Mitch Keller (20) vs. Steven Brault (15)
So after 3 up and down in the top of the 1st, Jarrod Dyson leads off against the ace of the Coots and grounds to Paul DeJong and beats the low throw to first to get things going for Columbus. Keller then unloads one over Stephen Vogt’s head and Dyson trots to 2nd. A 1 out Charlie Blackmon groundout moves him to 3rd but Keller gets Salvador Perez to groundout 1 to 3 to end the threat.

Aledmys Diaz leads off the 2nd with double but Brault buckles down and gets a fly out followed by 2 groundouts. The next 9 batters go down in order and top of the 4th Enrique Hernandez enters the game in RF, Dyson moving to 3rd. And the 4th sees 6 more straight outs. Brault again sets down Bethesda in the top of the 5th – nothing since the leadoff double in the 2nd. Bottom of the 5th, the Explorers get some excitement going when former ‘Coot Trevor Story leads off with a double (crowd awakens and cheers!). He then steals 2nd, and that rattled Keller who then gives up a big gopher ball to Giovanny Urshela (1) and the Columbus grabs a big 2-0 lead. Keller quickly regroups and gets the next three.

So we move to the 6th and there’s the former Explorer Paul DeJong leading off with a walk. After a fielder’s choice, Brault hits Jeff McNeil to put runners on 1st and 2nd – that Brault control is starting get lost. So Homer Bailey comes in. Carlos Santana, swinging a guitar, pops up and Juan Soto flies out to RF.

Keller gets 2 in the 6th but walks Blackmon and that brings in Mike Mayers and he starts his K parade fanning Perez to end the 6th. Then Bailey and Evan Marshall pitched perfect 7th and 8th innings while Mayers did the same.

So – it’s the 9th and Liam Hendriks is called to close the door. With 1 out, Santana comes up – with bat in hand this time – and doubles off Hendriks. And then, so does Soto scoring Santana and it’s 2-1 with 1 down in the 9th. Schindel is going bonkers. Diaz then up, and he grounds to Story for the 2nd out. That brings up Kyle Seager to extend the game, and he connects on a hard liner that D.J. LeMahieu snags and ends the game.
BET 1-3-0 LP Keller (0-1)
COL 2-3-0 WP Brault (1-0) S Hendriks (1)

Columbus 2 – Bethesda 1

Merrill Kelly (15) vs. Matt Shoemaker (10)
After the non-slugfest of game 1 – the fans were hoping to see a bat breakout for the 2nd game. No such luck – combined 10 hits and 5 runs for this one. Explorers had a big chance in the 1st with D.J. LaMahieu hitting a 1 out double and Charlie Blackmon walking. But LaMahieu is thrown out at 3rd on a double steal attempt when Kyle Seager puts a lovely sweeping tag on him. In the 2nd, Brad Miller draws a 1 out walk and Carlos Santana singles him to 3rd. Former Explorer Victor Reyes then drvies one to wall for double driving in Miler with Santana stopping at 3rd. So in the 2nd the ‘Coots take a 1-0 lead. Then as noted, it stays a low scoring event and the Explorers start mining their bullpen in the 4th! It’s not until the bottom of the 6th that the score changes when Enrique Hernandez (Kiki) leads off with homer (1).

Then with 1 out in the bottom of the 7th, Giovanny Urshela hits a solo homer (2) and Columbus grabs a 2-1 lead. Top of the 8th that Paul DeJong guy attempts to haunt his former mates and draws a leadoff walk off Tony Watson. So J.B. Wendelken comes on to hold it. Apparently he didn’t listen when told that’s was his job. Jonathan Arauz is called to PH and he lashes one to right that ends up a double with DeJong holding at 3rd, no outs! Jeff McNeil then steps in, infield deep, and he lines to Asdrubal Cabrera at 1st, caught, spins, fires to 2nd – DP and DeJong holds 3rd! Next, with a chance to get out of the jam, J.B faces Kevin Pillar – and he kills a quail (wouldn’t that be a correct way of saying “a dying quail”) and DeJong scores to tie the game!! But that’s all the ‘Coots get and it’s tied 1-1 after 7 ½. Bottom of the 8th, Jarrod Dyson draws the 1 out walk, Tyler Heineman (and his killer arm) is now catching and Mike Mayers is called to keep Dyson from scoring. LaMahieu up and he grounds to 3rd – only play is at first, Dyson to 2nd – 2 outs. Charlie Blackmon up and he grounds to DeJong at short to end the inning – EXCEPT Paul throws it right by Santana and Dyson comes all the way around to score the go ahead run!! Maybe DeJong was thinking of the fun times he had with the Explorer.

So, Liam Hendriks is coming in for the 9th – will he give up a run again? In a word – NOPE! He gets the 3 guys and locks down game 2, 3-2 for Columbus and a 2 games to none advantage heading to Bethesda.
BET 2-6-1 LP Kelly (0-1)
COL 3-4-0 WP Wendelken (1-0) BS (1) S Hendriks (2)

Columbus 3 – Bethesda 2

Series shifts to Bethesda where the Explorers hope to close it out, but the hometown Bandicoots are seeking a different result.

J.A. Happ vs. Austin Gomber
Gomber gets a big start in hopes of turning it around and the Coots get off to a 1-0 lead when Carlos Santana wallops a solo homer (1). But Columbus gets a 3 run homer by Enrique Hernandez (2) in the 4th and a solo shot from Asdrubal Cabrera (1) in the 6th. Happ goes 5, the bullpen goes 4 and holds off the Coots as Liam Hendriks gets his 3rd save in 3 games. However, the game wasn’t without mishap! And it’s a big one. Salvador Perez and Asdrubal Cabrera miscommunicated on a pop foul and collided – Perez to the tune of a 10 day injury and Cabrera will miss 12 days! Not good for the Explorers.
COL 4-7-0 WP Happ (1-0) S Hendriks (3)
BET 1-5-0 LP Gomber (0-1)

Columbus 4 – Bethesda 1

With their backs to the wall – Bethesda will pull out all the stops to stay in this thing.

Josh Tomlin vs. Tejay Antone
The Bandicoots start early and often getting a 2 run homer from Kyle Seager (1) in the first and a solo shot from Paul DeJong (1) in the 2nd for a quick 3-0 lead. Antone is making it stand up as he pitches 7 innings of 3 hit shutout ball – fanning 11 Explorers (4 of those were by the replacements for the injured Salvador Perez and Asdrubal Cabrera. In the 8th, Kevin Pillar adds to the long ball parade with a solo shot (1). Trevor Cahill started the 9th (his 2nd inning) but couldn’t get anyone out – he even hit a guy – no injury. Cody Heuer comes in, faces 2, walks 2, and then Mike Mayers comes in and he walks one. All those walks and hit batsmen result in 2 runs for the Explorers, but Mayers does get the job done and Bethesda lives to play another day.
COL 2-4-0 LP Tomlin (0-1)
BET 4-7-1 WP Antone (1-0) S Mayers (1)

Bethesda 4 – Columbus 2

Game 5 sees Columbus still with a chance to close it out on the road and the Bandicoots needing to keep winning to stay alive.

Steven Brault vs. Mitch Keller
Game 1 all over again and Brault has definitely saved his best for round 1 of the playoffs. He goes 6.1 innings of 1 hit ball, 9 ks, 2 walk and no runs. Mitch Keller is almost as good – 6 hits in 7.2 innings but one of those hits was 2nd inning solo homer from Enrique Hernandez, his 3rd, and an rbi double from D.J. LeMahieu in the 5th. So the Columbus bullpen takes over in the 7th and hold it to 2-0 until the bottom of the 9th. Then Liam Hendriks is called on and he gives up a single to Juan Soto and then an rbi double to Kyle Seager. Hendriks seems to like to use up all the cushion he’s been given. But then he strands Seager to save the game and Columbus wins the series 4 games to 1!
COL 2-6-0 WP Brault (2-0) S Hendriks (4)
BET 1-5-0 LP Keller (0-2)

Columbus 2 – Bethesda 1

Congratulations to Bethesda for a fine (“odd”) season. Good luck next year.

Tempe started quickly with a two run homerun by Ozuna in the first. Jeffers sac fly in the 4th briefly cut the lead in half. Tempe responded for three runs in the bottom of the 5th capped by a Peralta two rbi double that knocked Buehler out of the game. Homeruns by Freeman and Brantly later in the 6th and 7th allowed Tempe to relax. Darvish gave up one unearned run over six innings.
W – Darvish, L – Buehler

Tempe 9 – Portland 1

Valaka led off the game with solo homerun for Portland. Conforto added an rbi single in 3rd to put the Lumber Jax up 2-0. Tempe chipped away with a Peralta rbi sac fly in the 3rd and a Plawecki rbi single in the 4th. In the fifth they jumped ahead when Rendon doubled and Peralta singled him home. A Vlad solo shot tied it at 3-3 in the top of the 6th. In the bottom of the 8th with two out, Plawecki hit a huge double to drive two runs in. O’day closed out the 9th for the win.
W – Hahn, L – Peralta, S – O’day

Tempe 5 – Portland 3

Bogaerts hit a solo homerun for Tempe in top of the 2nd, but Arroyo answered with a two run homer in the bottom half. Tempe then fired back with an Ozuna two run rbi in the 3rd and a Freeman one run rbi double in the 4th. Ozuna and Dickerson solo shots in the 5th made a 6-2. Kim went 5 innings and then Ramirez pitched four no hit innings for the long save.
W – Kim, L – Marquez, S – Ramirez

Tempe 6 –  Portland 2

Portland started hot. Riddle rbi double and then a Valaika three run homerun in the 2nd gave the Lumber Jax their first significant lead. Torres solo shot in the 3rd made it 5-0 and forced Wainwright to leave early for the first time all year. Taveras solo in 6th made it 7-0 Portland. Mahle pitched six scoreless innings. In the seventh, Tempe woke up and scored four runs capped by a three run homer by Freeman. Conforto hit an insurance solo in the bottom of 7th to make a 8-4 game. Bogaerts two run homer in the 8th cut the lead to only two. In the 9th Ona hit a rbi double to make a one run game, but Hernandez was able to strand the runner on 2B and record the final out on a strikeout. Portland needed all eight runs to get the win and avoid the sweep.
W – Mahle, L – Wainwright, S – Hernandez

Portland 8 – Tempe 7

Torres solo and Taveras rbi double put Portland up 2-0 in the 2nd. Albies rbi single in 3rd put Tempe on the board. Peralta solo and Dickerson three run homer put Tempe back in charge 5-2 in the 4th. Darvish gave up just the two runs in six innings and the pen tossed three shutout innings to finish the series.
 W – Darvish, L – Buehler, S – O’Day

Tempe 5 –  Portland 2

Long Beach opened the scoring in the first when Bruce doubled in Reddick and Turner followed with a 2 run HR. In the bottom of the inning Mendick & Bruce collided on a popup allowing Ramirez to score. Both men were injured and out for the rest of the series. In the second Gregorius homered to cut the lead to 3-2. In the third Severino hit a 2 run HR. Calhoun’s 3 run HR in the bottom of the inning tied the game 5-5. Ramirez hit a solo HR in the 5th to give Jersey a 6-5 lead. It stayed that way until the 7th when Marmolejos, who replaced Bruce, hit a 2 run HR to give Long Beach the lead again 7-6. The Long Beach bullpen closed it out with Bleier, Green & Baez each getting an out in the 9th as Long Beach takes game 1.

Long Beach 7 – Jersey 6

Jersey exploded for 8 runs in the second with Santana’s grand slam the highlight and rolled to an 8-2 win. Lamet threw 6 shutout innings to get the win.

Jersey 8 – Long Beach 2

Long Beach took an early lead in the 1st when Marmolejos tripled in 2 runs. Jersey got a run back in the 4th when Romine singled in Nunez. Long Beach took advantage of Alzolay’s wildness in the 6th when they scored runs on a WP and 2 bases loaded walks for a 5-1 lead. After Guzman led off the 7th with a HR cutting the lead to 5-2, Severino hit a 2 run HR in the 8th to give Long Beach a comfortable lead and they went on to an 8-2 win and a 2-1 series lead.

Long Beach 8 – Jersey 2

This was a scoreless game until the 6th when Pham and Turner traded 2 run HRs keeping the game tied at 2-2. It stayed that way until the 8th when Severino singled in Ervin to give Long Beach a 3-2 lead. Webb came on in the 9th to get Jersey 1-2-3 to close out the Long Beach win and 3-1 series lead. Gonzales went the distance giving up just 6 hits in taking the loss. The Long Beach bullpen was strong again throwing 3 2/3 innings of 1 hit ball.

Long Beach 3 – Jersey 2

Long Beach took their only lead of the game in the 1st when Ervin & Andrus led off with back to back 2Bs. After that it was all Jersey. Pham tied the game in the 3rd on a solo HR and they took the lead for good in the 4th when Calhoun scored on an Encarnacion error and Odor had a 2 run 2B for a 4-1 lead. They put the game away in the 7th on HRs by Ramirez & Gregorious and went on to an 8-4 win. Long Beach loaded the bases 3 times against Wisler but couldn’t get the hit to knock him out.

Jersey 8 – Long Beach 4

Jersey got all their runs on HRs by Nunez HR, Guzman & Ramirez (2) as they won 5-2 to even the series 3-3. Lamet pitched into the 8th to pick up his second win of the series.

Jersey 5 – Long Beach 2

Jersey opened the scoring in the 5th when Naquin scored on infield single by Pham. It was still 1-0 in the 9th when Turner homered to tie the game and send it to extra innings. In the bottom of the 10th Long Beach dodged a bullet when Grossman threw out Pham trying to score from second on a Guzman single. But the next batter Ramirez hit a walk off 2 run HR to give Jersey a 3-1 win and the series 4-3.

Jersey 3 – Long Beach 1 (10 Innings)

A trio of homers by VIR put them out front 5-0. J.Bradley and G.Springer lofted solo shots and W,Merrifield a 2-run blast. Despite getting only 4 hits in the game, FRE came back on T.Hernandez’ 2-run homer and RBI’s from Y.Gurriel and M.Brosseau. But VIR’s bullpen came on to throw 3 innings of no-hit ball and give VIR a surprising win.

Virginia 5 – Fremont 4

W-T.McKenzie (1-0) – L-D.Bundy (0-1) – SV- T.Webb (1)
HR – VIR- W.Merrifield (1), J.Bradley (1), G.Springer (1) FRE- T.Hernandez (1)

Virginia exploded out of the gate. A 2-run homer from E.Jimenez in the 1st, two solo shots from C.Biggio in the 2nd and 3rd, and a 2-run blast from J.Segura in the 3rd. Just like that it was 6-0 VIR. Before the end of the 2nd inning, Z.Gallen had enough and plunked two VIR batters. The umps quickly gave him the heave-ho. Two innings later VIR’s E.Hernandez had a little retaliation and nailed M.Brosseau,…for which he received an early exit from the game. T.Hernandez’ 2-RBI double gave FRE their firsst runs in the 5th. Y.Gurriel and M.Thaiss tried to help Fremont with solo long balls later in the game, but VIR held on to get the win and head home with a 2-0 advantage. By the way, FRE’s two firstbasemen, Gurriel and Thaiss, were a combined 4-4 with 2 runs, 2 RBI and 2 HR.

Virginia 7 – Fremont 4

W- T. Williams (1-0) – L-Z.Gallen (0-1)
HR – VIR- E.Jimenez (1), C,Biggio 2(2), J.Segura (1) FRE-Y,Gurriel (1), M.Thaiss (1)

The series shifted to Virginia with Virginia holding a 2-0 lead in the series. Fremont’s T.Hernandez, who was 3-7 with a homer and 4 RBI in the first two games, started off the Fremont scoring in the first by ripping a fastball over the LF wall to give Fremont a 1-0 lead. A.Rizzo tied it for VIR with a RBI single in the 2nd. Y.Gurriel’s blast over the CF wall followed shortly by T.Hernandez’ 2nd homer of the game, a 2-run shot, put FRE up 4-1 in the 5th. VIR came right back in the bottom of the 5th. A.Rizzo lined one out in CF. C.Biggio walked and W.Merrifield stepped in the box, “W. MERRIFIELD facing D. DUFFY, B 5th, No Outs, Runner on 2nd, Behind 2-4 …He comes home … that’s hit … back and deep the other way … back … back… … back……HEY-HEY!! … a two-run shot over the right center field wall … attaboy MERRIFIELD…CANNONS 4, SLUGGERS 4.” One inning later, with the bases loaded, C,Biggio sliced one in the hole driving in 2 and giving VIR a 6-4 lead. M.Margot got FRE within 1 with a SF in the 8th, but once again VIR’s bullpen held on and VIR eked out another close win.

Virginia 6 – Fremont 5

W-L.Castillo (1-0) W-D.Duffy (0-1) SV-T.Webb (2)
HR – FRE-T.Hernandez 2(3), Y.Gurriel (2) VIR-W.Merrifield (2), A.Rizzo (1)

Down 3 games to none, Fremont needed a win to stay alive. Well, the hot bat of T.Hernandez got them off on the right foot, “ T. HERNANDEZ facing A. PLUTKO, T 3rd, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Tied 0-0 …The pitch … high fly ball to center … BRADLEY’s racing to the track … he’s against the wall…but there’s nothing he can do … it’s long gone! … a two-run shot…CANNONS 2, SLUGGERS 0.” Virginia had their own hot bat in the form of #9 batter A.Rizzo, “A. RIZZO facing Z. GALLEN, B 3rd, No Outs, 2nd and 3rd, Behind 0-2 …Infield deep … SEGURA with a head fake at third … the pitch … and it’s pulled hard to right…it’s deep enough if it’s fair … hooking … fair ball! … a three-run homer for RIZZO…Anthony trots around the bases … he loves a trip downtown … he claps his hands…he’s greeted at home plate … congratulations all around … GALLEN is giving himself a lecture…CANNONS 2, SLUGGERS 3.” In the bottom of the 4th inning J.Bradley stepped up with 1 out and nobody on, “BRADLEY hits it nine miles … deep to right field … fair ball!…and it’s long gone! … home run for BRADLEY …CANNONS 2, SLUGGERS 4.” In the top of the 8th, that guy T.Hernandez (what a series he had) got FRE within 1, “HARTLIEB with the pitch … uh-oh! … way back … SPRINGER looks up … put it on the board… YES!
CANNONS 3, SLUGGERS 4.” FRE was not going to go away easily. Unfortunately for them, R.Devers finally got in the long ball game, “R. DEVERS facing G. GALLEGOS, B 8th, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 4-3 …FRAZIER at second takes a big lead … he lets it go … and DEVERS unloads on it…that’s long gone … a tape measure job deep to right…CANNONS 3, SLUGGERS 6” With a 3 run lead, the pen came in once again and gave VIR it’s first Playoff series win in so long I can’t remember when the last time was.

Virginia 6 – Fremont 3

W-A.Plutko (1-0) L-Z.Gallen (0-2)
HR – FRE-T.Hernandez 2(5) VIR- R.Devers (1), J.Bradley (2), A.Rizzo (2)

SERIES PREVIEW – Two familiar foes in the playoffs face off once again. This is the first time they will face off against each other in the Wild Card round, having only faced each other in the League Championship series prior. Chicago currently leads the series 3 series wins to 2.

2005: Chicago over Hollywood (4-1)
2013: Chicago over Hollywood (4-3)
2015: Hollywood over Chicago (4-1)
2017: Chicago over Hollywood (4-1)
2020: Hollywood over Chicago (4-1)

The World Champs weren’t expected to be in the playoffs this year and traded (3) high valued pitchers during the season when it looked like they would not make it. Chicago on the other hand was expected to make the playoffs and one of the favorites to represent the AL in the World Series.

Christian Yelich leads off the game ripping a double down the right-field line. Then with 1-out, AL Batting Champ, Paul Goldschmidt singles to right, scoring Yelich, staking Kershaw with a 1-0 lead. The game stayed that way until the 3rd inning when Yelich hammers a home run to right, giving Hollywood a 2-0 lead. Kershaw looked brilliant taking Hollywood to the 5th inning leading 2-0 when “soon to be retired” Alex Gordon walks to lead off the inning. He is forced out by a Hanser Alberto fielder’s choice, leading to 2-outs with Goldschmidt due up. Goldy rips a double to left, scoring Alberto, giving Kershaw a 3-0 lead. At that point, it was all she wrote as Hollywood rode Kershaw to a compete came 2-hit shut-out, 3-0 victory. Hollywood shocks Chicago with a game 1. victory. Hollywood leads the series 1-0.

Hollywood 3 – Chicago 0

Jose Iglesias gets Chicago started in the bottom of the first with a single to right. After a wild pitch, Joey Votto and Nelson Cruz are walked to load the bases for Alex Bregman. BREGMAN piles into this pitch … this could be trouble…GORDON races it to the wall … picked clean! … Iglesias tags and walks into home to give Chicago a 1-0 lead. If May doesn’t settle in, this game will get out of control early. He then gets Andrew McCutchen on a lazy fly and he can blow a sigh of relief. With 2-outs in the top of the 2nd, Christian Vazquez doubles to right then scores when Jake Cronenworth follows with a double of his own. The score is 1-1. Hill gets out of the jam. Chicago doesn’t do much in the bottom half and we move to the 3rd inning. Gordon walks to lead off the inning. With 1-out, Alberto doubles to left, putting runners at 2nd & 3rd with 1-out. After Goldy is intentionally walked, Ketel Marte steps up. Marte rips one to right, Gordon & Alberto score to make it 3-1 Hollywood. The Chicago fans are in SHOCK! Hill settles down and gets out of it limiting the damage to two runs. Dustin May stays locked in, Hollywood throws up 4 runs in the 8th to blow Chicago our 7-1 giving them a 2 games to 0 series lead. Game shifting to Hollywood.

Hollywood 7 – Chicago 1

The last time Craig Morton took the mound, was in Game 7 of the World Series in Hollywood last season. He was brilliant with 8-innings of shutout ball and hopes to re-live that magic. With 2-outs in the 2nd, Andrew McCutchen gets a hold of one to give Chicago a 1-0 lead. Urias looks to have the game under control, holding Chicago to no nits entering into the top of the 5th. With 2-outs, Iglesias doubles to center bringing up Tucker Barnhart. Here’s a pitch … BARNHART goes out and gets it … long ball … down the left field line…curving … curving … is it or isn’t it? … the ump signals … home run!! Chicago has a 3-0 lead. The game moves to the bottom of the 5th and with 1-out Vazquez steps in for Hollywood. VAZQUEZ facing URIAS…He cranks and fires … VAZQUEZ puts a charge into this pitch … it might fly….Mike TAUCHMAN races back to the wall … he times his leap and comes down with a glove full of dead homer! … terrific play! … two down!! Then after 2 walks, Alex Gordon steps in… grounded hard to short … IGLESIAS fields it … flips to ARRAEZ at second and they get him … to retire the side. Urias has no-hit Hollywood through 5 innings. Chicago puts the game away with 5 runs in the top of the 6th, but the story is Urias…He takes a no-hitter to the 9th inning with an 11-0 lead. ALBERTO facing URIAS … fly ball left field … it’s playable … TAUCHMAN moves under it and he’s got it … one down!! Next up is GOLDSCHMIDT…URIAS fires it in … it misses … ball four … and GOLDSCHMIDT goes to first. With 1-out that brings up…..MARTE…First baseman VOTTO’s on the bag … URIAS rocks and fires … cut on … it’s a high fly to straightaway center … AKIYAMA has it measured … he brings it down … two gone!!! GOLDSCHMIDT gets back to first and sends up Matt OLSON as their last hope… Julio URIAS takes a deep breath and comes home…called STRIKE ONE. Francisco Cervelli tosses it back to Urias. Urias looks in….shakes off the sign…..gives a nod…A SWING AND A MISS!!! STRIKE TWO!!! OLSON steps out….takes a couple of practice swings…steps back in…..URIAS looks in… It gives a solid nod…..THE PITCH…..OLSON SWINGS WILDLY FOR STRIKE THREE…..CERVELLI CHARGES THE MOUND!!! URIAS THROWS A NO-HITTER…URIAS THROWS A NO-HITTER!!! Chicago grabs game 3 and now trails the series 2 games to 1.

Chicago 11 – Hollywood 0

Lance McCullers vs Jon Lester. Hollywood throws 4 grade, Jon Lester, in game 4 with the hopes of getting 3 innings from him. They have the bullpen at the ready and will pull at the first sign of trouble. No-hitter aside…this was by far the BEST game of the series.
1st: Lester walks 1, but gets out of it. McCullers gets Hollywood 1-2-3
2nd: With 1-out, Lester gives up a single to Kolten Wong, but induces a double play to get out of it. McCullers walks one but gets out of the jam.
3rd: Lester gives up a single to Cervelli, but induces another double play. McCullers gives up a lead-off double to Matt Chapman. Alex Gordon attempts to sacrifice him over the 3rd, but the bunt is back to the mound and McCullers cuts down Chapman at 3rd base! McCullers then hits Yelich on the hand, which causes him to leave the game for Sam Haggerty. With 1-out and runners at 1st & 2nd base, McCullers induces a double play to end the threat
4th: With 1-out in the top half Joey Votto doubles off Lester and Nelson Cruz walks. Lester gets a visit from the pitching coach. That settles Lester down as he strikes out Alex Bregman then gets Wong on a bounce out to first. McCullers gives up a walk but gets out of it and the score remains 0-0 thru 4 innings
5th: After a walk, Lester induces his third double play of the game. McCullers creates an error but gets out of it to keep the game scoreless
6th: Lester is on a short leash having pitched 5 brilliant innings and gives up a lead-off double to Iglesias. A bounce-out moves him to third base with 1-out. That brings up Votto, who is just looking for a sacrifice fly… LESTER brings it to the plate … it’s rapped back to the mound … LESTER scoops it…looks at third…fires to first … two down! … and IGLESIAS has to hold third. He then gets Nelson Cruz on a bounce out to get out of it. McCullers continues his brilliance with a 1-2-3 inning. At the end of 6…no score
7th: Lester throws his first 1-2-3 inning. McCullers throws another 1-2-3 inning
8th: Lester throws another 1-2-3 inning. With McCullers on the mound still and 2-outs… Haggerty, who replaced Yelich in the 3rd, singles. With the hit-and-run on, Alberto moves him all the way to 3rd base. Alex Colome comes in and walks Goldy to get to Marte. Marte flies out and the 0-0 game is intact.
9th: Lester is still on the mound and with 2-outs, Nelson CRUZ sends it in the air … deep right-center field…HAGGERTY goes over….GORDON goes over … and GORDON chases it down … three away! Lester has made it through 9 scoreless innings. Colome gets them 1-2-3 to send us into extra innings
10th: In a shocking move, Hollywood sends Lester out to begin the 10th, but the bullpen is getting ready. He gets Bregman on a groundout and Wong on a pop-out behind the plate which brings up Yandy Diaz. Diaz singles and that’s if for Jon Lester. He leaves the mound to a standing ovation!! Hollywood turns to Rich Rodriguez to get them out of this. Kevin Kiermaier goes out to pinch run for Diaz. GOLDSCHMIDT holding the runner on … RODRIGUEZ comes to him … high and inside and KIERMAIER takes off for second….here’s the peg from VAZQUEZ … the sweep tag … CRONENWORTH tags him out … three away! WOW! Colome gives up a walk but gets out of it uneventfully and the game is STILL 0-0 after 10 innings!
11th: Rodriguez still out on the mound for Hollywood gets them 1-2-3. Colome is still out there for Chicago, gives up a leadoff single to Goldschmid, and is promptly lifted for Amir Garrett. Garrett gets Marte to fly out so that brings up Matt Olson. Hollywood trying to get a running in scoring positions sends GOLDSCHMIDT…..good jump off first…BARNHART comes up throwing … the sweep tag and IGLESIAS tags him out … two down! Garrett gets Olson swinging and the game is STILL SCORELESS
12th: Hollywood turns to Diego Castillo who gets a standing ovation. The last time Castillo pitched in Hollywood was Game 6 of the World Series where he was brilliant to get them to a game 7 last year. Castillo continues that brilliance to the tune of 1-2-3. Garrett & Jeremey Jeffress combine for a 1-2-3 of their own for Chicago and we move the 13th inning still scoreless
13th: Castillo gives up a lead-off single to Bregman. Wong & Kiermaier fly out and Tauchman strikeout. With 1-out in the bottom half, Jeffress walks Haggerty. HAGGERTY is running…here’s the peg from BARNHART … WONG tags him out … it’s getting late and they’re trying to make something happen … but BARNHART had other ideas and that’s the WEREWOLVES 2nd time caught stealing … two downJeffress gets a flyout and we’re still scoreless.
14th: Hollywood takes the ball from Castillo and turns to Brandon Leibrandt. He gets them 1-2-3 to send us to the bottom of the 14th. Jeffress is still on the mound for Chicago. Goldschmidt singles to lead off the inning. With Ketel Marte up, Hollywood has GOLDSCHMIDT going with the pitch … Jeffress brings it home … MARTE ropes it hard to right…into the corner … McCutchen’s after it … GOLDSCHMIDT’s digging … he’s around third….he’s coming down the line…here’s the throw…. it’s all over! … GOLDSCHMIDT SCORES AND HOLLYWOOD WINS 1-0. UNBELIEVABLE!! Hollywood is now up 3 games to 1 in the series.

Hollywood 1 – Chicago 0 (14 Innings)

Hollywood looking to clinch, sends their ace out to try and win it. Kershaw and Bauer trade zeroes into the third inning. In the top half of the 3rd, Diaz singles for Chicago with 1-out to put a runner on. Bregman follows with an infield hit and the runners are at 1st & 2nd for Nelson Cruz. Kershaw loses his control for a short spell, hitting Cruz to load the bases, then giving Chicago the lead with a Joey Votto walk. Kershaw clearly upset at himself then looks into Andrew McCutchen. The pitch from KERSHAW … lined hard to right…base hit … GORDON is after it … he cuts it off deep in the gap … BREGMAN scores, TAUCHMAN and Chicago now lead 3-0! Bauer looks to be in control, takes the lead into the bottom of the 5th. With 2-outs, Alex Gordon walks and Yelich walks, bringing up Alberto. Albert follows with a double to right, cutting the lead to 3-2 Chicago. Chicago hands the ball to the bullpen who blanks Hollywood in the 6th & 7th. As we move into the 8th, with Amir Garrett on the mound, he gets an easy 2-outs, bringing up Matt Chapman. Garrett walks him bringing up Alex Gordon. Gordon steps toward the plate as he is about to settle in, Hollywood calls timeout. Looks like they are sending Alejandro Kirk to pinch hit for Gordon.

KIRK EMBRACES GORDON WITH A HUG!! THE FANS GO WILD AS THEY POTENTIALLY WATCH ALEX GORDON LEAVE THE FIELD FOR THE LAST TIME. A STANDING OVATION FOR GORDON WITH A CURTAIN CALL AS THE CHICAGO PLAYERS AND HOLLYWOOD PLAYERS ALIKE JOIN IN WITH THE CHEERS…

As the stadium settles down, Chicago changes pitchers to Jeremy Jeffress, and Kirk steps in. The pitch … grounded right at BREGMAN … this should do it … throws to second … three away! Chicago still leads 3-2 after eight. Chicago goes quietly in the top of the ninth, leading to the top of the Hollywood order. Yelich reaches on a Jeffress error. Moves to 2nd base on a FC for Goldschmidt and Marte to try and tie it. Jeffress hits Goldschmidt, putting the winning run on 1st base. Marte steps in…Jeffress cranks and fires … OOOOF! … MARTE flails the air … but fails to make contact that’s strike three … and Ketel is headed back to the bench … two down!! Chicago brings in Adolis Chapman to face Matt Olson…Chapman gets Olson to pop out and Chicago lives another day. Hollywood now leads the series 3 games to 2.

Chicago 3 – Hollywood 2

The game shift back to Chicago with the home team desperate for a win to keep them going. Hollywood turns to their #2 starter Gingergaard with hopes to wrap it up. If they lose, they will have to turn to 5 grade Charlie Morton in game 7. Hill & May exchange goose eggs into the 4th inning. Hill gets Hollywood 1-2-3. Votto walks in the bottom half to lead off the inning and that brings up Nelson Cruz. High fly ball to center…YELICH’s racing to the track … he’s against the wall … but there’s nothing he can do…it’s long gone! Chicago has a 2-0 lead! Hill continues his brilliance keeping Hollywood at bay with 6 no-hit innings. As they head to the bottom of the 6th, Chicago leads 2-0 still, and with 1-out, Cruz singles for his second hit of the games. After Bregman reaches on a fielders choice, McCutchen steps in. MAY into his motion … delivers … McCutchen swings … it’s hard and long …sending MARTE back..will it be deep enough? … goodbye… a two-run shot and Chicago now has a 4-0 lead. The story is Rich Hill and Chicago possibly pitching (2) no-hitters in the Wild Card series as we move to the 9th inning now up 5-0. HILL ON TE MOUND….. GORDON up…The pitch comes in … swung on … popped foul behind first … WONG’s racing over…waves off VOTTO … and he gloves it … one down! This brings up YELICH…HILL lets it go … fastball … badly fooled … strike three … two down!!! The GOLDEN SOMBRERO FOR YELICH as he has now struck out 4 times!! The last man standing between HILL and his no-hitter is Hanser Alberto. HILL comes to the plate … ALBERTO lashes one to right … it falls….and ALBERTO’s on with a single … for HOLLYWOOD … the 1st hit in this game…breaking up the no-hitter for Rich HILL with two away here in the 9th!! While Hill is disappointed, Chicago is not…they finish off the game, shutting Hollywood out 5-0 and have no evened the series for the pivotal game 7.

Chicago 5 – Hollywood 0

Hollywood sends their 7th game magic-man (5-grade) Charlie Morton to the mound vs Chicago’s own magic man, 14-grade Julio Urias. The last time Hollywood faced Urias, they were no-hit. Chicago is looking for the same magic while Hollywood looks for the upset. Hollywood looks to have the bullpen up early, just in case…..Hollywood breaks up the no-hitter early this time, in the second inning, with a single by Vazquez, which leads to nothing. The game is scoreless entering the third inning when Matt Chapman steps in to lead off the inning. URIAS with the offering … that’s rocked to deep left-center … it is high … and long….and gone! … CHAPMAN trots around the bases giving Hollywood a 1-0 lead. As the game moves to the 4th, Hollywood still clings to the 1-0 lead. With 1-out, Urias walks Marte. He promptly steals second with Matt Olson in the box, who goes down on strikes. With 2-outs, Vazquez steps in against Urias. MARTE now with an aggressive lead … the pitch comes in … swung on … base hit left field….TAUCHMAN’s after it … toward the gap … MARTE’s well around third and he’ll score to give Hollywood a 2-0 lead! Morton cruises in the 4th and Hollywood holds the 2-0 lead entering the bottom of the 5th. With 1-out, Kolten Wong walks, which brings up Cervelli. MORTON sets….the delivery … hit toward MARTE in deep left … he’s chasing it down…
he’s at the warning track … and he watches it sail over the wall as Cervelli circles the bases to tie the game at 2-2!!! The crowd goes crazy and with one swing of the bat, Hollywood’s bullpen starts getting ready again…fast. The game moves to the top of the 6th, as Alberto leads off the inning with a single. With 1-out, Hollywood puts the runner in motion for Ketel Marte who moves him to 2nd base with 2-outs. With 2-outs Olson steps in. The pitch … it’s a shot down the right-field line … kicks up some chalk dust…McCutchen cuts it off in foul territory … ALBERTO around third … he will score…the WEREWOLVES have the lead! … and OLSON motors in to second with a stand-up double and a 3-2 Hollywood lead! Urias gets out of it and the game heads to the bottom of the 6th. Hollywood pulls Morton out and sends in Diego Castillo in relief. Castillo gets them 1-2-3 to preserve the Hollywood lead. With Urias still on the mound, the game moves to the 7th. With 2-outs, Chicago turns to lefty Tyler Matzek to face lefty Alex Gordon. MATZEK with the pitch…. it’s pulled hard to right … it’s deep enough if it’s fair … hooking….fair ball! … home run for GORDON and Hollywood now leads 4-2!! Castillo is sent back out there in the bottom of the 7th. He walks Diaz to lead off the inning. He moves to 2nd on a McCutchen groundout. Castillo gets Wong on a checked swing and Cervelli on a popout…The game moves into the 8th inning. The game is still 4-2 Hollywood as they turn to Brandon Leibrandt to hold off Chicago. He does the job getting Chicago 1-2-3 to send the game into the 9th inning up 4-2. Hollywood goes quietly in the top half and turns to their closer Richard Rodriguez in the bottom half. With the series on the line, he needs to go through the heart of the order, Votto-Cruz-Diaz. He gets Votto on a flyout and strikes out Cruz, which leaves Diaz the last Chicago hope. With the count 3-2, RODRIGUEZ is into his motion … delivers … that’s a half swing … yes! … DIAZ went too far and HOLLYWOOD COMPLETES THE UPSET WITH A 4-2 WIN, TAKING THE SERIES 4 GAMES TO 3.

Hollywood 4 – Chicago 2