2020 NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES #1

Kevin Gausman (3XY) pitches the game of his life, going 7 innings, allowing 4 hits, 0 walks, and 12 Ks.  Unfortunately for him, one of his four hits was a solo HR from Jorge Polanco.  And his opponent on the mount (Ryu) was just as good – going 6 innings with 2 hits, 6 Ks, and one run (also on a solo HR).  Hunter Wood comes in to relieve Gausman in the 8th and promptly serves up a 2-run gopher ball to pinch-hitter Ryan Braun – and just like that, it’s a 4-2 Pittsburgh victory.

Pittsburgh 4, Triple Creek 2

This one is all Pittsburgh, as they jump all over Frankie Montas, collecting 3 HR in the game for an easy 8-2 victory.  Justin Verlander goes 6 strong, allowing a pair of runs while striking out 9.  The Lumber Company collects 13 hits; Josh Bell is the big star with 7 total bases (3-4, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, 2 Runs).

Pittsburgh 8, Triple Creek 2

The series shifts to Triple Creek and Shane Bieber delivers the goods – a complete-game victory, striking out 10 and allowing only 5 hits.  Mike Clevinger doesn’t have his best stuff for Pittsburgh, as surrenders 4 doubles and a single in his 6 innings of work as the Patriots win it 4-2.

Triple Creek 4, Pittsburgh 2

Sonny Gray quickly rights the ship for Pittsburgh, going the distance in a 5-0 shutout.  Gray allows only 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 11.  Matt Strahm pitches well for Triple Creek, but the bullpen implodes late to let the game get away.  Lumber Company bats produce 3 HR (JUdge, Braun, Carson Kelly) in the victory.

Pittsburgh 5, Triple Creek 0

Facing elimination, the Patriots send Gausman back to the hill hoping to catch lightning in a bottle again.  He pitches well but is nowhere near as dominant as he is pulled after 3 innings.  Meanwhile, Ryu is on auto-pilot, going 8 innings and only allowing 3 hits and a walk while whiffing 7 batters.  The Lumber Company pounds Brandon Workman in the 9th to turn a 1-1 tie into a 5-1 rout and win the divisional series 4 games to 1.

Pittsburgh 5, Triple Creek 1