Game 3:  David Price vs Zack Greinke.  

It’s a Tale of Two Cities who may be 2 countries away, but are only separated by 141 miles.  Tijuana heads home with a 2 games to 0 lead smiling and happy.  Hollywood heads to the road, embarrassed by their home play, just hoping they can return this thing home.  As the 2 teams meet at home to exchange lineup cards, Tijuana Manager Dave Myers notes that Hollywood changed their season long lineup dramatically – hoping to catch lightening in a ‘Bottle (Rocket)’.  He’s seen chuckling at the lineup card as we walks to the dugout mouthing ‘like it’s gonna matter’.  Emlio Bonifacio, who was close to the plate sees this and melee ensues.  Bonifacio is toe-to-toe with Myers. THE BENCHES CLEAR!  THE UMPIRES BEGIN TO SEPARATE BOTH TEAMS BUT NO PUNCHES ARE THROWN.  HOLLYWOOD IS FIRED UP!

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Game # 2 – Justin Verlander vs. Tim Stauffer

Leading the NLCS 1-0, Tempe was forced to start Tim STAUFFER in Game 2 against Sacramento ace Justin VERLANDER because #2 starter Brandon McCarthy was still fatigued after Tempe’s brutal Division Series with West Coast.  VERLANDER didn’t seem to mind, as he was suddenly the HEAVY favorite to tie the series up for the Capitals.  The Capitals jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first behind Kevin YOUKILIS.  With one down, let’s listen to the call: “YOUKILIS facing Stauffer … The pitch … YOUKILIS swings … and mashes it … it might go all the way GRANDERSON is at the warning track … but he’d need a ladder to get to this one a four-bagger for Continue reading →

GAME # 1 –  Cliff Lee vs. Matt Cain

After an uneventful first inning.  Sacramento took its first shot at Cain in the top of the 2nd with a double by Yadier Molina with two outs in the 2nd, which Tempe quickly shut down with an intentional walk to Torii Hunter and a quick and predictable strikeout of Cliff Lee to escape the inning.  In return, Tempe wasted no time getting it started in the bottom of the 2nd.

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Before getting started, the National League wishes to recognize some very successful owners and re-builders, each of whom have helped to create very competitive seasons–season after season.  Over the years, the National League has benefited from diversity of ownership and moderate parity between some very talented owners.  Camarillo, West Coast (newly departed), Long Beach, Iron City, and the newly departed Owensboro–just to name a few.  Not only is the NL the best league in MWBL (as the NL’s 11-4 World Series record proves), but it is incredibly fun to play against such fierce competitors with impeccable sportsmanship.  As a side note, reviewing the AL-NL World Series record revealed a shocking statistic–of the NL’s 10 World Series Championships, Tempe won 7, Kentucky 2, Sacramento 1, and MWBL’s very first champion, Merrick; so, while competition has been intense among a wide variety of teams, greater parity can only make the NL better! Continue reading →

Game 2: –  Alexi Ogando vs Jered Weaver.  After Clayton Kershaw gets roughed up a little, Hollywood sends the winningest pitcher to the mound in game 2.  Weaver hopes to slow the Tijuana bats some after getting rocked in game 1.  With 2-outs in the first, Ryan Braun steps in and hammers a double into deep left, however he gets Prince Fielder on a come backer to end the threat.  Ogando throws a 1-2-3 first.  Weaver heads out for the 2nd and gives up a single to Carlos Beltran to start the 2nd.  Hollywood employs David Ross behind the plate to help slow down the runners who went 4-0 in base steals during game 1 against Kurt Suzuki.  Weaver settles in and then gets the next 3 batters in succession.    Ogando throws his second perfect inning in a row.  Weaver heads into the 3rd  and gives up a leadoff single to Hanley Ramirez.  With Ross behind the plate, Ramirez takes his lead….it’s a strike….the throw….OUT!  Ross does his job in cutting down the runner!  Ogando sets Hollywood down 1-2-3 for the 3rd perfect inning in a row!  Hollywood’s faithful is getting worried.  With 1-out in the 4th, Prince Fielder rips a double into right.  This brings up Carlos Beltran.  Weaver sets…..the offering…there’s a drive to right center…it might be…it could be Continue reading →