Game #4:  Clayton Kershaw vs Ian Kennedy

In a rematch of game 1, Tijuana seems supremely confident since they trashed Kershaw 12-1 already.    The game remains relatively quiet until the bottom of the third.  With 1-out, Hanley Ramirez doubles to center.  This brings up Ben Zobrist.  Speedy Ramirez edging toward third … pitcher steps off … Kershaw’s back on the rubber the pitch … he swings … no he held up and Zobrist heads to first.  Kershaw seems frustrated that the pitch was called a ball and steps off the rubber and does a circle around the mound.   Ian Kinsler calls time and heads to the mound to chat with Kershaw.  Continue reading →

Game #3 –  Cliff Lee v. Matt Cain

Both teams understood the importance of Game 3 in this series, and so both teams were determined to bring back their rested Game 1 pitchers for Round 2.  Game 3, however, presented much greater urgency for Sacramento, and Tempe knew it. Down 2-0 against the best manager MWBL has ever experienced and the best team of the 2012 season, Sacramento was on the verge of digging itself into a hole it may not be able to dig itself out of.  Sacramento manager, George Skiles, knew his team needed to strike first, strike hard and, well, show no mercy (thank you, Karate Kid).

Continue reading →

Game 3:  David Price vs Zack Greinke.  

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

Continue reading →

Game # 2 – Justin Verlander vs. Tim Stauffer

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