Wild Card Round

2021 NATIONAL LEAGUE WILD CARD SERIES “D”

Long Beach Dirtbags @ Jersey Nor’Easters
SERIES PREVIEW – In what should be a highly competitive affair the Long Beach Dirt Bags take on the Jersey Nor’Easters in a Wild Card Affair.
GAME #1 – Brandon Woodruf (7-5 2.08) vs. Matt Wisler (2-3 2.16) 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
GAME #2 – Lance Lynn (7.4 2.32) vs. Dinelson Lamet (7-5 1.86) 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
GAME #3 – Adbert Alzolay (1-2 3.49) vs. Dustin Peterson (3-2 2.90) 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
GAME #4 – Marco Gonzales (9-1 2.59) vs. Jaime Barria (3-3 3.59) 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
GAME #5 – Matt Wisler (2-3 2.16) vs. Brandon Woodruf (7-5 2.08) 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
GAME #6 – Lance Lynn (7.4 2.32) vs. Dinelson Lamet (7-5 1.86) 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
GAME #7 – Dustin Peterson (3-2 2.90) vs. John Means (3-2 3.86) 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)
SERIES SUMMARY – Jersey completes a comeback from 3-1 to advance to the next round.

Long Beach Dirtbags @ Jersey Nor’Easters

SERIES PREVIEW – In what should be a highly competitive affair the Long Beach Dirt Bags take on the Jersey Nor’Easters in a Wild Card Affair.

GAME #1 – Brandon Woodruf (7-5 2.08) vs. Matt Wisler (2-3 2.16)

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

GAME #2 – Lance Lynn (7.4 2.32) vs. Dinelson Lamet (7-5 1.86)

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

GAME #3 – Adbert Alzolay (1-2 3.49) vs. Dustin Peterson (3-2 2.90)

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

GAME #4 – Marco Gonzales (9-1 2.59) vs. Jaime Barria (3-3 3.59)

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

GAME #5 – Matt Wisler (2-3 2.16) vs. Brandon Woodruf (7-5 2.08)

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

GAME #6 – Lance Lynn (7.4 2.32) vs. Dinelson Lamet (7-5 1.86)

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

GAME #7 – Dustin Peterson (3-2 2.90) vs. John Means (3-2 3.86)

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)

SERIES SUMMARY – Jersey completes a comeback from 3-1 to advance to the next round.

2021 AMERICAN LEAGUE WILD CARD SERIES “D”

Virginia Sluggers @ Fremont Cannons
SERIES PREVIEW – #4 seed Fremont takes on #5 seed Virginia. Tied going into the last two games of the regular season, Virginia rested their regulars and lost both games. Fremont swept their last two games to edge out Virginia in the standings.
GAME #1 – Triston McKenzie (2-3 2.51) vs. Dylan Bundy (4-2 2.85) 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)
GAME #2 – Trevor Williams (2-5 11.32) vs. Zac Gallen (6-4 4.14) 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)
GAME #3 – Danny Duffy (2-6 4.55) vs. Luis Castillo (6-4 3.42) 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)
GAME #4 – Zac Gallen (6-4 4.14) vs. Adam Plutko (8-2 1.72) 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 SUMMARY – Surprising Virginia sweeps Fremont 4-0. A close series from two evenly matched teams. Frmeont just ran into some bad luck. If T.Hernandez had some help, this could have easily gone Fremont’s way. Virginia got power production and key hits from several unusual sources and the bullpen was outstanding when it counted. Virginia moves on with Brian Devine handling the team from here out as Paul Roe will be out of the country for the next 2 weeks. My congratulations to Casey and his Fremont Cannons on a good year and a fun series. Thanks Casey. STATS:Fremont – T.Hernandez 8-15 .533 5 runs, 10 RBI, 5 HR (Series MVP ) M.Kepler 6-13 .462 1 run Y.Gurriel 4-14 .286 2 runs, 3 RBI, 2 HRVirginia – W.Merrifield 6-12 .500 3 runs, 4 RBI 2 HR A.Rizzo 4-10 .400 3 runs, 3 RBI 2 HR C.Biggio 5-14 .357 3 runs, 5 RBI 2 HR J.Segura 5-14 .357 3 runs, 2 RBI 1 HRVIR – .258 Team Batting Average FRE – .213 Team Batting AverageVIR out homered FRE 12-8 20 HR’s in a 4 game series

Virginia Sluggers @ Fremont Cannons

SERIES PREVIEW – #4 seed Fremont takes on #5 seed Virginia. Tied going into the last two games of the regular season, Virginia rested their regulars and lost both games. Fremont swept their last two games to edge out Virginia in the standings.

GAME #1 – Triston McKenzie (2-3 2.51) vs. Dylan Bundy (4-2 2.85)

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)

GAME #2 – Trevor Williams (2-5 11.32) vs. Zac Gallen (6-4 4.14)

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)

GAME #3 – Danny Duffy (2-6 4.55) vs. Luis Castillo (6-4 3.42)

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)

GAME #4 – Zac Gallen (6-4 4.14) vs. Adam Plutko (8-2 1.72)

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 SUMMARY – Surprising Virginia sweeps Fremont 4-0. A close series from two evenly matched teams. Frmeont just ran into some bad luck. If T.Hernandez had some help, this could have easily gone Fremont’s way. Virginia got power production and key hits from several unusual sources and the bullpen was outstanding when it counted. Virginia moves on with Brian Devine handling the team from here out as Paul Roe will be out of the country for the next 2 weeks. My congratulations to Casey and his Fremont Cannons on a good year and a fun series. Thanks Casey.
STATS:Fremont –
T.Hernandez 8-15 .533 5 runs, 10 RBI, 5 HR (Series MVP )
M.Kepler 6-13 .462 1 run
Y.Gurriel 4-14 .286 2 runs, 3 RBI, 2 HRVirginia –
W.Merrifield 6-12 .500 3 runs, 4 RBI 2 HR
A.Rizzo 4-10 .400 3 runs, 3 RBI 2 HR
C.Biggio 5-14 .357 3 runs, 5 RBI 2 HR
J.Segura 5-14 .357 3 runs, 2 RBI 1 HRVIR – .258 Team Batting Average
FRE – .213 Team Batting AverageVIR out homered FRE 12-8
20 HR’s in a 4 game series

2021 AMERICAN LEAGUE WILD CARD SERIES “C”

Hollywood Werewolves @ Chicago Mobsters
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.
GAME #1 – Clayton Kershaw (4-6 2.82) vs. Trevor Bauer (5-4 2.96) 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
GAME #2 – Dustin May (6-4 3.84) vs. Rich Hill (5-0 2.13) 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
GAME #3 – Julio Urias (5-4 3.25) vs. Charlie Morton (5-8 4.28) 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
GAME #4 – Lance McCullers (6-4 2.89) vs. John Lester (4-2 3.39) 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)
GAME #5 – Trevor Bauer (5-4 2.96) vs. Clayton Kershaw (4-6 2.82) 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
GAME #6 – Dustin May (6-4 3.84) vs. Rich Hill (5-0 2.13) 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
GAME #7 –Charlie Morton (5-8 4.28) vs. Julio Urias (5-4 3.25) 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
SERIES SUMMARY – Hollywood moves on, while Chicago goes home…..Great series with surprises along the way. Hollywood never thought they would win 1 game, let alone 4. Looks like the Defending Champs will not go down without a fight!!X

Hollywood Werewolves @ Chicago Mobsters

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.

GAME #1 – Clayton Kershaw (4-6 2.82) vs. Trevor Bauer (5-4 2.96)

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

GAME #2 – Dustin May (6-4 3.84) vs. Rich Hill (5-0 2.13)

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

GAME #3 – Julio Urias (5-4 3.25) vs. Charlie Morton (5-8 4.28)

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

GAME #4 – Lance McCullers (6-4 2.89) vs. John Lester (4-2 3.39)

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)

GAME #5 – Trevor Bauer (5-4 2.96) vs. Clayton Kershaw (4-6 2.82)

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

GAME #6 – Dustin May (6-4 3.84) vs. Rich Hill (5-0 2.13)

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

GAME #7 –Charlie Morton (5-8 4.28) vs. Julio Urias (5-4 3.25)

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

SERIES SUMMARY – Hollywood moves on, while Chicago goes home…..Great series with surprises along the way. Hollywood never thought they would win 1 game, let alone 4. Looks like the Defending Champs will not go down without a fight!!X

2020 NATIONAL LEAGUE WILD CARD SERIES

Triple Creek Patriots @ Tempe Tempers
SERIES PREVIEW – NL Wild Card features a couple of opposite world squads. Perennial powerhouse Tempe receives the relative newcomers from Triple Creek. Home field advantage came down to the wire and was decided by the slimmest of margins, one game. These same teams dueled via WebEx just a couple weeks ago and Tempe took 4 of 6. Tempe offense will be led by Bogaerts (.320/.388/.571), Brantley (.289/.345/.471), Albies (.271/.337/.475), JD Martinez (47 HRs), Freeman (39 HRs) and Ozuna (39 HRs). Patriot impact bats were Bellinger (.300/.402/.672), Gurriel (.283/.325/.511), Seager (.281/.344/.474), and Villar (.273/.332/.454 52 SB). Strahm helped himself a bit this year with a solid .697 OPS, scoring 12 runs, and driving in 5. Pitching-wise, Tempe had one starter with more than 10 wins, Wade Miley (14 3.46 ERA). Triple Creek had three (Strahm 15 3.68 / Bieber 13 2.72 / Montas 11 2.44) and a sometimes shutdown closer in Workman (38 saves 2.05). Team totals were close in pitching with Triple Creek with the advantage (3.39 ERA) to Tempe’s (3.58) while offensively Tempe has the edge (.247 AVG 291 HRs) to Triple’s (.237 225 HRs). Neither team has a dominant rotation, so this series could come down to who lands the most punches, as well as Patriot arms keeping the souvenirs to a minimum. (Series played via TeamViewer)
GAME #1 – Frank Montas (11-3 2.44) vs. Wade Miley (14-6 3.46) Patriots’ Montas and Tempers’ Miley get the ball. And it takes all of 3 batters before Tempe makes a deposit in the seats, solo-shot courtesy of Tempe Army Major (“What kind of training? Ball thumping, sir”) JD Martinez. Tempe 1-0. The thunderclap seems to settle Montas down and he cruises the next 4 innings, allowing just one other base runner. Meanwhile, Miley was as cool as the other side of the pillow, allowing NO hits through five full. Leading off the 6th, Piscotty finds some green in left-center, and the no-no is spoiled. Montas is then removed for pinch hitter Almora. Two quick outs would bring Bellinger up. Cody was red hot on the previous series vs. Tempe which prompts a meeting at the mound to decide just how they want to approach the at-bat. Mathis squats down after the conference, they are going right at him. Miley brings it in and it’s laced to right field, base hit, OZUNA’s over and it’s off his glove! Taking a big hop away, he’s after it, while PISCOTTY’s digging for third and headed for home. The throw is not in time and cut off. Tie game 1-1. Hiura then walks which spells the end of the night for Miley. Crichton trots in the face Gurriel. CRICHTON deals and it’s swung on, fly ball to the gap in right, OZUNA’s racing over, but he won’t get it. To the wall BELLINGER scores and HIURA’s around third, they’re waving HIURA in, BOGAERTS will relay, here comes the throw home, the play at the plate…and he’s safe! Creek up 3-1. Bottom of the 7th and 2 out, Soria pitching well in relief, walks Ozuna. Thaiss called upon to pinch-hit for Mathis, which is countered by lefty Miller to climb the hill. Tempe doesn’t like that match up so righty Riley grabs some lumber. The pitch … this one is hit … it may carry … it’s way back … say good-bye Austin ties the game! The top of the 8th brings left Ramirez in for Tempe to face leadoff hitter Bellinger. The pitch … belted to right … near the foul pole … and it’s … long gone! home run for BELLINGER. That was all the Tempe skipper need to see and Ramirez gets the one pitch hook. Bowman then promptly walks Hiura and grooves on to Gurriel, who drills a double over 3rd, two runners on and nobody out. Willie Calhoun gets the call which is countered by lefty Hamels to toss the orb. Calhoun pops out. Munoz in for Hamels and he walks Gonzalez, bases juiced. Tempe stomachs are churning and Yu Darvish gets the call to face Bennie “Biceps” Benintendi. DARVISH comes home with it, BENINTENDI whacks it into right field, OZUNA races over and takes it on the bounce. HIURA scores, GURRIEL’s rounding third while GONZALEZ’s around second, they’re waving GURRIEL in and sending GONZALEZ to third, the throw goes home, and here’s the play at the plate … SAFE!…slid around the tag. Darvish, head down, slinks off for Hughes. He quickly strikes out Piscotty. With 2 outs, 930 D specialist Caleb Joseph steps in, and Jared uncorks one off the screen! Gonzalez scores!! After the dust settles Triple Creek leads 7-3. After a slow first half, this game has turned into a crooked number fest, and vomit bags are aplenty in the owner boxes. Creeks’ Buttrey will attempt to hold the 4-run cushion. Difo pinch hits for Castillo and slaps a seeing-eye single through the right side. Freeman takes the first offering and hits a long drive to right … he buried it! … he buried it! home run for Freddie … and two runs score. Just like that the lead is cut in half. Triple Creek calls on the other half of the 8 (XY) doppelganger, Jimenez, who records 2 quick outs. Bogaerts delivers a base hit to center which summons Hunter Wood from the pen to face ex-Patriot Brantley. The pitch … it’s a shot down the line to right … into the corner … BENINTENDI’s chasing it down BOGAERTS is around third … he will slow-boat it home … BRANTLEY hits second under full steam he’s headed for third … here comes BENINTENDI’s throw … the slide … and he’s SAFE!…on a close play … triple and an RBI for BRANTLEY. Sounds of hurling and bag crinkling ensue on the visitor side. And the lead is a single tick. Workman, who was hoping for a day off, is leaned on again. Can the ex-Temper hold the fire line? WORKMAN to the wind … big swing it’s a dying quail to right … BENINTENDI gallops in … HIURA races back but it parachutes between them … a Texas League single for OZUNA … BRANTLEY scores easily tie ballgame! The answer to is “8 Is Enough”, is NO!, it is not. The 9th leaves the cupboards pretty bare on both sides so Difo is the Tempe backstop (yikes!). Floro looks to give the home team a chance for the walk-off. Seager quickly doubles and now must face Bellinger. SEAGER at second takes a big lead … he’s on with a lead-off double … the delivery from FLORO hot smash to ALBIES … and it’s by him! SEAGER rounds third … headed home… he’ll have to hurry … he’ll score as it’s cut off. HIURA digs in…here’s the delivery … it’s hit hard over third base hit … MARTINEZ’s racing to the line … still running … he picks it up BELLINGER rounds third… they’re waving him in.. here comes the throw home… the play at the plate … and BELLINGER’s … out!…just missed getting in. MARTINEZ threw a perfect strike. All Tempe roads lead through Creek closer Workman and the bottom of the order is up. Workman makes quick work of Longoria with a K and gets Difo to ground out. Hopes lie with dangerous Freddie Freeman and Workman takes him down on strikes. 19 pitchers used in this game. W – Workman (1) L – Floro (1) Triple Creek Patriots 8, Tempe Tempers 7
GAME #2 – Shane Bieber (13-9 2.72) vs. Yu Darvish (9-9 4.05) Bieber trying to close it out vs. Darvish Bieb’s takes his old team to task with a 14 strikeout performance over 8 1/3 innings. Darvish pitched a great 7 innings as well allowing only 3 hits. Tempe took the lead in the 2nd off a 1-run double by Brantley and Longoria. Seager matched that total on a 2-run homer in the 5th. All square after 8 complete. This seems all too familiar. Crichton handles Triple Creek easily in the 9th. With Workman now spent, Hunter Wood is called upon as Bieber allows a 1-out double to Brantley and is gassed. WOOD, his 2nd appearance in the series … his ERA at, Ummm, infinity. He was knocked out before getting an out … no record yet… he inherits a runner in scoring position. The pitch comes in … an infield roller by OZUNA … SEAGER charges … the flip to first for the second out … BRANTLEY holds. LONGORIA facing WOOD, B 9th, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Tied 2-2. WOOD brings it home… it’s grounded into the hole … goes by SEAGER and into left … BRANTLEY’s well around third… they’re waving BRANTLEY in… here comes the throw home… here’s the play at the plate … and he’s … in standing. Long-O delivers the walk-off! W – Crichton (1) L – Bieber (1) Tempe Tempers 3, Triple Creek Patriots 2
GAME #3 – Matt Strahm (15-11 3.68) vs. Cole Hamels (10-4 3.85) Well baseball fans, it will be decided today no matter what. The series is shaping up to be as predicted, “nail-biter special”. Strahm for the visitors and Hamels for the homers to start on what will in all likelihood be short leashes. Patriots ambush Hamels with back-to-back doubles for a don’t blink 1-0 lead. Seager then hits a laser, but right at Albies, and they double off Bellinger. Tempe gets a gift and breath a bit of relief. It will be short-lived as Gurriel drills the next pitch deep to left to bump the lead to 2. Tempe gets one back in B 1 off a Martinez double, scoring Freeman. B 2, Holland on to relieve Strahm, 2 outs, and Longoria on 2nd. and Freeman scorches a run-scoring single, all tied up 2-2. We pick it up B 4: C. CASALI facing A. MILLER, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 2-2. MILLER now … this one is hit … it may carry … it’s way back … bye-bye over the left-field wall. 3-2 Tempers. Top of 7, Gonzalez on first via a single, with 1 out and Willie Calhoun coming up, lefty Nick Ramirez is called to face his 2nd batter of the series. His first batter in-game 1went poorly as Bellinger belted it out. The pitch … hit hard to right center BRANTLEY scampering back … at the track … he leaps … gone … a two-run dinger. Ding-dong the pitch is dead! Ramirez now 2-2 in the worst way. Patriots lead 4-3. And that is the score in the top of the 9th. Munoz on for Tempe with Calhoun leading off. Willie walks and Daza comes into pinch-run. With anemic Joseph up, Hiura takes his spot in the lineup, hoping to be a hero. MUNOZ kicks and delivers…pulled sharply to LONGORIA … just out of reach … MARTINEZ’s racing to the line…still after it … still running … he’s there … picks it up … speedy DAZA rounds… they’re waving him in… Martinez cut down Bellinger at the plate earlier this series…here comes the throw home… HIURA’s going for third… here’s the play at the plate … and DAZA’s … out!…just missed getting in… go to town, TEMPERS! … they cut off the run! and the aggressive baserunning does not pay off. That’s one less the TEMPERS will have to score and HIURA takes third on the throw. M. BOWMAN trots into a tough spot, T 9th, 1 Out, Runner on 3rd, Ahead 4-3. The infield is drawn in … HIURA off third … now the delivery … big swing… it’s a dying quail to right … OZUNA gallops in … DIFO races back but it parachutes between them … a Texas League single for VILLAR … HIURA scores easily. 5-3 Patriots. Villar steals 2nd so Bellinger collects a free pass. Bowman vs. Seager. Ground ball to first … THAISS to his right (Freeman out at 1st in a collision earlier in the game) … gloves it and flips to BOWMAN covering … safe! … his foot was off the bag … and the bases are loaded. L. GURRIEL facing D. FLORO, T 9th, 1 Out, Bases Loaded, Ahead 5-3. Infield deep … the runners take their lead … here’s the pitch from FLORO it’s a high fly to center … BRANTLEY is over … moves under it … and makes the catch… the runners are tagging…VILLAR coming down the line here comes the throw home…here’s the play at the plate … and he’s … in standing. Patriots 6-3. Tempe down 3 in the 9th with their backs against the wall. Soria on the hill for Triple Creek. And Soria locks it down on three straight outs. W – Newcomb (1) L – Ramirez (1) S – Soria (1) Triple Creek Patriots 6, Tempe Tempers 3
SERIES SUMMARY – It was a tight and fun series which is all both teams hoped for. With Triple Creek moving on to face a stout opponent in Pittsburgh.

Triple Creek Patriots @ Tempe Tempers

SERIES PREVIEW – NL Wild Card features a couple of opposite world squads. Perennial powerhouse Tempe receives the relative newcomers from Triple Creek. Home field advantage came down to the wire and was decided by the slimmest of margins, one game. These same teams dueled via WebEx just a couple weeks ago and Tempe took 4 of 6.

Tempe offense will be led by Bogaerts (.320/.388/.571), Brantley (.289/.345/.471), Albies (.271/.337/.475), JD Martinez (47 HRs), Freeman (39 HRs) and Ozuna (39 HRs).

Patriot impact bats were Bellinger (.300/.402/.672), Gurriel (.283/.325/.511), Seager (.281/.344/.474), and Villar (.273/.332/.454 52 SB). Strahm helped himself a bit this year with a solid .697 OPS, scoring 12 runs, and driving in 5.

Pitching-wise, Tempe had one starter with more than 10 wins, Wade Miley (14 3.46 ERA). Triple Creek had three (Strahm 15 3.68 / Bieber 13 2.72 / Montas 11 2.44) and a *sometimes* shutdown closer in Workman (38 saves 2.05).

Team totals were close in pitching with Triple Creek with the advantage (3.39 ERA) to Tempe’s (3.58) while offensively Tempe has the edge (.247 AVG 291 HRs) to Triple’s (.237 225 HRs).

Neither team has a dominant rotation, so this series could come down to who lands the most punches, as well as Patriot arms keeping the souvenirs to a minimum.

(Series played via TeamViewer)

GAME #1 – Frank Montas (11-3 2.44) vs. Wade Miley (14-6 3.46)

Patriots’ Montas and Tempers’ Miley get the ball.

And it takes all of 3 batters before Tempe makes a deposit in the seats, solo-shot courtesy of Tempe Army Major (“What kind of training? Ball thumping, sir”) JD Martinez. Tempe 1-0.

The thunderclap seems to settle Montas down and he cruises the next 4 innings, allowing just one other base runner. Meanwhile, Miley was as cool as the other side of the pillow, allowing NO hits through five full.

Leading off the 6th, Piscotty finds some green in left-center, and the no-no is spoiled. Montas is then removed for pinch hitter Almora. Two quick outs would bring Bellinger up. Cody was red hot on the previous series vs. Tempe which prompts a meeting at the mound to decide just how they want to approach the at-bat. Mathis squats down after the conference, they are going right at him. Miley brings it in and it’s laced to right field, base hit, OZUNA’s over and it’s off his glove! Taking a big hop away, he’s after it, while PISCOTTY’s digging for third and headed for home. The throw is not in time and cut off. Tie game 1-1. Hiura then walks which spells the end of the night for Miley. Crichton trots in the face Gurriel. CRICHTON deals and it’s swung on, fly ball to the gap in right, OZUNA’s racing over, but he won’t get it. To the wall BELLINGER scores and HIURA’s around third, they’re waving HIURA in, BOGAERTS will relay, here comes the throw home, the play at the plate…and he’s safe! Creek up 3-1.

Bottom of the 7th and 2 out, Soria pitching well in relief, walks Ozuna. Thaiss called upon to pinch-hit for Mathis, which is countered by lefty Miller to climb the hill. Tempe doesn’t like that match up so righty Riley grabs some lumber. The pitch … this one is hit … it may carry … it’s way back … say good-bye Austin ties the game!

The top of the 8th brings left Ramirez in for Tempe to face leadoff hitter Bellinger. The pitch … belted to right … near the foul pole … and it’s … long gone! home run for BELLINGER. That was all the Tempe skipper need to see and Ramirez gets the one pitch hook. Bowman then promptly walks Hiura and grooves on to Gurriel, who drills a double over 3rd, two runners on and nobody out. Willie Calhoun gets the call which is countered by lefty Hamels to toss the orb. Calhoun pops out. Munoz in for Hamels and he walks Gonzalez, bases juiced. Tempe stomachs are churning and Yu Darvish gets the call to face Bennie “Biceps” Benintendi. DARVISH comes home with it, BENINTENDI whacks it into right field, OZUNA races over and takes it on the bounce. HIURA scores, GURRIEL’s rounding third while GONZALEZ’s around second, they’re waving GURRIEL in and sending GONZALEZ to third,
the throw goes home, and here’s the play at the plate … SAFE!…slid around the tag. Darvish, head down, slinks off for Hughes. He quickly strikes out Piscotty. With 2 outs, 930 D specialist Caleb Joseph steps in, and Jared uncorks one off the screen! Gonzalez scores!! After the dust settles Triple Creek leads 7-3.

After a slow first half, this game has turned into a crooked number fest, and vomit bags are aplenty in the owner boxes.

Creeks’ Buttrey will attempt to hold the 4-run cushion. Difo pinch hits for Castillo and slaps a seeing-eye single through the right side. Freeman takes the first offering and hits a long drive to right … he buried it! … he buried it! home run for Freddie … and two runs score. Just like that the lead is cut in half. Triple Creek calls on the other half of the 8 (XY) doppelganger, Jimenez, who records 2 quick outs. Bogaerts delivers a base hit to center which summons Hunter Wood from the pen to face ex-Patriot Brantley. The pitch … it’s a shot down the line to right … into the corner … BENINTENDI’s chasing it down BOGAERTS is around third … he will slow-boat it home … BRANTLEY hits second under full steam he’s headed for third … here comes BENINTENDI’s throw … the slide … and he’s SAFE!…on a close play … triple and an RBI for BRANTLEY. Sounds of hurling and bag crinkling ensue on the visitor side. And the lead is a single tick. Workman, who was hoping for a day off, is leaned on again. Can the ex-Temper hold the fire line? WORKMAN to the wind … big swing
it’s a dying quail to right … BENINTENDI gallops in … HIURA races back but it parachutes between them … a Texas League single for OZUNA … BRANTLEY scores easily tie ballgame!

The answer to is “8 Is Enough”, is NO!, it is not.

The 9th leaves the cupboards pretty bare on both sides so Difo is the Tempe backstop (yikes!).

Floro looks to give the home team a chance for the walk-off. Seager quickly doubles and now must face Bellinger. SEAGER at second takes a big lead … he’s on with a lead-off double … the delivery from FLORO hot smash to ALBIES … and it’s by him! SEAGER rounds third … headed home… he’ll have to hurry … he’ll score as it’s cut off. HIURA digs in…here’s the delivery … it’s hit hard over third base hit … MARTINEZ’s racing to the line … still running … he picks it up BELLINGER rounds third… they’re waving him in.. here comes the throw home… the play at the plate … and BELLINGER’s … out!…just missed getting in. MARTINEZ threw a perfect strike.

All Tempe roads lead through Creek closer Workman and the bottom of the order is up.

Workman makes quick work of Longoria with a K and gets Difo to ground out. Hopes lie with dangerous Freddie Freeman and Workman takes him down on strikes.

19 pitchers used in this game.

W – Workman (1)
L – Floro (1)

Triple Creek Patriots 8, Tempe Tempers 7

GAME #2 – Shane Bieber (13-9 2.72) vs. Yu Darvish (9-9 4.05)

Bieber trying to close it out vs. Darvish

Bieb’s takes his old team to task with a 14 strikeout performance over 8 1/3 innings. Darvish pitched a great 7 innings as well allowing only 3 hits.

Tempe took the lead in the 2nd off a 1-run double by Brantley and Longoria. Seager matched that total on a 2-run homer in the 5th. All square after 8 complete. This seems all too familiar.

Crichton handles Triple Creek easily in the 9th. With Workman now spent, Hunter Wood is called upon as Bieber allows a 1-out double to Brantley and is gassed.

WOOD, his 2nd appearance in the series … his ERA at, Ummm, infinity. He was knocked out before getting an out … no record yet… he inherits a runner in scoring position.

The pitch comes in … an infield roller by OZUNA … SEAGER charges … the flip to first for the second out … BRANTLEY holds. LONGORIA facing WOOD, B 9th, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Tied 2-2. WOOD brings it home… it’s grounded into the hole … goes by SEAGER and into left … BRANTLEY’s well around third… they’re waving BRANTLEY in… here comes the throw home… here’s the play at the plate … and he’s … in standing. Long-O delivers the walk-off!

W – Crichton (1)
L – Bieber (1)

Tempe Tempers 3, Triple Creek Patriots 2

GAME #3 – Matt Strahm (15-11 3.68) vs. Cole Hamels (10-4 3.85)

Well baseball fans, it will be decided today no matter what. The series is shaping up to be as predicted, “nail-biter special”.

Strahm for the visitors and Hamels for the homers to start on what will in all likelihood be short leashes.

Patriots ambush Hamels with back-to-back doubles for a don’t blink 1-0 lead. Seager then hits a laser, but right at Albies, and they double off Bellinger. Tempe gets a gift and breath a bit of relief. It will be short-lived as Gurriel drills the next pitch deep to left to bump the lead to 2. Tempe gets one back in B 1 off a Martinez double, scoring Freeman.

B 2, Holland on to relieve Strahm, 2 outs, and Longoria on 2nd. and Freeman scorches a run-scoring single, all tied up 2-2.

We pick it up B 4: C. CASALI facing A. MILLER, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 2-2. MILLER now … this one is hit … it may carry … it’s way back … bye-bye over the left-field wall. 3-2 Tempers.

Top of 7, Gonzalez on first via a single, with 1 out and Willie Calhoun coming up, lefty Nick Ramirez is called to face his 2nd batter of the series. His first batter in-game 1went poorly as Bellinger belted it out. The pitch … hit hard to right center BRANTLEY scampering back … at the track … he leaps … gone … a two-run dinger. Ding-dong the pitch is dead! Ramirez now 2-2 in the worst way. Patriots lead 4-3.

And that is the score in the top of the 9th. Munoz on for Tempe with Calhoun leading off. Willie walks and Daza comes into pinch-run. With anemic Joseph up, Hiura takes his spot in the lineup, hoping to be a hero. MUNOZ kicks and delivers…pulled sharply to LONGORIA … just out of reach … MARTINEZ’s racing to the line…still after it … still running … he’s there … picks it up … speedy DAZA rounds… they’re waving him in… Martinez cut down Bellinger at the plate earlier this series…here comes the throw home… HIURA’s going for third… here’s the play at the plate … and DAZA’s … out!…just missed getting in… go to town, TEMPERS! … they cut off the run! and the aggressive baserunning does not pay off.
That’s one less the TEMPERS will have to score and HIURA takes third on the throw. M. BOWMAN trots into a tough spot, T 9th, 1 Out, Runner on 3rd, Ahead 4-3. The infield is drawn in … HIURA off third … now the delivery … big swing… it’s a dying quail to right … OZUNA gallops in … DIFO races back but it parachutes between them … a Texas League single for VILLAR … HIURA scores easily. 5-3 Patriots. Villar steals 2nd so Bellinger collects a free pass. Bowman vs. Seager. Ground ball to first … THAISS to his right (Freeman out at 1st in a collision earlier in the game) … gloves it and flips to BOWMAN covering … safe! … his foot was off the bag … and the bases are loaded.

L. GURRIEL facing D. FLORO, T 9th, 1 Out, Bases Loaded, Ahead 5-3. Infield deep … the runners take their lead … here’s the pitch from FLORO it’s a high fly to center … BRANTLEY is over … moves under it … and makes the catch… the runners are tagging…VILLAR coming down the line here comes the throw home…here’s the play at the plate … and he’s … in standing. Patriots 6-3.

Tempe down 3 in the 9th with their backs against the wall. Soria on the hill for Triple Creek. And Soria locks it down on three straight outs.

W – Newcomb (1)
L – Ramirez (1)
S – Soria (1)

Triple Creek Patriots 6, Tempe Tempers 3

SERIES SUMMARY – It was a tight and fun series which is all both teams hoped for. With Triple Creek moving on to face a stout opponent in Pittsburgh.

2020 AMERICAN LEAGUE WILD CARD SERIES

Detroit Crimeroit Crime @ Southbend Lynx
SERIES PREVIEW – Detroit Crimeroit (94-68) travels to Southbend (102-60) for the 2020 AL Wild Card Round. Its a rematch of last season’s AL Championship Series. Detroit Crimeroit looking to repeat it winning ways and Southbend wanting a little revenge. (Series played via TeamViewer)
GAME #1 – Stephen Strasburg (19-7 2.59) vs. Jeff Samardzija (18-4 2.96) Detroit Crime sends out staff ace S.Strasburg to face Southbend’s ace J. Samardzija. Detroit Crime is out of the gate quick in the T1 when Gardner 2bs, 1 out later he steals 3rd and then scores when Altuve throws away Grandal’s grounder. But Grandal is himself nailed as he makes a wide turn at 1st. Detroit Crime A.Jones adds to the lead in the T2 with a solo-HR. Strasburg retires the first 6 Lynx he faces and faces Mayfield to lead off the B3. Mayfield swats a solo-HR to cut the lead to 2-1 Detroit Crime. In the B4 Strasburg gives ups a lead-off 2b to Altuve, who then scores when Crawford throws away Meadows grounder. After Muncy files out to deep RF, Escobar rips a rbi-3b but is nailed at the plate trying to stretch it into an inside-the-park HR. Southbend Lynx is now ahead 3-2. Samardzija has settled in after the 2nd and is keeping Detroit Crime off the board through the 6th. In the B6 Southbend Lynx Forsythe 2bs, but Strasburg bears down and gets Altuve to F8, and Meadows to groundout 5-3. Detroit Crime Manager. Ivone thinks about walking Muncy, decides to pitch to him, and regrets not walking him as Muncy blasts a 2-run HR over the RF wall! Samardzija pitches a scoreless 7th, Duffy a scoreless 8th, and Osuna a scoreless 9th for the save and a Southbend Lynx win. Southbend Lynx leads the series 1-0. Southbend Lynx 5, Detroit Crime 2
GAME #2 – Madison Bumgarner (19-6 3.08) vs. Jordan Yamamoto (6-3 3.36) Detroit Crime puts its hopes on the shoulders of M.Bumgarner and Southbend counters with J.Yamamoto. Once again Detroit Crime takes the early lead in the T1 when Gardner reaches on Bichette’s error, LaStella 1bs, Harper is HBP, and Grandal gets an FC-rbi as he stays out of the DP. But to no avail, as Southbend Lynx Yamamoto bears down and fans Voit and Belt to get out of the inning. The missed opportunity for more runs would come back to haunt Detroit Crime. The Southbend Lynx strike back in the B1 when Altuve 1bs, Meadows gets an inf-1b and Bichette plates them both with a 2-run 2b. In the Southbend Lynx B2 with 2 outs Viloria bbs, Altuve 2bs, which sends Detroit Crime Bumgarner to the showers as Britton comes on in relief. Britton gets Escobar to hit the grounder to 2nd, albeit a hard grounder, that LaStella can’t handle and both runners score on the error for a 4-1 Southbend Lynx lead. Southbend Lynx Yamamoto looks good through the 2nd and 3rd but in the T4, after getting the first two outs, he gives up an A. Jones 1b, followed by a Machado 2-run HR to LF. Just like that Detroit Crime is back within a run at 4-3. Southbend Lynx brings in Walden who Ks Crawford to end the inning. Detroit Crime T.May and Southbend Lynx Walden throw scoreless 5th and 6th innings. Southbend Lynx brings in R.Moronta in the T7 and after he gets the first two outs he faces Detroit Crime B.Crawford, who unloads a solo-HR to RF to tie the game at 4-4! Detroit Crime T. May tosses a scoreless B7 and Southbend Lynx R.Moronta matches him with a scoreless T8. In the B8 Detroit Crime calls on D.Hudson to keep the game tied and starts the inning getting Escobar to F7, but Meadows follows with a 1b. Detroit Crime killer Muncy strides to the plate but D.Hudson fans him with a change-up bringing up B.Bichette. B. Bichette then doubles to LF and Meadows is waved home and scores on the close play at the plate for a 5-4 Southbend Lynx lead! Southbend Lynx Osuna takes the mound in the T9 and Ks PH DJ Stewart, gets Belt to F8, and then fans A.Jones to end the game. Southbend Lynx wins and takes the series 2-0! Southbend Lynx 5, Detroit Crime 4
SERIES SUMMARY – Southbend gets a small measure of revenge over Detroit Crime with the 2 game sweep. Fielding was a major factor in the two games as both teams got some “free” runs due to shoddy fielding. But Southbend benefited a little more than Detroit Crime in that regard. Not a lot of hits by either team in the series as Detroit Crime only had 9 hits in two games and Southbend only 11 hits. But the difference, along with the fielding, was that Southbend got some timely hitting and that 9 of their 11 hits were for extra bases (including all 5 in the 1st game).

Detroit Crimeroit Crime @ Southbend Lynx

SERIES PREVIEW – Detroit Crimeroit (94-68) travels to Southbend (102-60) for the 2020 AL Wild Card Round. Its a rematch of last season’s AL Championship Series. Detroit Crimeroit looking to repeat it winning ways and Southbend wanting a little revenge.

(Series played via TeamViewer)

GAME #1 – Stephen Strasburg (19-7 2.59) vs. Jeff Samardzija (18-4 2.96)

Detroit Crime sends out staff ace S.Strasburg to face Southbend’s ace J. Samardzija. Detroit Crime is out of the gate quick in the T1 when Gardner 2bs, 1 out later he steals 3rd and then scores when Altuve throws away Grandal’s grounder. But Grandal is himself nailed as he makes a wide turn at 1st. Detroit Crime A.Jones adds to the lead in the T2 with a solo-HR. Strasburg retires the first 6 Lynx he faces and faces Mayfield to lead off the B3. Mayfield swats a solo-HR to cut the lead to 2-1 Detroit Crime. In the B4 Strasburg gives ups a lead-off 2b to Altuve, who then scores when Crawford throws away Meadows grounder. After Muncy files out to deep RF, Escobar rips a rbi-3b but is nailed at the plate trying to stretch it into an inside-the-park HR. Southbend Lynx is now ahead 3-2. Samardzija has settled in after the 2nd and is keeping Detroit Crime off the board through the 6th. In the B6 Southbend Lynx Forsythe 2bs, but Strasburg bears down and gets Altuve to F8, and Meadows to groundout 5-3. Detroit Crime Manager. Ivone thinks about walking Muncy, decides to pitch to him, and regrets not walking him as Muncy blasts a 2-run HR over the RF wall! Samardzija pitches a scoreless 7th, Duffy a scoreless 8th, and Osuna a scoreless 9th for the save and a Southbend Lynx win. Southbend Lynx leads the series 1-0.

Southbend Lynx 5, Detroit Crime 2

GAME #2 – Madison Bumgarner (19-6 3.08) vs. Jordan Yamamoto (6-3 3.36)

Detroit Crime puts its hopes on the shoulders of M.Bumgarner and Southbend counters with J.Yamamoto. Once again Detroit Crime takes the early lead in the T1 when Gardner reaches on Bichette’s error, LaStella 1bs, Harper is HBP, and Grandal gets an FC-rbi as he stays out of the DP. But to no avail, as Southbend Lynx Yamamoto bears down and fans Voit and Belt to get out of the inning. The missed opportunity for more runs would come back to haunt Detroit Crime. The Southbend Lynx strike back in the B1 when Altuve 1bs, Meadows gets an inf-1b and Bichette plates them both with a 2-run 2b. In the Southbend Lynx B2 with 2 outs Viloria bbs, Altuve 2bs, which sends Detroit Crime Bumgarner to the showers as Britton comes on in relief. Britton gets Escobar to hit the grounder to 2nd, albeit a hard grounder, that LaStella can’t handle and both runners score on the error for a 4-1 Southbend Lynx lead. Southbend Lynx Yamamoto looks good through the 2nd and 3rd but in the T4, after getting the first two outs, he gives up an A. Jones 1b, followed by a Machado 2-run HR to LF. Just like that Detroit Crime is back within a run at 4-3. Southbend Lynx brings in Walden who Ks Crawford to end the inning. Detroit Crime T.May and Southbend Lynx Walden throw scoreless 5th and 6th innings. Southbend Lynx brings in R.Moronta in the T7 and after he gets the first two outs he faces Detroit Crime B.Crawford, who unloads a solo-HR to RF to tie the game at 4-4! Detroit Crime T. May tosses a scoreless B7 and Southbend Lynx R.Moronta matches him with a scoreless T8. In the B8 Detroit Crime calls on D.Hudson to keep the game tied and starts the inning getting Escobar to F7, but Meadows follows with a 1b. Detroit Crime killer Muncy strides to the plate but D.Hudson fans him with a change-up bringing up B.Bichette. B. Bichette then doubles to LF and Meadows is waved home and scores on the close play at the plate for a 5-4 Southbend Lynx lead! Southbend Lynx Osuna takes the mound in the T9 and Ks PH DJ Stewart, gets Belt to F8, and then fans A.Jones to end the game. Southbend Lynx wins and takes the series 2-0!

Southbend Lynx 5, Detroit Crime 4

SERIES SUMMARY – Southbend gets a small measure of revenge over Detroit Crime with the 2 game sweep. Fielding was a major factor in the two games as both teams got some “free” runs due to shoddy fielding. But Southbend benefited a little more than Detroit Crime in that regard. Not a lot of hits by either team in the series as Detroit Crime only had 9 hits in two games and Southbend only 11 hits. But the difference, along with the fielding, was that Southbend got some timely hitting and that 9 of their 11 hits were for extra bases (including all 5 in the 1st game).

Wild Card Round

2021 NATIONAL LEAGUE WILD CARD SERIES “D”

Long Beach Dirtbags @ Jersey Nor’Easters

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2021 AMERICAN LEAGUE WILD CARD SERIES “D”

Virginia Sluggers @ Fremont Cannons

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2021 AMERICAN LEAGUE WILD CARD SERIES “C”

Hollywood Werewolves @ Chicago Mobsters

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2020 NATIONAL LEAGUE WILD CARD SERIES

Triple Creek Patriots @ Tempe Tempers

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2020 AMERICAN LEAGUE WILD CARD SERIES

Detroit Crimeroit Crime @ Southbend Lynx

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