Wednesday, May 22, 2013

KOD16 World Series - Los Angeles Angels vs New York Mets

KOD16 World Series Preview
The KOD16 World Series featured 2 teams neither of which were the top seed in their league. Both the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim won their respective Expansion Franchise Division.  But each had to defeat a stronger opponent in the League Championship Series.  The Mets upset the San Francisco Giants in 6 games.  The Angels managed to get past the Chicago White Sox by winning the last 2 of their 7-game series.  There was no inter-league play in KOD16. So the Mets and Angels have never played before.   
October 20, Angel Stadium, Anaheim
The Series began with strong pitching on both sides.  Los Angeles struck first in the bottom of the 3rd inning with a Wally Joyner RBI single off Mets' starter Doc Gooden.  New York evened the score in the top of the 6th with a Kevin Mitchell RBI single off Angels' starter Marcelino Lopez.  With the game still knotted at 1, Dave LaRoche struck out Darryl Strawberry end the top half of the 9thinning.  Gooden entered the bottom of the 9th fully in control, having surrendered only 5 hits and 1 walk while striking out 9.  Yet Wally Joyner led off the inning with a single and moved up a base on David Eckstein's sacrifice bunt. Dallas McPherson then brought the hometown fans to their feet when he lined a walk-off double into the right field gap to score Joyner with the winning run.  LaRoche picked up the win as pitcher-of-record.      
Los Angeles 2, New York (N) 1  
LAA leads the Series 1-0.
October 21, Angel Stadium, Anaheim
"Tom Terrific" Seaver lived up to his nickname in Game 2.  Seaver yielded only 5 hits and 1 walk on his way to a complete game shutout.  New York scored twice on double-play groundballs, and once more on a Dave Magadan single off hard-luck losing pitcher Paul Hartzell. But these 3 runs were more than enough for Seaver to earn the victory this day.
New York (N) 3, Los Angeles 0 
Series tied 1-1.
October 23, Shea Stadium, New York
As the Series moved to the Big Apple, the Mets handed the ball to LHP Jerry Koosman, while the Angels went with their hottest starter Rickey Clark.  Los Angeles chipped away at New York scoring a run in the 3rd on a Devon White squeeze bunt, a run in the 4th on a David Eckstein single, a run in the 5th on Bengie Molina single, and 2 runs in the 6th on back-to-back RBI doubles by Garrett Anderson and Devon White. But the real star of the game was Clark, who gave up only 3 hits in 6 innings of shutout pitching.  The stellar Angels' bullpen kept the Mets off the board for the final three innings to preserve the win.      
Los Angeles 5, New York (N) 0
LAA leads the Series 2-1.
October 24, Shea Stadium, New York
Game 4s are often the most crucial in a 7-game series, as they mean the difference between a 2-2 series tie or a huge 3-1 edge for one team.  As such, perhaps this Game 4 was the turning point of this Series.
The Angels struck first off New York starter John Matlack, with Mike Trout scoring on a fielder's choice groundout. But that was all they could must off Matlack, who pitched superbly into the 8th inning giving up only 3 hits.  Meanwhile, the Mets had a little better luck versus LA starter Dean Chance, scoring single runs in the 3rd and 4th innings on a Jose Reyes RBI single and a solo homer by Lucas Duda.  The score remained 2-1 New York going into the top of the 9th inning.  The Angels managed to put runners on first and second, but were down to their last out.  Facing Jesse Orosco, Chone Figgins managed to poke a single to right field scoring Lansford from 2nd base to tie the game. With Josias Manzanillo in from the Mets' bullpen to preserve the tie, next batter Wally Joyner smacked a double off the wall in left field to plate the go-ahead run.  Relievers Jose Arredondo and Bob Lee closed out the bottom of the 9th to seal the dramatic come-from-behind win for the Angels.     
Los Angeles 3, New York (N) 2
LAA leads the Series 3-1.
October 25, Shea Stadium, New York
For Game 5 both teams returned to their Game 1 starters – Gooden and Lopez. New York struck early in the bottom of the 1st when they filled the bases with no outs.  But they ended up only scoring 1 run thanks to a 6-4-3 double play.  Los Angeles could only score 1 run off Doc Gooden. That came in the 6th inning when Mike Trout walked, stole 2nd and scored on Garrett Anderson's single. Both starters were gone by the 8th inning with the score still even at 1 apiece.  In the top of the 8th the Angels mounted a rally against reliever Carlos Diaz.  Similar to the 6th inning, this time Trout singles, was sacrificed to 2nd and scored on Anderson's single. Anderson took 2nd base on the throw home, which turned out to be important when Carney Lansford lines a 2-out single to center, scoring Anderson with run number 3.  Troy Percival escaped the bottom of the 8th unscathed thanks to yet another Mets' double play ground ball.   
With Los Angeles still on top 3-1, the stage was set for the bottom of the 9th.  LHP Dave LaRoche was called on to face the first two batters, both LHB.  But pinch hitter Benny Agbayani singled and Darryl Strawberry doubled off the wall in right, missing a game-tying HR by inches.  Nevertheless, the Mets had the tying runs on 2nd and 3rd with no outs.  The Angels called on their closer Bob Lee to get them out of the jam, and that he did, as he had done all season long.  Jose Reyes grounded to short scoring Agbayani, freezing Strawberry at 2nd base.  Wally Backman walked, but Josh Thole flew out center.  With 2-outs and 2 on, Greg Jefferies grounded easily to shortstop to end the Series, and to give the Halos the KOD16 Championship. 
Los Angeles 3, New York (N) 2
LAA wins the Series 4-1.
The Series MVP was awarded to Mike Trout, who went 6-16 (.375) with 6 walks (.545 OBP) and 5 runs scored.  In such a low-scoring series where 3 of the Angels' 4 wins were by a single run, Trout led with 5 runs scored and always seemed to be on base creating havoc for the Mets.
--submitted by Douglas Zaner-- 

Thursday, May 16, 2013

KOD 16 ALCS - Chicago vs. Los Angeles

KOD16 ALCS Preview
The Chicago White Sox advanced the ALCS after defeating the Seattle Mariners 3-2 in a closely fought ALDS. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim squeaked their way into the ALCS by winning the last 3 games of the ALDS against the Oakland A's. During the regular season, the White Sox tied for the most wins in the American League, while the Angels won just 1 fewer.  Chicago took 2 out of 3 when the two teams met last August.
October 10, U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago
Chicago took an early 3-0 lead, aided by a Ross Gload 2-run HR.  But Los Angeles responded an inning later with a 2-run HR of their own off the bat of Wally Joyner.  At that point White Sox starter Bob Keegan and Angels' starter Marcelino Lopez settled down.  The score remained 3-2 until Chicago scored an unearned insurance run in the bottom of the 8th to go up 4-2.  Chicago's Roberto Hernandez came on in the 9th to close it out.  But the Angels opened the frame with back-to-back doubles to narrow the gap to a single run.  One out later, pinch hitter Mark Trumbo stunned and silenced the South-side crowd with a 425 foot blast to right center to give the Halos a 5-4 lead.  Chicago managed to get the tying run in scoring position in the bottom of the 9th. But Bob Lee struck out Minnie Minoso and Tommie Agee to end the threat.   
Los Angeles 5, Chicago 4  
LAA leads the Series 1-0.
October 11, U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago
Both teams got strong outings from their Game 2 starters.  Both Gary Peters and Rickey Clark allowed only 1 run through 7 and 6 innings, respectively. In the top of the 8th Garrett Anderson singled in the go-ahead run off reliever Cy Acosta to give LAA a 2-1 lead.  The Angels added an unearned insurance run in the top of the 9th, which proved to be important when Ross Gload led off the bottom of the 9th with a HR off Troy Percival. But for the second night in a row Bob Lee came in to shut the door and preserve the win with his 15th save of the season.
Los Angeles 3, Chicago 2 
LAA leads the Series 2-0.
October 13, Angel Stadium, Anaheim
The Series moved to Southern California for the next 3 games. Angels starter Dean Chance got off to a rocky start, surrendering a 2-run bomb to Ross Gload – his 3rd in as many games - in the top of the 1st inning.  But LAA responded with a 2-run HR of their own in the bottom of the 1st off the bat of Rob Quinlan against White Sox starter Britt Burns.  Luis Aparicio singled in a run to take the lead for Chicago in the top of the 2nd, which held up until Reggie Willits knotted the score at 3 with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 7th inning.  But the White Sox offense came alive in the last 2 innings off the Angels' usually-reliable bullpen, banging out 6 singles and a Frank Thomas RBI double to score 5 times, and winning this one going away.    
Chicago 8, Los Angeles 3
LAA leads the Series 2-1.
October 14, Angel Stadium, Anaheim
Chicago starter Saul Rogovin gave his team just what they needed in Game 4 – a brilliant complete game, scattering 7 hits and walking none.  His only mistake was allowing a solo HR to Devon White in the 4th inning.   Meanwhile, the White Sox offense provided Rogovin with more than enough support.  Floyd Robinson had 3 hits, including a HR. Pete Ward also had 3 hits, including a double.  The White Sox scored early and often, and thanks to Rogovin were in command of this one from the beginning to the end.
Chicago 5, Los Angeles 1       
Series tied 2-2.         
October 15, Angel Stadium, Anaheim
For Game 5 LAA returned to their Series-opening starter Marecelino Lopez, while Chicago went with Game 2 starter Gary Peters on 3-days rest. Both pitched well, each going 6+ innings and giving up only 2 runs.  Minnie Minoso preserved the tie score in the 7th inning with a perfect strike to home to nail Wally Joyner trying to score from 1st base on a Bob Rodgers double. The score remained tied through 10 innings. In the top of the 11th Pete Ward doubled off of Ken Tatum to score Carlos May, who had walked to lead off the inning.  He scored later in the inning on Tommie Agee's suicide squeeze. Roberto Hernandez retired the Angels in order in the bottom of the inning to get the save.  Now the White Sox, down 0-2 in the Series after 2 games, were only 1 game away from the AL pennant    
Chicago 4, Los Angeles 2 (11)   
Chicago leads the Series 3-2
October 17, U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago
The Series moved back to Chicago.  Once again the White Sox went with a lefty on 3-day rest Britt Burns, while the Angels countered with Rickey Clark.  Clark wasn't particularly sharp, allowing 3 Home runs over 6.2 innings.  But he was fortunate that all the HRs – Carlos May, Carlos Lee, Magglio Ordonez – were solo shots.  Less fortunate were Chicago hurlers Britt Burns and Dennis Higgins, who allowed 4 HRs – Dave Chalk, Rob Quinlan and 2 for Garrett Anderson, one of which was a grand slam.  Quinlan finished with 3 hits and 4 RBIs, while Anderson finished with 4 hits and 5 RBIs, as the LAA offense came alive with 15 hits and 15 runs to force a 7th and final game.  
Los Angeles 15, Chicago 5 
Series tied 3-3.        
October 18, U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago
For the Series final game, Chicago tapped Game 1 starter Bob Keegan, while LAA gave the ball to Dean Chance.  Despite the importance of the game neither pitcher was particularly sharp. Mike Trout led off the game with a triple and scored 2 batters later on a Garrett Anderson single.  Chicago answered in their half if the opening frame, scoring a run on a Ross Gload fielder's choice, set up by a Floyd Robinson double. In the 4th inning, LAA broke the 1-1 tie with a Dallas McPherson 2-run HR and an Adam Kennedy solo HR two batters later, which chased Higgins for the day.  Mike Trout's lead-off HR in the top of the 5th made it 5-1 Angels. Tadahito Iguchi's RBI double in the 6th inning closed the deficit to 5-2, marking the end of the day for Dean Chance. Chicago got a run closer in the 8th off Troy Percival with doubles by Floyd Robinson and Chris Singleton.  The Angels failed to score in the 9th. With the Series on the line, closer Bob Lee was once again asked to get the final 3 outs. Lee retired the Sox in order, getting Minnie Minoso on a comebacker for the final out to earn his 16th save and a trip to the KOD World Series for the Halos.         
Los Angeles 5, Chicago 3 
LAA wins the Series 4-3.
   
Co-MVP honors went to the Angels' Garrett Anderson, who went 12-24 (.500) with 2 HRs and 7 RBIs, and Rob Quinlan, who went 7-13 (.538) with 2HRs and 8 RBIs.    
--submitted by Douglas Zaner-- 

Saturday, May 11, 2013

NLCS: Mets Advance in Six

Game One – 
Dwight Gooden vs. John Montefusco. 
Buster Posey's solo shot in the second and Darryl Strawberry's solo shot in the fourth are the only runs through nine. In the top of the twelfth, Ryan Thompson's solo homer off of Jim Barr is the game-winner as the Mets strike first, 2-1. Roger McDowell walks the bases loaded in the bottom of the twelfth to make things exciting, but Willie Mays to fly out to end the game.
Game Two
Jerry Koosman vs. Juan Marichal
. Gregg Jefferies's two-run pinch homer in the seventh gives the Mets a 3-1 lead and turn things over to the bullpen; but the Giants get a pinch-homer of their own from Dave Kingman in the bottom of the seventh to take the lead and take Game Two 4-3.
Game Three – 
Jim Willoughby vs. Tom Seaver.
 The series moves to Shea, and the crowd is ecstatic when Jason Phillips' seventh-inning two-run homer gives the Mets a 4-0. Up to that point, the Giants had succeeded in getting Seaver's pitch count up, so the Mets turned things over to the pen to start the eighth. San Francisco pounds Jeff Reardon and Jesse Orosco to get four runs to tie the game and then back-to-back doubles by Buster Posey ad Dan Gladden gave the Giants the lead. The Mets load the bases off of Frank Linzy in the bottom of the ninth, but David Wright grounds out to end the game as the Giants take a 5-4 lead to go ahead in the series.
Game Four
Kelly Downs vs. Jon Matlack.
David Wright's sixth inning two-run homer gives the Mets a 3-0 lead, but the Giants showed their mettle by getting two runs back via doubles from Kingman and Posey in the eighth  off of Matlack. Matlack comes out to start the ninth, but allows a leadoff single to Gary Matthews. Carlos Diaz came on to get out Monte Irvin and Tito Fuentes before walking Willie McCovey. McDowell comes on to get Gladden to ground out to end the game as the Mets draw even with a 3-2 win.
Game Five – 
Montefusco vs. Gooden.
 In the bottom of the first, Montefusco allows a single to Wally Backman, a triple to Jose Reyes and a home run to Wright, and voila the Mets have a 3-0 lead. That's more than enough for the good Doctor, who goes the distance in the Mets 4-1 win. The Mets sit on the verge of moving onto the World Series, ahead in the series three games to two.
Game Six – 
Koosman vs. Marichal.
 The first six Mets reach to begin the game, but hesitation in the decision-making of the Mets third base coach results in the Mets only scoring three runs. Ike Davis hits a solo homer in the fourth to give the Mets a 4-0 lead, but the Giants get a solo homer of their own from Sarge as well as a  Gladden RBI single to cut the lead in half. Mays' RBI single in the sixth cuts the Mets' lead to 4-3, but that's the way the score sat going into the bottom of the ninth as the champagne was wheeled into the Mets' clubhouse and the plastic sheeting went over the lockers. Orosco got Leon Wagner to line out to start the ninth, and the Mets summoned McDowell to try and close it out, but he was greeted by Posey's solo homer to tie the game. Fuentes stranded the game-winner at third to end the ninth and send the game into extra-innings. In the top of the eleventh, Dave Magadan and Vance Wilson singled, and Ryan Thompson took a Hoyt Wilhelm flutterer over the left field fence to give the Mets a 7-4 lead. Juan Padilla came on to try and close it out and promptly gave up hits to Armando Rios and Mays to bring the tying run to the plate in front of a raucous Candlestick Park crowd. But Mathews hit into an around-the-horn double play and McCovey flew out to end the game and series as the Mets advance to the World Series.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

ALDS: Chisox outlast Calgary Canons (aka..Seattle M's)


GM 1  Pineiro vs Peters  
Seattle started out strong getting a 2 run double by Brett Boone in the 1st w/2 out and 2 more in the 3rd off a shaky Gary Peters who was yanked early losing 4-0.

Sox battled back with 2 in the 3rd , 1 in the 4th and took the lead with 3 in the 5th and never looked back. 7 Sox players had rbi's and Floyd Robinson had a 4 for 4 day. Sox relievers pitch 6.2 innings allowing only 2 hits and 0 runs. Cy Acosta 3.2 innings for the win.
9-4 WSox - Chicago leads series 1-0

GM 2 Young vs Burns

Seattle again starts out fast getting 3 in the first off Burns (8-1) thanks to a lead off Aparicio error, 2 walks and a 2 run single by Alvin Davis.  Sox narrowed lead to 3-2 when Mariners come up with 4 in the 7th, 2 coming on a Alvin Davis homer who had 4 rbi's for the day.  Cy Young front runner Matt Young the win (7-1,) Burns the loss (8-2). Suzuki 3 hits, 3 runs.
8-5 Mariners - Series tied 1-1

GM 3 Rogovin vs Langston
Old fashioned pitching duel as Seattle takes a 1-0 lead in 3rd on a infield error on pitcher Saul Rogovin.  In Sox 5th Johnny Romano starts off with dreaded lead off walk. Ramirez singles him to 3rd and Chris Singleton singles.  Manny to 3rd with 0 out. Grebeck strikes out. Luis Aparcio then squeezed home Ramirez for what turned out to be the winning run. Langston CG loss (4-2). Rogovin the win throwing 2 hit ball in 8 innings. Roberto Hernandez 7th save in 9th.
2-1 WSox - Chicago leads series 2-1

GM 4 Peters vs Hanson

Another tight one. Daddy Tartubull knocked in 2 runs and Eric Hanson pitched 8 innings of 6-hit, 1 run ball as Seattle ties series 2-2. Chris Singleton 3 hits, 2 runs in loss. Peters CG loss (6-5). Ed Vande berg his 10th save. GWRBI- Nixon with a Sac Fly in 7th to break 2-2 tie.
3-2 Seattle - Series tied 2-2

GM 5 Madritsch vs Burns
Mariners get on board (again) quick as Alvin Davis hits a 1st inning 2- run blast. Little used Bill Nahorodny makes it 2-1 with run scoring 2 out single in 2nd. In bottom of 3rd things fall apart for Seattle as Frank Thomas hits a 2- run homer and Bill Nahorodny hits a 3-run homer in WSox 6 run 3rd to take a seemingly commanding 7-2 lead. But Seattle came up with a big crooked number in their half next inning with Boone hitting a 3 run homer and Brantly a solo shot right after to make it 7-6. 2 batters later catcher Johjima singles home Coles to tie game at 7. In bottom of 4th Sox take back lead when Floyd Robinson grounds into a DP to give the WSox a precarious 8-7 lead.

Sox relievers again come through. 5 sox relievers hurl 6 innings of shutout ball and no one scored again as Sox take close series.  Romo the loss Forester the win. Hernandez 8th save.

Little used Bill Nahorodny had 1 rbi in reg season.. 4 rbi's in this game.
8-7 WSox - Chicago wins series 3-2

--submitted by Dan Holm--

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

NLDS: Mets over Reds in Four


Game One
Gary Nolan vs. Doc Gooden. Wally Backman's two-run homer in the fourth breaks a 3-3 tie, while Gooden gets help from Juan Padilla and Roger McDowell to seal down a 5-4 Mets win.



Game Two
Ross Grimsley vs. Jerry Koosman. With the game tied at 2 in the bottom of the eighth and Carl Everett on second base, Scott Williamson's strikeout of Darryl Strawberry for the third out gets boxed by Johnny Bench for a passed ball. Jason Phillips follows up with a single to drive in the go-ahead run. Jesse Orosco and McDowell get the final three outs for the Mets 3-2 win.
Game Three 
Tom Seaver vs. Wayne Simpson. Johnny Bench atones for his Game Two faux-pas with a homer and three RBI as the Reds rough up Tom Terrific and on their way to a 12-8 win to keep the series alive.





Game Four
Jon Matlack vs. Tom Browning. The Reds score three in the fifth and two in the sixth to tie the game 6-6. We had no idea that the teams would not score again for nine innings. With one out in the top of the sixteenth, David Wright's homer to straight-away center gave the Mets the lead; McDowell shakily gets his third save of the series and the Mets move on to the NLCS with a 7-6 win.
--submitted by Chris Gotay--

Monday, May 6, 2013

ALDS - Halos come back from 0-2 deficit to knock off A's

KOD16 ALDS Preview
The Oakland A's came into the LDS riding the crest of a 4-game sweep of the Bronx Bombers to catapult into a tie for 1st place atop the AL Original Franchise Division.  The Los Angeles came into the LDS still stinging from dropping 2 of 3 to Detroit, including an agonizing 25-inning loss on the last day of the season, but still managing to win the AL Expansion Franchise Division by 1 game.  Earlier in the season, Oakland swept the 3-game series when these two teams last met.
October 03, Angel Stadium, Anaheim
Oakland broke this one open early, scoring 4 runs in the 2nd inning, and adding runs in 3 of the next 4 frames to build a 8-0 lead after 6 innings.  Reggie Jackson homered twice off Los Angeles starter Dean Chance, who was pounded for 14 hits in 6.1 innings of work, 4 of those hits belonging to Mitchell Page.  Meanwhile, A's starter Barry Zito exhibited complete control, yielding only 4 hits and no runs in 6 innings.  The Angels managed to score a couple runs late.  But the ending was never in doubt.
Oakland 8, Los Angeles 2  
Oakland leads the Series 1-0.
October 04, Angel Stadium, Anaheim
Game 2 featured a repeat performance by the Athletics, who scored 6 times off beleaguered Angles starter Marcelino Lopez.  Dick Green had 3 hits including a triple and 4RBIs to lead the Oakland attack. Mark McGwire capped off the scoring with a solo HR, plating the A's 13th run. The Angels managed a few runs off Jim Archer, including a HR by Devon White.  But like Game 1, this one was practically over before it began.
Oakland 13, Loa Angeles 3 
Oakland leads the Series 2-0.
October 06, Oakland Coliseum, Oakland
As the series moved up the road to Oakland with the Athletics needing only one more win, LAA succeeded in finding a starting pitcher who could keep his team in the game. Rickey Clark pitched into the 9th inning, surrendering only 6 hits and 2 earned runs.  Carney Lansford started the scoring with a home run to lead off the 2nd.  The Angels clung to a 2-0 lead until breaking through in the 7th innings with 4 runs off Oakland starter Dave Hamilton. The Athletics made it interesting in the 9th and managed to bring the tying run to the plate.  By Halos closer Bob Lee induced a routine ground ball to shortstop to end the threat and preserve the win for Clark.         
Los Angeles 6, Oakland 3.
Oakland leads the Series 2-1.
October 07, Oakland Coliseum, Oakland
Both teams reached deep into their rotations for Game 4.  Oakland handed to ball to Tony Pierce, while LAA went with Paul Hartzell.  Both responded well, as the game remained scoreless through 4 innings. In the 5th, Pierce temporarily lost his concentration, as both Carney Lansford and Devon White homered to give the Halos a 4-0 lead.  Meanwhile, Oakland could not figure out how to get to Hartzell, who allowed only 5 hits and 1 walk through 7 scoreless innings.  Dave LaRoche and Bob Lee kept the A's off the board for the last 2 innings to give the Angels the win.
Los Angeles 4, Oakland 0       
Series tied 2-2.         
October 08, Angel Stadium, Anaheim
Back in Anaheim, with the Series coming down to a 5th and deciding game, both teams returned with their Game 1 starters. A Jim Edmonds RBI double gave LAA a 1-0 lead in the 3rd inning, and Wally Joyner's RBI double an inning later, followed by a Reggie Willits single made it 3-0 after 4 innings. But that was all the Angels would get off of Zito.  Dick Green homered of Dean Chance to lead off the 5th, and Yoenis Cespedes did the same off reliever Ken Tatum in the 7th to bring the Athletics within 1 run.  But Los Angeles called on Troy Percival, who faced the minimum over the last 2 innings, and struck out Jose Canseco for the final out to give the Halos an improbable LDS come-from-behind win after being down 0-2
Los Angeles 3, Oakland 2  
Los Angeles wins the Series 3-2
MVP honors went to the Angels' Devon White, who went 7-15 (.467) with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs.

 --submitted by Douglas Zaner--