Back to: 1993 Season
WELCOME TO STORM - VISION!!!!
That's right folks we're back. As if you weren't getting enough mail
discussing expansion, we thought we'd bring you back to the important
stuff - it's PLAYOFF TIME!!!
Coming to you live from Syracuse, New York, in the midst of "indian
summer", we're going to bring you 9 (or more) innings of LIVE IBL
playoff coverage from the StormDome. (I wanted thunderdome, but it
was taken... wah.).
This year's contest feature's the Macon Peaches trying to dethrone
the 1992 IBL Champs the Syracuse Storm. Games one and two will be
here in Syracuse and then we move to Macon to finish the series.
On paper this series should go swiftly to the Storm - Lead by their
powerhouse outfield of Bonds,Puckett and Walker, the Storm have
scored 880 runs this season to 650. Storm pitching allowed only 572
runs, while Macon has allowed 698. And finally, Syracuse posted a
National conference record 110 wins to Macon's 82. However, this is
only a 5 game series with 3 games in Macon. With the National
Conference's penchant for "home cooking", the Peaches have an
excellent chance of toppling the Storm.
The Peaches are lead by their catcher, slugger Chris Hoiles. Injured
for a significant part of the year, Hoiles still crushed 22 homers
and drove in 69 runs. Also strong for the Peaches have been Mike
Devereaux with 80 RBIs and 73 runs, and Candy Maldonado who hit 28
homers to lead the Peaches with 92 RBIs. Wade Boggs is the primary
table-setter for Macon; while his numbers are a bit down this year,
he has still scored 66 runs on the year.
The Storm is lead by their outfield and defense. Larry Walker has
spear-headed the powerful Storm attack hitting .357 with 140 RBIs and
scoring 124 times including 34 homers. Barry Bonds has hit hit 31
homers towards 130 runs and 104 RBIs. Kirby Puckett has a .331
average and 25 homers to go with his 127 runs and 147 RBIs - leading
the Storm in both of those categories. Don Mattingly has scored 101
times with 96 RBIs to top off one of his best years, and Ozzie Smith
has 110 runs scored. The Storm hitting drop off after the first 5,
but it usually does the job.
Macon Pitching is lead by their strong bullpen. While no Macon
starter has a winning record, the bullpen has performed solidly and
no Macon reliever has a losing record. Lead by closer Lee Smith with
37 saves, this is a relief staff to be proud of. Starting for Macon
tonight is rookie sensation Dennis Rasmussen. While he has only
played in 10 IBL games, he has performed consistently well, and has a
solid 3.70 ERA. Doug Drabek, staff ace for the Peaches will pitch
tommarow, bringing his 2.88 ERA and 12-16 record to bear. There was
a great deal of speculation as to why Drabek is not starting game
one, and Peaches owner/manager Dunlap has been suprising silent on
the matter. The current rumor that is most widely accepted is that
Drabek pulled a muscle in his back in his last home date in Macon,
and Dunlap wants to give him an extra deal to heal.
Syracuse pitching is actually lead by the defense behind it - with 6
potential gold gloves in the field, errors turn to outs, and ERAs
fall. Syracuse is lead by John Smiley, winner of the 1992 Most
Valuable Pitcher award, with a 23-6 record and a 3.03 ERA. Bob
Welch, the veteran right hander follows with a 15-3 record and a 2.99
ERA. The Syracuse bullpen features 48 save man John Wetteland, as
well as Tom Henke and Mike Fetters.
We go now live to the field of play where Animal from the Muppets is
throwing out the first pitch to Lance Parrish. And it's in there for
a strike. "PLAY BALL!!! PLAY BALL!! PLAY BALL!!" (Richard, I just
couldn't resist...)
And we go to the introduction of the starting lineups for game one of
the 1993 National Conference Championship Series:
Batting first for the Macon Peaches, with a .408 OBP and 41 runs
scored, playing 2nd base: Willie Randolph
--Batting second and playing third, with a 66 runs scored is veteran
Wade Boggs.
--Batting third, playing right field, slugging .480 with 12 homers is
Tom Brunansky.
--Battingly cleanup for the Peaches, with 22 HRs and 69 (ooh!) is
catcher Chris Hoiles.
--Batting fifth, playing centerfield with 80 RBIs and 12 triples is
Mike Devereax
--Batting sixth and playing left field, leading the peaches with 92
RBIs and 28 homers is Candy Maldonado
--Batting seventh, playing shortstop-defensive specialist Rey Sanchez
--Batting eigth, with fifteen homers is first baseman Eddie Murray.
--Batting Ninth and warming in the Peaches bullpen is rookie
Dennis Rasmussen who sports a 3-5 record and a 3.70 ERA.
As the Storm players take the field, we introduce them:
--Pitching for the Storm is 23 game winner John Smiley, batting
ninth.
--Catching for the storm, with 13 homers and a .549 SLG is veteran
Lance Parrish, batting seventh.
--At first base is Don Mattingly who will bat second, and has scored
101 times driving in 96 with 50 doubles.
--At second is defensive specialist Jose Lind, batting eigth.
--playing third is Kevin Seitzer with 58 RBIs, batting 6th.
--At shortstop and leading off for the Storm with 111 runs scored 88
stolen bases is the Wizard of Oz - Ozzie Smith
--Playing Left field, with 31 Homers,130 runs,104 Rbis,51 SBs, and a
.301 average is Barry Bonds, batting third.
--Playing Center field with a .331 Average and leading the storm with
147 RBIs is Kirby Puckett, batting cleanup.
--Playing right field , and leading the Storm with 34 Homers and a
.357 average is Larry Walker, batting 5th.
The crowd stirs and surges to its feet as Willie Randolph approaches
home plate to take his spot in the batter's box to start this game...
***************************************************************
The National Conference Championship Series - Game one!!
***************************************************************
It's 60 degrees and completely clear tonight - a perfect night for
baseball and the roof of the StormDome will be open.
First Inning:
TOP HALF:
Randolph grounds out to Seitzer.
Boggs short grounder scooped by Parrish and thrown out by a step.
Brunansky turns on a 3-1 fastball, it's got the distance...
GONE! Homerun Macon! Bruansky draws first blood.
Hoiles smacks a grounder up the middle - Lind may have it... no -
just past his glove for a single.
Devereaux walks on 5 pitches.
Maldonado is sent down swinging.
THREE OUT.
BOTTOM HALF:
Smith grounds a hard one to Sanchez who handles it easily.
mattingly sends a fly to the gap, but Devereaux settles under it.
Bonds smokes a grounder straight at Randolph.
THREE OUT.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 1 1 2 0
STORM 0 0 0 0
---------------------------------------
MAC - RASMUSSEN SYR - SMILEY
HR:
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
A strong start for Macon - Brunansky scores the first run of the
series and the Peaches batters got to Smiley, while Rasmussen dropped
the Storm in order. trouble for the home team?
Second Inning:
TOP HALF:
Sanchez pops up to Smith.
Murray hits it down the first base line, but Mattingly hops on it,
and tags first for the out.
Rasmussen goes down on 3 straight pitches.
THREE OUT.
BOTTOM HALF:
Puckett lifts one to centerfield which Devereaux handles.
Walker goes opposite field, but maldonado covers the fly.
Seitzer drives a shot into the gap and makes it to second.
Parrish is drilled in the back on a 0-2 count and takes first base
as both teams glare at each other.
Lind lifts it high to right which Bruno handles.
THREE OUT.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 1 0 1 2 0
STORM 0 0 0 1 0
---------------------------------------
MAC - RASMUSSEN SYR - SMILEY
HR:
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
No scoring this inning, and Rasmussen sent down the first 5 Storm
batters.
Third Inning:
TOP HALF:
Randolph watches strike three.
Boggs lifts a fly to shallow left which Bonds runs down.
Brunansky lifts another one towards left, but this one is too high to
travel.
THREE OUT.
BOTTOM HALF:
Smiley goes down swinging.
Smith grounds weakly to Boggs.
Mattingly pulls it to the right side, but Randolph scoops the
grounder.
THREE OUT.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 1 0 0 1 2 0
STORM 0 0 0 0 1 0
---------------------------------------
MAC - RASMUSSEN SYR - SMILEY
HR:
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
A fine pitcher's duel so far - Smiley has settled down after a shakey
first, and Rasmussen has allowed only one hit.
Fourth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Hoiles drives one deep to left centerfield, it's back...snagged by
Puckett on the warning track.
Devereaux grounds to Smith.
Maldonado walks on a 3-2 curve.
Sanchez strikes out on a 3-2 curve.
THREE OUT.
BOTTOM HALF:
Bonds walks after fouling off a series of pitches.
Bonds is off...Stolen Base!
Puckett drives a shot straight at Sanchez who fires to Randolph, but
Bonds dives back safely.
Walker lifts one to centerfield that Devereaux settles under.
Seitzer takes the first pitch over Murray's head for a single,
scoring bonds.
Seitzer takes off - great throw by Hoiles...DROPPED by Randolph. E4!
Parrish drives a 1-1 pitch into centerfield. Devereaux throws home to
get Seitzer, but the throw sails over Hoiles and goes to the
backstop. Parrish gets to second. E8! seitzer scores.
Lind lifts one that Devereaux handles.
THREE OUT.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 1 0 0 0 1 2 2
STORM 0 0 0 2 2 3 0
---------------------------------------
MAC - RASMUSSEN SYR - SMILEY
HR: Brunansky (sorry for not including you earlier, Bruno.)
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
Two defensive errors my Macon - VERY costly! Storm takes the lead.
Rasmussen and Smiley still very effective (when the defense holds).
Fifth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Murray lines a 0-1 pitch into centerfield for a single.
Rasmussen lays down the bunt as Seitzer charges. Seitzer scoops,
turns, throws to SECOND! Murray is forced at second!
Smiley throws one into the dirt, and Rasmussen advances...
Randolph lifts one that Puckett catches.
Boggs fights off 7 pitches and finally takes a 1-2 pitch and shoots
it past Smiley. Rasmussen rounds third, and beats the throw
home.
Brunansky grounds out weakly to Smith.
THREE OUT.
BOTTOM HALF:
Smiley grounds out to Sanchez. He appears to have pulled a leg
muscle, but looks like he'll be fine for the bottom of the
inning. He hasn't missed an inning all year.
Smith drives a fastball into center to reach first.
Mattingly lifts one to right. easy fly.
Bonds flies out to right as well.
THREE OUT.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 1 0 0 0 1 2 4 2
STORM 0 0 0 2 0 2 3 0
---------------------------------------
MAC - RASMUSSEN SYR - SMILEY
HR: Brunansky-MAC
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
Still effective pitching. Errors lead to Macon tying the game. The
team that can cut the errors out will likely win behind the solid
pitching.
Sixth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Hoiles grounds out to Seitzer.
Devereaux pops up - it looks foul.
Devereaux pops up again - Parrish gets to this one in foul territory.
Maldonado gets under one, and Puckett pulls it in.
THREE OUT.
BOTTOM HALF:
Puckett leads off driving the ball over Sanchez for a single.
Walker pulls a 2-2 fastball to right for a single, Puckett rounds
second and pulls into third with no throw.
Seitzer rips a shot up the middle - Randolph has no play as he was
playing in for the play at the plate. Puckett scores, Walker
reaches third.
Parrish reaches out of the strike zone, but slaps it past Rasmussen
and into centerfield - Walker scores.
Lind slaps a grounder into centerfield, Devereaux charges and fires
third where the suprised Parrish is gunned down. Seitzer
scores.
Smiley is smoked on 4 pitches.
Smith cranks a double into the gap in left center field,scoring Lind.
YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE, Now entering the game for Rasmussen is Rich
Rodriguez
Mattingly lifts a pitch to center field.
Bonds grounds to Murray who handles it himself.
THREE OUT.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 4 2
STORM 0 0 0 2 0 4 6 9 0
---------------------------------------
MAC - RODRIGUEZ SYR - SMILEY
HR: Brunansky-MAC
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
Storm batters finally figure out Rasmussen to the tune of 5 straight
singles to take a 6-2 lead.
Seventh Inning:
TOP HALF:
sanchez drives it deep towards centerfield, but there's no way that's
leaving the park with the roof open...
Murray lifts it high to center, puckett settles under it.
YOUR ATTENTION - NOW BATTING FOR RODRIGUEZ - MIKE STANLEY
Stanley grounds out to Smith.
THREE OUT.
BOTTOM HALF:
NOW PITCHING FOR THE PEACHES - JEFF BRANTLEY
Brantley's first pitch drills Puckett in the shoulder. The Storm
bench rises at the obvious retaliation pitch, but the ump
takes no action against Brantley.
Walker flies out to left.
Seitzer grabs and 2-2 slider and goes the other way, deep to right -
Brunansky sprints back...but can't get to it. It's off the
wall! Puckett rounds 3rd and scores, and Seitzer pulls up at
second. Seitzer is 4-4!!
Parrish grounds out to Sanchez.
Lind lifts one to Devereaux.
THREE OUT.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 2
STORM 0 0 0 2 0 4 1 7 10 0
---------------------------------------
MAC - BRANTLEY SYR - SMILEY
HR: Brunansky-MAC
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
Kevin Seitzer is making his pitch for player of the game with his
second double,4th hit, and 3rd RBI. Smiley has given up 3 base
runners since the 1st. The peaches need to turn it on soon...
Eighth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Randolph grounds a shot past Smiley into centerfield.
boggs pulls a shallow fly, but Bonds races under it.
Brunansky draws the walk on 6 pitches.
Chris Hoiles swings on the 3-0 pitch - he gets all of it...it's
back...it's back...it's gone...it's still going...HOME RUN
CHRIS HOILES!! Randolph and Bruno also score to get the
Peaches right back in this game. Looks like Smiley's all
done.
YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE, Now pitching for the Storm: Mike Fetters
YOUR ATTENTION - BATTING FOR DEVEREAUX, CHITO MARTINEZ
Martinez draws the walk.
Maldonado swings and misses to go down on strikes.
YOUR ATTENTION - BATTING FOR SANCHEZ, LENNY HARRIS
Harris goes the other way, lining a shot to left.
Murray draws the walk, loading the bases!!
YOUR ATTENTION - BATTING FOR BRANTLEY, DOUG DASCENZO
Dascenzo is fooled by an off-speed pitch and grounds one to Mattingly
who covers himself.
THREE OUT.
BOTTOM HALF:
NOW PITCHING FOR THE PEACHES - TIM BELCHER
YOUR ATTENTION - BATTING FOR MIKE FETTERS - CHAD KREUTER
Kreuter drives a 1-2 slider into the gap in right-center for a
standup double.
Smith walks on 4 pitches.
YOUR ATTENTION - NOW PITCHING FOR THE PEACHES - RICK HONEYCUTT
mattingly rips the first pitch into left center to score Kreuter,
Smith rounds third and will also score.
Bonds strikes out swinging.
Puckett strikes out looking.
Walker strikes out swinging and looking.
THREE OUT.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 5 7 2
STORM 0 0 0 2 0 4 1 2 9 12 0
---------------------------------------
MAC - HONEYCUTT SYR - (Fetters)
HR: Brunansky-MAC, Hoiles - MAC
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
Another good inning by the Peaches against Smiley. The Peaches are
taking advantage of their good innings, but stranding too many during
those big innings. It might be too late. Wetteland is warming for
Syracuse...
Ninth Inning:
TOP HALF:
YOUR ATTENTION - IN FOR PARRISH & PITCHING FOR THE STORM - JOHN WETTELAND
STAYING IN THE GAME AND CATCHING WILL BE CHAD KREUTER.
Randolph fights off 5 pitches, but lifts a fly to left.
Boggs lays off a 3-2 fastball for ball four.
Brunansky drives a grounder to smith, but Boggs breaks up the double
play.
Hoiles up...3-2 count - got him swinging...!!
THREE OUT.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 5 7 2
STORM 0 0 0 2 0 4 1 2 - 9 12 0
---------------------------------------
WP - Smiley
LP - Rasmussen
S - none
HR: Brunansky-MAC, Hoiles - MAC
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
Syracuse, lead by player of the game Kevin Seitzer just had too many
hits for the Peaches to contain. Rasmussen and Smiley both pitched
well early, but were hit hard in their final innings - perhaps both
managers will learn to remove their starters before they fatigue too
badly.... Macon's two homers weren't enough as the Storm pounded out
12 hits for 9 runs. Early defensive errors were costly to the
Peaches.
TUNE IN TOMMAROW AS PEACHES ACE DOUG DRABEK FACES 18-GAME WINNER BOB
WELCH!!!
(back to the studio...)
**************************************************************
WELCOME TO STORM - VISION!!!!
Game one of this series was taken by Syracuse behind the hitting of
Kevin Seitzer who broke a year long batting slump to drive in 4 runs
on 2 double while going 4-4. John Smiley lasted slightly longer
than Dennis Rasmussen to take the game 1 victory 9-5.
Game two sees Macon Peach Ace Doug Drabek finally take the mound - we
hope to see in the first few innings whether reports of a sore back
that kept him from starting the series are true or not. Drabek has
had another solid year and only unreliable run support has prevented
a 20 win season for the veteran. his 179 strikouts lead the team and
put him amoung the IBL leaders.
He will be facing Syracuse #2 man Bob Welch who brings in an
astouding .833 winning percentage. While vulnerable to the long ball,
Welch has allowed few runners and solo shots have been the norm.
And we go to the introduction of the starting lineups for game two of
the 1993 National Conference Championship Series:
--Batting first and playing right field for the Peaches with 6
homeruns and 35 runs scored in only 274 ABs is Chito Martinez.
--Hitting second and covering centerfield is Doug Dascenzo sporting a
.306 average and a .361 OBP.
--Batting playing third, with a 66 runs scored is veteran Wade Boggs.
--Battingly cleanup for the Peaches, with 22 HRs and 69 (ooh!) RBIs is
catcher Chris Hoiles.
--Batting fifth, with fifteen homers is first baseman Eddie Murray.
--Batting sixth and playing left field, leading the peaches with 92
RBIs and 28 homers is Candy Maldonado
--In the seven spot, with 26 stolen bases in 29 attempts is Second
baseman Lenny Harris.
--Batting eigth, with 5 home runs is shortstop Greg Gagne.
--And batting ninth, currently warming in the Peaches bullpen is
Peaches ace Doug Drabek who is batting .115, has an ERA of only 2.88,
has a 12-16 record and has collected 179 strikouts to be among the
leaders in the National Conference.
As the Storm players take the field, we introduce them:
--Pitching for the Storm, with a 15-3 record and a 2.99 ERA, batting
.098 is Bob Welch.
--Behind the plate for the Storm is Chad Kreuter who is hitting .230
with 23 RBIs, and is batting sixth.
--At first base is Don Mattingly who will bat second, and has scored
101 times driving in 96 with 50 doubles.
--At second is defensive specialist Jose Lind, batting eigth.
--playing third is Kevin Seitzer with 58 RBIs, batting 6th.
--At shortstop and leading off for the Storm with 111 runs scored 88
stolen bases is the Wizard of Oz - Ozzie Smith
--Playing Left field, with 31 Homers,130 runs,104 Rbis,51 SBs, and a
.301 average is Barry Bonds, batting cleanup.
--Playing Center field with a .331 Average and leading the storm with
147 RBIs is Kirby Puckett, batting third.
--Playing right field , and leading the Storm with 34 Homers and a
.357 average is Larry Walker, batting 5th.
A hush falls over the crowd and a far off rumble seems to approach...
As the lights in the Stormdome dim, the sounds of thunder close in
and increase in volume and the Syracuse fans stomping their feet
cause the entire dome to shake as Chito Martinez approaches the plate
to face the fury of the Storm...
(a little creative license...) ;-}
***************************************************************
The National Conference Championship Series - Game TWO!!
***************************************************************
It's 65 degrees and absolutely clear skied in Syracuse tonight for
game two of this exciting series. The roof will be open to allow a
clear view of the stars.
First Inning:
TOP HALF:
Martinez drives the first pitch of the game into the dirt at Lind's
feet who flips it to mattingly for the first out.
Dascenzo hits a chopper to smith who beats him by a step.
Boggs grounds one to mattingly who takes it in himself.
THREE OUT.
BOTTOM HALF:
smith gets under one and gagne covers the popup.
Mattingly flies one to Dascenzo.
Bonds lifts one, but maldonado ranges to his right and catches it.
THREE OUT.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 0 0 0 0
STORM 0 0 0 0
---------------------------------------
MAC - DRABEK SYR - WELCH
HR:
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
That didn't take long to play.
A pitcher's duel seems entirely appropriate for this game...
Second Inning:
TOP HALF:
Hoiles lifts one that Puckett can get under easily.
Murray fights off 3 0-2 pitches and pulls one to right field for a
single.
Maldonado drives one deep to center,but puckett got the jump and
should get under it.
Harris takes one on the knuckles and Puckett records his third out of
the inning.
THREE OUT.
BOTTOM HALF:
Bonds flies out to Devereaux.
Walker pulls it, but martinez has plenty of time to settle under it
in right.
Kreuter goes the other way and maldonado settles under it...OFF HIS
GLOVE!! Kreuter arrives at second with a 2 base error charged to
Maldonado.
Seitzer (hero of last night's game) takes a 2-2 pitch and bounces it
up the middle - kreuter rounds 3rd and scores.
Lind drives one towards gagne, who takes it on one bounce, bobbles
it, but beats Lind by a half-step.
THREE OUT.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 0 0 0 1 1
STORM 0 1 1 1 0
---------------------------------------
MAC - DRABEK SYR - WELCH
HR:
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
Fielding errors hurt Macon again... otherwise we'd still be tied.
Third Inning:
TOP HALF:
Gagne gets on top of a 3-2 pitch and grounds it to Smith.
Drabek swings on the first pitch and lifts it to right - walker has
to run in to catch the shallow fly.
Martinez tries to pull a 2-1 pitch, but lind jumps on the grounder
and fires to first.
THREE OUT.
BOTTOM HALF:
Welch is blown away in 4 pitches.
smith fights off drabek, but lifts one to center - dascenzo doesn't
have to move.
Mattingly looks at strike 3.
THREE OUT.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 0 0 0 0 1 1
STORM 0 1 0 1 1 0
---------------------------------------
MAC - DRABEK SYR - WELCH
HR:
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
Welch has allowed only 1 baserunner, and Drabek only 1 hit. Looks
like both sides will look to start manufacuring runs.
Fourth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Dascenzo drives one to left - Bonds sprints back and catches it on
the run.
Boggs skips it to lind.
Hoiles gets a hold of it - and its carrying... Caught on the warning
track - could have been outta here with the roof closed - looks like
a "storm" could've helped the peaches...
THREE OUT.
BOTTOM HALF:
Puckett pulls a hard shot towards Boggs. He bobbles, but fires to
murray to beat Kirby by a step.
Bonds gets a hold of a 2-0 pitch and drives towards the gap in right
center - Martinez is chasing... it's past him for a double.
Walker, looking for the fences misses strike 3.
Kreuter connects on the 2-2 pitch - it's a hard liner... and it's
GONE!!!! HOMERUN CHAD KREUTER!!!! Only his 2nd of the year, folks!
Seitzer bounces a 1-1 pitch up the middle for a single.
Drabek throws one in the dirt - it gets past Hoiles and Seitzer
advances.
Lind pops one into centerfield and Seitzer scores easily.
Welch is punched out in 3 pitches.
THREE OUT.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
STORM 0 1 0 3 4 5 0
---------------------------------------
MAC - DRABEK SYR - WELCH
HR: Kreuter - SYR
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
Only Kreuter's second homer of the year - the young catcher has great
timing - so far it's been the storm 6-8 hitters doing damage to the
Peaches, rather than the heralded outfield 3-5. Welch continues to
impress.
Fifth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Murray lifts one to deep right, but it won't get out...
Maldonado pulls one toward the hole in left, but smith turns and guns
him by a step.
Harris fights off 8 pitches and grounds one up the middle between the
middle infielders for a single.
gagne watches strike 3 and glares at the home plate ump.
THREE OUT.
BOTTOM HALF:
smith drives one up the middle.
mattingly up...smith is off with the pitch...stolen base!
Mattingly pulls one towards left, but harris knocks it down and gets
him at first. Smith advances to 3rd.
Puckett pulls one over the leaping Boggs and drives home smith.
Bonds gets under one - dascenzo covers.
Walker swings for the seats again with the same result - strike 3.
THREE OUT.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1
STORM 0 1 0 3 1 5 7 0
---------------------------------------
MAC - DRABEK SYR - WELCH
HR: Kreuter - SYR
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
Bob Welch has only given up 2 hits in 5 innings - looking the part of
staff ace.... Drabek is starting to look vulnerable - the bad back?
Sixth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Drabek, staying in the game, swings at a big curveball for strike 3.
Martinez pulls a fastball to right, but lind jumps on it and flips to
mattigly.
Dascenzo grounds a high fastball up the middle for a single.
Boggs walks on 5 pitches.
Hoiles goes the opposite way with a 2-2 pitch for a single...Dascenzo
is being waved home - Walker is up throwing...it's a bullet - OUT AT
HOME!! Dascenzo gunned down by one of the biggest arms in right
field.
THREE OUT.
BOTTOM HALF:
Kreuter hits a slow grounder into the hole in right - murray ranges
to his right, snags it, and flips to Drabek.
Seitzer lifts one to left for Maldonado.
Lind swings and misses - drabek's 6th K.
THREE OUT. .
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 1
STORM 0 1 0 3 1 0 5 7 0
---------------------------------------
MAC - DRABEK SYR - WELCH
HR: Kreuter - SYR
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
Peaches finally start to get to Welch, but Walker slams the door.
Drabek recovers to post a 1-2-3 inning!
Seventh Inning:
TOP HALF:
Murray takes the first pitch to left for a single.
Maldonado drives one into the gap - Walker chasing...it falls in, but
Walker cuts it off to hold Maldonado to a single, Murray gets to 3rd.
ATTENTION - NOW PITCHING FOR THE STORM - TOM HENKE
Harris hits a slow grounder to mattigly who looks home and flips to
Henke for the out - Murray scores from third, running with the hit.
gagne is fooled on a 1-2 slider in the dirt - strike 3.
NOW BATTING FOR DOUG DRABEK - MIKE STANLEY
Stanley gets under a fastball, and Walker collects the flyball.
THREE OUT.
BOTTOM HALF:
NOW PITCHING FOR THE PEACHES - JEFF BRANTLEY
Smith lines a shot over murray into right for a single.
Smith takes off... stolen base.
Smith goes for third...throw by Hoiles - and he's safe!
Mattingly raps the 1-2 pitch into right, scoring smith on the single.
Puckett gets a hold of the pitch - it's going deep...hauled in on the
warning track by Dascenzo.
Bonds looks at ball four.
Walker drives a shot to the hole - harris can't get there, it's a
single. Mattingly scores, and Bonds digs it out to 3rd.
NOW PITCHING FOR THE PEACHES - RICH RODRIGUEZ
NOW BATTING FOR CHAD KREUTER - LANCE PARRISH
Parrish lifts one to right that won't make it out.
THREE OUT. .
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 6 1
STORM 0 1 0 3 1 0 2 7 10 0
---------------------------------------
MAC - RODRIGUEZ SYR - HENKE
HR: Kreuter - SYR
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
Well, the peaches finally strung some hits together, but Syracuse
took it to Brantley in the bottom of the inning to extend it.
Final pitching lines for:
INN H E R B K HR
MAC Drabek 6.0 7 5 4 0 6 1
MAC Brantley 0.2 3 2 2 1 1 0
SYR Welch 6.0 6 1 1 1 2 0
SYR Henke 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Eighth Inning:
TOP HALF:
NOW PITCHING FOR THE STORM - MIKE FETTERS
Martinez draws the walk, fouling off 4 pitches.
Fetters sends a ball to the backstop - Martinez to 2nd on the WP.
Dascenzo drives a liner into left - Martinez rounds 3rd, but Bonds
throw is cut off.
Boggs drives one to center, but Puckett jogs to his left to make the
catch.
Murray pulls one, but lind scoops it, flips to smith, tags second,
throw to Mattingly...in time! 4-6-3.
THREE OUT.
BOTTOM HALF:
Seitzer punches a grounder up the middle for a single.
Lind swings at a curvball out of the strikezone.
NOW BATTING FOR MIKE FETTERS - GARY REDUS
Redus bounces one to Boggs, fires to Harris, turns and throws to
Murray...not in time. 5-4 fielder's choice.
Smith batting, seitzer goes...smith cracks one into right field,and
Seitzer makes it to 3rd.
mattingly pulls one towards the hole...Harris dives...knocks it down,
and throws from his knees to get the lead-footed mattingly.
THREE OUT.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 7 1
STORM 0 1 0 3 1 0 2 0 7 12 0
---------------------------------------
MAC - RODRIGUEZ SYR - FETTERS
HR: Kreuter - SYR
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
Looks bad for the peaches - they haven't had enough baserunners to
strand them like that. Once again, Wetteland comes on to finish the
game out...
Final lines on:
inn h E R B K HR
Fetters 1.0 1 1 1 2 0 0
Ninth Inning:
TOP HALF:
NOW PITCHING FOR THE STORM - JOHN WETTELAND
Maldonado can't get to the 1-2 fastball. strike 3.
Harris is beaten on a 2-2 curve. strike 3.
NOW BATTING FOR GREG GAGNE - TOM BRUNANSKY
Brunansky grounds weakly back to Wetteland...BUT IT'S UNDER HIS GLOVE
- and Bruno is safe at first. E1.
NOW BATTING FOR RICH RODRIGUEZ - WILLIE RANDOLPH
Randolph swings on a high fastball - he lifts it into center field,
but Puckett is there to make the play.
THREE OUT.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
---------------------------------------
PEACHES 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 7 1
STORM 0 1 0 3 1 0 2 0 - 7 12 1
---------------------------------------
WP - Welch
LP - Drabek
HR: Kreuter - SYR
******************************************
BEHIND THE MIKE:
******************************************
Bob Welch outduels Doug Drabek to take the 7-2 win and give Syracuse
the 2-0 lead as the Series moves to Macon. The peaches hope home
cooking will give them the clutch hitting that has eluded them in the
first two games.
Player of the game is Chad Kreuter for his opportune two run homer in
the 4th inning. He also scored after reaching on a two base error on
Candy Maldonado.
Final lines on:
inn h E R B K HR
Rodriguez 1.1 2 0 0 0 1 0
Wetteland 1.0 0 0 0 1 2 0
Game Three in Macon will feature twelve game winner Chris Bosio going
to the mound for Macon, trying to keep the series alive. Syracuse
hasn't announced a starter for game 3, but it will be either lefty
Jim Abbott or righty Frank Castillo.
********************************************************************************
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Fickling Memorial Stadium,
in the heart of historic downtown Macon, for game 3 of the NC Championship
Series, featuring the Macon Peaches vs. the Syracuse Storm.
The first two games saw Syracuse, the lone northern team in this year's
playoffs, literally storming through the Macon pitching staff like Sherman
through Georgia, outscoring the Peaches by a 16-7 margin. Civil War buffs,
though, will recall that Sherman went *around* Macon during his march to the
sea -- and the fans here hope for either a calming of the Syracuse bats or an
awakening of the Macon bats, with Macon teetering on the brink of elimination.
Surprisingly, the big four for Syracuse of Mattingly, Bonds, Puckett and
Walker have been quiet through the playoffs, going 7 for 34 with six runs and
five RBI. The bottom of the order, though, has inflicted most of the damage,
with Kevin Seitzer starting the series with six straight hits and the Storm
catchers combining to go 4 for 8 with one home run, four RBI, and three runs
scored.
Macon sends twelve game winner Chris Bosio to the mound tonight to try to avert
the sweep, while Syracuse sends late season acquisition Frank Castillo in to
try and end this series.
We take you now to the field, where tonight's starting lineups are being
announced.
Leading off for the Storm, with 88 stolen bases and 111 runs scored, shortstop
Ozzie Smith.
Batting second, batting .313 with 101 runs scored and playing first base, Don
Mattingly.
Batting third, leading the IBL with a .434 OBP, left fielder Barry Bonds.
In the clean up spot, the IBL RBI champ, center fielder Kirby Puckett.
Batting fifth, the IBL leader in batting and slugging, right fielder Larry
Walker.
Batting sixth and playing catcher, defensive specialist Chad Kreuter.
Batting seventh, the NCCS's hottest hitter, third baseman Kevin Seitzer.
Batting eighth and playing second, defensive wizard Jose Lind.
And batting ninth, tonight's starting pitcher, with an 11-7 record and 3.90
ERA, right-hander Frank Castillo.
And now, taking the field, your very own MACON PEACHES!
Playing left field and batting sixth, leading the team with 28 HRs and 92 RBI,
Candy Maldonado.
Playing center field and batting second, with a .309 BA and .361 OBP, Doug
Dascenzo.
Leading off, with 35 runs in 274 AB, right fielder Chito Martinez.
Batting third and playing third, with 66 runs scored, veteran Wade Boggs.
Playing shortstop and batting eighth, defensive wizard Greg Gagne.
Batting sixth, the team leader with 26 steals in 29 attempts, second baseman
Lenny Harris.
Batting fifth, with 15 HR, veteran first baseman Eddie Murray.
Behind the plate and batting cleanup with 22 HRs, Chris Hoiles.
And warming up in the Peaches' bullpen, with a 12-13 record and a 3.95 ERA,
right-hander Chris Bosio.
And we'll be back in a moment with the opening pitch...
************************************
The NC Championship Series -- GAME 3
************************************
It's a beautiful night for baseball, a comfortable 68 degrees and not a cloud in
the sky. A capacity crowd is on its feet as Ozzie Smith approaches the plate.
First Inning:
TOP HALF:
Smith rips a grounder to Harris, who throws on to first for the out.
Mattingly hits a slow gorunder to Murray, who flips to Bosio covering first
for the second out.
Bonds tops a 1-2 pitch to Gagne, who throws to first to retire the side.
BOTTOM HALF:
Martinez taps a slow roller to Mattingly, who throws to Castillo for the first
out.
Dascenzo grounds a 2-1 pitch to Mattingly for the second out.
Boggs gets a piece of a 2-2 pitch and grounds it up the middle for a base hit.
Castillo throws a 59 foot curve, but Kreuter is able to get in front of it to
keep Boggs at first. Kreuter is helpless, though, when Castillo unleashes the
58 foot version of the same pitch, and Boggs moves up to second. Behind in
the count and fighting his control, Castillo throws the heat down the middle --
and Hoiles hits a fly ball, deep to right field! Walker goes back, on the
warning track -- and makes the catch to retire the side.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 0 0 0
Macon 0 0 1 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Castillo MAC - Bosio
Bosio looks solid, but Castillo appears to be having control problems
early. Could this be the much anticpated pitchers' duel?
Second Inning:
TOP HALF:
Puckett hits a lazy fly to center, and Dascenzo makes the easy catch.
Walker grounds a 2-2 pitch up the middle for a single.
Walker is on the move with the first pitch -- and Kreuter lines the fastball
into right field for a hit! Walker moves around to third, and the Storm
is threatening with one out.
The corners come in with Seitzer at the plate, and with Kreuter on the move,
Seitzer grounds the 2-1 offering to Boggs. Boggs checks the runner at
third, and goes to first for the second out.
Lind raps Bosio's first pitch up the middle -- and a fantastic stop by Lenny
Harris, who spins in mid-air and fires to first to save a run and retire
the Storm!
BOTTOM HALF:
Murray lines Castillo's first pitch into right for a single.
Maldonado gets under the pitch and hits a high fly ball to right -- caught by
Puckett.
Harris fouls off several pitches and works Castillo for a walk.
Greg Gagne hits a shot into the gap in left center! Murray scores! Harris
around third, and *he* will score easily! Gagne pulls in at second with
a stand-up double, and the Peaches lead 2-0!
Bosio strikes out swinging.
Martinez hits a shot into the gap in right center... Puckett on the run... it
falls in for a hit! Gagne scores easily, and Puckett cuts off the ball
quickly as Martinez races for second. The throw is ... not in time! It's
a double for Martinez!
Dascenzo hits another routine grounder to Mattingly to end the inning.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 0 0 2 0
Macon 0 3 3 4 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Castillo MAC - Bosio
Macon breaks loose in a big way, scoring three runs to take their biggest
lead of the series. Can Bosio continue to keep the Syracuse bats in check?
Third Inning:
TOP HALF:
Castillo strikes out on four pitches.
Smith pops up to Gagne.
Mattingly lines a 3-1 pitch into center field for a hit.
Mattingly tries to take a big lead, but Bosio holds him tight, and handcuffs
Bonds, who loops a fly ball into center for the third out.
BOTTOM HALF:
Castillo gets behind in the count again. The 3-1 pitch to Boggs... lined deep to
right center! Puckett going back -- GOOD BYE! Wade Boggs gives the
Peaches a 4-0 lead.
Hoiles strikes out swinging for the fences.
Murray comes over the top of a curve and hits a slow chopper to second. Lind's
going to have to hurry -- got him!
Maldonado watches a called strike three over the outside corner.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 0 0 0 3 0
Macon 0 3 1 4 5 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Castillo MAC - Bosio
HR -- Boggs
Boggs is not the archetype of an ideal #3 hitter -- but he's doing the job
tonight, as Macon once again shows their power, albeit from an unlikely source.
Bosio continues to pitch well.
Fourth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Puckett is fooled by a Bosio changeup and hits a slow ground ball to Harris.
Bosio comes inside on Walker, who hits a high fly to right.
Kreuter gets around on a Bosio fastball and pulls a hard grounder to short,
handled easily by Gagne for the third out.
BOTTOM HALF:
Harris taps a routine grounder to Mattingly.
Gagne drives a ball into the gap in right center. Puckett is over quickly to
cut the ball off, and Gagne decides to challenge Puckett's arm -- he slides
into second ahead of the throw with his second double of the night.
Bosio hits a shot to Smith, who looks Gagne back to second and goes to first
for the second out.
Martinez grounds a single up the middle into center field. Gagne scores easily,
and that'll get the bullpen up again for Syracuse.
Dascenzo pops up to short to end the inning.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Macon 0 3 1 1 5 7 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Castillo MAC - Bosio
HR -- Boggs
Macon continues to capitalize on every opportunity, and Gagne and Martinez
come through again. Bosio appears to be settling into cruise mode with a five
run lead.
Fifth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Seitzer draws a walk on six pitches.
Lind flys out to Dascenzo.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW BATTING FOR FRANK CASTILLO, ALEX ARIAS*
With Seitzer on the move, Arias grounds Bosio's first pitch into left for a
hit, and Seitzer winds up at third - the first Storm baserunner to get past
first since the second.
With a five run lead, the infield stays back, and Smith hits a slow roller to
Murray, who tosses to Bosio for the out. Seitzer scores, and Syracuse is
on the board.
Bosio throws a pitch in the dirt, but Hoiles digs it out.
Mattingly gets under a 2-1 pitch and hits a high fly to center for the third
out.
BOTTOM HALF:
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, STORM DAVIS*
Boggs drills Davis' first pitch -- right at Jose Lind.
Hoiles works the count full and draws a walk.
Murray taps a slow grounder to short -- the only play is to first, and Smith
throws over for the second out.
Maldonado taps a grounder to Smith, and he goes to first to retire the side.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 0
Macon 0 3 1 1 0 5 7 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Davis MAC - Bosio
HR -- Boggs
Macon's bats cool down, while Syracuse scratches out a run -- the Peaches need
to add a few more runs, as the Storm offense could awake at any moment.
Sixth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Bonds lofts a 2-2 pitch down the right field line. Martinez is racing over -- he
can't get there! The ball rolls into the corner, and Bonds stops at second
with a leadoff double!
Puckett taps a routine grounder to Harris -- wait a minute, he dropped the ball!
The throw to first -- not in time! E4 if you're scoring at home, and the
Storm has runners on the corners with nobody out.
The infield is back, looking to turn two. Bosio's first pitch to Walker -- he
drives it deep to right center field. Dascenzo goes back, he's looking
up -- GONE! Home run, Larry Walker, and the Storm is right back in this
one, 5-4!
Kreuter lines a single to left, as the onslaught continues. Belcher and
MacDonald are warming in the bullpen.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW HITTING FOR KEVIN SEITZER, LANCE PARRISH*
Parrish lifts a lazy fly to left -- Maldonado hauls it in for the first out of
the inning.
Kreuter is off and running with the first pitch to Jose Lind, and Lind drills
it to... caught by Gagne! Gagne tosses over to first for the double play,
and Bosio gets out of the inning without another run.
BOTTOM HALF:
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PLAYING THIRD BASE, DONNIE HILL*
Harris hits a come-backer to the mound... Davis goes to first for the out.
Gagne raps a grounder to short -- two down.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW HITTING FOR CHRIS BOSIO, MIKE STANLEY*
Stanley pops the 1-1 pitch up into foul territory. Kreuter on the run -- and
it's into the box seats.
Stanley watches a 1-2 curve over the outside corner for called strike three.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 0 0 0 1 3 4 7 0
Macon 0 3 1 1 0 0 5 7 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Davis MAC - Bosio
HR -- Boggs, Walker
Final Lines
-----------
IP H R ER BB K HR
Castillo 4.0 7 5 5 1 3 1
Bosio 6.0 7 4 3 1 1 0
The Stooges finally make their presence known, while Storm Davis has quieted the
Macon bats. Looks like it'll all come down to the bullpens, as we turn into
the seventh.
Seventh Inning:
TOP HALF:
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, TIM BELCHER
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW HITTING FOR STORM DAVIS, GARY REDUS
Redus strikes out swinging for the fences.
Smith hits a hard grounder to Gagne.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, BOB MACDONALD
Mattingly taps a grounder to Murray, who takes it himself for the third out.
BOTTOM HALF:
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, TOM HENKE
Martinez hits a grounder to Mattingly, who takes it himself -- one away.
Dascenzo watches a called third strike.
Boggs drills another ball towards right, and once again Jose Lind doesn't have
to move.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 4 7 0
Macon 0 3 1 1 0 0 0 5 7 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Henke MAC - MacDonald
HR -- Boggs, Walker
Final Lines
-----------
IP H R ER BB K HR
Castillo 4.0 7 5 5 1 3 1
Davis 2.0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Bosio 6.0 7 4 3 1 1 0
Belcher 0.2 0 0 0 0 1 0
Both bullpens are perfect, as we move to the eighth. Big Lee is still seated
in the Peaches bullpen, while Mike Fetters is warming for the Storm.
Eighth Inning:
TOP HALF:
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PLAYING SECOND BASE, WILLIE RANDOLPH
Bonds fouls off several pitches and finally draws a walk.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, RICH RODRIGUEZ
Bonds is off with the 2-0 pitch, and Puckett lines it into center. Bonds rounds
second and pulls in at third, representing the tying run.
Larry Walker goes looking for his second home run and strikes out.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW HITTING FOR CHAD KREUTER, BILL HASELMAN
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, JEFF BRANTLEY
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW HITTING FOR BILL HASELMAN, BOB MELVIN
Dunlap and Williams finish their chess match, and Melvin steps in to hit.
Brantley hangs a 2-1 curve, and Melvin drives it deep to center! Dascenzo
back, on the warning track -- makes the catch. Bonds tags and scores easily,
and Puckett beats the throw into second -- we're tied at 5-all, and Syracuse
has the go ahead run on at second, with Donnie Hill coming to the plate.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, RICK HONEYCUTT
Hill looks awful as a Honeycutt changeup fools him badly, and he strikes out
swinging.
BOTTOM HALF:
Melvin stays in the game to catch.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, MIKE FETTERS
Hoiles grounds out to Smith.
Murray takes a called strike three.
Maldonado hits a fly to center field -- Puckett drifts back, and makes the
catch just shy of the warning track.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 5 8 0
Macon 0 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 5 7 1
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Fetters MAC - Honeycutt
HR -- Boggs, Walker
Final Lines
-----------
IP H R ER BB K HR
Castillo 4.0 7 5 5 1 3 1
Davis 2.0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Henke 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Bosio 6.0 7 4 3 1 1 1
Belcher 0.2 0 0 0 0 1 0
MacDonald 0.1 0 1 1 1 0 0
Rodriguez 0.1 1 0 0 0 1 0
Brantley 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0
The Peaches 5-0 lead has evaporated, and the tide has turned in favor of the
Storm. Lee Smith is finally warming in the bullpen for the Peaches, while
Wetteland warms for the Storm.
Ninth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Lind hits a routine grounder down the line to Boggs.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW BATTING FOR MIKE FETTERS, KEVIN WARD
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, LEE SMITH
Ward gets ahead in the count 3-0, but Big Lee blows three fastballs by him to
record the strikeout.
Ozzie grounds out to Murray to retire the side.
BOTTOM HALF:
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, JOHN WETTELAND
Randolph watches a called third strike.
Gagne strikes out swinging for the fences.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW BATTING FOR LEE SMITH, TOM BRUNANSKY
Wetteland comes inside with a 2-2 fastball with Bruno leaning in -- it hit him!
Bruno glares at Wetteland as he trots down towards first... I know Storm
manager Dave Williams is worried about the Macon power hitters, but that
was uncalled for!
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW RUNNING FOR TOM BRUNANSKY, JOHN JAHA
Jaha takes a *huge* lead -- and he's off with the pitch! It's a fastball high --
Melvin unloads in a hurry -- got him! Inning over!
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 5 8 0
Macon 0 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 7 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Wetteland MAC - L.Smith
HR -- Boggs, Walker
Final Lines
-----------
IP H R ER BB K HR
Castillo 4.0 7 5 5 1 3 1
Davis 2.0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Henke 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Fetters 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bosio 6.0 7 4 3 1 1 1
Belcher 0.2 0 0 0 0 1 0
MacDonald 0.1 0 1 1 1 0 0
Rodriguez 0.1 1 0 0 0 1 0
Brantley 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Honeycutt 0.2 0 0 0 0 1 0
L.Smith 0.2 0 0 0 0 1 0
The chess match of the seventh and eight innings has left the Macon bullpen
drained. Ron Darling, the eighth pitcher of the night for Macon, is warming in
the bullpen -- and the only other two pitchers left in the pen are game 1
starter Dennis Rasmussen and game 2 starter Doug Drabek, neither of whom is
available. Syracuse has not escaped unscathed, as their bench is empty -- but
in this war of attrition, Macon is at a decided disadvantage.
Meanwhile, the Syracuse bullpen has been nearly perfect -- Macon is hitless
since the fourth inning.
Tenth Inning:
TOP HALF:
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, RON DARLING
Mattingly rips Darling's first pitch to Randolph -- one down.
Bonds hits a line drive towards left -- and another fine play by Gagne to rob
Bonds of a hit!
Puckett grounds a 3-1 pitch up the middle for a single -- Darling's not fooling
anyone tonight.
Walker gets around on Darling's first pitch and drives it deep to right field!
Martinez just watches it -- HOME RUN, LARRY WALKER! His second of the
game, and Syracuse has their first lead of the ball game, 7-5!
Kreuter lines Darling's next pitch to center for a single.
Kreuter breaks for second, and Hill grounds the ball up the middle for
Kreuter moving to third. Darling clearly doesn't have his best stuff, but
there's no one else to turn to.
Jose Lind hits a fly ball deep to left center... Dascenzo drifts back, on the
warning track -- caught.
BOTTOM HALF:
With the Storm in the lead, Wetteland stays in the game -- normally, Williams
pulls him after an inning, but a win would wrap up the series and give him
all the time he needs to rest.
Martinez watches a called third strike over the inside part of the plate --
ONE OUT.
Dascenzo keeps Macon's hopes alive by lining a single to center field.
Boggs walks on four straight pitches -- and the crowd comes to life, recalling
Wetteland's blown save in the 1993 All-Star Game in Macon.
Hoiles fouls off several pitches and runs the count full -- and draws the walk
to load the bases for Eddie Murray, with Candy Maldonado on deck!
Eddie Murray fights off several pitches to run the count full. The 3-2 offering
is a fastball *high* -- BALL FOUR! Dascenzo trots in from third, Boggs
moves to third with the tying run, and Chris Hoiles moves to second with
the winning run.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, TOM CANDIOTTI
Maldonado loops a fly ball into shallow right field. Walker comes in on the run
and makes the catch, the runners holding. TWO OUTS.
The members of the Storm are poised to come racing out of the dugout as Willie
Randolph stands in against Candiotti. Candiotti's first pitch is a
knuckler, hanging in the strike zone -- AND RANDOLPH RIPS IT TO LEFT! IT'S
OFF THE WALL! BOGGS SCORES... HOILES SCORES EASILY, AND RANDOLPH PULLS UP
AT SECOND WITH A GAME WINNING DOUBLE!
The crowd has gone into a frenzy -- the Macon Peaches, the team that can likely
lay claim to more last gasp rallies than any other team in the IBL, has
pulled off a miracle *again*! Willie Randolph, the veteran who has
already announced his retirement after this season, comes through big time
in the clutch!
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 R H E
--------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 2 7 12 0
Macon 0 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 8 9 1
--------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Candiotti MAC - Darling
HR -- Boggs, Walker 2
Final Lines
-----------
IP H R ER BB K HR
Castillo 4.0 7 5 5 1 3 1
Davis 2.0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Henke 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Fetters 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wetteland, L 1.1 1 3 3 3 3 0
Candiotti 0.1 1 0 0 2 0 0
Bosio 6.0 7 4 3 1 1 1
Belcher 0.2 0 0 0 0 1 0
MacDonald 0.1 0 1 1 1 0 0
Rodriguez 0.1 1 0 0 0 1 0
Brantley 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Honeycutt 0.2 0 0 0 0 1 0
L.Smith 0.2 0 0 0 0 1 0
Darling, W 1.0 4 2 2 0 0 1
The 29th win for a Macon reliever this season -- it's only fitting that a
team that thrived on the late inning rally in the regular season should come up
big in their last at bat here.
The Stud of the Game Award goes to Larry Walker, who came up big with a three
for five performance, with 2 HRs and 5 RBI, albeit in a losing effort.
Be sure to tune in Saturday afternoon at 4:00 EDT as we see a rematch of game
1, with late-season phenom Dennis Rasmussen on the mound vs. 23 game winner
John Smiley.
Once again, our final here -- MAC 8, SYR 7!
********************************************************************************
Our signal has been verified by a local affilliate, so we're underway!
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Fickling Memorial Stadium,
in the heart of historic downtown Macon, for game 4 of the NC Championship
Series, featuring the Macon Peaches vs. the Syracuse Storm.
Due to transmission difficulties, most of you saw Game 3 on tape delay the
following morning, rather than live. But that certainly didn't diminish the
excitement as Macon came alive on the brink of elimination, coming within one
out of ending their season before Willie Randolph doubled off the wall with the
bases loaded in the tenth to rally the Peaches to an 8-7 victory. Macon hopes to
extend their borrowed time tonight, as they send journeyman-phenom Dennis
Rasmussen to the mound against Syracuse's John Smiley, one of only two 20-game
winners in the NC this season.
While showing last night some offensive punch of their own, Macon knows that to
have a chance at pulling off the upset, the pitching will have to come through
and shut down the Syracuse offense, which has scored seven runs or more in all
three games so far. They are *not* encouraged by the performance of Syracuse's
Three Stooges last night (your name, Dave :-) ), who went 6 for 14, bolstered
by a three for five, two HR, five RBI performance from Larry Walker. The
awakening of the heart of the order for Syracuse could spell the beginning of
the end for Macon.
Tonight's starting lineups:
For the Syracuse Storm:
Leading off and playing shortstop, Ozzie Smith.
Batting second, first baseman Don Mattingly.
Batting third, left fielder Barry Bonds.
In the cleanup spot, playing center field, Kirby Puckett.
Batting fifth, last night's almost-hero, right fielder Larry Walker.
Batting sixth, third baseman Kevin Seitzer.
Batting seventh, the catcher, Lance Parrish.
"Batting" in the number eighth spot, defensive specialist Jose Lind.
And in the #9 spot in the order, warming up in the bullpen, pitcher John Smiley.
And now, taking the field, your very own MACON PEACHES!
Playing left field and batting third, Candy Maldonado!
Playing center field and batting fifth, Mike Devereaux!
Playing right field and batting sixth, Chito Martinez!
At third base, batting second, Wade Boggs!
At shortstop, batting seventh, Rey Sanchez!
Playing second base and batting leadoff, last night's hero, WILLIE RANDOLPH!!!
At first base, batting eighth, veteran Eddie Murray!
Behind the plate and batting cleanup, Chris Hoiles!
And batting ninth, tonight's starting pitcher, left-hander Dennis Rasmussen!
And we'll be back in a moment with the opening pitch...
************************************
The NC Championship Series -- GAME 4
************************************
It's a warm, humid day, 82 degrees with an overcast sky. With both pitchers
working on short rest, the heat could be a factor late. A capacity crowd awaits
the first pitch to Ozzie Smith, now settling into the batter's box.
First Inning:
TOP HALF:
Smith hits an easy grounder to Sanchez, who goes to first for the out.
Mattingly gets a piece of Rasmussen's first pitch and foulds it back into the
stands. Here's the second pitch -- he drives it deep to left field! No
doubt about this one -- home run, Don Mattingly! And the Storm strikes
first, taking a 1-0 lead.
Bonds draws a walk on five pitches, and Rasmussen is looking a little shaky
early.
Puckett gets under a 2-2 pitch and pops up to Sanchez.
Two outs now, Larry Walker at the plate -- and there goes Bonds! Hoiles'
throw is not in time, and Bonds is in scoring position with two down.
Walker hits a high fly to dead center -- Devereaux settles in under it and has
it for the third out.
BOTTOM HALF:
Randolph hits a grounder towards left field -- and Smith makes a diving stop at
the edge of the turf! The throw to first -- got him!
Boggs rips a 2-0 pitch into the gap in right center field, and ends up with a
stand-up double.
Maldonado drives one deep to left center -- GOOD BYE! Candy Maldonado, who led
the Peaches in home runs and RBI this season, gives the Peaches a 2-1 lead.
Hoiles fights off three 3-2 strikes and draws a walk.
Devereaux lines a single into right -- Hoiles considers testing Walker's arm,
but thinks better of it.
Martinez rips a grounder to Lind -- to Smith for one, on to first -- double
play!
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 1 1 1 0
Macon 2 2 3 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Smiley MAC - Rasmussen
The heat seems to be affecting both pitchers early -- looks like we're headed
for *another* slugfest.
Second Inning:
TOP HALF:
Rasmussen handcuffs Seitzer, who hits a soft fly ball to center for the first
out.
Parrish works the count and draws a walk.
With Parrish moving, Lind grounds a 3-1 pitch to Boggs, who goes to first for
the only out.
Smiley lifts a fly ball to center, handled easily by Devereaux.
BOTTOM HALF:
Sanchez rips Smiley's first pitch into the gap in left center -- the Peaches
are threatening again, and Smiley continues to struggle.
Murray hits a drive towards the gap in left center -- looks like it could be
another double -- OH, WHAT A CATCH! Barry Bonds comes out of nowhere to
save another run and record the out.
Rasmussen goes down swinging, and Smiley may be about to get out of this jam.
Randolph pops up to short, and the Peaches strand the leadoff runner in scoring
position.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 1 0 1 1 0
Macon 2 0 2 4 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Smiley MAC - Rasmussen
The Peaches can't afford to waste chances against the Syracuse offense -- both
pitchers seem to be settling down after rocky firsts, though.
Third Inning:
TOP HALF:
Ozzie lifts a high fly to Martinez in right.
Mattingly flies out to left.
Bonds hits a fly into shallow center -- Devereaux comes racing in to make the
catch. It's a 1-2-3 inning for Rasmussen.
BOTTOM HALF:
Boggs hits one right back to the mound, handled easily by Smiley, who goes to
Mattingly for the out.
Smiley pitches cautiously to Maldonado, who draws a walk this time.
Hoiles drills one into the gap in left center -- Puckett is over quickly to cut
it off as Maldonado heads for third. And Hoiles is trying for two! The
throw -- Hoiles is in standing. Not a good series for Puckett in the
field -- that's three times the Peaches have stretched a single into a
double off his arm. [Ed. note -- and three times Puckett has failed to
convert an ofr into the gap into an out.]
The infield is in with Devereaux at the plate, trying to prevent more damage.
Devereaux hits a grounder to Seitzer -- he looks the runner back to third, and
goes to first for the second out.
The infield is back with two down for Martinez. And Martinez rips another
groundball, this one to short. Ozzie goes to first, and the Storm dodge
another bullet.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 1 0 0 1 1 0
Macon 2 0 0 2 5 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Smiley MAC - Rasmussen
Rasmussen appears to be settling in -- Smiley continues to struggle, but the
Peaches aren't cashing in while they can -- they've already left four men on
through three innings.
Fourth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Puckett hits a grounder to Sanchez -- UNDER HIS GLOVE and into left. Puckett
stops at first as Maldonado picks up the ball -- E6. Yet another Peach
error -- can Syracuse cash in?
Walker hits a chopper up the middle -- Rasmussen grabs it and throws off-balance
to Sanchez for the force at second. Puckett slides in hard to break up
any chance of a double play.
Seitzer, who was so hot in Syracuse, continues his cold spell by popping up to
Sanchez.
With two outs, Walker takes his lead... and he's off with the first pitch!
Hoiles comes up throwing -- not in time!
Parrish gets under the pitch and pops up to the right side of the infield.
Murray's under it -- and he's got it.
BOTTOM HALF:
Sanchez raps a grounder to Seitzer -- on to first, one away.
Murray hits a slow roller down towards Seitzer -- he charges, throws on the run
-- Murray's out.
Rasmussen lifts a high fly to right.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 1 0 0 0 1 1 0
Macon 2 0 0 0 2 5 1
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Smiley MAC - Rasmussen
Looks like the long awaited pitching duel -- Smiley has his first 1-2-3 inning,
while Rasmussen has not allowed a hit since the first. Both pitchers were
roughed up in game 1 -- can they continue to keep this pace up?
Fifth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Lind drills a shot right at Sanchez.
Smiley goes down swinging.
Smith hits a high fly to left -- three up, three down for the Storm.
BOTTOM HALF:
Randolph drives one into the gap in left center -- Puckett on the move, dives...
he made the catch! [mock cheer from the editor]
Boggs hits a grounder down to Mattingly -- he takes it himself for the second
out.
Maldonado drills a screamer to Smith for the third out.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Macon 2 0 0 0 0 2 5 1
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Smiley MAC - Rasmussen
Perfect innings by both pitchers, as the bats stay quiet. Both pitchers look OK
for now, as we turn into the latter half of the game.
Sixth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Mattingly hits a fly ball deep to center -- Devereaux pulls it in shy of the
warning track.
Bonds hits a hard grounder to Sanchez, who throws to first for the second out.
Puckett drives one into the gap in right center -- Martinez coming on... makes
the fantastic diving catch! Nine in a row for Rasmussen, as we go to the
bottom of the sixth!
BOTTOM HALF:
Hoiles hits a routine grounder to Smith.
Devereaux watches a curve over the outside corner for a called strike three --
only Smiley's second K of the afternoon.
Smiley handcuffs Martinez with an inside fastball -- but Martinez flicks his
wrists and drives it off the right field wall for a two out double.
[Ed. note -- on *most* players' cards, a 492 is a fly out... :-) ]
Sanchez grounds one up the middle and into center for a base hit -- Martinez
comes around third to score.
With Sanchez on the move, Murray lines a single into right. Sanchez ends up at
third, and with two outs, the Peaches appear to be trying to break the
game open.
Rasmussen lifts a high fly to center to end the inning.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Macon 2 0 0 0 0 1 3 8 1
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Smiley MAC - Rasmussen
Rasmussen continues his gem, and Macon picks up a *much* needed insurance run.
That may be all for Smiley -- Tom Henke and Mike Fetters appear to be warming
in the Storm bullpen, as pitching on three days rest on a warm afternoon seems
to be catching up with Smiley.
Seventh Inning:
TOP HALF:
Walker grounds one up the middle and into center for a base hit -- the first
hit for Syracuse since the first inning!
Walker is on the move with the 2-1 pitch -- and Seitzer hits a shot into the gap
in right center! Walker scores easily as the throw comes into second, and
Kevin Seitzer has come through with *another* big hit, as the Storm has the
tying run at second with nobody out!
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW HITTING FOR LANCE PARRISH, BILL HASELMAN
With first base open, Dunlap instructs Rasmussen to put Haselman on -- a risky
gamble, putting the go ahead run on base... will it work out?
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW HITTING FOR JOSE LIND, BOB MELVIN
Melvin lashes a single into right field! However, Kevin Seitzer didn't get a
good jump on the ball, and is forced to stop at third.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW HITTING FOR JOHN SMILEY, ALEX ARIAS
The Macon infield pulls in as Arias steps up to the plate. Arias smashes a
grounder to Sanchez, who fields the ball cleanly and comes home for one --
Hoiles relays to first to complete the double play. A *huge* defensive play
by Sanchez... the Storm now has runners at second and third, but two outs.
Ozzie hits a fly ball to right field -- it won't carry here, though, and
Martinez hauls it in shy of the warning track to end the inning.
BOTTOM HALF:
Melvin stays in the game to play catcher.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PLAYING SECOND BASE, DONNIE HILL, BATTING #7
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, TOM HENKE
Randolph lifts a high fly ball to center.
Boggs walks on four straight pitches.
Maldonado gets under a pitch and lofts it to Puckett in center for the second
out.
Hoiles hits a line drive into center -- sinking fast... Puckett comes in on the
run and makes the sliding catch to end the inning!
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 4 0
Macon 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 8 1
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Henke MAC - Rasmussen
Once again, the bottom of the order comes through for the Storm, but great
defense puts out the fire (instead of starting one, for a change.) Rasmussen
doesn't have much left to give -- Belcher and MacDonald are warming in the
bullpen, with the big three limbering up in the tunnel.
Final Lines
------------
IP H R ER BB K HR
Smiley 6.0 8 3 3 2 2 1
Eighth Inning:
TOP HALF:
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PLAYING CENTER FIELD, DOUG DASCENZO
Mattingly rips a double off the wall in right, and the Storm is in business
with nobody out! And Dunlap's headed out to the mound -- Rasmussen is
arguing that he feels fine -- but Dunlap's motioning to the bullpen. That's
all for Rasmussen -- and he tips his cap as the crowd gives him a standing
ovation... what a performance in a clutch situation tonight!
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, BOB MACDONALD
Bonds watches a fastball over the inside corner for a called strike three.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, TIM BELCHER
Puckett taps a slow grounder to second... Randolph's only play is to first, and
he goes there for the out as Mattingly mopves to third.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, JEFF BRANTLEY
Walker just misses a 2-2 fastball and strikes out.
BOTTOM HALF:
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, MIKE FETTERS
Dascenzo lines a single into right field.
After Martinez fouls off several pitches, Fetters' 3-2 pitch misses outside,
and the Peaches have a man in scoring position with nobody out.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW HITTING FOR REY SANCHEZ, MIKE STANLEY
Stanley goes down swinging.
Murray watches a called strike three.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW HITTING FOR JEFF BRANTLEY, TOM BRUNANSKY
Bruno lines a 3-1 pitch into right for a base hit -- Dascenzo scores, and
Martinez stops at second.
Randolph watches a called strike three.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 5 0
Macon 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 4 10 1
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Fetters MAC - Brantley
The Storm strand a runner in a key situation, while Macon takes advantage of
their opportunity to add an important insurance run. We're headed to the top
of the ninth -- and it looks like Big Lee is warming up in the Macon bullpen.
Final Lines
-----------
IP H R ER BB K HR
Smiley 6.0 8 3 3 2 2 1
Henke 1.0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Rasmussen 7.0 5 2 2 3 1 1
MacDonald 0.1 0 0 0 0 1 0
Belcher 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brantley 0.1 0 0 0 0 1 0
Ninth Inning:
TOP HALF:
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PLAYING SHORTSTOP, GREG GAGNE
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, LEE SMITH
Seitzer grounds a single up the middle -- another clutch hit from Kevin
Setizer!
Hill works Smith for a walk, and Big Lee appears to be struggling -- Rich
Rodriguez has started throwing in the bullpen.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW HITTING FOR BOB MELVIN, CHAD KREUTER
Kreuter lifts a high fly to center, and the crowd begins to breathe again --
ONE OUT.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW HITTING FOR MIKE FETTERS, GARY REDUS
Redus taps a grounder to short -- Gagne goes to Randolph for one... the throw
to first -- not in time. Seitzer moves to third. TWO OUTS.
With the crowd on its feet, Ozzie Smith steps in -- and Big Lee blows three
fastballs past him for the strikeout!
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 6 0
Macon 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 X 4 10 1
------------------------------------------------------
W - Rasmussen (1-1) L - Smiley (1-1) S - L.Smith (1)
Lee Smith slams the door, and Macon has battle back to tie this series at two
games apiece! The MGSC Stud of the Game Award goes to Dennis Rasmussen, who
finally quieted the Storm bats, allowing just two runs and five hits through
seven plus innings. Be sure to tune in Monday night at 8 EDT for the final
game of this series, featuring Macon ace Doug Drabek vs. fifteen game winner
Bob Welch. See y'all then!
Final Lines
-----------
IP H R ER BB K HR
Smiley, L 6.0 8 3 3 2 2 1
Henke 1.0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Fetters 1.0 2 1 1 1 3 0
Rasmussen, W 7.0 5 2 2 3 1 1
MacDonald 0.1 0 0 0 0 1 0
Belcher 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brantley 0.1 0 0 0 0 1 0
L.Smith, S 1.0 1 0 0 1 1 0
********************************************************************************
Our signal has been verified by a local affilliate, so we're underway!
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Fickling Memorial Stadium,
in the heart of historic downtown Macon, for game 5 of the NC Championship
Series, featuring the Macon Peaches vs. the Syracuse Storm.
This series has seen Macon fight back from within one out of elimination to
tie the series at two games apiece -- we've got a sellout crowd tonight, and
viewers around the nation (and maybe even the globe) are tuned in to see if
Macon can pull off the impossible, upsetting the defending IBL champions. With
the anticipation built to a frenzy, and with the fire marshall already closing
off the stadium, we're getting under way a little early tonight.
If you missed our last telecast, you missed a beautiful pitching gem by Dennis
Rasmussen, who held the Storm to one hit through the first six innings before
giving way to the Macon bullpen after seven innings of work. Tonight, Doug
Drabek, Macon's ace, hopes to rebound from a poor game 2 performance, while
the Macon batters hope to be able to solve Bob Welch, who held the Peaches to
two runs in his first outing.
While the Macon locker room was loose and jubilant, the Syracuse locker room
was quiet tonight. Heavy favorites to win this series, the burden is on their
shoulders tonight -- if they don't win this one, their 110 regular season wins
are for naught.
Tonight's starting lineups:
For the Syracuse Storm:
Leading off and playing shortstop, Ozzie Smith.
Batting second, first baseman Don Mattingly.
Batting third, left fielder Barry Bonds.
In the cleanup spot, playing center field, Kirby Puckett.
Batting fifth, right fielder Larry Walker.
Batting sixth, catcher Chad Kreuter
Batting seventh, playing third base, NCCS MVP candidate Kevin Seitzer
"Batting" in the number eighth spot, defensive specialist Jose Lind.
And in the #9 spot in the order, warming up in the bullpen, pitcher Bob Welch.
And now, taking the field, your very own MACON PEACHES!
Playing left field and batting sixth, Candy Maldonado!
Playing center field and batting second, Doug Dascenzo!
Playing right field and leading off, Chito Martinez!
At third base, batting third, Wade Boggs!
Playing shortstop, batting eighth, Greg Gagne!
Playing second base and batting seventh, Lenny Harris!
At first base, batting fifth, veteran Eddie Murray!
Behind the plate and batting cleanup, Chris Hoiles!
And batting ninth, tonight's starting pitcher, right-handed ace Doug Drabek!
And we'll be back in a moment with the opening pitch...
************************************
The NC Championship Series -- GAME 5
************************************
It's a cool night, and the stars are shining down from a clear sky -- a
beautiful night for what will hopefully be a beautiful game.
First Inning:
TOP HALF:
Smith raps a hard grounder to Harris -- one down, and we're under way!
Mattingly lines a 1-0 pitch into right.
The 2-2 pitch to Bonds hooks over the outside corner -- but wait, Terry Tata is
signalling ball 3! Drabek is clearly incensed by the call, but he stalks
back to the mound without a word to the ump. The 3-2 pitch is a crisp
fastball over the plate -- no doubt about that one. Two down.
Mattingly takes off for second on a 2-0 curve to Puckett. Hoiles comes up
cleanly and fires to second... got him! Williams' strategy backfires, and
the Storm go quietly in the first.
BOTTOM HALF:
Martinez hits a grounder in the hole at first -- and a diving stop by Mattingly,
who flips from his knees to Welch covering first!
Dascenzo hits a lazy fly to Puckett.
Boggs gets under a pitch and pops up to Lind.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 0 1 0
Macon 0 0 0 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Welch MAC - Drabek
Both pitchers look hot tonight -- with the cool weather, we may be looking at
another well-pitched game, like last night.
Second Inning:
TOP HALF:
Puckett hits a slow grounder to Gagne, who guns the ball over to first for the
out.
Walker hits a slow grounder in the hole to Murray, who goes to Drabek covering
first for the second out.
Kreuter walks on four straight pitches.
With Kreuter on the move, Seitzer rips a double down the left field line!
Maldonado comes up firing to the plate -- not in time, and Seitzer coasts
into third on the throw home. *Another* clutch hit from Seitzer, who may
end up the NCCS MVP even if Syracuse loses.
Lind grounds a single into center, and Seitzer scores.
Welch hits a slow grounder to second for the third out.
BOTTOM HALF:
Hoiles lofts a high fly to left. Welch is holding his arm and calling to the
dugout, and the trainer is heading out... Welch seems to be complaining
that something popped in the arm... and they're going to take him out of
the game. A break for Macon, maybe -- Welch was looking unhittable again.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, JIM ABBOTT
Murray grounds a single up the middle -- not an auspicious start for the
lefthander Abbott.
Maldonado raps a routine grounder to Mattingly, who goes to Smith for one --
and what a pivot by Smith as he comes back to Mattingly for the second out!
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 2 2 3 0
Macon 0 1 0 1 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Abbott MAC - Drabek
Syracuse is getting to Drabek again -- but with the Storm's starter gone, this
could become interesting.
Third Inning:
TOP HALF:
Smith hits an easy grounder to Murray, who takes it himself.
Mattingly rips a hard grounder to Gagne, who relays to first.
Bonds draws a walk on five pitches.
Bonds on the move with the first pitch... Hoiles fires to second... not in time.
Puckett hits a bouncer towards the hole in right -- Harris makes a nice play to
knock the ball down, but the throw is late. Bonds moves to third.
Walker hits a slow grounder to Gagne -- he's going to have to hurry... the throw
to first is in time to retire the side.
BOTTOM HALF:
Harris walks on four straight pitches.
Gagne goes down swinging.
The corners come in as Drabek steps to the plate. Drabek drops the bunt down
the first base line -- Mattingly looks at second but takes the sure out at
first for the second out.
Martinez goes down swinging for the fences.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 2 0 2 4 0
Macon 0 0 0 0 1 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Abbott MAC - Drabek
Syracuse strands two runners, but seems to be having few problems with Drabek,
while Macon still struggles to solve the Storm pitching.
Fourth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Kreuter grounds a single into center field, and the Storm has *another* runner
on.
With Kreuter on the move, Seitzer taps the 3-1 pitch to short -- Gagne's only
play is to first, and the runner is in scoring position with one out.
Lind rips a hard grounder to short -- Kreuter stays put as the throw goes to
first.
Abbott hits one in the hole, headed for right field -- and another diving stop
by Lenny Harris! He throws from his knees to first to retire Abbott and
end the threat.
BOTTOM HALF:
Dascenzo hits one towards the gap in left. Bonds is on the move -- but he won't
get there in time, as he cuts it off to hold Dascenzo to a single.
With Dascenzo on the move, Boggs hits a grounder to Lind, whose only play is to
first. So with one out in the fourth, the Peaches have their first runner
in scoring position.
Hoiles lifts a high fly to Bonds for the second out of the inning.
Murray hits a routine grounder to short to end the inning.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 2 0 0 2 5 0
Macon 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Abbott MAC - Drabek
Drabek is pitching well, but once again, the Peaches are failing to give him
any run support. The fans are beginning to get restless.
Fifth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Smith lines a single into left.
Smith fakes the steal but holds -- Mattingly rips a comebacker to the mound.
Drabek whirls and goes to Gagne covering second for one... Gagne fires to
fires to first to complete the double play.
Bonds watches called strike three for the second time tonight.
BOTTOM HALF:
Maldonado rips a grounder to short -- one down.
Harris hits a liner to second -- two down.
Gagne lofts one to Walker in right -- 1-2-3 for Abbott.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 2 0 0 0 2 6 0
Macon 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Abbott MAC - Drabek
Abbott continues to get the job done -- but so does Drabek. Macon has scored
at least two runs in every game this series, and usually more -- can Syracuse
make this lead hold up?
Sixth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Puckett taps a slow grounder to Harris.
Walker goes down swinging.
Kreuter lines a single to left -- he's reached base all three times tonight.
Drabek freezes Seitzer with a 3-2 fastball over the outside corner.
BOTTOM HALF:
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW HITTING FOR DOUG DRABEK, WILLIE RANDOLPH
Randolph fouls off several pitches and finally draws a walk -- and the Syracuse
bullpen is up -- Storm Davis and Doug Henry appear to be warming up.
Martinez grounds a single up the middle for a hit! And Williams is headed out
to the mound... that appears to be all for Jim Abbott. But a fine
performance by the leftie in a clutch situation.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, DOUG HENRY
With the runners moving, Dascenzo rips a hard grounder to Lind -- but his only
play is to first, and the tying run is at second with one out.
The infield comes in, and Boggs hits a grounder to Mattingly. Randolph is
forced to hold at third, and there are now two outs, with Hoiles coming up.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, MIKE FETTERS
Fetters's first pitch curves *way* inside -- and the pitch hit Hoiles! It's
the second time this series the Storm pitchers have hit a batter in a key
situation rather than face him! The bases are loaded for Eddie Murray!
Murray hits a fly ball deep to right center! Puckett's going back, he's at the
wall... GONE! Murray's fly bounces off the top of the wall and over, and
Macon leads 4-2!
Maldonado walks on four pitches -- Fetters is clearly shaken by the home run...
he only gave up 3 all season.
With Maldonado running, Harris lines a single into right -- Maldonado goes to
third without a throw.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, STORM DAVIS
Gagne lines a single into right! Maldonado scores, and Harris stops at second.
Randolph, batting for the second time this inning, rips a grounder to short to
end the inning.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 7 0
Macon 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 6 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Davis MAC - Drabek
Eddie Murray's grand slam, his first home run of the series, highlights a
two out, five run rally by the Peaches as they take a 5-2 lead. The bullpen
has struggled in this series, though -- can they hold the lead? Rich Rodriguez
is warming in the bullpen.
Abbott continues to get the job done -- but so does Drabek. Macon has scored
at least two runs in every game this series, and usually more -- can Syracuse
make this lead hold up?
Seventh Inning:
TOP HALF:
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PLAYING SECOND BASE, WILLIE RANDOLPH
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING AND BATTING #7, RICH RODRIGUEZ
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW BATTING FOR JOSE LIND, KEVIN WARD
Ward lofts a high fly to Dascenzo in center.
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW BATTING FOR STORM DAVIS, BILL HASELMAN
Haselman hits a hard grounder to Gagne, who throws on to first for the second
out.
Smith hits a grounder to short to retire the side.
BOTTOM HALF:
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, TOM HENKE
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PLAYING SECOND BASE, DONNIE HILL
Martinez hits a shallow fly into center -- Puckett comes in and makes the
running catch.
Dascenzo hits a line drive to left... no, Ozzie Smith goes airborne to snag the
ball!
Boggs watches a called third strike.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 7 0
Macon 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 5 6 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Henke MAC - Rodriguez
Rodriguez puts the Storm down in order, as does Henke. Time's running out for
the defending champs, though...
Final Lines
-----------
IP H R ER BB K HR
Welch 1.1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Abbott 3.2 3 2 2 2 2 0
Henry 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fetters 0.0 2 4 4 1 0 1
Davis 0.1 1 0 0 0 0 0
Drabek 6.0 7 2 2 2 4 0
Eighth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Mattingly rips a double into the gap in left center!
Bonds grounds a single up the middle, and Mattingly stops at third. Kirby
Puckett is coming to the plate as the tying run with nobody out!
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW PITCHING, LEE SMITH
Lee Smith forgets about Bonds, and he steals second.
Smith blasts a fastball past Puckett for a called strike three.
Walker rips a double into the gap in left center -- Mattingly and Bonds score,
and the lead is down to one run!
Kreuter strikes out swinging.
Seitzer raps a hard grounder to Gagne -- the throw to first is in time for the
third out.
BOTTOM HALF:
Hoiles lofts a high fly to right.
Murray hits a grounder to Mattingly, who beats Murray to the bag.
Maldonado goes down swinging.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 10 0
Macon 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 6 0
------------------------------------------------------
SYR - Henke MAC - L.Smith
The Stooges come through as the Storm claws their way to within a run. But with
Big Lee in and the bottom of the order coming up, can the Storm finish the
comeback?
[Ed. note -- whoever came up with the idea of a singular name for a group
should be shot at dawn -- do you know how hard it is to tense good copy when
you can't decide between "the Storm is" and "the Storm are"? :-) :-)]
Final Lines
-----------
IP H R ER BB K HR
Welch 1.1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Abbott 3.2 3 2 2 2 2 0
Henry 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fetters 0.0 2 4 4 1 0 1
Davis 0.1 1 0 0 0 0 0
Drabek 6.0 7 2 2 2 4 0
Rodriguez 1.0 2 2 2 0 0 0
Ninth Inning:
TOP HALF:
Hill lines a single into left, and the Storm has the tying run aboard with
nobody out!
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW RUNNING FOR DONNIE HILL, GARY REDUS
*YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE -- NOW BATTING FOR TOM HENKE, ALEX ARIAS
Redus takes off for second on Smith's first pitch -- Hoiles comes up firing,
but the throw is not in time.
Redus fakes a jump to third but holds.
Arias lofts a high fly ball to left -- ONE OUT.
Redus takes off for third on Smith's first pitch to Smith -- Hoiles comes up
firing, the throw is... IN TIME! Redus argues the call briefly, but
Hoiles' throw beats Redus to third for a *big* second out!
Now batting with the bases empty, Smith hits a grounder to Gagne. He comes up
with it cleanly! Do You Believe In Miracles? YES!!! THE PEACHES WIN THE
PENNANT! THE PEACHES WIN THE PENNANT!
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 4 11 0
Macon 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 X 5 6 0
------------------------------------------------------
W - Drabek (1-1) L - Fetters (0-1) S - Smith (2)
The Peaches complete the miracle on Cherry Street, winning a 5-4 nailbiter to
bring the IBL Championship to Macon. We'll be back in a moment with a final
wrapup.
Final Lines
-----------
IP H R ER BB K HR
Welch 1.1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Abbott 3.2 3 2 2 2 2 0
Henry 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fetters, L 0.0 2 3 3 1 0 1
Davis 0.1 1 0 0 0 0 0
Henke 2.0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Drabek, W 6.0 7 2 2 2 4 0
Rodriguez 1.0 2 2 2 0 0 0
Smith, S 2.0 2 0 0 0 2 0