Division Series

2019 AMERICAN LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES #2

Motor City Muscle @ Southbend Lynx
SERIES PREVIEW – American League East Division Champ Motor City faces off against American League West Division Champ Southbend in the Division Series. Southbend held a slight 7-5 advantage in the regular season series match-up between the teams. Motor City was tops in the American League in pitching with a 2.99 team ERA and Southbend at #2 with a 3.24 ERA. However, a key stat of note is that Motor City pitching gave up 173 HR’s whereas Southbend only gave up 149 Hrs. Southbend had the top hitting club at with a line of .271/.340/.462. Motor City came in at #4 with a line of 258/.323/.430.
GAME #1 – Jacob deGrom 19-9 (2,23) – Michael Foltynewicz 22-5 (3.06) MCM opens up quickly off Folty when Granderson leads off with a 2b and Castellanos doubles him home with 2 outs. MCM deGrom is perfect through 3 innings before Altuve draws a walk in the 4th, steals 2nd, but is stranded. In the MCM T5 Ahmed hits a solo-HR for a 2-0 MCM lead. In the B5 SBL Cave 2bs for the Lynx 1st hit, followed by a Meadows rbi-2b to cut the MCM lead in half. deGrom settles down and retires the nex t 3 Lynx to strand Meadows. In the SBL B6 Hicks misplays a Altuve pop up to put him on 1st, Altuve steals 2nd, Lowrie groundout moves Altuve, Muncy walks, and Escobar comes through with a sac fly to CF to tie the game at 2-2. Both deGrom and Folty go 7 innings before giving way to the bullpens. Both pens are up to the task as we’re scoreless through the 11th. In the MCM T12 Freese leads off with a 1b off Osuna, Hamilton comes on to PR, Hicks executes a textbook H&R to put runners on the corners. Garcia Ks, Kinsler draws a walk, bringing Ahmed to the plate. MCM Mgr Craddock calls for the squeeze and Ahmed can’t get the ball down and Hamilton is tagged out at the plate. SBL J.Miller comes on and fans Ahmed to end the inning. The game remains scoreless until the B16 when SBL Meadows 2bs with 2 out, Joyce (who came on in the 14th as a PR) then 1bs down the third baseline to plate Meadows and give the SBL a tough 3-2 win! Southbend up 1-0 in the series. WP- S.Gilmartin (1-0) LP- W.Peralta (0-1)
GAME #2 – Justin Verlander 20-9 (2.29) – Edwin Jackson 8-10 (3.56) Both starters keep things scoreless through 3 innings. In the SBL B4 Muncy 2bs w/1 out and after Escobar F8, Cave hits a 2-run HR to RF for a early Lynx lead. In the MCM T6 Hamilton hits a solo-HR to make it 2-1 Lynx. But Verlander gives the run back when Muncy clubs a solo-HR in the B6. In the T8 MCM Kinsler 2bs, Hamilton grounds out to move Kinsler to 3rd, Gilmartin then walks PH Garcia and Trout to load the bases. But Gilmartin will make the perfect pitch and get Alonso to hit into a 3-6-3 DP to end the inning and the threat. SBL E.Jackson would go 6IP giving up 1 run w/3 Ks. The SBL would end up using 5 relievers in the game and Osuna would get his 1st save of the series. MCM Verlander goes the distance and fans 11 in a losing cause only giving up 4 hits, but 2 of them were HRs. MCM get 9 hits but strands 9 baserunners in the game. Southbend moves to 2-0 in the series. WP- E.Jackson (1-0) Sv- Osuna (1) LP- J.Verlander (0-1)
GAME #3 – Freddy Peralta 11-2 (3.72) – Kyle Hendricks 12-7 (3.21) The series shifts to Motor City. The SBL jump out quick in the T1 when Altuve walks, Lowrie with a H&R 1b, and Muncy with a sac fly to CF. In the MCM B3 Ahmed reaches on Muncy’s error, Granderson bbs, Trout Ks, Alonso bbs, Castellanos sac fly to RF to tie the game 1-1. Hicks then rips an rbi-2b to give MCM a 2-1 lead. But, as has been the case in the series thus far, the SBL would come right back in the T4 against Hendricks. Cave 2bs, Meadows with an rbi-1b to CF, and then with 2 out Maxwell doubles Meadows home for a 3-2 SBL lead. In the T5 the Lynx add to their lead with a 2 out rally as Escobar 1bs, Cave with an rbi-2b, moving to 3rd on the throw home, and then scoring on a Meadows rbi-1b off J.Wilson (brought in for the Lefty-lefty match-up). Motor City isn’t going away tho, as they keep the pressure on in the B5 when Granderson 1bs, Trout bbs, Gilmartin is brought in for the SBL, after Alonso F9, Castellanos rips an rbi-1b, followed by a Hicks groundout that scores Trout to make it 5-4 SBL. MCM calls on W.Peralta to hold the SBL and he’s not up to the task as Cozart swats a lead-off solo-HR in the T6, Maxwell 2bs with 1 out, M.Williams on to PR, Altuve bbs, Lowrie GIDP 4-6-3. But Kinsler then throws away a Muncy grounder allowing Williams to score giving the SBL a 7-4 lead. MCM never really gets anything else going as SBL would use 4 more relievers to close out the game. SBL Gilmartin picks up the win and Osuna adds another save. Southbend now leads the series 3-0. WP- S.Gilmartin (2-0) Sv- Osuna (2) LP- K.Hendricks (0-1)
GAME #4 – Michael Foltynewicz 22-5 (3.06) – Jacob deGrom 19-9 (2,23) Its do or die for MCM and they send out one of their aces to extend the series. deGrom is up to the task as he tosses a CG, 5 hit, Shutout, fanning 10 Lynx and walking only 2 hitters. SBL M.Folty is almost as good as he only gives up 1 run on 4 hits in 7IP of work with 7 Ks. The lone run of the game comes in the B1 when with 2 out Alonso hits a deep solo-HR to RF. Its was a classic pitchers duel as the SBL get a runner to 2nd on three occasions but deGrom strands them each time to preserve his shutout. SBL Muncy adds 2 hits and a walk for SBL in the losing cause. Southbend now holds a 3-1 lead in the series. WP- J.deGrom (1-0) LP- M.Foltynewicz (0-1)
GAME #5 – Edwin Jackson 8-10 (3.56) – Rich Hill 13-5 (2.71) (MCM Mgr Craddock would later state that he went with lefty Hill rather than Verlander due to Muncy) The SBL would jump on Hill right away in the T1 when Altuve 1bs, steals 2nd, and after Lowrie FL6, Muncy rockets a 2-run HR to RF. MCM go down 1-2-3 in the B1. In the SBL T2 Trumbo leads off with a 1b, A.Jackson Ks, Hill then hits Cozart to put runners at 1st and 2nd, and R.Martin follows with a 3-run HR to LF and a 5-0 SBL lead. But there is no quit in MCM as they start their comeback in the B4 when with 1 out Castellanos reaches 1st on Cozart’s error, Freese walks, Hicks rips an rbi-1b, and Ahmed follows with another rbi-1b. But SBL E.Jackson would bear down and get Kinsler to hit into an 4-6-3 DP to end the inning. There is no more scoring until the B7 when MCM Kinsler draws a 1 out walk, Hamilton then reaches on an Altuve error, moving Kinsler to 3rd, and Granderson walks to load the bases. Trout comes to the plate with a chance to atone for his poor playoff series thus far. But he is unable to come up with the big hit as he pops out to R.Martin behind the plate. Alonso then follows with a 2-rbi single to pull MCM within 1 run at 5-4. Familia ends the threat getting Castellanos to F8. SBL Moronta would come on the B8 and give up a lead off 1b to Freese, but Hicks would hit into a 6-4-3 DP, and Ahmed would ground out 6-3 to end the inning. SBL Osuna would come on to pitch a perfect 9th getting Granderson to ground out 4-3 to end the game and the MCM season. The MCM bullpen was stellar after the 2nd inning pitching 7.2IP giving up only 2 hits and 2 walks. SBL E.Jackson goes 5.1IP and earns the win and Osuna picks up his 3rd save of the series. Southbend wins the series 4-1! WP- E.Jackson (2-0) Sv- Osuna (3) LP- R.Hill (0-1)
The series was closer than the 4-1 results would indicate with 3 1-run games, a 2-run game, and a 3-run game. The Lynx won 2 of the 3 1-run games, a clutch hit here or there from MCM and the series turns out much differently. The SBL homeruns were the difference in the series along with the poor series from MCM Trout. The loss of both Perez and Kendrick for MCM for the series was also a key factor. If MCM had those 2 players for the series I believe the series would have gone 7 games. Muncy by Mgr. Craddock’s call was the MVP of the series. The SBL bullpen also shined in the series. Congratulations to Jim on a fine season!

Motor City Muscle @ Southbend Lynx

SERIES PREVIEW – American League East Division Champ Motor City faces off against American League West Division Champ Southbend in the Division Series. Southbend held a slight 7-5 advantage in the regular season series match-up between the teams. Motor City was tops in the American League in pitching with a 2.99 team ERA and Southbend at #2 with a 3.24 ERA. However, a key stat of note is that Motor City pitching gave up 173 HR’s whereas Southbend only gave up 149 Hrs. Southbend had the top hitting club at with a line of .271/.340/.462. Motor City came in at #4 with a line of 258/.323/.430.

GAME #1 – Jacob deGrom 19-9 (2,23) – Michael Foltynewicz 22-5 (3.06)

MCM opens up quickly off Folty when Granderson leads off with a 2b and Castellanos doubles him home with 2 outs. MCM deGrom is perfect through 3 innings before Altuve draws a walk in the 4th, steals 2nd, but is stranded. In the MCM T5 Ahmed hits a solo-HR for a 2-0 MCM lead. In the B5 SBL Cave 2bs for the Lynx 1st hit, followed by a Meadows rbi-2b to cut the MCM lead in half. deGrom settles down and retires the nex t 3 Lynx to strand Meadows. In the SBL B6 Hicks misplays a Altuve pop up to put him on 1st, Altuve steals 2nd, Lowrie groundout moves Altuve, Muncy walks, and Escobar comes through with a sac fly to CF to tie the game at 2-2. Both deGrom and Folty go 7 innings before giving way to the bullpens. Both pens are up to the task as we’re scoreless through the 11th. In the MCM T12 Freese leads off with a 1b off Osuna, Hamilton comes on to PR, Hicks executes a textbook H&R to put runners on the corners. Garcia Ks, Kinsler draws a walk, bringing Ahmed to the plate. MCM Mgr Craddock calls for the squeeze and Ahmed can’t get the ball down and Hamilton is tagged out at the plate. SBL J.Miller comes on and fans Ahmed to end the inning. The game remains scoreless until the B16 when SBL Meadows 2bs with 2 out, Joyce (who came on in the 14th as a PR) then 1bs down the third baseline to plate Meadows and give the SBL a tough 3-2 win! Southbend up 1-0 in the series.

WP- S.Gilmartin (1-0) LP- W.Peralta (0-1)

GAME #2 – Justin Verlander 20-9 (2.29) – Edwin Jackson 8-10 (3.56)

Both starters keep things scoreless through 3 innings. In the SBL B4 Muncy 2bs w/1 out and after Escobar F8, Cave hits a 2-run HR to RF for a early Lynx lead. In the MCM T6 Hamilton hits a solo-HR to make it 2-1 Lynx. But Verlander gives the run back when Muncy
clubs a solo-HR in the B6. In the T8 MCM Kinsler 2bs, Hamilton grounds out to move Kinsler
to 3rd, Gilmartin then walks PH Garcia and Trout to load the bases. But Gilmartin will make
the perfect pitch and get Alonso to hit into a 3-6-3 DP to end the inning and the threat.
SBL E.Jackson would go 6IP giving up 1 run w/3 Ks. The SBL would end up using 5 relievers
in the game and Osuna would get his 1st save of the series. MCM Verlander goes the distance and fans 11 in a losing cause only giving up 4 hits, but 2 of them were HRs.
MCM get 9 hits but strands 9 baserunners in the game. Southbend moves to 2-0 in the series.

WP- E.Jackson (1-0) Sv- Osuna (1) LP- J.Verlander (0-1)

GAME #3 – Freddy Peralta 11-2 (3.72) – Kyle Hendricks 12-7 (3.21)

The series shifts to Motor City. The SBL jump out quick in the T1 when Altuve walks, Lowrie
with a H&R 1b, and Muncy with a sac fly to CF. In the MCM B3 Ahmed reaches on Muncy’s error, Granderson bbs, Trout Ks, Alonso bbs, Castellanos sac fly to RF to tie the game 1-1. Hicks then rips an rbi-2b to give MCM a 2-1 lead. But, as has been the case in the series thus far, the SBL would come right back in the T4 against Hendricks. Cave 2bs, Meadows with an rbi-1b to CF, and then with 2 out Maxwell doubles Meadows home for a 3-2 SBL lead. In the T5 the Lynx add to their lead with a 2 out rally as Escobar 1bs, Cave with an rbi-2b, moving to 3rd on the throw home, and then scoring on a Meadows rbi-1b off J.Wilson (brought in for the Lefty-lefty match-up). Motor City isn’t going away tho, as they keep the pressure on in the B5 when Granderson 1bs, Trout bbs, Gilmartin is brought in for the SBL, after Alonso F9, Castellanos rips an rbi-1b, followed by a Hicks groundout that scores Trout to make it 5-4 SBL. MCM calls on W.Peralta to hold the SBL and he’s not up to the task as Cozart swats a lead-off solo-HR in the T6, Maxwell 2bs with 1 out, M.Williams on to PR, Altuve bbs, Lowrie GIDP 4-6-3. But Kinsler then throws away a Muncy grounder
allowing Williams to score giving the SBL a 7-4 lead. MCM never really gets anything else going as SBL would use 4 more relievers to close out the game. SBL Gilmartin picks up the win and Osuna adds another save. Southbend now leads the series 3-0.

WP- S.Gilmartin (2-0) Sv- Osuna (2) LP- K.Hendricks (0-1)

GAME #4 – Michael Foltynewicz 22-5 (3.06) – Jacob deGrom 19-9 (2,23)

Its do or die for MCM and they send out one of their aces to extend the series. deGrom is up to the task as he tosses a CG, 5 hit, Shutout, fanning 10 Lynx and walking only 2 hitters. SBL M.Folty is almost as good as he only gives up 1 run on 4 hits in 7IP of work with 7 Ks. The lone run of the game comes in the B1 when with 2 out Alonso hits a deep solo-HR to RF. Its was a classic pitchers duel as the SBL get a runner to 2nd on three occasions but deGrom strands them each time to preserve his shutout. SBL Muncy adds 2 hits and a walk for SBL in the losing cause. Southbend now holds a 3-1 lead in the series.

WP- J.deGrom (1-0) LP- M.Foltynewicz (0-1)

GAME #5 – Edwin Jackson 8-10 (3.56) – Rich Hill 13-5 (2.71)

(MCM Mgr Craddock would later state that he went with lefty Hill rather than Verlander due to Muncy)

The SBL would jump on Hill right away in the T1 when Altuve 1bs, steals 2nd, and after Lowrie FL6, Muncy rockets a 2-run HR to RF. MCM go down 1-2-3 in the B1. In the SBL T2 Trumbo leads off with a 1b, A.Jackson Ks, Hill then hits Cozart to put runners at 1st and 2nd, and R.Martin follows with a 3-run HR to LF and a 5-0 SBL lead. But there is no quit in MCM as they start their comeback in the B4 when with 1 out Castellanos reaches 1st on Cozart’s error, Freese walks, Hicks rips an rbi-1b, and Ahmed follows with another rbi-1b. But SBL E.Jackson would bear down and get Kinsler to hit into an 4-6-3 DP to end the inning. There is no more scoring until the B7 when MCM Kinsler draws a 1 out walk, Hamilton then reaches on an Altuve error, moving Kinsler to 3rd, and Granderson walks to load the bases. Trout comes to the plate with a chance to atone for his poor playoff series thus far. But he is unable to come up with the big hit as he pops out to R.Martin behind the plate. Alonso then follows with a 2-rbi single to pull MCM within 1 run at 5-4. Familia ends the threat getting Castellanos to F8. SBL Moronta would come on the B8 and give up a lead off 1b to Freese, but Hicks would hit into a 6-4-3 DP, and Ahmed would ground out 6-3 to end the inning. SBL Osuna would come on to pitch a perfect 9th getting Granderson to ground out 4-3 to end the game and the MCM season. The MCM bullpen was stellar after the
2nd inning pitching 7.2IP giving up only 2 hits and 2 walks. SBL E.Jackson goes 5.1IP and earns the win and Osuna picks up his 3rd save of the series. Southbend wins the series 4-1!

WP- E.Jackson (2-0) Sv- Osuna (3) LP- R.Hill (0-1)

The series was closer than the 4-1 results would indicate with 3 1-run games, a 2-run game, and a 3-run game. The Lynx won 2 of the 3 1-run games, a clutch hit here or there from MCM and the series turns out much differently. The SBL homeruns were the difference in the series along with the poor series from MCM Trout. The loss of both Perez and Kendrick for MCM for the series was also a key factor. If MCM had those 2 players for the series I believe the series would have gone 7 games. Muncy by Mgr. Craddock’s call was the MVP of the series. The SBL bullpen also shined in the series. Congratulations to Jim on a fine season!

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2018 – NATIONAL DIVISION SERIES #2

Bethesda Bandicoots @ Sacramento Capitals
Sacramento and Bethesda face each other for the third straight year in the NLDS. In 2016, Bethesda beat Sacramento 4 games to 3 in a very close series and, in 2017, swept Sacramento in a not-so-close series. In both cases, Bethesda stood in the way of a Sacramento team that had high hopes of an extended playoff run since its 2014-2015 rebuild following a five-year run reaching the NLCS (2009-2013) in which Sacramento reached and won the World Series twice (2011-2012). Bethesda hopes to continue the streak and make the NLCS for the third straight year, and Sacramento walks into the series with something to prove.
GAME #1 – Jake Arrieta (17-10 2.44) vs. Max Scherzer (23-4 1.71) Sacramento hit the scoreboard first with a Flores 2-run HR in the bottom of the 2nd inning and never looked back. Bethesda cut the 2-0 lead in half in the top of the 3rd with a Schoop solo HR, but that’s as close as Bethesda would get. Sacramento proceeded to hit another 4 home runs, a 1-run lead-off home run by DeShields followed by a 2-run shot by Stanton in the 3rd, and solo home runs by Scherzer (yes, Scherzer) and Dickerson in the 7th and 8th innings. Bethesda managed another solo home run in the top of the 6th, making that 7 home runs between Bethesda and Sacramento. Scherzer goes 7 strong, giving up only 3 hits, including 2 home runs. Arrieta didn’t make it through the 5th inning, giving up 8 hits and five runs in 4.1 innings. Bethesda – 2 Sacramento – 7 W – Scherzer (1-0) L – Arrieta (0-1)
GAME #2 – Alex Cobb (16-2 2.65) vs. Chris Sale (22-6 2.50) First on the scoreboard again is Sacramento, this time in the bottom of the 4th. DeShields walks and immediately attempts to steal second only to get gunned down by the elite arm of AJ Ellis. He’d immediately regret the decision, as Reddick followed up with a single, Mancini with a walk, and Stanton with another walk to load the bases. Lindo strokes a single to left-center, scoring Reddick and Mancini. But, that’s all Sacramento could put together, with Flores grounding into a double play to end the rally. Unfortunately, that’s all the offense Sacramento could afford in Game 2. DeShields’ CS turns out to cost a much-needed run in a close game. Lucky for the Caps, Sale was on his way to a perfect game … until 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th when Sale walked pinch hitter Brad Miller. With Sale being on a pitch-count, he handed the ball to newly-acquired closer Tyler Olson. Olson immediately gives up a double to Jon Jay, giving Bethesda it’s only hope of the night. Runners on 2nd and 3rd with Lorenzo Cain at the plate. Olson shakes it off, and induces a fly-out to end the game. Sale is nearly perfect, pitching 8.2 innings giving up no hits and striking out 10, while Cobb is a tough-luck loser going 5 IP while giving up a respectable 4 hits and 2 runs. Bethesda – 0 Sacramento – 2 W – Sale (1-0) L – Cobb (0-1) S – Olson (1)
GAME #3 – Zack Grienke (14-10 2.66) vs. Hyun-Jin Ryu (10-4 3,20) This time it would be Bethesda to make its mark on the board first. Scoreless in the bottom of the 5th, Trevor Story blasts a 2-run home run off Greinke to give Bethesda its first lead of the series. Mancini followed up with a solo HR in the top of the 6th to cut the lead in half, only to have Rendon stroke a RBI single in the bottom half of the inning to maintain a 2-run lead. But, Bethesda wasn’t done. A walk to Ruiz, pinch hit single by Brad Miller, a two-RBI triple by Cain, and a RBI single by Morrison in the bottom half of the 7th effectively put the game away for Bethesda. Down 6-1 in the 8th, Giancarlo Stanton stroked a solo shot to straight away center to close the lead 6-2, but that would be all Sacramento could do. Ryu injects some life into the Bandicoots, pitching 7 strong, giving up only 5 hits and 1 ER on a solo HR to Mancini. Greinke didn’t fare so well, going 6 IP while giving up 5 H and 3 ER. Sacramento – 2 Bethesda – 6 W – Ryu (1-0) L – Greinke (0-1) S – Morrow (1)
GAME #4 – Sonny Gray (8-10 3.93) vs. Max Scherzer (23-4 1.71) Solo home runs by Mancini in the 1st and Stanton in the 4th would be all the offense in a game dominated by solid pitching. Max Scherzer pitches 8 shutout innings, giving up only 3 hits including 1 2B, striking out 9, and lowering his series ERA to 1.20; while Sonny Gray pitches 6 solid innings giving up 5 hits including 2 HRs. Bethesda – 0 Sacramento – 2 W – Scherzer (2-0) L – Gray (0-1) S – Olson (2)
GAME #5 – Chris Sale (22-6 2.50) vs. Jake Arrieta (17-10 2.44) The Bandicoots jump out to an early lead in the bottom of the 3rd with a Lorenzo Cain RBI single scoring a speedy Jarrod Dyson. Bethesda would hold the lead until the top of the 7th when Giancarlo Stanton would tie it up on an infield single. Just kidding. On a towering solo home run to left field. Sale and Arrieta both pitch gems, with Sale pitching 7 IP giving up only 2 hits and giving up 1 run, while Arrieta goes 9 and gives up 4 hits and only 1 run. This one would be left to the bullpen. Tied 1-1 with 2 outs in the top of the 12th, Stanton walks to the plate, Brandon Morrow’s working on his 2nd inning in relief, and Stanton does what he does. Well, he strikes out a lot too, but this time he hit a go-ahead solo home run. Up 2-1, the Caps turn to an itchy Pedro Strop for a 1-2-3 bottom half to shut the door on Bethesda and the NLDS. Bethesda – 1 Sacramento – 2 W – Busenitz (1-0) L – Morrow (0-1) S – Strop (1)
Sacramento takes the series 4-1 against a very good Bethesda team. Bethesda batted .130 with a .181 OBP, scored 9 runs, hit 3 HRs, and stole 1 base; while Sacramento batted .206 BA with a .268 OBP, scored 15 runs, hit 11 HRs, and stole 3 bases. But, the story of the series was pitching. Pitching, pitching, pitching. Both Sacramento and Bethesda scored 2 or less runs in 4 of the 5 games. Overall, the Caps held a 1.72 ERA and didn’t allow a single unearned run. Sale and Scherzer were the stars, with Sale pitching 15.2 IP, giving up only 2 hits and a .57 ERA, and Scherzer pitching 15 IP, giving up only 6 hits and a 1.20 ERA. The ‘Coots held a 2.93 ERA and also didn’t allow an unearned run. Ryu was the start, pitching 7 IP with a 1.29 ERA. Giancarlo Stanton was the series MVP, batting .412 with a .500 OBP, 4 HRs, 4 runs, and 5 RBI.

2018 – NATIONAL DIVISION SERIES #1

Tempe Tempers @ Columbus Explorers
National League Division Series – Tempe Tempers (113-49, 2nd N.L. Central) vs. Columbus Explorers (117-45, 1st N.L. Central). In just a few short years, these teams have become serious rivals, and the Explorers have even wrestled the N.L. Central crown away from perennial winner, Tempe, 2 of the last three years. Now after the Tempers won the N.L. Wildcard series, the two teams will square off for a N.L. Division Series. Tempe took the season series 8-5, but it included a 6-1 series win in the season opener when the teams were vastly different than they are today. In fact, the Explorers benefited this year from a few trades with Tempe and now they meet again to see who goes for the N.L.L Pennant.
GAME #1 – John Lester (12-5 3.60) vs. Ervin Santana (15-3 2.61) Little did anyone realize that Ryan Zimmerman’s rbi single in the 1st and Xander Bogaerts error in the 2nd that led to a run would be the difference in this game. Columbus up 2-0 after 2 rode Santana’s 3 hit pitching (5.2 innings) along with 2.1 perfect innings from 4 relievers to get the game to the 9th and David Robertson. But the 9th inning turned out to prove eventful. Adrian Beltre leads off an fans. Matt Adams then laces one the gap for a stand-up double. Welington Castillo then grounds to 3rd for the 2nd out and Adams moves to 3rd. Ozzie Albies up, pitch comes in and it’s off Jesus Sucre’s glove (just in for defensive purposes) and Adams scores, 2-1. Albies then works Robertson for a single to give Bogaerts a chance to redeem himself. But Robertson gets the K and the game ends with Columbus taking game 1, 2-1. Lester pitched well, 7 innings, 5 hits, 8 ks to go with the 2 runs (1 earned). TEM 1-5-1 LP Lester (0-1) COL 2-6-2 WP Santana (1-0) S Robertson (1)
GAME #2 – Jhoulys Chacin (19-7 3.34) vs. Alex Meyer (6-1 4.14) 6 homers, 11 innings, 11 pitchers, this game had it all and then some featured too many lead changes and drama – but the 11 LOB by Columbus was probably the most telling factor. Tempe ended the game with 8 hits – ALL of them extra base hits, 4 doubles, 4 homers and 2 walks, They also fanned 10 times and then every time they gave up the lead, someone else would rise to the long ball occasion. Scoring started in the home half of the 2nd when Shin-Soo Choo draws a 2 out walk, then a WP and an Eduardo Nunez rbi double. But before the home crowd could settle into the lead, Troy Tulowitzki hits one to LF that just kept carrying and it cleared the fence for a two run homer (1) and a 2-1 Tempe lead. Tempers continue to add to the lead in the 4th when Marcel Ozuna greets former teammate Myers with a lead-off homer (1) to make it 3-1. Beltre follows with a double and Myers is shown the exit sign and Luis Avilan comes on to hurl (maybe literally). But he gets the next three batters to retire the side. Explorers’ turn – in the 4th things start when Choo again draws a walk and with 2 outs, Alex Avila cracks the homer (1) and it’s a tie game. McCullers comes in to relive to start the 5th and he’s effective – 3ks. Bottom half, Dee Gordon singles, Matt Carpenter walks – but Chacin gets the next two before Paul DeJong singles scoring Gordon and the home crowd is again happy as it’s 4-3 after 5. And Chacin is gone. McCullers effectiveness ends when Ryan Braun leads off the 6th with a solo homer (1) to tie the game. But in the bottom half, with Johnny Cueto pitching, Nunez connects for a homer (1) to get the Explorers back into the lead, 5-4. Top of the 7th Drew Steckenrider in to pitch and Welington Castillo leads of with a double. Steckenrider exits, Matt Belisle (former Tempers) comes in and of course he serves a big 2 run gopher ball to Ozzie Albies and Tempe regains the lead 6-5 (and the crowd groans). 8th inning – nobody scores! 9th inning – Jarrod Hughes on the mound (came in to close out the 7th) and needs 3 outs to tie up the series. Charlie Blackmon works a 2 out walk. Ryan Zimmerman up and Hughes misses the catcher for a WP – Blackmon to 2nd. Zimm then lines one LF for the tying rbi single and we get to have more fun playing this game in free baseball land! Yusmeiro Petit comes in for the 10th and blanks the Tempers in order (their big guns no less). Kirby Yates comes on and he retires the Explorers giving up just a 2 out single. Petit stays for the 11th and Matt Adams leads off with a double. 1 out later, Yoenis Cespedes comes in to PH for Tulowitzki and he smashes a double to plate Adams and gives Tempe the 7-6 lead. Fast forward to the bottom half, Yates still on the mound to face Carpenter, Blackmon and Zimmerman. Whiff and a popup to start things brings Zimm to the plate with 2 out. He lines one hard to RF for a single bringing up DeJong. Crowd seeing the homerun in their minds, but Yates had other plans and gets DeJong to strikeout to end the game, Tempers win, and the series is tied up 1 game apiece as they travel to Tempe. TEM 7- 8-1 WP Yates (1-0) BS Hughes (1) 11 innings COL 6-11-1 LP Petit (0-1) BS Belisle (1)

GAME #3 – Parker Bridwell (11-4 2.88) vs. Wei-Yen Chen (4-0 2.88) Now back on home soil the Tempers are beginning to feel real comfortable and the confidence shows when the light up former teammate Bridwell for 3 runs in the 1st. Votto singles to lead off, then Marcel Ozuna connects for a 2 run homer (2) and a 2-0 lead. And to make it a bigger lead, Castillo doubles, lead-foot Adams tries to score from 1st – Castillo goes for 3rd on the throw, it’s cut there and Adams scores, Castillo’s out but it 3-0 Tempers after 1. In the 3rd, they add to the lead when Joey Votto walks and Ryan Braun singles. 2 outs later, Bridwell uncorks a pitch the would have required a huge fishing net to catch. Adams follows with a dying quail for 2 more runs and a 5-0 lead after 3. Chen goes 2.2 innings and then is relieved by Gregory Infante followed by 4 other Tempers relievers who basically controlled the Explorer over the course of 9 innings giving up a total of 7 hits, 4 walks and fanning 5 and allowing a lone run in the 9th. And by then Columbus was down by 8 as Castillo cranks a solo homer (1) in the 6th. And Lance McCullers goes wild in the 8th walking the first 3 batters of the inning before PHitter Evan Gattis doubles to plate 2 more. Final 8-1 Tempe and the Tempers have shifted the advantage their way with a 2-1 series lead! COL 1-7-0 LP Bridwell (0-1) TEM 8-9-1 WP Infante (1-0)
GAME #4 – Ervin Santana (15-3 2.61) vs. John Lester (12-5 3.60) Rematch from game 1 and in a real strange way – the final score was identical as well, 2-1, and it was again Columbus coming out on top. The pitchers were very strong through 6, 0-0 as the 7th started. But there were some interesting plays going on to keep it scoreless. In the 3rd, Dee Gordon and Eduardo Nunez each singled and they were each thrown out at 2nd trying to steal by Wellington Castillo. In the 6th, Dee Gordon led the inning off with a single and successfully stole 2nd, but then Brandon Workman got Nunez to line out. He gives the IW to Blackman and Infante comes in and gets Zimmernan and Dejong to keep the score the 0-0 tie. Finally in the 7th, the scoring drought ends when Shin-Soo Choo cracks asolo shot in the (1). Tempers tie it up in the bottom of 7th when Beltre leads off with a double and then scores on a Cabrera single to tie it up. Johnny Cueto actually scored the run (PR) and Cabrera was thrown out going to 2nd. Some 8th inning action included a Nunez 1 out single and stolen base, but he gets stranded. In the bottom of the 8th. Tulo walks and Bogaerts comes in to pinch ran and gets thrown out by Martin. Impressive. Then Joey Votto later doubles so Martin’s throw saved the game at this point. No one scores in the 9th – so it’s free baseball again. In the 10th, Dee Gordon singles (3rd one of the game) and Nunez then executes the perfect hit and run (his 3rd hit) to put runners on the corner with one out. Hildenberger issues the Intentional Walk to Charlie Blackmon to load the bases. Ryan Zimmer then gets a sac fly on a shallow out to CF when Gordon uses his speed to just score and Columbus the 2-1 lead. DeJong struck out to limit the damage. David Robertson comes on got the first three batters to preserve the save and even the series. Santana’s 2nd start and win and minuscule era (0.61) is basically the reason the series is tied at 2-2. COL 2-9-0 WP Santana (2-0) (10 innings) TEM 1-5-0 LP Hildenberger (0-1)
GAME #5 – J.A. Happ (15-7 2.61) vs. Jhoulys Chacin (19-7 3.34) Series tied at 2-2, this is normally the pivotal game. Happ hopes to bring home a lead to Columbus, Chacin seeks to keep Tempe in it like he did in game 2 (well sort of). Well sports fans, Joey Votto leads off the bottom of the 1st with a big home run (1) and the Tempers fans are all abuzz. Lead only holds up until the 2nd when Ryan Zimmerman leads off with a double and scores on a Nunez single. Top of the 4th, Charlie Blackmon leads off with a single, moves to 2nd on a WP and scores on a Zimmerman single for a 2-1 lead for the visitors. Columbus extends the lead in the 6th – Blackmon walks, Jarrod Hughes comes in to relieve Wei-Win Chen and he gives up a 2 run homer to Zimmerman (3rd hit of the game, 1st homer of the series). Columbus now up 4-1. Bottom of the 7th, Yoenis Cespedes walks with 1 out, Happ leaves and Darren O’Day comes in. Ozzie Albies greets him with an rbi triple. Matt Adams then singles scoring Albies and it’s 4-3 Explorers as the Tempers mount a comeback. O’Day settles down and shuts them down however to end the 7th. Top of the 8th, Columbus seeks to ice the game. Matt Carpenter opens the inning with a double off Brandon Workman. Blackmon then grounds one to Alies, who then throws it in the dirt to 1st, Votto can’t get it, Blackmon is safe, Carpenter is at 3rd. Workman leaves and Joe Smith enters. Zimmerman up and the steal is on. Blackmon breaks for 2nd and Yandy Diaz throws it over Albies head, Blackmon to 3rd and Carpenter scores. Zimm then fans and DeJong walks with the infield in. Iglesias comes in to PR, Shin Soo Choo up and he bounces one past Votto for an rbi and 6-3 lead. Tempers don’t give up, Petit in to pitch and Adrian Beltre lights him up for a homer (1) and it’s 6-4. Then David Robertson came in and set down Tempe in order in the 9th. Columbus ends up taking 2 in Tempe after the Tempers grabbed a 2-1 series lead. The Explorers have the 3-2 lead and home field advantage. COL 6-9-0 WP Happ (1-0) S Robertson (3) TEM 4-8-2 LP Chacin (0-1)

GAME #6 – John Lester (12-5 3.60) vs. Lance McCullers (15-3 2.40) Lester, who pitched well in game 1 – though he took a tough loss – is being called on to right the ship for the Tempers. The Explorers will be going with McCullers who had a great regular season, good enough to earn the playoff start. Bottom of the 1st, Eduardo Nunez (who has been tearing the cover off the ball in this series) lashes a one out double. 1 out latter, Ryan Zimmerman keeps up his terror toward Tempe and doubles home Nunez as Columbus takes the 1-0 lead. But in the 2nd, the Tempers strike back. Matt Adams singles to CF. Welington Castillo grounds to 3rd and Nunez fields it, throws to Zimmerman and this time it’s the Explorers who commit the error as the throw sails past Zimm. Castillo ends up at 2nd, Adams as 3rd and they give Castillo a single on the play – plus the E5. Braun follows and McCullers ties him up, but he gets the bat on it – snap – and the ball pops over 2nd into shallow right – Adams scores but Castillo is held at 3rd. Troy Tulowitzki likes the idea of a hit parade and he singles scoring Castillo and the Tempers take the 2-1 lead. McCullers finally puts an end to the parade but finds himself down in the score. In the 4th, Columbus ties it up after Paul DeJong leads off with a double, Choo grounds him to 3rd and Ian Desmond drives him home with a groundout to short. They then take a 3-2 lead in the 5th when Martin leads off with a walk, Gordon singles, and Nunez smashes one past Joey Votto at 1st. Martin heads for home, Gordon for 3rd, Nunez tries to get to 2nd on the throw home. The throw is cut off, Martin scores and Nunez is nabbed at 2nd. But Columbus takes a 3-2 lead. Lester then gets Blackmon on a comebacker and fans Zimmerman, but after 5 it’s 3-2 Columbus. Explorer fans are now in a frenzy, smelling something in the air and hoping beyond hope for victory, NOW, in game 6. Bottom of the 7th, Gregory Infante pitching, 2 outs and Dee Gordon up and he chops one in front of home that Welington Castillo fields and bobbles – and Gordon is safe. Another error that comes back to haunt as Nunez follows with, of course, the 2 run homer (2) and a 5-2 lead. Top of the 8th, Tempe is not throwing in any towel, Darren O’Day in to pitch. Two outs and Castillo comes to bat. He seeks redemption and he buries one into the left field seats – it’s now 5-3. O’Day then gets Ryan Braun on an excuse me swing to end the 8th. Bottom half and Shin-Soo Chin gets the run back with his own homer (2) and a 6-3 Columbus lead. So the game goes to the 9th and David Robertson comes in – he’s saved their 3 wins so far, and looks to make it 4. Tulowitzki flies out to LF. Melky Cabrera in to PH for Jarrod Hughes and he goes down swinging. Tempe down to their final out and Joey Votto steps in. He lines one to LF – Desmond had him played perfectly and he snares it for the final out and the team celebration begins! Joy in Columbus as the Explorers win 6-3 and take the series 4 games to 2. TEM 3-7-1 LP Lester (0-2) COL 6-9-1 WP Petit (1-1) S Robertson (4)
Explorers vanquish their #1 rival and earn the opportunity to play in the NL LCS. If they award an MVP for the series it could go to David Robertson for his 4 saves, it could go to Ryan Zimmerman for hitting .360 with 2 doubles and a homer and 7 rbis, but it would go to Eduardo Nunez. He goes 4 for 4 in the finale and bats an even .500 for the series. 13 for 26, 2 doubles, 2 homers, 3 runs and 6 rbis!

Tempe Tempers @ Columbus Explorers

National League Division Series – Tempe Tempers (113-49, 2nd N.L. Central) vs. Columbus Explorers (117-45, 1st N.L. Central). In just a few short years, these teams have become serious rivals, and the Explorers have even wrestled the N.L. Central crown away from perennial winner, Tempe, 2 of the last three years. Now after the Tempers won the N.L. Wildcard series, the two teams will square off for a N.L. Division Series. Tempe took the season series 8-5, but it included a 6-1 series win in the season opener when the teams were vastly different than they are today. In fact, the Explorers benefited this year from a few trades with Tempe and now they meet again to see who goes for the N.L.L Pennant.

GAME #1 – John Lester (12-5 3.60) vs. Ervin Santana (15-3 2.61)

Little did anyone realize that Ryan Zimmerman’s rbi single in the 1st and Xander Bogaerts error in the 2nd that led to a run would be the difference in this game. Columbus up 2-0 after 2 rode Santana’s 3 hit pitching (5.2 innings) along with 2.1 perfect innings from 4 relievers to get the game to the 9th and David Robertson. But the 9th inning turned out to prove eventful.
Adrian Beltre leads off an fans. Matt Adams then laces one the gap for a stand-up double. Welington Castillo then grounds to 3rd for the 2nd out and Adams moves to 3rd. Ozzie Albies up, pitch comes in and it’s off Jesus Sucre’s glove (just in for defensive purposes) and Adams scores, 2-1. Albies then works Robertson for a single to give Bogaerts a chance to redeem himself. But Robertson gets the K and the game ends with Columbus taking game 1, 2-1. Lester pitched well, 7 innings, 5 hits, 8 ks to go with the 2 runs (1 earned).

TEM 1-5-1 LP Lester (0-1)
COL 2-6-2 WP Santana (1-0) S Robertson (1)

GAME #2 – Jhoulys Chacin (19-7 3.34) vs. Alex Meyer (6-1 4.14)

6 homers, 11 innings, 11 pitchers, this game had it all and then some featured too many lead changes and drama – but the 11 LOB by Columbus was probably the most telling factor.
Tempe ended the game with 8 hits – ALL of them extra base hits, 4 doubles, 4 homers and 2 walks, They also fanned 10 times and then every time they gave up the lead, someone else would rise to the long ball occasion.
Scoring started in the home half of the 2nd when Shin-Soo Choo draws a 2 out walk, then a WP and an Eduardo Nunez rbi double. But before the home crowd could settle into the lead, Troy Tulowitzki hits one to LF that just kept carrying and it cleared the fence for a two run homer (1) and a 2-1 Tempe lead. Tempers continue to add to the lead in the 4th when Marcel Ozuna greets former teammate Myers with a lead-off homer (1) to make it 3-1. Beltre follows with a double and Myers is shown the exit sign and Luis Avilan comes on to hurl (maybe literally). But he gets the next three batters to retire the side.
Explorers’ turn – in the 4th things start when Choo again draws a walk and with 2 outs, Alex Avila cracks the homer (1) and it’s a tie game. McCullers comes in to relive to start the 5th and he’s effective – 3ks. Bottom half, Dee Gordon singles, Matt Carpenter walks – but Chacin gets the next two before Paul DeJong singles scoring Gordon and the home crowd is again happy as it’s 4-3 after 5. And Chacin is gone.
McCullers effectiveness ends when Ryan Braun leads off the 6th with a solo homer (1) to tie the game. But in the bottom half, with Johnny Cueto pitching, Nunez connects for a homer (1) to get the Explorers back into the lead, 5-4. Top of the 7th Drew Steckenrider in to pitch and Welington Castillo leads of with a double. Steckenrider exits, Matt Belisle (former Tempers) comes in and of course he serves a big 2 run gopher ball to Ozzie Albies and Tempe regains the lead 6-5 (and the crowd groans).
8th inning – nobody scores!
9th inning – Jarrod Hughes on the mound (came in to close out the 7th) and needs 3 outs to tie up the series. Charlie Blackmon works a 2 out walk. Ryan Zimmerman up and Hughes misses the catcher for a WP – Blackmon to 2nd. Zimm then lines one LF for the tying rbi single and we get to have more fun playing this game in free baseball land!
Yusmeiro Petit comes in for the 10th and blanks the Tempers in order (their big guns no less). Kirby Yates comes on and he retires the Explorers giving up just a 2 out single. Petit stays for the 11th and Matt Adams leads off with a double. 1 out later, Yoenis Cespedes comes in to PH for Tulowitzki and he smashes a double to plate Adams and gives Tempe the 7-6 lead. Fast forward to the bottom half, Yates still on the mound to face Carpenter, Blackmon and Zimmerman. Whiff and a popup to start things brings Zimm to the plate with 2 out. He lines one hard to RF for a single bringing up DeJong. Crowd seeing the homerun in their minds, but Yates had other plans and gets DeJong to strikeout to end the game, Tempers win, and the series is tied up 1 game apiece as they travel to Tempe.

TEM 7- 8-1 WP Yates (1-0) BS Hughes (1) 11 innings
COL 6-11-1 LP Petit (0-1) BS Belisle (1)

GAME #3 – Parker Bridwell (11-4 2.88) vs. Wei-Yen Chen (4-0 2.88)

Now back on home soil the Tempers are beginning to feel real comfortable and the confidence shows when the light up former teammate Bridwell for 3 runs in the 1st. Votto singles to lead off, then Marcel Ozuna connects for a 2 run homer (2) and a 2-0 lead. And to make it a bigger lead, Castillo doubles, lead-foot Adams tries to score from 1st – Castillo goes for 3rd on the throw, it’s cut there and Adams scores, Castillo’s out but it 3-0 Tempers after 1.
In the 3rd, they add to the lead when Joey Votto walks and Ryan Braun singles. 2 outs later, Bridwell uncorks a pitch the would have required a huge fishing net to catch. Adams follows with a dying quail for 2 more runs and a 5-0 lead after 3. Chen goes 2.2 innings and then is relieved by Gregory Infante followed by 4 other Tempers relievers who basically controlled the Explorer over the course of 9 innings giving up a total of 7 hits, 4 walks and fanning 5 and allowing a lone run in the 9th. And by then Columbus was down by 8 as Castillo cranks a solo homer (1) in the 6th. And Lance McCullers goes wild in the 8th walking the first 3 batters of the inning before PHitter Evan Gattis doubles to plate 2 more. Final 8-1 Tempe and the Tempers have shifted the advantage their way with a 2-1 series lead!

COL 1-7-0 LP Bridwell (0-1)
TEM 8-9-1 WP Infante (1-0)

GAME #4 – Ervin Santana (15-3 2.61) vs. John Lester (12-5 3.60)

Rematch from game 1 and in a real strange way – the final score was identical as well, 2-1, and it was again Columbus coming out on top.
The pitchers were very strong through 6, 0-0 as the 7th started. But there were some interesting plays going on to keep it scoreless. In the 3rd, Dee Gordon and Eduardo Nunez each singled and they were each thrown out at 2nd trying to steal by Wellington Castillo. In the 6th, Dee Gordon led the inning off with a single and successfully stole 2nd, but then Brandon Workman got Nunez to line out. He gives the IW to Blackman and Infante comes in and gets Zimmernan and Dejong to keep the score the 0-0 tie.
Finally in the 7th, the scoring drought ends when Shin-Soo Choo cracks asolo shot in the (1). Tempers tie it up in the bottom of 7th when Beltre leads off with a double and then scores on a Cabrera single to tie it up. Johnny Cueto actually scored the run (PR) and Cabrera was thrown out going to 2nd.
Some 8th inning action included a Nunez 1 out single and stolen base, but he gets stranded. In the bottom of the 8th. Tulo walks and Bogaerts comes in to pinch ran and gets thrown out by Martin. Impressive. Then Joey Votto later doubles so Martin’s throw saved the game at this point. No one scores in the 9th – so it’s free baseball again.
In the 10th, Dee Gordon singles (3rd one of the game) and Nunez then executes the perfect hit and run (his 3rd hit) to put runners on the corner with one out. Hildenberger issues the Intentional Walk to Charlie Blackmon to load the bases. Ryan Zimmer then gets a sac fly on a shallow out to CF when Gordon uses his speed to just score and Columbus the 2-1 lead. DeJong struck out to limit the damage. David Robertson comes on got the first three batters to preserve the save and even the series. Santana’s 2nd start and win and minuscule era (0.61) is basically the reason the series is tied at 2-2.

COL 2-9-0 WP Santana (2-0) (10 innings)
TEM 1-5-0 LP Hildenberger (0-1)

GAME #5 – J.A. Happ (15-7 2.61) vs. Jhoulys Chacin (19-7 3.34)

Series tied at 2-2, this is normally the pivotal game. Happ hopes to bring home a lead to Columbus, Chacin seeks to keep Tempe in it like he did in game 2 (well sort of).
Well sports fans, Joey Votto leads off the bottom of the 1st with a big home run (1) and the Tempers fans are all abuzz. Lead only holds up until the 2nd when Ryan Zimmerman leads off with a double and scores on a Nunez single. Top of the 4th, Charlie Blackmon leads off with a single, moves to 2nd on a WP and scores on a Zimmerman single for a 2-1 lead for the visitors. Columbus extends the lead in the 6th – Blackmon walks, Jarrod Hughes comes in to relieve Wei-Win Chen and he gives up a 2 run homer to Zimmerman (3rd hit of the game, 1st homer of the series). Columbus now up 4-1.
Bottom of the 7th, Yoenis Cespedes walks with 1 out, Happ leaves and Darren O’Day comes in. Ozzie Albies greets him with an rbi triple. Matt Adams then singles scoring Albies and it’s 4-3 Explorers as the Tempers mount a comeback. O’Day settles down and shuts them down however to end the 7th.
Top of the 8th, Columbus seeks to ice the game. Matt Carpenter opens the inning with a double off Brandon Workman. Blackmon then grounds one to Alies, who then throws it in the dirt to 1st, Votto can’t get it, Blackmon is safe, Carpenter is at 3rd. Workman leaves and Joe Smith enters. Zimmerman up and the steal is on. Blackmon breaks for 2nd and Yandy Diaz throws it over Albies head, Blackmon to 3rd and Carpenter scores. Zimm then fans and DeJong walks with the infield in. Iglesias comes in to PR, Shin Soo Choo up and he bounces one past Votto for an rbi and 6-3 lead. Tempers don’t give up, Petit in to pitch and Adrian Beltre lights him up for a homer (1) and it’s 6-4. Then David Robertson came in and set down Tempe in order in the 9th. Columbus ends up taking 2 in Tempe after the Tempers grabbed a 2-1 series lead. The Explorers have the 3-2 lead and home field advantage.

COL 6-9-0 WP Happ (1-0) S Robertson (3)
TEM 4-8-2 LP Chacin (0-1)

GAME #6 – John Lester (12-5 3.60) vs. Lance McCullers (15-3 2.40)

Lester, who pitched well in game 1 – though he took a tough loss – is being called on to right the ship for the Tempers. The Explorers will be going with McCullers who had a great regular season, good enough to earn the playoff start.
Bottom of the 1st, Eduardo Nunez (who has been tearing the cover off the ball in this series) lashes a one out double. 1 out latter, Ryan Zimmerman keeps up his terror toward Tempe and doubles home Nunez as Columbus takes the 1-0 lead. But in the 2nd, the Tempers strike back. Matt Adams singles to CF. Welington Castillo grounds to 3rd and Nunez fields it, throws to Zimmerman and this time it’s the Explorers who commit the error as the throw sails past Zimm. Castillo ends up at 2nd, Adams as 3rd and they give Castillo a single on the play – plus the E5. Braun follows and McCullers ties him up, but he gets the bat on it – snap – and the ball pops over 2nd into shallow right – Adams scores but Castillo is held at 3rd. Troy Tulowitzki likes the idea of a hit parade and he singles scoring Castillo and the Tempers take the 2-1 lead. McCullers finally puts an end to the parade but finds himself down in the score.
In the 4th, Columbus ties it up after Paul DeJong leads off with a double, Choo grounds him to 3rd and Ian Desmond drives him home with a groundout to short. They then take a 3-2 lead in the 5th when Martin leads off with a walk, Gordon singles, and Nunez smashes one past Joey Votto at 1st. Martin heads for home, Gordon for 3rd, Nunez tries to get to 2nd on the throw home. The throw is cut off, Martin scores and Nunez is nabbed at 2nd. But Columbus takes a 3-2 lead. Lester then gets Blackmon on a comebacker and fans Zimmerman, but after 5 it’s 3-2 Columbus.
Explorer fans are now in a frenzy, smelling something in the air and hoping beyond hope for victory, NOW, in game 6. Bottom of the 7th, Gregory Infante pitching, 2 outs and Dee Gordon up and he chops one in front of home that Welington Castillo fields and bobbles – and Gordon is safe. Another error that comes back to haunt as Nunez follows with, of course, the 2 run homer (2) and a 5-2 lead.
Top of the 8th, Tempe is not throwing in any towel, Darren O’Day in to pitch. Two outs and Castillo comes to bat. He seeks redemption and he buries one into the left field seats – it’s now 5-3. O’Day then gets Ryan Braun on an excuse me swing to end the 8th. Bottom half and Shin-Soo Chin gets the run back with his own homer (2) and a 6-3 Columbus lead. So the game goes to the 9th and David Robertson comes in – he’s saved their 3 wins so far, and looks to make it 4. Tulowitzki flies out to LF. Melky Cabrera in to PH for Jarrod Hughes and he goes down swinging. Tempe down to their final out and Joey Votto steps in. He lines one to LF – Desmond had him played perfectly and he snares it for the final out and the team celebration begins! Joy in Columbus as the Explorers win 6-3 and take the series 4 games to 2.

TEM 3-7-1 LP Lester (0-2)
COL 6-9-1 WP Petit (1-1) S Robertson (4)

Explorers vanquish their #1 rival and earn the opportunity to play in the NL LCS. If they award an MVP for the series it could go to David Robertson for his 4 saves, it could go to Ryan Zimmerman for hitting .360 with 2 doubles and a homer and 7 rbis, but it would go to Eduardo Nunez. He goes 4 for 4 in the finale and bats an even .500 for the series. 13 for 26, 2 doubles, 2 homers, 3 runs and 6 rbis!

2018 – AMERICAN LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES #2

Hollywood Werewolves @ Dallas Cougars
The Hollywood Werewolves winners of the American League West Division with a record of 98-64 take on the Dallas Cougars winners of the American League East Division with a record of 101-61 in an American League Division Series match up.
GAME #1 – Clayton Kershaw (12-6 2.06) vs. Chase Anderson (15-10 2.64) GA. J. Pollock led of the bottom of the first with a home run and one batter later Jose Pirela also hit a solo dinger. Two other Cougar hitters, Jose Abreu and Jedd Gyorko would also contribute solo home runs. Meanwhile Chase Anderson cruised into the 9 th inning allowing just 2 hits but could not get the CG after he allowed two hits sandwiched around a strikeout. Lucas Giolito threw one pitch and got the double play to end the game. Final Score: Dallas 7 – Hollywood 0
GAME #2 – Charlie Morton (14-5 2.99) vs. Dallas Keuchel (14-3 1.73) Josh Harrison gave Dallas the first score of the game in the 3 rd when he hit a dying quail into shallow right to score Gregory Polanco, who reached on an error, stole 2nd , and then went to third base on a ground out. The Werewolves tied the game in the top of 6th on one out double by Kolten Wong. A.J. Pollock gave the Cougars the lead for good when he led of the home half of the 6th with his 2nd homer of the series. After Josh Harrison doubles Alex Pressley greeted the new Hollywood pitcher by singling home an insurance run. Dallas Keuchel goes 8 strong innings punching out 8 before the Cougar pen finished the job. Final Score: Dallas 3 – Hollywood 1
GAME #3 – Andrew Cashner (18-6 3.01) vs. David Price (4-4 3.34) Dallas scores twice the first when A. J. Pollock leads of the game with his third homer of the series. Later in the inning after Jose Pirela doubles Jose Abreu singles him home to give the Cougars an early 2-0 lead. Hollywood cuts the lead in half in the bottom of the 2nd when Yunel Escobar doubles home Kolten Wong. Manny Pina gets a RBI single in the 4th to put Dallas back up by two at 3 to 1. Hollywood gets a run in the 8th and then ties the game in the bottom of the 9th with two outs when Miguel Cabrera hits a pinch hit single. One out into the 10th Justin Smoak stepped up and delivered the game winner for Dallas, “The pitch … that could be trouble … deep to center … it’s got the height … and the distance see ya later! … a homer for Smoak” Dallas goes up three games to none in the series. Final Score: Dallas 3 – Hollywood 1
GAME #4 – Brent Suter (8-3 1.95) vs. Clayon Kershaw (12-6 2.06) Facing elimination Clayton Kershaw tames the Cougar hitters allowing just 3 hits through 6 innings plus while striking out 5. Meanwhile Brent Suter could not match the Southpaw Scot from Highland Park high school out of Dallas as he was chased after giving up 4 runs through the 4th inning. The big hit a 2 run homer by Alex Gordon. Hollywood lives to fight another day winning easily. Final Score: Hollywood 6 – Dallas 0
GAME #5 – Chase Anderson (15-10 2.64) vs. Charlie Morton (14-5 2.99) In the bottom of the first after Ketel Marte singles to put runners on the corners he almost gets picked off, but Chase Anderson hesitates for a split second, “and they’ve got Marte off first … Anderson fires … back safely”. It comes back to haunt Chase as a few batters later with two outs Kolten Wong doubles home 2. Dallas would tie the game in the third on a home run by Manny Pina and a RBI single by Alex Pressley. The Werewolves went right back into the lead in the bottom of the third when Paul Goldschmidt hit a two out two run homer. Jose Abreu drove in a run in the 5th to bring Dallas to within a run, but the Hollywood pen shuts door the rest of the way allowing just one hit and one walk in the final 3 and two thirds. Hollywood wins again. Final Score: Hollywood 4 – Dallas 3
HARRISON, Josh“>GAME #6 – David Price (4-4 3.34) vs. Dallas Keuchel (14-3 1.73) For the third time in the series A. J. Pollock leads off the game with a home run – his 4th overall. Hollywood ties the game in the 4th on back to back bunts and takes the lead on a single by Miguel Cabrera, but it comes with a price, “Escobar will score … Cabrera’s stretching it … the throw in to second and he’s out by a mile! … score that a single … Cabrera is still down the umpire is calling time … I can see him wincing from here it’s easy to get hurt on a play like that … he’ll leave the game he may be gone for the series … and he gets a big hand from the crowd The report from the clubhouse… … Miguel Cabrera … injured for 5 days” So not only was the threat quenched but Cabrera goes down with a series ending injury. The Werewolves increased their lead to 3 to 1 in the 5th when Christian Yelich doubles home a run. The game and series clinching hit came in the bottom of the 8th when Josh Harrison came to the dish with runners on 2nd and third courtesy a single and HBP, “The runners take their lead … UIVAILALA with the offering … launched to right … way back going … gone! … he just went with the pitch … Harrison will circle the bases and he’s sure taking his time … he’s greeted at home plate … congratulations all around” Dallas gets its 4th victory in dramatic fashion winning game six. Final Score: Dallas 4 – Hollywood 3
Dallas starting pitching and timely home run hitting proved to be too much for Hollywood as the Cougars advance to their first ever ALCS facing the 105-win wild card team Chicago Mobsters, whom they split the season series. Lucas Giolito and Gregory Polanco will go on the DL for the ALCS with the projected long man Giolito possibly missing the rest of the post-season for the Cougars.

Hollywood Werewolves @ Dallas Cougars

The Hollywood Werewolves winners of the American League West Division with a record of 98-64 take on the Dallas Cougars winners of the American League East Division with a record of 101-61 in an American League Division Series match up.

GAME #1 – Clayton Kershaw (12-6 2.06) vs. Chase Anderson (15-10 2.64)

GA. J. Pollock led of the bottom of the first with a home run and one batter later Jose Pirela also hit a solo dinger. Two other Cougar hitters, Jose Abreu and Jedd Gyorko would also contribute solo home runs. Meanwhile Chase Anderson cruised into the 9 th inning allowing just 2 hits but could not get the CG after he allowed two hits sandwiched around a strikeout. Lucas Giolito threw one pitch and got the double play to end the game.

Final Score: Dallas 7 – Hollywood 0

GAME #2 – Charlie Morton (14-5 2.99) vs. Dallas Keuchel (14-3 1.73)

Josh Harrison gave Dallas the first score of the game in the 3 rd when he hit a dying quail into shallow right to score Gregory Polanco, who reached on an error, stole 2nd , and then went to third base on a ground out. The Werewolves tied the game in the top of 6th on one out double by Kolten Wong. A.J. Pollock gave the Cougars the lead for good when he led of the home half of the 6th with his 2nd homer of the series. After Josh Harrison doubles Alex Pressley greeted the new Hollywood pitcher by singling home an insurance run. Dallas Keuchel goes 8 strong innings punching out 8 before the Cougar pen finished the job.

Final Score: Dallas 3 – Hollywood 1

GAME #3 – Andrew Cashner (18-6 3.01) vs. David Price (4-4 3.34)

Dallas scores twice the first when A. J. Pollock leads of the game with his third homer of the series. Later in the inning after Jose Pirela doubles Jose Abreu singles him home to give the Cougars an early 2-0 lead. Hollywood cuts the lead in half in the bottom of the 2nd when Yunel Escobar doubles home Kolten Wong. Manny Pina gets a RBI single in the 4th to put Dallas back up by two at 3 to 1. Hollywood gets a run in the 8th and then ties the game in the bottom of the 9th with two outs when Miguel Cabrera hits a pinch hit single. One out into the 10th Justin Smoak stepped up and delivered the game winner for Dallas, “The pitch … that could be trouble … deep to center … it’s got the height … and the distance see ya later! … a homer for Smoak” Dallas goes up three games to none in the series.

Final Score: Dallas 3 – Hollywood 1

GAME #4 – Brent Suter (8-3 1.95) vs. Clayon Kershaw (12-6 2.06)

Facing elimination Clayton Kershaw tames the Cougar hitters allowing just 3 hits through 6 innings plus while striking out 5. Meanwhile Brent Suter could not match the Southpaw Scot from Highland Park high school out of Dallas as he was chased after giving up 4 runs through the 4th inning. The big hit a 2 run homer by Alex Gordon. Hollywood lives to fight another day winning easily.

Final Score: Hollywood 6 – Dallas 0

GAME #5 – Chase Anderson (15-10 2.64) vs. Charlie Morton (14-5 2.99)

In the bottom of the first after Ketel Marte singles to put runners on the corners he almost gets picked off, but Chase Anderson hesitates for a split second, “and they’ve got Marte off first … Anderson fires … back safely”. It comes back to haunt Chase as a few batters later with two outs Kolten Wong doubles home 2. Dallas would tie the game in the third on a home run by Manny Pina and a RBI single by Alex Pressley. The Werewolves went right back into the lead in the bottom of the third when Paul Goldschmidt hit a two out two run homer. Jose Abreu drove in a run in the 5th to bring Dallas to within a run, but the Hollywood pen shuts door the rest of the way allowing just one hit and one walk in the final 3 and two thirds. Hollywood wins again.

Final Score: Hollywood 4 – Dallas 3

HARRISON, Josh“>GAME #6 – David Price (4-4 3.34) vs. Dallas Keuchel (14-3 1.73)

For the third time in the series A. J. Pollock leads off the game with a home run – his 4th overall. Hollywood ties the game in the 4th on back to back bunts and takes the lead on a single by Miguel Cabrera, but it comes with a price, “Escobar will score … Cabrera’s stretching it … the throw in to second and he’s out by a mile! … score that a single … Cabrera is still down

the umpire is calling time … I can see him wincing from here it’s easy to get hurt on a play like that … he’ll leave the game he may be gone for the series … and he gets a big hand from the crowd The report from the clubhouse… … Miguel Cabrera … injured for 5 days” So not only was the threat quenched but Cabrera goes down with a series ending injury. The Werewolves increased their lead to 3 to 1 in the 5th when Christian Yelich doubles home a run. The game and series clinching hit came in the bottom of the 8th when Josh Harrison came to the dish with runners on 2nd and third courtesy a single and HBP, “The runners take their lead … UIVAILALA with the offering … launched to right … way back going … gone! … he just went with the pitch … Harrison will circle the bases and he’s sure taking his time … he’s greeted at home plate … congratulations all around” Dallas gets its 4th victory in dramatic fashion winning game six.

Final Score: Dallas 4 – Hollywood 3

Dallas starting pitching and timely home run hitting proved to be too much for Hollywood as the Cougars advance to their first ever ALCS facing the 105-win wild card team Chicago Mobsters, whom they split the season series. Lucas Giolito and Gregory Polanco will go on the DL for the ALCS with the projected long man Giolito possibly missing the rest of the post-season for the Cougars.

2018 – AMERICAN LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES #1

Chicago Mobsters @ Tijuana Bottle Rockets
American League Central Division rivals get together in the #1 American League Division Series. Chicago fell two games short of catching the Bottle Rockets for 1st place in the Division in 2018 & the Bottle Rockets ended up with the #1 seed for the American League Playoffs. Tijuana as their General Manager Dave Myers was quoted as saying “(we) Limped into the Division Series, but we’re healthy & looking forward to taking on the Mobsters in what should be an exciting series”. Chicago General Manager Stray Corrado was looking forward to the challenge with a very healthy squad & said “It will be a very tough series, we expect a dog fight, but we feel in the end, with our bullpen we should prevail. Chicago took care of the Detroit Crime 2 games to 0 in the American League Wild Card Round, while the Bottle Rockets got a much needed three days of rest waiting for the American League Wild Card winner.
GAME #1 – Marcus Stroman (15-8 3.95) vs. Corey Kluber (18-4 2.62) Chicago was just looking to take one game in Tijuana & with Tijuana ace Corey Kluber on the mound Chicago figured Game #2 might be a better shot. Chicago still trotted out it’s best line up & were looking forward to facing the best the Bottle Rockets had to offer. The Mobsters sent out Marcus Stroman with the heavy task of facing Kluber & the solid line up of the Bottle Rockets. J.D. Martinez opened the scoring with a solo blast off Kluber in the 2nd Inning. It wasn’t a very long blast, but it did clear the fence in Right Center to give the Mobsters a 1-0 lead. Stroman was mowing down the Bottle Rockets & keeping the ball on the ground, inducing Double Plays almost every time the Bottle Rockets got a runner to first. In the 3rd Inning Alex Bregman lined a single up the middle scoring Neil Walker & Daniel Nava who were on 2nd & 3rd base at the time. Stroman kept it up through the 5th & into the 6th with 2 Outs in the 7th Chicago Manager Stray Corrado went to get him. “I told him he was outstanding & did his job & earned another start in Game 4 or 5 of the Series”. Stroman exited the game with 7.2 Innings Pitched, 5 Hits, 0 Walks, while fanning 4 Bottle Rockets along the way. Chicago went to left hander Andrew Miller who got out of the 8th unscaved. J.D. Martinez went yard again in the 9th off A.J. Schugel giving the Mobsters a 4-0 lead headed to the bottom half of the 9th with Andrew Miller still on the mound. Miller got the first 2 Outs in before Chad Green was called upon to get the final out of the game for the Mobsters. Final Score: Chicago 4 – Tijuana 0 Win: Marcus Stroman 1-0 (0.00) Loss: Corey Kluber 0-1 (3.38) HR’S: J.D. Martinez (2) 2
GAME #2 – Rich Hill (13-3 2.98) vs. James Paxton (10-5 3.90) It didn’t take long in Game #2 for the Bottle Rockets to break their scoreless streak. Rich Hill for the Mobsters was facing the Bottle Rockets leadoff hitter Ian Happ when Hill’s 1st pitch of the game was blasted way over the head of Chicago left fielder Daniel Nava. Nava moved his head as it passed over him, but never moved. “I knew that was 20 rows deep from the sound off the bat” Nava said “No reason for me to move whatsoever”. Chicago didn’t take long to return the favor. Lead off batter in the top of the 2nd J.D. Martinez (Martinez hit 2 Home Runs in Game #1) blasted his 3rd of the series over the left field wall tying the game at 1 run apiece. But that tie wasn’t for long as the next batter Justin Turner went Back to Back with Martinez giving the Mobsters a 2-1 lead. Freddie Freeman got a hold of one in the top of the 4th for another solo Home Run off James Paxton. Paxton pitched solid going 6.2 Innings allowing only 3 Runs, all earned, all on Solo Home Runs. In the 8th the Mobsters Daniel Nava Doubled to lead it off & was pinch ran for at second base by the speedy Billy Hamilton. Freddie Freeman blasted one into the gap over the shoulder of Yasiel Puig, scoring Hamilton easily from second. Top of 9th after an Andrelton Simmons Single, Neil Walker pulls one hard to the right field corner that Puig comes up with as Simmons rounds 3rd base, Chicago sent Simmons on Puig’s great arm, pushing the rightfielder to make a perfect throw to the plate, but Simmons scored easily as the throw was just up the 3rd base line by 3 feet. Chicago had a cast of bullpen arms in this one as six Chicago relievers came on after Rich Hill departed (6.1 Innings Pitched 1 Run, Earned, 3 Hits, 2 Walks & 9 Strike Outs). The Mobsters bullpen was outstanding once again with 2.2 Innings of 1 Hit, 1 Walk ball. Final Score: Chicago 5 – Tijuana 1 Win: Rich Hill 1-0 (1.42) Loss: James Paxton 0-1 (4.05) HR’S: J.D. Martinez 3, Freddie Freeman 1, Justin Turner 1 & Ian Happ 1
With the Mobsters up 2 games to 0 & headed back to the states to play three Home games the Mobsters were feeling good, not overly optimistic, but feeling good. The plane ride was loose & the jokes & ribbing was ll in good natured fun. After a day of rest & the Bottle Rockets 3rd & 4th starters scheduled to start, Chicago was looking like they at least could line up their rotation the way they wanted for games 5, 6 & 7.
GAME #3 – Jimmy Nelson (12-3 3.38) vs. Carlos Matias Martinez (11-9 3.47) Chicago got on the board quickly in Game #3 when Daniel Nava lead off with a walk, moved to second on an Alex Bregman Hit & Run & scored on a passed ball which got by Gary Sanchez. It stayed this way with both starters pitching well into the 5th, when with 1 Out Daniel Murphy couldn’t turn the Inning ending Double Play leaving Neil Walker alone on second base. Chicago then got a stand up Double off the bat of Freddie Freeman scoring Neil Walker from second. Tijuana pulled Jimmy Nelson after 6 Innings after Justin Turner hit his second Home Run of the series putting the Mobsters up 3-0 after 6 full Innings of play. Chicago pulled Carlos Matias Martinez in the 6th & went to Noah Syndergaard. The top of the 7th was a highlight reel for the Bottle Rockets. Facing Noah Syndergaard, Gary Sanchez led off with a Solo Home Run, cutting the lead to 3-1. With one out Jake Lamb walked, followed by a Yasiel Puig Single & after Syndergaard got Pinch Hitter Jeremy Hazelbaker to Strike Out – Ian Happ took “Thor” deep down the line in right for a 3-Run Blast & giving the Bottle Rockets the lead (4-3) & new life. The Mobsters hadn’t played behind much in the series. The only time they were behind was in Game #2 for just a half Inning before they took the lead back. The Mobsters did it again in the bottom of the 7th. With one out Billy Hamilton pinch running for Daniel Nava (Single), Alex Bregman banged one to the gap in left which fell in between Ian Happ & Justin Upton. Hamilton raced around 3rd, Upton’s throw to the plate & on a sliding play Hamilton was safe. Safe at the plate tying the game up at 4 runs each. Bregman took 3rd on the throw home. A weak ground ball to J.J. Hardy was a tough play off the bat of Freddie Freeman & Freeman was called safe at first as Bregman scored making it 5-4 Chicago. The Mobsters went to the pen, Anthony Swarzak (.2 IP), Dellin Betances (.2 IP), Andrew Miller (Gave up a walk & was pulled) & Chad Green (.2 IP) – & that was all for the Bottle Rockets in Game #3. Final Score: Chicago 5 – Tijuana 4 Win: Carlos Matias Martinez 1-0 0.00) Loss: Richard Bleier 0-1 (10.80) HR’S: Gary Sanchez 1, Ian Happ 2 & Justin Turner 2
GAME #4 – Edinson Volquez (6-4 3.57) vs. Marcus Stroman (15-8 3.95) Alex Bregman hit a 1 out Single followed by a Freddie Freeman Triple to give the Mobsters the 1-0 lead after 1 Inning of play. Marcus Stroman didn’t make it out of the second Inning. Stroman rubbed his shoulder, but had a blister forming on his pitching hand. Chicago manager Stray Corrado didn’t waste any time as he summoned his veteran left hander C.C. Sabathia from the pen. It would be Sabathia’s first appearance of the series. “I had to go with a veteran in this situation” Corrado said “He’s been in this atmosphere before & I knew he wouldn’t be effected by this pressure situation”. Stroman would be shelved for 5 days & the injury report says he could be ready for Game #1 of the American League Championship Series if the Mobsters got there, but he wouldn’t be available the rest of this American League Division Series. Chicago put up a 3 spot in the 4th Inning. Justin Turner walked, stole second & scored on a Andrew McCutchen single (McCutchen took second on the throw home). McCutchen scored on a Neil Walker Single (Walker took second on the throw home). Followed by Walker scoring on a Daniel Nava Single (Nava took second on the throw home). The damage was done & Edinson Volquez was pulled after 4 Innings of play. Tijuana went to Jacob Barnes to try & keep the score somewhat close. Jake Lamb took C.C. Sabathia deep in the 5th for a solo Home Run to cut the lead to 4 to 1. Chicago responded in the bottom of the 6th with Andrelton Simmons on first base & Neil Walker facing A.J. Schugel there was a little delay in the action as a fan was running around the field. (Yes, he was NAKED!) Security came on to hog tie him, but they’re couldn’t chase him down & he slid right on Home plate (Sliding Naked has got to hurt something!) where Neil Walker called him safe! Then the fan escaped back into the crowd. No one knows who he was or where he came from, but rumors had it that it was Southwest Detroit’s General Manager Brian Mazurek. It was time to play some baseball! The delay upset Schugel who let up a single to right field, & Simmons ran all the way around from first to score putting up the Mobsters with a score of 5 to 1. Chicago then went to its strength & handed the ball over to it’s bullpen where Chad Green (1.1 IP), Andrew Miller (1 IP), Dellin Betances (0.1 IP) & Aroldis Chapman (.2 IP) kep t the Bottle Rockets off the board. Final Score: Chicago 5 – Tijuana 1 Win: C.C. Sabathia 1-0 (2.25) Loss: Edinson Volquez 0-1 (9.00) HR’S: Jake Lamb 1
Chicago did what no one suspected & that was shut down the #1 seed in the American League the Bottle Rockets from Tijuana. The Bottle Rockets had the lead twice in the series, & both times, by the time they batted again the Mobsters had gone ahead & taken the lead back. Chicago will now await the results from the Hollywood Werewolves vs. Dallas Cougars series as the Mobsters will get some rest & head towards a 5-day break without baseball. Rest will be welcome for the starting position players who were rode hard & not only played but started every game of this series. Tijuana had a great year & is a great team, but just couldn’t put hits together, got killed by Double Plays & after their two aces dropped games #1 & #2 knew it would be a long shot at winning 4 out of 5 games.

Chicago Mobsters @ Tijuana Bottle Rockets

American League Central Division rivals get together in the #1 American League Division Series. Chicago fell two games short of catching the Bottle Rockets for 1st place in the Division in 2018 & the Bottle Rockets ended up with the #1 seed for the American League Playoffs.

Tijuana as their General Manager Dave Myers was quoted as saying “(we) Limped into the Division Series, but we’re healthy & looking forward to taking on the Mobsters in what should be an exciting series”.

Chicago General Manager Stray Corrado was looking forward to the challenge with a very healthy squad & said “It will be a very tough series, we expect a dog fight, but we feel in the end, with our bullpen we should prevail.

Chicago took care of the Detroit Crime 2 games to 0 in the American League Wild Card Round, while the Bottle Rockets got a much needed three days of rest waiting for the American League Wild Card winner.

GAME #1 – Marcus Stroman (15-8 3.95) vs. Corey Kluber (18-4 2.62)

Chicago was just looking to take one game in Tijuana & with Tijuana ace Corey Kluber on the mound Chicago figured Game #2 might be a better shot. Chicago still trotted out it’s best line up & were looking forward to facing the best the Bottle Rockets had to offer. The Mobsters sent out Marcus Stroman with the heavy task of facing Kluber & the solid line up of the Bottle Rockets.

J.D. Martinez opened the scoring with a solo blast off Kluber in the 2nd Inning. It wasn’t a very long blast, but it did clear the fence in Right Center to give the Mobsters a 1-0 lead.

Stroman was mowing down the Bottle Rockets & keeping the ball on the ground, inducing Double Plays almost every time the Bottle Rockets got a runner to first.

In the 3rd Inning Alex Bregman lined a single up the middle scoring Neil Walker & Daniel Nava who were on 2nd & 3rd base at the time.

Stroman kept it up through the 5th & into the 6th with 2 Outs in the 7th Chicago Manager Stray Corrado went to get him. “I told him he was outstanding & did his job & earned another start in Game 4 or 5 of the Series”. Stroman exited the game with 7.2 Innings Pitched, 5 Hits, 0 Walks, while fanning 4 Bottle Rockets along the way.

Chicago went to left hander Andrew Miller who got out of the 8th unscaved.

J.D. Martinez went yard again in the 9th off A.J. Schugel giving the Mobsters a 4-0 lead headed to the bottom half of the 9th with Andrew Miller still on the mound.

Miller got the first 2 Outs in before Chad Green was called upon to get the final out of the game for the Mobsters.

Final Score: Chicago 4 – Tijuana 0

Win: Marcus Stroman 1-0 (0.00)

Loss: Corey Kluber 0-1 (3.38)

HR’S: J.D. Martinez (2) 2

GAME #2 – Rich Hill (13-3 2.98) vs. James Paxton (10-5 3.90)

It didn’t take long in Game #2 for the Bottle Rockets to break their scoreless streak. Rich Hill for the Mobsters was facing the Bottle Rockets leadoff hitter Ian Happ when Hill’s 1st pitch of the game was blasted way over the head of Chicago left fielder Daniel Nava. Nava moved his head as it passed over him, but never moved. “I knew that was 20 rows deep from the sound off the bat” Nava said “No reason for me to move whatsoever”.

Chicago didn’t take long to return the favor. Lead off batter in the top of the 2nd J.D. Martinez (Martinez hit 2 Home Runs in Game #1) blasted his 3rd of the series over the left field wall tying the game at 1 run apiece. But that tie wasn’t for long as the next batter Justin Turner went Back to Back with Martinez giving the Mobsters a 2-1 lead.

Freddie Freeman got a hold of one in the top of the 4th for another solo Home Run off James Paxton. Paxton pitched solid going 6.2 Innings allowing only 3 Runs, all earned, all on Solo Home Runs.

In the 8th the Mobsters Daniel Nava Doubled to lead it off & was pinch ran for at second base by the speedy Billy Hamilton. Freddie Freeman blasted one into the gap over the shoulder of Yasiel Puig, scoring Hamilton easily from second.

Top of 9th after an Andrelton Simmons Single, Neil Walker pulls one hard to the right field corner that Puig comes up with as Simmons rounds 3rd base, Chicago sent Simmons on Puig’s great arm, pushing the rightfielder to make a perfect throw to the plate, but Simmons scored easily as the throw was just up the 3rd base line by 3 feet.

Chicago had a cast of bullpen arms in this one as six Chicago relievers came on after Rich Hill departed (6.1 Innings Pitched 1 Run, Earned, 3 Hits, 2 Walks & 9 Strike Outs). The Mobsters bullpen was outstanding once again with 2.2 Innings of 1 Hit, 1 Walk ball.

Final Score: Chicago 5 – Tijuana 1

Win: Rich Hill 1-0 (1.42)

Loss: James Paxton 0-1 (4.05)

HR’S: J.D. Martinez 3, Freddie Freeman 1, Justin Turner 1 & Ian Happ 1

With the Mobsters up 2 games to 0 & headed back to the states to play three Home games the Mobsters were feeling good, not overly optimistic, but feeling good. The plane ride was loose & the jokes & ribbing was ll in good natured fun. After a day of rest & the Bottle Rockets 3rd & 4th starters scheduled to start, Chicago was looking like they at least could line up their rotation the way they wanted for games 5, 6 & 7.

GAME #3 – Jimmy Nelson (12-3 3.38) vs. Carlos Matias Martinez (11-9 3.47)

Chicago got on the board quickly in Game #3 when Daniel Nava lead off with a walk, moved to second on an Alex Bregman Hit & Run & scored on a passed ball which got by Gary Sanchez.

It stayed this way with both starters pitching well into the 5th, when with 1 Out Daniel Murphy couldn’t turn the Inning ending Double Play leaving Neil Walker alone on second base. Chicago then got a stand up Double off the bat of Freddie Freeman scoring Neil Walker from second.

Tijuana pulled Jimmy Nelson after 6 Innings after Justin Turner hit his second Home Run of the series putting the Mobsters up 3-0 after 6 full Innings of play.

Chicago pulled Carlos Matias Martinez in the 6th & went to Noah Syndergaard.

The top of the 7th was a highlight reel for the Bottle Rockets. Facing Noah Syndergaard, Gary Sanchez led off with a Solo Home Run, cutting the lead to 3-1. With one out Jake Lamb walked, followed by a Yasiel Puig Single & after Syndergaard got Pinch Hitter Jeremy Hazelbaker to Strike Out – Ian Happ took “Thor” deep down the line in right for a 3-Run Blast & giving the Bottle Rockets the lead (4-3) & new life.

The Mobsters hadn’t played behind much in the series. The only time they were behind was in Game #2 for just a half Inning before they took the lead back. The Mobsters did it again in the bottom of the 7th. With one out Billy Hamilton pinch running for Daniel Nava (Single), Alex Bregman banged one to the gap in left which fell in between Ian Happ & Justin Upton. Hamilton raced around 3rd, Upton’s throw to the plate & on a sliding play Hamilton was safe. Safe at the plate tying the game up at 4 runs each. Bregman took 3rd on the throw home. A weak ground ball to J.J. Hardy was a tough play off the bat of Freddie Freeman & Freeman was called safe at first as Bregman scored making it 5-4 Chicago.

The Mobsters went to the pen, Anthony Swarzak (.2 IP), Dellin Betances (.2 IP), Andrew Miller (Gave up a walk & was pulled) & Chad Green (.2 IP) – & that was all for the Bottle Rockets in Game #3.

Final Score: Chicago 5 – Tijuana 4

Win: Carlos Matias Martinez 1-0 0.00)

Loss: Richard Bleier 0-1 (10.80)

HR’S: Gary Sanchez 1, Ian Happ 2 & Justin Turner 2

GAME #4 – Edinson Volquez (6-4 3.57) vs. Marcus Stroman (15-8 3.95)

Alex Bregman hit a 1 out Single followed by a Freddie Freeman Triple to give the Mobsters the 1-0 lead after 1 Inning of play.

Marcus Stroman didn’t make it out of the second Inning. Stroman rubbed his shoulder, but had a blister forming on his pitching hand. Chicago manager Stray Corrado didn’t waste any time as he summoned his veteran left hander C.C. Sabathia from the pen. It would be Sabathia’s first appearance of the series. “I had to go with a veteran in this situation” Corrado said “He’s been in this atmosphere before & I knew he wouldn’t be effected by this pressure situation”. Stroman would be shelved for 5 days & the injury report says he could be ready for Game #1 of the American League Championship Series if the Mobsters got there, but he wouldn’t be available the rest of this American League Division Series.

Chicago put up a 3 spot in the 4th Inning. Justin Turner walked, stole second & scored on a Andrew McCutchen single (McCutchen took second on the throw home). McCutchen scored on a Neil Walker Single (Walker took second on the throw home). Followed by Walker scoring on a Daniel Nava Single (Nava took second on the throw home). The damage was done & Edinson Volquez was pulled after 4 Innings of play. Tijuana went to Jacob Barnes to try & keep the score somewhat close.

Jake Lamb took C.C. Sabathia deep in the 5th for a solo Home Run to cut the lead to 4 to 1.

Chicago responded in the bottom of the 6th with Andrelton Simmons on first base & Neil Walker facing A.J. Schugel there was a little delay in the action as a fan was running around the field. (Yes, he was NAKED!) Security came on to hog tie him, but they’re couldn’t chase him down & he slid right on Home plate (Sliding Naked has got to hurt something!) where Neil Walker called him safe! Then the fan escaped back into the crowd. No one knows who he was or where he came from, but rumors had it that it was Southwest Detroit’s General Manager Brian Mazurek. It was time to play some baseball! The delay upset Schugel who let up a single to right field, & Simmons ran all the way around from first to score putting up the Mobsters with a score of 5 to 1.

Chicago then went to its strength & handed the ball over to it’s bullpen where Chad Green (1.1 IP), Andrew Miller (1 IP), Dellin Betances (0.1 IP) & Aroldis Chapman (.2 IP) kep t the Bottle Rockets off the board.

Final Score: Chicago 5 – Tijuana 1

Win: C.C. Sabathia 1-0 (2.25)

Loss: Edinson Volquez 0-1 (9.00)

HR’S: Jake Lamb 1

Chicago did what no one suspected & that was shut down the #1 seed in the American League the Bottle Rockets from Tijuana. The Bottle Rockets had the lead twice in the series, & both times, by the time they batted again the Mobsters had gone ahead & taken the lead back. Chicago will now await the results from the Hollywood Werewolves vs. Dallas Cougars series as the Mobsters will get some rest & head towards a 5-day break without baseball. Rest will be welcome for the starting position players who were rode hard & not only played but started every game of this series. Tijuana had a great year & is a great team, but just couldn’t put hits together, got killed by Double Plays & after their two aces dropped games #1 & #2 knew it would be a long shot at winning 4 out of 5 games.

Division Series

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Chicago Mobsters @ Tijuana Bottle Rockets

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