas after 7 top notch innings. He left the game on the winning side and had 8 k's. Jeff Parrett came on to pitch the final 2 to notch the save. Montreal added a much needed insurance run off of Kim in the 7th when Tim Raines singled home Mitch Webster. Mesa and King came on in relief of Kim and shut the door the rest of the way. Atkins had 2 of Colorado's 4 hits, but he will be most remembered for his error in the first, which allowed 2 unearned runs to score. That play was the difference.

GAME 2 (Olympic Stadium): MON 11, COL 5

Cook started for the Rox had a 4-2 lead going into the 8th. Manager Ryan, who fears his bullpen, tried to nurse another inning out of his starter, but it was not to be. Montreal unleashed a barrage that culminated with 9 runs crossing the plate to blow the doors wide open. Colorado relievers Ramirez and Martin were purely putrid. Montreal starter Pascual Perez notched his third win of the season even though he looked to be the hard luck loser until the fateful 8th. Perez was the victim of 3 errors and 3 unearned runs thanks to his porous defense. The Rock, Tim Raines went 4 for 5 with 2 RBI's and 2 runs scored.

GAME 3 (Coors Field): MON 7, COL 2
The series shifted to Coors Field, but the humidor was not going to be enough to stop the hot Expo bats from attaining the coveted series sweep. Montreal plated 4 in the opening stanza and 3 in the 4th and never looked back. Colorado starter, Josh Fogg, got bombed in 4 innings of work. Hubie Brooks' 3 run shot in the first and Tom Foley's 3 run shot in the 4th accounted for all but 1 of the Expos runs. John Dopson boosted his record to 3-0 with 8 solid innings where he scattered 11 hits, but only gave up 3 runs. Montreal increased its record to 13-1, which qualifies for the best ever start in KOD competition

TURNING POINT: In game 2 when Colorado's pen forced Ryan to keep Cook in well past the point of exhaustion. That win would have evened the series at 1 game apiece.

MVP: Tom Foley, who went 5-12 in the series and clouted a huge 3 run shot to break game 3 open. Foley had the added pressure of batting 3rd in that game as normal 3rd place hitter Tim Raines had the day off to rest.

'53 Nats take 2 of 3 from '71 Pale hose with two shutouts

2009-02-17T20:33:00.000-08:00

1953 Washington Senators (M.Weiss) & 1971 Chicago White Sox (D.Holm)

GAME 1: WAS 1, CHW 0 (10 inn)

The Pale Hose left 15 runners on base and failed to plate a run against Masterson and company. Washington wasn't knocking down any fences either and had two runners pegged at the plate to thwart rallies. A two out single in the 10th by Eddie "the walking man" Yost plated Mickey Grasso (who led off the inning w/a single) as the Nats won 1-0. Kealy took the loss for Chicago and Sonny Dixon won the game in relief for Washington.

GAME 2: CHW 6, WAS 5

The law of averages states that a lack of offense will usually be followed by an offensive outburst. Game 2 saw 10 more runs scored than the opener. Washington starter Chuck Stobbs was cruising until the top of the 9th when he lost it and reliever Sonny Dixon couldn't help. Chicago plated 3 runs that inning and Vicente Romo was stellar in 4 shutout innings in relief as he notched the win. Romo even started the rally to ignite the 3 run outburst in the 9th.

GAME 3: WAS 4, CHW 0

Rain and Washington's bats chased southpaw Tommy John from the mound after only 3 innings of work. John surrendered all 4 runs that Washington scored. Bob Porterfield was masterful tossing a 5 hit shutout in such abysmal conditions. Clyde Volmer went 3 for 4 and hit his second HR of the game, which was a solo shot off John. Wayne Terwilliger went 4 for 4.

TURNING POINT: All the LOB's in game 1. Chicago should have won that game and taken the series if it wasn't for some great Washington fielding and clutch pitching.

SERIES MVP: Porterfield, because he put the hammer down on Chicago and acted like a true stopper/ace. Lesser men might not have pitched through those conditions to carry his team.

'85 Bosox take 2 of 3 from '72 Royals

2009-02-17T20:06:00.000-08:00

The 85 Boston Red Sox traveled to Kansas City to open up a 3 game series. Game 1 featured Red Sox righty Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd squaring off against the Royals southpaw Jim Rooker. All the scoring in the game came in the 4th inning. Marty Barrett started the Red Sox uprising with a 1 out single to left. Steve Lyons followed up with a single to center to put runners on the corners. After Boyd struck out trying to squeeze, Dwight Evans laced a single to make it 1-0. Wade Boggs rolled a single to left to make it 2-0 and Jim Rice singled to make it 3-0. Kansas City scored twice in the bottom of the inning. Cookie Rojas reached on Bill Buckner’s fielding error, then a rain delay of 41 minutes halted play. Boyd returned to the mound and Amos Otis greeted him with a double to put 2 on and no one out. John Mayberry lofted a sac fly to right to make it 3-1 and Richie Schienblum doubled to make it 3-2. But, that was all the scoring as Boyd cruised through 7.1 innings fanning 6. Bob Stanley picked up his 3rd save working a perfect 9th, fanning 2. Wade Boggs went 3-5, lifting his average to .513.

Game 2 pitted Boston lefty Bruce Hurst against Kansas City righty Mike Hedlund. Boston jumped to a 3-0 lead in the top of the 1st, highlighted by a Rich Gedman 2 run double and Jim Rice RBI single. Kansas City made it 3-2 with Lou Pinella and Carl Taylor driving in runs. Boston scored a single run in the top of the 2nd, but Kansas City plated 3 in the bottom of the inning, highlighted by a Cookie Rojas 2 run double. Paul Schaal homered to left to make it 6-4 KC in the 3rd. Jim Rice drove in another run in the 4th to make it 6-4.In the 7th, Rice made it 6-5 with a solo homer off of Royal reliever Al Fitzmorris to tie the score. Boston took the lead in the 8th to make the comeback complete. The Royals turned to lefty Tom Burgmeier, but Marty Barrett greeted him with a double. Boston went to pinch hitter Tony Armas, who Burgmeier intentionally passed. Billy Buckner singled to load the bases and Wade Boggs hit a bases clearing double to make it 9-6 BoSox. Mark Clear pitched the final 2 innings, striking out 3 to gain his 1st save. Rice ended the game 4-5 with a homer and 4 RBI’s.

Game 3 moved to Boston. Dick Drago (KC) faced off against Al Nipper (Bos) in the series finale. Kansas City plated 2 in the 1st on a Lou Pinella single and 2 in the 2nd on a John Mayberry 2 run double. Kansas City plated single tallies in the 3rd and 5th to race out to a 6-0 lead. Boston began to chip away in the bottom of the 5th as Steve Lyons doubled in their 1st run. Boston plated another run in the 6th on a Bill Buckner ground ball. The Sox had loaded the bases with no one out, but could only manage 1 run. Wade Boggs homered in the 8th to make it 6-3. But that was it as Drago buckled down and shut the door on the Red Sox, going the route scattering 7 hits and striking out 7, raising his record to 2-1. Wade Boggs went 2-3 to raise his ave, to .532. --submitted by Milo Miller--

A shot heard round the (internet) world

2009-02-14T17:50:00.000-08:00

Tom Davis brings his Giants into Atlants to face terry Priest's Braves.

Game 1 Jim Hearn (0-2) would face John Smoltz (1-0) in the series opener.
The Giants started the scoring in the top of te first when Don Muellar singled home Whitey Lockman who had opened the game with a single, avancing to second on Matt Diaz' error. The Braves got to Hearns in the bottom of the second when he gave up a lead off single to Diaz and then walked Adam LaRoche. After getting two outs, Hearns lost any semblance of control and walked Smoltz and Marcus Giles, forcing in a run. Then Edgar Renteria drove home the go ahead run with a single. The two run lead stood up into the fifth when Brian McCann added two more with a two run homer, his first of the season. Smoltz was never in any real trouble and the Giants only managed a meaningless run in the 9th. Bob Wickman earned his fifth save of the season.

Game 2. Ruben Gomez (2-0) faced Horacio Martinez (1-0).
In Gomez' previous two starts he had thrown two complete game one hit shutouts. That would not be the case in this game as the Braves would have more hits in the bottom of the second than Gomez allowed in his previous 19 innings including a two run Diaz homer, his second home run of the season. The lead would not stand up as the Giants would get two runs in the 4th and two more in the fifth for a 5-2 lead. Two rain delays forced Gomez to the sidelines after 6 innings but Hoyt Wilhelm would come in and throw three scoreless innings, contributing to the Giant offense wih a leadoff triple in the 8th and a single in the 9th. Gomez wins his third (all three Giant victories), 8-2 and Hoyt Wilhelm picks up his first save.

Game 3. The rubber game of the series switched to the Polo Grounds with Chuck James (2-0) facing Larry Jansen (0-2, 11.00 ERA).
Atlanta struck first in the 4th when Chipper Jones doubled home Renteria. The Giants tied the game in the bottom of the 7th when Lockman singled home Monte Irvin. Both starters were now gone and the game was in the hands of the teams' relievers. Macay McBride was on the mound for the Braves when Irvin doubled home BobbyThomson for a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the 8th. Wilhelm, who had thrown a hitless 8th, opened the 9th by walking Chipper Jones and LaRoche. After striking out Diaz, A Wilhelm knuckler danced away from Wes Westrum and the runners advanced. Andruw Jones was intentionally passed and Wilhlem got the ground ball he was looking for from Jeff Francoeur. However Al Dark could only get one out and the Braves tied the score. And that score, 2-2 would stand through the 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th innings. The modern day propensity of major league teams to use relievers in very short outings hurt Brave manager Terry Priest and the innings ate up his bullpen. Meanwhile, the Giants used only two relievers, Marv Grisson (2 innings) and Al Worthington (4 innings). The game ended in the bottom of the 15th on a homerun by, fittingly enough, Bobby Thomson off John Thomson. Not a shot heard round the world, but his second of the season (and only the second homer of the season by the Giants). Worthington got the win in his first appearance of the season. And with only one pitcher left in his bullpen capable of throwing any innings, Braves manager Terry Priest was last seen making a phone call to the Braves' affiliate for some rested arms. --submitted by Tom "Crash" Davis--

'71 SOX VS '99 ORIOLES- SOX 2 GAMES O'S 1ALL ONE RUN GAMES

2009-02-14T17:42:00.000-08:00

GAME 1: ERICKSON VS WOOD
The Orioles hit 3 homers in the 6th and hit 5 all total but the Sox came back from a 5-1 deficit to win 7-6. Sox got 2 in 7th and 3 in 8th off Baltimores pen. Ed Herrmann hit big 2- run homer late. Jesse Orosco loss. Terry Forster win, Bart Johnson save. Harold Baines 2 homers.

GAME 2: PONSON VS JOHN
Sox score 4 in the first, 2 on Ed Herrmann's single. O's come back with 3 in the 4th to tie game on 2 sox errors.. Chicago scores 1 in 6th and 2 in 7th (sloppy O's fielding this time)and hang on for another 7-6 win. Baines another homer his 6th.Ponson loss, John win. Steve Kealey the shakey save.

GAME 3: BRADLEY VS MUSSINA
Birds score 6 in 5th inning and thats all they needed in another one run game. O's held off a late sox rally when Rich McKinney struck out with tying run on 2nd. Bradley loss, Mussina win, Timlin save. 6-5 O's.
Series MVP: Harold Baines 8 for 12, 5 runs, 5 rbi. --submitted by Dan Holm--

'21 Tigers take 2 of 3 from '98 Mariners

2009-02-13T01:28:00.000-08:00

1921 Detroit Tom Davis, 1998 Seattle Jeff Shelton

Detroit 7-6 (14 innings) ,Seattle 7-2, Detroit 3-2

Game one was a wild one as it went deep into the night 14 innings and almost 5 and half hours later a depleted Seattle bullpen gives up a two out triple to Ty Cobb who scores on a single by Lu Blue , Game 2 would be just what Seattle needed as the entire bullpen was used the night before Jamie Moyer goes the distance giving up 2 runs to even the series up at 1-1 Game 3 Would see the "The Georgia Peach hit 2 homers to account for all 3 Detroit runs to win 3-2

Turning point: Pitching to Ty Cobb in the 14th inning with 2 outs lead to the win for Detroit game 1, and pitching to him in game 3 .

MVP: Ty Cobb game winning hits in 2 of the 3 games

--submitted by Jeff Shelton--

'91 Halos take 2 of 3 from '53 Nats

2009-02-11T18:26:00.000-08:00

GAME 1 (Anaheim): '53-WAS (5), '91-CAL (2)
Mark Langston didn't have it. Chuck Stobbs did. Langston looked sluggish from the start and yielded 4 runs (3 earned) over 5 inning of work. Stobbs went 8 and gave up 2 before yielding to Sonny Dixon who notched his 1st save of the season. The Senators scored 2 in the first and 2 in the 3rd and they tacked on an insurance tally in the 8th.

GAME 2 (Anaheim): '91-CAL (2), '53-WAS (0)
Jim Abbott tossed a 4 hitter vs hard luck Bob Porterfield. Washington made 5 errors and each Angel run was unearned. Angel manager Douglas Zaner commented how Porterfield pitched much better than the results indicated. Still Abbott was brillant as he increased his record to 2-1 with a poultry 0.74 ERA

GAME 3 (Griffith): '91-CAL (5), '53-WAS (4) 10 inn
The rubber match was a classic. Both teams coveted the win to inch closer to mediocrity. Chuck Finley started for the Angels and pitched 6 solid innings. Spec Shea started for the Nats and was gone before the 2nd inning ended due to an elbow strain. Connie Marrero relieved Shea and gave up 4 runs in just over 6 innings of work. Despite the poor relief performance by Marrero the Nats showed no quit. With the score 3-2 Washington the Angels tagged Marrero for 2 runs in the top of the 8th to take a 1 run lead. Back to back jacks by Winfield and Gaetti silenced the crowd at Griffith Stadium. Angels closer Brian Harvey looked to close it out in the 9th and was well on his way to doing so after gettng Pete Runnels to ground to short and Eddie Yost to pop to shallow right. Mickey Vernon hit a hard grounder that Donnie Hill booted at second and wound up on second with 2 outs. Jackie Jensen hit a clutch single to righ to tie the game, but he got greedy trying to stretch it into a double. Reliever Sonny Dixon, who pitched out of a jam in the 9th would not be so lucky as Dave Gallagher singled home Winfield for the go ahead run. The Nats, who ran out of comebacks, went down like lambs in the bottom half of the 10th as Harvey regained his dominant form.

Exposed !!!

2009-02-09T14:03:00.000-08:00

GAME 1 (Astrodome): 88-MON (7), 74-HOU (2)

Houston's ace, Larry Dierker had a bittersweet day. He fanned 13 Expo batters in 7 innings worth of work, but he gave up 4 runs and was out pitched by Montreal's John Dopson who went the distance and only yielded 2 runs. With the score tied at 2-2 the 7th inning was Dierker's undoing. Andres Galaraga, who had a 4 RBI day, doubled home Mitch Webster and Tom Foley. Two innings later, "El Ghatto" hit a 2 run homer to seal the game.

GAME 2 (Astrodome): 88-MON (5), 74-HOU (2)

The Expos battered around lefty Dave Roberts to the tune of 5 runs in 7 innings of work. El Presidente, Dennis Martinez notched his third win in three tries by going 8 and only giving up 2. Tim Burke pitched a scoreless and uneventful 9th for his second save of the season. Tim "Eli" Wallach and Andres Galarraga both had 3 hit days. The Expos broke it open in the 4th with 3 big runs. Wallach led off with a double down the left field line off of Roberts. Galaraga singled so hard to left, Bob Watson was able to relay the ball back to the infield and hold the runners at the corners. With the count 2-2, Hubie Brooks hit a shot into the left center gap to score Wallach and move Galarraga to third. The next hitter, Tracy Jones, fell into a 1-2 hole but Roberts was not able to punch him out. Jones lined a shot past Astros secondbaseman Tommy Helms to score 2. Catcher Mike Fitzgerald wasn't as lucky as he popped to Lee May at first for the first out of the inning. Shortsop Luis Rivera, who was hitting .107 finally hit a ball hard. Unfortunately for him it was right at SS Roger Metzger, who easily turned two to end Montreal's threat. The following inning Montreal manufactured an insurance run with 2 outs as Rex Hudler singled and stole second as Roberts was napping. The RBI man, Tim Wallach singled him in and just like that Houston was virtually done. Two runs in the 7th made the score seem respectable. In a losing cause Roger Metzger was stellar in the field and at the plate with 3 consecutive hits.

GAME 3 (Olympic Stadium): 88-MON (5), 74-HOU (4)

The closest game of the series saw the Expos jump out to a 4-0 lead. This time the Astros made more than a token effort to get back into the game. The Expos scored 2 in the bottom of the 3rd as Galarraga doubled home Dave Martinez and Tom Foley. The following inning Martinez doubled home Hubie Brooks and Nelson Santovenia to make it 4-0. Have no fear Astro fans, Neal Heaton was on the mound for the Expos. Heaton is not one of the more skilled hurlers on the Expos staff, but he did deserve a shot since Montreal's other starters were fatigued. Heaton didn't allow a run for the first 4 innings, but the pessimistic Quebecois fans seemed poised for disaster. In the top of the 5th it struck as the Astros tagged him for 3 runs all with 2 outs. Doug Rader walked and light hitting Wilbur Howard homered to score 2. The second guessers and Monday Morning Quarterbacks were all questioning Montreal's strategy of pitching to Howard while the Astro pitcher, Don Wilson, was on deck. When Wilson singled crisply up the middle a few pitches later, no one continued to question the Expos strategy. Lead off hitter, Bob Watson, then doubled hard off the wall to scroe the third run and cut the deficit to 1. In the 6th Expo catcher Nelson Santovenia doubled with 2 out and pinch hitter Jeff Huson singled him home to increase the lead to 2. It stayed that way until the top of the 9th when Cesar Cedeno led off with a walk and promptly stole second. Larry Milbourne singled to center. Houston third base coach, Paul Johnson, waved Cedeno home, but he was out in a very close play at the plate. Tim Raines made a strong throw to Mike Fitzgerald who blocked the plate perfectly. While this was occurring Milbourne snuck into second. The "Red Rooster", Doug Rader singled home Milbourne off of Expo closer Tim Burke. With Rader on 1st and down by a run Wilbur Howard, who homered in the 5th, stepped to the plate. With a 1-1 count Rader, who must have misread the sign, attempted to steal second, but was pegged by Fitzgerald by at least 2 strides to end the game. Tim Burke notched the save in an unorthodox manner to seal the series sweep.

Melton homers in all 4 games as CHW splits w/MIN

2009-02-09T09:14:00.000-08:00

GAME 1: WOOD VS PASCUAL
SOX HIT 3 HOMERS AND WILBUR WOOD GOT HIS 2ND WIN AS SOX WENT TO 5-0 WITH 6-3 WIN OVER MINNESOTA.

GAME 2: HORLEN VS STIGMAN
BELTIN BILL MELTON HIT HIS 4TH HOMER AND SUSPECT SOX BULLPEN HUNG ON FOR A 4-3 WIN AND PALEHOSE START OFF SEASON A SURPRISING 6-0.TERRY FORSTER 2.2 SCORELESS RELIEF AND BART JOHNSON SAVE. BILL PLEIS THE LOSS

GAME 3: KAAT VS BRADLEY
THE PATHETIC SOX FIELDING REARED ITS UGLY HEAD WITH 4 ERRORS HANDING THE GAME TO THE TWINS FOR THEIR FIRST LOSS. 2 OF ERRORS CAME IN THE TWINS 3 RUN 9TH. MELTON HIS 5TH HOMER ALREADY.

GAME 4: GRANT VS B. JOHNSON
BART JOHNSON AND VINCE ROMO COMBINED FOR 13 WALKS AS MINNESOTA GETS A SPLIT. BILL MELTON ANOTHER HOMER FOR NAUGHT. 6-4 TWINS
Melton homers in all 4 games...--submitted by Dan Holm--

'06 Braves scalp '74 Stros

2009-02-09T07:16:00.000-08:00

1974 Hou - Paul Johnson, 2006 Atl - Terry Priest

GAME1: ATL6, HOU4
The 74 Astros met the 06 Braves at Turner Field in an exciting game that may well have been announced by Rod Serling. Houston drew first blood against Atlanta starter John Smoltz in the top of the first when Bob Watson doubled home Lee May. In the bottom of the 2nd Adam LaRoche deposited a Larry Dierker pitch in the rightfield seats for his 2nd homerun of the season and a tie ballgame. In the top of the 3rd the lights went out in the Houston dugout. The power was restored within a few minutes and the game continued for an inning until the rain came in the 4th forcing a 32 minute delay. Each team posted 2-spots in the 5th and the game remained tied at 3 until the bottom of 7th. Atlanta loaded the bases and took the lead on a Jerry Johnson wild pitch. Marcus Giles then lined a single past Lee May to score 2 more runs and give the Bravos a 6-3 lead. The final score was 6-4 with Chad Paronto picking up his first win in relief while Bob Wickman recorded his 3rd save of the year. The turning point came in the bottom of the 7th when the Braves scored 3 times to take a 6-3 lead. Marcus Giles was the game MVP. He went 2 for 3 with a walk and 4 RBIs, including the game winner in the 7th.

GAME 2: ATL 6, HOU 2
Houston's JR Richard faced off against John Thomson from Atlanta in the second game of the series. The Astros led 2-0 after two innings highlighted by Lee May's first long ball of the year. Starting in the 3rd the Braves scored 6 unanswered runs to notch the win with a 6-2 final. Although Richard started the game strong fanning the first 4 batters he faced he was tagged with the loss after tiring in the 6th. Thomson recorded 2 outs in the 6th, good enough to earn his first win. Chipper Jones provided today's turning point with an RBI single in the 3rd to tie the game. Chipper also gets MVP honors for picking up another RBI in the 5th giving the Braves a lead they held for the rest of the game.

GAME 3: Atl 10, Hou 4
The series moved to the pitcher friendly Astrodome for games 3 and 4. Somebody forgot to mention the "pitcher friendly" part to Andruw Jones. He homered in his first 3 at-bats to power the Braves to a 10-4 win. Braves starter Chuck James went 6 innings to improve to 2-0 and Oscar Villareal pitched the final 3 to earn his first save of the season. Don Wilson pitched 7 innings for the Stros but give up 8 runs, all earned, and was saddled with the loss. Joining Andruw in the homerun column was Chipper Jones, Matt Diaz, Doug Rader and Lee May with 2 big flies of his own. In the 8th inning the Braves broke the game open with 4 runs to make the score 10-3. The inning was highlighted by Diaz' 2-run blast. Andruw Jones earned MVP honors with a 4 for 4 performance including 3 HRs, 4 RBIs and 4 runs scored.

GAME 4: Atl 11, Hou 7
Atlanta finished off the sweep of the Astros with a wild, seesaw 11-7 victory. Houston posted 4 runs in the bottom of the 4th to take a 4-1 lead. From there on each team scored runs every half inning until the 8th when the Braves put up 3 to take a 9-7 lead they would hold on to. Chad Paronto earned his second win of the season in relief and Bob Wickman came on with 2 out in the bottom of the 8th and produced his 4th save of the year. Ken Forsch gave up 3 runs in two thirds of an inning and was tagged with the loss. The turning point of the game came once again in the 8th inning when Adam LaRoche punched a grounder past the diving Lee May into rightfield scoring 2 runs and giving the Braves the lead. Marcus Giles was the game MVP going 4 for 6 with 4 runs scored and 3 RBIs including a 2-run homer in the 9th to cap the scoring. --submitted by Terry Priest--

Halo arms cool Mariner bats in pitching dominated series

2009-02-06T05:33:00.000-08:00

Jeff Shelton 98 Mariners , Douglas Zaner 91 Angels

Cal 3-0 , Cal 3-0 , Cal 15-7 , Sea 4-0

Angels pitching dominate the series pitching 2 shutout in Seattle , Mark Langston , Abbott both go 7+ with zero runs in games 1 and 2 ,game 3 was a slug fest 15-7 , game 4 Ken Cloude goes 6 + giving up no runs for the Win List the turning point. The big bats of Seattle Griffey -A-Rod was a combined 2-29 in the series the 98 Marines are real lucky to win 1 game out of 4 with there Stars hitting like that. Who would you consider the MVP and why ? Langston, Abbott was the MVP from the time they stepped on the mound the 1st 2 games where over. --submitted by Jeff Shelton--

'88 Expos take 3 of 4 from '53 G-men

2009-02-03T12:15:00.000-08:00

GAME 1 (Polo Grounds) - 88-MON (5), 53-NYG (0)
El Presidente', Dennis Martinez, continued his mastery of KOD batter by tossing a complete game 6 hit shutout. Montreal touched Giant starter, Jim Hearn, for 4 runs over 7 innings and added an insurance run off of reliever Marv Grissom to win this one easily. The Giants threatened to score in both the 4th and 5th innings, but Martinez was able to rise to the occasion and get an easy ground out to end each respective inning. As the game went on Martinez got stronger. Andres Galaraga single home a run in the 1st and plated Tim Raines with a sac fly to center in the 6th for 2 RBI's.

GAME 2 (Polo Grounds) - 53-NYG (3), 88-MON (0)
Not to be outdone by his Latino counterpart, Ruben Gomez tossed a 1 hitter as the Giants evened the series at 1 game apiece. Gomez went 6 2/3 innings before surrendering a clean single to Galaraga. That would be Montreal's lone bit of offense for the day. The game was scoreless until the 4th when Hank Thompson walked and Dave Williams singled to put runners at the corners. Alvin Dark hit a long shot to the warning track in right to score Thompson, but Dave Williams was pegged at second by a perfect throw from Hubie Brooks to end the rally. Gomez had to be almost perfect, because he was nursing a 1 run lead until the 7th, when the Giants scored 2 and virtually put the game out of reach, since Gomez was almost unhitable.

GAME 3 (Olympic Stadium) - 88-MON (5), 53-NYG (1)
Pascual Perez looked a bit shaky as the game started when he yielded a leadoff double to Whitey Lockman. Perez got some great fielding from Hubie Brooks in right as well a himself, when he sneared a hard hit combacker off of Don "Mandrake" Mueller's bat. The second inning started out almost the same as the first when Perez yielded a leadoff triple to Hank Thompson, who scored on a sac fly to center off of Alvin Dark's bat. For the Giants, this would be the end of their offense for the day. Manager Tom Davis voiced major concern after the game when he was quoted as saying, "I've never seen a Giant with this poor of an offensive showing ever". The Expos on the other hand seem to be firing on all 8 cylinders. They played a little "small ball" and scored a run in the third, when they combined 3 consecutive singles and some good baserunning. Nelson Santovenia led off with a hit, which was followed up by Mitch Webster and Tom Foley singles. Santovenia scored easily on Foley's hit. With 1 out and 2 on the most unlikely candidate for a DP, Tim "Rock" Raines, stepped to the plate and hit into a room service 6-4-3 to end the inning. Giant starter Larry Jansen really dodged a bullet, but would not be so lucky in the 4th, when Rex Hudler hit a 3 run shot to dead center to make the score 4-1. Montreal added an insurance run in the 6th, when Galaraga led off with a solo shot. Perez cruised to the complete game victory.

GAME 4 (Olympic Stadium) - 88-MON (1), 53-NYG (0)
Floyd Youmans and Sal "The Barber" Maglie hooked up in a classic 1-0 pitcher's duel. Sadly, both hurlers only went 7 and neither was involved in the final decision. With no score in the bottom of the 8th Andres Galaraga worked the count to 3-2 and walked when HOF reliever Hoyt Wilhelm bounced a knuckler in the dirt. The ever patient Hubie Brooks was up next and he too worked out a walk after Galaraga stole second. El Ghatto is a cerebral player who knew that Wilhelm's knuckler would be hard to handle, which would give him a great jump to take second. Compounding his problems, Wilhelm's 3-2 offering to Brooks skipped off the plate and rolled to the backstop. This put runners on the corners with 1 out and Tim Wallach striding to the plate. Wilhelm battled Wallach who got just enough of a 2-2 knuckler to send it to deep left field. Monte Irvin caught it on the run, but was in no position to throw home as Galaraga broke the scoreless deadlock. Irvin was not through on defense as he needed to run even harder to snare a hooking line drive off of shortstop Luis Rivera's bat to end the inning. Jeff Parrett, who came on in the 8th to relieve Youmans, started the 9th and got Alvin Dark to line back out to the box. Joe Hesketh was brought on to face the lefty Mueller, who punched an opposite field single in between Wallach and Rivera. Another lefty Hank Thompson came to the plate with 1 out and a runner on 1st. Hesketh knew that this would be the last batter he would be facing today, since closer Tim Burke was up in the pen and on deck was Bobby "Shot heard round the world" Thompson, a big righty bat. Thompson worked the count to 3-2 and everyone north of the border was on the edge of their seat. Hesketh delivered and Thompson hit a hot smash to Tom Foley at second. Foley tossed the ball to Rivera for the force and Rivera gunned a bullet over to Gallaraga who stretched to get Thompson out by a stride to end it. The Expos took 3 of 4 to increase their record to 7-1, while the Giants left Canada pondering how their potent offense got detained at Customs. At his post game press conference Giants skipper, Tom Davis, said, "Our offense has been troubled all year so far. We're really missing that Mays kid who has been in the Army since last spring. I can't help but wonder why Mays was forced to serve, yet his counterpart in the Bronx (one Mickey Mantle) was allowed a deferment." NY Post sports writing legend Jimmy Cannon had this to say in regards to Davis' comments, "Granted Mays had a great rookie campaign in '51, but let's see him do it for a sustained period of time before we order a bronze bust."

Cincy has reservations after dropping 3 of 4 to Braves.

2009-01-31T22:23:00.000-08:00

2006 ATL - Terry Priest, 1971 CIN - Rick Tharp
Game 1 - Atl 11, Cin 0
The Reds and Braves opened their seasons on a hot, humid Atlanta afternoon. Gary Nolan and John Smoltz took the hill for their respective teams. The weather would keep either starter from going deep in the game. The Braves opened the scoring with a single run in the 2nd inning. After a 58 minute rain delay the Braves broke out the bats and when all was done had an 11-0 shutout. Nolan pitched into the 5th inning while Smoltz scattered 6 hits across 6 innings to pick up the win. Edgar Renteria went 4 for 4 at the plate and Wilson Betemit hit a pinch hit 2-run homer in the 7th. Tommy Helms and Bernie Carbo each had 2 hits for Cincinnati.
Atlanta took the lead in the 2nd and added 2 more runs for a 3-0 lead after 3 innnings. In the 7th the Bravos tacked on 5 runs at the expense of Joe Gibbon to put the game out of reach.
The Atlanta offense would be the game's MVP. Edgar Renteria was 4 for 4 and while Chipper Jones and Brian McCann were each 2 for 5 with 3 RBIs.

Game 2 - Atl 4, Cin 3
Game 2 started out looking like a shoot-out in the making. The 71 Reds scored 3 runs in the top of the 1st off of Braves starter Chuck James. Pete Rose led off the game with a homerun and Johnny Bench added another solo shot later in the inning to stake Cincy to a 3-0 lead. However the Bravos answered in the bottom of the inning with 4 runs of their own, highlighted by an RBI from Chipper Jones and 2 more from Brian McCann. Interestingly that would all of the scoring as Don Gullett and James settled down and goose eggs were posted the rest of the way. Cincy had a runner aboard in the 9th but Bob Wickman recorded the last two outs to preserve the win and notch his first save of the season.
The turning point occurred when Andruw Jones picked up an RBI in the bottom of the 1st that gave Atlanta a 4-3 lead and capped the scoring for the day.
Marcus Giles picked up game MVP honors going 3 for 4 and sparking the Braves rally in the 1st.

Game 3 - Cin 3, Atl 0
The series moved to the Queen City and Cincinnati quickly returned the home-opening favor to the visiting Atlanta team. Jim McGlothlin and the Reds shut out the Braves on 5 hits. George Foster gave the hometown fans something to cheer about with an RBI in the bottom of the 2nd to put Cincy up 1 - 0. Tim Hudson pitched 7 innings for the Bravos but McGlothlin was even better with his 7 innings of shut out ball.
The turning point of the game occurred when Hudson gave way to Ken Ray in the 8th. Tony Perez and Lee May greeted Ray with back-to-back solo homeruns. Clay Carroll made the 3 - 0 lead stand up to pick up his first save. The star of the day was McGlothlin as he frustrated the Atlanta hitters and help the Reds get into the win column.

Game 4 - ATL 4, CIN 2
In a game where 4 of the 6 runs were provided by solo homers the Braves were able to capture the win. Horacio Ramirez and Ross Grimsley squared off in the fourth game of the series and each pitched well going 7 and 8 innings respectively. Andruw Jones, Marcus Giles and Adam LaRoche each hit solo homers for the Bravos and George Foster had a solo shot of his own for the Reds. Bob Wickman entered the game with 2 out and a runner on second in the bottom of the ninth. He recorded the final out earning his second save of the season and the win for Ramirez. The game was tied 2-2 after 5 innings when LaRoche deposited a Grimsley fastball into the rightfield seats to give the lead to Atlanta and the game's MVP honors to himself. --subitted by Terry Priest--

Minnesota finds KC a Royal pain...

2009-01-31T22:03:00.000-08:00

The KOD6 season kicked off with the 72 Kansas City Royals hosting the 64 Minnesota Twins. Game 1 featured Camilio Pasqual of the Twins facing off against the Royals Dick Drago. The game was scoreless until the botttom of the 3rd when Paul Schaal reached 2nd on a 2 base throwing error by Twins 3rd baseman Rich Rollins. After Drago dropped down a perfect sacrifice, Freddie Patek laced a single to right to give KC a 1-0 lead. In the top of the 4th, Harmon Killebrew tied the score with a shot to left center. Kansas City regained the lead in the bottom of the inning on an Ed Kirkpatrick Sacrifice Fly. In the 6th, Schaal made it 3-1 Royals with a single to left. The score stayed that way until the 9th.
The Royals brought in submariner Ted Abernathy to protect the 2 run lead. Lead off hitter Killebrew struck again with his 2nd homer, a shot to left. Abernathy was done and lefty Tom Burgmeier came in. He retired Jimmy Hall on a fly to center and Don Mincher on a pop to 1st. Zoilo Versalles stepped in and dripped a single. Catcher Earl Battey followed with a single moving Versalles to 3rd. With number 8 hitter Jerry Kindall due up, the Twins turned to pinch hitter Vic Power. Burgmeier induced Power to ground to short for a 6-4 force out. The Royals prevailed 3-2.

Game 2 seen Jim Kaat (Minn) squaring off against Bruce Dal Canton (KC). Once again the Royals drew 1st blood. Ed Kirkpatrick had an RBI single and Paul Schaal followed with a RBI double to give the Royals a 2-0 lead. Minnesota got on the board when Zoilo Versalles smacked a run scoring triple and drew even in the 4th on a Jimmy Hall homer. Once again the Royals bounced back when Schaal homered to give KC a 3-2 lead.
In the 7th, Minnesota gained their 1st lead of the series as pinch hitter Bernie Allen singled home a run and Rich Rollins added a run scoring 2 out double. In the 8th Harmon Killebrew struck again with his 3rd homer on the young season to give the Twins a 5-3 lead. Kansas City responded with a single tally in the bottom of the 8th to pull within 1.
Minnesota again pushed the lead to 2 runs on a Bernie Allen homer, setting the stage for the bottom of the 9th. The Twins turned to Al Worhtington to try to close it out. Freddie Patek open the bottom of the 9th with a single and Cookie Rojas drew a walk. Worthington then induced Amos Otis to ground to short, moving the runners up. John Mayberry then stepped in and with a 2-2 count delivered a 3 run shot to right center to give the Royals a come from behind 7-6 victory.

Game 3 shifted to Minnesota. The Twins sent Jim "Mudcat" Grant to the mound to try to slow down the Royals. Kansas City countered with lefty Paul Splittorf. Minnesota struck in the first with 3 runs. Tony Olivo delivered a shot down the right field line to give Minnesota a 1-0 lead. After Harmon Killebrew grounded to 3rd, Jimmy Hall drew a 2 out walk. Don Mincher then followed Oliva’s lead with a 2 run shot, a liner down the right field line. That would be all the scoring. Grant was the story of the game. He went the distance, scattering just 5 hits and striking out 1 in his 112 pitch performance.

Minnesota looked to split the series as they sent Jim Perry to the mound against the Royals Roger Nelson in game 4. Kansas City jumped on Perry with 3 runs in the 2nd . Lou Pinella opened the inning with a triple and came home on a Paul Schaal single. After a Rich Rollins error, Cookie Rojas struck out and pitcher Nelson sacrificed the runners up. Freddie Patek delivered a 2 run triple to make it 3-0. Minnesota came right back with run in the bottom of the inning on back to back doubles by Bobby Allison and Zoilo Versalles. Minnesota plated 3 in the bottom of the 3rd . Rich Rollins delivered a leadoff triple and was plated by Tony Oliva’s sacrifice fly. Harmon Killebrew then stepped in and launched his 4th homer of the season . The Twins weren’t done yet as Jimmy Hall doubled and came around to score on an Earl Battey single.
Kansas City responded with a run in the 4th to tie it at 4, with Richie Scheinblum delivering a RBI single. The Royals struck for 2 in the 7th. Freddie Patek singled to open the inning and Scheinblum homered to make it 6-4, Royals. Amos Otis singled in a run in the 9th to make it 7-4 and the Royals called in Tom Burgmeier to end it. The Twins had other ideas. Ed Kirkpatrick lead off and was retired on a long fly to left center. The dangerous Killebrew stepped in and lined a single to right center. Jimmy Hall followed suit with a single to right, Killebrew stopped at 2nd. Bobby Allison single to left to load the bases. Versalles hit a grounder to the hole which Patek fielded and threw him out, but all runners moved up. Earl Battey then was retired on a grounder to 2nd to end the game. --submitted by Milo Miller--

Amazins' beat up on former NY'ers...

2009-01-31T06:34:00.000-08:00

Game 1. Jim Hearn opened the season against Bobby Jones. Hearn scattered just four hits but allowed three runs including a homer to Carl Everett. Meanwhile Jones kept the Giants off balance scattering 7 hits and winning 4-3

Game 2 Ruben Gomez allowed only one base runner through the first seven innings and that was a walk. However, Edgardo Alfonzo led off the bottom of the 8th with a triple. Gomez bore down and stranded him, then mowing through the Mets in the ninth. Gomez through a one hitter and won 5-0

Game 3. The Mets pounded starter Jim Jensen and sent in to the showers after only two innings. Mlicki started for the Mets, pitched 7 innings and won 11-2

Game 4. Pete Harnish and Sal Maglie locked up in a pitchers duel. Edgardo Alfonzo continued to be a pain the Giants side by driving in he first run of the game in the third. The Giants tied it up in the 5th, but Jeff Kent scored in the 7h on an error by Hank Thompson at third and the Mets took the game 2-1 and the series 3-1. --submitted by Tom Davis--

71 P Hose sweep away '91 Halos

2009-01-30T10:28:00.000-08:00

Game 1: Langston vs Wood:
Sox hit 3 solo homers (Hershberger Melton,Andrews) and Wilbur Woods knuckler danced in the late innings as Chicago wins game 1 7-3. Wood didn't let up a run after the 4th and walked only 1. 6 different Sox players had an rbi.
Game 2: Abbott vs Bradley:
Tom Bradley was in complete control striking out 11 and twirling a 4-hitter. Mike Andrews had both Sox rbi's in a 2-1 Chicago win. Jim Abbott had 9 k's of his own in a tough loss.
Game 3: B.Johnson vs Finley:
These two pitchers both walked over 100 batters during their respective seasons and Johnson walked 111 in just 170+ innings.Sox got off to early lead in 1st and never looked back as Johnson k's 9 and walks only 3 for win. Finley was wild and walked 4 in his 5.1 innings. 5-1 White Sox.
Game 4: John vs McCaskill:

Bill Meltons 3- run homer in 1st was all Chicago needed as Angles get white washed 3-0. Tommy John pitched 6 scoreless Kealey a hold Forster the save.
Lots of KKKK going on by both teams 36 each. Angels hit just .201 and were outscored 17-5. Bill Melton 2 hr's 5 rbi. --submitted by Dan Holm--

88 Spos sweep 65 Redbirds

2009-01-29T21:00:00.000-08:00

GAME 1: (Olympic Stadium) - 88-MON 3, 65-STL 2
El Presidente' bested the great Gibson in a low scoring affair. With the game scoreless Tim Wallach led off the bottom of the 5th with a blast that went just past the outstretched arms of Lou Brock and off the left field wall on a bounce. Wallach pulled into second standing as Brock soft tossed it to Boyer at third. Gibby then jammed Luis Rivera with a 1-2 fastball. Rivera fought it off and sent a can of corn to Curt Flood in center. Gibson then walked the light hitting Nelson Santovenia on 5 pitches to make it 1st and 2nd. Dennis Martinez came to the plate to bunt, but Gibson wasn't about to let him lay down an easy one. With the count at 1-2 El Presidente' chopped one to Julian Javier at second to advance the runner, just as he originally intended. Up came Mitch Webster, the Expos Centerfielder, who has been fighting the injury bug. Webster is a good contact hitter with above average speed, but below average pop. Gibson jumped ahead in the count 0-1 and tried to sneak a back door slider by Webster who poked it into right to score both Wallach and Santovenia and break the scoreless tie. Gibson, ever the competitor, blew away the next hitter (Tom Foley) with a his 4th strikeout of the day, but the damage was already done and Montreal led 2-0 after 5. Montreal tacked on another run in the 6th as Tim Raines walked, stole second and was singled home by Wallach. Martinez was cruising, but after yielding a solo run in the 8th his day was done. Joe Hesketh started the 9th in relief of Martinez and promptly walked Flood who was then caught trying to steal second. Bill White then walked and moved to second on a wild pitch. Ken Boyer hit one deep in the hole that caused shortstop Luis Rivera to hurry his throw, which pulled Gallaraga off the bag. Rivera was charged with an error and the Cards had runners on the corners with 1 out. Tim McCarver followed with a hot smash to Foley at 2nd, who booted the ball, which allowed White to score from third. With 1 out and 2 runners on the call to the bullpen brought in closer Tim Burke, who got Dick Groat to fly out to Webster in center for the 2nd out. Burke, who is always an adventure, walked Tito "father of Terry" Francona and the Cards were really putting the pressure on. Burke, who loves the drama, began to rear back and throw bee-bee's. Three pitches and one flying mullet later Julian Javier was struck out and the Expos won the opener.

GAME 2: (Olympic Stadium) - 88-MON 4, 65-STL 2
Montreal opened the scoring off of Curt Simmons with a 2 run double in the first by Andres "El Ghatto" Gallaraga. "The Cat" hit a long fly ball off a 1-2 count that looked to be catchable. Cardinal manager Bike Mike did not seem happy in the dugout. Some speculate that he believes is enigmatic star, Lou Brock, might have been "loafing" in left. Brock had an all world year in 1964, but in 1965 he seems to be a little complacent and not as daring as the guy who single handedly pushed his team to the pennant during the previous campaign. The Cards scratched out runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings to tie the game. It stood that way until the bottom of the 6th when Luis Rivera singled home Hubie Brooks and the speedy Tim Raines to make it 4-2 Expos. Bryn Smith, the Expos starter, ran out of gas and exited after 6 innings. Montreal's bullpen held the Cards at bay to preserve the lead, but it wasn't easy. The Cards put a huge scare into the Expos in the 9th as Tim Burke lost his control and Joe Hesketh needed to come in from the pen to get the final out.

GAME 3: (Busch Stadium) - 88-MON 2, 65-STL 1
Tracy Stallard and Pascual Perez locked up in a good old fashioned pitchers's duel for 8 innings. Stallard was in the process of nursing a 1 run lead and a shutout when he tired in the 8th and Montreal scored 2 runs. Mitch Webster led off the inning with a fantastic drag bunt that caught the Cardinal infielders by surprise. Stallard was lifted immediately for reliever Hal Woodeshick, who walked Raines of 4 straight pitches to make it 1st and 2nd with nobody out. Gallaraga then hit a sharp grounder to Boyer who went around the horn for the double play. Unfortunately for the Cards Gallaraga beat Javier's throw to White by a hair. With Hubie Brooks coming up Cardinal manager Bike Mike went to the double switch and brought Bob Uecker in to catch and Don Dennis in to pitch. Brooks singled to right off of Dennis' 2-1 offering to tie the score at 1 apiece. With the count 1-2 Dennis made the perfect pitch, but Tim Wallach was able to turn on it and put it just past the diving Groat at short to give Montreal the 2-1 lead. Perez started the 9th, but couldn't close the door as Joe Hesketh came on in relief to notch his second save of the KOD season.

GAME 4: (Busch Stadium) - 88-MON 3, 65-STL 0 (6 innings)
Dark clouds were over St. Louis (literally and figuratively) as the game began. The weatherman (not Justin) advised the teams to play fast, because a bad storm front was going to move in. Since this was the final game of the series the powers that be agreed to take a chance and get the game in. Montreal had 4 singles and 3 runs off of Cardinal starter Ray Sadecki in the top of the 2nd to stake John Dopson to a nice 3 run lead off a Cardinal squad that has been having issues plating runs. Before the Cardinal offense could get on track mother nature opened up the heavens and the game was called 6th. Montreal completed the sweep and St. Louis was left to ponder why their lumber was splintered. Interesting to note, Cardinal reliever Barney Schultz left both games 1 and 2 with injuries. Schultz is in the twi-light of a no descript career, but he did solidify the Cardinal pen down the stretch last season (1964) as St. Louis was able to overcome the fading Phils.

Big Mac Attack as SEA/OAK split

2009-01-29T20:40:00.000-08:00

87 Oakland-98 Seattle Stu Geller-Jeff Shelton

Game 1 Oak 7-6 , Game 2 Oak 6-1 Game 3 Sea 6-2. Game 4 Sea 7-3

Home team loses all 4 games is the big story. Mark McGwire's 3 homers led to a sweep in Seattle. David Segui & Ken Griffey Jr. homer twice in games 3-4 to lead the Mariners to wins in Oakland List the turning point. Travel was the turning point as neither team could win at homeWho would you consider the MVP and why ? McGwire would be the MVP with 3 homers in 4 games. --Submitted by Jeff Shelton--

Richie Zisk hits 1st KOD Cycle !!!

2009-01-28T19:07:00.000-08:00

Congrats to manager Jesse Elicker, for piloting the team (1973 Pittsburgh Pirates) that offered up KOD's first batter to hit for a cycle. Richie Zisk went 4 for 6 with 6 RBI's as he set a KOD first. Zisk can thank teammate Al Oliver (CF) for dropping a can of corn fly ball in the 9th to push the game to extra innings. That gave Zisk another AB and a chance to enter the record books, which he did by stroking a triple, the hardest part of the cycle.

Click here to view boxscore

'21-Tigers split with '89 Brew Crew

2009-01-27T13:54:00.000-08:00

Game 1- '21-DET 4, '89-MIL 3
Dutch Leonard was masterful with his knuckler keeping the hard hitting Brewers off balance all day. Harry Heilman stroked a homer in the first inning and the Brewers played catch up the rest of the way, never quite getting enough.

Game 2 - '21-DET 5, '89-MIL 4
The highlight was a Ty Cobb homer, or was it. Cobb stroked a long fly to centerfield which the pbp stated "bounced over" the fence; the umpires determined it to be a two run homer to give the Tigers the lead.. Brewer manager Bill Keller wanted it called a ground rule double but umpire Ed Hokilie ruled that since a batter from 1921 was at the plate, he was entitled to hit under 1921 rules which determined that balls bouncing over or through the outfield fence were homeruns (the rule was changed in 1931) (wonder how many Ruth bounced into the seats in 1927?). Hokilie won his argument and the Tigers won the game.

Game 3 - '89-MIL 8, '21-DET 7
Billy Spiers, he of the 4 homeruns all season, smashed two, count them two, grand slams to lead the Brew Crew to their first victory although the Tigers came back from the first one to take a lead and nearly came back from the second grand slam.

Game 4 - '89-MIL 7 '21-DET 0
All Brewers all the time. In what will be probably be one of the rare instances of shut out ball in this league, Jaime Navarro held the Tigers scoreless before giving way for some relief help in the last innings. The Brewers hit Tiger pitching often and hard and coasted to a victory to split the series. The road teams won every game of this series. --contributed by Tom Davis--

O's and Nats split Battle of the Beltway

2009-01-27T12:10:00.001-08:00

GAME 1: Griffith Stadium - Baltimore 5, Washington 3
Ike (Dwight David Eisenhower) was there to throw the first ball out as the KOD6 seasons got underway. Squaring off in this battle of the Beltway were the 1953 Washington Senators and the 1999 Baltimore Orioles. The game started with Washington starter Bob Porterfield throwing strikes and quickly getting Baltimore's leadoff man, Brady "sideburns" Anderson, deep in an 0-2 count. Anderson fouled off 2 pitches before grounding out to Eddie Yost at third. Porterfield, who won 22 games in 1953, got the next two hitters to ground out as well to end the inning. Washington was ready to do some damage in the home half of the inning against "the man in black" Scott Erickson. Leadoff hitter Jim Busby took the 1-1 offering off his left arm. Baltimore manager Justin Ryan contended that Busby did not make any effort to get out of the way, but the umps saw differently and awarded him 1st. Erickson struck out Yost on 5 pitches to record the first out of the inning and #3 hitter Mickey Vernon flew out to shallow center. With 2 outs, Erickson ignored Busby, who promptly stole second, which put him in scoring position with 2 out. Obviously rattled, Erickson groved one to Clyde Vollmer who singled sharply to right to score Busby. Oriole Right fielder Albert "don't call me Joey" Belle had brain lock and missed the cut off man with his throw thus allowing Vollmer to cruise into second. This would be crucial, since the next batter Jackie Jensen blooped a 1-2 offering into left center to make it 2-0 Nats. Ed Fitz Gerald then followed with a single and just like that runners were at the corners and this 2 out rally looked to extend itself. Thankfully for Erickson the Senators sent up banjo hitting second sacker Wayne Terwilliger, who dribbled one to first that Will Clark took unassisted to end the inning and escape danger. Neither team scored until the top of the 3rd when Cal "the streak Ripken Jr. crushed a 429 foot shot to center that Jim Busby didn't even budge on. Just like that the hard hitting O's were up 3-0. Washington evened it up in the bottom of the frame when Mickey Vernon reached 1st with one out on another controversial play. From most camera angles it looked like Delino DeShields underhand toss to Clark at first clearly arrived a step ahead of the hard charging Vernon. After coming out to argue a second time and not receiving any satisfaction O's manager Justin Ryan was heard grumbling to himself something to the effect that "this umpiring crew is right less than the local weatherman". When Ryan returned to the dugout Scott Erickson took the hill and forced Vollmer to weakly pop to short. With 2 out the O's looked to be in good shape until Jackie Jensen tripled over the head of Belle in right and Vernon came around to score the tying run. With the score knotted at 3-3 the O's posted 2 runs in the top of the 5th to take the lead for good. Catcher Charles Johnson led off with a blast to left that got trapped in the corner, which allowed the slow footed Johnson to wind up on second with a stand up double. Porterfield had the next batter, Brady Anderson, at 0-1 and tried to sneak a breaking pitch that still hasn't broken by him. Anderson just got enough of it and poked it down the right field line just clearing the wall to make it 5-2. Erickson was able to hold the Nats at bay for the next 5 innings to secure the complete game win in the opener. After the game Baltimore's manager Justin Ryan couldn't stop raving about Erickson: "I never expected to get a complete game out of him. In his hay day he was real clutch". Erickson was at the top of the game in the 7th when Washington had runners on 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. Washington pitcher Bob Porterfield, a good hitter, had singled and Jim Busby subsequently doubled. With the heart of the order coming up Erickson intentionally passed Eddie Yost to pitch to the ever so dangerous Vernon. Vernon got a good swing, but he hit it right at Mike Bordick at short, who turned a 6-4-3 to end the inning and Washington's hopes.

GAME 2: Griffith Stadium - Washington 5, Baltimore 4
In this cliffhanger, Baltimore jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first. Brady Anderson led off with a double. Belle and Baines both walked to load the bases with 2 outs and B.J. Surhoff singled in 2 on the first pitch. There was no scoring until the 6th when Baltimore added a third run on a Harold Baines solo shot to right. By this point Oriole starter Sidney Ponson looked to be in a grove and cruising, but one can never get too comfy when the big man from Aruba is on the hill. At any point he can just lose it, especially when his pitch count is elevated. With 1 out in the bottom of the 6th Vollmer singled harmlessly to right. Ponson got Jensen to fly to Surhoff in left to get the second out of the inning. Jerry Snyder followed with a seeing eye single that found a way into the hole between 1st and 2nd. Up stepped light hitting catcher Mickey Grasso, who must have thought he was that "other" Mickey who wore pinstripes in NY, as he jumped on the first pitch and slammed it 397 feet down the left field line to knot the score at 3. The top of the 9th saw the O's score a run and take a 4-3 lead into the the final stanza as Baines hit his second homer of the game. With 3 outs to go O's reliever Mike Timlin walked shortstop Peter Runnells on 5 pitches. Runnells is a slap hitter with little or no power. It was inexcusable for Timlin to walk him to lead off the inning and give Washington hope. Jim Busby then hit a high fly to right that Albert Belle lost in the sun. Thankfully for the O's Runnells made a baserunning blunder and did not go half way. This put runners on 1st and 2nd. Runnells should have been standing on 3rd with nobody out. Yost came up and bunted both runners up one base. It was a perfect sacrifice that only catcher Charles Johnson could field. Manager Ryan had no intention of pitching to Mickey Vernon and ordered him up a free pass to first. Volmer jumped on Timlin's first offering and hit a shot to deep right center that was caught by Belle on the run. Both runners tagged up and advanced, with Runnels scoring the tying run. Up came Jackie Jensen with 2 outs and the go ahead run (Busby) 90 feet away. Timlin couldn't find the strike zone and with the count 2-0 he attempted to put one on the outside corner. Unfortunately for Timlin and the O's the pitch got too much of the fat part of the plate and Jensen smashed it past a diving DeShields at second to score the winning run and even the series at 1 game apiece.

GAME 3: Camden Yards - Baltimore 8, Washington 6 (14 inn)
This was a game for the ages as it took 14 innings and almost 5 hours to final get a victor. When all was said and done the Baltimore faithful, those who remained, went home smiling as their O's won 8-6. Besides the extra innings these poor fans were treated to 72 minute rain delay in the 3rd. This weakened the effectiveness of both starters, but more so Mike Mussina who could not make it out of the 6th. Washington starter Spec Shea was able to pitch 7 innings, but his manager Marc Weiss might have hoped that he didn't' get out of the 6th either since he yielded 6 runs to the O's. Sonny Dixon came on board for the Nats and tossed 5 scoreless innings only to see his replacement Al Sima yield a game winning 2 run walk off homer to Brady Anderson in the bottom of the 14th. It was a crushing loss for the Sens who battled back from a 3 run deficit. Cal Ripken Jr. went 3 for 6 and smashed 2 homers off of Shea. Washington scored 2 in the 8th to rally back again and force the extra frames.

GAME 4: Camden Yards - Washington 7, Baltimore 0
The final game of this fantastic series was anti-climatic as Washington scored early and often to notch a 7-0 win. A 68 minute rain delay in the 5th ended Washington starter Chuck Stobbs day, otherwise he more than likely would have posted a complete game shutout. Washington reliever Jerry Lane tossed 3 scoreless innings to close out the contest. Oriole starter Doug Johns was heavily booed, by the normally supportive Camden Yards crowd. Johns was knocked out of the box in the second after yielding 6 unanswered runs to the Nats. Johns was only able to record 1 out. Both Eddie Yost and Mickey Vernon posted 4 hits as the Senators handed out some capital punishment to their neighbors from just up the Beltway.

KOD6...1st pitch scheduled for Monday 1/26/2009

2009-01-20T14:23:00.001-08:00

We must all take our hats off to Mr. Tom Davis, Esquire for suggesting our fantastic theme for this KOD. Teams that finished below .500, yet somehow outscored their opponents. Popular belief is that these teams had some pretty good offense, but lets say their pitching was either sub par of flat out stunk. For the first time in the history of the KOD we will have 24 franchises represented in this league. It should be one heck of a season !!!

Throw another log on the fire and get the hot stove a blazing as KOD 6 returns !