NLCS - Game 4

Game 4: Santana vs Hernandez

The Serpents, looking to even the series, send O. Hernandez to the mound. Top of the first, Figgins gets things started for Huntsville with a 1-out single. After a SB, Figgins advances to third on a passed ball. Moments later Figgins scores on a grounder to short by Abreu, giving Huntsville the early 1-0 lead.
Bottom of the 1st, Huntsville looking to take control of the series, sends Santana to the mound on 3 days rest - Would it pay off? Santana gets Kedall swinging to start the game, followed by a fly out by mench and Strikeout of Young.

Top of the 2nd (1-0 - Huntsville Lead) Estrada gets a 1-out single, followed by a Hillenbrand walk. After a Beltran flyout, Santana steps up to the plate with a chance to help himself. He does just that with a solid single to right scoring Estrada. In the bottom half of the inning, Ramirez draws a leadoff walk, Hernandez follows with a single to right. Phelps and Klesko both fly out to shallow center. Polanco is intentioanlly walked, bringing up the pitcher Hernandez. Hernandez grounds out to third leaving the bases loaded.

In the Bottom of the 3rd, Midgard gets on the board with a solo HR by Young. But Huntsville gets the run right back in the top of the 4th with a single by Furcal - scoring Beltran.

Well, The rest of the game was pretty much not worth mentioning, as Huntsville pitching shut the door on the Serpents offense giving Huntsville a 3-1 win and a 3-1 Series lead. A lead to great for the Serpents to overcome - Or is it?

NLCS - Game 3

Game 3: Martinez vs. Perez

With a 2-0 lead, Huntsville on the road for the first time in the series, looking to continue there winning ways. The Hardballers got off to a quick start when Figgins singled to lead off the game. He then swiped 2nd Base, then furcal moved him over to 3rd. Beltran came up with one out and hit a monster 2Run HR to give Huntsville the early lead. Midgard went 1-2-3 in the bottom half of the inning. No damage was done by either team in the 2nd inning.

In the bottom of the 3rd, with the score 2-0, Serpents caught some breaks. After a strikeout by Winn, Polanco was hit by a pitch (Questionable call in my opinion) then pedro mishandled a Perez bunt (Scored an infield hit). So with Runners on 1st and 2nd with only one out Kendall stepped up to the plate (Basically owning the Huntsville pitching staff so far in the series) and grounds out to second, putting runners on 2nd and 3rd. Stewart walks loading up the bases for M. Young. Young doubles down the third base line - Polanco scores, Perez Scores, Stewart tries, but gets thrown out at home.

So with the Score (2-2)headed to the bottom of the 5th, Oliver Perez starts of with a walk (Walking a pitcher should not happen). Kendall follows with a single. Gordon comes on in relief for the Hardballers. Stewart lays down a nice Sac. Bunt putting runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out. Young is givin the free pass to load the bases and set up a double play. The Struggling Ramirez comes up, looking to break out, but grounds into the inning ending DP. I believe I heard some Boo's.

6th Inning, Hardballers are held in check, keeping the score 2-2. In the bottom half of the inning, the Serpents broke through after a leadoff walk to Klesko, a Franco Double, IBB to Polanco, Kendall single, and a Stewart single. All in all 4 runs scored giving the Serpents a much needed 6-2 lead.

Huntsville manages to get a run back in the 7th on a Marrero HR, but thats all they manage to score and the Serpents take the game 6-3.

2-1 series lead for Huntsville.

Game 4 results to come later..................................... Need to actually do some work!!!

NLCS - Game 2

Game 2: Radke vs. Mulder

Top of the 1st inning, Kendall starts the game off with a solid double to right center, but Mulder settles in and gets Mench to lineout, Young Swinging, and Ramirez to fly out to left. In the bottom half the Hardballers strike with Back to Back HR from Figgins and Abreu.

Score remained 2-0 in favor of the Home team until the bottom of the 3rd when Huntsville added 2 more runs thanks to back to back to back singles by Furcal, Figgins, Abreu and a Sac. Fly from Pujols.

Mulder is cruising along until the top of the 6th when the defense lets him down. After getting Kendall and Mench to fly out to center to start the inning, Mulder gives up a double to Young, Ramirez reaches on an error by figgins, and the Hernandez gets an RBI single to make the score 5-1 Huntsville.

Huntsville added one more run in the 8th making the score 6-1. Thats the way the game would finish, thus giving Hutsville another win and putting the Serpents in a HUGE 0-2 hole.

Game three to come later tonight or tomorrow ..................................................

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................................................................

LCS Predictions

After going 4-0 in the LDS I will give the LCS a go.

Predictions

MLB World Series

I'm really torn watching this series. It's always easier to watch when you hate one team. ie Yankees. Both teams have great stories, good players and nice managers. I'm kind of pulling for Houston but I will be happy either way.

Chicago is so typical of teams that from the outside don't really impress you. Was anybody scared of Garland or Garcia before the season? Frank Thomas is hurt so Konerko bats 4th and you are better? Did you think the Sox would be better than the Cubs?

The fact is I'm so impressed with the way they play. I don't buy the fact they play NL ball. They play the way everybody else does in the AL - The Long Ball. Not that anything is wrong with that.

Let's hope Houston wins a couple and makes this interesting.

BEARied EM!

The Beartooth Ballhawks have advanced to the ALCS by defeating the Windsor Tigers 11-4 in game 7. Congratultions to Mike on winning and good luck in the next round.

Mike will follow up with his comments and I will as well later.

Game 7 Today!

3:05 EST -- First Pitch

Starting Pitchers:

Beartooth: M.Buehrle (1-1 3.21 ERA)
Windsor: CC Sabathia (0-0 1.80 ERA)

ALDS 7th Heaven!

The ALDS between Windsor and Beartooth is heading to Game 7. This game will be held in Windsor on Wednesday evening. The game will be played head to head. Game 7 info will be posted when time and pitchers are determined.

Windsor and Beartooth split games 5 and 6 last evening. The home team has not won a game in this series yet.

Brief Summary:

Game 5 @ Beartooth

Windsor sweeps the three games at Beartooth winning 7-6. They take a 3-2 lead in the series after losing the first two. With the game tied 6-6 in the 8th Pedro Feliz hits a pinch hit game winning RBI single off Parrish to drive in Vernon Wells from 2nd base.

Alazamar was the winner (1-0) and Looper got his first save pitching shutout ball for the final two innings. Riske takes the loss, his first of the playoffs.

Notes: Both starters Harden and Thompson continued to get roughed up giving up 11 ER combined. Hitting star -- Adrian Beltre going 2-5 with two homeruns and 2 RBI's.

Turning Point: Bottom of 8th Beartooth down 7-6 with the tying run on 2nd, no outs. Windsor's Looper get 2K's and a ground ball out.

Game 6 @ Windsor

Beartooth in a must win situation comes into Windsor and destroys them 19-9. Beartooth scores 3 in the 2nd, 8 (yes 8) in the 6th and 7 more over the last two innings. In his first start of the series Bush gets the win (1-0) . Zambrano in another dissappointing start took the loss giving up 8 runs in just 5.2 innings. Bush also gave up 8 runs in 5 ip.

The hitting star and possible series MVP Alex Rodriguez went 3 for 6 with 3 runs, 2 HR's, and 8 RBI's. Rowand, Bonds and Jimenez each drove in 2 runs as well.

The turning point: Beartooth down 6-4 in the 6th inning and on the verge of being eliminated scores 8 runs and blows open the game. It all happened with two outs, two runners on and no runs in.

Series tied 3-3 bring on game 7.

ALDS Update -- Games 5 and 6

We are finally nearing the end of this series. Mike will be playing games 5 and 6 vs the computer. If he wins both he advances to the ALCS against the Braves. If he splits we will play Game 7 head to head.

Game 5: Harden, Windsor vs Thompson, Beartooth
Game 6: Rogers, Beartooth vs Zambrano, Windsor

We will keep you updated.

Garcia leads Windsor to another win

Beartooth (AP): Windsor tied up their ALDS 2-2 defeating Beartooth 2-1 in game 4. Freddy Garcia was the star pitching 8 plus innings, scattering 5 hits and striking out 7. Beartooth starter Mark Buehrle pitching on 3 days rest was equally as good but took the loss.

The game winning run was scored with two outs in the top of the 8th on a fielding error by Corey Koskie allowing Vernon Wells to score from 3rd. That run gave Windsor a 2-0 lead. Riske started the inning.

In the bottom of the 9th down 2-0 Beartooth would score one run on a fielder’s choice charged to Garcia who started the inning with a walk. Alamazar would get the save pitching one inning of no-hit ball.

Windsor scored their first run in the top of the 1st. With two out Haftner doubled against Buerle and Beltre singled him home.

The ALDS has turned into a best of 3 now.

Windsor defeats Beartooth to win Game 3

Beartooth (AP): Down 2-0 Windsor needed a win to get back in into there ALDS. In yet another classic game Windsor won 7-6 in 11 innings. The game winning RBI came on Cesar Izturis sacrifice fly in the top of the 11th, scoring Todd Hollandsworth from 3rd. Isringhausen would get his first win and Harville his first save.

Windsor scored there first run off Kenny Rogers in the top of the 1st on a triple by Uribe and a RBI groundball to 2B Bellhorn.

Although throwing lots of pitches Sabathia was rolling till Beartooth’s Rowand lead off the bottom of the 3rd with a solo shot deep into the spacious LF of Commerica Park.

Windsor would take a 2-1 lead in the top of the 5th on a Damian Miller sacrifice fly scoring Feliz from 3rd. Bonds throw was up the line and Feliz collided with Lopez.

Sabathia’s wildness caught up with him and was pulled in the top of the 6th after throwing 99 pitches and a lead off walk to Teixeira. Looper entered and ended the threat with a fly ball out and a DP ball.

Entering the bottom of the 7th Beartooth’s Rogers has been pitching a gem and keeping his team in the game. The bottom of the 7th was very interesting. Beartooth sent to the plate three pinch hitters and Windsor countered with 3 relievers. No runs scored but what an inning of managing.

Rogers shuts down Windsor in the top of the 8th and sends his team to the bottom of the inning down one run. Windsor sends out there star reliever Alazamar. After a quick out the fireworks began. In a surprise move Bonds is pinched hit for by DeJesus. This seemed like advantage Windsor until Dejesus drew a 3-2 walk. Alex Rodriguez then drills a homerun into left center field. Beartooth takes a 3-2 lead.

With their first lead of the game and the Beartooth fans screaming Foulke enters the 9th to shut it down. Like Alazamar this series has not been kind to Foulke. Beltre starts by striking out on 3 pitches. Windsor sends Segui to pinch hit for Conine and lines a single into center. Roger Cedeno is brought into pinch run for Segui. Hollandsworth comes off the bench to bat for Feliz and triples into right center, Cedeno scores, game tied 3-3. With only one out Windsor had the go-ahead run on 3rd. Foulke would settle down and get shallow fly ball and a Piedra strike out.

In the top of the 10th Beartooth would send out Jamie Walker to keep it tied. Things get ugly quick. After a Izturis single Miceli replaces Walker. Miceli gives up a SB, Uribe single and a three run homerun by Beltre to deep left field. Windsor leads 6-3.

The game and the lead seemed safe with Windsor having Isringhausen on the mound from the prior inning. It would prove not safe with Beartooth scoring 3 runs of their own and tying the game at 6-6. After a DeJesus infield single, and a Rodriguez walk, Javey Lopez hit his second homerun of the series – a 3 run shot.

The 11th would be the final inning of this great game. Beartooth brought in left hander Sherril to face Hollandsworth but was greeted with a hard single to right. Vizquel trying to bunt draws a walk and then Molina sacrifices both to second and third. Izturis would end the game on a sacrifice fly to center. With the score 7-6 Windsor almost got another run on a wild pitch but Vizquel was thrown out at home trying to score.

Chad Harville does his best imitation of a real closer and gets his first save of the series getting Beartooth to go 1-2-3.

Windsor is back in the series down 2-1 heading into a big game 4.

NLDS -- Serpents vs Colt 45s

Game 1
The Serpents sent Brad Radke to the mound against Javier Vazquez.
Midgard built a 3-0 lead after 3 innings but the 45s stormed back to tie the game after 4. In the 5th Radke and reliever Greg Aquino imploded and the Colts scored 8 to win the game 11-7.

Game 2
Oliver Perez pitched for the Serpents vs the Colt 45s Paul Byrd.
Atlants jumped all over Perez scoring 5 in the 1st. In the 5th and 7th innings Midgard managed to plate a run each inning, leading to a 5-2 deficit. The Serpents put a couple of runners on in the 8th and a run when Eric Gagne entered early to quell the rally. Gagne gave up a couple of hits and ended up hitting two batters including Miguel Cairo with the bases loaded to score the game winning run. Midgard stole the game winning 6-5 to tie the series up 1-1.

Game 3
The Colt 45s started rookie Bobby Madritsch against the Serpents Rodrigo Lopez. Lopez pitched in relief most of the season but earned a playoff start with his sucessful season. Madritsch must have felt a little nervous giving up 4 hits and 2 runs in the first inning and 3 hits and a run in the second. Bobby settled down after that and he combined to shut down the Serpents after that. But that ended up all the runs Midgard needed as Lopez gave up only 5 hits and a run through 8 and Antonio Osuna saved his second game for a Midgard lead in the series 2-1.

Game 4
Kevin Millwood started for Atlanta vs Midgard's Orlando Hernandez.
Being behind in the series must have given the 45s a wakeup call as they
belted out 14 hits including HRs by Chipper Jones and Mike Lowell and crushed the serpents 10-2. to tie the series 2-2.

Game 5
Brad Radke returned to the mound vs John Lackey. Atlanta used a 5 man rotation to keep it's starters fresh. It didn't seem to work as Midgard jumped out to a 3-0 lead after 5 innings. The 45s did score a couple of runs in the top of the 7th but Midgard answered with 2 of it's own in the bottom of the inning to reach the final score of 5-2.
Midgard had a game advantage after 5.

Game 6
Javier Vazquez was sent out to keep the Serpents from winning the series vs Midgard's lefty Oliver Perez.
Midgard jumped out to an early 5-0 lead after four and a half innings on eight singles and a triple by the ancient Julio Franco. Atlants did score a run in the 5th but Perez pitched a gem giving up only 4 hits while logging 12 K's in a complete game series clinching win.

Atlanta hit 6-2Bs, 1-3B and 10 HRs vs Midgard's 3-2-2. But Midgard out hit the 45s .301/.342/.364 vs .273/.338/.459. Shannon Stewart was voted MVP of the series going 9-21 for a hitting line of .429/.520/.667.
He scored 5 runs and drove in 7 with 1 HR. Antonio Osuna was close behind in tghe MVP race saving 3 of the 4 Serpent wins.

Windsor / Beartooth Series Update

Due to schedule problems we have decided to play the rest of our games vs the computer. I will be playing Games 3 and 4. Beartooth leads the series 2-0.

The game 3 and 4 starters have been annouced. I will post updates after I play the games today.

Game 3:

Windsor - CC. Sabathia (9-10 4.73 ERA)
Beartooth - K. Rogers (15-7 4.70 ERA)

Game 4:

Windsor - F. Garcia (16-12 3.95 ERA)
Beartooth - M. Buehrle (1-0 5.34 ERA - playoffs)

League investigation launched after Braves/Mystique series

After game 4, braves officials finally had a brainstorm. The team was demorialized and the ringing of 'The Bell' was enough to send the team into defeat. A suggestion to send for a hypnotist to give the team back confidence and to put in a post hypnotic suggestion that if they heard 'The Bell' that they are actually Babe Ruth! Immediately they flew in some of the leading hypnotists of Alabama and had a session with all the Braves. Fortunately, the Braves management had been too cheap to bring in their own ball boy and they borrowed Natisha the Phoenix ballgirl. Natisha discovered the ploy and told Mystique management.

Although the Mystique management immediately filed a protest with league officials, they knew that there was not enough time for the league to investigate and stop the series. Therefore the Mystique would have to do it on the field. A secret plan was hatched for game 6. Get Randy Johnson out of the game. Force him to throw so many pitches that his arm falls off, keep close in the score and then beat up on the relief pitchers!

In the bottom of the 1st, the Mystique looked like they had a break. Matos struck out, but then Wilson going against team orders tripled. Lee then walked. Rolen and Spivey then struck out. Although no runs were scored there were alot of pitches thrown.

By the end of the 3rd Randy Johnson had already struck out 7 and Phoenix knows that the plan is working to perfection. Tomko is doing his part by throwing a shutout.

The 4th inning didn't go so well, a 3 run Ortiz Homerun put the Braves up 3-0. At this point Mystique management panicked. Gone was the working plan that had us defeat the Braves by striking out, instead we tried to win the conventional way. Lee and Rolen singled to start the inning before Randy Johnson got out of the inning, but there were crucial factors at work. We didn't score... and we no longer had a plan.

In the top of the 8th Griffey hit a solo shot to put the Braves up 4-0. Randy Johnson was pulled since he couldn't move his arm any more, but the Mystique just didn't have enough time to pull the game out as Lidge and Wagner pitched well completing the shutout.

Braves won 4-0.

Game 6 - Do or die for the Mystique

No Bells, No Home crowd, nothing but baseball was the team moto. Would it be enough?

The Mystique defense was lousy in the 1st inning Castillio got on due to an error, a wild pitch moved him to 3rd and then Thome lined out to left that scored the run. Guerrero then got on via an error but at least he didn't score. Was the magic gone?

In the top of the 2nd Durazo started the inning with a solo shot, Rolen doubled, DaVanon walked, and Giles knocked them in. Mystique leads 3-1.

The Braves immediately strike back as Hall hits a 2 run single to tie the game 3-3.

Fortunately for the Mystique Durazo was up again, doubles to left and Wilkerson eventually sacrifices him home. Mystique leads 4-3.

A Berkman double in the 4th tied the game again 4-4.

In the bottom of the 5th the game turned. Ortiz was struck out and starting arguing with the umpire, who ejected him. This energised the crowd. Blalock walked, Rollins doubled him home, and then Hall singled him home. The Braves take a 6-4 lead.

In the top of the 6th the Mystique came roaring back as DaVanon hit a triple and scored on a Barrett sac fly. However they were still down a run as the Braves lead 6-5.

In the bottom of the 7th another Mystique error led to a run and only Guerrero hitting into a double play with bases loaded kept the game reasonably close as the Braves stretched their lead to 8-5. Guerrero had another bases loaded at bat in the 4th and had a chance to ice the game, but meekly grounded to short.

However the 3 run lead was enough and the Braves won the game and the series 4-2.

I would like to wish Chris good luck in the rest of the playoffs... and want to say "Wait until next year!

Phoenix continues to roll! Braves in revolt!

Phoenix (AP)- After game 3 terrific win, the Mystique got hold of the famous Rocky "bell". You know which one I mean, Rocky is getting beat up and all of a sudden the "bell" goes off, the music changes to upbeat and Rocky goes from a blind beat up pug to Superman! Well here is the setup

Game 4 starts... Luke Hudson vs. Mike Wood... On paper this should be an easy Alabama victory, Luke (2.42 era) Hudson, vs Mike (5.94 era) Wood. But, don't forget the secret plan... and the BELL!

Castillo leads off with a single, Berkman walks, 2 men on no outs. It started to look a little grim, so what should we do... you guessed it "Ring the *#*#& BELL!". The crowd goes nuts! Jim Thome is up, he thinks the Braves are jinked.... He grounds into a TRIPLE PLAY!!! How about that!

This totally destroys the Braves psyche... They believed the press releases that they are invincible. Rocky music playing in Phoenix... the crowd going wild..

Matos walks to open up the Phoenix offense, steals second and scores on a single. Wood settles down, and scatters some hits.... In the 4th Scott Rolen homers ... 2-0 Mystique.

In the 5th a Matos RBI double and a Durazo single to bring him home brings the game to 4-0..

A Rollins double in the 7th breaks up the shutout, but the stunned Braves go down 4-1!

In a secret meeting after the game the Alabama Braves vote 27-0 to go home early "We just can't compete" said player rep Jim Thome. Alabama management was just about to go ahead with the plan when someone asked if they would refund the ticket money for the unplayed games... Give money back? No way...

Since the Alabama club is too cheap to return the ticket prices they are intending to finish out the series, even though they know it is futile!

Phoenix is working on a plan to smuggle 'the Bell' into Alabama.


A triple header is planned for tomorrow night..... Watch this space for details!

ALDS -- Tigers Perspective

I really enjoyed the head to head. I just find it takes up alot of time and I'm not sure how you could play a full 7 game series. I like the way another series was handled. Each manager plays computer vs manager for the first 4 games. Each manager getting two games. If still needed play 5, 6, and 7 head to head.

Game 1: Not meant to be. That being said Harden was pitching well. The Uribe error lead to 4 unearned runs and a 5-0 lead for Beartooth. It's also a bad sign when Koskie (maybe his weakest player) goes 4-5. I would of felt better having AROD go 4-5.

Game 2: What a game. Back and forth. I can't ask for much more. Two leads with my two best relievers. Alazamar and Isringhausen. Both gave up home runs with 2 outs in an inning.

My beef with DMB is the pick-off move. Vernon Wells is not trying to steal and gets picked off. What a terrible play by the game. It ends up costing me a run which would of been a 3 run lead and not two.

On a side note: The pick off move is weak because you have no idea if someone has a lead or not. It's just a random throw. I wish DMB would let us know what the lead looks like.

I'm ready for game 3. I also feel good that I can play with Mike and his powerhouse team. I might get swept but I feel good.

In a stunning reversal Phoenix stuns naysayers!

Lightly regarded Phoenix Mystiques stunned commenators as they humbled the mighty Alabama Braves 9-5 in game 3 of the division series. The Braves, who had roared through the BYOF like Patton through France in the regular series, are reportedly stunned. Jim Thome has been reported to want to go home at this point, knowing the other games in the series are futile.

The Braves started the series strongly by winning the first 2 games 6-0 and 17-1. In the top of the 1st inning it looked like more of the same as Berkman doubled, Thome doubled him home... but then things started to change. Guerrero singled but Thome was thrown out at home (anyone can score if you want to get your uniform dirty by sliding... A man can score standing up!). Then Ortiz hit Guerrero home with a double but was thrown out trying for 3rd! The Mighty Braves ran themselves out of a big inning.

Carlos Lee homered in the bottom of the 1st to give notice that the Mystique was not done yet!

Elarton then settled down and started mowing down Braves batters. In the meantime the Mystique put up 4 in the 2nd, 1 in the 3rd, (chasing Hudson), 2 in the 6th and 1 in the 7th. The Mystique were cruising 9-3 going into the 9th. The Mystique relief staff was tired from all the pitching they did in the 1st 2 games and Mystique management asked Scott to finish off his effort. Visibly tired he tried but Blallock and Rollins homered which forced a hurry up call to BJ Ryan who finished the game and a 9-5 Mystique victory.

What is little know is that the 1st 2 games were part of a secret plan to lull the Braves into overconfidence and then when they least expect it, come roaring back stunning them and defeating them. Phoenix management got this idea from watching a re-run of one of the Rocky movies....

Windsor - Beartooth series Games 1 and 2 are in the book

Beartooth and Windsor hooked up via Netplay for the first two games of their series. Game One featured Beartooth's 21 game winner and ace, Mark Buehrle pitted against Windsor's 22 game winning ace, Rich Harden. The first inning passed uneventfully as Brian Giles singled for Beartooth but was stranded there. Buerhle K'd Uribe and Hafner to set Windsor down in order in the bottom of the inning. Beartooth's offense and Windsor's defense got into the act in the 2nd. ARod doubled and stole third, scoring on Koskie's single. Rowand grounded into a double play but Javy Lopez got the inning to continue with a walk then Juan Uribe booted a grounder to second to allow another Beartooth Baserunner on board. Jimenez then singled Lopez home, Giles walked, and Rob made a bold decision to pitch to Barry rather than walk him and load the bases. Predictably Barry took Harden deep to put a 6 spot on the board for Beartooth. In the next inning, ARod singled and Corey Koskie (whose bat slumbered through most of the regular season) took Harden deep again and Beartooth was up 8-0. Beartooth scored two more in the 6th with D'Angelo (what happened to him in 2005?) tripled in Rowand and then Barry got a base knock to send Jimenz in with the run.

Buerhle continued to pitch extremely well. He was operating on a short pitch count so that he can make the start in game 4. Knowing that he was very efficient with his pitches and didn't hit 90 till the 8th inning (after allowing 2 runs in the 7th). Windsor came back with 3 in the 8th to make the game 10-5. Beartooth countered with a run in the 9th when Bonds doubled and ultimately scored on a passed ball.

Windsor came into game two knowing they needed a win at home to stay alive in the series. They were featuring their solid number two starter Carlos Zambrano with his 17 victories and 3.49 ERA. Their batters showed determination against Beartooth starter John Thomsen (19-10, 4.09 regular season) in the bottom of the first when Izturis lead off with a single, Vizquel trying to sacrifice bunted the 3rd strike foul (this would be a huge play in the final accounting of this game). Hafner tripled Izturis home, Beltre singled, Conine doubled, and Hollandsworth plated two on his single to take a 4-0 lead over Beartooth.

The game played right along with no scoring threats until the top of the fourth. Brian Giles lead off with a walk. With Bonds and Teixeira up next the few scattered Beartooth fans started hoping for a chance to get back in the game. It was not to be as both Bonds and Teixeira were K'd to thunderous applause from the Windsor crowd. ARod kept it alive however when he scratched out an IF single to first base. Corey Koskie (remember him from game 1?) came up and he hit a fly into the right center alley. Wells seemed to have a bead on the ball, but he suddenly stopped as the ball fell between he and Todd Hollandsworth to plate two runs and start Beartooth back into this game.

The top of the 5th then came along and Javy grounded a single up the middle, David DeJesus then got on with a FC and he scored from first on a double by Jimenez to bring the Ballhawks to within a run. The inning wasn't done yet though as Giles walked, Bonds uncharacteristically scratched out another infield single for Beartooth to load the bases. ARod then put Beartooth ahead by a run with a 2-run single. Koskie struck out to close the inning for the Ballhawks.

Windsor wasn't done however. Omar Vizquel lined a one out triple to the wall in RF, Hafner (the one batter that Beartooth truly fears in Windsor's lineup) walked before Beltre hit a sac fly plating Vizquel with the tying run. Conine then singled and Hafner took third on the play but Hollandsworth couldn't get him in ending the inning.

Beartooth mounted a challange in the top of the 6th as Javy singled and David DeJesus stuck his hip in the way of one of Carlos Zambrano's fastballs to get two runners on. Harden's day was done at that point as Almanzar came in to try to shut Beartooth's rally down. D'Angelo couldn't keep it going as he smoked a grounder to Juan Uribe who converted the double play.

In this now See Saw game, Windsor took the lead in the bottom of the 6th but not before Uribe got on due to ARod's error but Thomson erased him by picking him off of first (even though he wasn't running!) Another big play to remember! Molina singled and Izturis doubled to deep right Centerfield, the crowd couldn't believe it when Molina chugged with his big catcher's thighs pumping around third and scored despite Aaron Rowand's VG arm in center. The crowd exploded as Windsor took the lead yet once again! Manager Bush had seen enough of Thomson and with Hafner coming up the LH Jaimie Walker was brought in to face Hafner and his big bat. Travis obviously struggled picking up this LHers delivery and popped up easily to 2B.

The top of the seventh saw Beartooth start a comeback. With one out, Bonds singled, Teixeira walked and ARod advanced them to second and third on a ground out. Corey Koskie was back up in a clutch situation with two out and two on. Koskie lined a single to shallow right scoring Bonds. The thirdbase coach then sent Teixeira plateward knowing there were two outs. Hollandsworth gunned him out at home to keep Windsor in the lead.

Windsor got two men on against new pitcher, Dan Miceli, to threaten to extend their lead in the bottom of the seventh. Jorge Piedra was brought in to pinch hit for Vernon Wells and he flied out to end the threat.

Beartooth came out firing in the top of the eighth against Alamanzar. Rowand singled then Javy Lopez lined a shot just inside the LF fould pole to give Beartooth a one run lead. The Windsor faithful sure got quiet as they were stunned by how fast Beartooth struck back. Nate Field came on and David DeJesus took one of his first offerings downtown for back to back jacks giving Beartooth a 9-7 lead.

In the bottom of the 8th Miceli got two quick outs but then walked Omar. Sherrill was brought in to pitch from the port side to the very dangerous Travis Hafner. Hafner obviously picked up his pitches well as he lined a single to center. At that point, the Beartooth manager indicated that Windsor would have to beat their best and brought Keith Foulke into the game . Foulke quickly induced a groundout to end the inning.

Beartooth's 9th was a quiet 3 up 3 down affair. Keith Foulke took the mound to end the game for Beartooth. Conine immediatley lined out to 2B, but Hollandsworth singled then Uribe tripled him in. The tying run was sitting at 3B with one out! The IF was brought in and Foulke was pitching down in the zone, but pinch-hitter Diego Segui managed to get it in the air to the OF and the game was tied! Foulke got the next batter for the third out but was witness to slam his glove down on national TV once he hit the dugout!

The top of the tenth was a very eventful inning for the Ballhawks as Aaron Rowand immediately lined a single off Windsor closer Jason Isringhausen. Rowand promptly stole second and then Javy tried to repeat his earlier heroics lining a ball into the LF corner that took Jeff Conine onto the track to catch the ball. The speedy Rowand saw a chance to get to third with one out and took it, only to see Conine whip around and fire a strike to gun him down! Another Beartooth baserunning blunder! Isringhausen then set defensive replacement (from the 9th when Beartooth was hopeful of winning the game) Pokey Reese down.

Foulke got it together in the bottom of the tenth sitting Izturis, Vizquel, and Hafner down 1,2,3.

Isringhausen then struck out the top two hitters in Beartooth's order, D'Angelo Jimenez and Brian Giles, looking like he was at the top of his game. He then went 3-0 on Barry when Barry pulled the trigger but slightly missed. He only lined a single to right but couldn't put it out of the park. Mark Teixeira followed and he didn't miss as he hit a huge "tater" to put Beartooth up by two.

Keith Foulke went back out for the bottom of the 11th. He was tiring but he also knew that the next day was an off day so he could blow himself out if needed. Beltre immediately grounded a single into the outfield and the crowd roared! Foulke knowing there was nobody warming in the Beartooth pen, buckled down and got a pitch down low in the zone to Jeff Conine who hit a two hopper right back to Foulke for a 1-4-3 DP! The Windsor crowd quieted quickly and Foulke bowed his shoulders and pulled the string on Hollandsworth to give the Ballhawks their second victory of the series.

The series will resume on Thursday in the Beartooth Mountains and we defy any Windsor fans to find their way there.

:>)

Game two was a great game, especially since we won. It wa a heart-breaker for Rob to lose. Playing these series by Netplay is just the best win or lose!

Mike

NLDS - Dayton vs Huntsville

Game 1: Shea Stadium

Top of the 1st inning, Santana on the hill for the Hardballers, starts off strong getting Ford to line out to 3B to start the game and then K's the next 5 batters. In the bottom of the 2nd, Estrada gets the inning started for Huntsville with a leadoff single. Hillenbrand then ropes a double down the 1st base line putting runners on 2nd and 3rd with No outs. Estrada gets gunned down at home trying to score on a grounder to short off the bat of Beltran. Hillenbrand moves over to 3rd and Beltran gets 1st Base. Santana comes up and lays down a beautiful squeeze giving Huntsville a 1-0 lead. Santana gets zoned in and cruises his way through 7 until he is pinched hit for in the bottom of the seventh. Santana's line read 7inn 4 hits 1 BB 11K 102 pitches (0 Runs) Schilling matched Santana pitch for pitch until he was pinched hit for in the top of the 8th. Rincon comes in and pitches a scoreless top of the 8th. Calero matches in the bottom half. The game heads to the top of the 9th with the score still 1-0 Huntsville. Rodriguez comes in to try and close the game for Santana and gets Mabry to ground out for out 1. Rodriguez then gives up a tape measure job to Dunn. Game tied 1-1. He gets the next two batters out and the game moves to the bottom of the ninth. Calero stays in the game and gets Hillenbrand to ground out for out 1. He then gets Beltran to ground out. So with 2 down, Huntsville send Utley to the plate to pinch hit. With the count 1-1 Utley takes Calero deep for the walk off HR. Huntsville take a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2:

Glavine vs. Halladay pitchers start strong, putting up scoreless innings in both the 1st and 2nd innings. Huntsville gets 2 off of Glavine in the 3rd and 2 more in the 4th. That was more than enough for Halladay as he tosses 8 scoreless, giving up just 3 hits while striking out 8. Hawkins and Kline close out the 9th giving Huntsville a 4-0 win and a 2-0 series lead. The series moves to Dayton.

Colby Whetstone

Game 3: Jacobs Field

As the two playoff teams head to Jacobs field, the Flyers hope their fortunes change after a bitter defeat in game 1. Dayton's first round draft pick Chris Carpenter toed the hill against Mark Mulder. After zeroes were exchanged in the first inning, the Hardballers struck first once again in the second. Albert Pujols doubled to center, and J.D. Drew homered deep to right making it 2-0 visitors. Mulder was on cruise control for pretty muchthe entire game. The Hardballers scored 2 more in the 5th on an Aubrey Huff error and singles by Furcal, Figgins, and Pujols. The Flyers would cut the score in half in the bottom of the 7th on a home run by John Mabry. An RBI single by pinch-hitter Jason Bay made it 5-2 Huntsville, with the floodgates opening in the top of the 9th, as the Hardballers scored 4 times off of Shingo Takatsu, giving the Huntsville club a 9-2 victory and a commanding 3 games to none lead in the series.

Game 4:

Game four saw Curt Schilling return to the mound to face Barry Zito. The Flyers got Schilling in a late-season trade for this purpose, and manager John Turnbull would ride his horse for better or worse. The Flyers got their first lead of the series in the bottom of the first inning thanks to the wildness of Barry Zito. Victor Martinez delivered an RBI single, with John Mabry being thrown out at home trying to score the second run. Huntsville would tie it up in the top of the second on a leadoff homer by J.D. Drew. Dayton answered back with 2 more in the third on Adam Dunn’s second home run of the series. Huntsville went ahead with 2 in the sixth, and tacked on 2 more in the 7th and 1 in the 8th for a 7-4 win. The series sweep.

Congratulations to Colby. He has a horse in Johan Santana and a lethal lineup.

John Turnbull

LDS Predictions

A little late but here they go...

National League:

Huntsville vs. Dayton -- We all know this series is over and Huntsville won in 4. My initial prediction before the series was Huntsville in 6. Huntsville is loaded but I expected Carpenter and Schilling to win at least two games.

Midgard vs. Atlanta -- This looks like a mismatch. This series will probably come down to offense. Neither team has dominate pitching. Based on offense I will take Ramirez, Young and Midgard in 6.

American League:

Beartooth vs. Windsor -- Beartooth has it all. Offense and Pitching. Windsor and their rookie manager did a nice job of winning the division. Beartooth's offense should wear down the Windsor pitching in 5 games.

Alabama vs. Phoenix -- Alabama is the class of BYOF. Phoenix had a great season winnig the division but has their hands full this round. Alabama has so much pitching they could field two teams. Take Alabama in 4.

Happy Thanksgiving

from Canada!

TURKEY, TURKEY, Baseball, Football, Baseball and more Turkey.

Season Over

What an exciting season. The playoffs look really interesting as well. Look at all those teams who won 100 games.

Two things coming to BYOFonline over the next 3-4 days:

1) BYOFonline is announcing their own season ending awards. These are the website awards and not the league.

2) Playoff Predictions will also be announced soon.

Stay tuned.

Blame Cleveland or MLB?

I personally thing it's brutal that Boston is one game back from the Yankees with a game to go and the Division is over? What could of been an amazing Sunday has now left me to go turn on the NFL.

I wanted the Red Sox and Indians to make it, now I want Boston. I blame Cleveland for ruining the Boston / NY final game.

Jason Stark, ESPN said it best: Baseball + math = Confused

Braves Clinch AL East

Congratulations to Atlanta for winning the AL East. Beartooth will have to settle for the wildcard. I'm sure they will meet the ALCS. Atlanta won 7 of 11 games in September vs Beartooth.

BYOF Standings Update: We are still waiting for the Dragons results. This is the last series of the year.