A Balk and a Grand Slam and Both Western Team Lose
Colorado’s post season journey has come to an end. Their mighty offense was silenced by the pitching of the Brewers and in three games, the Rockies only scored 2 runs. A team that was only shut out twice all season long was held scoreless in 2 consecutive games in the playoffs – it was also the first time EVER that the Rockies were held scoreless in consecutive games when at least one of the games took place at Coors Field. I’m surprised by this turn of events particularly since I hadn’t heard about the dominance of the Brewers’ pitching. Hmm…turns out they use a bunch of relievers instead of standard starters and even their traditional starters only pitch twice through the batting order. It looks like there very well could be fewer positions available in the future for starters that can pitch a whole 9 innings. If a team in the playoffs can be this successful against such a potent offense other teams will try to copy them. Regardless, my hat goes off to the Brewers who not only held Colorado to 2 runs, they only allowed 14 hits in 3 games – wow!
The Dodgers also had to put their League Championship Series plans on hold Sunday as the Braves turned on the power. They did so with a grand slam by Ronald Acuna in the 2nd inning and a Freddie Freeman home run in the 6th. So while Colorado scored a couple in the first game of the NLDS and still lost, Atlanta waited until they got back home to finally score, and they smashed enough that they pulled off the win. It’ll be interesting to see id they can keep up the power and scoring against Rich Hill today, but for one day in October, Atlanta was better than the Dodgers.
The Dodgers may have lost but they at least put up a good fight. Chris Taylor hit a 2-run home run, Max Muncy hit a solo shot and, Justin Turner knocked in a couple with a single in the 3rd, but the 5 runs were not enough.
Today’s game will show if the home teams keep winning or not but it should be good. Rich Hill goes up against Mike Foltynewicz and the Braves are looking to take another trip back to LA.
Pitcher of the Day: Milwaukee Pitchers – 28 INN, 2 ER, 14 H, 30 K
Player of the Day: Chris Taylor, LAD – 1–3, 2 R, 2 RBI, 1 HR
Sports – West Coast Baseball – A Balk and a Grand Slam and Both Western Team Lose