* TOP OF THE 1st, Salsa Verde 0, Forthecup 0
So settle in ... this is a championship game
* B. ROBERTS facing J. DANKS, T 1st, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
DANKS delivers ... he swings ... but he held up ... no, he went too far ... Brian is down on strikes
one down
* C. CRISP facing J. DANKS, T 1st, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
The pitch ... ripped to right center ... base hit ... UPTON's chasing it down
he'll have to hurry ... CRISP's trying for two ... the throw ... safe at second
* A. HUFF facing J. DANKS, T 1st, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Tied 0-0
CRISP moves quietly toward third ... DANKS rocks and fires ... swung on ... strike
and CRISP is stealing! ... great jump
MAKE THROW? (1-yes*, 2-no)
HANIGAN strongarms it down there ... SAFE!...under the tag ... he has third base stolen
that's his 1st steal of the series
* A. HUFF facing J. DANKS, T 1st, 1 Out, Runner on 3rd, Tied 0-0
Forthecup playing for the out at first ... DANKS looks CRISP back to third ... the pitch
grounder to third ... RODRIGUEZ gloves it ... now the long throw ... two down
CRISP has to hold third
* M. THAMES facing J. DANKS, T 1st, 2 Outs, Runner on 3rd, Tied 0-0
CRISP alert at third ... and the pitch ... blooper to left ... if it stays up he'll get it
and it drops ... HART takes it on the hop ... CRISP scores ... as the throw comes in to second
Salsa Verde 1, Forthecup 0
* C. GONZALEZ facing J. DANKS, T 1st, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 1-0
Now he comes home with it ... the heater ... it's in there ... side retired
* BOTTOM OF THE 1st, Salsa Verde 1, Forthecup 0
* B. UPTON facing J. LESTER, B 1st, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1
To the plate ... fastball ... it's a nubber to the left of the mound ... URIBE charges
picks up the ball barehanded ... and he gets him ... one down
* R. HANIGAN facing J. LESTER, B 1st, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1
The pitch ... HANIGAN lashes one to right ... toward the gap ... GONZALEZ races over
but he won't get it ... HANIGAN's going for two ... and there will be a play at second
the tag ... safe!...on a very close play ... double for HANIGAN
* D. BARTON facing J. LESTER, B 1st, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Behind 0-1
The pitch ... BARTON waves at one in the dirt ... and he's a strikeout victim ... two down
* M. CABRERA facing J. LESTER, B 1st, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Behind 0-1
The pitch is on the way ... checked swing ... he went around ... that's three away
* TOP OF THE 2nd, Salsa Verde 1, Forthecup 0
* S. ROLEN facing J. DANKS, T 2nd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0
The pitch comes in ... base hit center field ... UPTON's over ... scoops it up
and ROLEN holds first with a single ... for Scott ROLEN, his 2nd hit of the series
* R. RABURN facing J. DANKS, T 2nd, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 1-0
Now ROLEN is sprinting toward second
MAKE THROW? (1-yes*, 2-no)
HANIGAN digs it out and fires ... the slide ... the tag ... nails him! ... one down
* R. RABURN facing J. DANKS, T 2nd, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0
DANKS winds up ... paints the black ... strike three called ... two down
* D. ROSS facing J. DANKS, T 2nd, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0
The pitch ... ROSS hits a ground-hugger toward second ... UGGLA picks it up and flips it to first
routine ... three down
* BOTTOM OF THE 2nd, Salsa Verde 1, Forthecup 0
* D. UGGLA facing J. LESTER, B 2nd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1
LESTER comes to him ... UGGLA puts a charge into this pitch ... it might fly
RABURN races back to the wall ... he times his leap
and comes down with a glove full of dead homer! ... terrific play! ... one away
* A. RODRIGUEZ facing J. LESTER, B 2nd, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1
The pitch ... RODRIGUEZ sends one to left center ... CRISP's racing over ... RABURN's on the run
and CRISP makes the catch ... two away
* C. HART facing J. LESTER, B 2nd, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1
Now LESTER comes home with it ... off-balance swing ... it's skied ... in foul territory
ROSS moves under it ... he has it measured ... and makes the catch ... Forthecup go down
* TOP OF THE 3rd, Salsa Verde 1, Forthecup 0
* J. URIBE facing J. DANKS, T 3rd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0
He lets it go ... he swings ... but he held up ... and it's ball four
Juan takes his base on the walk ... that was URIBE's first walk of the series
* B. ROBERTS facing J. DANKS, T 3rd, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 1-0
The sacrifice is on ... DANKS comes home ... it's bunted down the third base line ... rolling foul
strike one ... DANKS delivers again ... quick move to the plate ... ROBERTS is laying it down
pushes it past the pitcher ... picture perfect execution ... RODRIGUEZ throws to BARTON
a sacrifice for ROBERTS ... and URIBE moves up
* C. CRISP facing J. DANKS, T 3rd, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 1-0
DANKS rocks and fires ... taken for a strike ... CRISP goes down looking
he stood there like the house by the side of the road ... and watched it go by ... two gone
* A. HUFF facing J. DANKS, T 3rd, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 1-0
Pitcher steps off ... now DANKS's set again ... the pitch ... checked swing ... strike three
that's three away ... for DANKS, that's already his 5th strikeout of the game
* BOTTOM OF THE 3rd, Salsa Verde 1, Forthecup 0
* S. DREW facing J. LESTER, B 3rd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1
The pitch ... wide of the mark ... and DREW walks ... that was DREW's first walk of the series
* I. SUZUKI facing J. LESTER, B 3rd, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 0-1
Firstbaseman HUFF holding the runner on ... DREW's off and running ... lined to short
and it's through ... Juan URIBE broke toward second ... and that let the ball get through
DREW will go on over to third ... and SUZUKI collects a lovely single ... a textbook hit-and-run
* B. UPTON facing J. LESTER, B 3rd, No Outs, 1st and 3rd, Behind 0-1
The pitch ... it's a brush-back ... SUZUKI's stealing second
MAKE THROW? (1-yes*, 2-no)
ROSS guns it down ... ROBERTS's tag ... safe at second ... that's his 1st steal of the series
* B. UPTON facing J. LESTER, B 3rd, No Outs, 2nd and 3rd, Behind 0-1
Infield deep ... DREW takes his lead at third ... LESTER brings it home ... just off the plate
and he issues a free pass ... and the bases are loaded
that was UPTON's first walk of the series
* R. HANIGAN facing J. LESTER, B 3rd, No Outs, Bases Loaded, Behind 0-1
Infielders back ... the runners take their lead ... here comes the pitch ... HANIGAN swings
and lifts it to center ... a routine chance for CRISP ... and that's all for HANIGAN
the runners are tagging
TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*)
DREW coming down the line
TRY FOR THIRD ALSO? (1-yes, 2-no*)
SUZUKI's holding
THROW HOME? (1-yes, 2-no*)
here comes the throw home
TRY FOR THIRD ON THROW? (1-yes, 2-no*)
they're sending SUZUKI to third on the throw
TRY FOR SECOND ALSO? (1-yes, 2-no*)
SUZUKI and UPTON are advancing
CUT IT TO THIRD OR SECOND?
(1-third, 2-second, 3-no cutoff*)
here's the play at the plate ... and he's ... SAFE!...slid around the tag ... tie game
oh, close call ... the gamble pays off ... and SUZUKI moves to third
UPTON takes second on the throw
Salsa Verde 1, Forthecup 1
* D. BARTON facing J. LESTER, B 3rd, 1 Out, 2nd and 3rd, Tied 1-1
Infield deep ... the runners take their lead ... he delivers ... wide by a hair
free ticket to first for BARTON ... and the bases are loaded
and that's already the 3rd walk issued by LESTER
* M. CABRERA facing J. LESTER, B 3rd, 1 Out, Bases Loaded, Tied 1-1
Infielders back ... the runners take their lead ... now the delivery
CABRERA strokes it sharply toward short ... URIBE into the hole ... spins and throws to second
and he gets him! ... but a run scores ... there was no chance to get two
Salsa Verde 1, Forthecup 2
* D. UGGLA facing J. LESTER, B 3rd, 2 Outs, 1st and 3rd, Ahead 2-1
UPTON at third with his arms out, crouched ... here comes the pitch ... and he fans him
UGGLA's gone ... side retired
* TOP OF THE 4th, Salsa Verde 1, Forthecup 2
* M. THAMES facing J. DANKS, T 4th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-2
DANKS brings it to the plate ... base hit left field ... HART coming on ... fields it
and gets it in quickly ... that's a single for Marcus THAMES ... 2nd safety for THAMES
for Marcus THAMES, his 2nd hit of the series
* C. GONZALEZ facing J. DANKS, T 4th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-2
Here's the pitch from DANKS ... base hit center field ... UPTON takes it on the long bounce
THAMES's around second
TRY FOR THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)
but the third base coach has his arms in the air ... THAMES stops at second
as the throw comes in ... a pair of singles for Verdana
for Carlos GONZALEZ, his 1st hit of the series
* S. ROLEN facing J. DANKS, T 4th, No Outs, 1st and 2nd, Behind 1-2
The runners take their lead ... DANKS cranks it up ... he squares ... bunted to the right side
BARTON picks it up ... looks at third ... now turns and flips to first ... in time for the out
ROLEN gets the job done ... and the runners move up
* R. RABURN facing J. DANKS, T 4th, 1 Out, 2nd and 3rd, Behind 1-2
Forthecup playing for the out at first ... he brings it home ... popped up ... off of third
RODRIGUEZ drifts into foul territory ... DREW's racing over ... DANKS is pointing at DREW
DREW covers it ... and the runners hold
* D. ROSS facing J. DANKS, T 4th, 2 Outs, 2nd and 3rd, Behind 1-2
The runners take their lead ... and the pitch ... ROSS smacks a clothesline ... straightaway center
UPTON steps back ... and he reaches up and grabs it for the putout
that almost sailed over his head ... Salsa Verde go down
* BOTTOM OF THE 4th, Salsa Verde 1, Forthecup 2
* A. RODRIGUEZ facing J. LESTER, B 4th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-1
LESTER now ... he swings ... grounded to URIBE ... he scoops it up ... guns it to first
and he fires it right by HUFF ... and RODRIGUEZ goes on down to second ... he won't get any more
as the ball bounces back out to HUFF ... score that E6 on Juan URIBE
* C. HART facing J. LESTER, B 4th, No Outs, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 2-1
LESTER cranks it up ... a shot toward the hole ... goes by URIBE and into left
RABURN's racing in for it ... rounding third RODRIGUEZ
TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*)
the throw comes in to ROLEN ... and they're holding RODRIGUEZ at third
* S. DREW facing J. LESTER, B 4th, No Outs, 1st and 3rd, Ahead 2-1
Infielders back ... RODRIGUEZ takes his lead at third ... the pitch ... easy bouncer to ROBERTS
he's up with it ... throws to second for one ... out ... back to first for two ... not in time
DREW beats it out ... and a run scores
Salsa Verde 1, Forthecup 3
* I. SUZUKI facing J. LESTER, B 4th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Ahead 3-1
They start the runner ... it's whacked into right field ... GONZALEZ's got a long way to go
still after it ... near the line ... and he brings it down ... two away
DREW gets back to first
* B. UPTON facing J. LESTER, B 4th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 3-1
LESTER with the pitch ... UPTON swings ... strike! ... and there goes DREW! ... good jump
MAKE THROW? (1-yes*, 2-no)
the peg ... tags him ... SAFE!...late throw ... that's his 1st steal of the series
for Aiken, their 2nd stolen base in this game
* B. UPTON facing J. LESTER, B 4th, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 3-1
Now the delivery ... bounced to short ... URIBE to his right ... he has it ... on to first
three down
* TOP OF THE 5th, Salsa Verde 1, Forthecup 3
* J. URIBE facing J. DANKS, T 5th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-3
DANKS winds up ... long fly to center ... B.J. UPTON ... he's going ... he's going
he reaches out ... he makes the catch ... one down
* B. ROBERTS facing J. DANKS, T 5th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 1-3
The pitch ... taken...ball ... ROBERTS walks ... that was ROBERTS's first walk of the series
* C. CRISP facing J. DANKS, T 5th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-3
The pitch comes in ... jammed him ... it's pushed toward second ... UGGLA charges ... fields it
the quick toss to BARTON ... and he nails CRISP by a step ... two away ... ROBERTS goes to second
* A. HUFF facing J. DANKS, T 5th, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Behind 1-3
ROBERTS moves another step away from second ... DANKS with the pitch
HUFF sends this ball air mail to left ... HART lopes after it ... should be routine
and he makes the catch ... side retired
* BOTTOM OF THE 5th, Salsa Verde 1, Forthecup 3
* R. HANIGAN facing J. LESTER, B 5th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 3-1
The pitch from LESTER ... HANIGAN hits a frozen rope ... to straightaway center
right there is CRISP ... and he gloves it for the putout ... one down
* D. BARTON facing J. LESTER, B 5th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 3-1
The offering from LESTER ... there's a little tapper to the right side ... HUFF hesitated coming in
and LESTER is just watching from the hill ... BARTON legs it out ... and he has a little gift
score that a single ... for Daric BARTON, his 2nd hit of the series
* M. CABRERA facing J. LESTER, B 5th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Ahead 3-1
Space on the right ... BARTON is off with the pitch ... the delivery ... fouled back to the screen
strike one
* M. CABRERA facing J. LESTER, B 5th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Ahead 3-1
BARTON's off and running ... LESTER fires it in ... bounced toward first ... HUFF's up with it
no play at second ... he flips to LESTER covering ... two gone
* D. UGGLA facing J. LESTER, B 5th, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 3-1
Now he comes home with it ... high and tight ... the ump says ball four
and UGGLA will get down to first ... setting up the force
* A. RODRIGUEZ facing J. LESTER, B 5th, 2 Outs, 1st and 2nd, Ahead 3-1
LESTER with the offering ... right down the middle ... side retired
* TOP OF THE 6th, Salsa Verde 1, Forthecup 3
* M. THAMES facing J. DANKS, T 6th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-3
DANKS brings it to the plate ... hit deep ... it's going ... but it won't make it
HART hauls it in ... one away
* C. GONZALEZ facing J. DANKS, T 6th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 1-3
The delivery from DANKS ... way outside ... GONZALEZ draws a base on balls
that was GONZALEZ's first walk of the series
* S. ROLEN facing J. DANKS, T 6th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-3
The runner's going ... he brings it home ... ROLEN goes the opposite way
bounced to the right side ... just out of UGGLA's reach ... UGGLA moved toward second base
and he hit it right through the hole ... GONZALEZ hustles in to third
and ROLEN collects a lovely hit ... beautifully executed ... the tying run is on
2nd safety for ROLEN ... for Scott ROLEN, his 3rd hit of the series
And here comes Forthecup manager ... he's asking DANKS for the ball
there will be a change on the mound ... they give the ball to Evan MEEK
he'll try to shut down the right-handed RABURN ... so DANKS goes five and a third ... he yielded
one earned run ... so far ... on 6 hits ... 3 walks ... he struck out 5
he's responsible for the runners ... he will win it if they hold the 2-run lead
for MEEK his first appearance in the series ... he's a right-handed pitcher
he'll be looking for the double play
* R. RABURN facing E. MEEK, T 6th, 1 Out, 1st and 3rd, Behind 1-3
Forthecup playing for the double play ... GONZALEZ alert at third ... the pitch ... he pops it up
UGGLA drifts back ... he's under it ... and makes the catch ... and the runners hold
* D. ROSS facing E. MEEK, T 6th, 2 Outs, 1st and 3rd, Behind 1-3
The runners take their lead ... the pitch to ROSS ... high and inside ... and the count goes full
* D. ROSS facing E. MEEK, T 6th, 2 Outs, 1st and 3rd, Behind 1-3
GONZALEZ into a little shuffle at third ... the payoff pitch ... lofted to shallow left field
HART's racing in ... he's near the line ... he stabs out ... and he takes it in ... good catch
* BOTTOM OF THE 6th, Salsa Verde 1, Forthecup 3
* C. HART facing J. LESTER, B 6th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 3-1
Now LESTER comes home with it ... HART laces it into the gap in right ... it's a 'tweener
to the wall ... and HART pulls in to second base standing up
that's HART's 2nd hit of the game ... for HART, his 1st double of the series
for Corey HART, his 3rd hit of the series
* S. DREW facing J. LESTER, B 6th, No Outs, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 3-1
Speedy HART edging toward third ... he doubled to lead it off ... here comes the pitch
DREW squares ... it's a beautiful bunt ... ROLEN grabs it ... looks at first ... no play
bunt base hit ... HART moves to third ... for Stephen DREW, his 1st hit of the series
Forthecup skipper walking down the bench
The Forthecup have asked for time ... they're making a move ... will send in Cliff PENNINGTON
to run for DREW ... PENNINGTON takes his place at first base ... he has good speed
LESTER will keep an eye on him
* I. SUZUKI facing J. LESTER, B 6th, No Outs, 1st and 3rd, Ahead 3-1
Infield deep ... LESTER rocks and fires ... rapped back to the mound ... LESTER grabs it
he looks at third ... throws over to first ... and gets him ... one down!
PENNINGTON moves to second on the play
And here comes Salsa Verde manager ... he's asking LESTER for the ball ... he'll go to the pen
on to relieve is right-hander Brian SANCHES ... so LESTER goes five and a third ... his line
3 runs ... 2 earned ... on 6 hits ... walked 4 ... he struck out 4
he's responsible for the runners ... he can only lose it
for SANCHES his first appearance in the series ... he's a right-handed pitcher
he'll be looking for the strikeout
* B. UPTON facing B. SANCHES, B 6th, 1 Out, 2nd and 3rd, Ahead 3-1
They're pulled in around the infield ... the pitch ... it's a whiff ... two down
* R. HANIGAN facing B. SANCHES, B 6th, 2 Outs, 2nd and 3rd, Ahead 3-1
HART with a head fake at third ... the offering ... slow chopper toward URIBE ... he charges
scoops it ... goes to first ... in time
Cliff PENNINGTON remains in the game ... he'll be playing short for Aiken
* TOP OF THE 7th, Salsa Verde 1, Forthecup 3
* J. URIBE facing E. MEEK, T 7th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-3
The pitch comes in ... low ... ball four ... URIBE hustles down to first
* B. ROBERTS facing E. MEEK, T 7th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-3
The pitch ... ROBERTS sends one to straightaway center ... UPTON's got a bead
and he makes the catch ... and there's one away ... URIBE gets back to first
* C. CRISP facing E. MEEK, T 7th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-3
MEEK comes home ... base hit right field ... SUZUKI's after it ... spears it on one hop
URIBE's around second
TRY FOR THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)
but the coach flashes the stop sign ... they're holding URIBE at second ... as the throw comes in
and Coco is on with a single ... the tying run is on ... 2nd safety for CRISP
And here comes Forthecup manager ... again ... he's asking MEEK for the ball
so hands the ball to Joe THATCHER ... the Forthecup left-hander will face HUFF
MEEK pitched one inning in relief ... his line ... one hit ... one walk
he's responsible for the runners ... for THATCHER ... his 2nd appearance in the series
the lefty THATCHER has worked one inning ... he has a 0.00 ERA
he'll be looking for the double play
* A. HUFF facing J. THATCHER, T 7th, 1 Out, 1st and 2nd, Behind 1-3
It's a shot down the line to right ... near the foul pole ... and it's ... long gone!
a three-run homer for HUFF ... Aubrey trots around the bases ... he loves a trip downtown
he claps his hands ... he's greeted at home plate ... congratulations all around
Salsa Verde 4, Forthecup 3
And here comes Forthecup manager ... again ... he's asking THATCHER for the ball
is calling for a new pitcher ... it will be right-hander Daniel BARD in to face THAMES
so THATCHER didn't get his man ... he pitched to one batter ... the result ... one earned run
on one hit ... a homer ... for BARD ... his 2nd appearance in the series
the right-hander BARD has worked one and a third ... he has a 0.00 ERA
the damage has been done ... he just wants to get out of the inning
* M. THAMES facing D. BARD, T 7th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 4-3
The pitch ... upstairs with a fast one ... THAMES doesn't offer ... and BARD gets the call
he's out on strikes ... two down
* C. GONZALEZ facing D. BARD, T 7th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 4-3
BARD into the wind ... fastball ... and it's pulled hard to right ... it's deep enough if it's fair
hooking ... just foul! ... strike one
* C. GONZALEZ facing D. BARD, T 7th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 4-3
Here he comes ... driven to right ... it's playable ... SUZUKI's there ... and he covers it
that's the third out!
Coming in to pitch is Grant BALFOUR ... so SANCHES goes only two thirds of an inning
the game for SANCHES ... no runs or hits ... one strikeout
for BALFOUR his first appearance in the series ... he's a right-handed pitcher
* BOTTOM OF THE 7th, Salsa Verde 4, Forthecup 3
* D. BARTON facing G. BALFOUR, B 7th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 3-4
BALFOUR now ... BARTON lofts a routine fly ball to center ... CRISP drifts under it
and hauls it in ... one away
* M. CABRERA facing G. BALFOUR, B 7th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 3-4
The pitch comes in ... CABRERA sends one to left center ... CRISP's racing over
RABURN's on the run ... and CRISP makes the catch ... two down
* D. UGGLA facing G. BALFOUR, B 7th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 3-4
He wheels and deals ... hard two-bouncer to short ... URIBE covers it...plenty of time ... fires
for the third out
He's calling for Carlos MARMOL ... the right-hander ... so BARD goes only two thirds of an inning
his line ... no runs or hits ... one strikeout ... for MARMOL his first appearance in the series
he's a right-handed pitcher
* TOP OF THE 8th, Salsa Verde 4, Forthecup 3
* S. ROLEN facing C. MARMOL, T 8th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 4-3
The pitch ... long fly to center ... B.J. UPTON ... he's going ... he's going ... he reaches out
he makes the catch ... one down
* R. RABURN facing C. MARMOL, T 8th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 4-3
He lets one go ... grounded to the right side ... UGGLA to his left ... and it sneaks through
single for RABURN ... for Ryan RABURN, his 1st hit of the series
Salsa Verde manager looking at his scoresheet
We have a break in the action ... is sending in a runner for RABURN
it's Darnell McDONALD and he's trotting out to first base ... he has good speed
getting some legs out there
* D. ROSS facing C. MARMOL, T 8th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Ahead 4-3
They're holding McDONALD ... but he's well off the bag ... the pitch ... low
McDONALD is off to the races
MAKE THROW? (1-yes*, 2-no)
here's the peg from HANIGAN ... the sweep tag ... he hooks the bag and eludes the tag
that's his 1st steal of the series ... and that's the Salsa Verde 2nd stolen base in this game
* D. ROSS facing C. MARMOL, T 8th, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 4-3
MARMOL working on McDONALD to hold him close ... MARMOL kicks and delivers ... swung on
hit hard to PENNINGTON ... he'll go to first ... notch two ... McDONALD holds
* J. URIBE facing C. MARMOL, T 8th, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 4-3
MARMOL looks back at McDONALD on second ... the pitch comes in ... lined hard to left
HART had him played perfectly ... and he gloves it ... HART scarcely had to move ... side retired
Darnell McDONALD ... now playing left field for the Salsa Verde
* BOTTOM OF THE 8th, Salsa Verde 4, Forthecup 3
* A. RODRIGUEZ facing G. BALFOUR, B 8th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 3-4
BALFOUR to the wind ... checked swing ... ball four ... and he trots down to first
and that puts the tying run on at first ... that was RODRIGUEZ's first walk of the series
Forthecup skipper walking down the bench
We have a pause in the action here ... and will bring in a pinch runner at first base
RODRIGUEZ leaves the field ... here comes Placido POLANCO ... POLANCO is not a big threat
but he'll get you some runs
* C. HART facing G. BALFOUR, B 8th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 3-4
The pitch ... swung on ... strike! ... now POLANCO is sprinting toward second ... good jump
MAKE THROW? (1-yes*, 2-no)
ROSS turns it around fast ... the slide ... he hooks the bag and eludes the tag
that's his 1st steal of the series ... for Aiken, their 3rd stolen base in this game
the tying run is now at second base
* C. HART facing G. BALFOUR, B 8th, No Outs, Runner on 2nd, Behind 3-4
Pitcher steps off ... now BALFOUR's set again ... the offering from BALFOUR
high fly ball to right center ... GONZALEZ moves under it ... makes the catch
POLANCO's tagging
TRY FOR THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)
but the coach flashes the stop sign ... as the throw comes in
And here comes Salsa Verde manager ... again ... he's asking BALFOUR for the ball
pitching change ... lefty Javier LOPEZ climbs the hill ... and that will turn around PENNINGTON
BALFOUR pitched one and a third in relief ... the game for BALFOUR ... no runs or hits
one walk ... he's responsible for the runner ... for LOPEZ ... his 2nd appearance in the series
the lefty LOPEZ has worked one third of an inning ... he has a lofty 27.00 ERA ... no record yet
he inherits a runner in scoring position ... this will test his effectiveness
it's his game to save
* C. PENNINGTON facing J. LOPEZ, B 8th, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Behind 3-4
LOPEZ into his motion ... delivers ... it's a moonshot ... right field ... GONZALEZ over
he's got lots of room ... waits ... waits ... and brings it in
POLANCO's tagging...GONZALEZ sets
TRY FOR THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)
but the coach flashes the stop sign ... as the ball is returned to the infield
* I. SUZUKI facing J. LOPEZ, B 8th, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Behind 3-4
LOPEZ into his motion ... delivers ... cut on ... it's popped foul behind third
ROLEN's running for it ... at the stands ... it's out of play ... strike one
* I. SUZUKI facing J. LOPEZ, B 8th, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Behind 3-4
LOPEZ kicks and delivers ... soft grounder to ROLEN ... he's up with it
the throw across the diamond ... in time ... to retire the side
Placido POLANCO stays in ... he is now playing third base for Aiken
* TOP OF THE 9th, Salsa Verde 4, Forthecup 3
* B. ROBERTS facing C. MARMOL, T 9th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 4-3
MARMOL deals ... hot shot to the right side ... UGGLA to his left ... tipped off his glove
he has it ... throws quickly to first ... too late ... and they give Brian ROBERTS the hit
* C. CRISP facing C. MARMOL, T 9th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 4-3
Firstbaseman BARTON holding the runner on ... MARMOL kicks and delivers
grounded deep into the hole ... PENNINGTON's over ... he's got it ... the long throw to first
for the first out ... ROBERTS moves up ... no chance for the lead runner
* A. HUFF facing C. MARMOL, T 9th, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 4-3
MARMOL looks back at ROBERTS on second ... MARMOL into his motion ... delivers ... low ... ball
ROBERTS breaks hard for third ... big jump
MAKE THROW? (1-yes*, 2-no)
here's the peg from HANIGAN ... SAFE!...late throw ... he steals third
that's his 1st steal of the series ... for Verdana, their 3rd stolen base in this game
* A. HUFF facing C. MARMOL, T 9th, 1 Out, Runner on 3rd, Ahead 4-3
Looks at third ... here's the pitch from MARMOL ... right down the middle ... strike three!
two gone
* M. THAMES facing C. MARMOL, T 9th, 2 Outs, Runner on 3rd, Ahead 4-3
ROBERTS into a little shuffle at third ... MARMOL with the offering ... tagged
and caught by MARMOL! ... that's three away
He'll go to the bullpen ... and Mike ADAMS a right-hander will take over
so LOPEZ goes only two thirds of an inning ... the game for LOPEZ ... no runs or hits
for ADAMS ... his 2nd appearance in the series
the right-hander ADAMS has worked one and a third ... he has a 6.75 ERA ... his record
one loss ... it's his game to save
* BOTTOM OF THE 9th, Salsa Verde 4, Forthecup 3
* B. UPTON facing M. ADAMS, B 9th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 3-4
And the pitch comes in ... UPTON chops it toward HUFF ... he backs up and plays the big hop
he waves off ADAMS and takes it himself ... one down
* R. HANIGAN facing M. ADAMS, B 9th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 3-4
Now the pitch ... a blast to right ... that could be trouble ... GONZALEZ's chasing it
he's at the track ... against the wall ... he makes the catch ... two away
* D. BARTON facing M. ADAMS, B 9th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 3-4
Now he comes home with it ... BARTON lofts an air-job to left ... McDONALD and CRISP range over
McDONALD says he'll take it ... and just barely does ... a little snow-cone in his glove
and that does it
FINAL SCORE : Salsa Verde 4, Forthecup 3