If you didn't make it into the super-secret game thread last night and/or missed game 163, you missed a doozy. Last night's game had everything you want in a winner-take-all type of situation. Not only was the venue rocking with a full house of fans who love their baseball team, but the game itself was remarkably exciting; incorporating defensive plays, plays at the plate, timely hitting, clutch pitching, and more. Because all of that goodness couldn't be contained in nine innings, the game even went extras.
Up first today will be the NL playoffs, followed by the first AL game, then the other NL game as the nightcap.
Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies - 2:37 PM ET - 11:37 AM PT
The starting pitching matchup will be Ubaldo Jimenez against Cliff Lee for Game 1. It will be the first postseason start for Lee, but Jimenez was a key part of Colorado's 2007 run.
Update: Cliff Lee helped get the playoffs off to a boring start (unless you like one-sided pitching gems for the favorites), as he tossed a complete game six-hitter, allowing just one run in the ninth. He also singled and stole a base. No, I'm not kidding. Jimenez had a rocky fifth and sixth (get it? get it?) and was charged with all five runs. The Rockies never had a chance in this one, and they need to pick up the bats against Hamels tomorrow (they will start Cook). Yeah, they're kind of in trouble.
Game 2 tomorrow, same 11:37AM start time
Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees - 6:07 PM ET - 3:07 PM PT
Minnesota will have less than a 24 hour turnaround between their amazing win last night and their game against the Yankees tonight. The Twins have not fared well against the Yankees this season, but they are hoping to ride some of their recent momentum into the playoffs. They will be as tired, with no real chance to rest, so they are looking for some breaks. C.C. Sabathia will be starting for the Yankees against likely Brian Duensing.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers - 9:37 PM ET - 6:37 PM PT
Cy Young candidate Chris Carpenter will be pitching against newcomer-to-the-playoffs Randy Wolf, who had a solid season for the Dodgers with very little run support. The Dodgers faltered down the stretch, but because of their hot start, they still managed to hang onto the top spot in the National League.
Boston/LAA will play tomorrow.
So, who are YOU rooting for?
New threads and lineups will be added as necessary throughout the day; enjoy!
