Carlos Ruiz quieted the cold Coors Field crowd with two RBI singles, staking the Philadelphia Phillies to a 5-4 lead over the Colorado Rockies through six innings in Game 3 of the NL division series Sunday night. Ruiz had an RBI single up the middle in the sixth. The catcher also added a two-out, RBI hit as part of a three-run fourth inning that chased Rockies starter Jason Hammel from the game.
Archive for October 11th, 2009
A-Rod, Posada HRs help Yanks sweep Twins (AP)
Alex Rodriguez finally delivered the playoff performance he needed and his talent demanded, powering the New York Yankees back to the AL championship series. During this first-round sweep of the Twins, Rodriguez's performance was nothing like all those oh-fers of Octobers past. Rodriguez and Jorge Posada hit seventh-inning home runs to spoil Carl Pavano's opportunity to frustrate New…
Twins come up short in Metrodome finale (AP)
The Minnesota Twins ran themselves right out of the Metrodome. Nick Punto's baserunning blunder cost the Twins a chance to tie the game in the eighth inning, and the New York Yankees eliminated Minnesota with a 4-1 victory Sunday night in their division series that shut the doors for good on professional baseball in the raucous, quirky ballpark.
Angels rally in 9th to sweep Red Sox (AP)
Torii Hunter emerged from the visitors' clubhouse at Fenway Park to spray champagne over the fans and family gathered there. Erick Aybar did him one better, handing over bottles of bubbly to those who came from California to see the Los Angeles Angels go for the sweep. History gave no reason to hope for such a celebration.
Game 3 forecast in Colorado: 33 degrees (AP)
The Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies bundled up Sunday night for Game 3 of the NL playoffs, wearing stocking caps, gloves and thick, hooded sweat shirts while taking batting practice in the biting cold. The forecast called for a temperature of 33 degrees at first pitch, which would break the record for the coldest postseason game.
Scioscia not concerned with Dodgers (AP)
Mike Scioscia wants everyone to slow down on that whole Freeway Series thing. The Angels manager — and former Dodgers catcher — had just eliminated the Boston Red Sox in the playoffs when he was reminded that the other L.A. team had also swept through the first round. So, how would he feel about an all-Los Angeles World Series?
Papelbon blows lead in Red Sox finale (AP)
Ace closer Jonathan Papelbon couldn't save Boston's season. The intimidating right-hander had never allowed a run in any of his 26 postseason innings before Sunday. But he gave up three in the ninth, capped by Vladimir Guerrero's single. And that rally came after Papelbon inherited a pair of runners from Billy Wagner in the eighth and let them score.
La Russa uncertain about returning (AP)
Tony La Russa's not certain he wants to return for a 15th season as St. Louis Cardinals manager. For one thing, he didn't expect to begin so soon the decision-making process that begins every time his contract expires. The Cardinals were the first National League team to clinch a division title, loaded with star power in the lineup and two Cy Young candidates at the top of a strong rotation.
Dodgers get break after sweeping Cards (AP)
Rafael Furcal shrugged his shoulders to his ears, hoping to lessen the chill from the ice bucket being dumped over his head. Yeah, right. Even after the endless dousings of champagne and beer from teammates, the frigid water left Furcal with a dazed-but-happy look, as if his mind was trying to comprehend what had just happened.
Padilla helps Dodgers sweep Cardinals (AP)
Unemployed in August and a star for the Los Angeles Dodgers in October. Once Vicente Padilla got out of the first inning, he slammed the door on the St. Louis Cardinals' season. The second-chance pitcher kept Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday quiet in a 5-1 victory Saturday night that gave Los Angeles a second straight trip to the National League championship series.
