[jg2977]

Mike Francesa:
“Dog, listen, this is as tough a loss as Cleveland has had in years. You’re the two-time defending champs, you’re up 7–6, two outs in the ninth, and Jose Castillo rips a base hit to win the game. That’s a backbreaker. Yankees now up 3–0 in the series, and Dog, this thing is just about over.”

Mad Dog Russo:
“MIKEY! MIKEY! You can’t lose that game if you’re Cleveland! YOU CAN’T! You came all the way back from trailing 5-1. Up 7–6, two outs in the ninth, the bullpen melts down, Jason Covert gives up the walk-off — TERRIBLE! TERRIBLE! And how about Castillo? The guy’s been unbelievable! Three more hits, drives in three, and he wins the ballgame! You can’t stop him, MIKEY!”

Francesa:
“Yeah, Castillo’s been the difference in this series. I mean, every time the Yankees need a big hit, he’s there. And Cleveland, give ‘em credit, they fought back, they put up four in the sixth, two more in the ninth, but you can’t blow that lead. That’s the series right there.”

Harry Doyle:
“Well folks, if you’re just tuning in from Cleveland, don’t adjust your radio dial — yes, the Indians are down three games to none. And unless they can borrow a miracle from the good Lord himself, this baby’s going, goin’, GONE… for the Yankees! Castillo is hotter than a two-dollar pistol, and the Tribe bullpen… let’s just say they’re serving up more meatballs than an Italian wedding.”

Russo:
“HA! Harry, you’re right, MEATBALLS! That’s exactly what it was! And Mikey, you mentioned it, the Indians, they battled, they clawed back, but you can’t have the champs’ bullpen just completely implode like that! You’re DONE if that happens!”

Francesa:
“Dog, this series is over. The Yankees are going to the World Series. Cleveland’s not coming back from 3–0. They’re not built for that. Yankees are swinging the bats, their bullpen’s doing just enough, and Castillo is the best player on the field. Simple as that.”

Doyle:
“And somewhere in the Bronx, there’s probably about 43,000 fans still screaming their heads off and spilling beer on each other. Yankees take it 8–7, sweep’s on the line tomorrow, and for Cleveland — grab some Pepto-Bismol, ‘cause that one hurt.”