ALCS Game 1
Paul Byrd is amazing!! I'm so proud to be a Byrd Watcher!! After giving his team a sub-par performance against New York in the ALDS, he stepped up his game. Knowing that the pitching was in a bit of a shambles (after using 3 starters in 2 days and one out due to strep throat), he came into last night's game wanting to go 7-8 innings. I knew that all he really needed to give was a solid 6...and he did it!! He retired the first 8, I think, before giving up a hit.
The Angels struck first, with Garret hitting a shot to the right center field stands in the second. In the 3rd, Finley and Adam hit back-to-back singles, Figgy laid down a beautiful bunt and the manufacturing began...Orlando got an RBI single after Crede(?) took a little too long to decide where to throw the ball...and with Orlando on first, when Vlad hit a potential double play ball back to the pitcher...OC was there to break it up...allowing Adam to score...3-0 Angels.
In the bottom of the 7th, Paul hit the first batter he faced...and Sciosc went to the 'pen. Paul was less than thrilled about getting pulled (you could tell by his face), but after the fact...even he had to admit he was tired and not as sharp...and with a close game...it was time for a fresh arm. And Scot got the job done...in the 7th and 8th...striking out Konerko with runners on 1st and 2nd to end the 8th. Frankie came in as usual to close it out. He was working exceptionally slow, but quite effectively. After Figgy's error allowing the lead off man to reach first...Bengie helped us out as usual, by pulling Figgy in to guard the inevitable bunt...Figgy threw out the lead runner. Frankie finished it out, with as little fright as I've felt in a while. Thanks Frankie!!
Now I don't think that yesterday was a must win, but I do that it is more likely that the team will feel the effects of their recent travels today...so to know that the worst they can do it split in Chicago...priceless.
Today, Jarrod takes the mound (after not pitching for 22 days) against Mark Buhrle (a little lefty on lefty action). Go Wash!!
The Angels struck first, with Garret hitting a shot to the right center field stands in the second. In the 3rd, Finley and Adam hit back-to-back singles, Figgy laid down a beautiful bunt and the manufacturing began...Orlando got an RBI single after Crede(?) took a little too long to decide where to throw the ball...and with Orlando on first, when Vlad hit a potential double play ball back to the pitcher...OC was there to break it up...allowing Adam to score...3-0 Angels.
In the bottom of the 7th, Paul hit the first batter he faced...and Sciosc went to the 'pen. Paul was less than thrilled about getting pulled (you could tell by his face), but after the fact...even he had to admit he was tired and not as sharp...and with a close game...it was time for a fresh arm. And Scot got the job done...in the 7th and 8th...striking out Konerko with runners on 1st and 2nd to end the 8th. Frankie came in as usual to close it out. He was working exceptionally slow, but quite effectively. After Figgy's error allowing the lead off man to reach first...Bengie helped us out as usual, by pulling Figgy in to guard the inevitable bunt...Figgy threw out the lead runner. Frankie finished it out, with as little fright as I've felt in a while. Thanks Frankie!!
Now I don't think that yesterday was a must win, but I do that it is more likely that the team will feel the effects of their recent travels today...so to know that the worst they can do it split in Chicago...priceless.
Today, Jarrod takes the mound (after not pitching for 22 days) against Mark Buhrle (a little lefty on lefty action). Go Wash!!