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Well, hello there, everybody — this is Mel Allen, and how about that!
On a golden October afternoon at Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants played the kind of ballgame that makes baseball the greatest drama on earth. For nine innings, goose eggs across the board, tension mounting with every pitch, as two proud franchises locked horns in a playoff classic.
The story for Los Angeles began on the mound with Raul Vasquez. Oh, my, what a performance! Seven innings, no runs, working out of jam after jam, and giving the Dodgers every chance to stay alive in this one. The crowd of 48,487 hung on every delivery, and Vasquez gave them plenty to cheer about.
On the other side, San Francisco’s D. Milley was every bit the equal, seven scoreless innings of his own. He baffled Dodger bats with guile and grit, leaving the contest in the hands of the bullpens.
And then came the tenth inning, when the Dodgers faithful saw history turn their way. With two outs, and the crowd holding its breath, young Matt McCormick stepped in against Kevin Dickover. The pitch… swung on, and there it goes! High and deep to left, going, going, gone! A two-run home run, a thunderbolt into the night sky of Los Angeles! And with one mighty swing, the Dodgers claimed a 2–0 victory, and a 2–1 lead in the Division Series. The ballpark erupted in jubilation, while the Giants walked away with only the silence of what might have been.
It was a game of defense too — the Dodgers turning four double plays, erasing threat after threat, and reminding everyone that championships are built as much with the glove as with the bat.
So now, friends, the Dodgers stand just one win away from the League Championship Series. Tomorrow, right back here at Dodger Stadium, they’ll have a chance to finish the job. But tonight, under the California stars, Los Angeles can savor a victory for the ages.
Yes sir, playoff baseball at its very best — and how about that!
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