2024 AMERICAN LEAGUE WILD CARD SERIES “A”

The scoring began in the bottom of the 2nd when Alejandro Kirk’s single drove in Miguel Cabrera from second base, giving the Werewolves a 1-0 lead. However, the Swamp Things responded in the top of the 3rd with a series of crucial hits. Max Kepler’s RBI single tied the game at 1-1, and then a grand slam by Seiya Suzuki, followed by a Luis Robert solo homer (making it back-to-back) staked the Swamp Things to a 6-1early lead, knocking Kershaw out of the game in early fashion. Hollywood when Aaron Judge singles home Ketel Marte.
The Werewolves mounted a comeback in the bottom of the 5th with a series of hits and runs, including a two-run homer by Lane Thomas, tying the game at 6-6 by the end of the inning. Hollywood takes the lead back at 7-6, when Andrew Velazquez scores on a Ketel Marte fielders choice.
The game intensified as it progressed to the top of the 9th. The Swamp Things managed to tie the game again at 7-7 with a clutch single by Ryan Lewis off Hollywood closer David Bednar, then in the top of the 10th, they took the lead for good after a key single by Ronny Mauricio drove in Luis Robert, making it 8-7.
Hoby Milner, closed it out for the Swamp Things, secured the win by retiring the side in the bottom of the 10th, with the final out coming from a diving play by Gleyber Torres. Series tied at 1 (Division Winner Hollywood had a ghost win)

Gainesville 8 – Hollywood 7

Win: Jason Foley 1-0 (0.00)
Loss: David Bednar 0-1 (10.80)
Save: Hoby Milner #1

Hollywood jumps on top once again in the bottom of the 3rd inning, when Ketel Marte led off with a double off of JP France, marking his first hit of the series. Christian Yelich followed with a single, allowing Marte to score and put the Werewolves ahead 1-0. Gainesville ties the game on a Royce Lewis solo home run. The Werewolves respond in the bottom of the 5th when Paul Goldschmidt singles with 1-out. Then with 2-outs, Matt Chapman reaches on a single and both runners score on a double by Miguel Cabrera – who is playing likes it’s 2003, giving Hollywood a 3-1 lead. That’s followed by an Alejandro Kirk double, scoring Cabrera, increasing the lead to 4-1.
The Swamp Things mounted a comeback attempt in the top of the 6th; after Lewis walked, Luis Robert hit a double, allowing Lewis to score and cut the deficit to 4-2. However, Seiya Suzuki struck out to end the inning. Hollywood hands the ball to Jordan Romano and Peter Fairbanks, who close it out, giving the Werewolves’ a 4-2 victory and a series lead of 2 games to 1.

Hollywood 4 – Gainesville 2

Win: Dustin May 1-0 (3.18)
Loss: J.P. France 0-1 (7.20)
Save:  Peter Fairbanks #1

We have a pitcher duel with each starter tossing up goose eggs until the 7th inning. The Werewolves’ Matt Chapman broke the deadlock with a towering home run to left field, giving them a 1-0 lead. They try to extend the lead, when after a Miguel Cabrera single, he was replaced by the faster Taylor Walls. Kirk advanced him to second with a groundout then J.P. Crawford’s attempted to bring Walls home on a single, but was thrown out by Luis Roberts trying to score leaving the score 1-0.
In the 8th, Hollywood extended the lead to 2-0 on a Ketel Marte hit a solo homer. They extend it to 3-0 after Paul Goldschmidt doubles home Christian Yelich, then Matt Chapman makes it 4-0 with a double of his own. Gleyber Torres homers in the bottom half, but that’s all they can muster. Peter Fairbanks secures the final outs to pick up his second save of the series as the Werewolves win 4-1, leading the series now by 3 games to 1.

Hollywood 4 – Gainesville 1

Win: Shane McClanahan 1-0 (0.00)
Loss: Zach Eflin 0-1 (1.29)
Save:  Peter Fairbanks #2

Ketel Marte singles to start the game off, but that is the only hit Teheran gives up. Kershaw and Teheran trade goose eggs into the 8th inning. With 2-outs, Teheran walks Alejandro Krik. After Teheran is pulled, Hollywood turns to Andrew Velazquez as a pinch runner and the Swamp Things turn to Daniel Coulombe on the mound. Velazquez steals second as J.P. Crawford stands at the plate. As Velazquez moves another step away from second … the pitch…it’s a shot down the right field line … kicks up some chalk dust..Max Kepler cuts it off in foul territory … Velazquez around third … he will score and Crawford motors in to second with a stand-up double giving Hollywood a 1-0 lead. With Peter Fairbanks tired, Hollywood turns to David Bednar who pitches two scoreless innings to redeem his loss in game 1. Hollywood wins 1-0 and the series 4 games to 1

Hollywood 1 – Gainesville 0

Win: Clayton Kershaw 1-0 (5.79)
Loss: Julio Teheran 0-1 (1.17)
Save:  David Bednar #1