Pure Dominance as A's capture AL Flag in 5

GAME 5 - Fenway Park - Boston, MA - A's 10, Red Sox 2

Philadelphia wins series 4-1

Lefty Grove (10-3, 1.73) was a mere mortal, for 1 inning anyway, but it didn't matter as the Mack Men's bats blasted Boston right out of the ALCS. Ted Williams finally came to life (for the moment at least) as he doubled home 2 in the first to give Boston starter Joe Dobson a 2-1 lead. Dobson would need the Patriots offense if he hoped to win this game as he yielded 8 runs in 8 innings of work. After the first inning Grove settled down and shutout the Bosox the rest of the way. Philly manager Howard Fortel was quoted as saying, "If you want to beat Grove, you have to get to him early and often. Once he gets in his groove it's all over". That pretty much summed up this game and this series. Jimmie Foxx again was strong with the lumber, going 3 for 4 with an RBI. The A's offense was completely balanced as they scored 10 runs on 10 hits. Every starter, except Doc Cramer (who did have 2 hits), had an RBI. Lew Krausse was called on to finish out the 9th since the outcome ws no longer in doubt and there was no need for Grove to expend any more energy vs the lack luster Bosox. By the time the A's were presented with the

AL Championship trophy most of the Fenway faithful were gone. That suited the A's just fine as they have become used to playing in front of sparse crowds, even in their home ballpark. That phenomenon has more to do with the terrible economic conditions than the A's play, which has been downright stellar. Including the final 8 games of the regular season Philly has won 15 of their last 16 games en route to a spot in the KOD7 World Series. Lost in the shuffle here was the fact that again Ted Williams was a major disappointment in the post season. Williams went 3-16 in the series, with all 3 hits coming in game 5. In comparison of HOF'ers, Jimmie Foxx was an incredible 15-19, with 6 RBI and 3 HR's.

Bean-a long time...

GAME 4 - Fenway Park - Boston, MA - Red Sox 7, A's 3

Philadelphia leads series 3-1

Finally the Bosox get to see a righty, and not so mysteriously their offense came to life. George Earnshaw (4-4, 3.66) started for the A's and looked solid for 6 innings until the Bosox exploded for 5 runs to put the game away and help salvage a minimal amount of dignity in this series that has been dominated by the boys from the city of Brotherly love. Bobby Doerr's 2 run homer in the 4th tied the game at 2. Philly actually took a lead in the 6th, when Mule Haas squeezed home Dib Williams. That would be the final run that Boston starter Mel Parnell would yield

on the day. Thankfully for him Boston's dormant offense was able to support him with 7 runs. Boston's 3 run 8th started when Vern Stephens led off with a walk and was tripled home by Al Zarilla. Birdie Tebbetts doubled Zarilla home and with 2 outs Billy Goodman single Tebbetts home. The 8th saw Boston get two insurance runs thanks to a triple by Doerr and a RBI ground out by Stephens. Boston would need more of this type of offense if they hoped to get back in this series or at least salvage some sort of respectability.

Philadelphia Freit-dom

GAME 3 - Fenway Park - Boston, MA - A's 4, Red Sox 1

Philadelphia leads series 3-0

Philly manager Howard Fortel went with Tony Freitas (6-1, 2.15), his third straight starter in this series...Freitas was spectacular carrying a no-hitter for 8 and 1/3 innings, until Bobby Doerr broke it up with a double off the green monster. The (not so) Splendid Splinter, Ted Williams scored on Doerr's double (he walked to lead off the 9th). Williams' run broke Boston's 26 inning scoreless streak and added some

window dressing to their horrible offensive performance in the ALCS. Philly's offense came off the bat of one Jimmie Foxx, who hit a colossal 3 run shot off of Boston starter Ellis Kinder in the 5th. At the time the score was 1-0 and Boston had a remote chance. After Foxx hit his 3rd homer of the series the door was shut, the dye was cast...fill in your own cliche here. Freitas recovered after Doerr's two bagger and got Zarilla and Tebbetts to ground out weakly to end the game and give the White Elephant a commanding 3 games to none lead in the ALCS.

(Not) Hitting the Wal...

GAME 2 - Shibe Park - Philadelphia, PA - A's 3, Red Sox 0

Philadelphia leads series 2-0

Different day...same score. This time Rube Walberg spins the complete game shutout over the Bosox instead of Grove. Mel Parnell gutted out 8 innings, but once he gave up a run in the first he was virtually doomed to defeat. Jimmie Foxx was the offense in this contest as he clouted two mamouth shots off southpaw Parnell. Dib Williams added a solo shot of his own, which accounted for the second run of the game. Walberg's (8-2, 1.74) 3 hit shutout extended Boston's scoreless streak to 18 consecutive innings. Johnny Pesky had 2 of Boston's 3 hits.

Get your Grove on...

GAME 1 - Shibe Park - Philadelphia, PA - A's 3, Red Sox 0

Philadelphia leads series 1-0

Both teams arrived at this ALCS in different fashion. The mighty Mackmen came off a 3 game sweep of the Tigers, while the Bosox had to rely on an 8th inning comeback to scratch themselves past the upstart Angels. Philly tapped Cy Young award winner Lefty Grove (9-3, 1.69) to toe the rubber, while Boston was forced into using Chuck Stobbs. Boston's staff was stretched to the limit by Anaheim in the LDS, so co-aces Mel Parnell and Ellis Kinder were not available. Long story short: Grove was dominant against a Red Sox lineup that has found lefthanded pitching to be its kryptonite all season. Grove went the distance for a complete game shutout of the Red Sox. Stobbs was game, and only gave up 1 earned run in more than 6 innings of work, but he would have had to have been perfect to beat the great

Grove. Philly scored in the first when Jimmy Dykes' liner to center was dropped by the normally sure handed Dom DiMaggio. In essence that would be the only run that Grove would actually need. Mule Haas added a second run with a lead off solo shot in the home half of the 5th. and the struggling Mickey Cochrane singled home Jimmie Foxx for a tack on run in the 8th. Even a 1 hour rain delay in the 4th was not enough to sap the strength of Grove, who threw an economical 83 pitches in his complete game effort.

NLDS: Brooklyn comes back to slip past Bucs in 5

The 1951 Brooklyn Dodgers come into this series exhausted and dragging from the emotional 4-game sweep against the Giants that was needed to get here – and coming from behind in the standings to leap frog 2 teams in the process to make these playoffs. The 1977 Pittsburgh Pirates come in as the favorite at Home and well-rested.

Game 1:
Pittsburgh began this series with its ace, John Candelaria – and the Dodgers, on the road, had to go with Ralph Branca, their #3 in the rotation, due to fatigue. However, the Dodgers drew first blood in the top half of the 3rd inning by scoring 2 runs off a SAC fly from Duke Snider and a Double from Roy Campanella. They scored again in the 4th inning off the bat of Andy Pafko, who hit a solo shot off the Candyman. In the 5th inning, the Dodgers struck the Candyman again with a Double from Jackie Robinson that was followed by a Single from Campanella. Behind 4-0 heading into the bottom half of the 5th inning, Pittsburgh began to fight back with a 2-run Triple from Al Oliver – who eventually scored on an Error. The Dodger lead was now cut to 4-3. But, Campanella Doubled and later scored on an Error too. In the bottom half of the 7 inning, Pittsburgh loaded the bases with no outs – and the Dodgers sacrificed a run to turn the Doubleplay and got out of the inning, still having a modest 5-4 lead. Pittsburgh then brought in Rich “Goose” Gossage to cool Brooklyn off – and it worked. Heading into the bottom of the 9th inning and cruisin’ to a victory, the Dodgers sat Branca down and brought in their closer, Clem Labine. However, Pittsburgh quickly had runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs. Then, Labine threw a Wild Pitch to move the runners over. The stage was set for a Pittsburgh comeback-victory at Home. Labine calmed down to get Frank Tavares and then K’d Omar Moreno. With 2 outs, Oliver came thru with a Single to tie the game at 5-5. With runners on 1st and 3rd, Labine got out of the jam with a Phil Garner pop up. We are now heading into extra innings. During this extra session, Pittsburgh used Kent Tekulve, Grant Jackson, and Bruce Kison –while the Dodgers continued to ride Labine. Both teams pitched well and Offense was held scoreless thru the 10th, 11th, 12th, and the 13th innings. In the 14th inning, the Dodgers “broke the silence” when Kison Walked-in the winning run. The Dodgers brought in Bud Podbielan to shut the door, with a 1-2-3 inning.
Dodgers take Game 1 in another emotional game. Roy Campanella received game honors, by going 3-for-7 and getting 2 RBI’s.

Game 2:
For Game 2, Pittsburgh came flying out of the gate and shelled Dodger ace Don Newcombe by scoring 2 runs in the bottom half of the 1st inning on a 2-run blast from Bill Robinson – and another 4 runs in the bottom half of the 3rd inning on 5 straight hits that was capped by a Willie Stargell Double. The Dodgers put up a small fight against Pittsburgh’s Jerry Reuss by scoring 4 runs of their own in the top half of the 4th inning on 4 Singles. But, leading 6-4, Pittsburgh poured it on by scoring 2 more runs in the bottom half of the 5th inning on a Double from Dave Parker and a Single from Rennie Stennett.

That is how the score remained, and Pittsburgh took Game 2: 8-4 – with Newcombe giving up all 8 runs. It was a quick and painless victory for Pittsburgh, who “operated” on the Dodgers with steel precision. Bill Robinson took game honors – but a serious nod must go to Jerry Reuss, who pitched well, to hold down this Dodger team.

Game 3:
Heading into Brooklyn, Pittsburgh drew first blood in Game 3 by scoring a run on a SAC fly from Dave Parker in the top half of the 1st inning off Dodger Preacher Roe. Things got real quiet after that, as Roe matched Jim Rooker, who is a Cy Young candidate and went 7-0 during the regular season, pitch for pitch. In the bottom half of the 7th inning, the Dodgers got back into the game with a run to even things up when Roy Campanella hit a solo shot. With Rooker leading off the 8 inning, Pittsburgh risked taking out their most consistent pitcher by going with a DH – unfortunately Pittsburgh failed to score. Goose Gossage then came in for Pittsburgh to hold the Dodgers at bay, while Roe continued to hold off Pittsburgh – as another game went into extra innings. Roe held strong for 11 innings. In the 12th inning, Bud Podbielan came in for the Dodgers, but he surrendered 2 runs when Willie Stargell Doubled Home Rennie Stennett – and then Ken Macha Singled Home Stargell. Down 2 runs in the bottom half of the 12th inning, the Dodgers did manage a run when Jackie Robinson Tripled and Gil Hodges Doubled with 2 outs. But with Hodges standing on 2nd Base, the game ended when Grant Jackson got Andy Pafko to whiff.
Pittsburgh took Game 3: 4-3 – and now lead the series 2 games to 1. Jim Rooker took game honors, and it appears that fatigue is setting in for the Dodgers.

Game 4:
Desperate to ignite the team, the Dodger Manager pulled a bold move by exposing his bullpen and putting Clem Labine on the mound to square off against Bruce Kison. The move appeared to pay off, as Labine held even with Kison – and both pitchers were on fire. Kison held the Dodgers scoreless and surrendered just 3 hits in 6 innings, and Labine surrendered just 2 hits in those same 6 innings. In the top half of the 7th inning, Pittsburgh made their move – and scored 3 runs that was capped by a 2-run shot by Ed Ott. Things looked bleak for the Dodgers, as Pittsburgh was looking to close out the series with this 3-0 lead. But, they may have made a mistake by prematurely taking out Kison, who was pitching a masterpiece, for a DH. So, in comes Grant Jackson to start the 8th inning for Pittsburgh. Being at Home, and with the series on the line, the Dodgers jumped all over Jackson, who Walked the bases loaded, with 1 out. Jackson got the 2nd out when Billy Cox hit a SAC fly to score Gil Hodges, and it cut the lead to 3-1. With 2 outs and Labine set to bat, the Dodgers went to their bench for Cal Abrams, who was quiet all season. This is the time when heroes rise to the occasion and legends are made……Abrams stepped to the plate and smacked a 3-run jack off Jackson to take a 4-3 lead. The crowd went wild. Goose Gossage then came in for Jackson to close out the inning for Pittsburgh, but the damage was done. Bud Podbielan came in for the Dodgers, as he sought to redeem himself for the prior loss, and he shut Pittsburgh down in the 8th and 9th innings.
The Dodgers take Game 4: 4-3 – in another emotional victory to force a Game 5. Bud Podbielan took game honors for shutting Pittsburgh down, but he should split game honors with Cal Abrams.

Game 5:
With Game 5 on the line and back at Home, Pittsburgh went back to their ace, John Candelaria – while the Dodgers countered with Ralph Branca again, setting the stage for a rematch of Game 1. But, the Dodgers did not take long to make a statement, as they jumped to a quick 4-0 lead in the very 1st inning off the Candyman with 5 Singles and a Walk. Branca did his part for the Dodgers, as he scattered 6 hits and held Pittsburgh scoreless thru 7 innings. In the bottom half of the 8th inning, Pittsburgh fought back by loading the bases in time to have Dave Parker clear the pads with a 3-run Double. The Dodgers held firm and left Branca in the game, and he got out of the jam to retain a 4-3 lead. The Candyman, Kent Tekulve, and Goose Gossage held the Dodgers scoreless for the last 8 innings, but that 1st inning was all the Dodgers needed – and Branca pitched a complete game victory for the Dodgers, as he retired Pittsburgh 1-2-3 in the 9th inning.
Dodgers win the series on the road !!!
Ralph Branca took game honors, rightfully so, as he helped the Dodgers win Game 5 and win the series 3 games to 2. In doing so, Branca earned series MVP for winning Game 1 and Game 5. There was no clear hero on Offense for the Dodgers, as everyone played a small role in the team effort. The turning point in this series would have been the 3-run jack from Cal Abrams in that 7th inning of Game 4, as the Dodgers faced elimination, to take the lead and force Game 5.
--submitted by Georges Bseraini--

ALDS: Game 5 theatrics in Anaheim

GAME 5 - Angel Stadium - Boston 5, LA-Anaheim 3 - Boston wins series 3 games to 2

Due to network scheduling issues this game was put on hold for 3 days. The Sawx flew out to the coast feeling like they let one get away, but not closing it out in 4 games at home in Fenway. The Halos had captured all the momentum and looked to pull off the upset on their home turf. Boston went to their act, Mel Parnell who entered the game 6-3. The Halos tapped Paul Byrd who was their starter for game 1. The Angles struck first when Chone Figgins led off the bottom of the 1st with a big triple. DaVanon walked and a big inning looked to be in the making until Vlad hit into a run scoring DP. Certainly Parnell was happy to yield on the 1 run. That run was looming large until Boston tied it up in the 5th when Bobby Doerr hit a 422 foot solo shot to dead center.

The game remained tied until the bottom of the 6th when Bengie Molina blasted a solo shot of his own to make it 2-1. The bottom of the 7th saw Orlando Cabrera lead off with a double and Jeff DaVanon single him home two batters later. Anaheim had themselves a nice 3-1 lead with only 6 outs left to be recorded. Byrd was flat out keeping the Bosox batters off balance, sans the Doerr homer.

Then in the top of the 8th it all came crashing down. Scott Shields was called on to relieve Paul Byrd, who to that point had only thrown 78 pitches. The Angels formula all year had been to get to the 8th and bring in Shields, then go to K-rod in the 9th. This time the formula didn't work. Shields walked Doerr, then Al Zarilla doubled to put runners on 2nd and 3rd. Birdie Tebbetts singled home Doerr to make it 3-2. Pitcher Mel Parnell, batting instead of the DH (because he hits better than the Boston bench guys), singled to help his own cause to tie up the game and put runners on 1st and 2nd with nobody out. Pesky walked to load the bases and that was it for Shields. Escobar was hurried in and he walked Bill Goodman to put Boston up 4-3. Still there was nobody out and the Bosox truly looked to break it open. Escobar came up big by fanning DiMaggio and the great T.S. Williams before inducing Stephens to ground out weakly to Figgins at 3rd. Escobar kept his team in it and gave them a chance.

In the bottom of the inning Molina doubled with one out. Izturis came in to pinch run as Finley walked to make it 1st and 2nd. Parnell threw a sinker and Robb Quinlan blasted a one hopper to the slick fielding Billy Goodman at first, who turned a nifty 3-6-3 DP to crush the Angels chances in the 8th. The top of the 9th saw Al Zarilla hit a monster shot into the waterfall in center to make it 5-3. Reliever Esteban Yan yielded that clout with one out. Cabrera, Kennedy and Figgins went down easily in the bottom of the 9th as Mel Parnell went the distance to close out the series. The cruel fates of the baseball gods, which usually turn on the boys from Beantown did the exact opposite. Boston's manager was quoted after the contest as saying, "We really lucked out...we've been a resilient bunch all year, but this was a lot to ask of a team, yet somehow they were able to come through.

Angels manager D.Zaner was stunned. He said he would rather lose 8-0 than this way. The Orange County media immediately began second guessing him after the game for removing Byrd in favor of Shields. How fickle the press and the fans are. That same formula worked all season and this reporter is 100% sure that if he left Byrd in and he got bombed those same geniuses would be second guessing that move. All in all the Angels had a great comeback season, where they caught the Brewers on the final day of the season and one a nail biting play in game to even make the post season. A weary Boston team be taking the train to Philadelphia for the ALCS, which opens Saturday night.