Astros Win in Sudden Death Overtime...

Credit:  LA Times:  Wally Skalij

2017 World Series

Astros 7, Dodgers 6...

Series tied, 1-1

Wow! The Dodgers may have lost but that was one heck of a game! A low-scoring affair until the Astros tied it at 3 in the top of the 9th inning, the game became a battle of home runs in extra innings with George Springer's two-run homer in the 11th inning providing the final margin of victory for the 'Stros.

This was a magical game from the start. The first pitch was "thrown" (I use that term loosely) by legendary former Dodgers announcer Vin Scully with an assist from Fernando Valenzuela. I miss the days of Scully calling Dodger games but it was so incredible to have him on the Dodger Stadium turf. Great call by the Dodgers to have Scully, one of the greatest announcers of all-time if not THE greatest, throw the first pitch. It's time for Dodgers baseball!  Damn, love that guy. It was so wonderful to hear his voice again. Valenzuela, in relief of Scully (who suffered a "rotator cuff" injury on his attempted throw...wink, wink), threw the pitch to former Dodgers catcher Steve Yeager.

Credit:  LA Times:  Robert Gauthier

With veteran Rich Hill pitching for the Dodgers and former Tigers ace Justin Verlander on the mound for the Astros, the game remained scoreless until the top of the 3rd inning. Josh Reddick hit a sharp grounder to second baseman Chase Utley in shallow right that got away from the former Phillie when the ball bounced off the palm of his glove. No error on the play but Reddick safe at first with a hit. Inexperienced batsman Justin Verlander was next in the obvious bunt situation. His first attempt resulted in a foul fly off the backstop net. He looked like an American Leaguer trying to bat. But then on his second attempt, he laid it down perfectly with a slow roller back to the pitcher. Verlander took five steps in the California heat before giving up for the out, but he did his job pushing Reddick to second. George Springer followed with a single to left to put runners at the corners. Alex Bregman's single to center scored Reddick and the Astros led 1-0. It may have been an extra-base hit if not for centerfielder Chris Taylor's hat. The ball went up on the diving Taylor but was re-directed toward left fielder Joc Pederson thanks to the bill of his cap. Hill prevented further damage when he struck out Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa to end the inning. I thought the Dodgers did an excellent job limiting the Astros to only one run in that situation.

The Dodgers tied the game in the bottom of the 5th when Joc Pederson took Verlander deep with a shot over the wall in right field.

Things were looking good for the Dodgers in the bottom of the 6th inning. Chris Taylor took a two-out walk. Corey Seager was next and he belted a Verlander pitch over the left field wall into the first row to give the Dodgers a two run advantage.

Credit:  LA Times:  Gina Ferazzi

Moving into the 8th inning with Dodgers setup man Brandon Morrow on the mound, Alex Bregman led off with a ground-rule double to right. Right fielder Yaiel Puig made a running dive in an attempt to get to the ball but it hit the end of his glove and bounced up into the stands, much to the chagrin of the visibly upset Puig. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts decided to take no chances and brought in closer Kenley Jansen. Jansen had only blown one game all season and the Dodgers had a ridiculous stat of 98-0 when leading after eight innings. Jansen got the first batter he faced (Jose Altuve) to ground out to second, but Bregman moved to third. Carlos Correa singled to center on a chopper that got by second baseman Chase Utley, making it a one run game, 3-2. After Yuli Gurriel flied out in foul territory near first base, Jansen got Brian McCann with a huge strikeout to end the inning.  

Normally, a one-run lead at Dodger Stadium in the 9th inning is a guarantee for victory. Unfortunately, Marwin Gonzalez had other ideas. On an 0-2 count while leading off for the Astros, Gonzalez turned on a Jansen cutter (an unusual bad pitch from the All-Star Closer) to deposit it over the wall in left center to tie the game.

Credit:  LA Times: Robert Gauthier

The Astros had the go-ahead run at second when George Springer hit a two-out double down the left field line, but he was left stranded when Alex Bregman grounded out to short.

The Dodgers were unable to score in the bottom of the 9th against Astros closer Ken Giles when they were retired in order. I was really hoping that Cody Bellinger, who made the final out, could have come up huge in that situation but it was not to be. So, off to extra innings we went...

Top of the 10th and Jansen was gone. Dodgers reliever Josh Fields was on the mound in his place. The Astros decided it was time to play Home Run Derby.  Jose Altuve led off with a blast to the front row of the center field stands to give the Astros the lead, 4-3. Carlos Correa said 'I can do that, only better' and sent the ball fourteen feet further into the left center field seats. 5-3, Astros.

Ken Giles was still pitching for the Astros in the bottom of the 10th. Yasiel Puig led off with a towering shot to left to make it a one-run game. After Giles struck out Yasmani Grandal and Austin Barnes, Logan Forsythe drew a walk on a full count. With Enrique "Kike" Hernandez at the plate, a wild pitch by Giles moved Forsythe to second. Hernandez, the hero of the NLCS with three home runs in the final game to send the Dodgers to the World Series, singled to right to score Forsythe. Astros right fielder Josh Reddick made a perfect throw to catcher Brian McCann but Forsythe's speed was too much as he safely slid into home.  

Credit:  LA Times: Robert Gauthier

The game was tied once again. Hernandez advanced to second on the throw but the Astros made a pitching change to bring in Chris Devenski who retired Chris Taylor on a fly out to center to push the game into the 11th inning.

The Dodgers made another pitching change, bringing in their ninth pitcher of the game...former Yankee Brandon McCarthy. It wasn't McCarthy's finest hour (or maybe I should say minutes). Cameron Maybin led off with a single to center, just past the outstretched glove of Corey Seager. He subsequently stole second on a close play at the bag. George Springer handed the Astros another two-run lead when he homered to right center. 7-5, Astros.  

Credit:  LA Times:  Wally Skalij

McCarthy was able to retire the next three Astros to give the Dodgers, as Michael Kay would say, "their last licks". 

Houston's Chris Devenski came back out to the mound for the bottom of the 11th. He got the first two hitters when Corey Seager lined out to center and Justin Turner lined out to third. Charlie Culberson, who had just entered the game in the top of the 11th when he took over in left field, homered to left center, making it a one-run game for Yasiel Puig. Trailing by one run with two outs in the bottom of the 11th, it was a huge opportunity for Puig who clearly loves the limelight. Not this day. After battling Devenski, Puig swung and missed on Devenski's ninth pitch of the at-bat to end the game. Astros win, 7-6.  

Credit:  LA Times: Wally Skalij

I know there is no "overtime" in baseball but that was as close to a hockey shootout as I've seen (especially in a World Series game).

The two teams take a break today to travel to Houston for Game 3 on Friday night at Minute Maid Park. The pitching matchup is currently scheduled to feature the Dodgers' Yu Darvish against the Astros' Lance McCullers, Jr. For Darvish, it is a homecoming of sorts with the return to Texas.  Although when you are from Dallas, anything from or in Houston sucks. I am sure that the former Texas Ranger will thrive back in the Lone Star state. It should be a fantastic pitcher's duel, particuarly if McCullers, Jr can pitch as well as he did against the Yankees.  

Credit:  LA Times:  Allen J Schaben

I will be watching with my Dodgers gear in hand...

Editor's note:  This writer is pro-Dodgers.

Odds & Ends...

It is funny watching the daily tweets about Joe Girardi's appearances at Yankee Stadium. The fact that I know Girardi left the stadium at 1:10 pm yesterday shows how much New York writers are seeking to find stories about whether or not Girardi will return to the Yankees next season. So far, those writers have been disappointed. Girardi may not be giving away any signals of what is on his mind, but at least he's talking with the team.  I remain hopeful that it leads to a new deal for the long-time manager. Honestly, who is out there that can do a better job than Girardi? I know that we've been frustrated with some of his decisions but I seriously doubt that any of us could do a better job. Hopefully Hal Steinbrenner moves quickly to re-sign both Girardi and GM Brian Cashman so that the team can start its off-season strategy to bring the 28th World Championship for the Yankees next season.    

Credit:  NY Post:  Richard Harbus

Saw the pic of Dellin Betances, Aaron Judge and CC Sabathia taking in a Brooklyn Nets game last night. Admittedly, I would have preferred to have seen these guys playing in Los Angeles. Or maybe Judge should have been in a batting cage working on those breaking pitches. Ha!  Next year, guys, next year...

Credit:  Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Have a great Thursday! I wonder what time Girardi will show up at Yankee Stadium today or when he will leave. Go Yankees!

Yankees Postseason History Recap: Mickey…. Mantle

Now here’s one I didn’t see live and in person, the game was Game 7 of the 1952 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers. Vin Scully was working for the Dodgers then and Mickey Mantle was hitting for the Yankees and that’s exactly what he did in this deciding game.

In the Top of the 6^th inning with the score tied at 2-2 the Yankees center fielder stepped up to the plate to face the Dodgers Joe Black. Mantle proceeded to hit an eventual game-winning home run to right-center field against Black and later added insult to injury with an RBI single in the seventh inning to give the Yankees their fourth straight World Series ring.

This was also the second consecutive World Series victory over the Dodgers which never hurt since they were both native New York teams.

Game Preview: New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers 9/14

The New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers will finish off their three-game set this afternoon with an intense pitching matchup. Clayton Kershaw had spent much of this season on the disabled list but the Dodgers kept on keeping on and kept on winning until he returned last week against the Miami Marlins. In his second start since coming off the disabled list he takes the mound in the Bronx against Michael Pineda and the New York Yankees. Not only is it cool to see a historic team and former rival like the Dodgers in town this week but it is amplified by having one of, if not the best pitchers in our lifetime toeing the rubber in the finale.

Pineda was tagged with a no decision last time out after Joe Girardi pulled him one out shy of qualifying for the victory. Pineda was visibly upset with the decision but he has not done himself any favors allowing 14 runs in his last four starts. Need a win, and Pineda hasn’t had one since August 5^th, then get a win. Don’t leave it in the hands of the bullpen.

Kershaw came off the disabled list last Friday night against Jose Fernandez and the Miami Marlins and lasted only three innings after spending 75 days on the disabled list. Kershaw made just one rehab start since the Dodgers needed him for the pennant push so the lefty will only be available for around 80 pitches tonight in the Bronx, if that.

The game will be played at 4:05 pm ET inside Yankee Stadium and can be seen on the YES Network and MLB TV. In honor of the radio and our tribute to Vin Scully earlier on the blog also be sure to give John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman a listen on WFAN as well. As much as many of us may or may not like John and Suzyn we have to keep in mind that they are the voice of the Yankees on the radio and one day we may be talking about them and their silly home runs calls the way we’re speaking of Mr. Scully today. It could happen. Now, need a win. GET A WIN! Go Yankees!

Meet a Prospect: Vin Scully

The New York Yankees asked Vin Scully, the Los Angeles Dodgers legendary announcer, if he would make the trip to New York this season to call the three-game series between the two clubs and to be honored by the organization. Scully declined, and who wouldn’t have thought that Mr. Humble would decline, so the game goes on as planned this afternoon but not before we honor Mr. Scully for his life’s work and achievements the only way really that we know how. This is Meet a Prospect: The Vin Scully Edition. Put respect on his name.

Vincent Edward Scully was born on November 29, 1927 and has been the Dodgers sportcaster and play-by-play announcer since the team was still in Brooklyn. Scully has been with the team 67 seasons now including the 2016 season, his final season, which is by far the longest tenure with one organization in all of sports history. “It’s time for Dodger baseball! Hi, everybody, and a very pleasant good morning to you, wherever you may be.”

Scully was born in the Bronx and grew up in Washington Heights, Manhattan where he made ends meet by delivering beer and mail, cleaning silver in the baseball of the Pennsylvania Hotel and any other odds and end jobs he could find. Scully grew up in a hard situation like many did in that area during that time. His biological father died when he was just four-years old and he grew to love his stepfather, Allan Reeve, like his own father. Scully attended Fordham Preparatory School for High School before attending Fordham University, the same school as our very own Michael Kay, with a short United States Navy stint thrown in between for good measure. While at Fordham Scully helped found the school’s FM radio station WFUV while also working as an assistant sports editor for the “Fordham Ram.” Scully somehow also found time to since in a barbershop quartet and play centerfield for the Fordham Rams baseball team while also doing announcing the for the baseball, football and basketball teams from the school. Did this guy ever sleep?

Scully caught his big break while announcing a University of Maryland vs. Boston University college football game at Fenway Park in 1949 and it led to him beginning his tenure with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1950. Scully worked with Red barber and Connie Desmond while with the Dodgers until a salary dispute for Barber led to Scully taking the reins for the 1953 World Series at the age of just 25. Scully remained with the Brooklyn Dodgers until they moved to Los Angeles before the 1958 season and Scully followed his team to the West Coast where he can still be found today. Scully had offers to go elsewhere, the New York Yankees offered him a job to succeed Mel Allen in 1964 for example, but Scully remained loyal to the Dodgers and the Dodgers fans remained loyal to him. In 1976 the Dodgers fans voted him the “most memorable personality” in the history of the franchise. What an accomplishment.

It wasn’t always smiles and cheers for Scully though. During the 1993 season Don Drysdale, former Hall-of-Fame pitcher for the Dodgers and at the time the color commentator for the Dodgers alongside Scully, suffered a heart attack and passed away before a game and Scully was told not to mention the death on air until the family could be notified and an official death announcement was made. When Scully was finally able to speak on the matter he did so with class, as always, and with another memorable quote. “Never have I been asked to make an announcement that hurts me as much as this one. And I say it to you as best I can with a broken heart.”

Scully is best known for his baseball announcing but he also held media credentials in football from 1975 to 1982 for CBS Sports. Scully also covered CBS Sports tennis coverage as well in the late 19780’s and early 1980’s including covering the Masters from 1975 to 1982. Scully left CBS for NBC in 1983 after Scully was, for lack of a better word, pushed out of the NFL limelight by John Madden. Scully worked as NBC’s baseball broadcaster from 1983 to 1989 while also calling the 1984, 1986 and 1988 World Series as well as the NLCS on four occasions and the All Star Game four times as well. Scully stayed with NBC until 1990 when his contract ran out and he decided to fully focus on his job with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Vin Scully’s final game inside Dodger Stadium after his 67 season career will come on September 25, 2016 when the Los Angeles Dodgers play host to the San Francisco Giants. The final regular season game for Vin is expected to be at San Francisco’s AT&T Park on October 2, 2016. When will his final game be seeing as the Dodgers seem ready to head to the postseason? Only the man good enough to have created Mr. Scully knows that. Congratulations on such an awesome career and thank you for all you’ve done for Major League Baseball. 

Game Thread: New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers 9/12

Here we go ladies and gentleman, history in the making tonight in the Bronx as the New York Yankees are set to face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers for only the third time in MLB history during the regular season inside Yankee Stadium. That's a lot to take in, isn't it? It's especially fun for both teams since Vin Scully is retiring after this season, and FYI did not want to make the trip to be honored by the club, and since both teams are in the middle of their respective playoff pushes and chases. In tonight's start, write this down as it may be used as a trivia question one day, the Yankees will send Bryan Mitchell to the mound making his second start of the season while the Dodgers will counter with Jose De Leon who is also making just his second start of the season. The game will be played at 7:05 pm ET inside Yankee Stadium and can be seen locally on the YES Network and can also be seen on MLB TV wherever you are.

These same two teams meet two more times this week inside Yankee Stadium which gives you two more opportunities to see the boys live in the Bronx. Click the Yankees Tickets link at the top of the blog to secure your seats now. If you cant make it live then you can at least root from afar with us by either liking our page on Facebook or by giving our Twitter handle @GreedyStripes a follow.

Need a win. Get a win. Go Yankees!

Are You the Biggest New York Yankees Fan in the World?

Wix.com wants to know who the biggest fan of the New York Yankees is in the world. Is it you? Are you willing to make a video professing your fandom and passion for the team in order to be crowned the biggest Yankee fan inside Yankee Stadium next month when the team plays host to the Los Angeles Dodgers? Keep reading.

Here is how you enter the contest:

Make and post a video showing how you are the biggest Yankees fan.

Upload the video to Wix’s Facebook Page and comment on the contest post.

Include the hashtag #BiggestYankeesFan

The deadline to do this is 11:59 pm ET on Monday, September 5^th. If you want to include a Greedy Pinstripes reference in your video we wouldn’t be mad. Just as long as you win. Enter, it should be fun!

Winner will be announced on Wednesday, September 7^th and will be honored on Tuesday, September 13^th in the Bronx when the Yankees play host to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

For more information visit wix.com/Yankees. Good luck all!