The Tampa Bay Rays advanced to the World Series with a thrilling 3-1 Game Seven victory over the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS on Sunday night at Tropicana Field. Matt Garza, who was named ALCS MVP, was magnificent, striking out nine in seven innings and only giving up a single run. Jon Lester took the hard-luck loss, tossing seven frames and giving up all three Rays runs while striking out eight.
Tampa's David Price, the 23-year-old rookie left-hander, looked like The Next Big Thing in major league baseball, striking out J.D. Drew to end the eighth and retiring Mark Kotsay and Jason Varitek on strikes in the ninth before inducing a forceout from Jed Lowrie to end the game. The Rays will meet the Philadelphia Phillies in Game One of the World Series on Wednesday night in Tampa.
This just in: The Dallas Cowboys looked really awful yesterday afternoon. The St. Louis Rams embarassed the 'Boys 34-14, as Brad Johnson threw three interceptions and looked terrible in the first half en route to the Rams taking command of the game 24-7. With Tony Romo out--along with Pacman and Felix Jones--and an unhappy T.O., this looks like a possible combustible situation in Big D.
Finally, we will find out a lot about the Indianapolis Colts a week from tonight when Peyton & Co. go into Tennessee to take on the unbeaten Titans. The Colts have not shown any rhythm on offense this season and continue to play sloppy defense, two uncharacteristic traits of a team looking to rebound from a disappointing finish to last season.
Showing posts with label ALCS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ALCS. Show all posts
Monday, October 20, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Red Sox Stave Off Elimination, Beat Rays 8-7
The Boston Red Sox came back from a 7-0 defecit in the seventh inning and staved off elimination in the ALCS by downing the Tampa Bay Rays 8-7 last night, becoming the first team to rally from seven or more runs down when facing postseason elimination.
After Dustin Pedroia hit an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh, Ortiz launched a three-run homer against Grant Balfour, cutting the margin to three runs at 7-4 and giving Sawx fans renewed hope. Ortiz finally produced a big hit, as Big Papi hit his first home run in 15 games and 61 postseason at-bats. J.D. Drew then went yard against Dan Wheeler, a two-run shot to pull to within one. A Coco Crisp game-tying RBI single set the stage for Drew to hit the walk-off single that ended the game.
I know Joe Maddon is taking a lot of heat today for pulling Scott Kazmir, but the guy threw 111 pitches, and I don't find it fair that the unquestioned AL Manager of the Year is being doubted with his team still in an enviable position to advance to the World Series. The Rays still have a 3-2 lead in the series with James Shields taking the mound in Game Six in Tampa. Blowing a 7-0 lead is quite brutal, don't get me wrong, but the Rays' bullpen had been a strength all year, and Kazmir has not been a pitcher that fares well when being extended deep into a game. Certainly, the Red Sox seem to have a knack for keeping things interesting in the postseason.
After Dustin Pedroia hit an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh, Ortiz launched a three-run homer against Grant Balfour, cutting the margin to three runs at 7-4 and giving Sawx fans renewed hope. Ortiz finally produced a big hit, as Big Papi hit his first home run in 15 games and 61 postseason at-bats. J.D. Drew then went yard against Dan Wheeler, a two-run shot to pull to within one. A Coco Crisp game-tying RBI single set the stage for Drew to hit the walk-off single that ended the game.
I know Joe Maddon is taking a lot of heat today for pulling Scott Kazmir, but the guy threw 111 pitches, and I don't find it fair that the unquestioned AL Manager of the Year is being doubted with his team still in an enviable position to advance to the World Series. The Rays still have a 3-2 lead in the series with James Shields taking the mound in Game Six in Tampa. Blowing a 7-0 lead is quite brutal, don't get me wrong, but the Rays' bullpen had been a strength all year, and Kazmir has not been a pitcher that fares well when being extended deep into a game. Certainly, the Red Sox seem to have a knack for keeping things interesting in the postseason.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Phillies Best Dodgers, Advance to World Series
The Philadelphia Phillies earned a return ticket to the World Series last night for the first time since 1993, as Cole Hamels turned in another dominant performance in a 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Just as he did in the clinching game against the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS, Jimmy Rollins led off the game with a homer, and the Phillies were off and running from there. With the NLCS MVP on the mound, it was lights out for the Dodgers. The lefty pitched seven innings of five-hit ball, allowing just one run and striking out five.
The Phillies will be making their sixth appearance in the Fall Classic, and the franchise will be looking for its second championship. A Phillies title would end a 25-year championship drought for the city's four major sports, as no professional team in Philadelphia has won it all since the 76ers won the NBA title in 1983.
The loss ends a great run by a Dodgers team that was not even expected to advance into the playoffs. Aided by a terrible collapse by the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers won only 88 games en route to capturing the NL West. But they pulled together in September behind a stingy pitching staff and an offensive resurgence led by Manny Ramirez, and the team was able to dominate it series with the Cubs en route to a three-game sweep. The team will now turn its attention to resigning Manny Ramirez, who is reportedly seeking a four-to-five year HUGE deal.
So will the Phillies find out tonight who their opponent will be in the Fall Classic? The Tampa Bay Rays have a chance to close out their ALCS series with the Boston Red Sox tonight in Fenway Park, as Scott Kazmir--not James Shields--will throw against Daisuke Matsuzaka. Something tells me this series is going back to Tampa.
The Phillies will be making their sixth appearance in the Fall Classic, and the franchise will be looking for its second championship. A Phillies title would end a 25-year championship drought for the city's four major sports, as no professional team in Philadelphia has won it all since the 76ers won the NBA title in 1983.
The loss ends a great run by a Dodgers team that was not even expected to advance into the playoffs. Aided by a terrible collapse by the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers won only 88 games en route to capturing the NL West. But they pulled together in September behind a stingy pitching staff and an offensive resurgence led by Manny Ramirez, and the team was able to dominate it series with the Cubs en route to a three-game sweep. The team will now turn its attention to resigning Manny Ramirez, who is reportedly seeking a four-to-five year HUGE deal.
So will the Phillies find out tonight who their opponent will be in the Fall Classic? The Tampa Bay Rays have a chance to close out their ALCS series with the Boston Red Sox tonight in Fenway Park, as Scott Kazmir--not James Shields--will throw against Daisuke Matsuzaka. Something tells me this series is going back to Tampa.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Rays Push Red Sox to the Brink
The Tampa Bay Rays throttled the Boston Red Sox once again last night at Fenway Park, pounding knuckleballer Tim Wakefield for five runs and three homers in 2 2/3 innings en route to a 13-4 victory to take a 3-1 lead in the American League Championship Series. Evan Longoria clubbed his rookie-record fifth homer of the postseason, and Carlos Pena and Willy Aybar also went deep for the Rays, who are within one victory of their first World Series appearance in franchise history. Andy Sonnanstine was steady again for the Rays, tossing 7 1/3 innings and allowing just three earned runs, while Carl Crawford went 5-for-5, scored three runs and drove in two to send the Rays to a comfortable lead in the series with Game Five on Thursday at Fenway.
Spring NFL football? League owners in St. Petersburg are reportedly discussing with commissioner Roger Goodell the possibility of playing exhibition games during the spring, much like colleges hold their spring games. Terrible idea. Doesn't the annual April NFL Draft provide enough media attention for these franchises? This idea will never come into fruition.
And finally, the Detroit Lions finally traded away disgruntled wideout Roy Williams, shipping him to the Dallas Cowboys for a first-, third- and sixth-rounder in 2009. The Lions will also give up a seventh-round pick in 2010. Of course, Jerry Jones then gave Williams a five-year extension worth around $45 million, including more than $20 million guaranteed, as Jones believes that Williams can be a game-breaker opposite Terrell Owens and Owens' potential replacement.
This could end up being a huge trade for the Lions' franchise. With two first-round picks, a second- and two third-rounders in the upcoming draft, a roster with holes at nearly every position could begin to be restocked by the incoming GM. This is a must-offseason for the Ford family and the Lions, who will be setting up the future of the franchise with their selection of GM, presumable new head coach and 2009 draft talent to go along with active pursuit in the free agent market.
Spring NFL football? League owners in St. Petersburg are reportedly discussing with commissioner Roger Goodell the possibility of playing exhibition games during the spring, much like colleges hold their spring games. Terrible idea. Doesn't the annual April NFL Draft provide enough media attention for these franchises? This idea will never come into fruition.
And finally, the Detroit Lions finally traded away disgruntled wideout Roy Williams, shipping him to the Dallas Cowboys for a first-, third- and sixth-rounder in 2009. The Lions will also give up a seventh-round pick in 2010. Of course, Jerry Jones then gave Williams a five-year extension worth around $45 million, including more than $20 million guaranteed, as Jones believes that Williams can be a game-breaker opposite Terrell Owens and Owens' potential replacement.
This could end up being a huge trade for the Lions' franchise. With two first-round picks, a second- and two third-rounders in the upcoming draft, a roster with holes at nearly every position could begin to be restocked by the incoming GM. This is a must-offseason for the Ford family and the Lions, who will be setting up the future of the franchise with their selection of GM, presumable new head coach and 2009 draft talent to go along with active pursuit in the free agent market.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Hamels Pitches Phils to Game One Win
The Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays begin their American League Championship Series tonight in Tampa, as Daisuke Matsuzaka will oppose James Shields in a battle of right-handed hurlers. Don't expect the bad blood between these teams to carry over to this series, as both teams are intent on focusing on balls and strikes.
On the National League side last night, Derek Lowe was brilliant through five innings before surrendering solo home runs to Chase Utley and Pat Burrell as the Phillies took Game One of the NLCS 3-2. The team that led the National League in home runs went deep twice against a pitcher known for his tendency to keep baseballs in the park. While Lowe gave up the two blasts, Cole Hamels was simply filthy for Philly. Hamels struck out eight in seven innings and allowed just two runs as the Phillies opened up a 1-0 lead in the series.
A huge weekend is upon us in the Big 12, as top-five heavyweights Oklahoma and Texas are set to battle in the Red River Shootout, while conference brethren Missouri and Oklahoma State will duke it out later in the day in Columbia. Quarterback play will be the focus for both of these games, as Sam Bradford of Oklahoma matches up against Colt McCoy of Texas, while the unflappable Chase Daniel squares off against underrated Zac Robinson of Oklahoma State.
The big game of the week in the SEC will be played in Gainesville on Saturday night, where the Florida Gators look to stick around in the national picture by defeating defending champion LSU. Tigers lineman Ricky Jean-Francois has already provided some nice bulletin board material by saying that he will take out Tim Tebow. Not a good idea Ricky.
On the National League side last night, Derek Lowe was brilliant through five innings before surrendering solo home runs to Chase Utley and Pat Burrell as the Phillies took Game One of the NLCS 3-2. The team that led the National League in home runs went deep twice against a pitcher known for his tendency to keep baseballs in the park. While Lowe gave up the two blasts, Cole Hamels was simply filthy for Philly. Hamels struck out eight in seven innings and allowed just two runs as the Phillies opened up a 1-0 lead in the series.
A huge weekend is upon us in the Big 12, as top-five heavyweights Oklahoma and Texas are set to battle in the Red River Shootout, while conference brethren Missouri and Oklahoma State will duke it out later in the day in Columbia. Quarterback play will be the focus for both of these games, as Sam Bradford of Oklahoma matches up against Colt McCoy of Texas, while the unflappable Chase Daniel squares off against underrated Zac Robinson of Oklahoma State.
The big game of the week in the SEC will be played in Gainesville on Saturday night, where the Florida Gators look to stick around in the national picture by defeating defending champion LSU. Tigers lineman Ricky Jean-Francois has already provided some nice bulletin board material by saying that he will take out Tim Tebow. Not a good idea Ricky.
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