* TOP OF THE 1st, Nuclear Gnatts 0, Truffles 0
So settle in ... this is a championship game
* M. McLEMORE facing J. WASHBURN, T 1st, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
The pitch comes in ... hot shot to the right side ... RELAFORD to his left ... pebble bounce!
juggles it ... throws quickly to first ... and gets him by a hair ... one down
* M. SWEENEY facing J. WASHBURN, T 1st, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
He cranks and fires ... swung on ... smashed toward the gap in right center ... GILES's racing back
it's over his head ... off the wall ... he's chasing it down
SWEENEY hits second under full steam
TRY FOR THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)
and he puts on the brakes ... the coach is holding him up ... double for SWEENEY
for SWEENEY, his 2nd double of the series ... for Mike SWEENEY, his 7th hit of the series
* L. WALKER facing J. WASHBURN, T 1st, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Tied 0-0
Here's the delivery ... WALKER lofts a routine fly ball to center ... GILES has it measured
moves in ... and pulls it down ... SWEENEY held up and now he tags
TRY FOR THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)
but they'll hold him there ... as the throw comes in
* L. GONZALEZ facing J. WASHBURN, T 1st, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Tied 0-0
The pitch comes in ... strike three ... GONZALEZ swung right through it ... side retired
* BOTTOM OF THE 1st, Nuclear Gnatts 0, Truffles 0
* B. GILES facing F. GARCIA, B 1st, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
Here's the pitch ... hit in the air to left field ... GONZALEZ's over ... he's there
and he takes it in ... for out number one
* E. MARTINEZ facing F. GARCIA, B 1st, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
GARCIA into the wind ... healthy cut by MARTINEZ ... hooked down the right field line
will it stay fair? ... yes! it's in play ... the ball rolls all the way to the corner
MARTINEZ turns second and looks to third ... no, he holds up ... he'll settle for two
for MARTINEZ, his 2nd double of the series ... for Edgar MARTINEZ, his 3rd hit of the series
* T. HELTON facing F. GARCIA, B 1st, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Tied 0-0
The pitch ... sliced toward third ... it's over his head ... GONZALEZ's racing in for it
MARTINEZ rounds third
TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*)
the throw comes in to CHAVEZ ... and they're holding MARTINEZ at third
* A. DUNN facing F. GARCIA, B 1st, 1 Out, 1st and 3rd, Tied 0-0
Infield back at double play depth ... the pitch ... low ... ball four ... Adam hustles down to first
the bases are loaded
* R. AURILIA facing F. GARCIA, B 1st, 1 Out, Bases Loaded, Tied 0-0
Infield back at double play depth ... the runners take their lead ... now the delivery
chopper in front of the plate ... AUSMUS charges out ... he'll go to first ... and he gets him
but the run scores
Nuclear Gnatts 0, Truffles 1
* A. RAMIREZ facing F. GARCIA, B 1st, 2 Outs, 2nd and 3rd, Ahead 1-0
The pitch ... stroked solidly to left field ... GONZALEZ's right there ... and hauls it in
* TOP OF THE 2nd, Nuclear Gnatts 0, Truffles 1
* R. KLESKO facing J. WASHBURN, T 2nd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1
Here comes the pitch ... hit in the air to left field ... DUNN waits ... taps the glove
and he covers it ... one away
* J. CRUZ facing J. WASHBURN, T 2nd, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1
Now the pitch ... grounded weakly to HELTON ... and he steps on first for the out ... two down
* E. CHAVEZ facing J. WASHBURN, T 2nd, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1
He brings it in ... there's called third strike ... right down the pike
but CHAVEZ couldn't unshoulder his bat ... he must have been looking for something else
three down
* BOTTOM OF THE 2nd, Nuclear Gnatts 0, Truffles 1
* D. RELAFORD facing F. GARCIA, B 2nd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0
He brings it in ... high fly ball to left ... GONZALEZ drifts over toward the line ... he's under it
and makes the catch ... one down
* J. DYE facing F. GARCIA, B 2nd, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0
GARCIA winds up ... popped up ... AUSMUS scrambles ... near the stands ... it's playable
and he makes the catch ... and that's out number two
* C. JOHNSON facing F. GARCIA, B 2nd, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0
He comes home ... a little tapper up the line ... KLESKO charges ... scoops it ... and tags JOHNSON
three away
* TOP OF THE 3rd, Nuclear Gnatts 0, Truffles 1
* O. CABRERA facing J. WASHBURN, T 3rd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1
He brings it in ... strike three on the outside corner ... WASHBURN slipped one by him ... one down
* B. AUSMUS facing J. WASHBURN, T 3rd, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1
He wheels and deals ... on the hands ... it's a slow roller toward RAMIREZ ... he charges
scoops it ... over to first ... just in time ... two away
* M. McLEMORE facing J. WASHBURN, T 3rd, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1
WASHBURN to the wind ... high fly ball to deep right center ... GILES's racing to the track
so's DYE ... GILES waves him off ... and brings it down ... that's three away
* BOTTOM OF THE 3rd, Nuclear Gnatts 0, Truffles 1
* B. GILES facing F. GARCIA, B 3rd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0
GARCIA brings it home ... high fly ball to left ... GONZALEZ drifts over toward the line
he's under it ... and makes the catch ... one away
* E. MARTINEZ facing F. GARCIA, B 3rd, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0
The pitch ... hit in the air to center ... CRUZ takes three steps to his right ... taps the glove
he has it ... two away
* T. HELTON facing F. GARCIA, B 3rd, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0
And now the pitch ... swung on and missed ... GARCIA pulled the string
and HELTON was way out in front ... three down
* TOP OF THE 4th, Nuclear Gnatts 0, Truffles 1
* M. SWEENEY facing J. WASHBURN, T 4th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1
WASHBURN winds up ... SWEENEY wallops this ball ... it might be out of here ... DUNN is on the track
back against the wall ... and he hauls it in ... one down
* L. WALKER facing J. WASHBURN, T 4th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1
WASHBURN winds and fires ... base hit right field ... and WALKER will hold at first
as the throw comes in to second ... he's on with a single
for Larry WALKER, his 5th hit of the series
* L. GONZALEZ facing J. WASHBURN, T 4th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Behind 0-1
Quick move to the plate ... and GONZALEZ puts a charge into it ... deep to right center
if it's deep enough ... jackpot! ... a two-run dinger
Nuclear Gnatts 2, Truffles 1
* R. KLESKO facing J. WASHBURN, T 4th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-1
The pitch ... slow ground ball right side ... and it bounces off the heel of his glove
and KLESKO's safe at first ... RELAFORD picks up an error
* J. CRUZ facing J. WASHBURN, T 4th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Ahead 2-1
Ryan KLESKO is on the move ... WASHBURN comes home ... grounded deep into the hole
AURILIA's over ... he's got it ... the long throw to first ... two down ... KLESKO moves up
* E. CHAVEZ facing J. WASHBURN, T 4th, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 2-1
Here's the pitch ... swung on ... bounced toward the mound ... WASHBURN knocks it down
now he has it ... he goes to first ... for the third out
* BOTTOM OF THE 4th, Nuclear Gnatts 2, Truffles 1
* A. DUNN facing F. GARCIA, B 4th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-2
He delivers ... DUNN pops it up behind the plate ... AUSMUS moves under it ... and hauls it in
one down
* R. AURILIA facing F. GARCIA, B 4th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 1-2
The pitch ... slashed into the hole ... McLEMORE to his left ... he has it ... over to KLESKO
AURILIA's gone ... two down
* A. RAMIREZ facing F. GARCIA, B 4th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-2
The pitch ... misses the strike zone ... RAMIREZ ambles to first
* D. RELAFORD facing F. GARCIA, B 4th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-2
Space on the right ... he lets one go ... taken for a strike ... RELAFORD goes down looking
that's three away
* TOP OF THE 5th, Nuclear Gnatts 2, Truffles 1
* O. CABRERA facing J. WASHBURN, T 5th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-1
He comes home ... blooper to left center ... toward the gap ... GILES runs in on it
AURILIA's backing up ... it drops in ... and CABRERA's on at first with a base hit
for Orlando CABRERA, his 6th hit of the series
Nuclear Gnatts manager Ken Is One looking at his scoresheet
We have a break in the action ... there will be a runner for CABRERA at first base
Rey SANCHEZ is headed out there now ... he's not blazing but he's quick
WASHBURN will keep an eye on him
* B. AUSMUS facing J. WASHBURN, T 5th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 2-1
The pitch ... swung on ... strike! ... and SANCHEZ takes off
MAKE THROW? (1-yes*, 2-no)
JOHNSON turns it around fast ... too late ... SANCHEZ dusts himself off at second
that's his 2nd steal of the series
* B. AUSMUS facing J. WASHBURN, T 5th, No Outs, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 2-1
SANCHEZ at second takes a big lead ... here he comes ... AUSMUS squares
fouled back to the screen ... strike two
* B. AUSMUS facing J. WASHBURN, T 5th, No Outs, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 2-1
SANCHEZ moves quietly toward third ... WASHBURN spins and fires to second ... it's right there
the tag ... safe! ... now WASHBURN's set again ... the two-strike pitch ... AUSMUS squares
it's popped up ... HELTON's in ... and makes the catch ... fires to second
SANCHEZ gets back in time
* M. McLEMORE facing J. WASHBURN, T 5th, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 2-1
SANCHEZ stretches his lead off second ... WASHBURN delivers ... McLEMORE started to go around
but he checked his swing in time ... he takes a walk to first ... WASHBURN is upset with himself
his control has deserted him for the moment ... and that sets up the double play
and that's the 1st walk issued by WASHBURN ... that extends the streak
now 5 games in a row on base
* M. SWEENEY facing J. WASHBURN, T 5th, 1 Out, 1st and 2nd, Ahead 2-1
The runners take their lead ... WASHBURN brings it to the plate
SWEENEY pops it up behind the plate ... JOHNSON tosses his mask away ... he's back at the screen
and he makes the catch
* L. WALKER facing J. WASHBURN, T 5th, 2 Outs, 1st and 2nd, Ahead 2-1
The runners take their lead ... the pitch to WALKER ... skied high to the left side
AURILIA's drifting back ... he's under it ... this should do it ... and he makes the catch
Rey SANCHEZ ... he is now playing short for Zion
* BOTTOM OF THE 5th, Nuclear Gnatts 2, Truffles 1
* J. DYE facing F. GARCIA, B 5th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-2
The pitch ... DYE raps it to the right side ... McLEMORE ranges to his left
the quick peg to first ... and DYE is retired ... one away
* C. JOHNSON facing F. GARCIA, B 5th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 1-2
He brings it home ... swing and a little looper ... shortstop SANCHEZ might have a play
running back ... he twists and reaches ... but it drops just beyond his glove
GONZALEZ gets it back in ... JOHNSON checks in at first with a single ... the tying run is on
for Charles JOHNSON, his 3rd hit of the series
* B. GILES facing F. GARCIA, B 5th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-2
Here's the pitch from GARCIA ... wide of the mark ... and GILES walks
and JOHNSON moves into scoring position
* E. MARTINEZ facing F. GARCIA, B 5th, 1 Out, 1st and 2nd, Behind 1-2
The runners take their lead ... the pitch ... GARCIA loses him ... and he trots down to first
that fills the bases ... and puts the tie only 90 feet away
Freddy GARCIA is doing some grooming out there
Truffles manager Ken Is One looking at his scoresheet
The Truffles have asked for time ... they're making a move ... Ken Is One will send in Matt LAWTON
to run for MARTINEZ ... LAWTON takes his place at first base ... that makes him the DH for now
he's a threat ... Is One checks ... Is One to move
* T. HELTON facing F. GARCIA, B 5th, 1 Out, Bases Loaded, Behind 1-2
Infield deep ... he delivers ... strike three ... HELTON swung right through it ... two away
and he leaves the bases loaded ... and GARCIA is pumped!
a big strikeout with the bases loaded
* A. DUNN facing F. GARCIA, B 5th, 2 Outs, Bases Loaded, Behind 1-2
The pitch to DUNN ... DUNN skies it to right center ... should be routine ... CRUZ drifts over
and records the putout
* TOP OF THE 6th, Nuclear Gnatts 2, Truffles 1
* L. GONZALEZ facing J. WASHBURN, T 6th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-1
Now the pitch ... can't find the strike zone ... that's ball four ... and GONZALEZ coaxes a walk
and that's only the 2nd walk issued by WASHBURN ... that was GONZALEZ's first walk of the series
Nuclear Gnatts manager Ken Is One looking at his scoresheet
We have a pause in the action here ... and Ken Is One will bring in a pinch runner at first base
GONZALEZ leaves the field ... here comes Tony GRAFFANINO ... he's a threat ... Is One checks
Is One to move
* R. KLESKO facing J. WASHBURN, T 6th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 2-1
Firstbaseman HELTON ready for a throw from WASHBURN ... WASHBURN now ... KLESKO waves at it
strike! ... GRAFFANINO is trying for the steal
MAKE THROW? (1-yes*, 2-no)
here's the peg from JOHNSON ... the sweep tag ... OUT!...good throw ... one away
* R. KLESKO facing J. WASHBURN, T 6th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-1
He delivers ... line drive toward RAMIREZ ... it's over his head ... DUNN's chasing it
KLESKO takes a big turn ... he's going for two ... and he's in standing
for KLESKO, his 2nd double of the series ... for Ryan KLESKO, his 5th hit of the series
* J. CRUZ facing J. WASHBURN, T 6th, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 2-1
The pitch ... CRUZ lunges at it ... and that's strike three ... WASHBURN fooled him badly
two down!
* E. CHAVEZ facing J. WASHBURN, T 6th, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 2-1
Now the delivery ... checked swing ... he held up ... and he walks ... setting up the force
* R. SANCHEZ facing J. WASHBURN, T 6th, 2 Outs, 1st and 2nd, Ahead 2-1
The pitch to SANCHEZ ... chopping ground ball up the middle ... AURILIA's over ... he's up with it
flips to RELAFORD at second ... three down!
Mark McLEMORE moves...he's now playing left
Tony GRAFFANINO ... now playing second base for the Nuclear Gnatts
* BOTTOM OF THE 6th, Nuclear Gnatts 2, Truffles 1
* R. AURILIA facing F. GARCIA, B 6th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-2
He brings it home ... squibber in front of the plate ... AUSMUS grabs it ... fires to first
and AURILIA is retired ... one down!
* A. RAMIREZ facing F. GARCIA, B 6th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 1-2
He lets one go ... swung on ... big K ... and RAMIREZ's retired ... two away
* D. RELAFORD facing F. GARCIA, B 6th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-2
GARCIA fires it in ... high fly ball to deep center ... CRUZ's back on the track ... reaches up
and brings it down ... that's three away
* TOP OF THE 7th, Nuclear Gnatts 2, Truffles 1
* B. AUSMUS facing J. WASHBURN, T 7th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-1
He cranks and fires ... AUSMUS goes down swinging ... one down
* M. McLEMORE facing J. WASHBURN, T 7th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-1
The pitch ... slashed into the hole ... RELAFORD to his left ... he has it ... over to HELTON
McLEMORE's gone ... two down
* M. SWEENEY facing J. WASHBURN, T 7th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-1
The pitch ... he swings ... but he held up ... and it's ball four
Mike takes his base on the walk
* L. WALKER facing J. WASHBURN, T 7th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 2-1
Mike SWEENEY is on the move ... WASHBURN brings it ... slashed into the hole
it's by him into left ... shortstop AURILIA was at second base
and the ball went right through the vacated spot ... SWEENEY will go on over to third
and WALKER is on with a single ... a textbook hit-and-run
And here comes Truffles manager Ken Is One ... he's asking WASHBURN for the ball
he'll go to the bullpen ... and Steve KARSAY a right-hander will take over
so WASHBURN goes six and two thirds ... he yielded ... 2 runs ... so far ... on 6 hits
a homer ... 4 walks ... he fans 5 ... he's responsible for the runners ... he can only lose it
so despite a fine performance from Jarrod WASHBURN ... he cannot win this game ... for KARSAY
his 3rd appearance in the series ... the right-hander KARSAY has worked four innings
he has a 0.00 ERA ... he's looking for one out
* T. GRAFFANINO facing S. KARSAY, T 7th, 2 Outs, 1st and 3rd, Ahead 2-1
They start the runner ... he delivers ... GRAFFANINO swings ... and he misses
WALKER's stealing second
MAKE THROW? (1-yes*, 2-no)
JOHNSON guns it down ... the tag ... safe at second ... that's his 1st steal of the series
for Zion, their 2nd stolen base in this game
* T. GRAFFANINO facing S. KARSAY, T 7th, 2 Outs, 2nd and 3rd, Ahead 2-1
The pitch ... hit in the air to right ... DYE drifts over ... and he's got it
Truffles skipper Ken Is One walking down the bench
He's going to his bench ... and Jermaine DYE is stepping out of the box
manager Is One is sending in a pinch hitter ... who is it? ... oh, it's David SEGUI
he'll face the right-hander ... he grabs a bat ... and heads toward the plate
* BOTTOM OF THE 7th, Nuclear Gnatts 2, Truffles 1
* D. SEGUI facing F. GARCIA, B 7th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-2
He wheels and deals ... high fly ball to left ... McLEMORE drifts over toward the line
he's under it ... and makes the catch ... one down
* C. JOHNSON facing F. GARCIA, B 7th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 1-2
GARCIA winds and fires ... swung on ... smashed toward the gap in right center
CRUZ's racing back ... it's over his head ... off the wall ... he's chasing it down
JOHNSON hits second under full steam
TRY FOR THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)
and he puts on the brakes ... the coach is indicating emphatically for him to stop
double for JOHNSON ... the tying run is now at second base
Charles with his 2nd hit in this game ... for JOHNSON, his 1st double of the series
for Charles JOHNSON, his 4th hit of the series
Truffles manager Ken Is One looking at his scoresheet
The Truffles have asked for time ... they're making a move ... Ken Is One will send in Mike CAMERON
to run for JOHNSON ... CAMERON takes his place at second base ... he has excellent speed
GARCIA will keep an eye on him
And here comes Nuclear Gnatts manager Ken Is One ... he's asking GARCIA for the ball
taking the mound for the Nuclear Gnatts is Jose MESA ... so GARCIA goes six and a third
his line ... one earned run ... so far ... on 4 hits ... 4 walks ... he struck out 4
he's responsible for the runner ... he will win it if they hold the 1-run lead ... for MESA
his 3rd appearance in the series ... the right-hander MESA has worked four innings
he has a 0.00 ERA ... he inherits a runner in scoring position
* B. GILES facing J. MESA, B 7th, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Behind 1-2
CAMERON stretches his lead off second ... MESA comes to him ... wide of the strike zone
ball four ... and GILES trots down to first
* M. LAWTON facing J. MESA, B 7th, 1 Out, 1st and 2nd, Behind 1-2
MESA delivers ... grounded hard to short ... could be two ... SANCHEZ fields it
flips to GRAFFANINO at second ... over to first ... oh, double play
and they get out of the inning
For the Truffles ... Brian GILES moves to left field
Adam DUNN ... he goes to right field for the Truffles
Ken Is One making another defensive change ... Is One makes a switch at catcher
Don CROSS comes into the game replacing SEGUI
The skipper has to do something with CAMERON ... he'll keep Mike in the game
he goes to center field for the Truffles
* TOP OF THE 8th, Nuclear Gnatts 2, Truffles 1
* R. KLESKO facing S. KARSAY, T 8th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-1
KARSAY brings it home ... slashed into the hole ... AURILIA's ranging ... backhand stab
he's got it ... guns it to first ... KLESKO beats it out ... 2nd hit for KLESKO in the game
for Ryan KLESKO, his 6th hit of the series
* J. CRUZ facing S. KARSAY, T 8th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 2-1
They're holding KLESKO ... the pitch comes in ... swung on ... strike!
KLESKO is going for the steal
MAKE THROW? (1-yes*, 2-no)
CROSS turns it around fast ... the slide ... and this race goes to KLESKO!
that's his 1st steal of the series ... for Zion, their 3rd stolen base in this game
* J. CRUZ facing S. KARSAY, T 8th, No Outs, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 2-1
He lets it go ... CRUZ squares ... it's bunted to the first base side ... HELTON picks it up
looks at third ... and goes to RELAFORD covering first ... for the easy out ... CRUZ sacrifices
KLESKO moves to third
Nuclear Gnatts manager Ken Is One looking at his scoresheet
The Nuclear Gnatts have asked for time ... they're making a move
Ken Is One is sending in a runner for KLESKO
it's Terry SHUMPERT and he's trotting out to third base ... he has good speed
KARSAY will keep an eye on him
* E. CHAVEZ facing S. KARSAY, T 8th, 1 Out, Runner on 3rd, Ahead 2-1
They're playing him in ... checks third ... the pitch ... low ... ball four
CHAVEZ hustles down to first
* R. SANCHEZ facing S. KARSAY, T 8th, 1 Out, 1st and 3rd, Ahead 2-1
The runner's going ... KARSAY deals ... ground ball to second ... and it's through
SHUMPERT scores ... CHAVEZ will make third ... SANCHEZ rounds first and holds
as the throw comes in to second
Nuclear Gnatts 3, Truffles 1
* B. AUSMUS facing S. KARSAY, T 8th, 1 Out, 1st and 3rd, Ahead 3-1
They're playing him in ... CHAVEZ down the line some at third ... now KARSAY comes home with it
it's blooped toward short ... AURILIA's backing up quickly ... and it drops for a hit
CAMERON fields it ... CHAVEZ scores ... SANCHEZ's rounding second
TRY FOR THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)
the strong throw comes in to AURILIA ... and they're holding SANCHEZ at second
Nuclear Gnatts 4, Truffles 1
* M. McLEMORE facing S. KARSAY, T 8th, 1 Out, 1st and 2nd, Ahead 4-1
Here's the pitch from KARSAY ... and it hit him! ... that's his 1st time clobbered in the series
McLEMORE's in pain ... but he seems to be OK ... and he trots down to first
and the bases are loaded
* M. SWEENEY facing S. KARSAY, T 8th, 1 Out, Bases Loaded, Ahead 4-1
Truffles playing for the double play ... the pitch ... SWEENEY strokes it sharply toward short
AURILIA into the hole ... fires to second for the force ... and the quick relay to first
oh, double play ... and they get out of the inning ... and KARSAY is pumped!
Tony GRAFFANINO moves...he's now playing first
The skipper has to do something with SHUMPERT ... he'll keep Terry in the game
he goes to second base for the Nuclear Gnatts
On his way to the mound is Todd VAN POPPEL ... so MESA goes only two thirds of an inning
the line on him ... no runs or hits ... one walk ... for VAN POPPEL
his 2nd appearance in the series ... the right-hander VAN POPPEL has worked two innings
he has a 0.00 ERA ... it's his game to save
* BOTTOM OF THE 8th, Nuclear Gnatts 4, Truffles 1
* T. HELTON facing T. VAN POPPEL, B 8th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-4
He brings it home ... HELTON turns the bat loose ... but comes up empty ... he's out of there
one down ... HELTON has now struck out 3 times
* A. DUNN facing T. VAN POPPEL, B 8th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 1-4
The pitch ... VAN POPPEL fans him ... two gone
* R. AURILIA facing T. VAN POPPEL, B 8th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-4
The pitch ... lined ... SANCHEZ leaps ... but he won't get it ... and AURILIA's on at first
for Rich AURILIA, his 10th hit of the series
* A. RAMIREZ facing T. VAN POPPEL, B 8th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-4
VAN POPPEL brings it home ... checked swing ... they check with the first base ump
he went around ... side retired
* TOP OF THE 9th, Nuclear Gnatts 4, Truffles 1
* L. WALKER facing S. KARSAY, T 9th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 4-1
The pitch ... soft grounder to RAMIREZ ... he's up with it ... the throw across the diamond
in time ... one down!
And here comes Truffles manager Ken Is One ... he's asking KARSAY for the ball
on his way to the mound is Derek LOWE ... the right-hander
KARSAY pitched an inning and two thirds in relief ... he yielded ... 2 runs ... on 3 hits
one walk ... for LOWE ... his 3rd appearance in the series
the right-hander LOWE has worked four innings ... he has a 4.50 ERA
* T. GRAFFANINO facing D. LOWE, T 9th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 4-1
And now the pitch ... grounded hard to short ... AURILIA fields it ... over to HELTON at first
in plenty of time ... two down
* T. SHUMPERT facing D. LOWE, T 9th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 4-1
Here's the pitch ... fly ball hit to left ... GILES drifts over ... he camps under it
taps the glove ... and makes the catch ... side retired
* BOTTOM OF THE 9th, Nuclear Gnatts 4, Truffles 1
* D. RELAFORD facing T. VAN POPPEL, B 9th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-4
The pitch ... RELAFORD cues it on the ground to short ... SANCHEZ is there ... the throw over
and in time ... for out number one
* D. CROSS facing T. VAN POPPEL, B 9th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 1-4
The pitch ... off the end of the bat ... GRAFFANINO moves for it ... and he spears it!
waves off VAN POPPEL ... and he steps on first for the out ... two away
Truffles manager Ken Is One looking at his scoresheet
He's calling on his reserves ... so Mike CAMERON leaves ... looks like Is One
will send the switch-hitter Stan JAVIER to the plate ... he approves some lumber
he'll take his time getting to the box
* S. JAVIER facing T. VAN POPPEL, B 9th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-4
VAN POPPEL brings it to the plate ... checked swing ... he went around
and that's the last out of the game
FINAL SCORE : Nuclear Gnatts 4, Truffles 1