ALCS Game 4 recap, Game 5 in progress


I'll say one thing for Gary Thorne....

...he calls a great hockey game. NASN is treating UK viewers to the MLB International feed, featuring the wit and wisdom of Thorne and Rick Sutcliffe. Though this is about as big a treat as a broken glass sandwich. Sutcliffe should hope some easy going Veteran's Committe in the Year 2050 considers his record as a reliever worthy enough, because he's not going to be inducted into the Hall Of Fame's broadcast wing. Last night, both of these clowns were literally howling that Grady Little had to put Trot Nixon in motion in the bottom of the 3rd with none out --- only to instantly reverse their decision when Jorge Posada threw him out by 20 feet after Bill Mueller flailed at strike three. I'm the king of second-guessers, but take it from me, such behavior is easier to get away with if no audience heard you encouraging the manager to make the same decision you've subsequently criticized. I'd rather hear color commentary from Peter Sutcliffe .


(former Cub closer) (infamous serial slayer)



Other than that, Game 4 was another tense, well-pitched game with little margin for error on either side. Tim Wakefield's knuckler is looming larger and larger in this series, not unlike Mike Scott's splitter in the 1986 NLCS (though it should be noted that Scott was coming off a career year, which you can't say about Wakefield). The likes of Garciaparra, Soriano and Giambi continue to struggle, while Todd Walker is looking like Mr. (mid) October.

Mike Mussina pitched well enough to win, and sure enough, he thought so, too.

Bottom of the 2nd right now, and Derek Lowe has allowed three consecutive singles to Aaron Boone, Karim "The Enforcer" Garcia and Alfonso Soriano. Boston are facing a 3-0 deficit against the svelte, sophisticated David Wells....and Lowe has a hot water bottle on his left hamstring.

(UPDATE : bottom of the 4th, Yankees up 3-1, Ramierz hits one into the front row of the Monster seats, one inning after Nomar struck out with two runners in scoring position).

Meanwhile, an angry Goose Gossage makes his 2nd CSTB appearance of the week, courtesy of Bob Klapisch and ESPN.com

Posted: Tue - October 14, 2003 at 03:54 PM      

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