1989 CONTINENTAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Portland Raccoons (95-67) @ Atlanta Knights (96-66)
Game 7 – Jason Turner vs. Juan Correa
Higgins in leadoff, Dadswell behind the plate, Turner on the mound, and a wing and a prayer and right into it.
Earlier in the season, when he was called up, a newspaper in Portland had written a biting article about how Turner was a great talent, but honestly looked like 13 and not like he was able to pour himself a glass of milk, let alone face big league batters. That was before the no-hitter, though.
Turner struck out Guzman to start the bottom 1st, and the main goal remained not to give Michael Root a) men on base and b) good pitches to drive. Turner walked him on a cautious approach with two out, then got out of the inning.
While the Raccoons got a runner on in each of the first four innings, they never scored against Correa, who was shaking, but not collapsing. Turner led off the top 5th with a single under the glove of Bailey. Shortly, we were thinking about having Higgins bunt, but then had him swing away, right into a double play.
The Knights so far had been puzzled by Turner. They had no hits through five innings.
Bobby Quinn came up with something countable, a 2-out solo homer off Correa in the top 6th. 1-0 Coons. Cue the dramatic music right here.
Guzman led off the bottom 6th with a single, so no no-no today. Barrios grounded out and Guzman moved up, and Root didn’t get a chance to hit at all, being put on, despite him representing the go-ahead run. Guzman then tried to steal third, but was gunned down by Dadswell. Turner got Bailey to ground out to leave the inning, and also pitched a perfect seventh.
Two innings to go, still up 1-0. Correa was still in the game, but with one out, Dawson and Osanai got on. With Quinn next, fireballer and ex-Coon Gary Simmons came in. Quinn grounded right in front of the plate and Osanai was gunned down at second base. Corners, two out. Dadswell flew into the gap, where Michael Root appeared out of nowhere to catch the ball. Inning over.
Turner sat down the Knights in order in the bottom 8th, although Bob Goyer flew very deep into left, but Johnston reigned supreme out there. Lepore was in for the top 9th. Reece led off with a single and stole second base. Johnston singled into short center. Runners on the corners, nobody out. Turner was now pinch hit for with Vinson, but he struck out. Higgins came up and singled into left for an insurance run. Gonzalez’ single loaded the bags. Dawson grounded poorly, but Barrios’ only play was to first and a run scored! Osanai came up and flew to deep center, where Vina got the glove on it – and then didn’t! He dropped the ball, two runs scored, the game was blown up!!!
5-0 ahead, Lagarde was tasked with the final three outs. Barrios struck out. Root popped to Higgins. Eddy Bailey for all the glory in the world: He sent the first pitch he saw into center, Reece came on – and caught it.
5-0 Raccoons. Dawson 3-5, RBI; Quinn 3-5, HR, RBI; Reece 2-4, 2B; Turner 8.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 4 K, W and 1-3; Lagarde 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K;
Ayyyyyyyyye!!! Next up: OREGON TITLE BRAWL!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Questdog
Oh, well, just one little quiet tet-suuuu, we need youuuuu......
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Tet-SUUUU has unfortunately been a bit chilly in the first four games of the series. He got in some damage in the last games, but only Higgins and Quinn hit Big 'Uns in the series. Osanai's .680 OPS is rather modest so far.
The highlight at the plate was Higgins, without a doubt: .321/.345/.571 with 1 HR, 8 RBI.
By the way, Michael Root, the sole survivor of the fearsome left- and switch-hitters, batted .154 in this series, no homers, two RBI's. Once Ine fell, we could circumvent him as we pleased.