Two Down In the LCS

Visits: 1

National League

The Rockies lead the series 2 – 0

So far, it looks as if the Rox are just bound and determined to represent the NL in the World Series. They dominated game 1, winning 5 to 1, beating the Diamondback’s Ace Brandon Webb (NL Cy Young candidate) while in the other dugout, Rox Ace, Jeff Francis out-pitched Webb by going 6.2 innings while giving up the Diamondback’s sole run of the game as the Rox bullpen once again closed out the game without allowing another run.
Then, the Rockies, after losing their lead in game 2, did whatever it took to get that go ahead run in extra innings. This time around, it was loading the bases against the Diamondback’s All Star closer, JoseValverde who led the majors with 47 saves in the regular season (with a 2.66 ERA and 1.12 WHIP), with Rox closer Manny Corpas getting the win, leaving Ryan Speier to get the save. The Rox have won 19 out of their last 20 games. They can’t wait to get back on the field!
The only negative for the Rockies that I can foresee is that Hernandez, the Game 3 starter for Arizona, is a big-game pitcher. This scenario is why the Diamondbacks went out to get Hernandez in the off season. This is a must win situation for the Diamondbacks & I can’t think of anyone else on their staff that I would rather see on the mound to attempt to turn this series around! Now it’s off to Colorado & Coors Field!

American League

The series is tied one game a piece

So far, the Indians’ starters are having major problems with the patient Red Sox hitters. In game 1, Cy Young candidate, C.C. Sabathia walked 5 (including 2 bases loaded walks to Ramirez) & hit one batter. The Indians bullpen then gave up four more walks in game one. Josh Beckett, on the other hand, had another quality start, going 6 innings allowing only 2 runs and striking out 7 to lead the Red Sox to a 10 – 3 win.
Likewise, in game 2,  Carmona gave up 5 free passes while their bullpen did not allow any. Both starters couldn’t make it out of the 5th inning. This was a hitter’s game that went into the 11th inning where the Indians scored 7 runs against Gagne (2 ER), Lopez (2 ER) & Lester (3 ER). Borowski closed out the game (no longer a save situation) for Mastny who got the win with Gagne getting the loss. Now it’s off to Cleveland & Jacobs Field.