MLB Playoffs, Day II
The Minnesota Twins had the Oakland A’s where they wanted them — tied 2-2 in the top of the seventh. Mark Kotsay changed the course of the game — and perhaps the series — by hitting what looked to be a 2-out single with a man on first. Twins’ centerfielder Torii Hunter goes after the ball, but misplays it, allowing the ball to get past him and go for an inside-the-park 2-run homer.
Hunter should have conceded a single, in retrospect. It was an easy mistake to make, but it may just doom the Twins in the series. Minnesota can come back, but its prospects turned dramatically after the loss.
* Guillermo Mota continued the “amazing moments from former Indians week” by looking unhittable in the sixth inning of the Mets-Dodgers game. Mota was dreadful with the Indians this season, but looked like a different pitcher in the sixth.
Apparently thinking it has struck gold last week with Spike Lee [who appeared on Monday Night Football in New Orleans], ESPN continued its celebrity-crazed month by letting terrific actor and glorified windbag Tim Robbins into the booth for the seventh. Robbins took time to profess his love for the Mets, but more importantly, plug his new movie. I can’t even convey how much this annoys me. It’s 4-1 Mets at this point, but forget that.This is not Entertainment Tonight; this is not Access Hollywood. This is the Major League Baseball playoffs. It’s the pinnacle of seven months of baseball. And in a critical moment of a playoff game, ESPN talks with Tim Robbins. Disgraceful.
At least the Dodgers came back to tie the game with three runs in the inning. Thanks for stopping by, Tim.
The Mets shake off the Robbins Curse, and score two runs in the bottom of the inning. Carlos Delgado was the MVP, collecting four hits in the game.
In a truly dramatic moment, Billy Wagner closed the game by striking out Nomar Garciaparra to end the game with the tying run on second. This was a great game and hopefully just the first act in what I assume will be an outstanding series.
* The Tigers-Yankees game is postponed due to rain. So my thoughts on that will have to wait.
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