Game three of NLDS and Game four Tex-Rays recap

By Kshell

Today we saw three games played and saw two teams facing season elimination. One team was eliminated while another team forced a game five. As for the game that didn't have season ending implications well that game just saw lead changes in the bottom of the 8th then in the top of the 9th. So far this playoffs has been amazing to watch. With that here are the recaps.

Pena and Longoria bring series back home with 5-2 win over Texas

The Tampa Bay Rays when they had just lost game two and were heading to Texas down 0-2 appeared to be dead. Only one team has ever forced a game five after being down 0-2 and heading on the road. That team was the three time defending World Series champion the New York Yankees in 2001 over Oakland A's.

The Rays offense appears to have woken up after being in a slump for the first two games and 7 innings of the third game. The Rays pounded out 12 hits and had scored 5 runs by the the fifth inning. Carlos Pena who had a strong game three had another strong game going 2 for 4 with an RBI. Evan Longoria was 3 for 4 with a home run and two RBI's.

This has been a nightmare last two games for the Rangers. The Rangers are the only major league baseball franchise to not have a postseason series win. It was looking like that streak was ending then the Rangers blew an 8th inning lead in game three and got blown away in game four losing 5-2 but trailing 5-0.

The Rangers season now rides on the hopes of Cliff Lee. Lee is a hired gun for the Rangers who will most likely lose him to free agency at the end of the year. These are the type of games why Texas traded away their top prospects for Cliff Lee. The Rays will be throwing David Price who was off his game in game one. They are hoping Price will rebound from that tough start and go back to the Cy Young calibar of pitcher he was in 2010. One thing is for sure the New York Yankees are excited this series has gone five games. While the Yankees get to set up their rotation both teams will have used up their ace in game five meaning Price or Lee won't be able to pitch until game three.

Giants rally in the 9th to take series lead with 3-2 win over Braves

The Giants were one strike away from blowing back to back games to the Braves. The Giants had an incredible rally after it had appeared they had blown the game in the 8th inning for the second consecutive game.

The Giants were clinging to a 1-0 lead over the Braves in the 8th inning led by the great pitching of Jonathan Sanchez who gave up just one hit through 7 innings and struck out 11. Sanchez allowed just his second hit of the game in the 8th inning. With a runner on first and only one man down, Bobby Cox decided to pinch hit for game two hero Rick Ankiel for the right handed Troy Glaus. Thats when Giants manager Bruce Bochy pulled Sanchez for Sergio Romo. Cox then pinch hit for Glaus with left handed hitter Erik Hinske. Hinske has appeared in the last three world series with the 2007 Boston Red Sox, 2008 Tampa Bay Rays and 2009 New York Yankees. Hinske hit a pinch hit two run home run to give the Braves a 2-1 lead. Romo didn't record an out and gave up two runs in the game two blown game.

The Braves turn to rookie sensation Craig Kimbrel for the save since Billy Wagner was hurt. Kimbrel with two outs and a runner on base had Freddy Sanchez with two strikes. He was one strike away from getting the save but Sanchez ripped a base hit up the middle to give the Giants first and second with two outs. Cox then went with lefty Mike Dunn who has pitched just 23 innings in his major league career to face Aubrey Huff. Huff ripped a base hit to right field which allowed Ishikawa to tie the game up at 2-2. Cox then went with Peter Moylan to face Buster Posey. Moylan got Posey to ground out to second base only Brooks Conrad had the ball go in between his legs allowing Sanchez to score the go ahead run. Conrad that was his third error of the game.

Giants closer Brian Wilson shut down the Braves in the ninth to regain home field advantage back and take a 2-1 lead in the series. The Giants had they lost this game would be put in a tough spot on to pitch Lincecum on short rest or not. Now they can save Lincecum on full rest for a game five if it comes to that. This was a huge win for the Giants and the Braves which they have proven they can do must find a way to overcome this hard loss. Game four is tomorrow and that could be be Bobby Cox last game ever as manager.

Cole Hamels pitches a complete game shutout in sweep of the Reds 2-0

Cole Hamels shuts down the Cincinnati Reds who were playing in their first home playoff game since 1995. Hamels was in 2008 playoff mode where he went 4-0 during that playoffs. Hamels threw a complete game shutout while striking out nine. Not bad for a third starter.

The Phillies only scored two runs today and managed to shut down the Reds offense who led the National League in hitting. The Phillies held Joey Votto to a horrendous 1 for 10 on the series. The Reds also committed another two errors today costing them a run. The Reds were introduced to playoff baseball having been competive in games two and three but not being able to turn that into wins.

The Phillies can now line up their rotation for the NLCS. The Phillies will be making the NLCS for the third consecutive year and given how Halladay and Hamels have pitched there is no reason to think they can't advance even further.

The Phillies had two complete game shutouts by their pitchers in this short series and with how Roy Oswalt pitched for the Phillies they are still the team to beat. The Phillies will host game one of the NLCS with Roy Halladay so they will be sitting pretty good.

What we learned today was homefield advantage means nothing as all three road teams won today. In fact in the American league the road team is 6-1 this playoffs. We have seen some dramatic comebacks in late inning and some terrific pitching.

Two series are already wrapped up and we still have two more to go. The Braves will be facing elimination tomorrow while the Rays will be hosting another game at home vs the Texas Rangers in a do or die game five on tuesday.

Game two of NLDS recap

By Kshell

Today was an interesting day that saw two teams on the same day rally from a 4-0 deficit. One team rallied to take a commanding 2-0 series lead while another team avoided a 2-0 hole to tie the series up and steal home field advantage. Both National League teams who were down 1-0 were trying to prove they belong in the playoffs after Halladay and Lincecum shut them down. Both offenses busted out unfortunately for one it wasn't enough.

Rick Ankiel hits game winning home run as Braves rally from 4-0 deficit to tie series

Rick Ankiel helped a tremendous comeback by the Atlanta Braves over the San Francisco Giants 5-4 in 11 innings. Ankiel with the crowd going crazy and facing two strikes silent the crowd with a home run to McCovey Cove where Barry Bonds hit many of homers. That blast silent the crowd. Ankiels blast will get all the credit and it should and I'll talk about him personally later. Ankiel wouldn't have been in position without the Braves getting some clutch hits and clutch outs along the way.

The Giants having won the previous game 1-0 in the first inning Pat Burrell who had been released earlier by the Tampa Bay Rays belted a three run home run into the left field stands to give the Giants a quick 3-0 lead. In the second inning pitcher Matt Cain delivered a clutch RBI base hit scoring Cody Ross to give the Giants a commanding 4-0 lead.

Matt Cain wasn't quite as dominant as Tim Lincecum but was pretty close. Matt Cain would end up going 6.2 innings allowing no earned runs and striking out six hitters. His counterpart Tommy Hansen not Tim Hudson like I had mistakenly said yesterday got the start. He would only last 4 innings allowing four runs.

The Braves finally scored in the 6th inning and found themselves trailing 1-0 in the series and 4-1 in game two on the road heading into the 8th inning. The Braves had 1st and third with nobody out so Bruce Bochy elected to go with his All-Star closer Brian Wilson. Most thought the game was over at that point. This sequence coming up is why every New York Yankees fan should love Mariano Rivera. Wilson gave up a cheap infield RBI single to Melkey Cabera to cut the lead to 4-2. Then the turning point of the game and possibly the season happened. After a bunt to advance the runners on second and third with one out, Álex González hit a two run double off of Wilson to tie the game at 4-4. The Giants crowd who was going crazy was in stunned silence.

Despite the blown save by the Giants they appeared to have caught a break in the bottom half of the 10th inning. Braves closer Billy Wagner fielding a bunt attempt appeared to have injured himself and had to be removed from the game. Kyle Farnsworth had entered the game. After loading the bases due to his wildness the Giants had their best hitter at the plate in Buster Posey. Posey then grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning. That set up Rick Ankiel's game winning home run in the 11th and the Braves return home tied at 1-1.

If someone had told me ten years ago when I was watching Ankiel set an NLDS record for most wild pitches thrown in an inning vs the Braves ironically that this same guy would hit a game winning home run in the playoffs for the Braves I would have pointed and laughed at you. Ankiel hasn't had the best career and isn't even an all-star but he is somebody to admire for sure. He came up as a pitcher and was good enough to start game one of the NLDS then game one of the NLCS for the St.Louis Cardinals. He had appeared to not only blow his chance on the big stage but ruin his future. Ankiel then switched from a pitcher to outfielder and although he strikes out a bit to much he has power. He displayed that power tonight as the Braves won the game. Its hard not to feel some sort of joy for Ankiel given his postseason demons of 2000.

Phillies take advantage of Reds miscues to rally for 7-4 win

The Cincinnati Reds making their first postseason appearance since 1995 could make this appearance a short one if they don't learn how to field the ball soon. The Reds find themselves down in an 0-2 hole after committing four errors and squandering a 4-0 lead. They key error occured in the bottom of the 7th inning when Jay Bruce lost the ball in the lights then on the relay throw Brandon Phillips bobbled the ball allowing the Phillies to finally take a 5-4 lead. The Reds can't afford to give the two-time defending National League champions extra outs like that or their season will end on Sunday at home.

The game started off beautifully for the Reds. The Reds having been shut out the previous game by Roy Halladay truly proved each baseball game is a new game. The first batter of the game Brandon Phillips took a Roy Oswalt pitch deep to left field to give the Reds a 1-0 lead. After tacking on a run off of Oswalt in the 2nd inning, Jay Bruce took Oswalt deep to right field in the 4th inning for a 3-0 lead. The Reds scored another run off of Oswalt in the 5th to make the game 4-0. Oswalt would go 5 innings, of 4 runs only 3 were earned.

The Reds gave the ball to Bronson Arroyo who had won a World Series with the 2004 Boston Redsox. Arroyo was battling the Phillies but found himself in some trouble when the Reds had the first of their plenty of bad defensive plays. When it was all said and done Arroyo was chased after 5.1 innings and allowed three runs but only one was earned. The Reds clinging to a one run lead in the 7th called on rookie sensation Aroldis Chapman. Chapman against Utley had him down 0-2 in the count but hit him then Chapman struck out Howard. Then the bad defense started to occur.

Jason Werth hit a ground ball to former Phillies third baseman Scott Rolen who instead of getting the guaranteed out in Werth tried to get the lead runner in Utley. It was a close play which resulted in Utley being safe. Now Chapman facing 1st and 2nd and only one man down got former National League MVP Jimmy Rollins to fly out or so he thought. Jay Bruce lost the ball in the lights which allowed Utley to score and Werth was most likely going to be thrown out but Phillips bobbled the ball and the Phillies took a 5-4 lead. Carlos Ruiz would ground into a fielders choice to give the Phillies a 6-4 lead and Chapmans day was over. Chapman would lost just two thirds of an inning allowing three runs and all three runs were not earned.

The Phillies would add another run in the 8th and win the game 7-4 behind Brad Lidge's save. This loss was more devastating to the Reds than a no hitter. Losing to Roy Halladay in game one you almost expect that. In game two the Reds were up 4-0 at one point and had the matchups they wanted with Chapman in the 7th versus the heart of the Phillies order. The Reds also have to be kicking themselves with a NLDS record four errors this game. The Reds had a chance to steal home field advantage after rocking Roy Oswalt now the Reds must beat World Series MVP Cole Hamels, the guy who just no hit them in Roy Halladay at home to stay alive. Just winning those two games would be an accomplishment in itself but the Reds would still have to beat Roy Oswalt who before today was 7-1 with the Phillies with an ERA below 2.

Today's games were compelling at least. First time we have had some dramatic comebacks and there is one series that is 1-1 which the other three are 2-0. Baseball playoffs early showing homefield advantage means nothing as the home teams are a combined 3-5. Today we saw Bobby Cox get ejected which makes three managers in two days get ejected after going five years without a single manager ejected in the baseball playoffs. Today two pretty reliable bullpens blew saves and in both cases it was the guy whose manager and fan base would want to have the ball in that situation.

Tomorrow is game three of the ALDS will the Rays stay alive or will Texas clinch its first every playoff series victory? Will the law of averages finally kick in and allow the Twins to snap their eight game losing streak to the Yankees in the playoffs or will the Yankees show why they are the defending champs and wrap the series up? We'll find out tomorrow.

Game one of MLB playoffs recap

By Kshell

I love the opening the round of the baseball playoffs. I love the fact that it is so hard to make the baseball playoffs only eight teams make the playoffs. I love game one with all the great pitching matchups especially in the American League today. I'm going to recap each game with my personal observations. We all know what happened today.

Roy Halladay no hits Reds 4-0

The Cincinnati Reds making their first playoff appearance since 1995 and their reward was facing the two time defending National League champions. The Reds were also up against Roy Halladay. Halladay is having a Cy Young season again. Halladay was calm and cool all game. Halladay had the most wins amongst active pitchers without making a playoff appearance.

Halladay proves the myth of postseason experience means nothing. I'll take talent over experience any day of the week. Halladay supported by a nice 4-0 lead as the Phillies chased Volquez out of the game in just 1.2 innings. Halladay I couldn't believe what I was watching as the game wore on. Its the playoffs no hitters aren't supposed to happen. I was in Las Vegas earlier this year when Halladay threw a perfect game. Halladay became the first pitcher to throw two no-hitters in a season since Nolan Ryan in 1973 and first pitcher since Don Larson in 1956 to throw one in the playoffs. Halladay only mistake was a walk to Jay Bruce in the 5th. Unlike most no-hitters there wasn't any great defensive plays. Halladay was just dominating and had 8 strikeouts.

This is the reason why Halladay was asked to be traded. Its good to see a great pitcher of his calibar finally get a shot in the postseason. He was basically wasted for a decade in Toronto and this is his chance to shine on the national stage. The Phillies with Halladay going into this playoffs are the favorites to win it all.

The only good news for the Reds is that this game just counts as one game and they won't face Halladay the next two games. Instead they'll get Oswalt and Hamels who would be game one pitchers on most teams. Nice knowing you Cincy.

Cliff Lee dominates the Rays 5-1

Texas making its first postseason appearance since 1999 and currently are the only team in major league baseball without a postseason series victory. That is why Texas gave up top prospect Justin Smoak for a rental in Cliff Lee for games like today.

The Texas offense hit David Price pretty hard early belting two homeruns off Price and scoring 5 runs on Price in 6.2 innings.

Cliff Lee was the story of this game. Cliff Lee went 7 innings of 1 run and had 10 strikeouts. Coming into the game Lee was 0-3 vs the Rays with a 4.56 ERA. Lee last year and today's performance shows he is a playoff gamer. Last year for the Phillies who traded him after acquiring Roy Halladay went 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA and threw 40 and 1/3 innings in 5 starts.

The Rays will have another home game but lost homefield advantage to Texas with this loss. This should be a fun series but Texas has never had an ace like Lee before. If Lee gets hot and with that offense Texas could be a sleeper in this postseason. I still like the Rays but Cliff Lee is the big x factor for the Rangers.

Teixeira hits game winning two run home run to lead Yankees 6-4

This was a great game that featured again two great left handed pitchers. The Yankees have defeated the Twins in the 2003,2004 and last year in 2009 ALDS. This year is different though as the Twins have homefield advantage.

The Twins got to C.C. Sabathia early scoring three quick runs to take a 3-0 lead going into the 6th inning. Francisco Liriano was cruising through the first five innings but hit a wall in the 6th. The big blow was to Curtis Granderson who hit a two run triple with 2 outs off Liriano to give the Yankees a 4-3 lead.

The Twins tied it up on Sabathia the following inning on a bases loaded walk. The Twins failed to take the lead stranding the runners. Then Mark Texeira blasted a home run off Jesse Crain to give the Yankees a 6-4 lead.

Mariano Rivera recorded his 40th career save and in typical postseason Rivera fassion made it a 4 out save. The Twins have now lost 10 postseason games in a row. The Yankees are now 10-2 all-time vs the Twins in the playoffs. The Twins have no won a home playoff game since 2002. The game two matchup is the most interesting matchup with Carl Pavano the former Yankee bust takes the hill for the Twins vs the all-time postseason wins leader in Andy Pettitte.

This will be a tough game to overcome for the Twins who are already facing previous years demons against the Yankees. The Yankees showed why they are still the defending World Series champions and won't just give that title away.

That was my day one of the MLB playoffs recap. What we learned today is that two pitchers who were essentially traded because of each other dominated today. Cliff Lee who became expendable with acquisition of Roy Halladay was dominant and of course Halladay was historically dominant. Just imagine if the Phillies had kept both or if the Yankees had gave up more to Seattle to get Lee. Both American League teams lost homefield advantage on the first day. I hope to keep writing on each day's baseball playoffs hope you enjoy guys.