Tuesday, October 18, 2016

MLB Playoffs: Day 12

The Cubs and Dodgers were traveling yesterday, so the only action took place North of the Border, where Team Canada was trying to get back into its series with Cleveland.  But for the sixth game in a row, Cleveland got a remarkable pitching performance -- this time from its bullpen after starter Trevor Bauer was forced to leave in the first inning due to an injured finger.  No problem -- six Tribe relievers combined to give up only two runs on seven hits over the last 8 1/3 innings, and Cleveland beat Toronto 4-2 to take a 3-0 lead in the series.  The key blow came from second baseman Jason Kipnis -- whose homer in the top of the 6th broke a 2-all tie and gave Cleveland a lead that its bullpen would not relinquish.

Of course, only one team in MLB history history has recovered from a 3-0 deficit in post-season play.  That team, the 2004 Red Sox, came back and not only beat the hated Yankees, but won Boston's first World Series title since 1918.  Ironically, it was managed by Terry Francona -- the same man who currently manages Cleveland.  So if nothing else, he won't be taking anything for granted. 

Toronto 2 - 4 Cleveland

NATIONAL LEAGUE:
Chicago and Los Angeles are tied 1-1

AMERICAN LEAGUE:
Cleveland leads Toronto 3-0

5 comments:

  1. In 1970, by the way, the Orioles have beaten the Reds, three games to one, in the World Series.

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  2. Everybody makes such a big deal of how the Jets upset the Colts, and the Mets upset the Orioles, in 1969. But the Orioles won it all in October 1970, and the Colts won the Super Bowl in January 1971. So Baltimore did get its titles after all.

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    1. Well, and--the 1970 desk doesn't know this yet--but the Baltimore(/Capital/Washington) Bullets are about to win the first of five straight Central Division titles and go to the 1970-71 NBA Finals.

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  3. On the other hand, Baltimore did lose Don Shula -- a move that had enormous consequences for the Colts, the NFL, and the City of Baltimore.

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