NLCS - Game 1

Game 1: Rodrigo Lopez vs Johan Santana

Top of the 1st inning, Serpents get a lead off single by Kendall but fail to take advantage. Huntsville goes down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 1st.

Top of the 2nd inning, Serpents manage a two out single, but again fail to do any damage. Bottom of the 2nd, Huntsville gets a 1-out BB from Drew, but leave him stranded.

Top of the 3rd inning, Serpents come to bat with the score 0-0 The pitcher Lopez gets the inning started with a grounder up the middle. After a Fly out from Kendall, Mench lines a single to right putting runners at 1st and 2nd with 1 out. I think this might have been the first time all year Santana has had a runner get in scoring position :) I guess he felt the pressure because Young homered deep to right center, giving the Serpents a uge 3-0 Lead. Huntsville fails to score in the bottom half.

Score remained 3-0 in favor of the Serpents until the bottom of the 5th, when Huntsville came to bat. JD Drew Led off the inning with a walk, followed by an Estrada single advancing Drew to third. Hillenbrand then hit a soft liner to center scoring Drew(3-1). Beltran grounded to second advancing Estrada to third, but forcing illenbrand out at 2nd. Utley Pinched hit for Santana. After a Beltran Steal, Utley Grounds to 1st and Estrada gets hosed at the plate trying to score. Figgins the Draws a walk toload the bases. Furcal gets a single scoring two to even the game(3-3). The Rain begins to come down very hard causing a 77 minute rain delay. Aquino comes in to relieve Lopez and gets Abreu to fly out to end the long 5th inning.

Game moves on to the 8th tied 3-3. Rincon comes in to pitch the top half, and doesn't get off to a good start - Committs an error allowing Mench to reach. After a double by Young and an intentional walk to Ramirez, Rincon gives up an 2 Run single to PH Newhan. The Serpents manage to tack on another run giving them a 6-3 lead heading to the bottom of the 8th. Hammond comes on to pitch the bottom of the 8th, and gives up back to back doubles to start the inning. After a Pujols POP OUT, Drew walks, and Marrero singles up the middle to score Abreu and advance Drew to third. Hillenbrand then grounds out to second as Drew scores the tying run. Beltran Flies out to end the inning and the game is all square headed to the 9th.

Both team fail to score in the 9th as well as the 10th. In the 11th the Serpents go down 1-2-3. With the crowd getting restless, Beltran leads off with a single, Hawkins fails to put down a bunt to advance the runner. Figgins laces a double down the line scoring the speedy Beltran and giving Huntsville a 7-6 victory and a 1-0 series lead.

What a game!!!! Sets the stage for what could possibly be the greatest NLCS in history.

Game 2 to come tomorrow when I am not so tired................................................................