Yasmani Grandal - Brewster 08 - SportPix Photo
Article By: Michael Lane
Rays 8 – Blue Jays 2 (Tampa Bay Wins Series 2-0)
The Rays are moving on the ALDS after finishing off the Blue Jays in just two games. Mike Zunino (Y-D ’11) hit a two-run homer that sparked a huge second inning for the Rays. By the end of the second inning the Rays were leading 7-0 and well on their way to their way to San Diego for the next round. Aaron Loup (Falmouth ’08) and Ryan Thompson (Hyannis ’13) combined for two scoreless innings of relief for the Rays. Thomas Hatch (Bourne ’14) pitched a scoreless seventh inning for the Blue Jays. The Rays will begin their series against the Yankees Monday in the ALDS.
Astros 3 – Twins 1 (Houston Wins Series 2-0)
The Astros completed their sweep of the Twins on the road Wednesday afternoon. Tyler Duffey (Falmouth ’11) stranded two inherited runners in the ninth inning for the Twins, but the Twins were unable to get anything going offensively. The Astros will await the winners of the Athletics vs. White Sox series in the ALDS.
Athletics 5 – White Sox 3 (Series Tied 1-1)
The A’s held on late to force a deciding game three Thursday afternoon. Tommy La Stella (Bourne ’10) came around to score the first run of the game and give Oakland an early lead in the first inning. Sean Murphy (Orleans ’15) followed in the second inning by singling and then scoring, extending Oakland’s lead to 4-0. The biggest moment of the game may have been in the third inning when Mark Canha (Brewster ’09) made a leaping catch at the wall for the first out of the inning. The White Sox would have scored at least one run and had two more men in scoring position with no outs. Yasmani Grandal (Brewster ’08) drove in all three runs for the White Sox, including a two-run homer in the eighth inning.
Yankees 9 – Indians 8 (New York Wins Series 2-0)
First pitch was scheduled for 7:10pm, but the Yankees did not end the game until after 1:00am on the east coast. It was DJ LeMahieu (Harwich ’08) who delivered the game winning RBI single for the Yankees in the ninth inning. A few innings earlier it looked like Jordan Luplow (Orleans ’13) would be the hero on the night, coming off the bench to hit a two-out two-run RBI double to tie the game. Chad Green (Bourne ‘11/’12) pitched 1 1-3 innings with three strikeouts for the Yankees in relief and Nick Wittgren (Hyannis ’11) matched with 1 1-3 innings with three strikeouts of his own for the Indians. The Yankees will move on to play the Rays in the ALDS beginning Monday in San Diego.
Braves 1 – Reds 0 (Atlanta Leads Series 1-0)
The Braves won a marathon game one that lasted 13 innings before Freddie Freeman drove in the only run of the game. Nick Senzel (Brewster ’15) had a pair of hits, but was unable to come around the score either time. Michael Lorenzen (Brewster’ 12) pitched two scoreless innings and struck out four batters in extra innings for Cincinnati. Ultimately it was A.J. Minter (Cotuit ’14) who ended up getting the win out of the Atlanta bullpen.
Marlins 5 – Cubs 1 (Miami Leads Series 1-0)
The Marlins took a 1-0 series lead thanks to a five run seventh inning. Ian Happ (Harwich ‘13/’14) homered in the fifth inning to give the Cubs their only run of the game. Kyle Hendricks (Brewster ’10) got the start for the Cubs and went 6 1-3 innings allowing three runs in the seventh innings. Prior to the seventh inning Hendricks had been strong only allowing two hits through six innings.
Cardinals 7 – Padres 4 (St. Louis Leads Series 1-0)
The Cardinals jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning and were able to hold on for a game one victory. Andrew Miller (Chatham ‘04/’05) got a hold in the Cardinals bullpen for his work in the eighth inning. Pierce Johnson (Harwich ‘10/’11) and Garrett Richards (Cotuit ’07) combined for two scoreless innings for the Padres. Despite not having a hit, Austin Nola (Harwich ‘10/’11) had a successful day at the plate with a pair of RBI sacrifice flies.
Dodgers 4 – Brewers 2 (Los Angeles Leads Series 1-0)
The Dodgers, heavy favorites to win the World Series, started their postseason run off strong with a win Wednesday night. Walker Buehler (Y-D ’14) started the game on the mound for Los Angeles, striking out eight batters in four innings of work. A.J. Pollock (Falmouth ’08) and Will Smith (Brewster ’15) had a pair of RBI walks for the Dodgers in the first inning to give them a 2-0 lead. Brandon Woodruff (Harwich ’12) will start for the Brewers tonight and try to even the series up.
