Game 1: 2013 ALCS

I have never screamed louder for a measly base hit than I did in last night’s loss to the Tigers. Gotta hand it to them, this is not a blame game with umpire, but 17 strikeouts, and 13 men left on base with only 1 hit in the ninth inning… they deserve all the credit. How do you get 6 walks and go 0-6 with runners in scoring position, and not get a base hit.

We pushed their pitcher to 120 pitches in 6 innings, but could not break through.

2 games in the ALCS.. both 1-0 scores, against the ACE of their respective teams. Sanchez is their #3 starters, so now we have this uphill battle against the 2 best pitchers in the AL.

Lets home Clay and Lackey have a few gems in their pocket, or the bats to wake up, because otherwise, 2 games from now, would could be looking down a big 3 hole, and these handy beard trimmers are starting to look pretty good.

So thank you Nava for preventing an embarrassing combined no-hitter in the first game of the ALCS.

I was really happy to see Xander pinch hit, but not with 2 outs in the 9th. I was drinking Boston Lager, hoping for an X-men walk-off win.

A few interesting points from last night.

1) why did Ross start the game, only to be pinch hit for later by Salty? Are his numbers that much better against a pitcher we haven’t faced?

2) Why didn’t Berry steal 2nd, a batter earlier. Then Drew’s sac-fly could have gotten him to 3rd base with 2 out. We all know a wild-pitch there could tie the game and shift momentum.

3) I was talking to by buddy Caolan at the Red Sox bar Stumble Stilskins in Greensboro, NC during the game. And it was the 5th inning, 2 on, 2 out for Peralta. AND I SAID: Walk him, load the bases, he’s the guy that hit a double in his last at bat, I’d rather go after Infante. He said: No, there are 2 out, best go after him. Few seconds later.. the decisive bloop single that scored the winning run. Easy to look in hind sight of what we ought to do. Whenever I get in a one-run deficit.. I tell myself.. HEY we had to at least score a run to win the game, so that AINT THAT BAD. UNLESS.. you end up praying.. we have to get a hit to avoid embarrassment..

This series really hinges on what Middlebrooks, Drew and/or Xander can do. Because if you can effectively silence Ellsbury and Victorino.. our spark plugs.. and with Napoli fresh off a Belhorn besting record. There are just a lot of uncertainties… and we need a few clutch hits from everybody.

A loss is a loss. Time to turn the page.. do some law school reading and watch tonights game with a lucky playoff beer-d.