#12 Redbirds dispatch #13 Dodgers in 4

GAME 1 - Busch Stadium
Kershaw vs Lynn
Cardinals 2, Dodgers 0

Lance Lynn bested Clayton Kershaw in the opener with 6 2/3 shutout innings of 4 hit ball.  St. Louis scored a pair of solo runs in the 3rd and 6th.  Carlos Beltran singled home Furcal to make it 1-0.  Yadier Molina doubled home Beltran in the 6th as pitching dominated this rainy day in the Gateway city. 

Cardinals lead series 1-0

GAME 2 - Busch Stadium
Beckett vs Garcia
Dodgers 5, Cardinals 4

For 7 innings the story was once again St. Louis' dominant pitching and LA's lack of offensive prowess.  That all changed in the top of the 8th when the Dodgers exploded for 4 unanswered runs off of L.Salas all with 2 out.  Jerry Hairston's 2 out double started off the scoring, which finished with a run scoring on a wild pitch.  Brandon League, Randy Choate and K.Jansen combined to get 3 outs in the 9th.
Series tied 1-1

GAME 3 - Dodger Stadium
Lohse vs Billingsley
Cardinals 4, Dodgers 0

The pivotal game 3 will forever be known as the Kyle Lohse show.  The Cardinal righthander upped his tournament record to 3-0 by tossing a nifty 2 hit shutout.  After Dee Gordon led off the game with a drag bunt single the Dodgers did not get another hit until James Loney's double in the 8th.  St. Louis scored all 4 of their runs in the top of the 4th via a pair of two run homers.  Carlos Beltran broke the ice with the first 2 run shot and David Freese followed suit 2 batters later.
Cardinals lead series 2-1

GAME 4 - Dodger Stadium
Wainright vs Lilly
Cardinals 4, Dodgers 1

The Dodgers broke the ice by scoring on a Luis Cruz groundout in the bottom of the second to score Hanley Ramirez.  After that the boys from Chavez Ravine went quietly into the night.  The Cardinals tied it up in the 4th on David Freese's second long ball in as many days, then went ahead for good on a RBI single by Freese.  Matt Holliday's 2 run blast off of Lindblom in the 8th shut the door on a Dodger team that had trouble scoring runs all series.
Cardinals win series 3-1

#11 Halos defeat #14 Chisox in 4

GAME 1 - Angel Stadium
Peavy vs Weaver
Angels 3, White Sox 2

Peavy and Weaver dueled to a draw after 7 innings of action until Prince Albert hit a solo shot to lead off the 8th to break the deadlock.  Walden and Frieri were perfect in the 8th and 9th to close out the Pale Hose
Angels lead series 1-0

GAME 2 - Angel Stadium
Sale vs Santana
White Sox 1, Angels 0

Chris Sale shut the door on the Halos for 8 innings.  He fanned 9 and walked none.  The bullpen continued the dominance.  Chicago scored the game's lone run with an RBI double from Adam Dunn in the top of the 1st.
Series tied 1-1

GAME 3 - U.S. Cellular
Wilson vs Floyd
Angels 6, White Sox 5

Chicago looked to be in the "catbird seat" after scoring 5 unearned runs in the bottom of the 5th off of C.J. Wilson.  The Angels never threw in the towel and began chipping away at the lead with solo runs in the 5th and 6th and 2 runs in the 7th.  With momentum squarely on the Halos side the stage was set for some 9th inning heroics.  Back to back 2 out singles by Pujols and Callaspo plated the tying and the go ahead runs as the Chisox pen could not stop the Halos.
Angels lead series 2-1

GAME 4 - U.S. Cellular
Haren vs Quintana
Angels 5, White Sox 4

Once again the South Side Pen failed to come through.  With the score tied 4-4 the Angels manufactured the go ahead run thanks to two key errors and a timely 2 out single by Howie Kendrick, which scored Pujols.  Frieri, who is the antithsis of his White Sox counterparts, was automatic once again notching his 6th save of the tournament.
Angels win series 3-1

#2 Motown need 5 games to get past #7 Oak to get to final 4

Game 1: Oakland 5, Detroit 4

The Tigers wasted a 12-strikeout performance by starter Justin Verlander when Jose Valverde blew the lead in the ninth. The Tigers knocked A’s starter Tommy Milone out in the 5th, but the A’s bullpen slammed the door the rest of the way. Andy Dirks continued his torrid tournament pace, with 3 hits and 3 RBI’s. Kurt Suzuki singled home the winning run in the 10th off Duane Below and the Tigers were unable to counter off closer Grant Balfour.

Game 2: Detroit 4, Oakland 3

Max Scherzer started for the home team and fanned 9 before giving way to Octavio Dotel who would eventually get credit for the win. A Prince Fielder 2-run homer in the 7th put the Tigers in the lead for good. Joaquin Benoit tossed 1 2/3 perfect innings to get the save. 5 Tigers had multi-hit games in the win. Seth Smith homered for Oakland, while Jim Miller took the loss.

Game 3: Oakland 4, Detroit 1

A Yoenis Cespedes 3-run homer in the 8th off Benoit gave the victory to the Athletics. Cespedes also homered in the 2nd and finished the game with 3 hits and all 4 Oakland RBI’s. Doug Fister took the loss for Detroit, while Daniel Straily netted the win. Andy Dirks recorded his third straight multiple hit game.

Game 4: Detroit 6, Oakland 4

Miguel Cabrera pounded 4 hits and Prince Fielder 3 to pace the Tigers attack. A Cabrera solo shot and an Alex Avila RBI single in the 5th put Detroit in the lead for good. Anibal Sanchez picked up the win, with Jarrod Parker getting the loss. Jose Valverde slammed the door to earn the save. Seth Smith had a homer and 3 RBI’s in the losing cause.

Game 5: Detroit 8, Oakland 4

Justin Verlander spotted the A’s 4 runs in the first 2 innings, but held tight after to give his offense a chance to recover. The Tigers picked up 2 in the 3rd, then a singular run in the 4th, before a Jhonny Peralta 3-run bomb in the 5th capped a 4-run inning. Verlander lasted 6 1/3, fanning 12, before the trio of Phil Coke, Benoit and Valverde finished the game. Dirks recorded his 4th multi-hit game of the series, going 3 for 4 and raising his tournament average to .545. Tommy Milone for Oakland got nailed for 7 earned runs in the loss. Brandon Moss hit a 3-run homer in the 1st to put the A’s out front early. 
--submitted by Matt Dickendesher--

Round 3 Preview

Here are the matchups for the "Elite 8" round.  Reply here on the blog if you have any predictions.

 (1)SFG vs TEX(9)-L.Reeves vs M.Angle

 (12)STL vs LAD(13)-S.Needle vs M.Weiss

 (14)CHW vs LAA(11)-D.Holm vs D.Zaner

(7)OAK vs DET(2)-K.MacDonald vs M.Dickendesher

#9 Texas defeats #8 Baltimore in 5 game epic series

GAME 1 - Camden Yards
C.Lewis vs Saunders
Rangers 6, Orioles 4

All tied up a 4 apiece, after 6 innings of play, the Rangers took control with 2 runs in the top of the 7th off off reliever Kevin Gregg.  Back to back jacks by Elvis Andrus and Josh Hamilton did the damage.  For Hamilton that was his 2nd homer on a day where he'd go 3 for 5 with 3 RBI.  Nathan would come in from the pen to get the final 2 outs in the 9th for the save.  Texas would log 17 hits and live 8 runners on base, which is why they won by just 2.  Credit Baltimore's five pitchers on the day for getting a lot of big outs to keep it close.
Rangers lead series 1-0

GAME 2 - Camden Yards
M.Harrison vs Hammel
Orioles 4, Rangers 0

Credit Jason Hammel for pitching 7 shutout innings and fanning 10 before handing it off to O'Day and Johnson, who were perfect out of the pen.  The O's broke the ice with a solo shot by Nick Markakis to lead off the home half of the 4th.  RBI singles by Pearce and Quintanilla gave Hammel a 3-0 lead.  Adams Jones scored on Pearce's ground out in the sixth to make it 4-0, which is how it finished.
Series tied 1-1

GAME 3 - Rangers Ballpark
Chen vs Darvish
Rangers 3, Orioles 2

An impressive pitcher's duel between Wei-Yen Chen and Yu Darvish saw the Rangers up 3-0 heading into the 9th.  Darvish, who fanned 8 and gave up just 3 hits in 7 innings of work put his fate in the hands of the pen.  Both Alexi Ogando and Joe Nathan had their difficulties in the top of the 9th with 2 out.  Markakis led off with a single, but Jones and Davis both went down swinging for 2 outs.  Future HOF'er Jim Thome lined a single as a pinch hitter, which was followed by an RBI single from Wilson Betemit.  McLouth walked to load the bases and Hall walked to force in a run.  It all ended when Nolan Reimold lifted one that Snyder easily tracked down on the warning track in left.

Rangers lead series 2-1

GAME 4 - Rangers Ballpark
Tilman vs Feliz
Orioles 3, Rangers 2

Same score as the previous game, just a different result.  Tied up a 2-2 and heading into the 9th the O's needed a run desperately to stave off elimination.  With the bases loaded and 2 out Nolan Reimold stepped up to the plate with a chance to make up for making the final out the day before.  In a classic Hollywood script he would have hit a homer that barely cleared the outfield fence.  In reality he took ball four and the go ahead run crossed the plate.  Still a run is a run.  Oriole closer Jim Johnson didn't make the bottom of the 9th easy on Oriole fans watching at home on MASN.  Michael Young led off with a single, but was quickly erased on a DP.  Mike Napoli followed with a walk.  Moreland had a 2-1 hitters count and hit a one hop bullet that luckily wound up in the glove of shortstop Hardy's glove for the game ending force play at second.
Series tied 2-2

GAME 5 - Camden Yards
C.Lewis vs S.Johnson
Rangers 10, Orioles 4

No classic game 5 nail biter here.  Texas' offense shifted into high gear and scored 10 runs on 13 hits.  Oriole starter Steve Johnson couldn't even make it out of the 2nd inning after giving up 4 runs.  His replacement, Gonzalez, didn't fare much better giving up 4 runs himself.  Adrian Beltre (3-5) set the tone with a 3 run shot in the first.  Catcher Mike Napoli had 3 hits and 3 runs scored while batting out of the 8 hole.
Rangers win series 3-2

#7 Oakland defeats #10 Rays in 4

Game 1 played Sept. 23rd
This game was scoreless until the 6th inning when B.J. Upton doubled to bring Desmond Jennings home from first. The Rays rally was cut short when Upton was thrown out at home trying to score after Ben Francisco singled with two outs. The Oakland offense finally awoke in the 8th as Josh Reddick hit a sacrifice fly to bring Coco Crisp home to tie the game at 1. But the Rays struck in the bottom of the 8th as Sam Fuld scored on a Sean Rodriguez groundout. Fernando Rodney came in to save the game only giving up one walk. TB leads the series 1-0.

Game 2 played Sept. 24th
Tampa jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead with a run in the first and another in the second including a B.J. Upton homerun. Oakland exploded in the 4th inning and scored 4 runs as Kurt Suzuki (2), Stephen Drew, and Coco Crisp picked up RBI's. Oakland then scored again in the 5th as Seth Smith hit a two-run homer. The rest of the game was quiet and Oakland won 6-2 to tie the series at 1.

Game 3 played Sept. 25th
A quiet start to the game resulted in a 1-1 tie after 5. But then the Oakland bench provided some major sparks in the 6th as Adam Rosales pinch hit for Stephen Drew and hit a 3-run bomb. Tampa responded with a solo Luke Scott homer in the top of the 7th. The Oakland bench followed up in the bottom of the 7th as Collin Cowgill pinch hit for Brandon Inge to make it a 5-2 lead, which the A's rode to the finish line and a 2-1 series lead.

And now we get in our time machine

Game 4 played Sept. 20th
Bartolo Colon and Jim Miller put together a strong performance to wrap up the series for the A's. The Rays tried to stop the bleeding by using 4 pitchers in the 6th inning, but the A's benefited from two HBP to take a 5-1 lead and the series
--submitted by Keith MacDonald--
Note: These games were played out of order because the host (me, Keith) failed to pay attention to how a calendar works. So we played games 3,4,5 and then game 1.

#2 Seed Tigers dispatch #18 Bucs in 4

Game 1:  Detroit 7, Pittsburgh 3

Austin Jackson paced the Tigers offensive attack with two bombs among his four hits. Prince Fielder smacked three hits, while three other Tigers delivered multi-hit games. Justin Verlander proved solid on the mound for the home team, pitching seven shutout innings after a rocky 1st. Verlander finished the day with 10 strikeouts. Andrew McCutchen picked up two hits and scored two of the Pirates three runs. Brad Lincoln took the loss for the Pirates.

Game 2:  Pittsburgh 4, Detroit 0

AJ Burnett tossed eight and a third scoreless innings to lead the Pirates to victory. Burnett struck out six Tigers, while only walking one. Joel Hanrahan shut the door in the ninth, dusting off both batters he faced. Neil Walker’s second inning homer off Detroit starter Max Scherzer proved to be all the offense the visitor’s would need. Scherzer fanned nine in a losing cause, but couldn’t escape the 6th. Andy Dirks delivered three hits in the loss.

Game 3:  Detroit 6, Pittsburgh 5

Both starters looked shaky, with Tigers hurler Doug Fister lasting only five, while the Pirates James McDonald pitched only three innings. Back to back homers from Neal Walker and Michael McKenry in the 2nd put the Pirates in the lead. Detroit stormed back in the top of the 3rd, as three walks contributed to a three run inning. The Tigers picked up another run in the 4th before the home squad saw McKenry hit another homer – this time with two men on base – to regain the lead. Trailing by one in the 9th, Andy Dirks tripled off Joel Hanrahan, scoring two runs and putting Detroit in the lead. Jose Valverde slammed the door in the 9th, to give Detroit a 2-1 series lead. Joaquin Benoit got credit for the victory after pitching a scoreless 8th.

Game 4:  Detroit 9, Pittsburgh 4  (14 innings)

Elevated pitch counts pushed both starters, Anibal Sanchez, and Wandy Rodriguez, from the game prior the conclusion of the 6th inning. Each team delivered three innings of singular runs, sending the game into OT. The 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th innings passed with no runs, but lots of relief pitchers plying their trade. The Tigers busted the game open in the 14th, putting up a six-spot capped by an Alex Avila pinch hit three run homer, to put the game out of reach or Pittsburgh. Starling Marte finished the night 5 for 7 in a losing cause. Another Marte, Luis, earned the win for Detroit, with Jeff Karstens taking the loss.
--submitted by Matt Dickendesher--

#11 Angels barely hold off #27 Twins in 5

GAME 1 - Angel Stadium
Liriano vs C.Wilson
Twins 6, Angels 3
Cinderella packed a mighty punch doubling up the halos 6-3 on a day where C.J. Wilson was fanned 6, but gave up 4 in 5 innings.  Liriano also went 5, but he gave up just 1.  It was still a 1 run game until the top of the 9th when Ben Revere and Joe Mauer both singled home insurance runs.
Twins lead series 1-0

GAME 2 - Angel Stadium
Diamond vs Weaver
Angels 14, Twins 0
The Halos score 8 runs in the 7th to add to their already insurmountable 6-0 lead.  Jered Weaver had a 1 hitter over 7, but nobody really seemed to notice as the offensive fireworks were going on around him.  Rookie Mike Trout (4-6) had a 5 RBI day, while scoring 3 runs.  The Prince went 3 for 5 with 3 runs scored and 3 runs knocked in.  Both are hitting an identical .563 in the tournament.
Series tied 1-1

GAME 3 - Target Field
Haren vs De Vries
Twins 5, Angels 2
Credit the Twinkies for getting up off the deck, shaking the cobwebs off, and posting a big win to take put the heavily favored Halos to the brink of elimination.  Minnesota came swinging right out of the box and scored 3 big runs in the bottom of the first.  Mauer's RBI double scored Denard Span, which was followed up by Josh Willingham's 2 run blast.  RBI singles by Doumit and Revere in the bottom of the 6th put the Twins up 5-1.  The Angels would score a solo run in the 8th on the back end of a DP.
Twins lead series 2-1

GAME 4 - Target Field
Greinke vs Deduno
Angels 7, Twins 3

Knotted up at 3 and heading into the 7th the Halos decided that they wanted to force a game 5 by breaking the deadlock.  Morales singled home former Twin Torii Hunter to make it 4-3 Halos.  The following inning the Angels posted a 3 spot.  Iannetta and Kendrick led off the inning with back to back jacks.  4 batters later Hunter singled home Callaspo.  Greinke got the win after giving up 3 runs in 7 innings.  Frieri notched the save by fanning 2 in the bottom of the 9th.
Series tied 2-2

GAME 5 - Angels Stadium
Liriano vs C.Wilson
Angels 4, Twins 3
A classic Game 5 series finale that went down to the wire with the Halos barely holding on to beat an upstart #27 seed (Twins).  Heading into the 9th the Angels maintained a 4-2 lead.  Justin Morneau worked out a walk to lead off the inning.  Doumit hit a long blast off Frieri that sent Hunter back to the fence for one of his patented leaping catches to save a 2 run shot.  Still the Twins did not quit.  Escobar worked out a walk to put runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out.  Dozier singled to right center to score Casilla to make it a 1 run ball game.  Sound defensive work by Bourjos in center kept Escobar from advancing to third.  Carroll flew out to right on a 2-1 pitch for the second out.  If Escobar advanced to third Carroll's fly ball would have more than likely tied the game.  That left it all up to Denard Span who struck out swinging on a 1-2 curve in the dirt.
Angels win series 3-2

#12 Redbirds sweep #5 Yankees in 3 straight

GAME 1 - Yankee Stadium
Garcia vs Sabathia
Cardinals 5, Yankees 2 (10 inn)

C.C. and Jaime battled to a 2-2 draw, so the game headed to extras.  Allen Craig's 3 run blast off of Joba Chamberlain was all she rode for the Bronx Bombers as the Redbirds take the opener.  New York squanders a 7-8 day from their 1-2 hitters (Jeter / Ichiro), who score a combined 1 run.  Cardinal DH Matt Holliday earned the "Platinum Sombrero" by striking out 5 consecutive times.  C.C. fanned 9 and walked 9 in his no decision.
Cardinals lead series 1-0

GAME 2 - Yankee Stadium
Lohse vs Hughes
Cardinals 5, Yankees 1

Kyle Lohse scattered 7 hits in 8 1/3 masterful innings up in the Big Ball Orchard in the Bronx.  His counterpart, Phil Hughes was booed unmercifully by the home town fans for giving up 5 runs in 6 innings.  St. Louis featured a balance attack with every starter, except Descalso getting a hit.  Yadier Molina's 3 run shot in the top of the 4th made it 5-1, which is how it remained.  Jeter (3-4) mirrored his game 1 performance.  Once again he didn't score a run as the Yankees waited around for the long ball.
Cardinals lead series 2-0

GAME 3 - Busch Stadium
Kuroda vs Wainwright
Cardinals 8, Yankees 4

Once again New York waited around for the long ball and other than Ichiro's solo shot to lead off the 7th, it never came.  St. Louis battered New York pitching for 8 runs on 14 hits.  Centerfielder Jon Jay (3-4) was ever the catalyst out of the 2 hole.  Matt Holliday's 2 run shot off of Kuroda in the bottom of the first staked the Cards to a 2-0 lead.  St. Louis broke it open with 3 in the bottom of the 6th to make it 8-3.  At that point fans back east began to switch channels and watch Jersey Shore or the Real House wives of Manhattan.  St. Louis completed the 3 game sweep.
Cardinals win series 3-0

Chisox need 5 games to hold off Cinderella 'Stros

14-29 in series

Game 1 Happ vs Quintana
Underdog Houston had 1-0 lead into 5th when Happ started getting wild walking 4 of the first 5 Sox hitters and it came back to haunt him with 2 outs when Dunn singled home 2 to make it 3-1 Sox and they never looked back and won 7-1. Quintana gets the win striking out 7 walking 0 in 5.2 innings . Viciedo 3 walks, 3 runs scored. Pierzynski 3-run homer. Astors pitchers walked 10.

Game 2 Harrell vs Peavy
It was 3-2 Astros in bottom of 8th when the roof caved with 5 Sox runs... 3 coming on a Ramirez 3 -run blast. Pale hose hold on for a 7-5 win and 2-0 lead in 5 game set. De Aza continues to shine getting 3 hits, 2 of them doubles and scores 2. Storey with the loss, Crain win. Viciedo his 2nd homer of tourney. Schafer 3 sb's for Houston.

Game 3 Sale vs Rodriguez
The Houston pen gets the kudos for this 12 inning 3-2 Stros win pitching 5.1 of scoreless ball. De Aza 3 more hits now hitting .455 in tourney. Reed loss, Ambriz win.
Schafer wins game with bunt single, steal of 2nd, a balk by Reed and scored winning run on grounder to Ramirez whose throw was late to home. Astros stay alive.

Game 4 Floyd vs Norris
Gavin just didn't have it today lasting only 4 innings giving up 4 homers, 2 by F Martinez and 2 by Corporan. in a 8-1 Astros blowout tying the series. Schafer 2 more sb's. Norris CG, 0 walks , 5 hits.

Game 5 Happ vs Quintana
Sox get 4 in 2nd chasing Happ and Quintana wins 2nd game pitching 8 solid innings giving up only 1 run. Dunn homer, 3 rbi, Flowers 3 run homer..Sox squeak by Houston 3 games to 2.

Alejandro De Aza is having a great tourney going 14 for 29, 6 walks, 4 doubles, 6 runs, 5 rbi...
--submitted by Dan Holm--

Dodgers outlast Reds in "Road Warrior" series

2-0, 0.75 in 2 games during series

GAME 1 - Great American BP
Billingsley vs Cueto
Dodgers 4, Reds 2
Dodgers jump out to a 4-0 lead after 2 innings and hold on thanks to a great outing by Chad Billingsley and the pen.  Every Dodger starter, including Billingsley, had at least 1 hit.
Dodgers lead series 1-0

GAME 2 - Great American BP
Kershaw vs Arroyo
Dodgers 7, Reds 3
Kershaw, who fanned 8, was not spot on today, but his offense gave him more than enough runs to work with.  With 4 runs in the top of the 2nd the Dodgers, for the 2nd day in a row, jumped out to a 4-0 lead.  Andre Ethier (3-5, 2 RBI) paced an offense that banged out 14 hits.  Red starter Bronson Arroyo gave up 5 runs in 6 innings to force his team to the brink of elimination.
Dodgers lead series 2-0

GAME 3 - Dodger Stadium
Latos vs Harang
Reds 3, Dodgers 2
Mark Ellis scored on a Ethier sac fly in the top of the first.  Neither team could score for the next 6 innings as LA tried to hold on to their 1-0 lead.  Aaron Harang pitched 5 scoreless innings for LA, but was consistently in and out of trouble thanks to 7 walks.  Cincy tied the game up with a Joey Votto RBI double in the top of the 7th.  A 2 run blast by their 8th place hitter, Cozart, put them up 3-1.  Aroldis Chapman pitched a perfect 9th for the save.
Dodgers lead series 2-1

GAME 4 - Dodger Stadium
Bailey vs Capuano
Reds 3, Dodgers 1
LA's offense went south for the second consecutive day.  Chris Capuano went deep into the 8th and gave up 3 runs, but could not get any support.  Cincy broke the ice with 2 runs in the 4th on a Ryan Ludwick 2 run blast.  A Valdez sac fly gave them an insurance run that they would not need.
Series tied 2-2

GAME 5 - Great American BP
Billingsley vs Cueto
Dodgers 4, Reds 0
Once again the home team fell victim to the visitor.  In this game 1 rematch Chad Billingsley once again bested Cueto.  Billingsley carried a no hitter into the 7th until Joey Votto doubled.  After striking out Ludwick he was relieved in order to give LA an advantage in the lefty vs lefty matchup which Scott Elbert won vs Jay Bruce.  Matt Kemp started the scoring off with a solo shot in the 2nd.  Shane Victorino's 2 out RBI single in the 5th made it 2-0.  A Luis Cruz RBI single and a A.J. Ellis sac fly plated 2 insurance runs in the 8th to lock down the game and the series for the underdog Dodgers.
Dodgers win series 3-2

RD02 Begins: #1 Giants drop #16 Phightins in 4

Game 1 - AT&T Park

Kendrick vs Cain

Philly hammered Matt Cain with a 5 run 3rd and a 2 run 4th and won the game 8-1.

Game MVP Jimmy Rollins

Game 2 - AT&T Park
Worley vs Baumgarner

The Giants fell behind on a Jimmy Rollins lead off HR and the AT&T Park fans started to get nervous but the Giants found their legs in the 6th and took game 2 4-1.

Game MVP Pablo Sandoval

Game 3 - Citizens Bank BP
Vogelson vs Hamels

The Giants again fell behind in the 1st but a 3 run 5th sealed the deal and they took a 2 games to 1 lead over the Phillies.

Game MVP Joaquin Arias

Game 4 - Citizens Bank BP
Zito vs Lee

The Giants flexed their muscles early and often with a convincing 8-2 pounding of the Phils to take the series 3 games to 1.

Game MVP Joaquin Arias

Good luck to Larry and the Giants going forward!

--submitted by Gary Maurer--

Bombers hold serve and sweep error prone Rox

Russell Martin (NYY) | Willin Rosario (COL)

GAME 1 - Coors Field
Sabathia vs Chacin
Yankees 8, Rockies 2

The Bombers hit 3 long balls and C.C. cruised to an 8-2 victory.  Coors Field was no match for the men in pinstriped suits today.

GAME 2 - Yankee Stadium
Moyer vs Kuroda
Yankees 6, Rockies 5

Both teams combined to use 15 pitchers in 13 innings.  New York tied the game up in the bottom of the 8th thanks to errors by Cuddyer and Nelson.  Russell Martin scored the game winner on a botched squeeze play that forced a throwing error by Colorado's catcher Willin Rosario.  Colorado made 7 errors on the day with Nelson and Rosario making 2 each.

Cards need all 3 games to dispatch Amazin's

GAME 1 - Citi Field
Lohse vs Dickey
Cardinals 7, Mets 2

The 2012 NL Cy Young Award winner looked very mortal today giving up 6 runs on 9 hits over 5 innings.  Kyle Lohse looked more like the Cy Young winner going 8 strong innings, while allowing just 2 to score.  Matt Holliday was 3 for 4 with 2 RBI for the Cards.

GAME 2 - Busch Stadium
Harvey vs Wainright
Mets 12, Cardinals 1

The Mets scored 9 unanswered runs in the top of the 9th to turn a 3-1 game into a laugh-er.  New York sent 6 pitchers to the hill with only starter Matt Harvey allowing a run.  Harvey tweaked an elbow muscle in the 3rd and had to come out immediately with manager Ryan not taking any chances with his 22 year old future ace.  Scott Hairston and David Wright each had 3 hits, with the latter also cashing in with 4 RBI.

GAME 3 - Busch Stadium
Young vs Lynn
Cardinals 4, Mets 2

New York's porous pen squandered a fantastic performance by unheralded starter Chris Young, who threw 6 shutout innings.  The two main culprits, Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco were lit up for a combined 4 runs by the Cards in the bottom of the 9th.  That inning turned a 2-0 deficit into a 4-2 lead for the Redbirds, who closed out the Mets with a scoreless 9th.  Matt Holliday once again was the focal point of the offense with a 2 run game tying double in the 8th.  Five batter later Skip Schumaker's line drive single scored the go ahead run and added an insurance run.  Closer Jason Motte needed just 8 pitches in the 9th to notch the save and send the Amazin's packing.

Rangers sweep Marlins

GAME 1 - Marlins Ballpark
Harrison vs Johnson
Rangers 8, Marlins 0

Texas broke a 3-3 tie with 5 huge runs in the top of the 9th to make this one look like a blowout.  Texas had to overcome a 1st inning injury to Josh Hamilton who twisted his ankle while legging out a single in the first.

GAME 2 - Ballpark in Arlington
Nolasco vs Darvish
Rangers 12, Marlins 4

Texas broke open a close game with 4 runs in both the 6th and the 7th innings.  Josh Hamilton returned to action and went 2-4 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored.  Adrian Beltre was 3 for 4 with 3 RBI's.  Hamilton hit a 3 run blast in the 7th to make the game a blow out.  Yu Darvish went 7 and gave up just 3 (2 earned).  Marlin starter Ricky Nolasco (5.1 IP / 7 ER) got shellacked.

#27 Twins upset #6 Braves in 3

GAME 1 - Turner Field
Diamond vs Medlen
Braves 5, Twins 1

Jason Heyward's 4 RBI day carried Atlanta to an easy victory.  Heyward had sac fly's in the 1st and 4th plus a 2 run shot in the second.  Martin Prado hit 3 consecutive triples in his first 3 at bats and scored easily thanks to Heyward's power.

GAME 2 - Target Field
Hudson vs Deduno
Twins 8, Braves 6

3 runs in the top of the 9th helped Atlanta make this one close, but in the end the Twins, who scored runs in all but 2 innings, hit themselves to victory.  Josh Willingham's 3 run blast in the 3rd wound up being the difference maker.  Twins starter Sam Deduno did a credible job (5IP, 2 ER), but almost lost his win thanks to a very shaky bullpen.

GAME 3 - Target Field
Minor vs Duensing
Twins 5, Braves 3

Down 3-1, the Braves needed a clutch 2 out / 2 run double by Brian McCann to tie the game up at 3-3.  The Twins answered right back with a clutch 2 out / 2 run single of their own by Ben Revere.  Minnesota's pen held firm over the final 2 innings for the upset series win.

#30 seeded Astros upset #3 seeded Nats

GAME 1 - Juice Box
Gonzalez vs Harrell
Nats 4, Astros 3

Houston scored 3 runs in the bottom of the first and had Gio Gonzalez on the ropes, but they let him off the hook.  Washington's Cy Young candidate righted his ship and did not allow a run during his next 5 innings on the hill.  Meanwhile the Nats offense began chipping away with runs in 4 consecutive innings to take a 4-3 lead.  Stammen and Clippard shut the door on the 'Stros to give the Nats the opener.

GAME 2 - Nationals Park
Rodriguez vs Strasburg
Astros 10, Nats 4

Apparently the Washington brass had the good sense to shut down Stephen Strasburgh in order to avoid a post season calamity like the one that happened here in game 2.  Obviously the young hard throwing righty had nothing giving up 4 runs in 4 innings and blowing a 3-0 lead that was handed to him.  In Strasburgh's defense his minion of relievers were equally horrible as the 'Stros scored more runs in this game than they typically compile in a full homestand.  Thirdbaseman Chris Johnson (4-5) paced an offense that posted 10 runs on 14 hits.  Wandy Rodriguez got the win even though he did not qualify for a quality start.

GAME 3 - Nationals Park
Norris vs Zimmermann
Astros 10, Nats 9

So much for home cooking.  The road team would wind up winning all 3 games in this series, which means the #30 seeded Astros upset the #3 seeded Nats.  How did they do it ?  By scoring more runs in 3 games than they scored during the whole month of September.  This game was a slugfest with the Astros coming out 1 run ahead.  With the score tied 9-9 the Astros opened the top of the 8th against Henry Rodriguez by greeting him with a solo shot by Justin Maxwell, who is your prototypical feast or famine hitter.  A shocked crowd in our nation's capitol  watched Brett Myers and Wilton Lopez shut the door on their team's season.

Halos sweep Jays in 2

Hit .750 w/5 RBI

GAME 1 - Rogers Center
Weaver vs Morrow
Angels 5, Blue Jays 2

Both teams exchanged 2 spots in the first to cancel each other out.  The Halos followed it up with 3 more huge runs in the top of the 3rd to go up 5-3.  Neither team would score again.  Prince Albert Pujols went 5 for 5 with 2 RBI's and 2 doubles earning every bit of his $24 million.

GAME 2 - Angel Stadium
Villanueva vs Greinke
Angels 4, Blue Jays 2
Toronto was nursing a 2-1 lead well into the bottom of the 8th when Janssen gave up a 3 run job to none other than the Prince.  Ernesto Frieri pitched a perfect 9th in relief to get the save and close out the series.  Blue Jays skipper Mickey Boone was not amused with the outcome.  In his post game interview he was quoted as saying he "got hosed up the you know what" when his reliever came in stone cold and gave up the big fly to the Prince.

Dodgers outlast M's in 3

Game 1,

A classic pitching duel between King Hernandez and Clayton Kershaw. The only score in the game came when Thames hit a sacrifice fly down the right field line to score Ackley.  Both pitchers went the distance Kershaw struck out 8 batters and surrendered 3 hits while Hernandez gave up no runs on 5 hits and 7 punch outs.  Mariners 1....Dodgers 0.

Game 2,

Vargas and Capuano squared off in the second game.  Both teams were scoreless until the bottom of the seventh inning when Ramirez lined a homerun over the low wall down the left field line.  Los Angeles plated some insurance in the 8th when Victorino drove in League with a hit. Capuano struck out 10 batters in 7.1 innings.  The save went to League. Dodgers 2....Mariners 1.

Game 3,

The Mariner offense continued to struggle as Harang pitched 7 innings of no run, 3 hit ball against Seattle.  The Dodgers got their first run when Settle third basemen Kyle Seager threw the ball away to plate a gift. Andre Ethier and A.J Ellis smacked solo blasts to aid Harang in the game.  Three relievers came if for the Dodgers to nail down the second shutout in a row...For the series, the Mariner offense only managed one run....Dodgers 6...Mariners 0.

Rays down Royals in 3

Hit .462 in the series

(op) Kansas City -  A great series was enjoyed by the fans of both the Kansas City Royals and the Tampa Bay Rays.  The Royals fans were not disillusioned though as over the years, they have built a tolerance for losing.  Games One and Three were won by Tampa Bay, while Kansas City hung on to game 2 for their lone victory.

Game 1 saw Luis Mendoza take the mound for the home crowd in KC while the Jays sent Price to the hill.  The crowd was into the game from the beginning and excited that neither Hochehaver nor Chen started the game.  Scoreless first for both sides, but in the top of the 2nd Falu misplayed a groundball then hurried his throw over Hosmer. Hosmer fired back to Falu but the runner kept going, Falu with an easy shot to gun him down at third, threw the ball right past Moustakis. If it hadn't been for Escobar backing up the play, Jennings would have scored then. Two errors on one play, and that was the way it went for the Royals the rest of the day.  A flyball scored Jennings 1-0. Bottom of the 2nd, Butler led off with a massive home run to left field making it 1-1.  Top 3rd Zobrist ripped one over the right field wall 2-1 TB. The next batter walked before Mendoza grooved one for Evan Longoria (.462 in series), who promptly smashed it over the left centerfield wall. 4-1  TB scored 3 more in the 5th and another in the 7th. KC made a run at it in the bottom of the 8th but came up short. Final TB 8  KC 5

Game 2 saw Shields go the distance for TB but took the loss as he gave up 4 runs on 7 hits.  Guthrie scattered 8 hits over 6 2/3 while allowing 3 runs. Crow came in during the 7th inning with runners on the corners and two outs. He got a pop out. Crow and Holland finished by pitching scoreless 8th & 9th innings.  Francouer and Butler homered for KC and Scott homered for TB.

Game 3 for KC was the one that got away.  After leading for almost the entire game, the bullpen falter in the bottom of the 9th and gave up two runs to lose. Longo hit a solo shot for TB while KC had nothing leave the park except the pitch they threw. Hellickson was treated poorly and as expected Chen was roughed up although he only gave up 2 earned runs in 4 2/3. Holland who saved game 2 took the loss giving up two hits and the winning run in just 1/3 of an inning
--submitted by Orion Bell--

Bucs stop Brew Crew in 3

The Pirates and Brewers met in a classic showdown between two hated rivals.  Who would get the upper hand in this series?

Game 1

The first game looked like a pitching duel and it didn't disappoint.  AJ Burnett started for the Bucs while Wily Peralta got the ball for the Brewers.  The Bucs struck first in the bottom of the 4th Garrett Jones doubled and then Pedro Alvarez doubled home Jones.  The game remained 1-0 until the top of the 9th and the Pirates closer was facing Ryan Braun.  Hanrahan came home with his best stuff a 97 mile fastball and Braun tattooed it into the left field seats to tie the game at 1.  The game would go extra frames.  Neither team could score until the bottom of the 14th.  Pedro Alvarez singled to start the inning.  Jody Mercer pinch ran for Alvarez.  The Pirates played a perfect hit and run as Walker singled to right sending Mercer to 3rd base with the winning run and nobody out.  Clint Barmes was intentionally walked to load up the bases.  Michael McKenry worked the count and took ball four to force in the winning run giving the Bucs a much hard fought victory over the Brewers 2-1.  

Game 2

This game was all Brewers as they jumped on James McDonald for 5 runs in the first 3 innings.  The hitting barrage would continue as the Brewers coasted home to a 9-3 victory.  Yovani Gallardo picked up the win going 5 innings only giving up 2 runs.  There was 5 homeruns hit in this game with 3 by the Bucs and 2 by the Brewers.  Aramis Ramirez had 3 hits and 3 rbi's.  

Game 3

This was it as this game would decide the series winner.  The Bucs sent Wandy Rodriguez to the hill while the Brewers countered with Marco Estrada.  The Brewers got the game's first run as Jonathon Lucroy singled home Juan Segura to give them a quick 1-0 lead.  The Pirates struck right back in the top of the 4th as Pedro Alvarez homered to tie the game at 1-1.  This looked like a repeat of game 1.  The game remained tied until the 8th inning.  The Pirates had a rally going as Alex Presley stood on 2nd base and Andrew McCutchen was up to bat.  The Brewers had Manny Parra on the hill with 1st base open.  Parra was allowed to pitch to McCutchen.  I guess the Brewers weren't playing the percentages as McCutchen murdered lefties in 2012 with a .392 batting average and .677 slugging percentage.  You can only guess what happened.  McCutchen drove a pitch into the right center bleachers to give the Pirates a 3-1 lead with a two run shot.  Well that was pretty much it as Joel Hanrahan closed out the 9th this time giving the Bucs the series win.  This was a very good series full of suspense, rally noise, and plate music all courtesy of the new version.  I am really impressed with the new version.  Neil Walker hit .545 and was elected series MVP.

--submitted by Frank Aluzzi--

Phightin's dispatch Dback in 3

Game 1 Philadelphia at Arizona

Halladay vs Cahill

The Phils survived the sweltering 99 degree desert heat to take a 1 game to 0 lead over the Diamondbacks. The game was tied at 4 after the 5th. Carlos "Chooch" Ruiz hit a 2 out, 2 run homer to break the tie and give Philly a 6-4 lead in the 8th. Jonathan Papelbon picked up the save.

Game MVP: Carlos Ruiz

Game 2 Arizona at Philadelphia

Miley vs Lee

Arizona jumped on Cliff Lee by scoring 2 runs in the 1st inning. Philly chipped away and tied the game in the 5th. Arizona took the lead for good on a John McDonald pinch hit solo home run off Lee. De Fratus and Horst held Philly scoreless in the 8th & 9th to give the Diamondbacks the 3-2 win and tie the series at 1-1.

Game MVP: Willie Bloomquist

Game 3 Arizona at Philadelphia

Kennedy vs Hamels

The game was close until Philly busted it open in the 6th with a 4 run outburst to take a 6-1 lead. Philly added 2 more in the 7th and closed out the series with a 8-1 win.

Game MVP: Juan Pierre

--submitted by Gary Maurer--

A's comeback to beat Tribe in 3

GAME 1 - Progressive Field
McCarthy vs Masterson
Indians 2, A's 1
The hometown fans were treated to a great Justin Masterson pitching performance.  Masterson (7IP, 1ER, 10k's) dominated the A's bats.  The Tribe scratched out solo runs in both the 1st and the 6th to hold off the A's, who finally scored on a Reddick sac fly in the 8th.  J.Smith pitched a perfect 9th for the save.
Indians lead series 1-0

GAME 2 - Oakland Coliseum
Jimenez vs Parker
A's 6, Indians 2
Brandon Moss went yard twice and knocked in 3 of Oakland's 6 runs.  J.Parker gave up just 1 run in five innings of work and the bullpen did the rest.  Brantley had a 3 for 4 day for the Tribe in a losing cause.
Series tied 1-1

GAME 3 - Oakland Coliseum
McAllister vs Milone
A's 5, Indians 3
Oakland got almost 6 innings out of young gun Milone.  The pen was almost perfect the rest of the way.  4 huge runs in the bottom of the 4th by the A's put the Tribe in a deep hole.  A 3 run jack by Cespedes was followed up by a solo shot from Brandon Moss (.583) who continued his hot hitting in the series.
A's win series 2-1

Reds slam Cubbies in 2

GAME 1 - Wrigley Field
Cueto vs Samardzija
Reds 13, Cubs 2
Cincy scored 10 runs over the final 2 innings to win this series opener going away.  Heading into the 8th the Reds held a 3-0 lead that they gained in the top of the first.  Cueto was fantastic and didn't yield a run until he tired in the 8th.  Todd Frazier knocked in 5 of Cincy's 13 runs.
Reds lead series 1-0

GAME 2 - Great American BP
T.Wood vs Latos
Reds 5, Cubs 1 (15 inn)
It took 8 Reds pitchers and 15 innings of play for the boys from the Queen city to finally dispatch the Cubbies.  Chicago rode a 1st inning Rizzo solo blast until the 6th when the Reds tied it up on a Ludwick homer.  Neither team could score again until Brandon Phillips hit a walk off granny off of Corpas.
Reds win series 2-0

O's outlast Bosox in 3

GAME 1 - Fenway Park
Hammel vs Buchholz
Red Sox 3, Orioles 2
Boston scored 2 runs in the 7th to take a 1 run lead.  The ever so clutch Dustin Pedroia hit a 2 run shot with 2 out off of Strop.  Baltimore had taken the lead in the 6th with an Adam Jones blast.  Buchholz went 7 strong innings and gave up just 2 runs.  Atchison pitched a perfect 7 pitch 8th inning and Aceves shut the door on the O's in the 9th.
Boston leads 1-0

GAME 2 - Camden Yards
Lester vs Chen
Orioles 6, Red Sox 3
Boston drew first blood with 2 quick runs in the 2nd, but the O's answered right back with a 5 run outburst in the bottom of the frame to chase Jon Lester from the bump.  Adam Jones and Nick Markakis had 3 hit / 2 RBI days to force a decisive game 3.
Series tied 1-1

GAME 3 - Camden Yards
Doubront vs Tillman
Orioles 3, Red Sox 2
Adam Jones, who hit .500 in this series, started it off with a 2 run shot in the bottom of the first.  Boston got on the board with a solo run in the 3rd off a sac fly.  Chris Davis got one back with one swing in the bottom of the 4th to make it 3-1.  Ciriaco scored on a Gomez ground out in the sixth to narrow Baltimore's lead to 1.  Fine bullpen work from Matusz and Steve Johnson (2 1/3 scoreless innings), who notched the save for the clincher
Baltimore wins series 2-1

Round 1 Begins: Chisox take 2 of 3 from Friars

First Series Write-Up Comes from Joey Scigliano (SDP):

Game 1 at San Diego,

Jake Peavy and Clayton Richard squared off in this pitcher dominated game.  San Diego got out to an early lead when Maybin tripled and scored on an Everth Cabrera bunt.  However, the Sox came back to to tie the game when De Aza walked, stole second and scored when Paul Konerko doubled off the left field wall. The same two paired up in the 8th to plate the go ahead run.   White Sox 2....Padres 1.

Game 2 at Chicago,

The swingin' Friars smacked three round trippers to even the series at one a piece.  Denorfia, Headly, and Grandel (not the same beast from the epic Beowulf poem).  all reached the bleachers as the Padres smashed 11 hits. Chris Denorfia was the hitting star as he also added a double and drove in 4 runs to add former Red Edison Volquez for the victory. Volquez, sporting short locks as a Padre, went 6 innings allowing only 2 runs. Sale got the loss for the Pale Hose.  Padres 7...White Sox 3.

Game 3 at Chicago,

The Sox battered Padres pitching to the tune of six home runs, 14 hits, and 10 runs. The undisputed hitting star was Dunn, who hit 3 taters and was an impossible out with his 4 RBI.  Viciedo, Konerko, and Kevin Youkilis also went deep in this laugh er.  Veal got the win in relief and the lose was given to Andrew Cashner, who was pounded for 3 home runs in only 2 innings of work.  White Sox 10....Padres 4.

MVP of the series----Adam Dunn with 3 homeruns.

Team Assignments and Pairings are posted

Dale Buckingham        COL
William Schneider      TBY
Matt Dickendesher      DET
Scott Needle           STL
Joey Scigliano         SDP
Marc Weiss             LAD
Gene Couture           NYY
Justin Ryan            NYM
Larry Reeves           SFG
Frank Sprague          FLA
Andy Sexton            SEA
Jim Gerhart            CIN
Douglas Zaner          LAA
Jim Walden             CUB
Mark Angle             TEX
Dan Holm               CHW
Frank Aluzzi           PIT
Bill Keller            CLE
Michael Hopcroft       WAS
Keith MacDonald        OAK
Andy Weinrib           ATL
Orion Bell             KCR
Gary Maurer            PHI
Mickey Boone           TOR
Marvin Sik             MIN
John Hren              MIL
Jay Bank               ARI
Chris Gotay            BOS
Mark Nixon             BAL
***OPEN***             HOU

2012-13 Holiday Festival will use 2012 Teams

Welcome to the 6th annual Holiday Festival Baseball Tournament.  For the first time in the history of the tournament we will be using all 30 MLB teams from the previous season.  By far our largest tournament.  Teams will be seeded according to their 2012 final record with the two Pennant winners getting 1st round byes.

Tournament action will begin Friday 1/4/2012
Random team selection will be done Thursday night.