Last ** team ** standing

webrian · 04-07-2026, 12:46 AM

LAST TEAM STANDING

This will be a 48-team Historical Baseball Tournament.

This is nothing new, nor is it particularly ambitious — at least not in scope. I had a strong desire to round up 48 "great" baseball teams of the past century, throw them together across four 12-team brackets, and smash them up in Best-of-Five, then Best-of-Seven formats until only one historical ballclub is standing. I know this will not put to rest any "Best of All-Time" discussions, nor would I want that. This tournament is just one discussion out of many. I don't need it to be definitive. I only want it to be entertaining.

This will not be an argument in favor of any era, team, or format. It is intended as a celebration of baseball's best teams and the pure joy — for me, anyway — of bringing these teams and players back to life with Out of the Park baseball.

A few rules for this tournament:

• All games will be played in a 1969 year setting. I have found that 1969 emphasizes an ideal balance between pitching and hitting for players across all eras. It's a level playing field for team strengths, weaknesses, and statistics.

• All teams will use the Designated Hitter, even though most of these ballclubs never used the DH in real life. Again, I do this for statistical balance. I enjoy comparing team stats as the games and series pile up, so I didn't want to bother with the fact that some teams used the DH and others didn't.

• I will play out every inning of every game.I enjoy watching the games, pausing them in dramatic situations, and watching the drama unfold. I will write a brief synopsis of every game, picking out storylines and individual threads as they develop.

• All games will be played at Historical Stadiums until the Final Four, when the remaining teams will play in modern stadiums better suited for larger crowds and modern media.

PITCHING CHANGES
If you've played OOTP games in "Watch Mode" before, you know how clunky the AI can be about substitutions, and especially pitching changes. Most times, the AI manager will leave a struggling pitcher in even when the bases are loaded in a high-stakes situation, and won't relieve them until the damage is done.

Therefore, I will intervene now and then to make pitching changes when I feel they are necessary or believe the real-life manager would do so. However, I will limit myself to TWO pitching changes per team, per game. The AI can still make as many pitching changes or substitutions as it wants. But I am limited to TWO per team, per game. If a game goes into extra innings, then I am allowed ONE extra pitching change per team.

Now and then, this limitation causes the AI to second-guess me at the worst times. For example, I'll relieve a starter who has pitched seven innings. My chosen reliever will pitch to one batter, and then the AI will make its own substitution. This does not happen often, but it happens. When it does, I'll describe it as a "pulled muscle" or a "finger blister," or a "twinge in the shoulder" of the first reliever — and that reliever cannot be brought in until after the following game. If a reliever has a "pulled muscle" in Game One (the AI replaces them after one batter), then he cannot be called on again until Game Three.

CHOOSING THE TEAMS
I chose the most obvious historical "great" teams and mixed in more recent "good" teams to balance each bracket. I chose 48 teams and then placed them in four separate brackets, for competitive balance and also to avoid teams from the same franchise running into each other too soon. I left out Deadball Era teams — not because I don't like the era (I love it!) but because I wanted 48 teams, not 64. I wanted a smaller, simpler tournament this time.

SEEDING THE TEAMS
I have a system. Once I've chosen and listed the teams, I assign "power points" to them based on:

•• The number of regular-season wins, plus
•• Their total team WAR (batting + pitching, as found on Baseball-Reference.com), plus
•• + 10 for sweeping the World Series, or
•• + 7 for winning the World Series, or
•• + 4 for losing the World Series in Seven Games

I then used the total "Power Score" to seed the teams after separating them into four 12-team brackets. In each bracket, the four teams with the highest power scores receive a bye into the proper tournament. The other eight teams must survive a 5-game wild-card series to advance.
Here is how it all breaks down: (Power score is listed in parenthesis on the right._

BRACKET A

1. 1927 YANKEES — (189)****
2. 2018 RED SOX — (170)
3. 2009 YANKEES — (167)
4. 1995 INDIANS — (163)

WILD-CARD ROUND
(Best-of-Five)
No. 12 2023 Phillies (131) vs. No. 5 1953 DODGERS (161)
No. 11 2011 Cardinals (134) vs. No. 6 1962 GIANTS (158)
No. 10 2003 Marlins (137) vs. No. 7 1989 ATHLETICS (157)
No. 9 1993 Phillies (140) vs. No. 8 2005 WHITE SOX (155)
**
BRACKET B

1. 2001 MARINERS — (179)**
2. 1929 ATHLETICS — (170)
3. 1975 REDS — (168)
4. 1984 TIGERS — (163)

WILD-CARD ROUND
No. 12 2008 Phillies (142) vs. No. 5 2004 RED SOX (162)
No. 11 2015 Royals (147) vs. No. 6 1948 INDIANS (158)
No. 10 1991 Twins (153) vs. No. 7 1941 YANKEES (156)
No. 9 1985 Cardinals (156) vs. No. 8 2017 DODGERS (156)
**
BRACKET C

1. 2019 ASTROS — (179)**
2. 1970 ORIOLES — (173)
3. 2016 CUBS — (165)
4. 1961 YANKEES — (165)

WILD-CARD ROUND
No. 12 2013 Tigers (143) vs. No. 5 1998 BRAVES (155)
No. 11 2002 Giants (148) vs. No. 6 2011 RANGERS (155)
No. 10 2001 Diamondbacks (149) vs. No. 7 1967 CARDINALS (154)
No. 9 1965 Dodgers (150) vs. No. 8 1971 PIRATES (154)
**
BRACKET D

1. 1998 YANKEES — (187)***
2. 1944 CARDINALS — (171)
3. 1986 METS — (169)
4. 1968 TIGERS — (162)

WILD-CARD ROUND
No. 12 2012 Giants (141) vs. No. 5 2002 ANGELS (161)
No. 11 1980 Phillies (142) vs. No. 6 2017 INDIANS (158)
No. 10 2023 Rangers (145) vs. No. 7 2024 DODGERS (152)
No. 9 1982 Brewers (147) vs. No. 8 2019 NATIONALS (148)

**** Highest overall seed (1927 Yankees)
*** Second-highest overall seed (1998 Yankees)
** Tied for third-highest overall seed (2001 Mariners, 2019 Astros)

===
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NOTES ON PLAYING THE GAMES:

SET-UP — I pre-set both teams' 3-man starting pitching rotation, bullpen preferences, and starting lineups (vs. both right- and left-handed pitchers) before each series.I use actual postseason lineups from Baseball-Reference.com to pre-set each series. I've literally done it a thousand times over the years, so I can set up a Historical Exhibition series in 5-10 minutes, easily. I have most of these lineups memorized.

ROSTER FAIRNESS — Both teams in any given series must have no more than a specified number of players on their roster. In most situations, the limit is 25 players. However, if one of the teams is from a much older era, that limit gets smaller. All teams after 1961 use the standard 25 players. Teams from 1903 to 1925 are limited to 20 players. Teams from 1926 to 1940 use 22 players. Teams from 1941 to 1960 use 23 players. If a team post-1961 plays a team from an earlier era, it must cut 2 or 3 players from its roster before the series begins. For example, if the 2019 Astros play against the 1929 Athletics, both teams are limited to 22 players. I do this to prevent modern teams from gaining too much of a pitching depth advantage against teams from earlier eras.

EXPECT REGULAR UPDATES — Here's a secret. As of April 7, 2026, I've already played, saved, and written out 95 percent of this entire tournament. I gave myself a head start to make sure I am able to post updated content OFTEN. I do not intend to spoil anything!

For me, this whole project began with an idea on February 4. I played the first games on February 6 and completed the entire Wild-Card Round (16 total Best-of-Five series) by February 19.

I will regularly post entire series results once, twice, or even three times per day. I will post short write-ups, saved screenshots, and anything else that feels creative, funny, or interesting.

I hope you will enjoy the updates. I hope you're already just a little bit excited.

PLAY BALL!

webrian · 04-07-2026, 11:48 AM

BRACKET A WILD CARD RESULTS

No. 12 2023 Phillies vs. No. 5 1953 DODGERS

At Brooklyn Ebbets Field

GAME ONE: Dodgers 3, Phillies 1 — Brooklyn RHP Carl Eskine allowed just 5 singles over 7 innings and struck out 8. The Dodgers stranded 12 runners — leaving the bases loaded twice — but still scratched across 3 runs. Brooklyn RF Carl Furillo had 3 hits, while C Roy Campanella and 1B Gil Hodges had 2 singles apiece. Philadelphia’s lone bright spot was young CF Johan Rojas, who made three impressive catches and threw a runner out at home.

GAME TWO: Dodgers 13, Phillies 3 — The Dodgers’ vaunted lineup roared to life, battering Philly starter Aaron Nola and three relievers to the tune of 16 hits, including a triple, 5 doubles, and 3 home runs. CF Duke Snider (2 doubles, 1 HR) and 1B Gil Hodges (1 double, 2 HRs) led the way. LHP Preacher Roe struck out 7 Phillies over 6 innings to earn the win.

At Philadelphia Citizens Bank Park

GAME THREE: Phillies 6, Dodgers 5 — Philly SS Trea Turner’s walk-off, 2-run homer in the bottom of the ninth prevented a sweep by the 1953 Dodgers. Taking a risk, the Phillies started ace Zack Wheeler for the second time in three games. He allowed 1 run on 4 hits over the first four innings. Philadelphia led by as much as 4-1 after a 2-run single by Bryson Stott in the fifth. The Dodgers powered their way back, taking a 5-4 lead on LF Jackie Robinson’s 2-run homer off reliever Jeff Hoffman in the top of the eighth. Closer Craig Kimbrel earned the win.

GAME FOUR: Dodgers 11, Phillies 4 — Dodgers C Roy Campanella tripled, homered twice (including a grand slam) and drove in 7 runs to lead his squad to the next round. Philadelphia LHP Ranger Suarez worked admirably over six innings, allowing just 4 runs (3 earned) to keep his side in the game. But the Dodgers teed off on Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm, two of the Phillies’ better relievers, to take control. Campanella hit a 2-run shot in the eighth to make it 6-2. Then he added a grand slam in the ninth to put an exclamation point on the win. ... The1953 DODGERS WIN SERIES, 3 games to 1, outscoring the 2023 Phillies, 32-14.

MVP-1: Dodgers 1B Gil Hodges: 8-for-17, 3 HR, 1 double, 6 RBI, 4 runs, .500 OBP

MVP-2: Dodgers C Roy Campanella: 7-for-17, 2 HR, 1 triple, 1 double, 8 RBI, 3 runs

2023 PHILLIES STATS: Batting (.229, 30-for-131); Extra-Base Hits: 6 (3 doubles, 3 HRs); Stolen Bases-Caught: 1-2; Double Plays-Errors: 2-3; Walks-Strikeouts: 16-30 (-14).

1953 DODGERS STATS: Batting (.315, 46-of-146); Extra-Base Hits: 19 (2 triples, 8 doubles, 9 HRs); Stolen Bases-Caught: 1-1; Double Plays-Errors: 4-4; Walks-Strikeouts: 16-23 (-7).

**

No. 11 2011 Cardinals vs. No. 6 1962 GIANTS

At San Francisco Candlestick Park

GAME ONE: Giants 4, Cardinals 3 (12 innings) — Superstar CF Willie Mays ended this long series opener with an opposite-field solo homer in the bottom of the twelfth, off reliever Octavio Dotel. The Giants took a 3-0 lead in the second on C Tom Haller’s 3-run blast off St. Louis RHP Chris Carpenter. The Cardinals starter settled in after that, leaving after nine innings (3 R, 9 H, 3 W, 3 K) with the game tied. An RBI double by 3B David Freese sparked a 2-run second inning for the Redbirds, and an RBI single by CF Jon Jay tied it in the top of the seventh. Jim Duffalo, the Giants’ fourth pitcher of the game, got the win.

GAME TWO: Giants 3, Cardinals 2 — Giants 1B Orlando Cepeda’s RBI double in the bottom of the seventh snapped a 2-all tie, as the 1962 NL pennant winners moved a win closer to the main tournament. The Giants took a 2-0 lead in the second on an RBI double by LF Harvey Kuenn and a Willie McCovey solo homer off starter Jaime Garcia. Jon Jay’s RBI double in the top of the fifth tied it 2-2. Jack Sanford (8 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 3 W, 3 K) earned the win, with Stu Miller getting the save.

At St. Louis Busch Stadium

GAME THREE: Giants 9, Cardinals 4 — The Redbirds hoped Busch Stadium would provide the boost necessary to beat the 1962 Giants in a close game. Instead, they watched those Giants erupt for 6 runs in the second inning, then cruise to the sweep. Giants 2B Chuck Hiller provided the big blast, a 3-run homer off starter Kyle Lohse that made a 2-2 tie into a 5-2 advantage. With e heavy sigh, Cards skipper Tony LaRussa turned to long man Jake Westbrook, who instantly gave up another homer to CF Willie Mays. The 2011 Cardinals had the lumber to stay with these Giants but couldn’t produce a single home run in three games. .. The1962 GIANTS WIN SERIES, 3 games to 0, outscoring the 2011 Cardinals, 16-7

MVP-1: Giants 2B Chuck Hiller: 7-for-14, HR, 3 doubles, 4 RBI, 2 runs, .500 OBP

MVP-2: Giants LF Harvey Kuenn: 6-for-14, HR, 2 RBI, 3 runs

2011 CARDINALS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.217, 23-of-106); Extra-Base Hits: 5 (5 doubles); Stolen Bases-Caught: 0-1; Double Plays-Errors: 3-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 11-13 (-2).

1962 GIANTS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.303, 34-of-112); Extra-Base Hits: 10 (4 doubles, 6 HRs); Stolen Bases-Caught: 0-0; Double Plays-Errors: 4-1; Walks-Strikeouts: 12-11 (+1).

webrian · 04-07-2026, 11:58 AM

No. 10 2003 Marlins vs. No. 7 1989 ATHLETICS

At Oakland Alameda Coliseum

GAME ONE: Athletics 9, Marlins 3 — Jose Canseco and Dave Parker had 3 hits apiece to power a 13-hit barrage by 1989 Oakland. Canseco had a triple, a double, and a single, with 3 RBI and a run scored. Parker and CF Dave Henderson drove in 2 runs apiece. The A’s jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings, chased Marlins starter Josh Beckett in the fifth, and cruised to victory. Florida leadoff man Juan Pierre went 4-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored.

GAME TWO: Athletics 6, Marlins 5 (13 innings) — Oakland 3B Carney Lansford had 3 hits, drove in 2 runs, then created and scored the winning run in the thirteenth inning. Lansford led off the thirteenth with a walk, stole second and advanced to third on C Ivan Rodriguez’s wild throw, then scored on Jose Canseco’s bloop single. It was a satisfying triumph for the A’s, which had trailed 4-0 through four innings. Lansford provided the tying run in the bottom of the eighth with a 2-out RBI single. The Marlins built their early lead on solo homers by LF Jeff Conine and SS Alex Gonzalez, then an RBI triple by Miguel Cabrera. Todd Burns earned the ‘W’ in relief. Chad Fox took the loss for Florida.

At Miami Loan Depot Park

GAME THREE: Marlins 6, Athletics 5 — Jose Canseco was in South Florida playing the hero again, and loving it. But this time, the Marlins wrote a different ending to the story. Florida needed the win and could almost exhale after SS Alex Gonzalez swatted his second solo homer of the series to give the Fish a 4-2 lead after seven. But the 1989 A’s rallied in the top of the eighth. Canseco’s second triple of the series drove in the tying run (4 to 4), and then he scored the go-ahead run himself on reliever Chad Fox’s wild pitch. In the bottom of the eighth, Marlins 3B Mike Lowell singled home the tying run, advanced to second on the throw home, then scored the go-ahead run on RF Juan Encarnacion’s single up the middle. Ugueth Urbina closed it out with a 1-2-3 ninth inning to keep the Fish alive.

GAME FOUR: Marlins 2, Athletics 1 — RHP Josh Beckett bounced back from his poor Game One start with eight strong innings. He allowed 1 run on 6 hits with 2 walks, 6 strikeouts. All the while, the young hurler protected a narrow lead. Florida got both of its runs on a 2-out, 2-RBI single by Luis Castillo in the third inning, off A’s starter Dave Stewart. The A’s scored on a Mike Gallego single in the fifth but couldn’t muster more. Oakland hit into 2 double plays, and in one instance, 1B Mark McGwire was thrown out at second trying to stretch a single. Ugueth Urbina notched his second straight save. The series now moves back to Oakland for the decisive fifth game.

GAME FIVE: Marlins 1, Athletics 0 — Hits were few. Tension high. Inning by scoreless inning, both starters — LHP Mark Redman for the Marlins, RHP Mike Moore for the A’s — mowed down the other side’s batters. After seven innings, the game remained scoreless, yet both starters stayed in. Moore had given up 2 hits, both singles. Redman had given up only 1, a sixth-inning single. Finally, leading off the eighth, Florida’s Mike Lowell lifted a high drive to left that just carried over the wall. That left the favored 1989 Athletics with 6 precious outs to make something happen. They managed to load the bases in the bottom of the ninth. A tiring Redman walked Tony Phillips and Mike Gallego to start the inning, then departed for closer Ugueth Urbina. Rickey Henderson flew out to deep CF, allowing Phillips to scamper from second to third. One out. Carney Lansford, not a hitter known for his patience, drew a 6-pitch walk. Bases loaded. Jose Canseco and Dave Parker, the No. 3 and No. 4 hitters, due up. Crowd buzzing and on its feet. Canseco struck out on 3 pitches. Parker worked a 3-balls, 1-strike count, then hit a foul pop-up near third base. Lowell squeezed it. The Marlins jumped for joy. One “titan” has been toppled. The 2003 World Champions rallied from a 2 games to 0 deficit, and are in the tournament! ... The 2003 MARLINS WIN the series, 3 games to 2, but were outscored by the 1989 Athletics, 17-21.

MVP-1: Marlins 3B Mike Lowell: 7-for-19, HR, 2 doubles, 3 RBI, 3 runs scored.

MVP-2: Marlins CL Ugueth Urbina: 3 saves; 5 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 W, 9 K

2003 MARLINS TEAM STATS: Batting (.228, 41-of-180); Extra-Base Hits: 13 (1 triple, 8 doubles, 4 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 4-0; Double Plays-Errors: 5-4; Walks-Strikeouts: 6-38 (-32).

1989 ATHLETICS TEAM STATS: Batting (.244, 43-176); Extra-Base Hits: 6 (2 triples, 4 doubles); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-2; Double Plays-Errors: 4-3; Walks-Strikeouts: 20-34 (-14).

**
No. 9 1993 Phillies vs. No. 8 2005 WHITE SOX

At Chicago Rate Field

GAME ONE: White Sox 2, Phillies 0 — LHP Mark Buehrle pitched 8.2 scoreless innings and closer Dustin Hermanson finished it off as the ChiSox seized the initiative. Phillies starter Tommy Greene was almost as effective, but yielded an RBI double to CF Aaron Rowand in the fourth inning, then gave up an RBI single to C A.J. Pierzynski in the sixth. The White Sox defense turned 3 double plays.

GAME TWO: White Sox 6, Phillies 3 — The 2005 White Sox roughed up Phillies RHP Curt Schilling for 6 runs in just over four innings, then got impeccable bullpen work late to short-circuit any hopes of a Philly rally. Infielders Juan Uribe and Tadahito Iguchi hit solo home runs off Schilling, who never looked comfortable. LHP Danny Jackson came on to pitch four innings of scoreless relief, but the damage had been done. The Phillies got 3 runs off RHP Freddy Garcia in the sixth and seventh innings. Garcia departed and the pen (Neal Cotts, Bobby Jenks, Dustin Hermanson) took over, allowing 0 runs, 0 hits, and 0 walks over the final 2.2 innings, while striking out 5.

At Philadelphia Veterans’ Stadium

GAME THREE: Phillies 4, White Sox 3 — Two early Paul Konerko homers had the White Sox up 3-0 and salivating over a sweep. Then, in the sixth inning, Philly CF Lenny Dykstra woke up his side with a solo rocket to deep right field. Dykstra’s solo blast stirred the Phils' sleepy bats. Dave Hollins and C Darren Daulton tied the game with back-to-back RBI hits off Chicago reliever Neal Cotts in the bottom of the eighth. Then in the bottom of the ninth, Hollins came through again with a 2-out, walk-off RBI single off Cliff Politte to keep the 1993 Phillies alive.

GAME FOUR: White Sox 3, Phillies 0 — Again, LHP Mark Buehrle fell just short of a complete-game shutout. But the 2005 White Sox will take the win. Buehrle lasted 8.1 innings this time, giving up 5 hits while walking 3, striking out 3. Again, he benefitted from 3 defensive double plays. Tadahito Iguchi, Jermaine Dye, and Paul Konerko all delivered RBI hits for the Sox. ... The 2005 WHITE SOX win the series, 3 games to 1, outscoring the Phillies 14-7.

MVP-1: White Sox LHP Mark Buehrle: 2-0, 17 IP, 0 R, 10 H, 5 W, 8 K

MVP-2: White Sox 1B Paul Konerko: 4-for-14, 2 HR, 1 double, 5 RBI, 3 runs scored.

1993 PHILLIES TEAM STATS: Batting (.184, 23-of-125); Extra-Base Hits: 5 (1 triple, 3 doubles, 1 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-0; Double Plays-Errors: 1-3; Walks-Strikeouts: 12-25 (-13).

2005 WHITE SOX TEAM STATS: Batting (.238, (29-of-122); Extra-Base Hits: 9 (1 triple, 4 doubles, 4 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-4; Double Plays-Errors: 6-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 9-23 (-14).

webrian · 04-07-2026, 08:15 PM

BRACKET B

WILD CARD RESULTS

No. 12 2008 Phillies vs. No. 5 2004 RED SOX

At Boston Fenway Park

GAME ONE: Phillies 7, Red Sox 1 — Red Sox RHP Pedro Martinez never got into a rhythm. His fielders appeared stiff and slow behind him. And the underdog Phillies were happy to take advantage. Philly RF Geoff Jenkins hit a grand slam in the top of the fourth inning to give the visitors a 5-0 lead, and the rest was academic. Jenkins was one of five Phillies to have at least 2 hits. Philadelphia LHP Cole Hamels went seven strong, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits while striking out 8.

GAME TWO: Red Sox 2, Phillies 0 — The nice thing about having two ace starters is that if one falters, the other can put the team back on track. Boston RHP Curt Schilling took that mission to the mound and delivered a complete-game, 3-hit shutout, with 2 walks and 10 strikeouts as the favored Red Sox evened the series. The Red Sox got both of their runs in the third inning on an RBI single by CF Johnny Damon, and an RBI groundout by 2B Mark Bellhorn.

At Philadelphia Citizens Bank Park

GAME THREE: Red Sox 6, Phillies 3 — Philadelphia RHP Brett Myers turned in a gutsy six-inning start and left with a 3-2 lead. In 2008, the Phillies could trust their bullpen to lock it down, but not against the 2004 Red Sox. The Red Sox rallied for 4 late runs against Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, and closer Brad Lidge to nab a 2 games to 1 series lead. Boston LF Manny Ramirez, 0-for-11 up to that point, led off the eighth inning with a solo blast off Durbin. In the ninth, with one out and BoSox runners at second and third, Philly called on Lidge. But Mark Bellhorn scooted a seeing-eye grounder past a diving 2B (Chase Utley) to score 2 runs. Next, Doug Mientkiewicz, a defensive replacement at 1B, hit another RBI single to make it 6-3. Mike Timlin earned the win with 3.1 innings of solid relief.

GAME FOUR: Red Sox 5, Phillies 3 — Phillies reliever Chad Durbin walked to the mound in the top of the ninth inning looking for redemption. The 2008 Phils had just tied the game 3-3 on a Chase Utley solo homer in the bottom of the eighth. If Durbin did his job, he’d give them a chance to win it. Well, he failed. Three of the first four batters he faced reached, loading the bases. Red Sox 3B Bill Mueller then tapped a ground ball through the middle of the infield as 2 runs scored. Boston closer Keith Foulke pitched around a 1-out single in the bottom of the ninth to snuff the Phillies’ upset bid. ... Sox RHP Pedro Martinez returned to form: 7 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 1 W, 7 K, and left with a 3-2 lead. Foulke took over in the eighth and promptly gave up the game-tying homer to Utley. ... The 2004 RED SOX WIN the series, 3 games to 1, outscoring the 2008 Phillies, 14-13.

MVP-1: Red Sox RHP Curt Schilling: 1-0, SO, 9 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 2 W, 10 K

MVP-2: Red Sox 2B Mark Bellhorn: 4-for-13, 4 RBI, 3 runs scored

2008 PHILLIES TEAM STATS: Batting (.236, 33-of-140); Extra-Base Hits: 9 (1 triple, 5 doubles, 3 HRs); Stolen Bases-Caught: 4-0; Double Plays-Errors: 3-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 9-27 (-18).

2004 RED SOX TEAM STATS: Batting (.215, 28-of-130); Extra-Base Hits: 4 (2 doubles, 2 HRs); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-0; Double Plays-Errors: 0-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 13-35 (-22).

**

No. 11 2015 Royals vs. No. 6 1948 INDIANS

At Cleveland Municipal Stadium

GAME ONE: Indians 9, Royals 1 — The 1948 Indians don’t look very intimidating in the numbers. But the 2015 Royals discovered how brutally effective they are. Cleveland used 8 walks to make the most out of just 6 hits as they romped to an easy win. Indians starter Bob Lemon went the distance, allowing just 1 run (an Eric Hosmer solo homer) on 5 hits, with 4 walks and 9 strikeouts. Cleveland DH Walt Judnich had a solo homer, an RBI single, drew 2 walks, and scored 3 runs.

GAME TWO: Indians 9, Royals 6 — The Royals got some offense going this time, but only after first falling behind 7-0. The Indians got homers from CF Larry Doby, 3B Ken Keltner, and 1B Eddie Robinson, plus a triple and 2 more RBI from Walt Judnich. Kansas City put some runs on the board late, with back-to-back homers by C Salvador Perez and LF Alex Gordon in the fifth inning. KC starter Johnny Cueto lasted just two innings. Bob Feller got the win for Cleveland.

At Kansas City Kaufman Stadium

GAME THREE: Indians 8, Royals 0 — The 2015 Royals figured it couldn’t get any worse, at least not while playing at home. Welp, it got worse. This time it was the “WTF!” experience of facing an old-time *left-handed* knuckleballer who also commanded four other pitches, including a sweeping curve. Against Gene Bearden, the Royals managed just 3 scratch singles and 3 walks, while striking out 3 times and bouncing into 3 double plays. Meanwhile, the Indians hitters marveled at the hitter-friendly dimensions of Kaufman Stadium compared to cavernous Cleveland Stadium. Ken Keltner and SS/manager Lou Boudreau each went deep, with the latter adding 2 more doubles and 4 RBI. ... The 1948 INDIANS WIN the series, 3 games to 0, outscoring the 2015 Royals, 26-7.

MVP-1: Indians SS Lou Boudreau: 6-for-14, HR, 3 doubles, 4 RBI, 3 runs scored

MVP-2: Indians LHP Gene Bearden: 1-0, SO, 9 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 3 W, 3 K

2015 ROYALS TEAM STATS: Batting (.206, 20-of-97); Extra-Base Hits: 4 (1 double, 3 HRs); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-1; Double Plays-Errors: 4-4; Walks-Strikeouts: 10-18 (-8).

1948 INDIANS TEAM STATS: Batting (.311, 32-of-103); Extra-Base Hits: 14 (1 triple, 7 doubles, 6 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-0; Double Plays-Errors: 4-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 14-13 (+1).

webrian · 04-08-2026, 04:04 PM

No. 10 1991 Twins vs. No. 7 1941 YANKEES

At New York Yankee Stadium

GAME ONE: Yankees 6, Twins 5 — Yankees SS Phil Rizzuto sparked a late rally with a bases-clearing triple in the bottom of the eighth inning. It came off Twins reliever Carl Willis, who had been called on to protect a 5-2 Twins lead. The Yanks had loaded the bases with three straight singles by LF Charlie Keller, C Bill Dickey, and 2B Joe Gordon. Willis got DH George Selkirk to pop out, but then Rizzuto followed with deep drive off the wall in left-centerfield. Next, Johnny Sturm singled up the middle to drive in Rizzuto for the go-ahead run. Yanks’ closer Johnny Murphy earned the save in the ninth. The game had gone back-and-forth. The Twins led 1-0 until a 2-run home run by RF Tommy Henrich put New York in front. Minnesota tied the game in the sixth, then took a 4-2 lead on CF Kirby Puckett’s 2-run homer to right in the seventh. Shane Mack homered in the top of the eighth to make it a 5-2 advantage. Twins RHP Jack Morris and Yankees RHP Spud Chandler each allowed 2 runs over six innings of work.

GAME TWO: Yankees 7, Twins 1 — Tommy Henrich homered twice and C Bill Dickey hit a bases-clearing double as the Yanks moved to a 2 games to 0 lead. Marius Russo, a left-handed starter, allowed just 1 run (on a bases-loaded walk) over seven innings, while walking 5 and striking out 6. Twins starter Kevin Tapani allowed just 2 hits over the first five innings, but both were solo homers. Joe Gordon and CF Joe DiMaggio also went deep for the Yankees. In fact, Henrich and DiMaggio hit back-to-back homers in the eighth.

At Minneapolis Metrodome

GAME THREE: Yankees 9, Twins 1 — The 1941 Yankees never played an indoor game during their time. The frenzied chaos of a noisy dome filled with spinning “Homer Hankies” could have diminished a lesser team. Not the 1941 Yankees. Twins fans did get to enjoy an early 1-0 lead after a first-inning RBI double by 1B Kent Hrbek. Then the Bombers got down to business. Charlie Keller homered twice. Bill Dickey doubled, singled, and drove in 3 runs. And RHP Red Ruffing went the distance, allowing a single run on 6 hits while striking out 6. The only disappointment for the Yanks was CF Joe DiMaggio, who went 1-for-13 in the series with a homer and a walk. He’s probably saving himself for a tougher opponent — which the Yankees will get in the next round: the 1929 Philadelphia Athletics. ... The 1941 YANKEES win the series, 3 games to 0, outscoring the 1991 Twins, 22-7.

MVP-1: Yankees RF Tommy Henrich: 5-for-12, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 6 runs scored, .500 OBP

MVP-2: Yankees C Bill Dickey: 5-for-12, 2 doubles, 6 RBI, 2 runs scored

1991 TWINS TEAM STATS: Batting (.216, 21-of-97); Extra-Base Hits: 6 (4 doubles, 2 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 0-1; Double Plays-Errors: 1-4; Walks-Strikeouts: 10-13 (-3).

1941 YANKEES TEAM STATS: Batting (.302, 32-of-106); Extra-Base Hits: 15 (2 triples, 6 doubles, 7 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-2; Double Plays-Errors: 5-1; Walks-Strikeouts: 11-8 (+3).
**

No. 9 1985 Cardinals vs. No. 8 2017 DODGERS

At Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium

GAME ONE: Cardinals 4, Dodgers 0 — Clayton Kershaw started the game as the “left-handed superstar” of the series. Cardinals ace John Tudor started *and* finished it. Tudor pitched a sparkling complete-game shutout, allowing just 3 singles while walking 0 and striking out 10. Kershaw got off to a shaky start, yielding a 1-out single to CF Willie McGee, walking 2B Tom Herr, then working a full count on 1B Jack Clark, who then crushed a 424-foot, 3-run homer to left-center field. Tudor stayed calm and in control from that point on.

GAME TWO: Cardinals 10, Dodgers 4 — Jack Clark homered again and drove in 4 more runs, and the Cards used their speed to force 3 Dodgers’ throwing errors. St. Louis got off to another hot start on DH Cesar Cedeno’s 2-run homer in the top of the second inning. The Dodgers eventually tied it, 4-4, on RF Yasiel Puig’s seventh-inning solo shot. Then the Cardinals pulled away. Clark blasted a 2-run homer off reliever Brandon Morrow in the eighth, then added a 2-run single in the top of the ninth. LHP Ricky Horton picked up the win in relief of Danny Cox, who lasted six innings.

At St. Louis Busch Stadium

GAME THREE: Dodgers 5, Cardinals 0 — Right hander Yu Darvish got the 2017 Dodgers back on track. Though Darvish ran out of steam after 8.2 innings, he allowed just 2 hits while striking out 7 and walking 2. L.A. took a 1-0 lead on 3B Justin Turner’s solo homer off Joaquin Andujar in the top of the fifth inning. A sacrifice fly by Chase Utley made it 2-0 in the seventh, right before DH Joc Peterson laced a 2-run double toward the right field corner. Peterson doubled again and scored on Turner’s RBI single in the top of the ninth to make it 5-0.

GAME FOUR: Dodgers 5, Cardinals 4 — Dodgers SS Corey Seager was 0-for-14 in the series when he came to bat in the top of the ninth against Cards relief ace Ken Dayley. But he delivered the clutch hit, a solid ground ball up the middle that allowed RF Yasiel Puig to score the go-ahead run from second. That proved to be the difference after L.A. closer Kenley Jansen slammed the door in the bottom of the ninth. ... This was a rematch of left-handed aces Clayton Kershaw (L.A.) and John Tudor (STL), but an 82-minute rain delay in the third inning took the edge off. Both starters lasted five innings, and neither figured in the decision. St. Louis trailed 4-2 in the bottom of the sixth when 2B Tom Herr and 1B Jack Clark greeted reliever Ross Stripling with back-to-back solo homers to tie it up. Now the series, tied 2 games apiece, shifts back to Los Angeles for the decisive Game Five.

At Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium

GAME FIVE: Dodgers 2, Cardinals 1 — The game seemed destined for extra innings after Cardinals 3B Terry Pendleton’s 2-out RBI single tied it 1-1 in the top of the eighth. But with 2 out in the bottom of the ninth, Dodgers C Austin Barnes doubled off the wall in centerfield. Cards manager Whitey Herzog signaled for lefty Ricky Horton out of the bullpen, thinking he’d save closer Ken Dayley for extra innings. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts countered with right-handed pinch hitter Kike Hernandez, who lined a single up the middle. Barnes is not the fastest runner, and Cards’ CF Willie McGee got to the ball quickly. Still, Barnes barely beat the throw home as his teammates streamed out of the dugout to celebrate the sudden victory. ... The Cardinals got caught stealing 5 times in just this game alone. The 2017 Dodgers came back from a 0 to 2 games deficit to take the series and advance. And the 1985 Cardinals? They’ve felt this pain before. ... The 2017 DODGERS WIN the series, 3 games to 2, but were outscored by the 1985 Cardinals, 16-19.

MVP-1: Dodgers 3B Justin Turner: 9-for-20, HR, 4 RBI, 3 runs scored

MVP-2: Cardinals LHP John Tudor: 1-0, SO, 14 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 8 H, 1 W, 17 K

1985 CARDINALS TEAM STATS: Batting (.201, 32-of-159); Extra-Base Hits: 8 (3 doubles, 5 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-5; Double Plays-Errors: 4-1; Walks-Strikeouts: 13-29 (-16).

2017 DODGERS TEAM STATS: Batting (.244, 40-of-164); Extra-Base Hits: 12 (1 triple, 8 doubles, 3 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught; 3-2; Double Plays-Errors: 4-6; Walks-Strikeouts: 10-34 (-24).
**

webrian · 04-09-2026, 09:01 PM

BRACKET C

WILD CARD RESULTS

No. 12 2013 Tigers vs. No. 5 1998 BRAVES

At Atlanta Turner Field

GAME ONE: Braves 7, Tigers 3 — Ace right-hander Greg Maddux got off to a shaky start but settled down just as the Braves’ bats were heating up. The 2013 Tigers took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning off an RBI double by 1B Prince Fielder followed by a sacrifice fly from C Victor Martinez. However, Tigers RHP Max Scherzer squandered the early gift by giving up 5 runs in the third inning, including doubles by 2B Keith Lockhart and C Javy Lopez, a 2-run single by 1B Andres Galarraga, then a 2-run homer by Andruw Jones — who added a solo homer later in the game. Maddux lasted seven innings, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits with 1 walk and 4 strikeouts.

GAME TWO: Tigers 3, Braves 2 — Detroit CF Austin Jackson provided just enough offense, and RHP Anibal Sanchez delivered seven strong innings. The pitchers’ duel between Sanchez and Braves RHP John Smoltz stayed scoreless through four innings. In the top of the fifth, Jackson belted a long drive off the top of the centerfield wall for an RBI triple, then scored on RF Torii Hunter’s infield single to make it 2-0. Michael Tucker led off the bottom of the fifth with the Braves’ first hit of the game, a solo home run. The Tigers added a third run on LF Andy Dirks’ RBI single in the top of the sixth, but the Braves got within 3-2 on a Javy Lopez single in the eighth. Tigers manager Jim Leyland then brought in Joaquin Benoit for the 4-out save. He struck out 2 without allowing a baserunner. ... Sanchez earned the win with 7 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 4 W, 8 K. Smoltz took the loss after yielding 3 runs on 8 hits over six innings.

At Detroit Comerica Park

GAME THREE: Braves 6, Tigers 2 — Javy Lopez’ 3-run home run off reliever Doug Fister in the top of the eighth inning snapped a 2-2 tie. It propelled the Braves to a 2 games to 1 series lead and nailed down a solid performance by starter Tom Glavine. The Braves’ lefty allowed just 2 runs on 9 hits over eight innings, with 1 walk and 2 strikeouts. Rudy Seanez got the save. Tigers platoon LF Matt Tuiasosopo hit a 2-run homer in the bottom of the fifth to snap a scoreless tie, but the Braves scored 6 unanswered after that.

GAME FOUR: Tigers 4, Braves 3 — Victor Martinez slashed a bases-loaded single past the drawn-in fielders in the bottom of the ninth to lift the 2013 Tigers. The 1998 Braves had erased a 3-0 deficit with a single run in the seventh (LF Michael Tucker’s HR) and a pair of RBI singles in the eighth to mar a solid start by Detroit’s Max Scherzer (6 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 3 W, 7 K). Tigers CF Austin Jackson went 4-for-5 with a triple and 2 runs scored, including the game winner. ... Braves ace Greg Maddux allowed 3 runs on 9 hits in 6.1 IP.

At Atlanta Turner Field

GAME FIVE: Braves 3, Tigers 0 — The 1998 Braves are moving on to the main tournament. Right-hander John Smoltz pitched a complete-game shutout, scattering 5 singles and 2 walks while striking out 6. The Braves took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth on a balk by Tigers starter Anibal Sanchez (6.1 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 5 W, 8 K) and then added one tally each in the seventh and eighth innings. Braves DH Greg Colbrunn drew 3 walks and scored twice. ... The 1998 BRAVES WIN the series, 3 games to 2, outscoring the 2013 Tigers, 21-12.

MVP-1: Braves RF Michael Tucker: 6-for-18, 2 HR, 1 double, 4 RBI, 2 runs scored.

MVP-2: Braves RHP John Smoltz: 1-1, SO, 15 IP, 3 R, 3 ER, 13 H, 3 W, 8 K

2013 TIGERS TEAM STATS: Batting (.244, 41-of-168); Extra-Base Hits: 8 (2 triples, 4 doubles, 2 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 4-2; Double Plays-Errors: 3-4; Walks-Strikeouts: 14-24 (-10).

1998 BRAVES TEAM STATS: Batting (.247, 40-of-162); Extra-Base Hits: 15 (2 triples, 7 doubles, 6 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 5-3; Double Plays-Errors: 5-5; Walks-Strikeouts: 21-43 (-22).
**

No. 11 2002 Giants vs. No. 6 2011 RANGERS

At Texas Globe Life Park

GAME ONE: Giants 5, Rangers 1 — Jason Schmidt pitched a complete-game 2-hitter as the upset-minded Giants stole an easy road win. The right-handed ace also benefited from homers by Reggie Sanders (a 2-run jack in the fourth inning) and Barry Bonds (solo shot in the eighth). Schmidt’s final line: 9 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 5 W, 3 K.

GAME TWO: Rangers 5, Giants 1 — Nelson Cruz went 2-for-4 with a 2-run homer and an RBI single as the 2011 Rangers evened up this series. Texas got a solid start from LHP Matt Harrison (6 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 5 W, 6 K) and flawless work from three relievers. Barry Bonds hit his second homer of the series to give the Giants a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning, but Cruz’s 2-run shot in the bottom of the inning turned the tables.

At San Francisco Oracle Park

GAME THREE: Rangers 5, Giants 3 — Barry Bonds homered for a third straight game. Yet for a third straight game, Bonds’ homer made no real difference. The 2011 Rangers got longballs from Josh Hamilton, Mike Napoli and Craig Gentry, plus eight strong innings of work from RHP Alexi Ogando, to take a 2 games to 1 series lead. Bonds’ homer came off Texas closer Neftali Feliz leading off the bottom of the ninth. Feliz retired 3 of the next 4 batters to earn the save.

GAME FOUR: Giants 3, Rangers 2 — Jason Schmidt turned in his second strong start to help send the series to a decisive Game Five. Schmidt allowed just 2 runs over 7 innings before turning the eighth and ninth innings over to Tim Worrell and closer Rob Nenn. The Giants got a pair of unearned runs off two Rangers fielding errors in the second inning. Then RF Reggie Sanders homered off Texas starter C.J. Wilson for a 3-1 lead in the sixth. Josh Hamilton led off the top of the seventh with a solo homer to cut San Francisco’s lead to 3-2.

At Texas Globe Life Park

GAME FIVE: Rangers 14, Giants 3 — Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre went 4-for-5 with a home run, 2 doubles, 4 RBI, and 4 runs scored as Texas won the deciding game decisively. Texas led 6-0 before the Giants got on the board with a David Bell 2-run homer. After that, the Rangers kept pouring it on, amassing a total of 18 hits against five different Giants pitchers. LHP Matt Harrison picked up his second win of the series. ... The Giants’ 2B Jeff Kent finished the series 0-for-17 from the plate. ... The 2011 RANGERS WIN the series, 3 games to 2, outscoring the 2012 Giants 27-15.

MVP-1: Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre: 8-for-20, HR, 2 doubles, 6 RBI, 5 runs scored

MVP-2: Giants RHP Jason Schmidt: 2-0, 16 IP, 3 R, 3 ER, 9 H, 7 W, 6 K

2002 GIANTS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.192, 30-of-156); Extra-Base Hits; 10 (4 doubles, 6 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-2; Double Plays-Errors: 3-9; Walks-Strikeouts: 18-24 (-6).

2011 RANGERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.253, 44-of-174); Extra-Base Hits: 18 (1 triple, 10 doubles, 7 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 4-2; Double Plays-Errors: 6-7; Walks-Strikeouts: 15-14 (+1).

**

webrian · 04-09-2026, 09:09 PM

No. 10 2001 Diamondbacks vs. No. 7 1967 CARDINALS

At St. Louis Busch Stadium

GAME ONE: Diamondbacks 3, Cardinals 2 — The 1967 Cardinals grabbed an early 2-0 advantage but right-handed ace Bob Gibson just couldn’t hold it. The D-Backs tied the game in the top of the sixth on an RBI single by 1B Mark Grace and an RBI double from CF Steve Finley. Gibson departed with one out in the eighth after giving up a walk to Finley, who moved to second on a fielder’s choice. Cardinals stopper Joe Hoerner then allowed Finley to score on C Damian Miller’s 2-out single up the middle. Arizona LHP Randy Johnson earned the ‘W’ going: 8 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 W, 7 K. Johnson pitched out of a tense 1-out, bases-loaded situation in the bottom of the eighth. Byung-Hyun Kim pitched around a 1-out single in the ninth to earn the save. ... Gibson’s line: 7.1 IP, 3 ER, 9 H, 3 W, 5 K.

GAME TWO: Cardinals 7, Diamondbacks 1 — Cardinals LHP Steve Carlton struggled early but pulled it together just as Arizona RHP Curt Schilling ran into a disastrous third inning. Carlton gave up 1 run on 3 singles and 2 walks over the first two innings. But then the Cards erupted for 5 runs on 5 extra-base hits in the third, including 2 triples (by Bobby Tolan and Lou Brock), 2 doubles (Julian Javier, Curt Flood) and a 2-run moonshot homer by 1B Orlando Cepeda. Schilling pitched effectively besides that third inning, until C Tim McCarver blasted another 2-run homer in the bottom of the seventh. Carlton’s final line: 7.1 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 3 W, 6 K.

At Arizona Bank One Ballpark/Chase Field

GAME THREE: Cardinals 6, Diamondbacks 4 — Anyone who remembers the 2001 Diamondbacks knows they had a deep lineup, two outstanding co-aces at the top of their rotation, and one dominant closer. The rest of the pitching staff is the creamy cupcake filling opponents can’t wait to eat. In a short series, no team can afford to lose a game *not* started by Randy Johnson or Curt Schilling. The 1967 Cardinals got this pivotal win, but it didn’t come easily. The Redbirds got on the board on 1B Orlando Cepeda’s 2-run homer off starter Miguel Batisa in the first inning. However, St. Louis starter Dick Hughes got rocked for 4 runs in the bottom of the first inning, despite nearly escaping the jam on a fly-out/throw-out double play. With 2 outs, 3B Matt Williams pulled a 2-run single past the diving SS Dal Maxvill. After a Mark Grace single, CF Steve Finley launched a 2-run triple off the top of the CF wall. That gave the Snakes a 4-2 lead in front of their home fans. ... The 67 Cards had to come from behind — but Arizona’s “other” pitchers made it possible. St. Louis tied it with 2 runs in the top of the third, then took a 5-4 lead on Curt Flood’s RBI double in the fourth. 3B Mike Shannon added a solo homer in the seventh to extend the lead to 6-4. Both Shannon and Flood finished with 4 hits apiece. The Cardinals piled up 18 hits but also left 13 runners stranded. Despite early struggles, Hughes lasted five innings to earn the win. Relievers Nelson Briles and Joe Hoerner gave up just 2 singles the rest of the way. ... The Cardinals are up 2 games to 1 but must beat either Johnson or Schilling in the next two games to advance.

GAME FOUR: Diamondbacks 6, Cardinals 5 (10 innings) — Cardinals 2B Julian Javier jolted the Diamondbacks with a surprising, 3-run homer with 2 out in the top of the eighth inning off LHP Randy Johnson. However, because RF Reggie Sanders had hit a 3-run homer in the bottom of the seventh off Bob Gibson, Javier’s blast only tied the game 5-5. With the far deeper bullpen, the Cardinals appeared to have the advantage going into extra innings — but no. Arizona ace reliever Byung-Hyun Kim, pitching for the third time in four games, retired 5 of the 6 St. Louis batters he faced. In the bottom of the tenth, D-backs C Damian Miller hit the walk-off RBI single off reliever Ron Willis to end it, forcing a fifth game in St. Louis. Can the Cardinals beat Curt Schilling a second time? ... Neither starter got a decision in this one, but Johnson pitched reasonably well: 7.2 IP, 5 ER, 9 H, 2 W, 10 K.

At St. Louis Busch Stadium

GAME FIVE: Diamondbacks 4, Cardinals 2 — For Cardinals fans, this game was a monument to frustration. For the 2001 Diamondbacks? Pure elation. The 1967 Redbirds got the jump on D-backs RHP Curt Schilling with a 2-run first inning that included an RBI triple by RF Roger Maris. But the D-Backs quickly tied it off LHP Steve Carlton in the top of the second on a bases-loaded walk by CF Steve Finley followed by an RBI single from C Damian Miller. In the fourth, a pair of Cardinals errors put runners at second and third. Miller came through again with a 2-run double to center, putting the Snakes on top 4-2. Schilling stayed strong after the first inning, though he did give up 4 singles to CF Curt Flood over his 8 innings of work (8 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, 1 W, 4 K). Carlton left after 5 innings (5 IP, 4 R, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 W, 6 K) and relievers Jack Lamabe and Ray Washburn (combined: 4 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 1 W, 3 K) kept the game close. St. Louis got at least one hit every inning after the third but couldn’t score. In the bottom of the ninth, against tiring D-backs closer Byung-Hyun Kim, the Cardinals loaded the bases on a Tim McCarver single, followed by 2-out walks to Bobby Tolan and pinch-hitter Dave Ricketts. Lou Brock worked a 3-balls, 1-strike count, but then bounced an easy ground ball to second for the final out. ... The 2001 DIAMONDBACKS WIN the series, 3 games to 2, despite being outscored by the 1967 Cardinals, 18-22.

MVP-1: Diamondbacks LF Luis Gonzalez: 9-for-23, 1 triple, 3 doubles, 3 runs scored

MVP-2: Diamondbacks C Damian Miller: 8-for-21, 1 double, 6 RBI, 1 run scored

2001 DIAMONDBACKS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.274, 49-of-179); Extra-Base Hits: 10 (2 triples, 6 doubles, 2 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-1; Double Plays-Errors: 3-3; Walks-Strikeouts: 19-28 (-9).

1967 CARDINALS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.288, 53-of-184); Extra-Base Hits: 18 (3 triples, 10 doubles, 5 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 1-1; Double Plays-Errors: 4-3; Walks-Strikeouts: 13-32 (-19).
**

No. 9 1965 Dodgers vs. No. 8 1971 PIRATES

At Pittsburgh Three-Rivers Stadium

GAME ONE: Pirates 6, Dodgers 2 — Pittsburgh RF Roberto Clemente delivered a 2-out, bases-clearing double in the bottom of the seventh inning to snap a 2-2 tie. The hit came off Dodgers’ ace Sandy Koufax, who surrendered all 6 runs, but only 2 were earned. Pirates 1B Bob Robertson added an RBI double and a solo homer in support of RHP Dock Ellis, who went eight strong: 8 IP, 2 ER, 9 H, 1 W, 5 K. ... 3B Jim Gilliam went 3-for-4 for the Dodgers with 2 doubles and 2 RBI, but he also committed two of his team’s 3 fielding errors. Koufax’ line: 7 IP, 6 R, 2 ER, 8 H, 2 W, 8 K.

GAME TWO: Pirates 8, Dodgers 4 — The 1965 Dodgers had a 4-0 lead and Don Drysdale on the mound. Still, they collapsed late under constant pressure from the Pirates’ hitters. Early home runs by CF Willie Davis and 3B Jim Gilliam helped L.A. grab an early 4-run lead. It was still 4-1 when Drysdale took the mound for the bottom of the seventh. He got two quick outs, but then Roberto Clemente doubled, and 1B Willie Stargell singled to drive him in, making it 4-2. Drysdale departed for right-handed reliever Bob Miller, who threw gasoline on the fire. He allowed, in the following order: a single, a 2-run double, an intentional walk, a hit batter, an RBI single, and a bases-loaded walk. By the time Miller was yanked, the Dodgers’ 4-1 lead had turned into a 6-4 deficit. Sanguillen added a 2-run homer in the eighth to make it an 8-4 final.

At Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium

GAME THREE: Dodgers 6, Pirates 3 — Johnny Roseboro hit a soft looper over first base for a 2-out, 2-run, tie-breaking single in the bottom of the eighth. The bases were loaded. Pirates reliever Dave Giusti was struggling. And the Pirates had just tied it up 3-3 in the seventh. Roseboro’s clutch hit prevented the sweep and possibly breathed new life into the Dodgers, who’ll have LHP Sandy Koufax going in Game Four. ... The Dodgers grabbed a 3-0 lead off Pirates starter Bob Moose in the bottom of the first, thanks mostly to 2B Jim Lefebvre’s 2-run double down the left-field line. Claude Osteen, a lefty, pitched well but started to tire in the seventh when he gave up 3 RBI singles. Ron Perranoski earned the save for L.A.

GAME FOUR: Dodgers 3, Pirates 1 — Sandy Koufax pitched more like himself this time. The ace lefty pitched a complete game, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits, with 8 strikeouts and no walks. The run Koufax allowed came in the top of the sixth when Pirates 2B Dave Cash led off with a triple deep into the right field corner. He then scored on CF Gene Clines’ sacrifice fly, tying the game 1-1. The Dodgers retook the lead in the bottom of the sixth when Jim Lefebvre doubled, then scored on 1B Wes Parker’s triple to right-centerfield. L.A. leftfielder Lou Johnson made it 3-1 with a solo homer in the eighth. The series shifts back to Pittsburgh for the decider.

At Pittsburgh Three-Rivers Stadium

GAME FIVE: Pirates 6, Dodgers 2 — Any confidence the 1965 Dodgers felt after two straight wins was quickly dashed in Pittsburgh’s 4-run second inning. The 1971 Pirates drove RHP Don Drysdale from the game with 5 straight hits, including doubles by Bob Robertson, Gene Clines, and Dave Cash. From there, the Pirates stayed in control behind RHP Steve Blass, who pitched a complete game allowing just 2 runs on 9 hits (all singles) while walking 1, striking out 3. ... Having vanquished the 1965 Dodgers, the 1971 Pirates will begin tournament play with a near-rematch of their World Series, against the No. 2 seed 1970 Orioles. ... The 1971 PIRATES WIN the series, 3 games to 2, outscoring the 1965 Dodgers, 24-17.

MVP-1: Pirates 2B Dave Cash: 11-for-22, 1 triple, 3 doubles, 4 RBI, 4 runs scored

MVP-2: Pirates C Manny Sanguillen: 8-for-20, HR, 3 doubles, 6 RBI, 3 runs scored

1965 DODGERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.285, 47-of-165); Extra-Base Hits: 9 (1 triple, 5 doubles, 3 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-4; Double Plays-Errors: 4-7; Walks-Strikeouts: 12-21 (-9).

1971 PIRATES TEAM STATS: Batting: (.257, 43-of-167); Extra-Base Hits: 18 (2 triples, 13 doubles, 3 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 1-2; Double Plays-Errors: 5-4; Walks-Strikeouts: 16-33 (-17).

**

webrian · 04-10-2026, 03:51 PM

BRACKET D

WILD CARD RESULTS

No. 12 2012 Giants vs. No. 5 2002 ANGELS

At Anaheim Edison International Field

GAME ONE: Giants 6, Angels 1 — Matt Cain threw a complete game, allowing 1 run while scattering 7 hits over nine innings. He walked 1, struck out 5. The 2012 Giants struck early with 2 runs in the third inning and 3 more in the fourth. Angel Pagan, the Giants’ CF and leadoff batter, went 3-for-4 and fell just short of hitting for the cycle. Pagan had a triple, a double, and a home run — a 3-run shot in the fourth inning. He scored 3 runs and drove in 4.

GAME TWO: Giants 4, Angels 1 — So far, the 2002 Angels just can’t get their formidable hitters on track. The Giants’ pitching probably has a lot to do with that. Giants LHP Madison Bumgarner allowed just 1 run on 4 hits over 7 innings. An RBI single by 1B Scott Spiezio gave the Angels a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning. But in the top of the sixth, Giants RF Hunter Pence launched a 2-run homer off RHP Kevin Appier to put the Giants on top for good.

At San Francisco Oracle Park

GAME THREE: Angels 10, Giants 3 — Brad Fullmer went 5-for-5 with 3 doubles, a 3-run homer, and 5 RBI as the Angels routed the Giants. Tim Salmon had a 2-run homer in the top of the first to start the scoring, and 2B Adam Kennedy added 2 more hits and 3 more RBI in the Angels’ 16-hit attack. RHP John Lackey pitched a complete game, allowing just 3 runs on 6 hits. He took a 10-1 lead to the bottom of the ninth.

GAME FOUR: Angels 4, Giants 0 — Anaheim LHP Jarrod Washburn tossed a complete-game, 5-hit shutout to pull the Angels even at 2 games to 2. The Angels took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first after leadoff hitters David Eckstein and Darin Erstad each reached bsae and later scored on RBI groundouts. Angels LF Garrett Anderson added a solo home run in the seventh inning. Washburn didn’t allow any walks while striking out 6. ... The series now heads back to Anaheim for the deciding game. The rally monkey and boom sticks will be out in full force.

At Anaheim Edison International Field

GAME FIVE: Giants 10, Angels 6 — Neither team’s starting pitcher made it past the second inning. The Giants ambushed Anaheim starter Kevin Appier for 4 early runs, but then the Angels returned the favor in the second against LHP Madison Bumgarner. For a brief period of time, it felt like anything could happen and that it was anyone’s game. But the 2012 Giants quickly regained control and held on to advance. ... Giants DH Joaquin Arias went 3-for-4 with 4 RBI, including a 2-run homer off reliever Ramon Ortiz in the top of the third to put San Francisco back on top, 6-4. Giants RF Hunter Pence went 3-for-5 with a 2-run homer and 4 runs scored. Reliever Jose Mijares earned the win with 4.2 innings of strong relief, allowing just 1 hit and 1 walk in that time. ... Garrett Anderson went 2-for-4 with a homer and 2 RBI for the Angels. ... The 2012 GIANTS WIN the series, 3 games to 2, outscoring the 2002 Angels, 23 to 19.

MVP-1: Giants CF Angel Pagan: 7-for-20, 1 HR, 1 triple, 1 double, 5 RBI, 4 runs scored

MVP-2: Giants DH Joaquin Arias: 7-for-18, 1 HR, 2 doubles, 5 RBI, 4 runs scored

2012 GIANTS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.263, 45-of-171); Extra-Base Hits: 16 (2 triples, 9 doubles, 5 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 1-4; Double Plays-Errors: 6-5; Walks-Strikeouts: 13-19 (-6).

2002 ANGELS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.256, 44-of-172); Extra-Base Hits: 11 (7 doubles, 4 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-2; Double Plays-Errors: 2-4; Walks-Strikeouts: 12-25 (-13).

**

No. 11 1980 Phillies vs. No. 6 2017 INDIANS

At Cleveland Progressive Field

GAME ONE: Phillies 2, Indians 1 — The 1980 Phillies are the fourth team from that organization to storm the gates looking for a way into the main tournament. They might have the best chance of advancing. In Game One, Phillies legendary lefty Steve Carlton countered Indians RHP Corey Kluber in a strange pitcher’s duel. Both aces seemed to be pitching to contact — especially Kluber, who had just 1 walk and 1 strikeout over 8 innings. He struck out the very last batter he faced. Carlton gave up just 1 hit over 8 innings, but walked 6 and struck out 5. Four of his strikeouts came after the sixth inning. ... The Indians took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth when Carlton walked pinch-hitter Roberto Perez with the bases loaded. The Phillies took the lead in the top of the eighth. With 2 out, RF Bake McBride hit a 2-run homer off Kluber to make it 2-1. Kluber then struck out Greg Luzinski (the easiest Philly to strike out) before yielding to reliever Joe Smith for the ninth. Tug McGraw pitched the ninth to earn the save for Philadelphia.

GAME TWO: Indians 4, Phillies 3 (12 innings) — Carlos Santana singled home Edwin Encarnacion in the bottom of the twelfth inning to lift Cleveland and even up the series. The 2017 Indians fell behind 3-1 after two innings. Phillies LF Lonnie Smith hit RHP Carlos Carrasco’s first pitch for a solo homer in the first. In the second, a 2-run single by 1B Pete Rose made it a 3-1 score. The Indians got single runs off sacrifice flies in the fourth and seventh innings to tie it up. Carrasco shrugged off his rough start to go eight strong: 8 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 2 W, 10 K. Indians closer Cody Allen earned the save with 1.2 innings of relief.

At Philadelphia Veterans’ Stadium

GAME THREE: Phillies 3, Indians 0 — Philadelphia RHP Larry Christenson twirled seven masterful innings and reliever Ron Reed finished up. Christenson allowed just 3 hits while walking 1, striking out 6, and Reed didn’t allow a baserunner over the final two innings. The 1980 Phillies got a solo homer from 2B Manny Trillo and a 2-run single by 1B Pete Rose for their 3 runs. The Phillies have a 2 games to 1 lead and will have LHP Steve Carlton on the mound for Game Four.

GAME FOUR: Phillies 8, Indians 1 — Mike Schmidt hit a 2-run homer in the first inning, then a 2-run double in the third as the 1980 Phillies built a sizable early lead and cruised. Ace lefty Steve Carlton went the distance, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits with 1 walk and 10 strikeouts. Carlton allowed only 2 hits over the first eight innings, but started to tire in the ninth. The Indians scratched their only run across in the top of the ninth inning on a groundout. ... The 1980 PHILLIES WIN the series, 3 games to 1, outscoring the 2017 Indians, 16-6.

MVP-1: Phillies 1B Pete Rose: 8-for-15, 1 double, 5 RBI, 2 runs scored, .562 OBP

MVP-2: Phillies LHP Steve Carlton: 2-0, 17 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 H, 7 W, 15 K

1980 PHILLIES TEAM STATS: Batting: (.246, 34-of-138); Extra-Base Hits: 9 (5 doubles, 4 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 1-1; Double Plays-Errors: 3-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 8-26 (-18).

2017 INDIANS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.169, 22-of-130); Extra-Base Hits: 4 (4 doubles); Stolen Bases-Caught: 5-2; Double Plays-Errors: 6-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 15-29 (-14).
**

webrian · 04-10-2026, 08:41 PM

No. 10 2023 Rangers vs. No. 7 2024 DODGERS

At Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium

GAME ONE: Dodgers 6, Rangers 0 — Tyler Glasnow permitted only 3 hits and struck out 12 in a complete-game domination of the 2023 Rangers. The 2024 Dodgers roughed up Texas RHP Nathan Eovaldi for 3 early runs, then put a pair of runners on base in the bottom of the fourth. The Rangers turned to their bullpen, but RF Mookie Betts greeted Chris Stratton with a 3-run blast to centerfield to double the lead to 6-0.

GAME TWO: Rangers 5, Dodgers 1 — Texas DH Robbie Grossman snapped a scoreless tie with a 2-run single in the top of the sixth inning. Grossman’s RBI hit also stopped a streak of 14 scoreless innings for the 2023 Rangers. Texas also got a strong start from LHP Jordan Montgomery, who took a shutout into the ninth inning. He finished allowing 1 run on 7 hits in 8.2 innings, with 2 walks, 6 strikeouts. Dodgers RHP Jack Flaherty struck out 7 in 7.1 innings of work, but allowed 3 runs on hits, including an Evan Carter solo homer.

At Texas Globe Life Park

GAME THREE: Rangers 3, Dodgers 2 — Max Scherzer allowed just 2 hits over 8 innings while striking out 11. But Rangers closer Will Smith almost blew it. Scherzer had left the mound to a standing ovation from Rangers fans after the eighth inning with his team up 3-1. In the ninth, Smith gave up a single to DH Shohei Ohtani, then an RBI double to deep centerfield by pinch-hitter Miguel Rojas. But that was all the damage the 2024 Dodgers could do, as the Rangers moved to a 2 games to 1 advantage. ... Texas seized the lead on SS Corey Seager’s 2-run homer in the bottom of the third. In the fifth, LF Evan Carter drew a bases-loaded walk from RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto to make it 3-0. The Dodgers got a solo homer from Ohtani (off Scherzer) in the top of the sixth to cut the lead to 3-1.

GAME FOUR: Rangers 2, Dodgers 1 — A dropped foul ball made all the difference in what turned out to be the clincher for the 2023 Rangers. It was the bottom of the fifth inning with the score tied 1-1. Rangers CF Leody Taveras stood on second base with two outs. Josh Jung hit a fly ball to right field twisting into foul territory. Dodgers RF Mookie Betts tracked it but dropped the ball. Instead of the inning being over, Jung got another swing, and he lined a hard-hit single into center. Taveras raced around third and barely beat the throw home to give Texas a 2-1 lead. The Rangers bullpen made it stick. Jose LeClerc and closer Will Smith combined to allow 1 hit while striking out 4 over the final 3 innings. ... The 2024 Dodgers scored first on LF Teoscar Hernandez’ line-drive homer to right in the top of the fifth. The Rangers answered in the bottom of the fifth on RF Adolis Garcia’s 415-foot solo bomb to center, then took the lead on Jung’s RBI single. ... Dodgers RHP Tyler Glasnow turned in a second strong start (7 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 H, 1 W, 3 K) but the unearned run cost him dearly. Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi 1 run on 5 hits over 6 innings to get the win. ... The 2023 RANGERS WIN the series, 3 games to 1, while the teams tied in cumulative score, 10-10.

MVP-1: Rangers SS Corey Seager: 5-for-14, HR, 3 doubles, 3 RBI, 3 runs scored

MVP-2: Dodgers RHP Tyler Glasnow: 1-1, SO, 16 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 8 H, 3 W, 15 K

2023 RANGERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.197, 24-of-122); Extra-Base Hits: 9 (6 doubles, 3 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-1; Double Plays-Errors: 4-1; Walks-Strikeouts: 13-30 (-17).

2024 DODGERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.220, 28-of-127); Extra-Base Hits: 11 (7 doubles, 4 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 0-2; Double Plays-Errors: 2-1; Walks-Strikeouts: 6-28 (-22).
**

No. 9 1982 Brewers vs. No. 8 2019 NATIONALS

At Washington D.C. Nationals Park

GAME ONE: Brewers 7, Nationals 4 — Max Scherzer is an excellent pitcher. But if there’s anything the beer-chugging, hard-swinging 1982 Brewers love to see, it’s a hard-throwing right-hander. Scherzer struck out 9 Brewers in 6.2 innings of work, but the Brew Crew also tagged him for three early homers, by C Ted Simmons, 1B Cecil Cooper, and LF Ben Ogilvie, building a 4-0 lead. The Brewers also drew 9 walks and 1 hit-batsman, 3 of them with the bases loaded, to stretch it out to a 7-1 lead. The Nationals got a homer by 3B Anthony Rendon and 3 cosmetic tallies in the ninth. ... Brewers RHP Don Sutton went 8.1 innings, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits with 3 walks, 7 strikeouts.

GAME TWO: Brewers 7, Nationals 3 — Brewers RHP Pete Vuckovich, despite his 18-6 record in 1982, was not an excellent pitcher. But his grab-bag of slow, fluttering changeups and curves kept the Nats befuddled for seven innings as the Crew built a 7-0 lead. Milwaukee C Ted Simmons singled home 3B Paul Molitor and SS Robin Yount for a 2-0 lead in the first inning. He also doubled in a run in the fifth to make it 4-0 after a Cecil Cooper RBI single. Jim Gantner’s RBI triple in the sixth finally chased off RHP Stephen Strasburg. ... The Nationals got a 3-run homer by Juan Soto in the eighth. In the bottom of the ninth, the Nats loaded the bases with 1 out against CL Rollie Fingers, but he popped out Anthony Rendon and then struck out Soto to end the game. ... The Brewers take a 2 games to 0 lead home to Milwaukee.

At Milwaukee County Stadium

GAME THREE: Brewers 7, Nationals 1 — The Nationals spent the off-day between games reminding themselves that they *beat* the 2019 Astros (a No. 1 seed in this tournament) in an actual World Series. They told themselves, “If we can just get our legs under us, we can boat-race this 1982 Brewers team.” But that was easier said than done. For the third straight game, the Brew Crew pounced on the Nats early and kept them off-balance the rest of the way. This time, they scored 3 runs in the bottom of the first off LHP Patrick Corbin. Ted Simmons hit a 2-out, RBI single, and then LF Ben Ogilvie lined a 2-run double down the third-base line. Brewers lefty Bob McClure took it from there. He went eight strong innings, allowing 1 run on 4 hits with 3 walks and 8 strikeouts. ... In the bottom of the eighth, the Brewers trailed 3-1 and reliever Wander Suero was trying to escape a bases-loaded threat. He got 2 outs, but then DH Don Money yanked a bases-clearing double into the left field corner to make it 6-1. That finished the Nats off. ... The 1982 BREWERS WIN the series, 3 games to 0, outscoring the 2019 Nationals, 21-8.

MVP-1: Brewers C Ted Simmons: 5-for-12, HR, 2 doubles, 6 RBI, 3 runs scored

MVP-2: Brewers LHP Bob McClure: 1-0, 8 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 3 W, 8 K

1982 BREWERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.276, 29-of-105); Extra-Base Hits: 9 (1 triple, 5 doubles, 3 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-2; Double Plays-Errors: 2-3; Walks-Strikeouts: 16-25 (-9).

2019 NATIONALS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.212, 21-of-99); Extra-Base Hits: 3 (1 double, 2 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-2; Double Plays-Errors: 1-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 10-20 (-10).

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webrian · 04-11-2026, 11:18 PM

BRACKET A

(first-round bye)

1927 YANKEES (189)

2018 RED SOX (170)

2009 YANKEES (167)

1995 INDIANS (163)

WILD-CARD ROUND REVIEW

No. 12 2023 Phillies (131) vs. No. 5 1953 DODGERS (161) == No. 5 1953 DODGERS (3-1)

No. 11 2011 Cardinals (134) vs. No. 6 1962 GIANTS (158) == No. 6 1962 GIANTS (3-0)

No. 10 2003 Marlins (137) vs. No. 7 1989 ATHLETICS (157) == No. 10 2003 Marlins (3-2)

No. 9 1993 Phillies (140) vs. No. 8 2005 WHITE SOX (155) == No. 8 2005 WHITE SOX (3-1)

QUARTERFINAL MATCHUPS

No. 10 2003 Marlins (140) vs. No. 1 1927 YANKEES (189)

No. 5 1953 Dodgers (161) vs. No. 4 1995 INDIANS (163)

No. 6 1962 Giants (158) vs. No. 3 2009 YANKEES (167)

No. 8 2005 White Sox (155) vs. No. 2 2018 RED SOX (170)

PREVIEWS:

No. 10 2003 Marlins vs. No. 1 1927 YANKEES

Notes: There is such a mystique built around the 1927 New York Yankees that most teams are psychologically beaten before the first pitch. Imagine being an opposing pitcher. There’s already two men on base, Babe Ruth is standing in the batter’s box, and Lou Gehrig is taking practice swings in the on-deck circle. It’s mentally exhausting, and we haven’t even discussed Bob Meusel, Tony Lazzeri, or leadoff batter Earle Combs, any of whom could have starred on their own championship squad. They called them Murderer’s Row. As a pitcher, you might get past this one or that one, but *one* of them is gonna get you. ... The 2003 Marlins, on the other hand, aren’t that intimidating — but that’s their secret strength. They invite opponents to underestimate them, then frustrate them over and over with their talent — especially their pitching. The 1989 Oakland Athletics found out in the Wild Card round. They took 2 games to 0 lead on these Marlins, then lost the next three games, 6-5, 2-1, and 1-0. The “Bash Brother” A’s didn’t hit a single home run off these Marlins. But holding the 1927 Yankees down is a whole other matter.

2003 Marlins Odds: Slim. I give them a 10- to 15-percent chance of beating these Yanks in a Best-of-Seven. There’s at least a 50 percent chance the Yankees will sweep the Marlins. ... Do the 1927 Yankees have a weakness? Yes! Their pitching can be a bit inconsistent. They pitch to contact and rely on their defense, which works most of the time. They don’t get many strikeouts, which makes the 1927 Yanks vulnerable when opposing runners are in scoring position. Offensively, the 1927 Yankees can struggle against good pitchers, especially left-handers. Both Ruth and Gehrig hit for more power against lefties, but they also swing and miss a lot more. Meusel and Lazzeri are the rare right-handed batters who hit worse against lefties. ... Finally, while the 1927 Yanks could lord their prodigious home run power over other teams of their era, more modern clubs can confidently go blow-for-blow with them. And the 2003 Marlins have plenty of power ...

**

No. 5 1953 Dodgers vs. No. 4 1995 INDIANS

Notes: This is difficult to handicap because these teams are as similar as any two teams from different eras can be. Both boast powerful, prodigious lineups, but are equally shaky where it comes to pitching. Here’s a safe prediction: there WILL BE home runs! ... What makes this series so interesting is that, while both lineups have plenty of power, neither lineup is totally dependent on the home run. The 1953 Dodgers can draw walks, steal bases, cut a team to shreds with a dozen singles. The 1995 Indians can hit gappers, steal bases, and grind out runs with sacrifices if they must.

1953 Dodgers Odds: Fair! I’d give the 1953 Dodgers a 45- to 50-percent chance of “upsetting” the 1995 Indians in this series. It wouldn’t necessarily be considered an upset. These Dodgers are nearly as legendary as the 1927 Yankees: Duke Snider, Roy Campanella, Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Gil Hodges. They might be even more beloved. ... The 1995 Indians only played 144 games in that strike-shortened season, but they won 100 of them, and slugger Albert Belle still had 52 doubles and 50 homers! The 53 Dodgers scored more runs per game (6.2 to 5.8 for the 95 Indians) but the Indians allowed slightly fewer runs (4.2 to 4.4). ... If the series comes down to bullpens, the Indians have the decided edge, with Eric Plunk (6-2, 2.67 ERA), Julian Tavarez (10-2, 2.44) and closer Jose Mesa (3-0, 46 saves, 1.13 ERA, and a *418* ERA+) to close games out.

**

No. 6 1962 GIANTS vs. No. 3 2009 YANKEES

Notes: There’s been so many “great” Yankees teams over the years. Still, it’s a little baffling that so many people sleep on the 2009 world championship squad. ... The 2009 Yanks were more a wrecking crew than a baseball team, with a lineup that equals the 1927 and 1961 teams in terms of difficulty, if not lore. The 2009 Yankees had four switch-hitters in their everyday lineup — and three of them were power hitters. They had Derek Jeter batting .334 in the leadoff spot. They had Nick Swisher clubbing 29 homers in the No. 8 slot. Five Yankees had batting WARs over 4.2 in 2009. ... On the mound, they were solid but not spectacular, though they enjoyed one of legendary closer Mariano Rivera’s best seasons (44 saves, 1.76 ERA, 262 ERA+). ... The 1962 Giants match up well, hitter for hitter — they’ve got Willie Mays, Orlando Cepeda, Willie McCovey, and Felipe Alou — but fall short with their bullpen. Teams in the early 1960s just didn’t count on their bullpens like modern teams.

1962 Giants Odds: Not great. I’d give them a 25- to 30-percent chance at pulling off this upset. I can see three or four games being close or tied after six innings. Unfortunately, the 1962 Giants have a thin bullpen. They will have to rely on their starters going seven or eight innings each game, which will be difficult against this Yankees’ lineup.

**

No. 8 2005 White Sox vs. No. 2 2018 RED SOX

Notes: The favored 2018 Red Sox dominate opponents with their top-heavy lineup and deep pitching staff. But the 2005 White Sox love the grind. They went 11-1 in the 2005 postseason with a gritty, knife-fight-in-a-closet style of play. These White Sox relish the tension of close games. They’re always confident they have the pitching to outlast whoever they’re playing. In the wild card round, the 2005 White Sox were the only team to pitch two shutouts. Lefty ace Mark Buehrle pitched both, despite striking out only 8 total batters. ... The awesomely talented 2018 Red Sox had power at the top of their lineup, at the top of their rotation, and in the back of their bullpen. They liked to use speed and power to get up on teams early, then bury them with strong pitching. That won’t be so easy to do against the 2005 White Sox, who can strike with sudden power or grind their opponents down in the late innings.

2005 White Sox Odds: Fair. I’d give them about a 40 percent chance of winning this series. The difficulty for the Pale Hose here is that their greatest strength (pitching depth) is equaled by Boston’s. Red Sox ace Chris Sale is just as good, maybe better, than Buehrle, and No. 2 and No. 3 starters Rick Porcello and David Price match up favorably against Freddy Garcia and Jon Garland. The White Sox have the *slightly* deeper bullpen, but the Red Sox have the more dominant closer in Craig Kimbrel. This could be an excellent series either way, but I’d say the Red Sox take it in six or seven games.

****

webrian · 04-12-2026, 07:33 PM

BRACKET A QUARTERFINALS

No. 10 2003 Marlins vs. No. 1 1927 YANKEES

At New York, Yankee Stadium

GAME ONE: Marlins 4, Yankees 1 — Derrek Lee crushed a 3-run homer off Yankees reliever Bob Shawkey in the top of the eighth inning to snap a 1-1 tie. The 2003 Marlins stuck to left-handed pitching for eight of the nine innings. Starter Mark Redman went 6.2 innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits with 3 walks and 8 strikeouts. Lefty Dontrelle Willis relieved with 1.1 innings of hitless relief. Yankee legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig went a combined 0-for-6 with 5 strikeouts.

GAME TWO: Yankees 10, Marlins 2 — Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig continued to struggle to catch up to Marlins’ pitching. They combined for 5 more strikeouts in 8 at-bats. But Ruth made solid contact with one pitch. In the bottom of the third, Ruth hit a high drive into the left-centerfield gap that caromed off the bottom of the wall. Ruth circled the bases for a 3-run inside-the-park home run, giving the 1927 Yanks a 4-1 advantage. Later, Bob Meusel smacked a low line drive over the wall in short right field for a grand slam, and the rout was on. ... Yankee starter George Pipgras got the win. His line: 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 3 W, 5 K. ... Wilcy Moore and Urban Shocker combined for 3.1 innings of 1-hit relief to close it out.

At Miami Loan Depot Park

GAME THREE: Yankees 5, Marlins 4 — Babe Ruth homered, tripled, and drove in 3 runs for the 1927 Yankees. The Babe’s heroics backed a solid effort by LHP Herb Pennock, who gave up 3 runs on 6 hits over 6 innings. The teams traded the lead twice. Ruth tripled in a run during the top of the first inning, then scored on Bob Meusel’s single as the Yanks took a 2-0 lead. The Fish tied the score on Jeff Conine’s 2-run single in the bottom of the third, then briefly took a 3-2 lead on 3B Mike Lowell’s solo homer in the fourth. Ruth struck again in the top of the fifth, belting a 2-run, 435-foot bomb over the wall in left-centerfield to make it a 4-3 Yankees lead. Tony Lazzeri doubled home Meusel in the top of the eighth to increase the lead to 5-3. A homer by Derrek Lee pulled the Fish within 5-4 in the bottom of the eighth, but reliever Urban Shocker allowed nothing more. He pitched the final three innings to earn the save. ... Marlins starter Carl Pavano lasted just 5 innings. He gave up 4 runs on 8 hits, with 2 walks and 8 strikeouts. ... Lou Gehrig continues to struggle. After three games, the “Iron Horse” is 0-for-11 with 9 strikeouts.

GAME FOUR: Marlins 3, Yankees 2 — Alex Gonzalez waited until the last possible moment. With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the ninth, Gonzalez lined a single to left, scoring the winning run and pulling the 2003 Marlins even at two games apiece. ... Florida had led 2–1 since the third inning, but the 1927 Yanks would not go quietly. In the top of the ninth, Mark Redman struck out Babe Ruth to start the frame, then surrendered a bloop single to Lou Gehrig—snapping Gehrig’s 0-for-14 skid. Jim Leyland went to closer Ugueth Urbina, and Bob Meusel immediately drilled a double to deep center. Gehrig raced home from first with the tying run. Urbina intentionally walked Tony Lazzeri but escaped without further damage. ... The Marlins answered fast. Three of the first four hitters reached against Wilcy Moore, setting the stage for Gonzalez’s line drive to left. ... Murderer’s Row struck first when Earle Combs tagged Redman’s opening pitch for an opposite-field homer. Juan Pierre helped flip the game, singling and scoring in both the first and third innings to give Florida its 2–1 edge. ... Redman pitched brilliantly but was denied the win. His line: 8.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 4 W, 7 K. ... Hoyt also pitched exceptionally well: 7 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 0 W, 8 K.

GAME FIVE: Yankees 11, Marlins 6 — The Marlins hoped the momentum of the previous day’s walk-off win would carry into Game Five. Instead, the 1927 Yankees ambushed starter Josh Beckett with 7 runs on 8 hits in just the first inning. A 3-run homer by No. 9 hitter Pat Collins was the big blow. It was no contest after that. The Yanks led 11-2 after eight innings, and the Marlins scored 4 late runs off tiring starter George Pipgras and seldom-used reliever Myles Thomas. ... Yankees 2B Tony Lazzeri went 5-for-6 with a homer and 2 runs scored.

At New York Yankee Stadium

GAME SIX: Yankees 9, Marlins 1 — A pair of 3-run homers set the tone as the 1927 Yankees cruised into the bracket semifinals. Bob Meusel hit a 3-run inside-the-park homer in the bottom of the first inning to start the scoring. Babe Ruth capped it with a 3-run jolt over the right-field wall in the bottom of the fifth. New York starter Herb Pennock carried that 9-0 lead into the ninth but lost the shutout on an RBI groundout. Pennock went the distance: 9 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 1 W, 3 K, to earn his second win of the series. ... Both Earle Combs and SS Mark Koenig went 3-for-4 at the top of the Yanks’ lineup with a combined 5 runs scored. ... The 1927 Yankees will next face the winner between the 1953 Dodgers and the 1995 Indians. ... The1927 YANKEES WIN the series, 4 games to 2, outscoring the 2003 Marlins, 38-20.

MVP-1: Yankees CF Earle Combs: 14-for-26, HR, 1 triple, 3 doubles, 3 RBI, 10 runs scored, .571 OBP.

MVP-2: Yankees OF/DH Bob Meusel: 10-for-26, 2 HR, 1 double, 12 RBI, 3 runs scored.

MV-Pitcher: Yankees LHP Herb Pennock: 2-0, 15 IP, 4 R, 4 ER, 12 H, 2 W, 6 K.

2003 MARLINS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.244, 50-of-205); Extra-Base Hits: 10 (2 triples, 5 doubles, 3 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 8-0; Double Plays-Errors: 3-1; Walks-Strikeouts: 13-36 (-23).

1927 YANKEES TEAM STATS: Batting: (.294, 62-of-211); Extra-Base Hits: 20 (4 triples, 8 doubles, 8 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-0; Double Plays-Errors: 4-5; Walks-Strikeouts: 25-57 (-32).

webrian · 04-12-2026, 07:40 PM

BRACKET A QUARTERFINALS

No. 5 1953 Dodgers vs. No. 4 1995 INDIANS

At Cleveland Jacobs Field

GAME ONE: Dodgers 12, Indians 3 — The 1953 Dodgers got off to a rousing start in their best-of-seven opener against the 1995 Indians. ... Every member of Brooklyn’s lineup collected a hit, including 2 apiece by 2B Jim Gilliam, LF Jackie Robinson, and 3B Billy Cox. It amounted to four doubles, 1 triple, and a 10-0 lead through five innings. Robinson added a 2-run homer in the eighth. ... Dodgers starter Carl Erskine pitched all nine innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts.

GAME TWO: Dodgers 9, Indians 0 — Either the 1995 Indians are in trouble, or the rest of the Bracket is. Dodgers LHP Preacher Roe threw a 3-hit shutout against one of the best-hitting baseball teams of all time, and RF Carl Furillo spiked it with a ninth-inning grand slam. ... After falling flat in Game One, the Indians needed a strong performance in Game Two. Instead, they came out even more listless. RHP Orel Hershiser did his best to keep the game close. He allowed 4 runs on 8 hits over six innings but got no backing from Cleveland’s hitters. ... Furillo’s grand slam was his second round-tripper of the game. He hit a solo homer in the fourth inning to make it 1-0.

At Brooklyn Ebbets Field

GAME THREE: Indians 4, Dodgers 2 — Cleveland’s Omar Vizquel and Carlos Baerga hit back-to-back RBI singles in the top of the seventh inning to help the Indians notch their first win of the series. ... The 1995 Indians trailed the 1953 Dodgers 2-1 after six innings but took the lead for good with 3 tallies in the seventh. Manny Ramirez hit a leadoff double and came around to score on 3B Jim Thome’s single to centerfield that Duke Snider misplayed into an extra base. That tied the game 2-2 before Vizquel and Baerga’s clutch singles. ... Cleveland starter Chad Ogea picked up the win with 7.1 innings of work. He allowed 2 earned runs on 7 hits with no walks, 1 strikeout. The Indians’ strong bullpen — setup man Eric Plunk and closer Jose Mesa — preserved the victory.

GAME FOUR: Dodgers 11, Indians 10 — In 1995, José Mesa was an absolute sure thing for the Indians. Armed with a 1.13 ERA and 46 saves, handing him the ball meant the game was over. But baseball can be cruel, and this time, Mesa couldn’t get that last out. ... Albert Belle drew first blood with a two-run homer in the first, but the Dodgers punched back. A four-run fourth inning, highlighted by Carl Furillo’s 2-run triple, and back-to-back solo shots from Jim Gilliam and Roy Campanella in the fifth, gave Brooklyn a commanding 7-3 lead. ... But Cleveland refused to die. They clawed their way back, trading blows until they erupted in the top of the ninth. After Dodgers reliever Jim Hughes surrendered three straight one-out singles to Kenny Lofton, Omar Vizquel, and Carlos Baerga, Billy Loes was brought in to snuff the rally. Instead, Belle greeted him with his second homer of the day—a thunderous 3-run blast to left field that completely flipped the script. Suddenly, Cleveland led 10-7. The series felt brand new. ... Enter Mesa, followed by catastrophe. Bobby Morgan singled. Pee Wee Reese walked. Jim Gilliam singled. Just like that, the bases were loaded with nobody out. Mesa found a momentary lifeline when he induced a double-play ball from Duke Snider. A run crossed the plate to make it 10-8, but with two outs, the Tribe could breathe again. One out left. ... Then came Jackie Robinson. In a grueling, 10-pitch showdown, Robinson fouled off 5 straight pitches before chopping a high-bouncer to second, beating the throw by a fraction of a step. Another run scored. 10-9. ... Clearly wanting no part of the dangerous Campanella, Mesa issued a four-pitch walk, putting the tying run in scoring position. That brought up Furillo. Attacking Mesa's first pitch, Furillo ripped a line drive deep into the left-field corner. Robinson tore around third to score the tying run as Belle struggled to corral the ball. Campanella, chugging all the way from first, rounded third and barreled across the plate before Belle could even manage a throw. Pandemonium ensued.

GAME FIVE: Dodgers 10, Indians 2 — Roy Campanella hit a 3-run homer in the first inning, Duke Snider added a 3-run double in the fourth, and the 1953 Dodgers bulldozed the 1995 Indians to reach the Bracket A Semifinals. ... Brooklyn LHP Preacher Roe had a 9-0 lead before he gave up an unearned run in the fifth inning. His line: 8.2 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 7 H, 1 W, 4 K. ... The 53 Dodgers will face the top-seeded 1927 Yankees in the quarterfinal round. ... The1953 DODGERS WIN the series, 4 games to 1, outscoring the 1995 Indians, 44-19.

MVP-1: Dodgers 2B Jim Gilliam: 9-for-20, HR, 4 doubles, 6 RBI, 5 runs scored, .500 OBP

MVP-2: Dodgers RF Carl Furillo: 7-for-21, 2 HR, 1 triple, 1 double, 10 RBI, 4 runs scored

MV-Pitcher: Dodgers LHP Preacher Roe: 2-0, SO, 17.2 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 10 H, 2 W, 9 K

1953 DODGERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.313, 58-of-183); Extra-Base Hits: 24 (2 triples, 14 doubles, 8 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-2; Double Plays-Errors: 6-7; Walks-Strikeouts: 15-27 (-12).

1995 INDIANS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.232, 39-of-168); Extra-Base Hits: 12 (8 doubles, 4 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-2; Double Plays-Errors: 1-5; Walks-Strikeouts: 9-23 (-14).

webrian · 04-13-2026, 07:17 PM

BRACKET A QUARTERFINALS

No. 6 1962 Giants vs. No. 3 2009 YANKEES

At New York Yankee Stadium

GAME ONE: Giants 4, Yankees 3 (10 innings) — Billy O’Dell was one out away from completing a 1-hit shutout. Then he was pulled in favor of a reliever, Stu Miller, who ruined the shutout, lost the lead, then vultured the win in extra innings. Cowokers, right? ... The Giants led 3-0 with 2 outs and Yankees LF Johnny Damon on second base. O’Dell had pitched masterfully, but his 142 pitches were too far into the danger zone for Giants manager Alvin Dark. It was Miller time! But the San Francisco stopper walked DH Hideki Matsui, then gave up a towering, 3-run homer to C Jorge Posada to unravel everything. ... In the top of the tenth, the Giants sent lefty pinch-hitter Ed Bailey in to face Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. He cranked a 344-foot solo homer just past the right field foul pole for a 4-3 Giants lead. Miller sat the 2009 Yanks down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the tenth. ... The 1962 Giants built their 3-0 lead in the second inning, on an RBI single by C Tom Haller, followed by a 2-run homer from 3B Jim Davenport. Yankees starter C.C. Sabathia shook it off and wound up finishing nine innings. ... O’Dell was even more impressive: 8.2 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 H, 2 W, 8 K.

GAME TWO: Giants 3, Yankees 2 (12 innings) — It’s surprising that the 2009 Yankees have started 0 and 2 in this series. What’s shocking is that ace closer Mariano “Enter Sandman” Rivera is also 0 and 2. ... Giants 1B/LF Willie McCovey worked a full count, then crushed a 415-foot solo homer to right-centerfield in the top of the twelfth inning off Rivera to snap a 2-2 tie. Stu Miller set the Yankees down 1-2-3 (again) in the bottom of the inning to save it. ... The 2009 Yankees were supposed to have the superior bullpen in this series, but that unit has lost two home games. ... San Francisco got a 2-run homer from 1B Orlando Cepeda (off starter A.J. Burnett) in the top of the first inning. The Yanks cut the lead to 2-1 on an Alex Rodriguez RBI single in the bottom of the first. Then in the sixth, 2B Robinson Cano reached base on an error, and eventually scored on a 2-out wild pitch by Giants starter Jack Sanford. ... The Yankees had a golden opportunity to win it in the tenth inning off Giants reliever Billy Pierce. Robinson Cano grounded a single up the middle, and pinch runner Brett Gardner tried to score from second, but a laser throw from Giants CF Willie Mays nailed him at home plate. Nick Swisher followed but struck out swinging.

At San Francisco Candlestick Park

GAME THREE: Yankees 5, Giants 4 — The 2009 Yankees built a 5-1 lead and held off a late Giants rally to claim their first win of the series. Mark Texeira hit a 2-run homer off RHP Juan Marichal in the top of the third inning and added a sacrifice fly later. Meanwhile, veteran LHP Andy Pettitte turned in a sturdy performance (7.1 IP, 2 ER, 9 H, 1 W, 5 K) that held the powerful Giants down just long enough. ... The Yankees’ pen gave up a pair of late runs, but Mariano Rivera wouldn’t be denied this time. In the ninth, he gave up a 2-out double to pinch-hitter Matty Alou, then an RBI single to RF Felipe Alou, but retired Chuck Hiller on a low line drive to right field to end it.

GAME FOUR: Yankees 5, Giants 4 — Once again, the Yankees had to hold on. After snapping a 3-all tie with a pair of runs in the top of the ninth, New York made the controversial decision to *not* bring Mariano Rivera in for the save. Yankees manager Joe Torre noted that Rivera had pitched in each of the first three games (and not too effectively) and needed the rest. So he left in hard-throwing righty David Robertson to protect a 2-run lead. Willie McCovey blasted a 1-out solo homer to narrow the lead, but Robertson got the final two outs easily enough. ... In the top of the ninth, Yanks C Jorge Posada homered off reliever Bobby Bolin for a 4-3 lead. Robinson Cano followed with a single, and later crossed the plate on a throwing error by San Francisco catcher Tom Haller after a Derek Jeter squibber in front of the plate. That fifth run turned out to be crucial.

GAME FIVE: Yankees 8, Giants 1 — A 2-run homer by 3B Alex Rodriguez sparked a 4-run fifth inning for the Yankees as they seized a 3 games to 2 lead in the series. ... This win completed a three-game Candlestick Park sweep for the Yankees, who have rallied from an 0-2 start to within a game of advancing. ... Yankees RHP A.J. Burnett pitched seven effeictive innings (1 ER, 4 H, 2 W, 6 K) and then Chad Gaudin finished the last two frames. Rodriguez and RF Johnny Damon had 3 hits apiece.

At New York Yankee Stadium

GAME SIX: Giants 8, Yankees 6 — In a bit of a role reversal, it was the 1962 Giants fighting off the late rally this time. A first-inning, 2-run homer by Mark Texeira gave the Yankees a 2-0 lead for the first four innings. But the Giants retaliated in the middle innings, scoring 5 times in the fifth, then 3 more times in the sixth to seize an 8-2 advantage. In the fifth, a 2-run double by RF Felipe Alou tied the game. An RBI single by 2B Chuck Hiller put the Giants on top 3-2, and then a 430-foot, 2-run blast by CF Willie Mays made it 5-2 off a suddenly shaky Andy Pettitte. ... Jorge Posada’s third homer of the series, a 3-run jack in the eighth, pulled the Yanks to within 8-5, and a solo homer in the ninth by RF Johnny Damon made it 8-6. The Bombers weren’t done. As relievers Bobby Bolin and then Billy Pierce tried to nail down the last out, the Yanks got singles from Texeira and Hideki Matsui and a walk to Alex Rodriguez to load the bases. Posada came to the plate with a clear shot at playing the hero. Instead, he tapped the first pitch harmlessly to second for an easy out, sending this series to a seventh game. ... Felipe Alou finished 3-for-5 with a double and 4 RBI. ... In Game Seven, Giants LHP Billy O’Dell will pitch against Yankees LHP C.C. Sabathia.

GAME SEVEN: Giants 5, Yankees 4 — A tight series can be decided by literally one swing of the bat. Especially when the batter is Willie freaking Mays. Here’s the scene: Top of the seventh inning, okay? The 2009 Yankees had a 3-0 lead. Now it’s 3-2, okay? There are a pair of 1962 Giants on base, and there are 2 outs. Yanks manager Joe Torre sees that his starter, C.C. Sabathia, is tiring. He just needs an out, okay? Mariano Rivera hasn’t pitched since Game Three. He’s ready. But the seventh inning? That’s too soon, right? Torre calls on hard-throwing right-hander David Robertson. Is he in the Hall of Fame? No. Is he going to be in the Hall of Fame? Also no. Is Willie Mays in the Hall of Fame? Hell, yes. So you see the problem, right? Torre didn’t see it. Fifteen years of dazzling managerial success can blind a man. Torre’s sticking to the plan. Robertson should be able to get this out. Then, if there’s the slightest whiff of trouble in the eighth, Torre will bring in his hammer. He’ll unleash Rivera. ... You already know what happened, okay? Mays looked at two balls. Then he fouled one off. Then he smashed one into the right-centerfield seats for a 3-run bomb. ... That swing turned a 3-2 Yankees lead into a 5-3 lead for the Giants, with just 9 outs to get. The Yanks tried. They got an RBI single from Mark Texeira in the bottom of the seventh to cut the margin to 5-4. In the eighth, the Yanks put a couple of singles together, but a double play ruined the rally. In the ninth, LF Johnny Damon drew a 1-out walk from Stu Miller. But Texeira flew out to center, and then Alex Rodriguez struck out swinging in just four pitches. Ballgame. ... (BTW, Rivera got 3 quick outs on just 7 pitches in the top of the ninth). ... Texeira hit a 2-run double to spark a 3-run third inning for the Yankees. The Giants got a solo homer from Tom Haller in the fifth, then got within 3-2 on a Willie McCovey RBI single in the sixth. ... The 1962 Giants have advanced to the Bracket semifinals. ... The 1962 GIANTS WIN the series, 4 games to 3, though they were outscored by the 2009 Yankees, 33-29.

MVP-1: Giants RF Felipe Alou: 10-for-32, 5 doubles, 5 RBI, 3 runs scored

MVP-2: Giants CF Willie Mays: 7-for-29, 3 HR, 2 doubles, 8 RBI, 5 runs scored

MV-Pitcher: Giants LHP Billy O’Dell: 1-0, 21.2 IP, 8 R, 7 ER, 11 H, 9 W, 17 K

1962 GIANTS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.230, 58-of-252); Extra-Base Hits: 23 (13 doubles, 10 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-4; Double Plays-Errors: 6-9; Walks-Strikeouts: 14-41 (-27).

2009 YANKEES TEAM STATS: Batting: (.238, 61-of-256); Extra-Base Hits: 16 (9 doubles, 7 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 0-2; Double Plays-Errors: 6-4; Walks-Strikeouts: 32-52 (-20).

webrian · 04-13-2026, 07:24 PM

BRACKET A QUARTERFINALS

No. 7 2005 White Sox vs. No. 2 2018 RED SOX

At Boston Fenway Park

GAME ONE: White Sox 6, Red Sox 0 — Chicago LHP Mark Buehrle pitched his third consecutive shutout of the tournament. The White Sox ace didn’t even allow a hit until Mookie Betts led off the seventh inning with a bloop single. His line: 9 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 0 W, 2 K. ... The game was scoreless until Jermaine Dye’s 2-run double in the top of the fifth. The White Sox added 2 more runs in that inning and drove LHP Chris Sale from the mound. Chicago C A.J. Pierzynski hit a solo homer over the Green Monster in the eighth.

GAME TWO: Red Sox 3, White Sox 2 (12 innings) — It was just the kind of gritty, bare-knuckles game the 2005 White Sox specialize in. That’s why it was so important for the Red Sox to win it. In the bottom of the twelfth inning, RF Mookie Betts laced a bases-loaded single into short centerfield to drive in the winning run and tie the series. ... Neither team’s starting pitcher lasted more than six innings. Boston’s Rick Porcello was sharp (6 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 2 W, 4 K) but with a 2-1 lead, he turned it over to his excellent bullpen to step-ladder its way to the win. Matt Barnes pitched a scoreless seventh. Ryan Brasier pitched a scoreless eighth. But closer Craig Kimbrel ran into trouble in the ninth. White Sox 1B Paul Konerko led off with a 4-pitch walk, then departed for speedy pinch-runner Pablo Ozuna. It took 9 pitches to get Carl Everett to fly out, and then pinch-hitter Willie Harris also drew a 4-pitch walk. A.J. Pierzynski slapped a single into right field. Ozuna raced around from second to score the tying run, but Harris ran into an out trying to go from second to third. Finally, Kimbrel got Joe Crede to ground out. ... In the ninth, tenth, and eleventh innings, the White Sox bullpen retired 9 out of 10 batters. But the Red Sox pen also held steady, retiring 6 of 7 batters in the tenth and eleventh innings. ... In the top of the twelfth, Chicago put runners at first and second with one out, and Scott Podsednik lined a single into center. Boston CF Jackie Bradley Jr got to it and threw out Chris Widger on a bang-bang play at home. Nathan Eovaldi then replaced Eduardo Rodriguez and got Tadahito Iguchi swinging. In the bottom of the twelfth, 3 of the first 4 Boston hitters reached against a tiring Bobby Jenks. Then Betts won it with his clutch single.

At Chicago Rate Field

GAME THREE: Red Sox 6, White Sox 1 — Boston SS Xander Bogaerts went 3-for-4 with 2 doubles and 4 RBI to back a sterling mound performance from LHP David Price. ... Price went 7.2 innings allowing just 1 run on 7 hits. He struck out 5, walked none. White Sox starter Jon Garland struggled from the very start. He gave up 2 runs in first inning, 2 more in the second, then a solo homer by J.D. Martinez to start the fourth. ... The White Sox will have ace Mark Buehrle on the mound for Game Four. Boston will counter with LHP Chris Sale. Buehrle will be looking to extend his 26-inning scoreless streak.

GAME FOUR: Red Sox 1, White Sox 0 (12 innings) — Reserve infielder Eduardo Nunez homered off White Sox reliever Cliff Politte in the top of the twelfth inning for the only run in a masterfully pitched classic. ... White Sox LHP Mark Buehrle extended his scoreless innings streak to 35 with nine more shutout innings and needed 130 pitches to do it. Buehrle surrendered 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 2. Red Sox ace Chris Sale, however, outperformed even Buehrle, also going nine innings, allowing 3 hits (all singles), 0 walks, and striking out 10, using 127 pitches (which would have been a sacrilege in 2018). ... Neither team mounted much of any threat to score over the first nine innings. But in the bottom of the eleventh, Boston closer Craig Kimbrel snuffed Chicago’s best opportunity. Juan Uribe led off that inning against reliever Ryan Brasier with a triple off the base of the wall in right-centerfield. BoSox manager Alex Cora figured the only way out was to get some strikeouts or pop-outs, so he called on Kimbrel and brought the infield in. Scott Podsednik grounded out. Then 2B Tadahito Iguchi laid down a squeeze bunt. It bounced high off the dirt in front of the plate and Kimbrel had to leap to catch it. Somehow, Kimbrel got the ball to home plate just in time for C Christian Vasquez to apply the tag, though it appeared that Uribe had beaten the throw. The OUT call stood. While the Chicago crowd fussed over the call, Jermaine Dye struck out swinging to end the inning. ... Then in the top of the twelfth, Nunez silenced all of Chicago with a first-pitch, opposite-field blast to right field. ... The ChiSox didn’t make the bottom of the twelfth easy on Kimbrel. Paul Konerko battled for 12 pitches, fouling off six, before grounding out. After Carl Everett went down swinging, pinch hitter Willie Harris drew a walk on 9 pitches. The long game ended when C A.J. Pierzynski grounded into a fielder’s choice at second. ... The 2018 Red Sox now have a commanding 3 games to 1 lead.

GAME FIVE: Red Sox 4, White Sox 2 (11 innings) — Jackie Bradley Jr was just 1-for-19 for the series when he came to bat with 2 outs and 2 on in the top of the eleventh inning. He hit a long drive to the right-centerfield gap. Chicago CF Aaron Rowand made a running dive at it, but the ball got past him for a double as 2 runners scored. The 2005 White Sox had no more fight in them. They went quietly in the bottom of the eleventh as the 2018 Red Sox punched their ticket to the Bracket A semifinals. ... The White Sox had a 2-1 lead when starter Freddy Garcia departed in the seventh. Fire-balling setup man Bobby Jenks held that lead and gave way to closer Dustin Hermanson for the ninth. Red Sox utilityman Brock Holt hit Hermanson’s first pitch for a leadoff double. Two outs later, pinch hitter Mitch Moreland lined an RBI triple off the RF wall to tie the game as a whole stadium sighed with exasperation. HERE. WE GO. AGAIN. ... The frustrated White Sox lost their third extra-inning game of the series, and their story ends here. ... The 2018 RED SOX WIN the series, 4 games to 1, outscoring the 2005 White Sox, 14-11. They will face the 1962 GIANTS in the Bracket A semifinals.

MVP-1: Red Sox RF Mookie Betts: 7-for-24, 1 double, 1 RBI, 1 run scored

MVP-2: Red Sox reliever Nathan Eovaldi: 2-0, 3.1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 W, 3 K

MV-Pitcher: White Sox LHP Mark Buehrle: 1-0, SO, 18 IP, 0 R, 7 H, 1 W, 4 K

2005 WHITE SOX TEAM STATS: Batting: (.201, 38-of-189); Extra-Base Hits: 7 (1 triple, 4 doubles, 2 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-2; Double Plays-Errors: 2-7; Walks-Strikeouts: 12-40 (-28).

2018 RED SOX TEAM STATS: Batting: (.187, 36-of-192); Extra-Base Hits: 14 (2 triple, 10 doubles, 2 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 4-2; Double Plays-Errors: 6-5; Walks-Strikeouts: 17-29 (-12).

webrian · 04-15-2026, 11:39 AM

BRACKET B QUARTERFINALS

QUARTERFINAL MATCHUPS

No. 8 2017 Dodgers (156) vs. No. 1 2001 MARINERS (179)

No. 5 2004 Red Sox (162) vs. No. 4 1984 TIGERS (163)

No. 6 1948 Indians (158) vs. No. 3 1975 REDS (168)

No. 7 1941 Yankees (156) vs. No. 2 1929 ATHLETICS (170)

QUARTERFINAL PREVIEW:

No. 8 2017 Dodgers (156) vs. No. 1 2001 MARINERS (179)

NOTES: Does a team that didn’t even reach the World Series deserve a No. 1 seed? Does such a team even belong at this tournament? You be the judge. But in case you were too young or have forgotten, here are some facts you should know about the 2001 Seattle Mariners: Only the 1906 Cubs won more games in a regular season (116). Everyone knows this fact. How about this: It wasn’t luck. The 2001 Mariners wore the rare double crown of scoring the most runs in MLB while allowing the fewest that year. And they did it with a bunch of relative no-names who all synced up their best years. Instead of Murderer’s Row, the 2001 Mariners are Efficiency Row, built to steadily score runs, even when not bashing them in. In 2001, the Mariners led the majors in hits and walks. Leadoff batter Ichiro Suzuki had 242 hits by himself, with a league-leading 56 stolen bases. John Olerud and Edgar Martinez had OBPs over .400. Bret Boone hit 37 homers and drove in 141 runs. The starting rotation is dependable but not overpowering. The bullpen, especially the back end of Jeff Russell, Arthur Rhodes, and closer Kaz Sasaki, can be very tough. ... One thing I always observe about the 2001 Mariners when playing them in OOTP is that they’re so good, they’re kinda boring. Imagine the Big Red Machine, but all in chrome, with little personality, and zero compassion.

2017 DODGERS' ODDS: I’d put them at a solid 30 percent to pull the upset. Not because the 2001 Mariners are flawed, but because of the strength of this Dodgers squad. In 2017, the Dodgers led MLB in come-from-behind victories, went on a historic summer-long tear when they won 43 out of 50 games, and busted out a homerun-hitting rookie named Cody Bellinger. The 2001 Mariners are a model of constancy and efficiency. The 2017 Dodgers counter with depth and versatility. Their bench is almost as deep as their lineup, which included six players who each hit at least 20 homers. ... The 2017 Dodgers **should have** won that World Series, but it was proven way too late that their opponents, the Astros, had been stealing signs. ... This team could have matched the Mariners’ 116 wins. They were on pace until they went off track with an inexplicable late-season skid in which they lost 11 out of 12 games. They still had a 9-game lead after that. ... This team has many strengths, but its greatest is pitching. Ace Clayton Kershaw (18-4, 2.31 ERA) led a dominant rotation, while closer Kenley Jansen (5-0, 41 saves, 1.32, and 109 strikeouts to just 7 walks in 68 innings) heads up a talented, versatile bullpen.

**

No. 5 2004 Red Sox (162) vs. No. 4 1984 TIGERS (163)

NOTES: This is as much a contrast of eras as a showdown between teams. In 1984, the Tigers led the league in homers with 187. Twenty years later, the Red Sox hit 222 homers and were only third in the league. With games played in a 1969 statistical setting, neither team will be playing in its own era, so which might benefit more? ... The 1984 Tigers come from an era of contact hitters and a wider variety of pitching styles. It was an era Sparky Anderson’s Tigers OWNED, especially in 84. That year, Detroit got off to a 35-5 start and carried that aura of invincibility all the way through October. Tigers 2B Lou Whitaker and SS Alan Trammel played so well together that they were like two bodies sharing one brain. They also set up the Tigers offense, batting No. 1 and No. 2 in the lineup. Batting third was the determined, athletic Kirk Gibson, followed by C Lance Parrish, a big swinger who did real damage when he connected. The rest of the 1984 Tigers lineup was a strong mix of proven veterans and hungry young stars. They had lefty-righty platoons for DH, 3B, and LF. With Parrish at C, Whitaker and Trammell up the middle, and Chet Lemon in CF, the Tigers have one of the most formidable defenses in this tournament. ... The rotation, headed by RHP Jack Morris, is a quartet (or trio, in this tourney) of gritty workhorses. The bullpen is thin but features left-handed closer Willie Hernandez, who won both the American League Cy Young and Most Valuable Player awards in 1984, after saving 32 of 33 attempts.

2004 RED SOX ODDS: I believe the 2004 Red Sox have even (50/50) odds of beating the 1984 Tigers in a Best-of-Seven series. They took the 2008 Phillies down in a Best-of-Five despite not hitting well at all (.215 for the series with just 2 homers and 2 doubles). I also think the 1984 Tigers will have trouble with the Red Sox’ two aces, Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling. Having two legit aces means the 2004 Sox can take an ugly loss and bounce right back, like they did against the 2008 Phillies. Hell, in real life, they took three ugly losses against the Yankees in the ALCS and responded with 8 straight wins to “break the curse” that had bedeviled them since 1918. ... The 2004 Red Sox should still be considered slight underdogs in this matchup, but they’ve got their own big swingers (Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz, each with 40-plus homers, 100-plus RBI) and a crazy bar-fighter's tenacity. The “Roar of 84” Tigers enjoyed bullying the rest of MLB in their championship year. They might find it much harder to bully these Red Sox.

**

No. 6 1948 Indians (158) vs. No. 3 1975 REDS (168)

NOTES: There have been a lot of great lineups in MLB history since the 1927 Yankees. Very few have been as strong or as aesthetically compelling as the 1975-76 Cincinnati Reds. They had the all-time hits king, Pete Rose, batting leadoff as a switch hitter. They had 1975 & 76 National League MVP Joe Morgan hitting second or third. Morgan was a left-handed bat with power, speed, and a knack for getting on base in key situations. They had back-to-back charismatic HR/RBI producers in C Johnny Bench and 1B Tony Perez. They had two more lefties with high OBP and speed, in RF Ken Griffey and 1B/OF Dan Driessen. They had another powerful right-handed bat in LF George Foster, who had the sickest sideburns too. And finally, near the bottom of the lineup, they had the gold-gloved wild cards in CF Cesar Geronimo and SS Dave Concepcion, either of whom could kill you with a triple into the gap at a crucial moment. It’s a lineup designed to apply maximum pressure on opposing pitchers and fielders — and that’s what it did, leading the league in runs, hits, walks, and stolen bases. The Reds won 108 regular season games in 1975, then out-fought a stubborn Red Sox team in the World Series. They won 102 more games in 1976 and went a perfect 7-0 in the postseason to repeat as champs. ... The 1975 Reds pitching staff wasn’t overpowering, but it didn’t have to be. It had a nice balance of lefties and righties, hard throwers and junk ballers. Manager Sparky Anderson used starters and middle relievers almost interchangeably, and he had a good closer in Rawly Eastwick. ... The 1975 Reds were literally legends in their own time. Everyone knew “The Big Red Machine.” And yet ... they’re only the *third* seed in this Bracket.

1948 INDIANS ODDS: I give them about a 40 percent chance to pull the upset. The 1948 Indians are a legitimately great team that’s been almost forgotten. Their pitching isn’t just strong, it’s **outstanding,** with a staff ERA of 2.84. Their three-man rotation for this tournament of hard-throwing Bob Feller, finesse expert Bob Lemon, and a young left-handed knuckleballer, Gene Bearden, ensures a quality start in every game. They’ve got a couple of decent starter/reliever types in their bullpen (Steve Gromek/Ed Klieman) and they also have freaking Satchel Paige, the “Walter Johnson” of the Negro Leagues. ... Their lineup features manager/shortstop Lou Boudreau, the 1948 MVP who batted .355 with 106 RBI and struck out only 7 times. ... They have right-handed power (30-plus HRs apiece) in 3B Ken Keltner and 2B Joe Gordon, and decent left-handed power in CF Larry Doby and 1B Eddie Robinson. Doby broke the color barrier in the AL right after Jackie Robinson did it in the NL. Their hitters are extremely patient. They draw plenty of walks, and — as the 2015 Royals found out in the Wild-Card round — can build a 4-, 5-, or 7-run lead pretty fast. ... The 1975 Reds *can* beat this team, probably *should* beat this team, but I do not expect it to be easy. This could be a seven-game war.

**

No. 7 1941 Yankees (156) vs. No. 2 1929 ATHLETICS (170)

NOTES: The 1929 Philadelphia Athletics were built specifically to dethrone the Murderer’s Row Yankees in the late 1920s. They steadily got stronger, going from 83 to 91 to 98 wins from 1926 to 1928. But as Connie Mack himself would say, they lacked the “mental toughness” to win when it counted — until 1929. That year, Mack’s Athletics blew past everybody with 104 wins, scoring 6.0 runs per game while easily posting the league’s best team ERA (3.44). It wasn’t just the “Big Three” of 1B Jimmie Foxx (.354, 33 HR, 118 RBI), LF Al Simmons (.365, 34 HR, 157 RBI), and C Mickey Cochrane (.331, 95 RBI), but also RF Bing Miller (.331, 16 triples, 93 RBI), CF Mule Haas (.313, 66 XBH, 82 RBI), SS Jimmie Dykes (.327, 53 XBH, 79 RBI), and 2B Max “Camera Eye” Bishop, the most peculiar leadoff batter any great team ever had. He was a light-hitting infielder who somehow drew almost as many walks (128) as Foxx and Simmons combined (134). ... The starting rotation’s top three (Lefty Grove, George Earnshaw, and Rube Walberg) were dominant workhorses. Ace Lefty Grove (20-6, 2.81 ERA) had a competitive streak that blurred into a mean streak. He was famously the most ill-tempered pitcher of his era. ... Do these Athletics have a weakness? Yes — they lack a dominant presence in their bullpen. They’ve got some some decent pitchers (Eddie Rommel, Bill Shores, Jack Quinn, Howard Ehmke) but none of them is a lock-it-down closer.

1941 YANKEES ODDS: Even! The 1941 Yankees are a more mature version of the 1939 team many MLB historians believe was even stronger than the 1927 unit. Superstar CF Joe DiMaggio entered his prime and had his 56-game hitting streak in 1941. That year, Joltin’ Joe combined with outfielders Tommy Henrich and Charlie Keller for 94 homers and 332 RBI, or about 31 homers and 111 RBI each. These Yankees played with the cool, professional confidence of seasoned winners. They weren’t boisterous or emotional on the field. Winning was their job, and they were good at it. The 1941 Yanks had a deep bench and a versatile, well-rounded pitching staff. Stalwarts like Red Ruffing and Lefty Gomez were getting a little past their prime, but younger starters like Marius Russo and Tiny Bonham were coming on strong. These Yankees also have what the 1929 Athletics don’t: a dedicated closer, Johnny Murphy (8-3, 15 saves, 1.98 ERA). ... So, I give the 1941 Yankees a 50 percent chance to beat the 1929 Athletics. If Lefty Grove pitches like he can, then the Athletics could roll in five games. But if Grove struggles, the Yankees could roll.

***

webrian · 04-15-2026, 06:13 PM

BRACKET B QUARTERFINALS

No. 8 2017 Dodgers vs. No. 1 2001 MARINERS

At Seattle Safeco Field/T-Mobile Park

GAME ONE: Dodgers 1, Mariners 0 (15 innings) — It took 15 innings for one side to finally blink. With one out in the top of the fifteenth, Chris Taylor singled, stole second, then scored on Corey Seager’s double down the third base line. Dodgers reliever Ross Stripling pitched around a 2-out double by Edgar Martinez to secure the victory. ... The starting pitchers set the tone for the first eight innings, and neither bullpen wanted to drop the ball. Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw was particularly sharp: 8.1 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 3 W, 6 K. In fact, Kershaw didn’t allow his second hit until the top of the ninth inning. Seattle’s Freddy Garcia also brought it: 7.1 IP, 0 R, 5 H, 1 W, 2 K. ... Each side nearly exhausted its bullpen as the innings crawled by. The Dodgers decided to use scheduled Game Three starter Alex Wood as a reliever in extra innings. He earned the victory with just 1 hit allowed over three innings of work. ... Seattle’s Joel Piniero took the loss after 3.1 innings of relief.

GAME TWO: Mariners 4, Dodgers 1 — Carlos Guillen’s 2-RBI single in the bottom of the fourth inning broke the scoreless tie. The Mariners then got solo homers from Bret Boone and Dan Wilson on their way to tying the series. ... The 2001 Mariners got an excellent outing from LHP Jamie Moyer: 8.1 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 4 W, 6 K, and Norm Charlton finished up in the ninth. ... The Mariners stole 5 bases and turned 3 double plays in this game.

At Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium

GAME THREE: Mariners 7, Dodgers 3 — Bret Boone swatted a 3-run home run off Kenley Jansen in the top of the ninth inning. That turned a slim Mariners lead into a slammed door. ... Boone finished the game 3-for-5 with 5 total RBI. His 2-run single in the third inning tied the game after the Dodgers had taken a 2-0 lead in the second. ... Seattle starter Aaron Sele gave up 10 hits in 5.1 innings but managed to limit the damage o just 3 runs. The Mariners’ pen gave up only 2 hits over the final 3.2 innings. ... Chris Taylor had 3 hits for L.A. and Yasiel Puig added a solo home run.

GAME FOUR: Dodgers 5, Mariners 4 — Dodgers C Austin Barnes smacked a 411-foot solo home run to dead center field in the bottom of the eighth to lift Los Angeles. ... Barnes’ homer snapped a 4-4 tie in a contest when neither Seattle’s Freddy Garcia nor Los Angeles’ Clayton Kershaw had been very sharp. The Dodgers jumped all over Garcia in the bottom of the first inning but got plenty of help from Seattle CF Mark Cameron, who misplayed a deep line drive into a 2-run error. That gave Kershaw an early 3-0 lead to work with. The Dodgers’ ace cruised through the first four innings but ran into a wall of trouble in the fifth. Mariners C Dan Wilson hit an opposite-field 2-run homer just inside the right-field foul pole to make it 3-2. After an Ichiro Suzuki groundout, Kershaw gave up 4 consecutive hits, including RBI doubles by Bret Boone and John Olerud, the latter of whom was thrown out trying to advance to third. ... The Dodgers trailed 4-3 but not for long. Yasiel Puig hit an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth to tie it 4-4. ... Reliever Brandon Morrow earned the ‘W’ in relief of Kershaw. Kenley Jansen nailed down the save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

GAME FIVE: Dodgers 2, Mariners 1 (10 innings) — An epic pitching duel set the stage. Alex Wood tossed seven brilliant shutout innings, while Jamie Moyer matched him nearly pitch-for-pitch. Clinging to a fragile 1-0 lead, the underdog No. 8-seed Dodgers handed the ball to a tiring Kenley Jansen, pitching for the third straight game in a high-stakes ninth inning. He needed just 3 outs to push the top-seeded Mariners to the brink of elimination. ... Jansen got within one out of the shutout before faltering. A grueling full-count walk to Mike Cameron opened the door, and pinch-hitter Al Martin made him pay, smashing a drive off the right-centerfield wall. Cameron scored to tie the game, 1-1. But in a massive momentum swing, Yasiel Puig fired a laser to third, gunning down Martin to miraculously preserve the tie. ... The Dodgers threatened in the bottom of the ninth, loading the bases on a walk, a Corey Seager single, and an Arthur Rhodes throwing error. But Rhodes escaped the jam, striking out Kiké Hernández to force extra innings. ... After Tony Cingrani spun a scoreless top of the tenth, Los Angeles rallied. Logan Forsythe sparked the offense with a leadoff double, giving way to pinch-runner Charlie Culberson. Following a walk, Justin Turner launched a deep flyout to right, allowing the speedy Culberson to tag up and take third. ... The stage was set for Cody Bellinger. With the corners playing in, Bellinger hit a weak, slow chopper toward second. Culberson broke for home on contact. Bret Boone fielded it cleanly, but his desperate throw to the plate was a split-second too late. ... Culberson slid in safe, sealing a thrilling walk-off victory. Now up 3-2 in the series, the Cinderella Dodgers head to Seattle, just one win away from completing a momentous upset.

At Seattle Safeco Field/T-Mobile Park

GAME SIX: Mariners 3, Dodgers 1 — The 2001 Mariners needed a good outing from RHP Aaron Sele. He delivered. ... Sele turned in eight strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits and 1 walk with 7 strikeouts. Seattle manager Lou Piniella kept a close eye on his starter after the fifth inning, but Sele only got stronger, retiring 12 of the last 13 batters he faced, including the last seven in a row. Kazahiro Sasaki pitched an uneventful ninth to earn the save. ... The Dodgers took a 1-0 lead on a Yasiel Puig 420-foot homer in the top of the second inning. The Mariners scored all their runs in the bottom of the third. Bret Boone hit a 2-out RBI single to tie the score. Two batters later, John Olerud singled up the middle to bring home 2 more runs. ... Game Seven starters will be: Clayton Kershaw for the 2017 Dodgers and Freddy Garcia for the 2001 Mariners. The Dodgers won both previous matchups between these starters, but neither has earned a decision.

GAME SEVEN: Mariners 2, Dodgers 0 — It takes a lot of resolve to win 116 regular-season games, and it costs a lot of anguish to fail to reach the World Series. The bottom line here? The 2001 Mariners just couldn’t allow failure again. So Freddy Garcia, gifted a pair of early runs, locked in with eight shutout innings, then turned it over to Kaz Sasaki for a 1-2-3 ninth inning and survival to the next round! ... The Mariners got single runs in the first and second innings before Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw found his groove. Seattle RF Ichiro Suzuki doubled on a deep drive to center on the second pitch of the game. Two batters later, Bret Boone doubled, plating Suzuki for a 1-0 lead. In the second, 3B David Bell swatted a 421-foot homer to make it 2-0. ... Kershaw toughened up after that, allowing just 2 singles and a walk. His line: 7.1 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 1 W, 8 K. But Garcia would not yield, finishing at: 8 IP, 0 R, 4 H, (all singles), 3 W, 2 K. ... Are the top-seeded Mariners now stronger for having passed this tough early test? Or have they been exposed? We will find out in the Bracket B semifinals. ... The 2001 MARINERS WIN the series, 4 games to 3, outscoring the 2017 Dodgers, 21-13.

MVP-1: Mariners 2B Bret Boone: 12-for-28, 2 HR, 4 doubles, 9 RBI, 6 runs scored

MVP-2: Dodgers SS Corey Seager: 12-for-29, 1 double, 1 RBI, 1 run scored

MV-Pitcher: Mariners RHP Freddy Garcia: 1-0, 21.1 IP, 4 R, 2 ER, 15 H, 8 W, 7 K

2017 DODGERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.205, 51-of-249); Extra-Base Hits: 6 (3 doubles, 3 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 8-4; Double Plays-Errors: 6-6; Walks-Strikeouts: 22-36 (-14).

2001 MARINERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.215, 52-of-242); Extra-Base Hits: 19 (14 doubles, 5 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 8-3; Double Plays-Errors: 7-5; Walks-Strikeouts: 28-50.

webrian · 04-15-2026, 06:19 PM

BRACKET B QUARTERFINALS

No. 5 2004 Red Sox (162) vs. No. 4 1984 TIGERS (163)

At Detroit Tigers Stadium

GAME ONE: Red Sox 5, Tigers 2 — The 2004 Red Sox managed only 4 hits in this series opener. But one of them was a grand slam. ... Kevin Millar homered off RHP Jack Morris with the bases loaded in the top of the fourth, turning a 1-1 tie into a 5-1 lead for Boston. The Tigers got a solo homer by CF Chet Lemon in the bottom of the second inning and scratched another run across in the eighth. All other times, Red Sox RHP Curt Schilling was completely in charge: 8 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 0 W, 9 K. ... Keith Foulke pitched around a base hit and a fielding error to earn the save in the ninth inning.

GAME TWO: Tigers 2, Red Sox 1 — Boston’s Johnny Damon launched a line-drive homer into the right-field bleachers on the second pitch of the game. Fortunately for the 1984 Tigers, their pitching held Boston down the rest of the game. A solo homer by DH Johnny Grubb in the bottom of the fifth off RHP Pedro Martinez gave Detroit the 2-1 lead. Closer Willie Hernandez faced down serious threats in the eighth and ninth innings to preserve the win. ... Tigers RHP Milt Wilcox settled down after Damon’s homer and delivered 7.1 innings of strong work. He allowed 1 run on 6 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 5. However, the Red Sox got to Wilcox a bit in the top of the eighth. Back-to-back singles by Mark Bellhorn and Manny Ramirez put runners at first and third with only one out. That's when manager Sparky Anderson called for Hernandez. He got right-handed pinch hitter Doug Mirabelli on an infield pop-out, then induced Jason Varitek into a soft groundout to third. In the ninth, Hernandez walked Kevin Millar and pinch hitter Kevin Youkilis with nobody out but then got 3B Bill Mueller to hit into a double play up the middle. Orlando Cabrera grounded out to first to end the game. ... It was a tough loss for Martinez, who pitched well: 8 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 0 W, 6 K.

At Boston Fenway Park

GAME THREE: Red Sox 8, Tigers 5 — Three big swings gave the 1984 Tigers a 3-0 lead before the Red Sox even came to bat. But one swing by Jason Varitek got it all back and changed the momentum for good. ... The Tigers got solo jacks from Lou Whitaker, Kirk Gibson, and Lance Parrish off Bronson Arroyo to seize a 3-0 lead in the top of the first. But in the bottom of the same inning, Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz got on base with singles, and then Varitek clobbered a Dan Petry fastball over the Green Monster for a 3-run blast. That tied the game — but it didn’t stay tied for long. In the bottom of the second, the Red Sox loaded the bases with two outs. Ramirez drew a walk to force a run in, and then Ortiz chopped an opposite-field single down the third-base line to drive in 2 more runs for a 6-3 lead. The 2004 Red Sox never trailed after that. ... Arroyo wound up earning the ‘W’ despite his rough start, and Alan Embree finished with a two-inning save.

GAME FOUR: Red Sox 4, Tigers 2 — Kevin Millar and Mark Bellhorn each homered to back another strong performance by RHP Curt Schilling as the 2004 Red Sox moved to within a game of advancing. ... Tigers ace Jack Morris got off to another slow start, allowing single runs in the first, second, and third innings. Meanwhile, Schilling coasted on those three early runs. His line: 7 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 3 W, 5 K. ... Detroit cut the lead to 3-2 with single runs in the fifth and sixth innings, including another homer by DH Johnny Grubb. But Bellhorn’s round-tripper in the seventh off Morris quelled the Tigers’ momentum. ... Keith Foulke pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save of the series.

GAME FIVE: Tigers 8, Red Sox 4 — Milt Wilcox held the 2004 Red Sox down long enough for the Tigers to build a 6-0 lead. The bullpen almost gave it all away, but the 1984 Tigers managed to hold on and stave off elimination. ... Detroit C Lance Parrish went 3-for-5 with a triple, a 3-run homer, and 3 runs scored. His 3-run blast in the top of the seventh gave the Tigers a 6-0 lead. ... Boston’s Kevin Millar clubbed a 3-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to pull the Sox within 6-4, but Detroit reliever Aurelio Lopez then came in and got the 5-out save. ... Tigers manager Sparky Anderson had closer Willie Hernandez at the ready if needed but was able to save his arm for a crucial Game Six.

At Detroit Tigers Stadium

GAME SIX: Red Sox 10, Tigers 5 — For eight innings, Tigers manager Sparky Anderson pushed all the right buttons to keep the boiling tea kettle of the 2004 Red Sox offense contained. After Boston ambushed starter Dan Petry with an early Mark Bellhorn 2-run homer and loaded the bases with nobody out, Anderson made a desperate but brilliant call: he brought in reliever Juan Berenguer. ... The hard-throwing righty miraculously escaped the jam and delivered five more stellar innings, striking out 7 while allowing just 1 unearned run on 2 hits and 2 walks. ... Anderson’s magic touch continued into the late innings. Pinch-hit home runs by Barbaro Garbey and Dave Bergman, bridged by flawless relief from Bill Scherrer (2 IP, 0 H, 3 K), erased the early deficit. Entering the ninth inning up 4-3, Detroit was just three outs away from forcing a decisive Game Seven at home. ... Anderson’s final move was the most obvious one in baseball: hand the ball to Willie Hernandez. The 1984 AL MVP and Cy Young Award-winning closer was the ultimate sure thing. Saving him for this exact moment was a no-brainer. ... And it failed spectacularly. ... Hernandez immediately unraveled. A gritty eight-pitch walk to Kevin Youkilis and a Bill Mueller single set the stage. Following a sacrifice bunt, the Boston tea kettle finally blew. Johnny Damon laced a two-run single through a drawn-in infield to steal the lead, and Bellhorn followed with a crushing 420-foot two-run bomb to right-center. ... Instead of a coronation, the ninth became a massacre. Even after Hernandez was mercifully pulled, the bleeding continued against Doug Bair, capped by Kevin Millar’s staggering fourth home run of the series to make it 10-4. ... A meaningless Lance Parrish solo shot in the bottom of the inning barely registered. Sparky’s absolute smartest decision became his undoing, and the Red Sox celebrated their ticket to the Bracket B semifinals over the stunned Tigers. ... The 2004 RED SOX WIN the series, 4 games to 2, outscoring the 1984 Tigers, 32-24.

MVP-1: Red Sox CF Johnny Damon: 8-for-25, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 8 runs scored

MVP-2: Red Sox 2B Mark Bellhorn: 7-for-22, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 5 runs scored

MV-Pitcher: Red Sox RHP Curt Schilling: 2-0, 15 IP, 4 R, 4 ER, 11 H, 3 W, 14 K

2004 RED SOX TEAM STATS: Batting: (.222, 42-of-189); Extra-Base Hits: 13 (3 doubles, 10 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-2; Double Plays-Errors: 5-1; Walks-Strikeouts: 32-45 (-13).

1984 TIGERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.232, 45-of-194); Extra-Base Hits: 18 (2 triples, 7 doubles, 9 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-4; Double Plays-Errors: 8-3; Walks-Strikeouts: 16-38 (-22).

webrian · 04-17-2026, 12:29 PM

BRACKET B QUARTERFINALS

No. 6 1948 Indians (158) vs. No. 3 1975 REDS (168)

At Cincinnati Riverfront Stadium

GAME ONE: Reds 4, Indians 3 — The Battle of Ohio began with the 1975 Reds grinding out a come-from-behind victory. The 1948 Indians took a 3-1 lead on 3B Ken Keltner’s 2-run homer off RHP Gary Nolan in the top of the sixth. The Reds rallied to tie the score in the seventh on 3B Pete Rose’s second double of the game, driving in 1 run, followed by 2B Joe Morgan’s RBI single over third base. ... The Indians brought in ace reliever Satchel Paige to snuff the seventh-inning rally, and he did, needing just 2 pitches to induce a Johnny Bench groundout. ... Cleveland, however, did not use Paige as a stopper in 1948. They had weak-armed junkballer Russ Christopher for that, but he was the wrong guy to bring in against the 1975 Reds. With 2 outs and the bases loaded (with a pair of intentional walks), Christopher issued an unintentional 4-pitch walk to CF Cesar Geronimo to force in the go-ahead run. Reds closer Rawly Eastwick pitched around a 2-out walk in the top of the ninth to stick the save. ... In Game Two, Bob Feller (19-15, 3.56 ERA) will pitch against Cincy’s LHP Don Gullett (15-4, 2.42).

GAME TWO: Reds 3, Indians 1 — Don Gullett and two relievers held the mighty 1948 Indians to just 2 hits as they seized a 2 games to 0 lead. Gullett had some early wildness. He walked 3 Indians batters in the first two innings, then gave up a 2-out, RBI single to C Jim Hegan in the second. However, Gullett soon settled down and left after seven with the following line: 7 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 4 W, 5 K. ... Cincy tied the score at 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth when C Johnny Bench launched a no-doubt-about-it homer over the wall in left-centerfield off RHP Bob Feller. The 75 Reds took the lead with a 2-out rally in the bottom of the fifth. Cesar Geronimo singled past shortstop and then Pete Rose lined a 100-mph double into the right-field corner. Geronimo scored and Rose took third on the throw home. Rose then scored on a passed ball as Joe Morgan was batting. ... Right-handed reliever Pedro Borbon pitched a perfect eighth inning, then Rawly Eastwick pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to nail it down. ... The series now shifts to Cleveland, where the Indians will start left-handed knuckleballer Gene Bearden (20-7, 2.43 ERA) against the Reds’ LHP Fred Norman (12-4, 3.73 ERA).

At Cleveland, Cleveland Stadium

GAME THREE: Indians 13, Reds 4 — Cleveland’s Joe Gordon threw a bash on the Indians’ return home. Gordon went 4-for-5 with 2 homers, a bases-loaded double, and an RBI groundout to total 6 RBI and 4 runs scored. The Tribe massacred the Reds. ... Cleveland took a 3-2 lead on Gordon’s first homer of the game in the bottom of the fourth. They took command with a pair of 4-run innings in the fifth and sixth innings. ... LHP Gene Bearden wasn’t perfect, but he didn’t have to be. The Indians’ hitters saw to it that the bullpen wouldn’t be troubled on this day. ... Cleveland CF Larry Doby also had a big day, going 2-for-4 with a homer and 4 RBI. Doby broke a scoreless tie in the second inning with an opposite-field, 2-run homer just inside the left field foul pole. Allie Clark was also 2-for-4 for Cleveland, with a double, 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored. Dale Mitchell was 4-for-5 with 3 runs scored.

GAME FOUR: Indians 3, Reds 1 — With the help of strong pitching and a few key hits, the 1948 Indians have evened the series at 2 games apiece. ... Indians RHP Bob Lemon struck out 9 over six innings of work while allowing 1 run on 6 hits and 4 walks. What he lacked in pinpoint control, Lemon made up for with determination, helping the Reds strand 9 baserunners in his six innings. ... Cleveland 1B Eddie Robinson broke a 1-1 tie with his solo home run in the bottom of the fourth. Dale Mitchell, who went 2-for-4, had an RBI single in the seventh inning to make it 3-1. ... Ace reliever Satchel Paige pitched the final three innings, allowing no hits, no walks, while striking out 3 to pick up the save.

GAME FIVE: Reds 6, Indians 4 — For five tense, scoreless innings, legendary RHP Bob Feller baffled the 1975 Reds. But with Game Five hanging in the balance, the Big Red Machine finally roared to life. Johnny Bench broke the deadlock with a clutch two-run double in the sixth, immediately followed by Tony Perez's RBI double to make it 3-0. ... The assault continued in the seventh. Ken Griffey Sr. crushed a monstrous 440-foot home run, while Bench and Perez struck again with back-to-back RBI hits, building a commanding 6-0 lead. It was plenty of support for Reds starter Don Gullett, who masterfully outdueled Feller, allowing just 1 run and striking out 6 over 7 dominant innings. ... However, Cleveland refused to go quietly. Larry Doby homered in the seventh, and a frantic three-run rally off reliever Jack Billingham in the eighth raised the pressure. Entering a tight game, closer Rawley Eastwick slammed the door, tossing a perfect ninth inning to secure the save. ... Having survived the late scare, the Reds now head home to Cincinnati up 3-2, needing just one more victory to punch their ticket to the Bracket B semifinals.

At Cincinnati Riverfront Stadium

GAME SIX: Reds 6, Indians 2 — Dave Concepcion cracked a 3-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning, a 417-foot, no-doubt-about-it screamer over the left field wall. It turned a 1-0 Cleveland lead into a decisive Reds advantage. ... The Indians briefly closed within 3-2 in the top of the fifth on CF Larry Doby’s third homer of the series, but that blow couldn’t change the momentum. The Reds added 3 more runs in the bottom of the seventh and clinched their berth in the Bracket B semifinals. ... Reds pitchers Fred Norman and reliever Pat Darcy combined to limit the 1948 Indians to just 3 hits. Two of those hits were homers. A solo shot by SS Lou Boudreau gave Cleveland a 1-0 edge in the top of the first. ... Despite the triumph, the 1975 Reds left 14 runners on base in this game. ... The 1975 REDS WIN the series, 4 games to 2, despite being outscored by the 1948 Indians, 26-24.

MVP-1: Reds C Johnny Bench: 7-for-22, HR, 4 doubles, 5 RBI, 3 runs scored

MVP-2: Reds SS Dave Concepcion: 7-for-21, HR, 1 double, 5 RBI, 2 runs scored

MV-Pitcher: Reds LHP Don Gullett: 2-0, 14 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 H, 5 W, 11 K

1948 INDIANS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.224, 43-of-192); Extra-Base Hits: 14 (1 triple, 5 doubles, 8 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-1; Double Plays-Errors: 8-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 20-29 (-9).

1975 REDS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.262, 50-for-191); Extra-Base Hits: 17 (13 doubles, 4 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-4; Double Plays-Errors: 8-5; Walks-Strikeouts: 27-40 (-13).

webrian · 04-17-2026, 12:39 PM

BRACKET B QUARTERFINALS

No. 7 1941 Yankees vs. No. 2 1929 ATHLETICS

At Philadelphia Shibe Park

GAME ONE: Athletics 11, Yankees 1 — The 1929 Philadelphia Athletics routed the Yankees with a pair of huge individual performances. Mule Haas went 4-for-4 with a home run, a triple, and 7 RBI while ace Lefty Grove struck out 12 and limited the Yanks to 2 hits. ... In fact, the 1941 Yankees didn’t get their first hit until 1B Johnny Sturm’s solo home run with 1 out in the sixth inning. They were already trailing 8-0 by then. New York also committed 3 errors in the game, and the Athletics seemed to pounce on all of them.

GAME TWO: Yankees 7, Athletics 1 — The Empire struck back. ... Yankees RHP Red Ruffing went the distance, backed by homers from Tommy Henrich and Joe DiMaggio. ... The Athletics got a nice individual effort from LF Al Simmons, who went 3-for-4 with a solo homer and a pair of doubles. Otherwise, it was all Bombers. Henrich crushed a 2-run shot off RHP George Earnshaw to give New York a 2-1 lead in the top of the third. The Yankees added 5 more runs in the sixth: DiMaggio’s line-drive homer to left, an RBI triple by Joe Gordon, and then a 2-run double by Phil Rizzuto. ... Ruffing allowed 1 run on 6 hits with 2 walks and 6 strikeouts in his complete-game win.

At New York Yankee Stadium

GAME THREE: Yankees 8, Athletics 3 — Philadelphia’s Al Simmons and Jimmie Foxx unleashed an awesome display of raw power, but their titanic blasts could not derail the Yankees. ... Simmons ignited the Athletics with a pair of scorching 470-foot home runs, each traveling over 110-miles-per-hour off the bat. In the sixth, Foxx followed one of Simmons’ clouts with a 486-foot, 115-mph moonshot. The back-to-back homers silenced the New York crowd and handed Philadelphia a slim 3-2 lead. ... The Yankees, however, remained unfazed. In the bottom half of the sixth, Charlie Keller answered with a clutch 2-run homer to reclaim the lead. New York then systematically dismantled the Athletics in the eighth, using a Bill Dickey RBI double and a Johnny Sturm 2-run single to pull away for a convincing 8-3 victory. ... Yankees righty Spud Chandler pitched a complete game despite the Simmons and Foxx barrage. While the Athletics provided the highlights, the Yankees made off with the win. The A’s will turn to ace Lefty Grove with hopes of tying the series in Game Four.

GAME FOUR: Athletics 4, Yankees 3 — Centerfielder Mule Haas ripped a solo homer into the right-field bleachers to snap a 3-all tie in the top of the ninth. ... Haas’ round-tripper off Yankees stopper Johnny Murphy tipped the scales back into Philadelphia’s favor in a game that had gone back-and-forth for eight innings. ... Philly starter Lefty Grove wasn’t as dominant as he’d been in Game One, but he was still sharp, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) over 6.2 innings while striking out 9. But this time, Yankee hitters made him work harder, and he became too fatigued by the seventh inning. ... New York LHP Marius Russo also turned in a quality start: 7 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, 1 W, 6 K. However, neither starter figured in the decision, as the game was tied 2-2 after seven. ... The Athletics got back-to-back doubles from Bing Miller and Sammy Hale to take a 3-2 lead in the top of the eighth. However, Charlie Keller answered for the Yanks with a solo homer in the bottom of the inning to knot the score again, 3-3. ... Philadelphia’s Jimmie Foxx had an RBI infield single in the first inning and a solo homer in the sixth. New York’s Bill Dickey had an RBI triple in the second inning, then scored on Joe Gordon’s single to briefly give the Yanks a 2-1 lead.

GAME FIVE: Athletics 8, Yankees 6 (10 innings) — Joe DiMaggio’s cold streak has gone from a concern to a catastrophe for the 1941 Yankees. The superstar centerfielder arrived at the plate in the bottom of the tenth inning with the weight of the Bronx on his shoulders: bases loaded, two outs, and the Yankees trailing the 1929 Athletics 8-6. A single swing could have saved the game; instead, "Joltin’ Joe" lofted a soft liner to shortstop for the final out, punctuating a dismal 0-for-6 afternoon. ... The man who caught that liner, A’s shortstop Joe Boley, was also the hero at the plate. In the top of the tenth, Boley scorched a two-out, two-run double down the left-field line to break a 6-6 deadlock and provide the winning margin. ... It was a grueling, see-saw battle. The Yankees held a 4-2 lead, but the Athletics surged ahead in the seventh behind a stunning three-run blast from the diminutive Max Bishop. New York answered immediately in the bottom half when George Selkirk hammered a two-out, two-run homer to tie the score 6-6, ultimately forcing extra innings. ... Howard Ehmke provided 4.2 innings of gritty relief to earn the win, while Eddie Rommel pitched out of a jam in the tenth to secure the save. With DiMaggio now mired in a 1-for-13 stretch and the Yankees facing elimination, the series shifts to Philadelphia’s Shibe Park, where the legendary 1929 Athletics sit just one win away from clinching.

At Philadelphia Shibe Park

GAME SIX: Athletics 6, Yankees 5 (11 innings) — Mule Haas was already having the playoff series of his life. So, of course, he got to write the ending. ... Haas delivered a 2-out RBI double in the bottom of the eleventh inning to send the 1929 Athletics past the 1941 Yankees and into the Bracket B semifinals. Philadelphia erased a 2-run deficit with solo homers by Max Bishop in the seventh inning, then Bing Miller in the eighth. Meanwhile, the A’s relied on five innings of scoreless relief from Bill Shores (3 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 3 W, 2 K) and Carrol Yerkes (2-0, 1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 W, 0 K) after the Yankees chased Rube Walberg in the seventh. ... The A’s had a 2-1 lead early, but the Bombers took a 4-2 lead with 3 runs in the top of the fifth, including a 2-run triple by C Bill Dickey. ... Connie Mack’s 1929 Athletics demonstrated their mental toughness with three consecutive close wins — two in extra innings — to close out this series. ... The 1929 ATHLETICS WIN the series, 4 games to 2, outscoring the 1941 Yankees, 33-30.

MVP-1: Athletics LF Al Simmons: 12-for-27, 4 HR, 2 doubles, 4 RBI, 4 runs scored

MVP-2: Athletics CF Mule Haas: 9-for-26, 2 HR, 1 triple, 1 double, 10 RBI, 5 runs scored.

1941 YANKEES TEAM STATS: Batting: (.251, 54-of-215); Extra-Base Hits: 19 (3 triples, 8 doubles, 8 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 5-3; Double Plays-Errors: 9-8; Walks-Strikeouts; 25-44 (-19).

1929 ATHLETICS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.256, 55-of-215); Extra-Base Hits: 21 (1 triple, 8 doubles, 12 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-2; Double Plays-Errors: 4-3; Walks-Strikeouts: 20-29 (-9).

webrian · 04-19-2026, 06:18 PM

BRACKET C

QUARTERFINAL MATCHUPS

No. 10 2001 Diamondbacks vs. No. 1 2019 ASTROS

No. 5 1998 Braves vs. No. 4 1961 YANKEES

No. 6 2011 Rangers vs. No. 3 2016 CUBS

No. 8 1971 Pirates vs. No. 2 1970 ORIOLES

QUARTERFINAL PREVIEWS:

No. 10 2001 Diamondbacks vs. No. 1 2019 ASTROS

NOTES: This will be an intriguing matchup. The 2001 Diamondbacks were a flawed team that still found a way to win the World Series. The 2019 Astros don’t appear to have a weakness but still found a way to lose their World Series. The 01 Diamondbacks won all their Fall Classic home games. The 19 Astros lost all their Fall Classic home games. So we’re really looking at intangibles here. Is the team that works around its flaws always more successful than the one that has no obvious flaws? ... The 2019 Houston Astros won 107 regular-season games with a powerful lineup (5.7 runs per game), a deep bullpen, and an awesome three-man starting rotation: RHP Gerritt Cole (20-5, 2.50 ERA, 13.8 strikeouts per nine innings), RHP Justin Verlander (21-6, 2.58 ERA, 12.1 K/9), and RHP Zack Greinke (18-5, 2.93 ERA, 8.1 K/9). ... Despite all those strengths, these Astros struggled to get past the Division Series and League Championship Series (going 7-4 and outscoring the Rays and Yankees by just 2 runs total), then lost the World Series to the 93-win Nationals in seven games. ... Nevertheless, when this team is ON, it’s a sight to behold.

2001 Diamondbacks Odds: I give the D-Backs a 35 percent chance here, though on paper, this is a bad matchup for them. They famously boast one of the best 1-2 starting pitcher tandems ever in LHP Randy Johnson (21-6, 2.49 ERA, 13.4 K/9) and RHP Curt Schilling (22-6, 2.98 ERA, 10.3 K/9), and almost an equally productive lineup as the Astros. But that’s the problem. These strengths are cancelled out by an Astros team with a slightly better lineup, a rotation featuring **three** top starters instead of two, and a far stronger bullpen. ... However, it is not a given that the D-Backs' bullpen will perform poorly. In fact, these relievers turned in 14.2 innings of solid work against the 1967 Cardinals in the wild card round. Though it looked like a soft spot on paper, the D-Backs' bullpen came through like a strength.

**

No. 5 1998 Braves vs. No. 4 1961 YANKEES

NOTES: In 1998, baseball fans were robbed of a meeting between that year’s two greatest rosters. The 1998 Braves were arguably the apex of the Atlanta dynasty—a 106-win machine built on an all-time great rotation. But they fell to the San Diego Padres in that year’s NLCS — and then those Padres got swept by the Yankees. When these same Braves reached the World Series in 1999 and *also* got swept by the Yankees, the previous year’s 106 wins seemed even more a fluke. ... The 1961 Yankees were intimidating champions, anchored by Mickey Mantle (54 HR, 205 OPS+) and Roger Maris, who famously broke Ruth’s record with 61 homers. With Hall of Famers like Yogi Berra and Elston Howard in support, and a 25-win season from Whitey Ford, they looked like the "Murderer’s Row” of the 1960s, and they were in the middle of an awesome 5-year run as American League pennant winners. ... Then again, the 1961 Yankees have two glaring weaknesses: One, the fact they racked up those stats and 109 wins in a double-expansion year (2 teams joined the AL in 1961), and two, they had a shaky bullpen. Aside from closer Luis Arroyo, the 1961 Yankees relief corps is astonishingly vulnerable.

The 1998 Braves Odds: I give them a solid 40 percent chance! The 1998 Braves are bringing one of the best and most disciplined pitching rotations into this series. Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine are as formidable a top three as any MLB team ever had. They are backed by a deep, strong bullpen and supported by a powerful lineup. In fact, it’s the strongest lineup Atlanta has had in the past 60 years, possibly matched only by the 2023 squad. ... If the Braves can go blow-for-blow and homer-for-homer with these Yankees and keep games close into the later innings, they’ll have a chance.

**

No. 6 2011 Rangers vs. No. 3 2016 CUBS

NOTES: The 2016 Chicago Cubs were a team on a quest to end a 108-year drought since its last World Series title. And, well, they played like a team on a quest, winning 8 of their first 9 games and never looking back. They won their division by 17.5 games with the best scoring offense (5.0 runs per game) and the least scored-against pitching (3.4 rpg) in the National League. They had the league MVP in 3B/OF Kris Bryant (7.6 WAR), who hit 39 homers, drove in 102 runs, and scored a league-high 112 runs. They had the No. 2 and No. 3 vote-getters for that year’s NL Cy Young Award (LHP Jon Lester and RHP Kyle Hendricks), not to mention the previous year’s Cy Young winner in RHP Jake Arrieta. ... All season long, the Cubs played with passion, purpose, and resilience. They could win 1-0 or 10-9. In that year’s World Series, they roared back from a 3 games to 1 deficit to capture the title, enduring extra innings and a rain delay on the road to win Game Seven. They simply would not be denied. If they can bring that same tenacity to this tournament, they’ll be extremely difficult to beat.

2011 Rangers Odds: In 2011, the Texas Rangers were also on a mission—to win their first-ever World Series after reaching the Fall Classic the previous year. The Rangers had a solid but unspectacular rotation and a strong bullpen anchored by Mike Adams, Darren Oliver, and closer Neftali Feliz. However, their greatest strength was their punishing lineup that produced 5.3 runs per game. It featured 2B Ian Kinsler, a leadoff batter who posted a 7.0 WAR with 32 homers and a crazy 121 runs scored, future Hall of Fame 3B Adrian Beltre (32 HR, 105 RBI), DH/1B Michael Young (a league-leading 213 hits), power-slugging C Mike Napoli (30 HR and a 173 OPS+), and outfielder Josh Hamilton, the previous year’s American League MVP. ... The Rangers shot out of the gate, winning 9 of their first 10 games, but had periods of inconsistent play through the season. Nevertheless, a 12-game winning streak in July, and then a closing push that saw them win 14 of their last 16, helped the Rangers hurdle their division by a 10-game margin. ... However, where the 2016 Cubs triumphed, the 2011 Rangers faltered. They led their World Series against the Cardinals 3 games to 1 but saw it all unravel in gut-wrenching sequences. These Rangers are in this tournament seeking redemption, and they’re off to a good start after beating the 2002 Giants in five games, holding Barry Bonds and company to a .192 batting average. ... I give the Rangers a 30 percent chance against the 2016 Cubs. While the Rangers have the slightly stronger starting lineup from top to bottom, the Cubs’ lineup has a little more versatility and depth. The same goes when comparing the pitching staff. The Cubs starting rotation and bullpen shine just a little brighter.

**

No. 8 1971 Pirates vs. No. 2 1970 ORIOLES

NOTES: It’s been a while since Major League Baseball fans could conceive of a truly fearsome Baltimore Orioles team. They’ve fielded some good teams in the past 40 or 45 years, no doubt. They even won it all in 1983 with a perfectly respectable squad. Respectable — not feared. The O’s have also had a lot of terrible, mediocre, and flash-in-the-pan underachieving teams the past few decades. So people forget the days when playing Baltimore was nothing to take lightly. The 1970 club is the apex of a 3-year span when the Orioles were unquestionably the best and most well-rounded team in baseball: 108 wins. Seven All-Stars. Three Cy Young Award candidates. Two perennial MVP candidates, one in right field, one at first base. The best defensive shortstop. The best defensive third baseman. The best defensive centerfielder. Three consecutive World Series appearances. And in 1970, this collection of talent had a stadium-sized chip on its shoulder after winning 109 games the previous year and then losing to the “Miracle Mets” in the World Series. This team led the AL in scoring (4.9 runs per game) and pitching/defense (3.5 runs allowed per game). They were a staggering 40-15 in games decided by 1 run, and 16-9 in extra-inning contests. The 1970 Orioles won the AL East with ease but never eased up. In fact, they went on their longest winning streak *after* clinching their division. They won 11 straight games to close out their schedule, then went 7-1 in the postseason, for a combined 18-1 finish. They were so good, they didn’t just beat the brash and ascendant “Big Red Machine” in the World Series; they humbled them. ... In 1971, this same group of players won 101 more games, and returned to the World Series as heavy favorites. After the Orioles easily won the first pair of games, they thought they’d shove their way to a second straight championship. But their opponent in the 1971 World Series showed surprising resilience, winning games three, four, and five at home, and then stunning the Orioles with a 2-1 triumph in Game Seven, at Baltimore! Who was this team? The 1971 Pirates!

1971 Pirates Odds: These Bucs might be a bit overmatched on paper, but they’re not intimidated. Still, it’s important to make the distinction that this time, they’ll be playing the *1970* Orioles, not exactly the team they defeated in the 1971 Classic. ... Guys like Frank Robinson, MVP Boog Powell, 3B Brooks Robinson, and LHP Mike Cuellar are all a year younger — which makes a key difference for players over 30. They’re steelier, more focused, and more merciless than the 1971 squad. ... The 1971 Pirates used a combination of veteran power, young energy, and deep pitching to overtake their opponents. They were famously a mix of black, white, and Latino players, and their embrace of that diversity made them stronger than the sum of their parts. They had a pair of terrific team leaders in Willie “Pops” Stargell (7.9 WAR, 48 homers, 125 RBI) and the heroic Roberto Clemente (7.3 WAR, .341 average, 86 RBI), who dazzled baseball audiences during the real-life 1971 series. On the mound, the Bucs relied on RHPs Doc Ellis and Steve Blass. Ellis was the ace during the regular season, but it was Blass who thoroughly frustrated the Orioles in that World Series. ... I give the 1971 Pirates a 30 percent chance to pull the upset here. They’ll have to get the jump early on these Orioles pitchers and make Baltimore fight from behind in the late innings. The Pirates showed they could do this in the Wild Card round, going 3-1 against Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale of the 1965 Dodgers. ... It won’t be enough to keep games close or tied, because these Orioles thrive in that situation.

==

04-07-2026, 12:46 AM	#1
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	Last team standing LAST TEAM STANDING This will be a 48-team Historical Baseball Tournament. This is nothing new, nor is it particularly ambitious — at least not in scope. I had a strong desire to round up 48 "great" baseball teams of the past century, throw them together across four 12-team brackets, and smash them up in Best-of-Five, then Best-of-Seven formats until only one historical ballclub is standing. I know this will not put to rest any "Best of All-Time" discussions, nor would I want that. This tournament is just one discussion out of many. I don't need it to be definitive. I only want it to be entertaining. This will not be an argument in favor of any era, team, or format. It is intended as a celebration of baseball's best teams and the pure joy — for me, anyway — of bringing these teams and players back to life with Out of the Park baseball. A few rules for this tournament: • All games will be played in a 1969 year setting. I have found that 1969 emphasizes an ideal balance between pitching and hitting for players across all eras. It's a level playing field for team strengths, weaknesses, and statistics. • All teams will use the Designated Hitter, even though most of these ballclubs never used the DH in real life. Again, I do this for statistical balance. I enjoy comparing team stats as the games and series pile up, so I didn't want to bother with the fact that some teams used the DH and others didn't. • I will play out every inning of every game.I enjoy watching the games, pausing them in dramatic situations, and watching the drama unfold. I will write a brief synopsis of every game, picking out storylines and individual threads as they develop. • All games will be played at Historical Stadiums until the Final Four, when the remaining teams will play in modern stadiums better suited for larger crowds and modern media. PITCHING CHANGES If you've played OOTP games in "Watch Mode" before, you know how clunky the AI can be about substitutions, and especially pitching changes. Most times, the AI manager will leave a struggling pitcher in even when the bases are loaded in a high-stakes situation, and won't relieve them until the damage is done. Therefore, I will intervene now and then to make pitching changes when I feel they are necessary or believe the real-life manager would do so. However, I will limit myself to TWO pitching changes per team, per game. The AI can still make as many pitching changes or substitutions as it wants. But I am limited to TWO per team, per game. If a game goes into extra innings, then I am allowed ONE extra pitching change per team. Now and then, this limitation causes the AI to second-guess me at the worst times. For example, I'll relieve a starter who has pitched seven innings. My chosen reliever will pitch to one batter, and then the AI will make its own substitution. This does not happen often, but it happens. When it does, I'll describe it as a "pulled muscle" or a "finger blister," or a "twinge in the shoulder" of the first reliever — and that reliever cannot be brought in until after the following game. If a reliever has a "pulled muscle" in Game One (the AI replaces them after one batter), then he cannot be called on again until Game Three. CHOOSING THE TEAMS I chose the most obvious historical "great" teams and mixed in more recent "good" teams to balance each bracket. I chose 48 teams and then placed them in four separate brackets, for competitive balance and also to avoid teams from the same franchise running into each other too soon. I left out Deadball Era teams — not because I don't like the era (I love it!) but because I wanted 48 teams, not 64. I wanted a smaller, simpler tournament this time. SEEDING THE TEAMS I have a system. Once I've chosen and listed the teams, I assign "power points" to them based on: •• The number of regular-season wins, plus •• Their total team WAR (batting + pitching, as found on Baseball-Reference.com), plus •• + 10 for sweeping the World Series, or •• + 7 for winning the World Series, or •• + 4 for losing the World Series in Seven Games I then used the total "Power Score" to seed the teams after separating them into four 12-team brackets. In each bracket, the four teams with the highest power scores receive a bye into the proper tournament. The other eight teams must survive a 5-game wild-card series to advance. Here is how it all breaks down: (Power score is listed in parenthesis on the right._ BRACKET A 1. 1927 YANKEES — (189)** 2. 2018 RED SOX — (170) 3. 2009 YANKEES — (167) 4. 1995 INDIANS — (163) WILD-CARD ROUND (Best-of-Five) No. 12 2023 Phillies (131) vs. No. 5 1953 DODGERS (161) No. 11 2011 Cardinals (134) vs. No. 6 1962 GIANTS (158) No. 10 2003 Marlins (137) vs. No. 7 1989 ATHLETICS (157) No. 9 1993 Phillies (140) vs. No. 8 2005 WHITE SOX (155) BRACKET B 1. 2001 MARINERS — (179) 2. 1929 ATHLETICS — (170) 3. 1975 REDS — (168) 4. 1984 TIGERS — (163) WILD-CARD ROUND No. 12 2008 Phillies (142) vs. No. 5 2004 RED SOX (162) No. 11 2015 Royals (147) vs. No. 6 1948 INDIANS (158) No. 10 1991 Twins (153) vs. No. 7 1941 YANKEES (156) No. 9 1985 Cardinals (156) vs. No. 8 2017 DODGERS (156) BRACKET C 1. 2019 ASTROS — (179) 2. 1970 ORIOLES — (173) 3. 2016 CUBS — (165) 4. 1961 YANKEES — (165) WILD-CARD ROUND No. 12 2013 Tigers (143) vs. No. 5 1998 BRAVES (155) No. 11 2002 Giants (148) vs. No. 6 2011 RANGERS (155) No. 10 2001 Diamondbacks (149) vs. No. 7 1967 CARDINALS (154) No. 9 1965 Dodgers (150) vs. No. 8 1971 PIRATES (154) BRACKET D 1. 1998 YANKEES — (187)* 2. 1944 CARDINALS — (171) 3. 1986 METS — (169) 4. 1968 TIGERS — (162) WILD-CARD ROUND No. 12 2012 Giants (141) vs. No. 5 2002 ANGELS (161) No. 11 1980 Phillies (142) vs. No. 6 2017 INDIANS (158) No. 10 2023 Rangers (145) vs. No. 7 2024 DODGERS (152) No. 9 1982 Brewers (147) vs. No. 8 2019 NATIONALS (148) Highest overall seed (1927 Yankees) * Second-highest overall seed (1998 Yankees) Tied for third-highest overall seed (2001 Mariners, 2019 Astros) === === NOTES ON PLAYING THE GAMES: SET-UP — I pre-set both teams' 3-man starting pitching rotation, bullpen preferences, and starting lineups (vs. both right- and left-handed pitchers) before each series.I use actual postseason lineups from Baseball-Reference.com to pre-set each series. I've literally done it a thousand times over the years, so I can set up a Historical Exhibition series in 5-10 minutes, easily. I have most of these lineups memorized. ROSTER FAIRNESS — Both teams in any given series must have no more than a specified number of players on their roster. In most situations, the limit is 25 players. However, if one of the teams is from a much older era, that limit gets smaller. All teams after 1961 use the standard 25 players. Teams from 1903 to 1925 are limited to 20 players. Teams from 1926 to 1940 use 22 players. Teams from 1941 to 1960 use 23 players. If a team post-1961 plays a team from an earlier era, it must cut 2 or 3 players from its roster before the series begins. For example, if the 2019 Astros play against the 1929 Athletics, both teams are limited to 22 players. I do this to prevent modern teams from gaining too much of a pitching depth advantage against teams from earlier eras. EXPECT REGULAR UPDATES — Here's a secret. As of April 7, 2026, I've already played, saved, and written out 95 percent of this entire tournament. I gave myself a head start to make sure I am able to post updated content OFTEN. I do not intend to spoil anything! For me, this whole project began with an idea on February 4. I played the first games on February 6 and completed the entire Wild-Card Round (16 total Best-of-Five series) by February 19. I will regularly post entire series results once, twice, or even three times per day. I will post short write-ups, saved screenshots, and anything else that feels creative, funny, or interesting. I hope you will enjoy the updates. I hope you're already just a little bit excited. PLAY BALL!**

04-07-2026, 11:48 AM	#2
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	Bracket A Wild Card Results BRACKET A WILD CARD RESULTS No. 12 2023 Phillies vs. No. 5 1953 DODGERS At Brooklyn Ebbets Field GAME ONE: Dodgers 3, Phillies 1 — Brooklyn RHP Carl Eskine allowed just 5 singles over 7 innings and struck out 8. The Dodgers stranded 12 runners — leaving the bases loaded twice — but still scratched across 3 runs. Brooklyn RF Carl Furillo had 3 hits, while C Roy Campanella and 1B Gil Hodges had 2 singles apiece. Philadelphia’s lone bright spot was young CF Johan Rojas, who made three impressive catches and threw a runner out at home. GAME TWO: Dodgers 13, Phillies 3 — The Dodgers’ vaunted lineup roared to life, battering Philly starter Aaron Nola and three relievers to the tune of 16 hits, including a triple, 5 doubles, and 3 home runs. CF Duke Snider (2 doubles, 1 HR) and 1B Gil Hodges (1 double, 2 HRs) led the way. LHP Preacher Roe struck out 7 Phillies over 6 innings to earn the win. At Philadelphia Citizens Bank Park GAME THREE: Phillies 6, Dodgers 5 — Philly SS Trea Turner’s walk-off, 2-run homer in the bottom of the ninth prevented a sweep by the 1953 Dodgers. Taking a risk, the Phillies started ace Zack Wheeler for the second time in three games. He allowed 1 run on 4 hits over the first four innings. Philadelphia led by as much as 4-1 after a 2-run single by Bryson Stott in the fifth. The Dodgers powered their way back, taking a 5-4 lead on LF Jackie Robinson’s 2-run homer off reliever Jeff Hoffman in the top of the eighth. Closer Craig Kimbrel earned the win. GAME FOUR: Dodgers 11, Phillies 4 — Dodgers C Roy Campanella tripled, homered twice (including a grand slam) and drove in 7 runs to lead his squad to the next round. Philadelphia LHP Ranger Suarez worked admirably over six innings, allowing just 4 runs (3 earned) to keep his side in the game. But the Dodgers teed off on Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm, two of the Phillies’ better relievers, to take control. Campanella hit a 2-run shot in the eighth to make it 6-2. Then he added a grand slam in the ninth to put an exclamation point on the win. ... The1953 DODGERS WIN SERIES, 3 games to 1, outscoring the 2023 Phillies, 32-14. MVP-1: Dodgers 1B Gil Hodges: 8-for-17, 3 HR, 1 double, 6 RBI, 4 runs, .500 OBP MVP-2: Dodgers C Roy Campanella: 7-for-17, 2 HR, 1 triple, 1 double, 8 RBI, 3 runs 2023 PHILLIES STATS: Batting (.229, 30-for-131); Extra-Base Hits: 6 (3 doubles, 3 HRs); Stolen Bases-Caught: 1-2; Double Plays-Errors: 2-3; Walks-Strikeouts: 16-30 (-14). 1953 DODGERS STATS: Batting (.315, 46-of-146); Extra-Base Hits: 19 (2 triples, 8 doubles, 9 HRs); Stolen Bases-Caught: 1-1; Double Plays-Errors: 4-4; Walks-Strikeouts: 16-23 (-7). No. 11 2011 Cardinals vs. No. 6 1962 GIANTS At San Francisco Candlestick Park GAME ONE: Giants 4, Cardinals 3 (12 innings) — Superstar CF Willie Mays ended this long series opener with an opposite-field solo homer in the bottom of the twelfth, off reliever Octavio Dotel. The Giants took a 3-0 lead in the second on C Tom Haller’s 3-run blast off St. Louis RHP Chris Carpenter. The Cardinals starter settled in after that, leaving after nine innings (3 R, 9 H, 3 W, 3 K) with the game tied. An RBI double by 3B David Freese sparked a 2-run second inning for the Redbirds, and an RBI single by CF Jon Jay tied it in the top of the seventh. Jim Duffalo, the Giants’ fourth pitcher of the game, got the win. GAME TWO: Giants 3, Cardinals 2 — Giants 1B Orlando Cepeda’s RBI double in the bottom of the seventh snapped a 2-all tie, as the 1962 NL pennant winners moved a win closer to the main tournament. The Giants took a 2-0 lead in the second on an RBI double by LF Harvey Kuenn and a Willie McCovey solo homer off starter Jaime Garcia. Jon Jay’s RBI double in the top of the fifth tied it 2-2. Jack Sanford (8 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 3 W, 3 K) earned the win, with Stu Miller getting the save. At St. Louis Busch Stadium GAME THREE: Giants 9, Cardinals 4 — The Redbirds hoped Busch Stadium would provide the boost necessary to beat the 1962 Giants in a close game. Instead, they watched those Giants erupt for 6 runs in the second inning, then cruise to the sweep. Giants 2B Chuck Hiller provided the big blast, a 3-run homer off starter Kyle Lohse that made a 2-2 tie into a 5-2 advantage. With e heavy sigh, Cards skipper Tony LaRussa turned to long man Jake Westbrook, who instantly gave up another homer to CF Willie Mays. The 2011 Cardinals had the lumber to stay with these Giants but couldn’t produce a single home run in three games. .. The1962 GIANTS WIN SERIES, 3 games to 0, outscoring the 2011 Cardinals, 16-7 MVP-1: Giants 2B Chuck Hiller: 7-for-14, HR, 3 doubles, 4 RBI, 2 runs, .500 OBP MVP-2: Giants LF Harvey Kuenn: 6-for-14, HR, 2 RBI, 3 runs 2011 CARDINALS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.217, 23-of-106); Extra-Base Hits: 5 (5 doubles); Stolen Bases-Caught: 0-1; Double Plays-Errors: 3-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 11-13 (-2). 1962 GIANTS TEAM STATS:** Batting: (.303, 34-of-112); Extra-Base Hits: 10 (4 doubles, 6 HRs); Stolen Bases-Caught: 0-0; Double Plays-Errors: 4-1; Walks-Strikeouts: 12-11 (+1). Attached Images

04-07-2026, 11:58 AM	#3
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	Bracket A Wild Card Results, continued No. 10 2003 Marlins vs. No. 7 1989 ATHLETICS At Oakland Alameda Coliseum GAME ONE: Athletics 9, Marlins 3 — Jose Canseco and Dave Parker had 3 hits apiece to power a 13-hit barrage by 1989 Oakland. Canseco had a triple, a double, and a single, with 3 RBI and a run scored. Parker and CF Dave Henderson drove in 2 runs apiece. The A’s jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings, chased Marlins starter Josh Beckett in the fifth, and cruised to victory. Florida leadoff man Juan Pierre went 4-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored. GAME TWO: Athletics 6, Marlins 5 (13 innings) — Oakland 3B Carney Lansford had 3 hits, drove in 2 runs, then created and scored the winning run in the thirteenth inning. Lansford led off the thirteenth with a walk, stole second and advanced to third on C Ivan Rodriguez’s wild throw, then scored on Jose Canseco’s bloop single. It was a satisfying triumph for the A’s, which had trailed 4-0 through four innings. Lansford provided the tying run in the bottom of the eighth with a 2-out RBI single. The Marlins built their early lead on solo homers by LF Jeff Conine and SS Alex Gonzalez, then an RBI triple by Miguel Cabrera. Todd Burns earned the ‘W’ in relief. Chad Fox took the loss for Florida. At Miami Loan Depot Park GAME THREE: Marlins 6, Athletics 5 — Jose Canseco was in South Florida playing the hero again, and loving it. But this time, the Marlins wrote a different ending to the story. Florida needed the win and could almost exhale after SS Alex Gonzalez swatted his second solo homer of the series to give the Fish a 4-2 lead after seven. But the 1989 A’s rallied in the top of the eighth. Canseco’s second triple of the series drove in the tying run (4 to 4), and then he scored the go-ahead run himself on reliever Chad Fox’s wild pitch. In the bottom of the eighth, Marlins 3B Mike Lowell singled home the tying run, advanced to second on the throw home, then scored the go-ahead run on RF Juan Encarnacion’s single up the middle. Ugueth Urbina closed it out with a 1-2-3 ninth inning to keep the Fish alive. GAME FOUR: Marlins 2, Athletics 1 — RHP Josh Beckett bounced back from his poor Game One start with eight strong innings. He allowed 1 run on 6 hits with 2 walks, 6 strikeouts. All the while, the young hurler protected a narrow lead. Florida got both of its runs on a 2-out, 2-RBI single by Luis Castillo in the third inning, off A’s starter Dave Stewart. The A’s scored on a Mike Gallego single in the fifth but couldn’t muster more. Oakland hit into 2 double plays, and in one instance, 1B Mark McGwire was thrown out at second trying to stretch a single. Ugueth Urbina notched his second straight save. The series now moves back to Oakland for the decisive fifth game. GAME FIVE: Marlins 1, Athletics 0 — Hits were few. Tension high. Inning by scoreless inning, both starters — LHP Mark Redman for the Marlins, RHP Mike Moore for the A’s — mowed down the other side’s batters. After seven innings, the game remained scoreless, yet both starters stayed in. Moore had given up 2 hits, both singles. Redman had given up only 1, a sixth-inning single. Finally, leading off the eighth, Florida’s Mike Lowell lifted a high drive to left that just carried over the wall. That left the favored 1989 Athletics with 6 precious outs to make something happen. They managed to load the bases in the bottom of the ninth. A tiring Redman walked Tony Phillips and Mike Gallego to start the inning, then departed for closer Ugueth Urbina. Rickey Henderson flew out to deep CF, allowing Phillips to scamper from second to third. One out. Carney Lansford, not a hitter known for his patience, drew a 6-pitch walk. Bases loaded. Jose Canseco and Dave Parker, the No. 3 and No. 4 hitters, due up. Crowd buzzing and on its feet. Canseco struck out on 3 pitches. Parker worked a 3-balls, 1-strike count, then hit a foul pop-up near third base. Lowell squeezed it. The Marlins jumped for joy. One “titan” has been toppled. The 2003 World Champions rallied from a 2 games to 0 deficit, and are in the tournament! ... The 2003 MARLINS WIN the series, 3 games to 2, but were outscored by the 1989 Athletics, 17-21. MVP-1: Marlins 3B Mike Lowell: 7-for-19, HR, 2 doubles, 3 RBI, 3 runs scored. MVP-2: Marlins CL Ugueth Urbina: 3 saves; 5 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 W, 9 K 2003 MARLINS TEAM STATS: Batting (.228, 41-of-180); Extra-Base Hits: 13 (1 triple, 8 doubles, 4 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 4-0; Double Plays-Errors: 5-4; Walks-Strikeouts: 6-38 (-32). 1989 ATHLETICS TEAM STATS: Batting (.244, 43-176); Extra-Base Hits: 6 (2 triples, 4 doubles); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-2; Double Plays-Errors: 4-3; Walks-Strikeouts: 20-34 (-14). No. 9 1993 Phillies vs. No. 8 2005 WHITE SOX At Chicago Rate Field GAME ONE: White Sox 2, Phillies 0 — LHP Mark Buehrle pitched 8.2 scoreless innings and closer Dustin Hermanson finished it off as the ChiSox seized the initiative. Phillies starter Tommy Greene was almost as effective, but yielded an RBI double to CF Aaron Rowand in the fourth inning, then gave up an RBI single to C A.J. Pierzynski in the sixth. The White Sox defense turned 3 double plays. GAME TWO: White Sox 6, Phillies 3 — The 2005 White Sox roughed up Phillies RHP Curt Schilling for 6 runs in just over four innings, then got impeccable bullpen work late to short-circuit any hopes of a Philly rally. Infielders Juan Uribe and Tadahito Iguchi hit solo home runs off Schilling, who never looked comfortable. LHP Danny Jackson came on to pitch four innings of scoreless relief, but the damage had been done. The Phillies got 3 runs off RHP Freddy Garcia in the sixth and seventh innings. Garcia departed and the pen (Neal Cotts, Bobby Jenks, Dustin Hermanson) took over, allowing 0 runs, 0 hits, and 0 walks over the final 2.2 innings, while striking out 5. At Philadelphia Veterans’ Stadium GAME THREE: Phillies 4, White Sox 3 — Two early Paul Konerko homers had the White Sox up 3-0 and salivating over a sweep. Then, in the sixth inning, Philly CF Lenny Dykstra woke up his side with a solo rocket to deep right field. Dykstra’s solo blast stirred the Phils' sleepy bats. Dave Hollins and C Darren Daulton tied the game with back-to-back RBI hits off Chicago reliever Neal Cotts in the bottom of the eighth. Then in the bottom of the ninth, Hollins came through again with a 2-out, walk-off RBI single off Cliff Politte to keep the 1993 Phillies alive. GAME FOUR: White Sox 3, Phillies 0 — Again, LHP Mark Buehrle fell just short of a complete-game shutout. But the 2005 White Sox will take the win. Buehrle lasted 8.1 innings this time, giving up 5 hits while walking 3, striking out 3. Again, he benefitted from 3 defensive double plays. Tadahito Iguchi, Jermaine Dye, and Paul Konerko all delivered RBI hits for the Sox. ... The 2005 WHITE SOX win the series, 3 games to 1, outscoring the Phillies 14-7. MVP-1: White Sox LHP Mark Buehrle: 2-0, 17 IP, 0 R, 10 H, 5 W, 8 K MVP-2: White Sox 1B Paul Konerko: 4-for-14, 2 HR, 1 double, 5 RBI, 3 runs scored. 1993 PHILLIES TEAM STATS: Batting (.184, 23-of-125); Extra-Base Hits: 5 (1 triple, 3 doubles, 1 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-0; Double Plays-Errors: 1-3; Walks-Strikeouts: 12-25 (-13). 2005 WHITE SOX TEAM STATS:** Batting (.238, (29-of-122); Extra-Base Hits: 9 (1 triple, 4 doubles, 4 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-4; Double Plays-Errors: 6-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 9-23 (-14). Attached Images

04-07-2026, 08:15 PM	#4
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	Bracket B Wild Card Series BRACKET B WILD CARD RESULTS No. 12 2008 Phillies vs. No. 5 2004 RED SOX At Boston Fenway Park GAME ONE: Phillies 7, Red Sox 1 — Red Sox RHP Pedro Martinez never got into a rhythm. His fielders appeared stiff and slow behind him. And the underdog Phillies were happy to take advantage. Philly RF Geoff Jenkins hit a grand slam in the top of the fourth inning to give the visitors a 5-0 lead, and the rest was academic. Jenkins was one of five Phillies to have at least 2 hits. Philadelphia LHP Cole Hamels went seven strong, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits while striking out 8. GAME TWO: Red Sox 2, Phillies 0 — The nice thing about having two ace starters is that if one falters, the other can put the team back on track. Boston RHP Curt Schilling took that mission to the mound and delivered a complete-game, 3-hit shutout, with 2 walks and 10 strikeouts as the favored Red Sox evened the series. The Red Sox got both of their runs in the third inning on an RBI single by CF Johnny Damon, and an RBI groundout by 2B Mark Bellhorn. At Philadelphia Citizens Bank Park GAME THREE: Red Sox 6, Phillies 3 — Philadelphia RHP Brett Myers turned in a gutsy six-inning start and left with a 3-2 lead. In 2008, the Phillies could trust their bullpen to lock it down, but not against the 2004 Red Sox. The Red Sox rallied for 4 late runs against Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, and closer Brad Lidge to nab a 2 games to 1 series lead. Boston LF Manny Ramirez, 0-for-11 up to that point, led off the eighth inning with a solo blast off Durbin. In the ninth, with one out and BoSox runners at second and third, Philly called on Lidge. But Mark Bellhorn scooted a seeing-eye grounder past a diving 2B (Chase Utley) to score 2 runs. Next, Doug Mientkiewicz, a defensive replacement at 1B, hit another RBI single to make it 6-3. Mike Timlin earned the win with 3.1 innings of solid relief. GAME FOUR: Red Sox 5, Phillies 3 — Phillies reliever Chad Durbin walked to the mound in the top of the ninth inning looking for redemption. The 2008 Phils had just tied the game 3-3 on a Chase Utley solo homer in the bottom of the eighth. If Durbin did his job, he’d give them a chance to win it. Well, he failed. Three of the first four batters he faced reached, loading the bases. Red Sox 3B Bill Mueller then tapped a ground ball through the middle of the infield as 2 runs scored. Boston closer Keith Foulke pitched around a 1-out single in the bottom of the ninth to snuff the Phillies’ upset bid. ... Sox RHP Pedro Martinez returned to form: 7 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 1 W, 7 K, and left with a 3-2 lead. Foulke took over in the eighth and promptly gave up the game-tying homer to Utley. ... The 2004 RED SOX WIN the series, 3 games to 1, outscoring the 2008 Phillies, 14-13. MVP-1: Red Sox RHP Curt Schilling: 1-0, SO, 9 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 2 W, 10 K MVP-2: Red Sox 2B Mark Bellhorn: 4-for-13, 4 RBI, 3 runs scored 2008 PHILLIES TEAM STATS: Batting (.236, 33-of-140); Extra-Base Hits: 9 (1 triple, 5 doubles, 3 HRs); Stolen Bases-Caught: 4-0; Double Plays-Errors: 3-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 9-27 (-18). 2004 RED SOX TEAM STATS: Batting (.215, 28-of-130); Extra-Base Hits: 4 (2 doubles, 2 HRs); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-0; Double Plays-Errors: 0-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 13-35 (-22). No. 11 2015 Royals vs. No. 6 1948 INDIANS At Cleveland Municipal Stadium GAME ONE: Indians 9, Royals 1 — The 1948 Indians don’t look very intimidating in the numbers. But the 2015 Royals discovered how brutally effective they are. Cleveland used 8 walks to make the most out of just 6 hits as they romped to an easy win. Indians starter Bob Lemon went the distance, allowing just 1 run (an Eric Hosmer solo homer) on 5 hits, with 4 walks and 9 strikeouts. Cleveland DH Walt Judnich had a solo homer, an RBI single, drew 2 walks, and scored 3 runs. GAME TWO: Indians 9, Royals 6 — The Royals got some offense going this time, but only after first falling behind 7-0. The Indians got homers from CF Larry Doby, 3B Ken Keltner, and 1B Eddie Robinson, plus a triple and 2 more RBI from Walt Judnich. Kansas City put some runs on the board late, with back-to-back homers by C Salvador Perez and LF Alex Gordon in the fifth inning. KC starter Johnny Cueto lasted just two innings. Bob Feller got the win for Cleveland. At Kansas City Kaufman Stadium GAME THREE:** Indians 8, Royals 0 — The 2015 Royals figured it couldn’t get any worse, at least not while playing at home. Welp, it got worse. This time it was the “WTF!” experience of facing an old-time left-handed knuckleballer who also commanded four other pitches, including a sweeping curve. Against Gene Bearden, the Royals managed just 3 scratch singles and 3 walks, while striking out 3 times and bouncing into 3 double plays. Meanwhile, the Indians hitters marveled at the hitter-friendly dimensions of Kaufman Stadium compared to cavernous Cleveland Stadium. Ken Keltner and SS/manager Lou Boudreau each went deep, with the latter adding 2 more doubles and 4 RBI. ... The 1948 INDIANS WIN the series, 3 games to 0, outscoring the 2015 Royals, 26-7. MVP-1: Indians SS Lou Boudreau: 6-for-14, HR, 3 doubles, 4 RBI, 3 runs scored MVP-2: Indians LHP Gene Bearden: 1-0, SO, 9 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 3 W, 3 K 2015 ROYALS TEAM STATS: Batting (.206, 20-of-97); Extra-Base Hits: 4 (1 double, 3 HRs); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-1; Double Plays-Errors: 4-4; Walks-Strikeouts: 10-18 (-8). 1948 INDIANS TEAM STATS: Batting (.311, 32-of-103); Extra-Base Hits: 14 (1 triple, 7 doubles, 6 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-0; Double Plays-Errors: 4-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 14-13 (+1). Attached Images

04-08-2026, 04:04 PM	#5
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	Bracket B Wild Cards, continued No. 10 1991 Twins vs. No. 7 1941 YANKEES At New York Yankee Stadium GAME ONE: Yankees 6, Twins 5 — Yankees SS Phil Rizzuto sparked a late rally with a bases-clearing triple in the bottom of the eighth inning. It came off Twins reliever Carl Willis, who had been called on to protect a 5-2 Twins lead. The Yanks had loaded the bases with three straight singles by LF Charlie Keller, C Bill Dickey, and 2B Joe Gordon. Willis got DH George Selkirk to pop out, but then Rizzuto followed with deep drive off the wall in left-centerfield. Next, Johnny Sturm singled up the middle to drive in Rizzuto for the go-ahead run. Yanks’ closer Johnny Murphy earned the save in the ninth. The game had gone back-and-forth. The Twins led 1-0 until a 2-run home run by RF Tommy Henrich put New York in front. Minnesota tied the game in the sixth, then took a 4-2 lead on CF Kirby Puckett’s 2-run homer to right in the seventh. Shane Mack homered in the top of the eighth to make it a 5-2 advantage. Twins RHP Jack Morris and Yankees RHP Spud Chandler each allowed 2 runs over six innings of work. GAME TWO: Yankees 7, Twins 1 — Tommy Henrich homered twice and C Bill Dickey hit a bases-clearing double as the Yanks moved to a 2 games to 0 lead. Marius Russo, a left-handed starter, allowed just 1 run (on a bases-loaded walk) over seven innings, while walking 5 and striking out 6. Twins starter Kevin Tapani allowed just 2 hits over the first five innings, but both were solo homers. Joe Gordon and CF Joe DiMaggio also went deep for the Yankees. In fact, Henrich and DiMaggio hit back-to-back homers in the eighth. At Minneapolis Metrodome GAME THREE: Yankees 9, Twins 1 — The 1941 Yankees never played an indoor game during their time. The frenzied chaos of a noisy dome filled with spinning “Homer Hankies” could have diminished a lesser team. Not the 1941 Yankees. Twins fans did get to enjoy an early 1-0 lead after a first-inning RBI double by 1B Kent Hrbek. Then the Bombers got down to business. Charlie Keller homered twice. Bill Dickey doubled, singled, and drove in 3 runs. And RHP Red Ruffing went the distance, allowing a single run on 6 hits while striking out 6. The only disappointment for the Yanks was CF Joe DiMaggio, who went 1-for-13 in the series with a homer and a walk. He’s probably saving himself for a tougher opponent — which the Yankees will get in the next round: the 1929 Philadelphia Athletics. ... The 1941 YANKEES win the series, 3 games to 0, outscoring the 1991 Twins, 22-7. MVP-1: Yankees RF Tommy Henrich: 5-for-12, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 6 runs scored, .500 OBP MVP-2: Yankees C Bill Dickey: 5-for-12, 2 doubles, 6 RBI, 2 runs scored 1991 TWINS TEAM STATS: Batting (.216, 21-of-97); Extra-Base Hits: 6 (4 doubles, 2 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 0-1; Double Plays-Errors: 1-4; Walks-Strikeouts: 10-13 (-3). 1941 YANKEES TEAM STATS: Batting (.302, 32-of-106); Extra-Base Hits: 15 (2 triples, 6 doubles, 7 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-2; Double Plays-Errors: 5-1; Walks-Strikeouts: 11-8 (+3). No. 9 1985 Cardinals vs. No. 8 2017 DODGERS At Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium GAME ONE:** Cardinals 4, Dodgers 0 — Clayton Kershaw started the game as the “left-handed superstar” of the series. Cardinals ace John Tudor started and finished it. Tudor pitched a sparkling complete-game shutout, allowing just 3 singles while walking 0 and striking out 10. Kershaw got off to a shaky start, yielding a 1-out single to CF Willie McGee, walking 2B Tom Herr, then working a full count on 1B Jack Clark, who then crushed a 424-foot, 3-run homer to left-center field. Tudor stayed calm and in control from that point on. GAME TWO: Cardinals 10, Dodgers 4 — Jack Clark homered again and drove in 4 more runs, and the Cards used their speed to force 3 Dodgers’ throwing errors. St. Louis got off to another hot start on DH Cesar Cedeno’s 2-run homer in the top of the second inning. The Dodgers eventually tied it, 4-4, on RF Yasiel Puig’s seventh-inning solo shot. Then the Cardinals pulled away. Clark blasted a 2-run homer off reliever Brandon Morrow in the eighth, then added a 2-run single in the top of the ninth. LHP Ricky Horton picked up the win in relief of Danny Cox, who lasted six innings. At St. Louis Busch Stadium GAME THREE: Dodgers 5, Cardinals 0 — Right hander Yu Darvish got the 2017 Dodgers back on track. Though Darvish ran out of steam after 8.2 innings, he allowed just 2 hits while striking out 7 and walking 2. L.A. took a 1-0 lead on 3B Justin Turner’s solo homer off Joaquin Andujar in the top of the fifth inning. A sacrifice fly by Chase Utley made it 2-0 in the seventh, right before DH Joc Peterson laced a 2-run double toward the right field corner. Peterson doubled again and scored on Turner’s RBI single in the top of the ninth to make it 5-0. GAME FOUR: Dodgers 5, Cardinals 4 — Dodgers SS Corey Seager was 0-for-14 in the series when he came to bat in the top of the ninth against Cards relief ace Ken Dayley. But he delivered the clutch hit, a solid ground ball up the middle that allowed RF Yasiel Puig to score the go-ahead run from second. That proved to be the difference after L.A. closer Kenley Jansen slammed the door in the bottom of the ninth. ... This was a rematch of left-handed aces Clayton Kershaw (L.A.) and John Tudor (STL), but an 82-minute rain delay in the third inning took the edge off. Both starters lasted five innings, and neither figured in the decision. St. Louis trailed 4-2 in the bottom of the sixth when 2B Tom Herr and 1B Jack Clark greeted reliever Ross Stripling with back-to-back solo homers to tie it up. Now the series, tied 2 games apiece, shifts back to Los Angeles for the decisive Game Five. At Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium GAME FIVE: Dodgers 2, Cardinals 1 — The game seemed destined for extra innings after Cardinals 3B Terry Pendleton’s 2-out RBI single tied it 1-1 in the top of the eighth. But with 2 out in the bottom of the ninth, Dodgers C Austin Barnes doubled off the wall in centerfield. Cards manager Whitey Herzog signaled for lefty Ricky Horton out of the bullpen, thinking he’d save closer Ken Dayley for extra innings. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts countered with right-handed pinch hitter Kike Hernandez, who lined a single up the middle. Barnes is not the fastest runner, and Cards’ CF Willie McGee got to the ball quickly. Still, Barnes barely beat the throw home as his teammates streamed out of the dugout to celebrate the sudden victory. ... The Cardinals got caught stealing 5 times in just this game alone. The 2017 Dodgers came back from a 0 to 2 games deficit to take the series and advance. And the 1985 Cardinals? They’ve felt this pain before. ... The 2017 DODGERS WIN the series, 3 games to 2, but were outscored by the 1985 Cardinals, 16-19. MVP-1: Dodgers 3B Justin Turner: 9-for-20, HR, 4 RBI, 3 runs scored MVP-2: Cardinals LHP John Tudor: 1-0, SO, 14 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 8 H, 1 W, 17 K 1985 CARDINALS TEAM STATS: Batting (.201, 32-of-159); Extra-Base Hits: 8 (3 doubles, 5 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-5; Double Plays-Errors: 4-1; Walks-Strikeouts: 13-29 (-16). 2017 DODGERS TEAM STATS: Batting (.244, 40-of-164); Extra-Base Hits: 12 (1 triple, 8 doubles, 3 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught; 3-2; Double Plays-Errors: 4-6; Walks-Strikeouts: 10-34 (-24). ** Attached Images Last edited by webrian; 04-08-2026 at 04:06 PM. Reason: need to add attachments

04-09-2026, 09:01 PM	#6
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	Bracket c wild-card results BRACKET C WILD CARD RESULTS No. 12 2013 Tigers vs. No. 5 1998 BRAVES At Atlanta Turner Field GAME ONE: Braves 7, Tigers 3 — Ace right-hander Greg Maddux got off to a shaky start but settled down just as the Braves’ bats were heating up. The 2013 Tigers took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning off an RBI double by 1B Prince Fielder followed by a sacrifice fly from C Victor Martinez. However, Tigers RHP Max Scherzer squandered the early gift by giving up 5 runs in the third inning, including doubles by 2B Keith Lockhart and C Javy Lopez, a 2-run single by 1B Andres Galarraga, then a 2-run homer by Andruw Jones — who added a solo homer later in the game. Maddux lasted seven innings, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits with 1 walk and 4 strikeouts. GAME TWO: Tigers 3, Braves 2 — Detroit CF Austin Jackson provided just enough offense, and RHP Anibal Sanchez delivered seven strong innings. The pitchers’ duel between Sanchez and Braves RHP John Smoltz stayed scoreless through four innings. In the top of the fifth, Jackson belted a long drive off the top of the centerfield wall for an RBI triple, then scored on RF Torii Hunter’s infield single to make it 2-0. Michael Tucker led off the bottom of the fifth with the Braves’ first hit of the game, a solo home run. The Tigers added a third run on LF Andy Dirks’ RBI single in the top of the sixth, but the Braves got within 3-2 on a Javy Lopez single in the eighth. Tigers manager Jim Leyland then brought in Joaquin Benoit for the 4-out save. He struck out 2 without allowing a baserunner. ... Sanchez earned the win with 7 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 4 W, 8 K. Smoltz took the loss after yielding 3 runs on 8 hits over six innings. At Detroit Comerica Park GAME THREE: Braves 6, Tigers 2 — Javy Lopez’ 3-run home run off reliever Doug Fister in the top of the eighth inning snapped a 2-2 tie. It propelled the Braves to a 2 games to 1 series lead and nailed down a solid performance by starter Tom Glavine. The Braves’ lefty allowed just 2 runs on 9 hits over eight innings, with 1 walk and 2 strikeouts. Rudy Seanez got the save. Tigers platoon LF Matt Tuiasosopo hit a 2-run homer in the bottom of the fifth to snap a scoreless tie, but the Braves scored 6 unanswered after that. GAME FOUR: Tigers 4, Braves 3 — Victor Martinez slashed a bases-loaded single past the drawn-in fielders in the bottom of the ninth to lift the 2013 Tigers. The 1998 Braves had erased a 3-0 deficit with a single run in the seventh (LF Michael Tucker’s HR) and a pair of RBI singles in the eighth to mar a solid start by Detroit’s Max Scherzer (6 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 3 W, 7 K). Tigers CF Austin Jackson went 4-for-5 with a triple and 2 runs scored, including the game winner. ... Braves ace Greg Maddux allowed 3 runs on 9 hits in 6.1 IP. At Atlanta Turner Field GAME FIVE: Braves 3, Tigers 0 — The 1998 Braves are moving on to the main tournament. Right-hander John Smoltz pitched a complete-game shutout, scattering 5 singles and 2 walks while striking out 6. The Braves took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth on a balk by Tigers starter Anibal Sanchez (6.1 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 5 W, 8 K) and then added one tally each in the seventh and eighth innings. Braves DH Greg Colbrunn drew 3 walks and scored twice. ... The 1998 BRAVES WIN the series, 3 games to 2, outscoring the 2013 Tigers, 21-12. MVP-1: Braves RF Michael Tucker: 6-for-18, 2 HR, 1 double, 4 RBI, 2 runs scored. MVP-2: Braves RHP John Smoltz: 1-1, SO, 15 IP, 3 R, 3 ER, 13 H, 3 W, 8 K 2013 TIGERS TEAM STATS: Batting (.244, 41-of-168); Extra-Base Hits: 8 (2 triples, 4 doubles, 2 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 4-2; Double Plays-Errors: 3-4; Walks-Strikeouts: 14-24 (-10). 1998 BRAVES TEAM STATS: Batting (.247, 40-of-162); Extra-Base Hits: 15 (2 triples, 7 doubles, 6 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 5-3; Double Plays-Errors: 5-5; Walks-Strikeouts: 21-43 (-22). No. 11 2002 Giants vs. No. 6 2011 RANGERS At Texas Globe Life Park GAME ONE: Giants 5, Rangers 1 — Jason Schmidt pitched a complete-game 2-hitter as the upset-minded Giants stole an easy road win. The right-handed ace also benefited from homers by Reggie Sanders (a 2-run jack in the fourth inning) and Barry Bonds (solo shot in the eighth). Schmidt’s final line: 9 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 5 W, 3 K. GAME TWO: Rangers 5, Giants 1 — Nelson Cruz went 2-for-4 with a 2-run homer and an RBI single as the 2011 Rangers evened up this series. Texas got a solid start from LHP Matt Harrison (6 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 5 W, 6 K) and flawless work from three relievers. Barry Bonds hit his second homer of the series to give the Giants a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning, but Cruz’s 2-run shot in the bottom of the inning turned the tables. At San Francisco Oracle Park GAME THREE: Rangers 5, Giants 3 — Barry Bonds homered for a third straight game. Yet for a third straight game, Bonds’ homer made no real difference. The 2011 Rangers got longballs from Josh Hamilton, Mike Napoli and Craig Gentry, plus eight strong innings of work from RHP Alexi Ogando, to take a 2 games to 1 series lead. Bonds’ homer came off Texas closer Neftali Feliz leading off the bottom of the ninth. Feliz retired 3 of the next 4 batters to earn the save. GAME FOUR: Giants 3, Rangers 2 — Jason Schmidt turned in his second strong start to help send the series to a decisive Game Five. Schmidt allowed just 2 runs over 7 innings before turning the eighth and ninth innings over to Tim Worrell and closer Rob Nenn. The Giants got a pair of unearned runs off two Rangers fielding errors in the second inning. Then RF Reggie Sanders homered off Texas starter C.J. Wilson for a 3-1 lead in the sixth. Josh Hamilton led off the top of the seventh with a solo homer to cut San Francisco’s lead to 3-2. At Texas Globe Life Park GAME FIVE: Rangers 14, Giants 3 — Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre went 4-for-5 with a home run, 2 doubles, 4 RBI, and 4 runs scored as Texas won the deciding game decisively. Texas led 6-0 before the Giants got on the board with a David Bell 2-run homer. After that, the Rangers kept pouring it on, amassing a total of 18 hits against five different Giants pitchers. LHP Matt Harrison picked up his second win of the series. ... The Giants’ 2B Jeff Kent finished the series 0-for-17 from the plate. ... The 2011 RANGERS WIN the series, 3 games to 2, outscoring the 2012 Giants 27-15. MVP-1: Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre: 8-for-20, HR, 2 doubles, 6 RBI, 5 runs scored MVP-2: Giants RHP Jason Schmidt: 2-0, 16 IP, 3 R, 3 ER, 9 H, 7 W, 6 K 2002 GIANTS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.192, 30-of-156); Extra-Base Hits; 10 (4 doubles, 6 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-2; Double Plays-Errors: 3-9; Walks-Strikeouts: 18-24 (-6). 2011 RANGERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.253, 44-of-174); Extra-Base Hits: 18 (1 triple, 10 doubles, 7 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 4-2; Double Plays-Errors: 6-7; Walks-Strikeouts: 15-14 (+1). Attached Images

04-09-2026, 09:09 PM	#7
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	Bracket C Wild Card results, continued No. 10 2001 Diamondbacks vs. No. 7 1967 CARDINALS At St. Louis Busch Stadium GAME ONE: Diamondbacks 3, Cardinals 2 — The 1967 Cardinals grabbed an early 2-0 advantage but right-handed ace Bob Gibson just couldn’t hold it. The D-Backs tied the game in the top of the sixth on an RBI single by 1B Mark Grace and an RBI double from CF Steve Finley. Gibson departed with one out in the eighth after giving up a walk to Finley, who moved to second on a fielder’s choice. Cardinals stopper Joe Hoerner then allowed Finley to score on C Damian Miller’s 2-out single up the middle. Arizona LHP Randy Johnson earned the ‘W’ going: 8 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 W, 7 K. Johnson pitched out of a tense 1-out, bases-loaded situation in the bottom of the eighth. Byung-Hyun Kim pitched around a 1-out single in the ninth to earn the save. ... Gibson’s line: 7.1 IP, 3 ER, 9 H, 3 W, 5 K. GAME TWO: Cardinals 7, Diamondbacks 1 — Cardinals LHP Steve Carlton struggled early but pulled it together just as Arizona RHP Curt Schilling ran into a disastrous third inning. Carlton gave up 1 run on 3 singles and 2 walks over the first two innings. But then the Cards erupted for 5 runs on 5 extra-base hits in the third, including 2 triples (by Bobby Tolan and Lou Brock), 2 doubles (Julian Javier, Curt Flood) and a 2-run moonshot homer by 1B Orlando Cepeda. Schilling pitched effectively besides that third inning, until C Tim McCarver blasted another 2-run homer in the bottom of the seventh. Carlton’s final line: 7.1 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 3 W, 6 K. At Arizona Bank One Ballpark/Chase Field GAME THREE: Cardinals 6, Diamondbacks 4 — Anyone who remembers the 2001 Diamondbacks knows they had a deep lineup, two outstanding co-aces at the top of their rotation, and one dominant closer. The rest of the pitching staff is the creamy cupcake filling opponents can’t wait to eat. In a short series, no team can afford to lose a game not started by Randy Johnson or Curt Schilling. The 1967 Cardinals got this pivotal win, but it didn’t come easily. The Redbirds got on the board on 1B Orlando Cepeda’s 2-run homer off starter Miguel Batisa in the first inning. However, St. Louis starter Dick Hughes got rocked for 4 runs in the bottom of the first inning, despite nearly escaping the jam on a fly-out/throw-out double play. With 2 outs, 3B Matt Williams pulled a 2-run single past the diving SS Dal Maxvill. After a Mark Grace single, CF Steve Finley launched a 2-run triple off the top of the CF wall. That gave the Snakes a 4-2 lead in front of their home fans. ... The 67 Cards had to come from behind — but Arizona’s “other” pitchers made it possible. St. Louis tied it with 2 runs in the top of the third, then took a 5-4 lead on Curt Flood’s RBI double in the fourth. 3B Mike Shannon added a solo homer in the seventh to extend the lead to 6-4. Both Shannon and Flood finished with 4 hits apiece. The Cardinals piled up 18 hits but also left 13 runners stranded. Despite early struggles, Hughes lasted five innings to earn the win. Relievers Nelson Briles and Joe Hoerner gave up just 2 singles the rest of the way. ... The Cardinals are up 2 games to 1 but must beat either Johnson or Schilling in the next two games to advance. GAME FOUR: Diamondbacks 6, Cardinals 5 (10 innings) — Cardinals 2B Julian Javier jolted the Diamondbacks with a surprising, 3-run homer with 2 out in the top of the eighth inning off LHP Randy Johnson. However, because RF Reggie Sanders had hit a 3-run homer in the bottom of the seventh off Bob Gibson, Javier’s blast only tied the game 5-5. With the far deeper bullpen, the Cardinals appeared to have the advantage going into extra innings — but no. Arizona ace reliever Byung-Hyun Kim, pitching for the third time in four games, retired 5 of the 6 St. Louis batters he faced. In the bottom of the tenth, D-backs C Damian Miller hit the walk-off RBI single off reliever Ron Willis to end it, forcing a fifth game in St. Louis. Can the Cardinals beat Curt Schilling a second time? ... Neither starter got a decision in this one, but Johnson pitched reasonably well: 7.2 IP, 5 ER, 9 H, 2 W, 10 K. At St. Louis Busch Stadium GAME FIVE: Diamondbacks 4, Cardinals 2 — For Cardinals fans, this game was a monument to frustration. For the 2001 Diamondbacks? Pure elation. The 1967 Redbirds got the jump on D-backs RHP Curt Schilling with a 2-run first inning that included an RBI triple by RF Roger Maris. But the D-Backs quickly tied it off LHP Steve Carlton in the top of the second on a bases-loaded walk by CF Steve Finley followed by an RBI single from C Damian Miller. In the fourth, a pair of Cardinals errors put runners at second and third. Miller came through again with a 2-run double to center, putting the Snakes on top 4-2. Schilling stayed strong after the first inning, though he did give up 4 singles to CF Curt Flood over his 8 innings of work (8 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, 1 W, 4 K). Carlton left after 5 innings (5 IP, 4 R, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 W, 6 K) and relievers Jack Lamabe and Ray Washburn (combined: 4 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 1 W, 3 K) kept the game close. St. Louis got at least one hit every inning after the third but couldn’t score. In the bottom of the ninth, against tiring D-backs closer Byung-Hyun Kim, the Cardinals loaded the bases on a Tim McCarver single, followed by 2-out walks to Bobby Tolan and pinch-hitter Dave Ricketts. Lou Brock worked a 3-balls, 1-strike count, but then bounced an easy ground ball to second for the final out. ... The 2001 DIAMONDBACKS WIN the series, 3 games to 2, despite being outscored by the 1967 Cardinals, 18-22. MVP-1: Diamondbacks LF Luis Gonzalez: 9-for-23, 1 triple, 3 doubles, 3 runs scored MVP-2: Diamondbacks C Damian Miller: 8-for-21, 1 double, 6 RBI, 1 run scored 2001 DIAMONDBACKS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.274, 49-of-179); Extra-Base Hits: 10 (2 triples, 6 doubles, 2 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-1; Double Plays-Errors: 3-3; Walks-Strikeouts: 19-28 (-9). 1967 CARDINALS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.288, 53-of-184); Extra-Base Hits: 18 (3 triples, 10 doubles, 5 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 1-1; Double Plays-Errors: 4-3; Walks-Strikeouts: 13-32 (-19). No. 9 1965 Dodgers vs. No. 8 1971 PIRATES At Pittsburgh Three-Rivers Stadium GAME ONE: Pirates 6, Dodgers 2 — Pittsburgh RF Roberto Clemente delivered a 2-out, bases-clearing double in the bottom of the seventh inning to snap a 2-2 tie. The hit came off Dodgers’ ace Sandy Koufax, who surrendered all 6 runs, but only 2 were earned. Pirates 1B Bob Robertson added an RBI double and a solo homer in support of RHP Dock Ellis, who went eight strong: 8 IP, 2 ER, 9 H, 1 W, 5 K. ... 3B Jim Gilliam went 3-for-4 for the Dodgers with 2 doubles and 2 RBI, but he also committed two of his team’s 3 fielding errors. Koufax’ line: 7 IP, 6 R, 2 ER, 8 H, 2 W, 8 K. GAME TWO: Pirates 8, Dodgers 4 — The 1965 Dodgers had a 4-0 lead and Don Drysdale on the mound. Still, they collapsed late under constant pressure from the Pirates’ hitters. Early home runs by CF Willie Davis and 3B Jim Gilliam helped L.A. grab an early 4-run lead. It was still 4-1 when Drysdale took the mound for the bottom of the seventh. He got two quick outs, but then Roberto Clemente doubled, and 1B Willie Stargell singled to drive him in, making it 4-2. Drysdale departed for right-handed reliever Bob Miller, who threw gasoline on the fire. He allowed, in the following order: a single, a 2-run double, an intentional walk, a hit batter, an RBI single, and a bases-loaded walk. By the time Miller was yanked, the Dodgers’ 4-1 lead had turned into a 6-4 deficit. Sanguillen added a 2-run homer in the eighth to make it an 8-4 final. At Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium GAME THREE: Dodgers 6, Pirates 3 — Johnny Roseboro hit a soft looper over first base for a 2-out, 2-run, tie-breaking single in the bottom of the eighth. The bases were loaded. Pirates reliever Dave Giusti was struggling. And the Pirates had just tied it up 3-3 in the seventh. Roseboro’s clutch hit prevented the sweep and possibly breathed new life into the Dodgers, who’ll have LHP Sandy Koufax going in Game Four. ... The Dodgers grabbed a 3-0 lead off Pirates starter Bob Moose in the bottom of the first, thanks mostly to 2B Jim Lefebvre’s 2-run double down the left-field line. Claude Osteen, a lefty, pitched well but started to tire in the seventh when he gave up 3 RBI singles. Ron Perranoski earned the save for L.A. GAME FOUR: Dodgers 3, Pirates 1 — Sandy Koufax pitched more like himself this time. The ace lefty pitched a complete game, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits, with 8 strikeouts and no walks. The run Koufax allowed came in the top of the sixth when Pirates 2B Dave Cash led off with a triple deep into the right field corner. He then scored on CF Gene Clines’ sacrifice fly, tying the game 1-1. The Dodgers retook the lead in the bottom of the sixth when Jim Lefebvre doubled, then scored on 1B Wes Parker’s triple to right-centerfield. L.A. leftfielder Lou Johnson made it 3-1 with a solo homer in the eighth. The series shifts back to Pittsburgh for the decider. At Pittsburgh Three-Rivers Stadium GAME FIVE: Pirates 6, Dodgers 2 — Any confidence the 1965 Dodgers felt after two straight wins was quickly dashed in Pittsburgh’s 4-run second inning. The 1971 Pirates drove RHP Don Drysdale from the game with 5 straight hits, including doubles by Bob Robertson, Gene Clines, and Dave Cash. From there, the Pirates stayed in control behind RHP Steve Blass, who pitched a complete game allowing just 2 runs on 9 hits (all singles) while walking 1, striking out 3. ... Having vanquished the 1965 Dodgers, the 1971 Pirates will begin tournament play with a near-rematch of their World Series, against the No. 2 seed 1970 Orioles. ... The 1971 PIRATES WIN the series, 3 games to 2, outscoring the 1965 Dodgers, 24-17. MVP-1: Pirates 2B Dave Cash: 11-for-22, 1 triple, 3 doubles, 4 RBI, 4 runs scored MVP-2: Pirates C Manny Sanguillen: 8-for-20, HR, 3 doubles, 6 RBI, 3 runs scored 1965 DODGERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.285, 47-of-165); Extra-Base Hits: 9 (1 triple, 5 doubles, 3 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-4; Double Plays-Errors: 4-7; Walks-Strikeouts: 12-21 (-9). 1971 PIRATES TEAM STATS: Batting: (.257, 43-of-167); Extra-Base Hits: 18 (2 triples, 13 doubles, 3 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 1-2; Double Plays-Errors: 5-4; Walks-Strikeouts: 16-33 (-17). Attached Images

04-10-2026, 03:51 PM	#8
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	Bracket D Wild Cards BRACKET D WILD CARD RESULTS No. 12 2012 Giants vs. No. 5 2002 ANGELS At Anaheim Edison International Field GAME ONE: Giants 6, Angels 1 — Matt Cain threw a complete game, allowing 1 run while scattering 7 hits over nine innings. He walked 1, struck out 5. The 2012 Giants struck early with 2 runs in the third inning and 3 more in the fourth. Angel Pagan, the Giants’ CF and leadoff batter, went 3-for-4 and fell just short of hitting for the cycle. Pagan had a triple, a double, and a home run — a 3-run shot in the fourth inning. He scored 3 runs and drove in 4. GAME TWO: Giants 4, Angels 1 — So far, the 2002 Angels just can’t get their formidable hitters on track. The Giants’ pitching probably has a lot to do with that. Giants LHP Madison Bumgarner allowed just 1 run on 4 hits over 7 innings. An RBI single by 1B Scott Spiezio gave the Angels a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning. But in the top of the sixth, Giants RF Hunter Pence launched a 2-run homer off RHP Kevin Appier to put the Giants on top for good. At San Francisco Oracle Park GAME THREE: Angels 10, Giants 3 — Brad Fullmer went 5-for-5 with 3 doubles, a 3-run homer, and 5 RBI as the Angels routed the Giants. Tim Salmon had a 2-run homer in the top of the first to start the scoring, and 2B Adam Kennedy added 2 more hits and 3 more RBI in the Angels’ 16-hit attack. RHP John Lackey pitched a complete game, allowing just 3 runs on 6 hits. He took a 10-1 lead to the bottom of the ninth. GAME FOUR: Angels 4, Giants 0 — Anaheim LHP Jarrod Washburn tossed a complete-game, 5-hit shutout to pull the Angels even at 2 games to 2. The Angels took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first after leadoff hitters David Eckstein and Darin Erstad each reached bsae and later scored on RBI groundouts. Angels LF Garrett Anderson added a solo home run in the seventh inning. Washburn didn’t allow any walks while striking out 6. ... The series now heads back to Anaheim for the deciding game. The rally monkey and boom sticks will be out in full force. At Anaheim Edison International Field GAME FIVE: Giants 10, Angels 6 — Neither team’s starting pitcher made it past the second inning. The Giants ambushed Anaheim starter Kevin Appier for 4 early runs, but then the Angels returned the favor in the second against LHP Madison Bumgarner. For a brief period of time, it felt like anything could happen and that it was anyone’s game. But the 2012 Giants quickly regained control and held on to advance. ... Giants DH Joaquin Arias went 3-for-4 with 4 RBI, including a 2-run homer off reliever Ramon Ortiz in the top of the third to put San Francisco back on top, 6-4. Giants RF Hunter Pence went 3-for-5 with a 2-run homer and 4 runs scored. Reliever Jose Mijares earned the win with 4.2 innings of strong relief, allowing just 1 hit and 1 walk in that time. ... Garrett Anderson went 2-for-4 with a homer and 2 RBI for the Angels. ... The 2012 GIANTS WIN the series, 3 games to 2, outscoring the 2002 Angels, 23 to 19. MVP-1: Giants CF Angel Pagan: 7-for-20, 1 HR, 1 triple, 1 double, 5 RBI, 4 runs scored MVP-2: Giants DH Joaquin Arias: 7-for-18, 1 HR, 2 doubles, 5 RBI, 4 runs scored 2012 GIANTS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.263, 45-of-171); Extra-Base Hits: 16 (2 triples, 9 doubles, 5 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 1-4; Double Plays-Errors: 6-5; Walks-Strikeouts: 13-19 (-6). 2002 ANGELS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.256, 44-of-172); Extra-Base Hits: 11 (7 doubles, 4 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-2; Double Plays-Errors: 2-4; Walks-Strikeouts: 12-25 (-13). No. 11 1980 Phillies vs. No. 6 2017 INDIANS At Cleveland Progressive Field GAME ONE: Phillies 2, Indians 1 — The 1980 Phillies are the fourth team from that organization to storm the gates looking for a way into the main tournament. They might have the best chance of advancing. In Game One, Phillies legendary lefty Steve Carlton countered Indians RHP Corey Kluber in a strange pitcher’s duel. Both aces seemed to be pitching to contact — especially Kluber, who had just 1 walk and 1 strikeout over 8 innings. He struck out the very last batter he faced. Carlton gave up just 1 hit over 8 innings, but walked 6 and struck out 5. Four of his strikeouts came after the sixth inning. ... The Indians took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth when Carlton walked pinch-hitter Roberto Perez with the bases loaded. The Phillies took the lead in the top of the eighth. With 2 out, RF Bake McBride hit a 2-run homer off Kluber to make it 2-1. Kluber then struck out Greg Luzinski (the easiest Philly to strike out) before yielding to reliever Joe Smith for the ninth. Tug McGraw pitched the ninth to earn the save for Philadelphia. GAME TWO: Indians 4, Phillies 3 (12 innings) — Carlos Santana singled home Edwin Encarnacion in the bottom of the twelfth inning to lift Cleveland and even up the series. The 2017 Indians fell behind 3-1 after two innings. Phillies LF Lonnie Smith hit RHP Carlos Carrasco’s first pitch for a solo homer in the first. In the second, a 2-run single by 1B Pete Rose made it a 3-1 score. The Indians got single runs off sacrifice flies in the fourth and seventh innings to tie it up. Carrasco shrugged off his rough start to go eight strong: 8 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 2 W, 10 K. Indians closer Cody Allen earned the save with 1.2 innings of relief. At Philadelphia Veterans’ Stadium GAME THREE: Phillies 3, Indians 0 — Philadelphia RHP Larry Christenson twirled seven masterful innings and reliever Ron Reed finished up. Christenson allowed just 3 hits while walking 1, striking out 6, and Reed didn’t allow a baserunner over the final two innings. The 1980 Phillies got a solo homer from 2B Manny Trillo and a 2-run single by 1B Pete Rose for their 3 runs. The Phillies have a 2 games to 1 lead and will have LHP Steve Carlton on the mound for Game Four. GAME FOUR: Phillies 8, Indians 1 — Mike Schmidt hit a 2-run homer in the first inning, then a 2-run double in the third as the 1980 Phillies built a sizable early lead and cruised. Ace lefty Steve Carlton went the distance, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits with 1 walk and 10 strikeouts. Carlton allowed only 2 hits over the first eight innings, but started to tire in the ninth. The Indians scratched their only run across in the top of the ninth inning on a groundout. ... The 1980 PHILLIES WIN the series, 3 games to 1, outscoring the 2017 Indians, 16-6. MVP-1: Phillies 1B Pete Rose: 8-for-15, 1 double, 5 RBI, 2 runs scored, .562 OBP MVP-2: Phillies LHP Steve Carlton: 2-0, 17 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 H, 7 W, 15 K 1980 PHILLIES TEAM STATS: Batting: (.246, 34-of-138); Extra-Base Hits: 9 (5 doubles, 4 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 1-1; Double Plays-Errors: 3-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 8-26 (-18). 2017 INDIANS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.169, 22-of-130); Extra-Base Hits: 4 (4 doubles); Stolen Bases-Caught: 5-2; Double Plays-Errors: 6-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 15-29 (-14). Attached Images

04-10-2026, 08:41 PM	#9
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	Bracket D Wild Card Results, continued No. 10 2023 Rangers vs. No. 7 2024 DODGERS At Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium GAME ONE: Dodgers 6, Rangers 0 — Tyler Glasnow permitted only 3 hits and struck out 12 in a complete-game domination of the 2023 Rangers. The 2024 Dodgers roughed up Texas RHP Nathan Eovaldi for 3 early runs, then put a pair of runners on base in the bottom of the fourth. The Rangers turned to their bullpen, but RF Mookie Betts greeted Chris Stratton with a 3-run blast to centerfield to double the lead to 6-0. GAME TWO: Rangers 5, Dodgers 1 — Texas DH Robbie Grossman snapped a scoreless tie with a 2-run single in the top of the sixth inning. Grossman’s RBI hit also stopped a streak of 14 scoreless innings for the 2023 Rangers. Texas also got a strong start from LHP Jordan Montgomery, who took a shutout into the ninth inning. He finished allowing 1 run on 7 hits in 8.2 innings, with 2 walks, 6 strikeouts. Dodgers RHP Jack Flaherty struck out 7 in 7.1 innings of work, but allowed 3 runs on hits, including an Evan Carter solo homer. At Texas Globe Life Park GAME THREE: Rangers 3, Dodgers 2 — Max Scherzer allowed just 2 hits over 8 innings while striking out 11. But Rangers closer Will Smith almost blew it. Scherzer had left the mound to a standing ovation from Rangers fans after the eighth inning with his team up 3-1. In the ninth, Smith gave up a single to DH Shohei Ohtani, then an RBI double to deep centerfield by pinch-hitter Miguel Rojas. But that was all the damage the 2024 Dodgers could do, as the Rangers moved to a 2 games to 1 advantage. ... Texas seized the lead on SS Corey Seager’s 2-run homer in the bottom of the third. In the fifth, LF Evan Carter drew a bases-loaded walk from RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto to make it 3-0. The Dodgers got a solo homer from Ohtani (off Scherzer) in the top of the sixth to cut the lead to 3-1. GAME FOUR: Rangers 2, Dodgers 1 — A dropped foul ball made all the difference in what turned out to be the clincher for the 2023 Rangers. It was the bottom of the fifth inning with the score tied 1-1. Rangers CF Leody Taveras stood on second base with two outs. Josh Jung hit a fly ball to right field twisting into foul territory. Dodgers RF Mookie Betts tracked it but dropped the ball. Instead of the inning being over, Jung got another swing, and he lined a hard-hit single into center. Taveras raced around third and barely beat the throw home to give Texas a 2-1 lead. The Rangers bullpen made it stick. Jose LeClerc and closer Will Smith combined to allow 1 hit while striking out 4 over the final 3 innings. ... The 2024 Dodgers scored first on LF Teoscar Hernandez’ line-drive homer to right in the top of the fifth. The Rangers answered in the bottom of the fifth on RF Adolis Garcia’s 415-foot solo bomb to center, then took the lead on Jung’s RBI single. ... Dodgers RHP Tyler Glasnow turned in a second strong start (7 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 H, 1 W, 3 K) but the unearned run cost him dearly. Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi 1 run on 5 hits over 6 innings to get the win. ... The 2023 RANGERS WIN the series, 3 games to 1, while the teams tied in cumulative score, 10-10. MVP-1: Rangers SS Corey Seager: 5-for-14, HR, 3 doubles, 3 RBI, 3 runs scored MVP-2: Dodgers RHP Tyler Glasnow: 1-1, SO, 16 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 8 H, 3 W, 15 K 2023 RANGERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.197, 24-of-122); Extra-Base Hits: 9 (6 doubles, 3 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-1; Double Plays-Errors: 4-1; Walks-Strikeouts: 13-30 (-17). 2024 DODGERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.220, 28-of-127); Extra-Base Hits: 11 (7 doubles, 4 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 0-2; Double Plays-Errors: 2-1; Walks-Strikeouts: 6-28 (-22). No. 9 1982 Brewers vs. No. 8 2019 NATIONALS At Washington D.C. Nationals Park GAME ONE: Brewers 7, Nationals 4 — Max Scherzer is an excellent pitcher. But if there’s anything the beer-chugging, hard-swinging 1982 Brewers love to see, it’s a hard-throwing right-hander. Scherzer struck out 9 Brewers in 6.2 innings of work, but the Brew Crew also tagged him for three early homers, by C Ted Simmons, 1B Cecil Cooper, and LF Ben Ogilvie, building a 4-0 lead. The Brewers also drew 9 walks and 1 hit-batsman, 3 of them with the bases loaded, to stretch it out to a 7-1 lead. The Nationals got a homer by 3B Anthony Rendon and 3 cosmetic tallies in the ninth. ... Brewers RHP Don Sutton went 8.1 innings, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits with 3 walks, 7 strikeouts. GAME TWO: Brewers 7, Nationals 3 — Brewers RHP Pete Vuckovich, despite his 18-6 record in 1982, was not an excellent pitcher. But his grab-bag of slow, fluttering changeups and curves kept the Nats befuddled for seven innings as the Crew built a 7-0 lead. Milwaukee C Ted Simmons singled home 3B Paul Molitor and SS Robin Yount for a 2-0 lead in the first inning. He also doubled in a run in the fifth to make it 4-0 after a Cecil Cooper RBI single. Jim Gantner’s RBI triple in the sixth finally chased off RHP Stephen Strasburg. ... The Nationals got a 3-run homer by Juan Soto in the eighth. In the bottom of the ninth, the Nats loaded the bases with 1 out against CL Rollie Fingers, but he popped out Anthony Rendon and then struck out Soto to end the game. ... The Brewers take a 2 games to 0 lead home to Milwaukee. At Milwaukee County Stadium GAME THREE:** Brewers 7, Nationals 1 — The Nationals spent the off-day between games reminding themselves that they beat the 2019 Astros (a No. 1 seed in this tournament) in an actual World Series. They told themselves, “If we can just get our legs under us, we can boat-race this 1982 Brewers team.” But that was easier said than done. For the third straight game, the Brew Crew pounced on the Nats early and kept them off-balance the rest of the way. This time, they scored 3 runs in the bottom of the first off LHP Patrick Corbin. Ted Simmons hit a 2-out, RBI single, and then LF Ben Ogilvie lined a 2-run double down the third-base line. Brewers lefty Bob McClure took it from there. He went eight strong innings, allowing 1 run on 4 hits with 3 walks and 8 strikeouts. ... In the bottom of the eighth, the Brewers trailed 3-1 and reliever Wander Suero was trying to escape a bases-loaded threat. He got 2 outs, but then DH Don Money yanked a bases-clearing double into the left field corner to make it 6-1. That finished the Nats off. ... The 1982 BREWERS WIN the series, 3 games to 0, outscoring the 2019 Nationals, 21-8. MVP-1: Brewers C Ted Simmons: 5-for-12, HR, 2 doubles, 6 RBI, 3 runs scored MVP-2: Brewers LHP Bob McClure: 1-0, 8 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 3 W, 8 K 1982 BREWERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.276, 29-of-105); Extra-Base Hits: 9 (1 triple, 5 doubles, 3 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-2; Double Plays-Errors: 2-3; Walks-Strikeouts: 16-25 (-9). 2019 NATIONALS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.212, 21-of-99); Extra-Base Hits: 3 (1 double, 2 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-2; Double Plays-Errors: 1-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 10-20 (-10). ************************************************ ********** ********************************************** ************ Attached Images

04-11-2026, 11:18 PM	#10
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	Previewing bracket a quarterfinals BRACKET A (first-round bye) 1927 YANKEES (189) 2018 RED SOX (170) 2009 YANKEES (167) 1995 INDIANS (163) WILD-CARD ROUND REVIEW No. 12 2023 Phillies (131) vs. No. 5 1953 DODGERS (161) == No. 5 1953 DODGERS (3-1) No. 11 2011 Cardinals (134) vs. No. 6 1962 GIANTS (158) == No. 6 1962 GIANTS (3-0) No. 10 2003 Marlins (137) vs. No. 7 1989 ATHLETICS (157) == No. 10 2003 Marlins (3-2) No. 9 1993 Phillies (140) vs. No. 8 2005 WHITE SOX (155) == No. 8 2005 WHITE SOX (3-1) QUARTERFINAL MATCHUPS No. 10 2003 Marlins (140) vs. No. 1 1927 YANKEES (189) No. 5 1953 Dodgers (161) vs. No. 4 1995 INDIANS (163) No. 6 1962 Giants (158) vs. No. 3 2009 YANKEES (167) No. 8 2005 White Sox (155) vs. No. 2 2018 RED SOX (170) PREVIEWS: No. 10 2003 Marlins vs. No. 1 1927 YANKEES Notes: There is such a mystique built around the 1927 New York Yankees that most teams are psychologically beaten before the first pitch. Imagine being an opposing pitcher. There’s already two men on base, Babe Ruth is standing in the batter’s box, and Lou Gehrig is taking practice swings in the on-deck circle. It’s mentally exhausting, and we haven’t even discussed Bob Meusel, Tony Lazzeri, or leadoff batter Earle Combs, any of whom could have starred on their own championship squad. They called them Murderer’s Row. As a pitcher, you might get past this one or that one, but one of them is gonna get you. ... The 2003 Marlins, on the other hand, aren’t that intimidating — but that’s their secret strength. They invite opponents to underestimate them, then frustrate them over and over with their talent — especially their pitching. The 1989 Oakland Athletics found out in the Wild Card round. They took 2 games to 0 lead on these Marlins, then lost the next three games, 6-5, 2-1, and 1-0. The “Bash Brother” A’s didn’t hit a single home run off these Marlins. But holding the 1927 Yankees down is a whole other matter. 2003 Marlins Odds: Slim. I give them a 10- to 15-percent chance of beating these Yanks in a Best-of-Seven. There’s at least a 50 percent chance the Yankees will sweep the Marlins. ... Do the 1927 Yankees have a weakness? Yes! Their pitching can be a bit inconsistent. They pitch to contact and rely on their defense, which works most of the time. They don’t get many strikeouts, which makes the 1927 Yanks vulnerable when opposing runners are in scoring position. Offensively, the 1927 Yankees can struggle against good pitchers, especially left-handers. Both Ruth and Gehrig hit for more power against lefties, but they also swing and miss a lot more. Meusel and Lazzeri are the rare right-handed batters who hit worse against lefties. ... Finally, while the 1927 Yanks could lord their prodigious home run power over other teams of their era, more modern clubs can confidently go blow-for-blow with them. And the 2003 Marlins have plenty of power ... No. 5 1953 Dodgers vs. No. 4 1995 INDIANS Notes: This is difficult to handicap because these teams are as similar as any two teams from different eras can be. Both boast powerful, prodigious lineups, but are equally shaky where it comes to pitching. Here’s a safe prediction: there WILL BE home runs! ... What makes this series so interesting is that, while both lineups have plenty of power, neither lineup is totally dependent on the home run. The 1953 Dodgers can draw walks, steal bases, cut a team to shreds with a dozen singles. The 1995 Indians can hit gappers, steal bases, and grind out runs with sacrifices if they must. 1953 Dodgers Odds:** Fair! I’d give the 1953 Dodgers a 45- to 50-percent chance of “upsetting” the 1995 Indians in this series. It wouldn’t necessarily be considered an upset. These Dodgers are nearly as legendary as the 1927 Yankees: Duke Snider, Roy Campanella, Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Gil Hodges. They might be even more beloved. ... The 1995 Indians only played 144 games in that strike-shortened season, but they won 100 of them, and slugger Albert Belle still had 52 doubles and 50 homers! The 53 Dodgers scored more runs per game (6.2 to 5.8 for the 95 Indians) but the Indians allowed slightly fewer runs (4.2 to 4.4). ... If the series comes down to bullpens, the Indians have the decided edge, with Eric Plunk (6-2, 2.67 ERA), Julian Tavarez (10-2, 2.44) and closer Jose Mesa (3-0, 46 saves, 1.13 ERA, and a 418 ERA+) to close games out. No. 6 1962 GIANTS vs. No. 3 2009 YANKEES Notes: There’s been so many “great” Yankees teams over the years. Still, it’s a little baffling that so many people sleep on the 2009 world championship squad. ... The 2009 Yanks were more a wrecking crew than a baseball team, with a lineup that equals the 1927 and 1961 teams in terms of difficulty, if not lore. The 2009 Yankees had four switch-hitters in their everyday lineup — and three of them were power hitters. They had Derek Jeter batting .334 in the leadoff spot. They had Nick Swisher clubbing 29 homers in the No. 8 slot. Five Yankees had batting WARs over 4.2 in 2009. ... On the mound, they were solid but not spectacular, though they enjoyed one of legendary closer Mariano Rivera’s best seasons (44 saves, 1.76 ERA, 262 ERA+). ... The 1962 Giants match up well, hitter for hitter — they’ve got Willie Mays, Orlando Cepeda, Willie McCovey, and Felipe Alou — but fall short with their bullpen. Teams in the early 1960s just didn’t count on their bullpens like modern teams. 1962 Giants Odds: Not great. I’d give them a 25- to 30-percent chance at pulling off this upset. I can see three or four games being close or tied after six innings. Unfortunately, the 1962 Giants have a thin bullpen. They will have to rely on their starters going seven or eight innings each game, which will be difficult against this Yankees’ lineup. No. 8 2005 White Sox vs. No. 2 2018 RED SOX Notes: The favored 2018 Red Sox dominate opponents with their top-heavy lineup and deep pitching staff. But the 2005 White Sox love the grind. They went 11-1 in the 2005 postseason with a gritty, knife-fight-in-a-closet style of play. These White Sox relish the tension of close games. They’re always confident they have the pitching to outlast whoever they’re playing. In the wild card round, the 2005 White Sox were the only team to pitch two shutouts. Lefty ace Mark Buehrle pitched both, despite striking out only 8 total batters. ... The awesomely talented 2018 Red Sox had power at the top of their lineup, at the top of their rotation, and in the back of their bullpen. They liked to use speed and power to get up on teams early, then bury them with strong pitching. That won’t be so easy to do against the 2005 White Sox, who can strike with sudden power or grind their opponents down in the late innings. 2005 White Sox Odds: Fair. I’d give them about a 40 percent chance of winning this series. The difficulty for the Pale Hose here is that their greatest strength (pitching depth) is equaled by Boston’s. Red Sox ace Chris Sale is just as good, maybe better, than Buehrle, and No. 2 and No. 3 starters Rick Porcello and David Price match up favorably against Freddy Garcia and Jon Garland. The White Sox have the slightly deeper bullpen, but the Red Sox have the more dominant closer in Craig Kimbrel. This could be an excellent series either way, but I’d say the Red Sox take it in six or seven games. ****

04-12-2026, 07:33 PM	#11
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	Bracket a quarterfinals BRACKET A QUARTERFINALS No. 10 2003 Marlins vs. No. 1 1927 YANKEES At New York, Yankee Stadium GAME ONE: Marlins 4, Yankees 1 — Derrek Lee crushed a 3-run homer off Yankees reliever Bob Shawkey in the top of the eighth inning to snap a 1-1 tie. The 2003 Marlins stuck to left-handed pitching for eight of the nine innings. Starter Mark Redman went 6.2 innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits with 3 walks and 8 strikeouts. Lefty Dontrelle Willis relieved with 1.1 innings of hitless relief. Yankee legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig went a combined 0-for-6 with 5 strikeouts. GAME TWO: Yankees 10, Marlins 2 — Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig continued to struggle to catch up to Marlins’ pitching. They combined for 5 more strikeouts in 8 at-bats. But Ruth made solid contact with one pitch. In the bottom of the third, Ruth hit a high drive into the left-centerfield gap that caromed off the bottom of the wall. Ruth circled the bases for a 3-run inside-the-park home run, giving the 1927 Yanks a 4-1 advantage. Later, Bob Meusel smacked a low line drive over the wall in short right field for a grand slam, and the rout was on. ... Yankee starter George Pipgras got the win. His line: 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 3 W, 5 K. ... Wilcy Moore and Urban Shocker combined for 3.1 innings of 1-hit relief to close it out. At Miami Loan Depot Park GAME THREE: Yankees 5, Marlins 4 — Babe Ruth homered, tripled, and drove in 3 runs for the 1927 Yankees. The Babe’s heroics backed a solid effort by LHP Herb Pennock, who gave up 3 runs on 6 hits over 6 innings. The teams traded the lead twice. Ruth tripled in a run during the top of the first inning, then scored on Bob Meusel’s single as the Yanks took a 2-0 lead. The Fish tied the score on Jeff Conine’s 2-run single in the bottom of the third, then briefly took a 3-2 lead on 3B Mike Lowell’s solo homer in the fourth. Ruth struck again in the top of the fifth, belting a 2-run, 435-foot bomb over the wall in left-centerfield to make it a 4-3 Yankees lead. Tony Lazzeri doubled home Meusel in the top of the eighth to increase the lead to 5-3. A homer by Derrek Lee pulled the Fish within 5-4 in the bottom of the eighth, but reliever Urban Shocker allowed nothing more. He pitched the final three innings to earn the save. ... Marlins starter Carl Pavano lasted just 5 innings. He gave up 4 runs on 8 hits, with 2 walks and 8 strikeouts. ... Lou Gehrig continues to struggle. After three games, the “Iron Horse” is 0-for-11 with 9 strikeouts. GAME FOUR: Marlins 3, Yankees 2 — Alex Gonzalez waited until the last possible moment. With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the ninth, Gonzalez lined a single to left, scoring the winning run and pulling the 2003 Marlins even at two games apiece. ... Florida had led 2–1 since the third inning, but the 1927 Yanks would not go quietly. In the top of the ninth, Mark Redman struck out Babe Ruth to start the frame, then surrendered a bloop single to Lou Gehrig—snapping Gehrig’s 0-for-14 skid. Jim Leyland went to closer Ugueth Urbina, and Bob Meusel immediately drilled a double to deep center. Gehrig raced home from first with the tying run. Urbina intentionally walked Tony Lazzeri but escaped without further damage. ... The Marlins answered fast. Three of the first four hitters reached against Wilcy Moore, setting the stage for Gonzalez’s line drive to left. ... Murderer’s Row struck first when Earle Combs tagged Redman’s opening pitch for an opposite-field homer. Juan Pierre helped flip the game, singling and scoring in both the first and third innings to give Florida its 2–1 edge. ... Redman pitched brilliantly but was denied the win. His line: 8.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 4 W, 7 K. ... Hoyt also pitched exceptionally well: 7 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 0 W, 8 K. GAME FIVE: Yankees 11, Marlins 6 — The Marlins hoped the momentum of the previous day’s walk-off win would carry into Game Five. Instead, the 1927 Yankees ambushed starter Josh Beckett with 7 runs on 8 hits in just the first inning. A 3-run homer by No. 9 hitter Pat Collins was the big blow. It was no contest after that. The Yanks led 11-2 after eight innings, and the Marlins scored 4 late runs off tiring starter George Pipgras and seldom-used reliever Myles Thomas. ... Yankees 2B Tony Lazzeri went 5-for-6 with a homer and 2 runs scored. At New York Yankee Stadium GAME SIX: Yankees 9, Marlins 1 — A pair of 3-run homers set the tone as the 1927 Yankees cruised into the bracket semifinals. Bob Meusel hit a 3-run inside-the-park homer in the bottom of the first inning to start the scoring. Babe Ruth capped it with a 3-run jolt over the right-field wall in the bottom of the fifth. New York starter Herb Pennock carried that 9-0 lead into the ninth but lost the shutout on an RBI groundout. Pennock went the distance: 9 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 1 W, 3 K, to earn his second win of the series. ... Both Earle Combs and SS Mark Koenig went 3-for-4 at the top of the Yanks’ lineup with a combined 5 runs scored. ... The 1927 Yankees will next face the winner between the 1953 Dodgers and the 1995 Indians. ... The1927 YANKEES WIN the series, 4 games to 2, outscoring the 2003 Marlins, 38-20. MVP-1: Yankees CF Earle Combs: 14-for-26, HR, 1 triple, 3 doubles, 3 RBI, 10 runs scored, .571 OBP. MVP-2: Yankees OF/DH Bob Meusel: 10-for-26, 2 HR, 1 double, 12 RBI, 3 runs scored. MV-Pitcher: Yankees LHP Herb Pennock: 2-0, 15 IP, 4 R, 4 ER, 12 H, 2 W, 6 K. 2003 MARLINS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.244, 50-of-205); Extra-Base Hits: 10 (2 triples, 5 doubles, 3 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 8-0; Double Plays-Errors: 3-1; Walks-Strikeouts: 13-36 (-23). 1927 YANKEES TEAM STATS: Batting: (.294, 62-of-211); Extra-Base Hits: 20 (4 triples, 8 doubles, 8 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-0; Double Plays-Errors: 4-5; Walks-Strikeouts: 25-57 (-32). Attached Images

04-12-2026, 07:40 PM	#12
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	Bracket A Quarterfinals, continued BRACKET A QUARTERFINALS No. 5 1953 Dodgers vs. No. 4 1995 INDIANS At Cleveland Jacobs Field GAME ONE: Dodgers 12, Indians 3 — The 1953 Dodgers got off to a rousing start in their best-of-seven opener against the 1995 Indians. ... Every member of Brooklyn’s lineup collected a hit, including 2 apiece by 2B Jim Gilliam, LF Jackie Robinson, and 3B Billy Cox. It amounted to four doubles, 1 triple, and a 10-0 lead through five innings. Robinson added a 2-run homer in the eighth. ... Dodgers starter Carl Erskine pitched all nine innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts. GAME TWO: Dodgers 9, Indians 0 — Either the 1995 Indians are in trouble, or the rest of the Bracket is. Dodgers LHP Preacher Roe threw a 3-hit shutout against one of the best-hitting baseball teams of all time, and RF Carl Furillo spiked it with a ninth-inning grand slam. ... After falling flat in Game One, the Indians needed a strong performance in Game Two. Instead, they came out even more listless. RHP Orel Hershiser did his best to keep the game close. He allowed 4 runs on 8 hits over six innings but got no backing from Cleveland’s hitters. ... Furillo’s grand slam was his second round-tripper of the game. He hit a solo homer in the fourth inning to make it 1-0. At Brooklyn Ebbets Field GAME THREE: Indians 4, Dodgers 2 — Cleveland’s Omar Vizquel and Carlos Baerga hit back-to-back RBI singles in the top of the seventh inning to help the Indians notch their first win of the series. ... The 1995 Indians trailed the 1953 Dodgers 2-1 after six innings but took the lead for good with 3 tallies in the seventh. Manny Ramirez hit a leadoff double and came around to score on 3B Jim Thome’s single to centerfield that Duke Snider misplayed into an extra base. That tied the game 2-2 before Vizquel and Baerga’s clutch singles. ... Cleveland starter Chad Ogea picked up the win with 7.1 innings of work. He allowed 2 earned runs on 7 hits with no walks, 1 strikeout. The Indians’ strong bullpen — setup man Eric Plunk and closer Jose Mesa — preserved the victory. GAME FOUR: Dodgers 11, Indians 10 — In 1995, José Mesa was an absolute sure thing for the Indians. Armed with a 1.13 ERA and 46 saves, handing him the ball meant the game was over. But baseball can be cruel, and this time, Mesa couldn’t get that last out. ... Albert Belle drew first blood with a two-run homer in the first, but the Dodgers punched back. A four-run fourth inning, highlighted by Carl Furillo’s 2-run triple, and back-to-back solo shots from Jim Gilliam and Roy Campanella in the fifth, gave Brooklyn a commanding 7-3 lead. ... But Cleveland refused to die. They clawed their way back, trading blows until they erupted in the top of the ninth. After Dodgers reliever Jim Hughes surrendered three straight one-out singles to Kenny Lofton, Omar Vizquel, and Carlos Baerga, Billy Loes was brought in to snuff the rally. Instead, Belle greeted him with his second homer of the day—a thunderous 3-run blast to left field that completely flipped the script. Suddenly, Cleveland led 10-7. The series felt brand new. ... Enter Mesa, followed by catastrophe. Bobby Morgan singled. Pee Wee Reese walked. Jim Gilliam singled. Just like that, the bases were loaded with nobody out. Mesa found a momentary lifeline when he induced a double-play ball from Duke Snider. A run crossed the plate to make it 10-8, but with two outs, the Tribe could breathe again. One out left. ... Then came Jackie Robinson. In a grueling, 10-pitch showdown, Robinson fouled off 5 straight pitches before chopping a high-bouncer to second, beating the throw by a fraction of a step. Another run scored. 10-9. ... Clearly wanting no part of the dangerous Campanella, Mesa issued a four-pitch walk, putting the tying run in scoring position. That brought up Furillo. Attacking Mesa's first pitch, Furillo ripped a line drive deep into the left-field corner. Robinson tore around third to score the tying run as Belle struggled to corral the ball. Campanella, chugging all the way from first, rounded third and barreled across the plate before Belle could even manage a throw. Pandemonium ensued. GAME FIVE: Dodgers 10, Indians 2 — Roy Campanella hit a 3-run homer in the first inning, Duke Snider added a 3-run double in the fourth, and the 1953 Dodgers bulldozed the 1995 Indians to reach the Bracket A Semifinals. ... Brooklyn LHP Preacher Roe had a 9-0 lead before he gave up an unearned run in the fifth inning. His line: 8.2 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 7 H, 1 W, 4 K. ... The 53 Dodgers will face the top-seeded 1927 Yankees in the quarterfinal round. ... The1953 DODGERS WIN the series, 4 games to 1, outscoring the 1995 Indians, 44-19. MVP-1: Dodgers 2B Jim Gilliam: 9-for-20, HR, 4 doubles, 6 RBI, 5 runs scored, .500 OBP MVP-2: Dodgers RF Carl Furillo: 7-for-21, 2 HR, 1 triple, 1 double, 10 RBI, 4 runs scored MV-Pitcher: Dodgers LHP Preacher Roe: 2-0, SO, 17.2 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 10 H, 2 W, 9 K 1953 DODGERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.313, 58-of-183); Extra-Base Hits: 24 (2 triples, 14 doubles, 8 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-2; Double Plays-Errors: 6-7; Walks-Strikeouts: 15-27 (-12). 1995 INDIANS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.232, 39-of-168); Extra-Base Hits: 12 (8 doubles, 4 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-2; Double Plays-Errors: 1-5; Walks-Strikeouts: 9-23 (-14). Attached Images

04-13-2026, 07:17 PM	#13
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	Bracket A Quarterfinals, continued BRACKET A QUARTERFINALS No. 6 1962 Giants vs. No. 3 2009 YANKEES At New York Yankee Stadium GAME ONE: Giants 4, Yankees 3 (10 innings) — Billy O’Dell was one out away from completing a 1-hit shutout. Then he was pulled in favor of a reliever, Stu Miller, who ruined the shutout, lost the lead, then vultured the win in extra innings. Cowokers, right? ... The Giants led 3-0 with 2 outs and Yankees LF Johnny Damon on second base. O’Dell had pitched masterfully, but his 142 pitches were too far into the danger zone for Giants manager Alvin Dark. It was Miller time! But the San Francisco stopper walked DH Hideki Matsui, then gave up a towering, 3-run homer to C Jorge Posada to unravel everything. ... In the top of the tenth, the Giants sent lefty pinch-hitter Ed Bailey in to face Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. He cranked a 344-foot solo homer just past the right field foul pole for a 4-3 Giants lead. Miller sat the 2009 Yanks down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the tenth. ... The 1962 Giants built their 3-0 lead in the second inning, on an RBI single by C Tom Haller, followed by a 2-run homer from 3B Jim Davenport. Yankees starter C.C. Sabathia shook it off and wound up finishing nine innings. ... O’Dell was even more impressive: 8.2 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 H, 2 W, 8 K. GAME TWO: Giants 3, Yankees 2 (12 innings) — It’s surprising that the 2009 Yankees have started 0 and 2 in this series. What’s shocking is that ace closer Mariano “Enter Sandman” Rivera is also 0 and 2. ... Giants 1B/LF Willie McCovey worked a full count, then crushed a 415-foot solo homer to right-centerfield in the top of the twelfth inning off Rivera to snap a 2-2 tie. Stu Miller set the Yankees down 1-2-3 (again) in the bottom of the inning to save it. ... The 2009 Yankees were supposed to have the superior bullpen in this series, but that unit has lost two home games. ... San Francisco got a 2-run homer from 1B Orlando Cepeda (off starter A.J. Burnett) in the top of the first inning. The Yanks cut the lead to 2-1 on an Alex Rodriguez RBI single in the bottom of the first. Then in the sixth, 2B Robinson Cano reached base on an error, and eventually scored on a 2-out wild pitch by Giants starter Jack Sanford. ... The Yankees had a golden opportunity to win it in the tenth inning off Giants reliever Billy Pierce. Robinson Cano grounded a single up the middle, and pinch runner Brett Gardner tried to score from second, but a laser throw from Giants CF Willie Mays nailed him at home plate. Nick Swisher followed but struck out swinging. At San Francisco Candlestick Park GAME THREE: Yankees 5, Giants 4 — The 2009 Yankees built a 5-1 lead and held off a late Giants rally to claim their first win of the series. Mark Texeira hit a 2-run homer off RHP Juan Marichal in the top of the third inning and added a sacrifice fly later. Meanwhile, veteran LHP Andy Pettitte turned in a sturdy performance (7.1 IP, 2 ER, 9 H, 1 W, 5 K) that held the powerful Giants down just long enough. ... The Yankees’ pen gave up a pair of late runs, but Mariano Rivera wouldn’t be denied this time. In the ninth, he gave up a 2-out double to pinch-hitter Matty Alou, then an RBI single to RF Felipe Alou, but retired Chuck Hiller on a low line drive to right field to end it. GAME FOUR: Yankees 5, Giants 4 — Once again, the Yankees had to hold on. After snapping a 3-all tie with a pair of runs in the top of the ninth, New York made the controversial decision to not bring Mariano Rivera in for the save. Yankees manager Joe Torre noted that Rivera had pitched in each of the first three games (and not too effectively) and needed the rest. So he left in hard-throwing righty David Robertson to protect a 2-run lead. Willie McCovey blasted a 1-out solo homer to narrow the lead, but Robertson got the final two outs easily enough. ... In the top of the ninth, Yanks C Jorge Posada homered off reliever Bobby Bolin for a 4-3 lead. Robinson Cano followed with a single, and later crossed the plate on a throwing error by San Francisco catcher Tom Haller after a Derek Jeter squibber in front of the plate. That fifth run turned out to be crucial. GAME FIVE: Yankees 8, Giants 1 — A 2-run homer by 3B Alex Rodriguez sparked a 4-run fifth inning for the Yankees as they seized a 3 games to 2 lead in the series. ... This win completed a three-game Candlestick Park sweep for the Yankees, who have rallied from an 0-2 start to within a game of advancing. ... Yankees RHP A.J. Burnett pitched seven effeictive innings (1 ER, 4 H, 2 W, 6 K) and then Chad Gaudin finished the last two frames. Rodriguez and RF Johnny Damon had 3 hits apiece. At New York Yankee Stadium GAME SIX: Giants 8, Yankees 6 — In a bit of a role reversal, it was the 1962 Giants fighting off the late rally this time. A first-inning, 2-run homer by Mark Texeira gave the Yankees a 2-0 lead for the first four innings. But the Giants retaliated in the middle innings, scoring 5 times in the fifth, then 3 more times in the sixth to seize an 8-2 advantage. In the fifth, a 2-run double by RF Felipe Alou tied the game. An RBI single by 2B Chuck Hiller put the Giants on top 3-2, and then a 430-foot, 2-run blast by CF Willie Mays made it 5-2 off a suddenly shaky Andy Pettitte. ... Jorge Posada’s third homer of the series, a 3-run jack in the eighth, pulled the Yanks to within 8-5, and a solo homer in the ninth by RF Johnny Damon made it 8-6. The Bombers weren’t done. As relievers Bobby Bolin and then Billy Pierce tried to nail down the last out, the Yanks got singles from Texeira and Hideki Matsui and a walk to Alex Rodriguez to load the bases. Posada came to the plate with a clear shot at playing the hero. Instead, he tapped the first pitch harmlessly to second for an easy out, sending this series to a seventh game. ... Felipe Alou finished 3-for-5 with a double and 4 RBI. ... In Game Seven, Giants LHP Billy O’Dell will pitch against Yankees LHP C.C. Sabathia. GAME SEVEN: Giants 5, Yankees 4 — A tight series can be decided by literally one swing of the bat. Especially when the batter is Willie freaking Mays. Here’s the scene: Top of the seventh inning, okay? The 2009 Yankees had a 3-0 lead. Now it’s 3-2, okay? There are a pair of 1962 Giants on base, and there are 2 outs. Yanks manager Joe Torre sees that his starter, C.C. Sabathia, is tiring. He just needs an out, okay? Mariano Rivera hasn’t pitched since Game Three. He’s ready. But the seventh inning? That’s too soon, right? Torre calls on hard-throwing right-hander David Robertson. Is he in the Hall of Fame? No. Is he going to be in the Hall of Fame? Also no. Is Willie Mays in the Hall of Fame? Hell, yes. So you see the problem, right? Torre didn’t see it. Fifteen years of dazzling managerial success can blind a man. Torre’s sticking to the plan. Robertson should be able to get this out. Then, if there’s the slightest whiff of trouble in the eighth, Torre will bring in his hammer. He’ll unleash Rivera. ... You already know what happened, okay? Mays looked at two balls. Then he fouled one off. Then he smashed one into the right-centerfield seats for a 3-run bomb. ... That swing turned a 3-2 Yankees lead into a 5-3 lead for the Giants, with just 9 outs to get. The Yanks tried. They got an RBI single from Mark Texeira in the bottom of the seventh to cut the margin to 5-4. In the eighth, the Yanks put a couple of singles together, but a double play ruined the rally. In the ninth, LF Johnny Damon drew a 1-out walk from Stu Miller. But Texeira flew out to center, and then Alex Rodriguez struck out swinging in just four pitches. Ballgame. ... (BTW, Rivera got 3 quick outs on just 7 pitches in the top of the ninth). ... Texeira hit a 2-run double to spark a 3-run third inning for the Yankees. The Giants got a solo homer from Tom Haller in the fifth, then got within 3-2 on a Willie McCovey RBI single in the sixth. ... The 1962 Giants have advanced to the Bracket semifinals. ... The 1962 GIANTS WIN the series, 4 games to 3, though they were outscored by the 2009 Yankees, 33-29. MVP-1: Giants RF Felipe Alou: 10-for-32, 5 doubles, 5 RBI, 3 runs scored MVP-2: Giants CF Willie Mays: 7-for-29, 3 HR, 2 doubles, 8 RBI, 5 runs scored MV-Pitcher: Giants LHP Billy O’Dell: 1-0, 21.2 IP, 8 R, 7 ER, 11 H, 9 W, 17 K 1962 GIANTS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.230, 58-of-252); Extra-Base Hits: 23 (13 doubles, 10 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-4; Double Plays-Errors: 6-9; Walks-Strikeouts: 14-41 (-27). 2009 YANKEES TEAM STATS: Batting: (.238, 61-of-256); Extra-Base Hits: 16 (9 doubles, 7 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 0-2; Double Plays-Errors: 6-4; Walks-Strikeouts: 32-52 (-20). Attached Images

04-13-2026, 07:24 PM	#14
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	BRACKET A QUARTERFINALS, continued BRACKET A QUARTERFINALS No. 7 2005 White Sox vs. No. 2 2018 RED SOX At Boston Fenway Park GAME ONE: White Sox 6, Red Sox 0 — Chicago LHP Mark Buehrle pitched his third consecutive shutout of the tournament. The White Sox ace didn’t even allow a hit until Mookie Betts led off the seventh inning with a bloop single. His line: 9 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 0 W, 2 K. ... The game was scoreless until Jermaine Dye’s 2-run double in the top of the fifth. The White Sox added 2 more runs in that inning and drove LHP Chris Sale from the mound. Chicago C A.J. Pierzynski hit a solo homer over the Green Monster in the eighth. GAME TWO: Red Sox 3, White Sox 2 (12 innings) — It was just the kind of gritty, bare-knuckles game the 2005 White Sox specialize in. That’s why it was so important for the Red Sox to win it. In the bottom of the twelfth inning, RF Mookie Betts laced a bases-loaded single into short centerfield to drive in the winning run and tie the series. ... Neither team’s starting pitcher lasted more than six innings. Boston’s Rick Porcello was sharp (6 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 2 W, 4 K) but with a 2-1 lead, he turned it over to his excellent bullpen to step-ladder its way to the win. Matt Barnes pitched a scoreless seventh. Ryan Brasier pitched a scoreless eighth. But closer Craig Kimbrel ran into trouble in the ninth. White Sox 1B Paul Konerko led off with a 4-pitch walk, then departed for speedy pinch-runner Pablo Ozuna. It took 9 pitches to get Carl Everett to fly out, and then pinch-hitter Willie Harris also drew a 4-pitch walk. A.J. Pierzynski slapped a single into right field. Ozuna raced around from second to score the tying run, but Harris ran into an out trying to go from second to third. Finally, Kimbrel got Joe Crede to ground out. ... In the ninth, tenth, and eleventh innings, the White Sox bullpen retired 9 out of 10 batters. But the Red Sox pen also held steady, retiring 6 of 7 batters in the tenth and eleventh innings. ... In the top of the twelfth, Chicago put runners at first and second with one out, and Scott Podsednik lined a single into center. Boston CF Jackie Bradley Jr got to it and threw out Chris Widger on a bang-bang play at home. Nathan Eovaldi then replaced Eduardo Rodriguez and got Tadahito Iguchi swinging. In the bottom of the twelfth, 3 of the first 4 Boston hitters reached against a tiring Bobby Jenks. Then Betts won it with his clutch single. At Chicago Rate Field GAME THREE: Red Sox 6, White Sox 1 — Boston SS Xander Bogaerts went 3-for-4 with 2 doubles and 4 RBI to back a sterling mound performance from LHP David Price. ... Price went 7.2 innings allowing just 1 run on 7 hits. He struck out 5, walked none. White Sox starter Jon Garland struggled from the very start. He gave up 2 runs in first inning, 2 more in the second, then a solo homer by J.D. Martinez to start the fourth. ... The White Sox will have ace Mark Buehrle on the mound for Game Four. Boston will counter with LHP Chris Sale. Buehrle will be looking to extend his 26-inning scoreless streak. GAME FOUR: Red Sox 1, White Sox 0 (12 innings) — Reserve infielder Eduardo Nunez homered off White Sox reliever Cliff Politte in the top of the twelfth inning for the only run in a masterfully pitched classic. ... White Sox LHP Mark Buehrle extended his scoreless innings streak to 35 with nine more shutout innings and needed 130 pitches to do it. Buehrle surrendered 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 2. Red Sox ace Chris Sale, however, outperformed even Buehrle, also going nine innings, allowing 3 hits (all singles), 0 walks, and striking out 10, using 127 pitches (which would have been a sacrilege in 2018). ... Neither team mounted much of any threat to score over the first nine innings. But in the bottom of the eleventh, Boston closer Craig Kimbrel snuffed Chicago’s best opportunity. Juan Uribe led off that inning against reliever Ryan Brasier with a triple off the base of the wall in right-centerfield. BoSox manager Alex Cora figured the only way out was to get some strikeouts or pop-outs, so he called on Kimbrel and brought the infield in. Scott Podsednik grounded out. Then 2B Tadahito Iguchi laid down a squeeze bunt. It bounced high off the dirt in front of the plate and Kimbrel had to leap to catch it. Somehow, Kimbrel got the ball to home plate just in time for C Christian Vasquez to apply the tag, though it appeared that Uribe had beaten the throw. The OUT call stood. While the Chicago crowd fussed over the call, Jermaine Dye struck out swinging to end the inning. ... Then in the top of the twelfth, Nunez silenced all of Chicago with a first-pitch, opposite-field blast to right field. ... The ChiSox didn’t make the bottom of the twelfth easy on Kimbrel. Paul Konerko battled for 12 pitches, fouling off six, before grounding out. After Carl Everett went down swinging, pinch hitter Willie Harris drew a walk on 9 pitches. The long game ended when C A.J. Pierzynski grounded into a fielder’s choice at second. ... The 2018 Red Sox now have a commanding 3 games to 1 lead. GAME FIVE: Red Sox 4, White Sox 2 (11 innings) — Jackie Bradley Jr was just 1-for-19 for the series when he came to bat with 2 outs and 2 on in the top of the eleventh inning. He hit a long drive to the right-centerfield gap. Chicago CF Aaron Rowand made a running dive at it, but the ball got past him for a double as 2 runners scored. The 2005 White Sox had no more fight in them. They went quietly in the bottom of the eleventh as the 2018 Red Sox punched their ticket to the Bracket A semifinals. ... The White Sox had a 2-1 lead when starter Freddy Garcia departed in the seventh. Fire-balling setup man Bobby Jenks held that lead and gave way to closer Dustin Hermanson for the ninth. Red Sox utilityman Brock Holt hit Hermanson’s first pitch for a leadoff double. Two outs later, pinch hitter Mitch Moreland lined an RBI triple off the RF wall to tie the game as a whole stadium sighed with exasperation. HERE. WE GO. AGAIN. ... The frustrated White Sox lost their third extra-inning game of the series, and their story ends here. ... The 2018 RED SOX WIN the series, 4 games to 1, outscoring the 2005 White Sox, 14-11. They will face the 1962 GIANTS in the Bracket A semifinals. MVP-1: Red Sox RF Mookie Betts: 7-for-24, 1 double, 1 RBI, 1 run scored MVP-2: Red Sox reliever Nathan Eovaldi: 2-0, 3.1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 W, 3 K MV-Pitcher: White Sox LHP Mark Buehrle: 1-0, SO, 18 IP, 0 R, 7 H, 1 W, 4 K 2005 WHITE SOX TEAM STATS: Batting: (.201, 38-of-189); Extra-Base Hits: 7 (1 triple, 4 doubles, 2 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-2; Double Plays-Errors: 2-7; Walks-Strikeouts: 12-40 (-28). 2018 RED SOX TEAM STATS: Batting: (.187, 36-of-192); Extra-Base Hits: 14 (2 triple, 10 doubles, 2 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 4-2; Double Plays-Errors: 6-5; Walks-Strikeouts: 17-29 (-12). Attached Images

04-15-2026, 11:39 AM	#15
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	Bracket b quarterfinals preview BRACKET B QUARTERFINALS QUARTERFINAL MATCHUPS No. 8 2017 Dodgers (156) vs. No. 1 2001 MARINERS (179) No. 5 2004 Red Sox (162) vs. No. 4 1984 TIGERS (163) No. 6 1948 Indians (158) vs. No. 3 1975 REDS (168) No. 7 1941 Yankees (156) vs. No. 2 1929 ATHLETICS (170) QUARTERFINAL PREVIEW: No. 8 2017 Dodgers (156) vs. No. 1 2001 MARINERS (179) NOTES: Does a team that didn’t even reach the World Series deserve a No. 1 seed? Does such a team even belong at this tournament? You be the judge. But in case you were too young or have forgotten, here are some facts you should know about the 2001 Seattle Mariners: Only the 1906 Cubs won more games in a regular season (116). Everyone knows this fact. How about this: It wasn’t luck. The 2001 Mariners wore the rare double crown of scoring the most runs in MLB while allowing the fewest that year. And they did it with a bunch of relative no-names who all synced up their best years. Instead of Murderer’s Row, the 2001 Mariners are Efficiency Row, built to steadily score runs, even when not bashing them in. In 2001, the Mariners led the majors in hits and walks. Leadoff batter Ichiro Suzuki had 242 hits by himself, with a league-leading 56 stolen bases. John Olerud and Edgar Martinez had OBPs over .400. Bret Boone hit 37 homers and drove in 141 runs. The starting rotation is dependable but not overpowering. The bullpen, especially the back end of Jeff Russell, Arthur Rhodes, and closer Kaz Sasaki, can be very tough. ... One thing I always observe about the 2001 Mariners when playing them in OOTP is that they’re so good, they’re kinda boring. Imagine the Big Red Machine, but all in chrome, with little personality, and zero compassion. 2017 DODGERS' ODDS: I’d put them at a solid 30 percent to pull the upset. Not because the 2001 Mariners are flawed, but because of the strength of this Dodgers squad. In 2017, the Dodgers led MLB in come-from-behind victories, went on a historic summer-long tear when they won 43 out of 50 games, and busted out a homerun-hitting rookie named Cody Bellinger. The 2001 Mariners are a model of constancy and efficiency. The 2017 Dodgers counter with depth and versatility. Their bench is almost as deep as their lineup, which included six players who each hit at least 20 homers. ... The 2017 Dodgers should have won that World Series, but it was proven way too late that their opponents, the Astros, had been stealing signs. ... This team could have matched the Mariners’ 116 wins. They were on pace until they went off track with an inexplicable late-season skid in which they lost 11 out of 12 games. They still had a 9-game lead after that. ... This team has many strengths, but its greatest is pitching. Ace Clayton Kershaw (18-4, 2.31 ERA) led a dominant rotation, while closer Kenley Jansen (5-0, 41 saves, 1.32, and 109 strikeouts to just 7 walks in 68 innings) heads up a talented, versatile bullpen. No. 5 2004 Red Sox (162) vs. No. 4 1984 TIGERS (163) NOTES: This is as much a contrast of eras as a showdown between teams. In 1984, the Tigers led the league in homers with 187. Twenty years later, the Red Sox hit 222 homers and were only third in the league. With games played in a 1969 statistical setting, neither team will be playing in its own era, so which might benefit more? ... The 1984 Tigers come from an era of contact hitters and a wider variety of pitching styles. It was an era Sparky Anderson’s Tigers OWNED, especially in 84. That year, Detroit got off to a 35-5 start and carried that aura of invincibility all the way through October. Tigers 2B Lou Whitaker and SS Alan Trammel played so well together that they were like two bodies sharing one brain. They also set up the Tigers offense, batting No. 1 and No. 2 in the lineup. Batting third was the determined, athletic Kirk Gibson, followed by C Lance Parrish, a big swinger who did real damage when he connected. The rest of the 1984 Tigers lineup was a strong mix of proven veterans and hungry young stars. They had lefty-righty platoons for DH, 3B, and LF. With Parrish at C, Whitaker and Trammell up the middle, and Chet Lemon in CF, the Tigers have one of the most formidable defenses in this tournament. ... The rotation, headed by RHP Jack Morris, is a quartet (or trio, in this tourney) of gritty workhorses. The bullpen is thin but features left-handed closer Willie Hernandez, who won both the American League Cy Young and Most Valuable Player awards in 1984, after saving 32 of 33 attempts. 2004 RED SOX ODDS: I believe the 2004 Red Sox have even (50/50) odds of beating the 1984 Tigers in a Best-of-Seven series. They took the 2008 Phillies down in a Best-of-Five despite not hitting well at all (.215 for the series with just 2 homers and 2 doubles). I also think the 1984 Tigers will have trouble with the Red Sox’ two aces, Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling. Having two legit aces means the 2004 Sox can take an ugly loss and bounce right back, like they did against the 2008 Phillies. Hell, in real life, they took three ugly losses against the Yankees in the ALCS and responded with 8 straight wins to “break the curse” that had bedeviled them since 1918. ... The 2004 Red Sox should still be considered slight underdogs in this matchup, but they’ve got their own big swingers (Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz, each with 40-plus homers, 100-plus RBI) and a crazy bar-fighter's tenacity. The “Roar of 84” Tigers enjoyed bullying the rest of MLB in their championship year. They might find it much harder to bully these Red Sox. No. 6 1948 Indians (158) vs. No. 3 1975 REDS (168) NOTES: There have been a lot of great lineups in MLB history since the 1927 Yankees. Very few have been as strong or as aesthetically compelling as the 1975-76 Cincinnati Reds. They had the all-time hits king, Pete Rose, batting leadoff as a switch hitter. They had 1975 & 76 National League MVP Joe Morgan hitting second or third. Morgan was a left-handed bat with power, speed, and a knack for getting on base in key situations. They had back-to-back charismatic HR/RBI producers in C Johnny Bench and 1B Tony Perez. They had two more lefties with high OBP and speed, in RF Ken Griffey and 1B/OF Dan Driessen. They had another powerful right-handed bat in LF George Foster, who had the sickest sideburns too. And finally, near the bottom of the lineup, they had the gold-gloved wild cards in CF Cesar Geronimo and SS Dave Concepcion, either of whom could kill you with a triple into the gap at a crucial moment. It’s a lineup designed to apply maximum pressure on opposing pitchers and fielders — and that’s what it did, leading the league in runs, hits, walks, and stolen bases. The Reds won 108 regular season games in 1975, then out-fought a stubborn Red Sox team in the World Series. They won 102 more games in 1976 and went a perfect 7-0 in the postseason to repeat as champs. ... The 1975 Reds pitching staff wasn’t overpowering, but it didn’t have to be. It had a nice balance of lefties and righties, hard throwers and junk ballers. Manager Sparky Anderson used starters and middle relievers almost interchangeably, and he had a good closer in Rawly Eastwick. ... The 1975 Reds were literally legends in their own time. Everyone knew “The Big Red Machine.” And yet ... they’re only the third seed in this Bracket. 1948 INDIANS ODDS: I give them about a 40 percent chance to pull the upset. The 1948 Indians are a legitimately great team that’s been almost forgotten. Their pitching isn’t just strong, it’s outstanding, with a staff ERA of 2.84. Their three-man rotation for this tournament of hard-throwing Bob Feller, finesse expert Bob Lemon, and a young left-handed knuckleballer, Gene Bearden, ensures a quality start in every game. They’ve got a couple of decent starter/reliever types in their bullpen (Steve Gromek/Ed Klieman) and they also have freaking Satchel Paige, the “Walter Johnson” of the Negro Leagues. ... Their lineup features manager/shortstop Lou Boudreau, the 1948 MVP who batted .355 with 106 RBI and struck out only 7 times. ... They have right-handed power (30-plus HRs apiece) in 3B Ken Keltner and 2B Joe Gordon, and decent left-handed power in CF Larry Doby and 1B Eddie Robinson. Doby broke the color barrier in the AL right after Jackie Robinson did it in the NL. Their hitters are extremely patient. They draw plenty of walks, and — as the 2015 Royals found out in the Wild-Card round — can build a 4-, 5-, or 7-run lead pretty fast. ... The 1975 Reds can beat this team, probably should beat this team, but I do not expect it to be easy. This could be a seven-game war. No. 7 1941 Yankees (156) vs. No. 2 1929 ATHLETICS (170) NOTES: The 1929 Philadelphia Athletics were built specifically to dethrone the Murderer’s Row Yankees in the late 1920s. They steadily got stronger, going from 83 to 91 to 98 wins from 1926 to 1928. But as Connie Mack himself would say, they lacked the “mental toughness” to win when it counted — until 1929. That year, Mack’s Athletics blew past everybody with 104 wins, scoring 6.0 runs per game while easily posting the league’s best team ERA (3.44). It wasn’t just the “Big Three” of 1B Jimmie Foxx (.354, 33 HR, 118 RBI), LF Al Simmons (.365, 34 HR, 157 RBI), and C Mickey Cochrane (.331, 95 RBI), but also RF Bing Miller (.331, 16 triples, 93 RBI), CF Mule Haas (.313, 66 XBH, 82 RBI), SS Jimmie Dykes (.327, 53 XBH, 79 RBI), and 2B Max “Camera Eye” Bishop, the most peculiar leadoff batter any great team ever had. He was a light-hitting infielder who somehow drew almost as many walks (128) as Foxx and Simmons combined (134). ... The starting rotation’s top three (Lefty Grove, George Earnshaw, and Rube Walberg) were dominant workhorses. Ace Lefty Grove (20-6, 2.81 ERA) had a competitive streak that blurred into a mean streak. He was famously the most ill-tempered pitcher of his era. ... Do these Athletics have a weakness? Yes — they lack a dominant presence in their bullpen. They’ve got some some decent pitchers (Eddie Rommel, Bill Shores, Jack Quinn, Howard Ehmke) but none of them is a lock-it-down closer. 1941 YANKEES ODDS: Even! The 1941 Yankees are a more mature version of the 1939 team many MLB historians believe was even stronger than the 1927 unit. Superstar CF Joe DiMaggio entered his prime and had his 56-game hitting streak in 1941. That year, Joltin’ Joe combined with outfielders Tommy Henrich and Charlie Keller for 94 homers and 332 RBI, or about 31 homers and 111 RBI each. These Yankees played with the cool, professional confidence of seasoned winners. They weren’t boisterous or emotional on the field. Winning was their job, and they were good at it. The 1941 Yanks had a deep bench and a versatile, well-rounded pitching staff. Stalwarts like Red Ruffing and Lefty Gomez were getting a little past their prime, but younger starters like Marius Russo and Tiny Bonham were coming on strong. These Yankees also have what the 1929 Athletics don’t: a dedicated closer, Johnny Murphy (8-3, 15 saves, 1.98 ERA). ... So, I give the 1941 Yankees a 50 percent chance to beat the 1929 Athletics. If Lefty Grove pitches like he can, then the Athletics could roll in five games. But if Grove struggles, the Yankees could roll. *

04-15-2026, 06:13 PM	#16
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	Bracket b quarterfinals BRACKET B QUARTERFINALS No. 8 2017 Dodgers vs. No. 1 2001 MARINERS At Seattle Safeco Field/T-Mobile Park GAME ONE: Dodgers 1, Mariners 0 (15 innings) — It took 15 innings for one side to finally blink. With one out in the top of the fifteenth, Chris Taylor singled, stole second, then scored on Corey Seager’s double down the third base line. Dodgers reliever Ross Stripling pitched around a 2-out double by Edgar Martinez to secure the victory. ... The starting pitchers set the tone for the first eight innings, and neither bullpen wanted to drop the ball. Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw was particularly sharp: 8.1 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 3 W, 6 K. In fact, Kershaw didn’t allow his second hit until the top of the ninth inning. Seattle’s Freddy Garcia also brought it: 7.1 IP, 0 R, 5 H, 1 W, 2 K. ... Each side nearly exhausted its bullpen as the innings crawled by. The Dodgers decided to use scheduled Game Three starter Alex Wood as a reliever in extra innings. He earned the victory with just 1 hit allowed over three innings of work. ... Seattle’s Joel Piniero took the loss after 3.1 innings of relief. GAME TWO: Mariners 4, Dodgers 1 — Carlos Guillen’s 2-RBI single in the bottom of the fourth inning broke the scoreless tie. The Mariners then got solo homers from Bret Boone and Dan Wilson on their way to tying the series. ... The 2001 Mariners got an excellent outing from LHP Jamie Moyer: 8.1 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 4 W, 6 K, and Norm Charlton finished up in the ninth. ... The Mariners stole 5 bases and turned 3 double plays in this game. At Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium GAME THREE: Mariners 7, Dodgers 3 — Bret Boone swatted a 3-run home run off Kenley Jansen in the top of the ninth inning. That turned a slim Mariners lead into a slammed door. ... Boone finished the game 3-for-5 with 5 total RBI. His 2-run single in the third inning tied the game after the Dodgers had taken a 2-0 lead in the second. ... Seattle starter Aaron Sele gave up 10 hits in 5.1 innings but managed to limit the damage o just 3 runs. The Mariners’ pen gave up only 2 hits over the final 3.2 innings. ... Chris Taylor had 3 hits for L.A. and Yasiel Puig added a solo home run. GAME FOUR: Dodgers 5, Mariners 4 — Dodgers C Austin Barnes smacked a 411-foot solo home run to dead center field in the bottom of the eighth to lift Los Angeles. ... Barnes’ homer snapped a 4-4 tie in a contest when neither Seattle’s Freddy Garcia nor Los Angeles’ Clayton Kershaw had been very sharp. The Dodgers jumped all over Garcia in the bottom of the first inning but got plenty of help from Seattle CF Mark Cameron, who misplayed a deep line drive into a 2-run error. That gave Kershaw an early 3-0 lead to work with. The Dodgers’ ace cruised through the first four innings but ran into a wall of trouble in the fifth. Mariners C Dan Wilson hit an opposite-field 2-run homer just inside the right-field foul pole to make it 3-2. After an Ichiro Suzuki groundout, Kershaw gave up 4 consecutive hits, including RBI doubles by Bret Boone and John Olerud, the latter of whom was thrown out trying to advance to third. ... The Dodgers trailed 4-3 but not for long. Yasiel Puig hit an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth to tie it 4-4. ... Reliever Brandon Morrow earned the ‘W’ in relief of Kershaw. Kenley Jansen nailed down the save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning. GAME FIVE: Dodgers 2, Mariners 1 (10 innings) — An epic pitching duel set the stage. Alex Wood tossed seven brilliant shutout innings, while Jamie Moyer matched him nearly pitch-for-pitch. Clinging to a fragile 1-0 lead, the underdog No. 8-seed Dodgers handed the ball to a tiring Kenley Jansen, pitching for the third straight game in a high-stakes ninth inning. He needed just 3 outs to push the top-seeded Mariners to the brink of elimination. ... Jansen got within one out of the shutout before faltering. A grueling full-count walk to Mike Cameron opened the door, and pinch-hitter Al Martin made him pay, smashing a drive off the right-centerfield wall. Cameron scored to tie the game, 1-1. But in a massive momentum swing, Yasiel Puig fired a laser to third, gunning down Martin to miraculously preserve the tie. ... The Dodgers threatened in the bottom of the ninth, loading the bases on a walk, a Corey Seager single, and an Arthur Rhodes throwing error. But Rhodes escaped the jam, striking out Kiké Hernández to force extra innings. ... After Tony Cingrani spun a scoreless top of the tenth, Los Angeles rallied. Logan Forsythe sparked the offense with a leadoff double, giving way to pinch-runner Charlie Culberson. Following a walk, Justin Turner launched a deep flyout to right, allowing the speedy Culberson to tag up and take third. ... The stage was set for Cody Bellinger. With the corners playing in, Bellinger hit a weak, slow chopper toward second. Culberson broke for home on contact. Bret Boone fielded it cleanly, but his desperate throw to the plate was a split-second too late. ... Culberson slid in safe, sealing a thrilling walk-off victory. Now up 3-2 in the series, the Cinderella Dodgers head to Seattle, just one win away from completing a momentous upset. At Seattle Safeco Field/T-Mobile Park GAME SIX: Mariners 3, Dodgers 1 — The 2001 Mariners needed a good outing from RHP Aaron Sele. He delivered. ... Sele turned in eight strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits and 1 walk with 7 strikeouts. Seattle manager Lou Piniella kept a close eye on his starter after the fifth inning, but Sele only got stronger, retiring 12 of the last 13 batters he faced, including the last seven in a row. Kazahiro Sasaki pitched an uneventful ninth to earn the save. ... The Dodgers took a 1-0 lead on a Yasiel Puig 420-foot homer in the top of the second inning. The Mariners scored all their runs in the bottom of the third. Bret Boone hit a 2-out RBI single to tie the score. Two batters later, John Olerud singled up the middle to bring home 2 more runs. ... Game Seven starters will be: Clayton Kershaw for the 2017 Dodgers and Freddy Garcia for the 2001 Mariners. The Dodgers won both previous matchups between these starters, but neither has earned a decision. GAME SEVEN: Mariners 2, Dodgers 0 — It takes a lot of resolve to win 116 regular-season games, and it costs a lot of anguish to fail to reach the World Series. The bottom line here? The 2001 Mariners just couldn’t allow failure again. So Freddy Garcia, gifted a pair of early runs, locked in with eight shutout innings, then turned it over to Kaz Sasaki for a 1-2-3 ninth inning and survival to the next round! ... The Mariners got single runs in the first and second innings before Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw found his groove. Seattle RF Ichiro Suzuki doubled on a deep drive to center on the second pitch of the game. Two batters later, Bret Boone doubled, plating Suzuki for a 1-0 lead. In the second, 3B David Bell swatted a 421-foot homer to make it 2-0. ... Kershaw toughened up after that, allowing just 2 singles and a walk. His line: 7.1 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 1 W, 8 K. But Garcia would not yield, finishing at: 8 IP, 0 R, 4 H, (all singles), 3 W, 2 K. ... Are the top-seeded Mariners now stronger for having passed this tough early test? Or have they been exposed? We will find out in the Bracket B semifinals. ... The 2001 MARINERS WIN the series, 4 games to 3, outscoring the 2017 Dodgers, 21-13. MVP-1: Mariners 2B Bret Boone: 12-for-28, 2 HR, 4 doubles, 9 RBI, 6 runs scored MVP-2: Dodgers SS Corey Seager: 12-for-29, 1 double, 1 RBI, 1 run scored MV-Pitcher: Mariners RHP Freddy Garcia: 1-0, 21.1 IP, 4 R, 2 ER, 15 H, 8 W, 7 K 2017 DODGERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.205, 51-of-249); Extra-Base Hits: 6 (3 doubles, 3 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 8-4; Double Plays-Errors: 6-6; Walks-Strikeouts: 22-36 (-14). 2001 MARINERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.215, 52-of-242); Extra-Base Hits: 19 (14 doubles, 5 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 8-3; Double Plays-Errors: 7-5; Walks-Strikeouts: 28-50. Attached Images

04-15-2026, 06:19 PM	#17
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	Bracket B Quarterfinals, continued BRACKET B QUARTERFINALS No. 5 2004 Red Sox (162) vs. No. 4 1984 TIGERS (163) At Detroit Tigers Stadium GAME ONE: Red Sox 5, Tigers 2 — The 2004 Red Sox managed only 4 hits in this series opener. But one of them was a grand slam. ... Kevin Millar homered off RHP Jack Morris with the bases loaded in the top of the fourth, turning a 1-1 tie into a 5-1 lead for Boston. The Tigers got a solo homer by CF Chet Lemon in the bottom of the second inning and scratched another run across in the eighth. All other times, Red Sox RHP Curt Schilling was completely in charge: 8 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 0 W, 9 K. ... Keith Foulke pitched around a base hit and a fielding error to earn the save in the ninth inning. GAME TWO: Tigers 2, Red Sox 1 — Boston’s Johnny Damon launched a line-drive homer into the right-field bleachers on the second pitch of the game. Fortunately for the 1984 Tigers, their pitching held Boston down the rest of the game. A solo homer by DH Johnny Grubb in the bottom of the fifth off RHP Pedro Martinez gave Detroit the 2-1 lead. Closer Willie Hernandez faced down serious threats in the eighth and ninth innings to preserve the win. ... Tigers RHP Milt Wilcox settled down after Damon’s homer and delivered 7.1 innings of strong work. He allowed 1 run on 6 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 5. However, the Red Sox got to Wilcox a bit in the top of the eighth. Back-to-back singles by Mark Bellhorn and Manny Ramirez put runners at first and third with only one out. That's when manager Sparky Anderson called for Hernandez. He got right-handed pinch hitter Doug Mirabelli on an infield pop-out, then induced Jason Varitek into a soft groundout to third. In the ninth, Hernandez walked Kevin Millar and pinch hitter Kevin Youkilis with nobody out but then got 3B Bill Mueller to hit into a double play up the middle. Orlando Cabrera grounded out to first to end the game. ... It was a tough loss for Martinez, who pitched well: 8 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 0 W, 6 K. At Boston Fenway Park GAME THREE: Red Sox 8, Tigers 5 — Three big swings gave the 1984 Tigers a 3-0 lead before the Red Sox even came to bat. But one swing by Jason Varitek got it all back and changed the momentum for good. ... The Tigers got solo jacks from Lou Whitaker, Kirk Gibson, and Lance Parrish off Bronson Arroyo to seize a 3-0 lead in the top of the first. But in the bottom of the same inning, Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz got on base with singles, and then Varitek clobbered a Dan Petry fastball over the Green Monster for a 3-run blast. That tied the game — but it didn’t stay tied for long. In the bottom of the second, the Red Sox loaded the bases with two outs. Ramirez drew a walk to force a run in, and then Ortiz chopped an opposite-field single down the third-base line to drive in 2 more runs for a 6-3 lead. The 2004 Red Sox never trailed after that. ... Arroyo wound up earning the ‘W’ despite his rough start, and Alan Embree finished with a two-inning save. GAME FOUR: Red Sox 4, Tigers 2 — Kevin Millar and Mark Bellhorn each homered to back another strong performance by RHP Curt Schilling as the 2004 Red Sox moved to within a game of advancing. ... Tigers ace Jack Morris got off to another slow start, allowing single runs in the first, second, and third innings. Meanwhile, Schilling coasted on those three early runs. His line: 7 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 3 W, 5 K. ... Detroit cut the lead to 3-2 with single runs in the fifth and sixth innings, including another homer by DH Johnny Grubb. But Bellhorn’s round-tripper in the seventh off Morris quelled the Tigers’ momentum. ... Keith Foulke pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save of the series. GAME FIVE: Tigers 8, Red Sox 4 — Milt Wilcox held the 2004 Red Sox down long enough for the Tigers to build a 6-0 lead. The bullpen almost gave it all away, but the 1984 Tigers managed to hold on and stave off elimination. ... Detroit C Lance Parrish went 3-for-5 with a triple, a 3-run homer, and 3 runs scored. His 3-run blast in the top of the seventh gave the Tigers a 6-0 lead. ... Boston’s Kevin Millar clubbed a 3-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to pull the Sox within 6-4, but Detroit reliever Aurelio Lopez then came in and got the 5-out save. ... Tigers manager Sparky Anderson had closer Willie Hernandez at the ready if needed but was able to save his arm for a crucial Game Six. At Detroit Tigers Stadium GAME SIX: Red Sox 10, Tigers 5 — For eight innings, Tigers manager Sparky Anderson pushed all the right buttons to keep the boiling tea kettle of the 2004 Red Sox offense contained. After Boston ambushed starter Dan Petry with an early Mark Bellhorn 2-run homer and loaded the bases with nobody out, Anderson made a desperate but brilliant call: he brought in reliever Juan Berenguer. ... The hard-throwing righty miraculously escaped the jam and delivered five more stellar innings, striking out 7 while allowing just 1 unearned run on 2 hits and 2 walks. ... Anderson’s magic touch continued into the late innings. Pinch-hit home runs by Barbaro Garbey and Dave Bergman, bridged by flawless relief from Bill Scherrer (2 IP, 0 H, 3 K), erased the early deficit. Entering the ninth inning up 4-3, Detroit was just three outs away from forcing a decisive Game Seven at home. ... Anderson’s final move was the most obvious one in baseball: hand the ball to Willie Hernandez. The 1984 AL MVP and Cy Young Award-winning closer was the ultimate sure thing. Saving him for this exact moment was a no-brainer. ... And it failed spectacularly. ... Hernandez immediately unraveled. A gritty eight-pitch walk to Kevin Youkilis and a Bill Mueller single set the stage. Following a sacrifice bunt, the Boston tea kettle finally blew. Johnny Damon laced a two-run single through a drawn-in infield to steal the lead, and Bellhorn followed with a crushing 420-foot two-run bomb to right-center. ... Instead of a coronation, the ninth became a massacre. Even after Hernandez was mercifully pulled, the bleeding continued against Doug Bair, capped by Kevin Millar’s staggering fourth home run of the series to make it 10-4. ... A meaningless Lance Parrish solo shot in the bottom of the inning barely registered. Sparky’s absolute smartest decision became his undoing, and the Red Sox celebrated their ticket to the Bracket B semifinals over the stunned Tigers. ... The 2004 RED SOX WIN the series, 4 games to 2, outscoring the 1984 Tigers, 32-24. MVP-1: Red Sox CF Johnny Damon: 8-for-25, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 8 runs scored MVP-2: Red Sox 2B Mark Bellhorn: 7-for-22, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 5 runs scored MV-Pitcher: Red Sox RHP Curt Schilling: 2-0, 15 IP, 4 R, 4 ER, 11 H, 3 W, 14 K 2004 RED SOX TEAM STATS: Batting: (.222, 42-of-189); Extra-Base Hits: 13 (3 doubles, 10 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-2; Double Plays-Errors: 5-1; Walks-Strikeouts: 32-45 (-13). 1984 TIGERS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.232, 45-of-194); Extra-Base Hits: 18 (2 triples, 7 doubles, 9 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-4; Double Plays-Errors: 8-3; Walks-Strikeouts: 16-38 (-22). Attached Images

04-17-2026, 12:29 PM	#18
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	BRACKET B QUARTERFINALS, continued BRACKET B QUARTERFINALS No. 6 1948 Indians (158) vs. No. 3 1975 REDS (168) At Cincinnati Riverfront Stadium GAME ONE: Reds 4, Indians 3 — The Battle of Ohio began with the 1975 Reds grinding out a come-from-behind victory. The 1948 Indians took a 3-1 lead on 3B Ken Keltner’s 2-run homer off RHP Gary Nolan in the top of the sixth. The Reds rallied to tie the score in the seventh on 3B Pete Rose’s second double of the game, driving in 1 run, followed by 2B Joe Morgan’s RBI single over third base. ... The Indians brought in ace reliever Satchel Paige to snuff the seventh-inning rally, and he did, needing just 2 pitches to induce a Johnny Bench groundout. ... Cleveland, however, did not use Paige as a stopper in 1948. They had weak-armed junkballer Russ Christopher for that, but he was the wrong guy to bring in against the 1975 Reds. With 2 outs and the bases loaded (with a pair of intentional walks), Christopher issued an unintentional 4-pitch walk to CF Cesar Geronimo to force in the go-ahead run. Reds closer Rawly Eastwick pitched around a 2-out walk in the top of the ninth to stick the save. ... In Game Two, Bob Feller (19-15, 3.56 ERA) will pitch against Cincy’s LHP Don Gullett (15-4, 2.42). GAME TWO: Reds 3, Indians 1 — Don Gullett and two relievers held the mighty 1948 Indians to just 2 hits as they seized a 2 games to 0 lead. Gullett had some early wildness. He walked 3 Indians batters in the first two innings, then gave up a 2-out, RBI single to C Jim Hegan in the second. However, Gullett soon settled down and left after seven with the following line: 7 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 4 W, 5 K. ... Cincy tied the score at 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth when C Johnny Bench launched a no-doubt-about-it homer over the wall in left-centerfield off RHP Bob Feller. The 75 Reds took the lead with a 2-out rally in the bottom of the fifth. Cesar Geronimo singled past shortstop and then Pete Rose lined a 100-mph double into the right-field corner. Geronimo scored and Rose took third on the throw home. Rose then scored on a passed ball as Joe Morgan was batting. ... Right-handed reliever Pedro Borbon pitched a perfect eighth inning, then Rawly Eastwick pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to nail it down. ... The series now shifts to Cleveland, where the Indians will start left-handed knuckleballer Gene Bearden (20-7, 2.43 ERA) against the Reds’ LHP Fred Norman (12-4, 3.73 ERA). At Cleveland, Cleveland Stadium GAME THREE: Indians 13, Reds 4 — Cleveland’s Joe Gordon threw a bash on the Indians’ return home. Gordon went 4-for-5 with 2 homers, a bases-loaded double, and an RBI groundout to total 6 RBI and 4 runs scored. The Tribe massacred the Reds. ... Cleveland took a 3-2 lead on Gordon’s first homer of the game in the bottom of the fourth. They took command with a pair of 4-run innings in the fifth and sixth innings. ... LHP Gene Bearden wasn’t perfect, but he didn’t have to be. The Indians’ hitters saw to it that the bullpen wouldn’t be troubled on this day. ... Cleveland CF Larry Doby also had a big day, going 2-for-4 with a homer and 4 RBI. Doby broke a scoreless tie in the second inning with an opposite-field, 2-run homer just inside the left field foul pole. Allie Clark was also 2-for-4 for Cleveland, with a double, 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored. Dale Mitchell was 4-for-5 with 3 runs scored. GAME FOUR: Indians 3, Reds 1 — With the help of strong pitching and a few key hits, the 1948 Indians have evened the series at 2 games apiece. ... Indians RHP Bob Lemon struck out 9 over six innings of work while allowing 1 run on 6 hits and 4 walks. What he lacked in pinpoint control, Lemon made up for with determination, helping the Reds strand 9 baserunners in his six innings. ... Cleveland 1B Eddie Robinson broke a 1-1 tie with his solo home run in the bottom of the fourth. Dale Mitchell, who went 2-for-4, had an RBI single in the seventh inning to make it 3-1. ... Ace reliever Satchel Paige pitched the final three innings, allowing no hits, no walks, while striking out 3 to pick up the save. GAME FIVE: Reds 6, Indians 4 — For five tense, scoreless innings, legendary RHP Bob Feller baffled the 1975 Reds. But with Game Five hanging in the balance, the Big Red Machine finally roared to life. Johnny Bench broke the deadlock with a clutch two-run double in the sixth, immediately followed by Tony Perez's RBI double to make it 3-0. ... The assault continued in the seventh. Ken Griffey Sr. crushed a monstrous 440-foot home run, while Bench and Perez struck again with back-to-back RBI hits, building a commanding 6-0 lead. It was plenty of support for Reds starter Don Gullett, who masterfully outdueled Feller, allowing just 1 run and striking out 6 over 7 dominant innings. ... However, Cleveland refused to go quietly. Larry Doby homered in the seventh, and a frantic three-run rally off reliever Jack Billingham in the eighth raised the pressure. Entering a tight game, closer Rawley Eastwick slammed the door, tossing a perfect ninth inning to secure the save. ... Having survived the late scare, the Reds now head home to Cincinnati up 3-2, needing just one more victory to punch their ticket to the Bracket B semifinals. At Cincinnati Riverfront Stadium GAME SIX: Reds 6, Indians 2 — Dave Concepcion cracked a 3-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning, a 417-foot, no-doubt-about-it screamer over the left field wall. It turned a 1-0 Cleveland lead into a decisive Reds advantage. ... The Indians briefly closed within 3-2 in the top of the fifth on CF Larry Doby’s third homer of the series, but that blow couldn’t change the momentum. The Reds added 3 more runs in the bottom of the seventh and clinched their berth in the Bracket B semifinals. ... Reds pitchers Fred Norman and reliever Pat Darcy combined to limit the 1948 Indians to just 3 hits. Two of those hits were homers. A solo shot by SS Lou Boudreau gave Cleveland a 1-0 edge in the top of the first. ... Despite the triumph, the 1975 Reds left 14 runners on base in this game. ... The 1975 REDS WIN the series, 4 games to 2, despite being outscored by the 1948 Indians, 26-24. MVP-1: Reds C Johnny Bench: 7-for-22, HR, 4 doubles, 5 RBI, 3 runs scored MVP-2: Reds SS Dave Concepcion: 7-for-21, HR, 1 double, 5 RBI, 2 runs scored MV-Pitcher: Reds LHP Don Gullett: 2-0, 14 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 H, 5 W, 11 K 1948 INDIANS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.224, 43-of-192); Extra-Base Hits: 14 (1 triple, 5 doubles, 8 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 2-1; Double Plays-Errors: 8-2; Walks-Strikeouts: 20-29 (-9). 1975 REDS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.262, 50-for-191); Extra-Base Hits: 17 (13 doubles, 4 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-4; Double Plays-Errors: 8-5; Walks-Strikeouts: 27-40 (-13). Attached Images

04-17-2026, 12:39 PM	#19
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	BRACKET B QUARTERFINALS, continued BRACKET B QUARTERFINALS No. 7 1941 Yankees vs. No. 2 1929 ATHLETICS At Philadelphia Shibe Park GAME ONE: Athletics 11, Yankees 1 — The 1929 Philadelphia Athletics routed the Yankees with a pair of huge individual performances. Mule Haas went 4-for-4 with a home run, a triple, and 7 RBI while ace Lefty Grove struck out 12 and limited the Yanks to 2 hits. ... In fact, the 1941 Yankees didn’t get their first hit until 1B Johnny Sturm’s solo home run with 1 out in the sixth inning. They were already trailing 8-0 by then. New York also committed 3 errors in the game, and the Athletics seemed to pounce on all of them. GAME TWO: Yankees 7, Athletics 1 — The Empire struck back. ... Yankees RHP Red Ruffing went the distance, backed by homers from Tommy Henrich and Joe DiMaggio. ... The Athletics got a nice individual effort from LF Al Simmons, who went 3-for-4 with a solo homer and a pair of doubles. Otherwise, it was all Bombers. Henrich crushed a 2-run shot off RHP George Earnshaw to give New York a 2-1 lead in the top of the third. The Yankees added 5 more runs in the sixth: DiMaggio’s line-drive homer to left, an RBI triple by Joe Gordon, and then a 2-run double by Phil Rizzuto. ... Ruffing allowed 1 run on 6 hits with 2 walks and 6 strikeouts in his complete-game win. At New York Yankee Stadium GAME THREE: Yankees 8, Athletics 3 — Philadelphia’s Al Simmons and Jimmie Foxx unleashed an awesome display of raw power, but their titanic blasts could not derail the Yankees. ... Simmons ignited the Athletics with a pair of scorching 470-foot home runs, each traveling over 110-miles-per-hour off the bat. In the sixth, Foxx followed one of Simmons’ clouts with a 486-foot, 115-mph moonshot. The back-to-back homers silenced the New York crowd and handed Philadelphia a slim 3-2 lead. ... The Yankees, however, remained unfazed. In the bottom half of the sixth, Charlie Keller answered with a clutch 2-run homer to reclaim the lead. New York then systematically dismantled the Athletics in the eighth, using a Bill Dickey RBI double and a Johnny Sturm 2-run single to pull away for a convincing 8-3 victory. ... Yankees righty Spud Chandler pitched a complete game despite the Simmons and Foxx barrage. While the Athletics provided the highlights, the Yankees made off with the win. The A’s will turn to ace Lefty Grove with hopes of tying the series in Game Four. GAME FOUR: Athletics 4, Yankees 3 — Centerfielder Mule Haas ripped a solo homer into the right-field bleachers to snap a 3-all tie in the top of the ninth. ... Haas’ round-tripper off Yankees stopper Johnny Murphy tipped the scales back into Philadelphia’s favor in a game that had gone back-and-forth for eight innings. ... Philly starter Lefty Grove wasn’t as dominant as he’d been in Game One, but he was still sharp, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) over 6.2 innings while striking out 9. But this time, Yankee hitters made him work harder, and he became too fatigued by the seventh inning. ... New York LHP Marius Russo also turned in a quality start: 7 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, 1 W, 6 K. However, neither starter figured in the decision, as the game was tied 2-2 after seven. ... The Athletics got back-to-back doubles from Bing Miller and Sammy Hale to take a 3-2 lead in the top of the eighth. However, Charlie Keller answered for the Yanks with a solo homer in the bottom of the inning to knot the score again, 3-3. ... Philadelphia’s Jimmie Foxx had an RBI infield single in the first inning and a solo homer in the sixth. New York’s Bill Dickey had an RBI triple in the second inning, then scored on Joe Gordon’s single to briefly give the Yanks a 2-1 lead. GAME FIVE: Athletics 8, Yankees 6 (10 innings) — Joe DiMaggio’s cold streak has gone from a concern to a catastrophe for the 1941 Yankees. The superstar centerfielder arrived at the plate in the bottom of the tenth inning with the weight of the Bronx on his shoulders: bases loaded, two outs, and the Yankees trailing the 1929 Athletics 8-6. A single swing could have saved the game; instead, "Joltin’ Joe" lofted a soft liner to shortstop for the final out, punctuating a dismal 0-for-6 afternoon. ... The man who caught that liner, A’s shortstop Joe Boley, was also the hero at the plate. In the top of the tenth, Boley scorched a two-out, two-run double down the left-field line to break a 6-6 deadlock and provide the winning margin. ... It was a grueling, see-saw battle. The Yankees held a 4-2 lead, but the Athletics surged ahead in the seventh behind a stunning three-run blast from the diminutive Max Bishop. New York answered immediately in the bottom half when George Selkirk hammered a two-out, two-run homer to tie the score 6-6, ultimately forcing extra innings. ... Howard Ehmke provided 4.2 innings of gritty relief to earn the win, while Eddie Rommel pitched out of a jam in the tenth to secure the save. With DiMaggio now mired in a 1-for-13 stretch and the Yankees facing elimination, the series shifts to Philadelphia’s Shibe Park, where the legendary 1929 Athletics sit just one win away from clinching. At Philadelphia Shibe Park GAME SIX: Athletics 6, Yankees 5 (11 innings) — Mule Haas was already having the playoff series of his life. So, of course, he got to write the ending. ... Haas delivered a 2-out RBI double in the bottom of the eleventh inning to send the 1929 Athletics past the 1941 Yankees and into the Bracket B semifinals. Philadelphia erased a 2-run deficit with solo homers by Max Bishop in the seventh inning, then Bing Miller in the eighth. Meanwhile, the A’s relied on five innings of scoreless relief from Bill Shores (3 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 3 W, 2 K) and Carrol Yerkes (2-0, 1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 W, 0 K) after the Yankees chased Rube Walberg in the seventh. ... The A’s had a 2-1 lead early, but the Bombers took a 4-2 lead with 3 runs in the top of the fifth, including a 2-run triple by C Bill Dickey. ... Connie Mack’s 1929 Athletics demonstrated their mental toughness with three consecutive close wins — two in extra innings — to close out this series. ... The 1929 ATHLETICS WIN the series, 4 games to 2, outscoring the 1941 Yankees, 33-30. MVP-1: Athletics LF Al Simmons: 12-for-27, 4 HR, 2 doubles, 4 RBI, 4 runs scored MVP-2: Athletics CF Mule Haas: 9-for-26, 2 HR, 1 triple, 1 double, 10 RBI, 5 runs scored. 1941 YANKEES TEAM STATS: Batting: (.251, 54-of-215); Extra-Base Hits: 19 (3 triples, 8 doubles, 8 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 5-3; Double Plays-Errors: 9-8; Walks-Strikeouts; 25-44 (-19). 1929 ATHLETICS TEAM STATS: Batting: (.256, 55-of-215); Extra-Base Hits: 21 (1 triple, 8 doubles, 12 HR); Stolen Bases-Caught: 3-2; Double Plays-Errors: 4-3; Walks-Strikeouts: 20-29 (-9). Attached Images

04-19-2026, 06:18 PM	#20
webrian Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 336	Bracket c quarterfinals preview BRACKET C QUARTERFINAL MATCHUPS No. 10 2001 Diamondbacks vs. No. 1 2019 ASTROS No. 5 1998 Braves vs. No. 4 1961 YANKEES No. 6 2011 Rangers vs. No. 3 2016 CUBS No. 8 1971 Pirates vs. No. 2 1970 ORIOLES QUARTERFINAL PREVIEWS: No. 10 2001 Diamondbacks vs. No. 1 2019 ASTROS NOTES: This will be an intriguing matchup. The 2001 Diamondbacks were a flawed team that still found a way to win the World Series. The 2019 Astros don’t appear to have a weakness but still found a way to lose their World Series. The 01 Diamondbacks won all their Fall Classic home games. The 19 Astros lost all their Fall Classic home games. So we’re really looking at intangibles here. Is the team that works around its flaws always more successful than the one that has no obvious flaws? ... The 2019 Houston Astros won 107 regular-season games with a powerful lineup (5.7 runs per game), a deep bullpen, and an awesome three-man starting rotation: RHP Gerritt Cole (20-5, 2.50 ERA, 13.8 strikeouts per nine innings), RHP Justin Verlander (21-6, 2.58 ERA, 12.1 K/9), and RHP Zack Greinke (18-5, 2.93 ERA, 8.1 K/9). ... Despite all those strengths, these Astros struggled to get past the Division Series and League Championship Series (going 7-4 and outscoring the Rays and Yankees by just 2 runs total), then lost the World Series to the 93-win Nationals in seven games. ... Nevertheless, when this team is ON, it’s a sight to behold. 2001 Diamondbacks Odds: I give the D-Backs a 35 percent chance here, though on paper, this is a bad matchup for them. They famously boast one of the best 1-2 starting pitcher tandems ever in LHP Randy Johnson (21-6, 2.49 ERA, 13.4 K/9) and RHP Curt Schilling (22-6, 2.98 ERA, 10.3 K/9), and almost an equally productive lineup as the Astros. But that’s the problem. These strengths are cancelled out by an Astros team with a slightly better lineup, a rotation featuring three top starters instead of two, and a far stronger bullpen. ... However, it is not a given that the D-Backs' bullpen will perform poorly. In fact, these relievers turned in 14.2 innings of solid work against the 1967 Cardinals in the wild card round. Though it looked like a soft spot on paper, the D-Backs' bullpen came through like a strength. No. 5 1998 Braves vs. No. 4 1961 YANKEES NOTES:** In 1998, baseball fans were robbed of a meeting between that year’s two greatest rosters. The 1998 Braves were arguably the apex of the Atlanta dynasty—a 106-win machine built on an all-time great rotation. But they fell to the San Diego Padres in that year’s NLCS — and then those Padres got swept by the Yankees. When these same Braves reached the World Series in 1999 and also got swept by the Yankees, the previous year’s 106 wins seemed even more a fluke. ... The 1961 Yankees were intimidating champions, anchored by Mickey Mantle (54 HR, 205 OPS+) and Roger Maris, who famously broke Ruth’s record with 61 homers. With Hall of Famers like Yogi Berra and Elston Howard in support, and a 25-win season from Whitey Ford, they looked like the "Murderer’s Row” of the 1960s, and they were in the middle of an awesome 5-year run as American League pennant winners. ... Then again, the 1961 Yankees have two glaring weaknesses: One, the fact they racked up those stats and 109 wins in a double-expansion year (2 teams joined the AL in 1961), and two, they had a shaky bullpen. Aside from closer Luis Arroyo, the 1961 Yankees relief corps is astonishingly vulnerable. The 1998 Braves Odds: I give them a solid 40 percent chance! The 1998 Braves are bringing one of the best and most disciplined pitching rotations into this series. Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine are as formidable a top three as any MLB team ever had. They are backed by a deep, strong bullpen and supported by a powerful lineup. In fact, it’s the strongest lineup Atlanta has had in the past 60 years, possibly matched only by the 2023 squad. ... If the Braves can go blow-for-blow and homer-for-homer with these Yankees and keep games close into the later innings, they’ll have a chance. No. 6 2011 Rangers vs. No. 3 2016 CUBS NOTES: The 2016 Chicago Cubs were a team on a quest to end a 108-year drought since its last World Series title. And, well, they played like a team on a quest, winning 8 of their first 9 games and never looking back. They won their division by 17.5 games with the best scoring offense (5.0 runs per game) and the least scored-against pitching (3.4 rpg) in the National League. They had the league MVP in 3B/OF Kris Bryant (7.6 WAR), who hit 39 homers, drove in 102 runs, and scored a league-high 112 runs. They had the No. 2 and No. 3 vote-getters for that year’s NL Cy Young Award (LHP Jon Lester and RHP Kyle Hendricks), not to mention the previous year’s Cy Young winner in RHP Jake Arrieta. ... All season long, the Cubs played with passion, purpose, and resilience. They could win 1-0 or 10-9. In that year’s World Series, they roared back from a 3 games to 1 deficit to capture the title, enduring extra innings and a rain delay on the road to win Game Seven. They simply would not be denied. If they can bring that same tenacity to this tournament, they’ll be extremely difficult to beat. 2011 Rangers Odds:** In 2011, the Texas Rangers were also on a mission—to win their first-ever World Series after reaching the Fall Classic the previous year. The Rangers had a solid but unspectacular rotation and a strong bullpen anchored by Mike Adams, Darren Oliver, and closer Neftali Feliz. However, their greatest strength was their punishing lineup that produced 5.3 runs per game. It featured 2B Ian Kinsler, a leadoff batter who posted a 7.0 WAR with 32 homers and a crazy 121 runs scored, future Hall of Fame 3B Adrian Beltre (32 HR, 105 RBI), DH/1B Michael Young (a league-leading 213 hits), power-slugging C Mike Napoli (30 HR and a 173 OPS+), and outfielder Josh Hamilton, the previous year’s American League MVP. ... The Rangers shot out of the gate, winning 9 of their first 10 games, but had periods of inconsistent play through the season. Nevertheless, a 12-game winning streak in July, and then a closing push that saw them win 14 of their last 16, helped the Rangers hurdle their division by a 10-game margin. ... However, where the 2016 Cubs triumphed, the 2011 Rangers faltered. They led their World Series against the Cardinals 3 games to 1 but saw it all unravel in gut-wrenching sequences. These Rangers are in this tournament seeking redemption, and they’re off to a good start after beating the 2002 Giants in five games, holding Barry Bonds and company to a .192 batting average. ... I give the Rangers a 30 percent chance against the 2016 Cubs. While the Rangers have the slightly stronger starting lineup from top to bottom, the Cubs’ lineup has a little more versatility and depth. The same goes when comparing the pitching staff. The Cubs starting rotation and bullpen shine just a little brighter. No. 8 1971 Pirates vs. No. 2 1970 ORIOLES NOTES:** It’s been a while since Major League Baseball fans could conceive of a truly fearsome Baltimore Orioles team. They’ve fielded some good teams in the past 40 or 45 years, no doubt. They even won it all in 1983 with a perfectly respectable squad. Respectable — not feared. The O’s have also had a lot of terrible, mediocre, and flash-in-the-pan underachieving teams the past few decades. So people forget the days when playing Baltimore was nothing to take lightly. The 1970 club is the apex of a 3-year span when the Orioles were unquestionably the best and most well-rounded team in baseball: 108 wins. Seven All-Stars. Three Cy Young Award candidates. Two perennial MVP candidates, one in right field, one at first base. The best defensive shortstop. The best defensive third baseman. The best defensive centerfielder. Three consecutive World Series appearances. And in 1970, this collection of talent had a stadium-sized chip on its shoulder after winning 109 games the previous year and then losing to the “Miracle Mets” in the World Series. This team led the AL in scoring (4.9 runs per game) and pitching/defense (3.5 runs allowed per game). They were a staggering 40-15 in games decided by 1 run, and 16-9 in extra-inning contests. The 1970 Orioles won the AL East with ease but never eased up. In fact, they went on their longest winning streak after clinching their division. They won 11 straight games to close out their schedule, then went 7-1 in the postseason, for a combined 18-1 finish. They were so good, they didn’t just beat the brash and ascendant “Big Red Machine” in the World Series; they humbled them. ... In 1971, this same group of players won 101 more games, and returned to the World Series as heavy favorites. After the Orioles easily won the first pair of games, they thought they’d shove their way to a second straight championship. But their opponent in the 1971 World Series showed surprising resilience, winning games three, four, and five at home, and then stunning the Orioles with a 2-1 triumph in Game Seven, at Baltimore! Who was this team? The 1971 Pirates! 1971 Pirates Odds: These Bucs might be a bit overmatched on paper, but they’re not intimidated. Still, it’s important to make the distinction that this time, they’ll be playing the 1970 Orioles, not exactly the team they defeated in the 1971 Classic. ... Guys like Frank Robinson, MVP Boog Powell, 3B Brooks Robinson, and LHP Mike Cuellar are all a year younger — which makes a key difference for players over 30. They’re steelier, more focused, and more merciless than the 1971 squad. ... The 1971 Pirates used a combination of veteran power, young energy, and deep pitching to overtake their opponents. They were famously a mix of black, white, and Latino players, and their embrace of that diversity made them stronger than the sum of their parts. They had a pair of terrific team leaders in Willie “Pops” Stargell (7.9 WAR, 48 homers, 125 RBI) and the heroic Roberto Clemente (7.3 WAR, .341 average, 86 RBI), who dazzled baseball audiences during the real-life 1971 series. On the mound, the Bucs relied on RHPs Doc Ellis and Steve Blass. Ellis was the ace during the regular season, but it was Blass who thoroughly frustrated the Orioles in that World Series. ... I give the 1971 Pirates a 30 percent chance to pull the upset here. They’ll have to get the jump early on these Orioles pitchers and make Baltimore fight from behind in the late innings. The Pirates showed they could do this in the Wild Card round, going 3-1 against Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale of the 1965 Dodgers. ... It won’t be enough to keep games close or tied, because these Orioles thrive in that situation. ==