ALDS Game 2 - Astros vs. Red Sox

[Andyzipp]

Astros Line-up:

https://twitter.com/astros/status/916316163088506880

Springer  - 8
Bregman - 5
Altuve - 4
Correa - 6
Gattis - DH
Reddick - 9
Gurriel - 3
Gonzalez - 7
McCann - 2

Keuchel - P

Red Sox Line-up:

Bogaerts - 6
Pedroia - 4
Benintendi - 7
Betts - 9
Ramirez - 3
Young - DH
Vazquez - 2
Marrero - 5
Bradley - 8

Pomeranz - P

[BlownRanger]

When was the last time Hinch used the same lineup in consecutive games?

[Lefty]

per espn:

Keuchel is the most extreme ground ball starter in the game with a 68 percent ground ball rate, but the Red Sox were third in the majors in OPS against Baseball-Reference.com designation of ground ball pitchers (compared to 25th against fly ball pitchers).  and

During the regular season, Altuve hit .381/.441/.629 against fastballs in the upper half of the zone. Pomeranz throws his fastball in the upper half 74 percent of the time. So ...

[Waldo]

Still boggles my mind that only in this lineup would Marwin bat 8th.

This arrangement worked out pretty well yesterday.  Let's roll.

[NeilT]

Still boggles my mind that only in this lineup would Marwin bat 8th.

This arrangement worked out pretty well yesterday.  Let's roll.

And that it makes perfect sense he's batting 8.

[NeilT]

By the way, I think legally MLB requires us to refer to this game as ALDS Game 2 -Astros vs. Red Sox, sponsored by Doosan. 

[juliogotay]

By the way, I think legally MLB requires us to refer to this game as ALDS Game 2 -Astros vs. Red Sox, sponsored by Doosan.

what the hell is Doosan?

[Limey]

what the hell is Doosan?

South Korean heavy industries, apparently.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

 Drove in this morning, standing in line at shake shack now.

 I'll be in CB section 103, sitting at the bar/table thing in seat 8.

OWA'ers here feel free to come by and throw shit at me.

[chuck]

The blue screen over the batter's eye pisses me off.

[NeilT]

The blue screen over the batter's eye pisses me off.

Me too. What blue screen?

[chuck]

Me too. What blue screen?

If you're at the game you can't see it. Imagine if in Boston they turned the monster into a giant Hankook ad. That's what they've done in Houston, but an ad for Dongus or whoever it is.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

 actually I'm in seat 1, row 8, section 103
But free free to chunk shit at whoever is in seat 8.

[BudGirl]

actually I'm in seat 1, row 8, section 103
But free free to chunk shit at whoever is in seat 8.

You weren't there when I went there.

[JimR]

The blue screen over the batter's eye pisses me off.

Everything pisses you off.

[Waldo]

4 pitch walk to Pedroia with 1 out

[Limey]

Dallas can't find the zone, then Angel gives him one low off the corner.

[Andyzipp]

How many calls would Angel have to make in our favor to get to neutral with the Astros?  100?  125?

[Texifornia]

How many calls would Angel have to make in our favor to get to neutral with the Astros?  100?  125?

This inning?

[Limey]

How many calls would Angel have to make in our favor to get to neutral with the Astros?  100?  125?

All of them.

[Waldo]

How many calls would Angel have to make in our favor to get to neutral with the Astros?  101?  126?

FIFY

[Limey]

Aaaaand then Angel gives Betts time as Keuchel is holding in the stretch and about to pitch.

Next pitch is a seeing eye double.

[94CougarGrad]

Angel frigging Hernandez behind the plate. I hock a loogie in his general direction.

[homer]

DUE TO THE LOW ENERGY AT MMP DURING GAME 1, THE ASTROS HAVE PROVIDED NOISE MAKERS FOR TODAY'S GAME. PLEASE CLAP.

[Limey]

Forgive me, I've been away for a while...are slop-throwing lefties still kryptonite for Astros?

[Andyzipp]

Forgive me, I've been away for a while...are slop-throwing lefties still kryptonite for Astros?

This one is.  Altuve and Correa hit him, but no one else too much.

[Limey]

Forgive me, I've been away for a while...are slop-throwing lefties still kryptonite for Astros?

Not for Altuve, apparently.

[chuck]

DUE TO THE LOW ENERGY AT MMP DURING GAME 1, THE ASTROS HAVE PROVIDED NOISE MAKERS FOR TODAY'S GAME. PLEASE CLAP.

Noisemakers today provided courtesy of Common Core.

[Waldo]

Nice job of extending the strike zone for Altuve.  That pitch was halfway to his ankles.

[Andyzipp]

Angel Fuckin' Hernandez...

[Texifornia]

Carlito's Way

[94CougarGrad]

BOOM!

[Waldo]

Show-rrea!!!!  2-0 Astros!!!!!!!

[Limey]

As there is no other PBP...

Top 1:
Bogaerts grounds out quickly to 3rd
Pedroia walked on 4 straight
Benitendi grounds out after getting 2 balls to start the AB; infield unable to turn 2
Betts hits a bloop double over Gurriel after getting a BS time out allowed by HPU Hernandez
Ramirez grounds softly to 3rd, a slick pick and throw by Bregman gets him

0-1-0

[Ron Brand]

109mph exit velocity on that one.

[BudGirl]

It was a no doubter.

[BizidyDizidy]

One inning so far in the series where the Astros didn't get a hit

[Aussie Astro]

DUE TO THE LOW ENERGY AT MMP DURING GAME 1, THE ASTROS HAVE PROVIDED NOISE MAKERS FOR TODAY'S GAME. PLEASE CLAP.

There is some low energy here at 2.00 am as well, but Carlos provides a spark!

[Limey]

Bot 1:

Springer rolls over a high curve to 2B
Bregman tips a lazy fly to RF
Altuve golfs one off the floor into LCF for a sharp single - insane hitting
Correa gets fucked around by Hernandez and then jumps on one he saw coming from last Tuesday and blasts it off the wall in LF
Gattis flies out to CF which was noisy only because people were still gasping at Correa's shot

BOS  0-1-0
HOU 2-2-0

[Waldo]

Keuchel can't find the zone again.

[Andyzipp]

I hate Chris Young.  Hate.

[NeilT]

It would be nice if Keuchel gave Angel something to squeeze.

[Ron Brand]

Keuchel can't find the zone again.

Red Sox definitely know how to take a pitch.

[juliogotay]

I hate Chris Young.  Hate.

Astros need to acquire him. He can platoon. He plays home games.

[Waldo]

Got the K, now we need a DP

[juliogotay]

Keuchel has retired one in this game and he' s at 38 pitches.

[Waldo]

Keuchel has retired one in this game and he' s at 38 pitches.

We're in the 2nd inning, not the 1st.

[juliogotay]

We're in the 2nd inning, not the 1st.

you're right. Just testing you.

[das]

Keuchel can't find the zone again.

...and Hernandez is giving him all of the inside and most of just below the zone.

[Andyzipp]

Angel Fuckin' Hernandez...

[BudGirl]

Good grief Angel is bad.

[homer]

All of their antics calling time is rather tedious.

[Andyzipp]

...and Hernandez is giving him all of the inside and most of just below the zone.

Except when he doesn't.

[das]

Good grief Angel is bad.

+1. Even when it’s (mostly) in your favor, it’s cringe-worthy.

[Limey]

Top 2:

Young smacks the first pitch into the corner by the boxes for an easy double - steals 3rd by a kilometre
Vazquez works the count to 2-0 and 3-1, then walks
Marrero (sporting a baby Keuchel beard) puts up a fight but gets ponched wailing at an inside cutter
For the record, Hernandez' strike zone is consistently inconsistent
Bradley Jr. works the count full, spoils a couple more pitches, then pokes one on the ground right up the middle
Young scores from 3rd, runners at 1st & 2nd, 1 out
Hernandez is going to cause a riot before this game is over
Bogaerts gets a called strike on a head-high pitch on his way to whiffing at that inside cutter
Pedroia falls behind 0-2, works it back to even, a goes down swinging at a curve in the dirt - give Angel the assist on that one

BOS 1-3-0
HOU 2-2-0

Keuchel struck out the side around 2 hits and a walk, giving up only 1 run.  Hernandez is a fucking disaster and is making it impossible to bat or pitch with any aplomb.

[Andyzipp]

Hitters need to give Keuchel a breather here.

[Limey]

Bot 2:

Reddick pops up a 2-1 pitch to LCF
Gurriel takes a 4-pitch gambol to 1st
Gonzales falls behind 1-2 and then whiffs at a high curve (that Angel may or may not have called a strike)
McCann pops one up to the shortstop

BOS 1-3-0
HOU 2-2-0

[Waldo]

Angel fucking Hernandez... Yay strike 3!

[Texifornia]

Maybe Keuchel is settling in. Nice 1-2-3 inning.

[Limey]

Top 3:

Keuchel starts the inning on 48 pitches
Benintendi (good name) lofts one a scoash shy of the track for Springer to pocket easily
Betts grounds on past Keuchel but Altuve deals with him
Ramirez shoulders his bat on a 3-2 pitch inside, off the plate, on which Angel theatrically rings him up

BOS 1-3-0
HOU 2-2-0

Nice quick inning that.

[NeilT]

SPRINGER!


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[Waldo]

Springer Dinger!!!

[MRaup]

I'm embarrassed for Major League Baseball with this fuckstick behind the plate.  He makes Joe West look competent.

[juliogotay]

I'm embarrassed for Major League Baseball with this fuckstick behind the plate.  He makes Joe West look competent.

Not possible.

[Waldo]

Tuve!!!  4-1 Astros

I'm getting gruntled at all this vaunting.

[Texifornia]

Vaunt! you magnificent bastards, VAUNT!!!!


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[MusicMan]

We chased Pomeranz and get Fister on Sunday.

FINISH THEM.


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[Waldo]

Pomeranz is done.  Holy shit.

[juliogotay]

I am really appreciating Bregman on this team. Getting better as a hitter and there have been a few plays the last couple of days where his SS footwork  has come in handy at 3rd. Particularly on these extreme shifts where he moves towards the hole.

[Andyzipp]

Vaunting?

[LonghornCDR]

I’m not an expert, but ‘tuve seems dialed in. 

[Craig]

Pomeranz is done.  Holy shit.

And throwing shit around the dugout before heading for the showers.

[MusicMan]

2004 Beltran vs 2017 Altuve. Discuss.


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[LonghornCDR]

I am really appreciating Bregman on this team. Getting better as a hitter and there have been a few players the last couple of days where here looks like a SS footwork have come in handy at 3rd. Particularly on these extreme shifts where he moves towards the hole.

He was steadily improving all season and just took it up a notch when Carlos went down.  Great to watch. 

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Springorrea 2-3 with two dingers and 3 knocked in after the 0-8 yesterday. I'm surprised it's not Price.

[bubba]

This is such an incredible team to watch, very few weak spots. It's hard to believe.

[Waldo]

Bases juiced, no outs for Reddick.

[LonghornCDR]

Yes please.  Burn Price today with Fister on the hill Sunday. 

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Angel is doing Frank Drebin behind the plate.

Lookout during the 7th inning stretch.

[Texifornia]

About an inch away from a base clearing double for Reddick. Time to discount Price.

[chuck]

2004 Beltran vs 2017 Altuve. Discuss.

Both incandescent at the plate but for me CF is so much more critical a defensive position.

[Mr. Appropriate]

And throwing shit around the dugout before heading for the showers.

classy end to his 2017 season.

[Waldo]

classy end to his 2017 season.

Easy there, tiger.  The BBGs read this board.

[MikeyBoy]

Fuck!

[Andyzipp]

Shitfuck.

[MikeyBoy]

classy end to his 2017 season.

Dude

[Limey]

Bot 3:

Springer lofts a seemingly lazy fly to right...drifting....DRIFTIIIIIIIIIING...GONE!
3-0 Astros
Pomeranz seems a little rattled
Bregman Charlie Brown's one into CF for a pop-slide double
Pomeranz seems a lot rattled
Altuve plates Bregman with another hit off a shot-top curve - later gets to 2nd on a passed ball
4-0 Astros
Pomeranz replaced by Smith
Correa works the count full and checks his swing on one low and away to earn a stroll
Smith not finding the strike zone - either Angel's or the real one
Gattis walks on 4 straight to looad 'em up
Sox trying to get Price warm and just stalling at this point
Reddick slaps a liner at 3B where Marrero makes a diving catch, everyone stays safe on the bases
Nearly busted it wide open there
Smith makes way for Price
Gurriel hangs in against a combination of Price and Hernandez, works the count full but then pops up to SS
Gonzales pops up the first pitch to the catcher - shitfuck

BOS 1-3-0
HOU 4-5-1

2 runs scored, starter gone, but could have been SO.  MUCH.  MORE.

[chuck]

For those of you at the game or unable to watch who may be wondering what percentage of the strikes called are actually strikes, I'd say about half of them.

[Andyzipp]

For those of you at the game or unable to watch who may be wondering what percentage of the strikes called are actually strikes, I'd say about half of them.

I've always believed you to be a man of a generous nature, but...wow.  I'm guessing it's closer to about 30%.

[Mr. Appropriate]

Both incandescent at the plate but for me CF is so much more critical a defensive position.

it's early in the postseason, Altuve has only begun to silence those who would make the comparison to players not named Altuve. In the postseason, EL Senor Octuve may only be judged by God, and may be compared only to earlier and later Altuves. It is known.

[Andyzipp]

Chris Young didn't get a hit!  Amazing!

[NeilT]

I've always believed you to be a man of a generous nature, but...wow.  I'm guessing it's closer to about 30%.

He’s counting the swinging strikes.


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[MikeyBoy]

Chris Young didn't get a hit!  Amazing!

Wasn't due to lack of effort.

[subnuclear]

The Astros Strike Zone twitter account shows 5 pitches which helped the Astros and 1 which helped the Sox, but I'm pretty sure it missed a pitch or two during the Yuli at-bat.

[LonghornCDR]

The Astros Strike Zone twitter account shows 5 pitches which helped the Astros and 1 which helped the Sox, but I'm pretty sure it missed a pitch or two during the Yuli at-bat.

Two for sure during the Yuli AB.

[juliogotay]

Now you chunkin 'em in there Dallas!

[Waldo]

Nice inning from Keuchel.

[Limey]

Top 4:

Young hits a routine liner to SS
Vazquez whiffs - stop me if you've heard this before - on an inside cutter
Keuchel's cutter is hot enough that I think I shall henceforth refer to it as a "Qatar"
Marrero whiffs to a Qatar

BOS 1-3-0
HOU 4-5-1

That was fast!  Keuchel's pitch count now looking much more appropriate.

[jbm]

That seemed like a huge inning by Keuchel. Can't let those fuckers feel like the're in it.

[Andyzipp]

In case anyone is interested, Angel Hernandez is trending on Twitter.  Probably because of things like this:

https://twitter.com/gigsandswigs/status/916388307109662720

[chuck]

The Astros Strike Zone twitter account shows 5 pitches which helped the Astros and 1 which helped the Sox, but I'm pretty sure it missed a pitch or two during the Yuli at-bat.

I'm pretty sure you're right. Going into this I was just hoping that he wouldn't make Keuchel have to elevate to get a strike and that he'd be more or less equally terribe to both teams. So far, so good.

[astrojo]

The Astros Strike Zone twitter account shows 5 pitches which helped the Astros and 1 which helped the Sox, but I'm pretty sure it missed a pitch or two during the Yuli at-bat.

I believe he would have drawn a bases loaded walk if those first two strikes had been called the balls they actually were.

[Andyzipp]

That seemed like a huge inning by Keuchel. Can't let those fuckers feel like the're in it.

The Fox booth doofuses spent a good five minutes trying to convince everyone that the Red Sox had the momentum at the top of the 4th.

[astrojo]

EL Senor Octuve

I like this.

[chuck]

In case anyone is interested, Angel Hernandez is trending on Twitter.  Probably because of things like this:

https://twitter.com/gigsandswigs/status/916388307109662720

I literally have no idea how he's going to call a pitch unless it's ten inches or more off the plate. It really is just a total toss up.

[Andyzipp]

Was Bregman going full out on that ground ball?  Camera work was shoddy.

[Waldo]

Was Bregman going full out on that ground ball?  Camera work was shoddy.

Think so.

[astrojo]

Was Bregman going full out on that ground ball?  Camera work was shoddy.

Yes. Very close play at 1st.

[Andyzipp]

Angel Fuckin' Hernandez...

[Limey]

Bot 4:

Price still in
McCann drags one on the ground perfectly into the shift
Springer gets ahead 2-0 and hits a pop-fly double down the LF line that never even reaches the corner
Bregman grounds one to 2nd but a bobble nearly lets him beat the throw (he doesn't); Springer to 3rd
Altuve gets the respect of an IBB; Red Sox grinding; runners at the corners
Correa hits a routine pop-up to shallow RF that they almomst make a hash of

BOS 1-3-0
HOU 4-6-0

[BudGirl]

Think so.

Respectfully disagree. He turned it on half way down the line

[Limey]

Sorry folks, PBP from me ending.

[Waldo]

Sorry folks, PBP from me ending.

I'll take over.

TOP 5th - 4-1 Astros.  Bradley-Bogaerts-Pedroia due up

[Waldo]

Bradley chops one down the first base line, Keuchel runs it down and flips to 1B just in time.  1 out, Bogaerts up

[Waldo]

Bogaerts pops out to center.  2 outs, Pedroia up

[Andyzipp]

I just realized that AJ Pierfucknuggetski is one of the morons covering this game.  I'd actually rather listen to Costas.

[astrojo]

Respectfully disagree. He turned it on half way down the line

Will defer to you since I may have also been victim to said shoddy camera work.

[Waldo]

Pedroia with a routine grounder to short.  Keuchel has retired 11 in a row, sitting at 83 pitches.

MID 5th: Astros up 4-1

[LonghornCDR]

I just realized that AJ Pierfucknuggetski is one of the morons covering this game.  I'd actually rather listen to Costas.

He's annoying to listen to and misinformed.  I literally did a confused dog head tilt when he referred to Yuli as "free-swinging."

[Waldo]

BOT 5th: 4-1 Astros.  Gattis-Reddick-Gurriel due up

[Limey]

Keuchel pitch count:

1st & 2nd:  400
3rd & 4th:  -317
Total:           83

[Waldo]

He's annoying to listen to and misinformed.  I literally did a confused dog head tilt when he referred to Yuli as "free-swinging."

He also said he played at Minute Maid Park in the '05 World Series and the roof was closed.  It should have been and thanks for rubbing that in, fuckhead.

[Limey]

Angel records his nth victim.

He really isn't going to be kept on past this series, right?

[Waldo]

Gattis K's looking on an Angel Hernandez special on the outside corner.  1 out, Reddick up

[Andyzipp]

Jay Reddick?
JJ Reddick?

[Waldo]

Reddick K's swinging on 2-2.  2 out, Gurriel up

[Limey]

Jay Reddick?
JJ Reddick?

The Chronicles of Reddick

[Limey]

He came off the fucking bag!

[Waldo]

On 2-2 Gurriel survives a would-be strike 3 at the knees (thanks Angel), then grounds out to short.

END 5th - 4-1 Astros.  Benintendi-Betts-Ramirez due up

[Andyzipp]

Sure looked like Handjob came off the bag.

[Limey]

Sure looked like Handjob came off the bag.

This is why they rotate Umps from 1B to home plate, because 1B hones their senses.

[Waldo]

TOP 6th - 4-1 Astros.  Benintendi-Betts-Ramirez due up

Benintendi chops out 3-1.  1 out, Betts up

[Waldo]

Betts ponche's on a pitch in the dirt, McCann throws to first to complete the out.  2 out, Ramirez up

[Limey]

Angel Hernandez is a living, breathing advertisement for robot umps.

And birth control.

[astrojo]

I hadn't heard before that Keuchel called Verlander during the last hour before Aug31 deadline to say that if he came to Houston he wouldn't regret it.

[Waldo]

Ramirez works a full-count walk.  Keuchel's day is over, Devenski coming in.

Runner on 1st, 2 out, Moreland pinch-hits for Young

[MikeyBoy]

Devo got away with one there.

[Waldo]

Devenski gets ahead of Moreland 0-2, then Moreland works a full count before popping out to Correa in the shift on the right side.

Final line for Keuchel: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 K

MID 6th - 4-1 Astros

[Waldo]

BOT 6th - 4-1 Astros.  Eduardo Rodriguez relieves Price.  Marwin-McCann-Springer due up

[Limey]

Devo got away with one there.

Moreland was being very pesky.

[chuck]

So let me get this straight. Yesterday Chris Young doesn't play at all. Today he starts and promptly rakes a double into the gap and ends up scoring their only run to this point. Then in a crucial situation he gets replaced by a pinch hitter.

This is not a different Chris Young, right? This is the guy who has terrorized the Astros for years?

[LonghornCDR]

I remember having Zobrist-envy after seeing the Royals and then the Cubs win the WS with a player like him.  Marwin has erased any inkling of that feeling.   

[Waldo]

Marwin singles down the 3B line, the ball kicks sharply off the wall in foul territory to hold him to a single.

1 on, 0 out, McCann up

[Limey]

McCann's knuckle - on which he was just hit - looks like he's halfway through his metamorphosis into a werewolf.

[Andyzipp]

This game is going to take 6 hours at this rate...

[Waldo]

McCann takes the first pitch off his fingers.  Runners at 1st and 2nd, 0 out, Springer up

Rodriguez gets the hook already, Addison Reed coming in to pitch to Springer

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Moreland was being very pesky.

Moreland's always been a tough out against us.

Here are two other quick unscientific BoSox/Astros facts that I believe:

1) whoever is catching for them comes up big against us
2) we pitch well against Price.

[homer]

Same Chris Young. His production has fallen off tremendously, but not his Astros killing. Surprised the Sawks computers haven't picked that up.

[Limey]

McCann takes the first pitch off his fingers.  Runners at 1st and 2nd, 0 out, Springer up

Rodriguez gets the hook already, Addison Reed coming in to pitch to Springer

Time to break this one wide open.  It's been too close for too long.

[jbm]

Time to break this one wide open.  It's been too close for too long.

Bregman at least needs to get Marwin home.

[Waldo]

Springer grounds into a force play at 2B, ball hit too slowly for a DP.  Marwin advances to 3B.  Runners at the corners, 1 out, Bregman up

[LonghornCDR]

That is not playoff caliber defense. 

[Limey]

Bregman at least needs to get Marwin home.

Bregman didn't but Betts did.

[jbm]

Not how I imagined it, but ....

[MikeyBoy]

Bregman at least needs to get Marwin home.

Well....he did.

[Limey]

That is not playoff caliber defense.

That's fucking with your dog.

[Ty in Tampa]

Betts he never does that again.

[Waldo]

Bregman pops out to fairly shallow left but Betts drops the ball trying to turn the throw to home.  Marwin scores, 5-1 Astros.

Altuve intentionally walked again.  Runners at 1st and 2nd, 2 outs, Correa up

[Limey]

That'll do nicely.

[Andyzipp]

Show-rrea!!!!!

[jbm]

Spreading the vaunt around

[Waldo]

Correa drives the first pitch down the line and into the corner, Springer and Altuve score!  7-1 Astros!

Runner on 2nd, 2 out, Gattis up

[Andyzipp]

Captain Caveman with a double!!!!

[Limey]

Here come the Astros, breathing orange fire!

[Texifornia]

That's vauntin' right there.

[Andyzipp]

Vaunting!!!

[MikeyBoy]

Oso hates the scoreboard.

[chuck]

Betts he never does that again.

Did you go to the game last night? If so did they ask you to try out as kicker?

[Waldo]

Gattis singles off the LF wall, Correa scores!  8-1 Astros!

Runner at 1st, 2 out, Reddick up

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Who are these guys?

[Texifornia]

Vaunting!!!

The two out variety is particularly nice this time of year.

[Waldo]

Reddick grounds out to 2nd.

END 6th - 8-1 Astros

[Ty in Tampa]

Did you go to the game last night? If so did they ask you to try out as kicker?

Yes. Wore my Astros hat.

The try-outs were happening on the concourse. The line wrapped around the stadium.

[astrojo]

Time to break this one wide open.  It's been too close for too long.

Nice job!

[Astros Fan in Big D]

There is a very sweet family sitting in front of me: mom,  dad,  son/ daughter both under 4, and grandma/ grandpa.

So i will have to say this here:

FUCK YEAH!!!!!

[Waldo]

TOP 7th - 8-1 Astros.  Vazquez-Marrero-Bradley due up

Vazquez singles up the middle.  Runner at 1st, 0 out, Devers PH for Marrero

[LonghornCDR]

Devers sure has looked like a rookie this series. 

[Waldo]

Devers flails at a couple of pitches, then watches strike three (actually a strike) on the outside corner.  Runner at 1st, 1 out, Bradley up

[MikeyBoy]

MLB should be embarrassed that they trotted out this garbage behind home plate for a postseason game.

[MusicMan]

My love for Bagwell/Biggio will never die.

But Altuve and Correa are SLIGHTLY better in the postseason.


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[Andyzipp]

Devers sure has looked like a rookie this series. 

He has very similar regular season stats to Derek Fisher.  Difference is we don't have to play Fisher in the hopes he gets hot and provides some offense.

[Limey]

MLB should be embarrassed that they trotted out this garbage behind home plate for a postseason game.

Really?

[Waldo]

Bradley flies out to center, then Bogaerts grounds out to short on the first pitch.

MID 7th - 8-1 Astros

[MusicMan]

He has very similar regular season stats to Derek Fisher.  Difference is we don't have to play Fisher in the hopes he gets hot and provides some offense.

If we hadn’t picked up Maybin, that’s exactly what we’d be doing against righthanders.


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[OregonStrosFan]

Baseball is fun!

[Waldo]

Really?

That's photoshopped, right?  I mean, I know the guy was a hamplanet but there's no way that's real.

[chuck]

Yes. Wore my Astros hat.

The try-outs were happening on the concourse. The line wrapped around the stadium.

Just go to wherever the hell the Rowdies practice and grab the first fucker you see and be done with it, I mean, that was brutal.

[Ty in Tampa]

That's photoshopped, right?  I mean, I know the guy was a hamplanet but there's no way that's real.

That's after he lost some weight. Really.

[Aussie Astro]

Slow game, three hours to get to the stretch.

[Andyzipp]

If we hadn’t picked up Maybin, that’s exactly what we’d be doing against righthanders.


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Also, ignore me.  I was looking a different set of stats in regards to Devers this morning.  I confused a set of situational stats with his season stats.

[Ty in Tampa]

Just go to wherever the hell the Rowdies practice and grab the first fucker you see and be done with it, I mean, that was brutal.

Yep. I'm not quite able to understand it but that would've been a somewhat easy win.

[Lefty]

So let me get this straight. Yesterday Chris Young doesn't play at all. Today he starts and promptly rakes a double into the gap and ends up scoring their only run to this point. Then in a crucial situation he gets replaced by a pinch hitter.

This is not a different Chris Young, right? This is the guy who has terrorized the Astros for years?

He was the injury replacement for Nunez, the real question is has the Boston braintrust never seen Chris Young play against Houston?  And if so, why was he left off the roster in the first place?  But to be fair, Marrero was they guy they took instead, and he made a heck of a play on Reddick today.

[Limey]

Dude running the onscreen box score thingy has to wait an extraordinarily long time before updating the balls and strikes count.

Angel's like a box of chocolates...

[Andyzipp]

I really feel like if you have Diamond Club seats, and you show up in Player's Weekend gear, you should be shown directly to the View Deck.

[Andyzipp]

The Red Sox have a nucleus of young superstar players?  Just like the Astros?

[Limey]

I really feel like if you have Diamond Club seats, and you show up in Player's Weekend gear, you should be shown directly to the View Deck.

What about if you - and three friends - show up drunk, late and in golf gear?

[Mr. Appropriate]

My love for Bagwell/Biggio will never die.

But Altuve and Correa are SLIGHTLY better in the postseason.


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+!

[Andyzipp]

What about if you - and three friends - show up drunk, late and in golf gear?

Ah, you're a tradionalist, sir.  Can I freshen up your Tom Collins?

[Limey]

Fox now bigging up how good these kids are.  These Red Sox kids, that is.

[chuck]

Yep. I'm not quite able to understand it but that would've been a somewhat easy win.

Easy win. Coasting.

Yes, that photo shows Gregg at maybe 80 pounds lighter than his fighting weight.

[Waldo]

BOT 7th - 8-1 Astros.  Austin Maddox relieves Reed, pitched yesterday and is Boston's 6th pitcher today.  Gurriel-Marwin-McCann due up

Yuli doing Yuli things, after nine pitches grounds to short and a Bogaerts double-clutch allows Yuli to reach.  Runner on 1st, 0 out, Marwin up

[gleach]

What about if you - and three friends - show up drunk, late and in golf gear?

Then they let you call balls and strikes.

[Waldo]

Marwin flies out to right.  Runner on 1st, 1 out, McCann up

[homer]

Then they let you call balls and strikes.

I'd rather have a drunk ybbodeus than angel

[Limey]

Then they let you call balls and strikes.

But not plays at the plate.

[Andyzipp]

Then they let you call balls and strikes.

And to think I turned down Jim for one of his tickets yesterday.  What could have been...

Thanks stupid work.

[Waldo]

McCann with a long, hard-hit single to the wall in right which allows Gurriel to advance to 3rd.  Runners at the corners, 1 out, Springer up

[Aussie Astro]

Fox now bigging up how good these kids are.  These Red Sox kids, that is.

And how similar they are to the Astros,

[Andyzipp]

Angel Fuckin' Hernandez...

[Limey]

And how similar they are to the Astros,

Sound muted at the office.

[chuck]

I'd rather have a drunk ybbodeus than angel

I'd rather have drunk ybbodeus calling the game from the goddamn Diamond Club.

[Waldo]

Springer works a walk on eight pitches.  Bases loaded, 1 out, Bregman up

[Limey]

Farrell on the phone to Bud Selig, asking him to come back and fix this shit.

[Andyzipp]

"Can we walk Bregman, Altuve, and Correa and have them all stand on first with Springer?  We are an East Coast team, so wasn't sure what the rules were for us..."

[LonghornCDR]

They should give Altuve the Bonds treatment. 

[chuck]

Just got a look at Hudson and Raupweiler.

[Waldo]

Bregman pops out to 1st.  Bases loaded, 2 out, Altuve up

[Limey]

Go on.  Walk him with the bases loaded.

[LonghornCDR]

Easily four inches off the plate. 

[Andyzipp]

Angel Fuckin' Hernandez...

[Aussie Astro]

Sound muted at the office.

They have been talking utter crap for most of the night… did you know that Joe Maddon invented the 'utility man' and Ben Zobrist was the first?

[Limey]

Easily four inches off the plate.

Maddux should channel his namesake and just throw it way out there all day.

[Mr. Appropriate]

BOT 7th - 8-1 Astros.  Austin Maddox relieves Reed, pitched yesterday and is Boston's 6th pitcher today.  Gurriel-Marwin-McCann due up

Yuli doing Yuli things, after nine pitches grounds to short and a Bogaerts double-clutch allows Yuli to reach.  Runner on 1st, 0 out, Marwin up

The feared Pomeranz 2017 post-season ERA: 18.000.
Which is not as good as 4 of his teammates who pitched today. He and Reed are tied.

[Andyzipp]

"The team with the Harvey..."?!?

[jbm]

They have been talking utter crap for most of the night… did you know that Joe Maddon invented the 'utility man' and Ben Zobrist was the first?

And ponies in the fight, or was it that pony won't hunt.

[homer]

Gregerson in

[Waldo]

On a full count, Altuve finally has mercy on the Red Sox and strikes out.

END 7th - 8-1 Astros

[Limey]

On a full count, Altuve finally has mercy on the Red Sox and strikes out.

END 7th - 8-1 Astros

Only after Hernandez extended the at-bat.  Should've walked a couple of pitches prior.

[LonghornCDR]

I feel like Hyundai put that "Sweet Caroline" spot in the 8th inning as a nod to Red Sox fans.   Kinda plays like a troll job in the current game situation. 

[Limey]

The punchabilty of Pierzinski's face is immensely ironic.

[Waldo]

TOP 8th - 8-1 Astros.  Gregerson relieves Devo.  Pedroia-Benintendi-Betts due up

On the first pitch, Pedroia hits a weak grounder to third, Bregman tries to barehand but can't make the play.  Brock Holt pinch runs for him.
 Runner at 1st, 0 out, Benintendi up

[Limey]

I feel like Hyundai put that "Sweet Caroline" spot in the 8th inning as a nod to Red Sox fans.   Kinda plays like a troll job in the current game situation.

I hate that fucking commercial.  I mean, I was always unlikely ever to buy a Hyundai, but now I most certainly won't.

[Aussie Astro]

And ponies in the fight, or was it that pony won't hunt.

I heard the pony in the fight remark and changed the audio to my small screen, not missing anything by not listening to them clowns.

I tried playing the radio feed from my phone but it is about 5 minutes behind the tv stream.

[astrojo]

What about if you - and three friends - show up drunk, late and in golf gear?

Duh. You immediately get summoned to sit in seats with Bagwell, because PARTY.

[Andyzipp]

Angel Fuckin' Hernandez...

[Limey]

Gregerson hasn't been paying attention.  To get outs, you don't have to fool the hitter...

[Waldo]

Benintendi falls behind 1-2, works the count full, then whiffs.  Runner at 1st, 1 out, Betts up

[Aussie Astro]

The punchabilty of Pierzinski's face is immensely ironic.

michael barrett gives you a +1

[Waldo]

After several foul balls, Betts flies out to left.  Runner on 1st, 2 out, Ramirez up

[astrojo]

After several foul balls, Betts flies out to left.  Runner on 1st, 2 out, Ramirez up

Seemed to hurt himself on one, too. Poor guy not having the best game.

[Limey]

"The Indians have tied it at two..."

Anyone else have Major League flashbacks?

[jbm]

Seemed to hurt himself on one, too. Poor guy not having the best game.

I assume that was behind his "throw."

[Waldo]

Ramirez punches out on a full count.  21-pitch inning for Gregerson, may see Giles in the 9th.

MID 8th - 8-1 Astros

[Aussie Astro]

Seemed to hurt himself on one, too. Poor guy not having the best game.

Speaking of punchable faces...

[Waldo]

BOT 8th - 8-1 Astros.  Kimbrel relieves Maddox - nice to not be facing him for the first time in a pressure situation.  Rajai Davis replaces Betts who tweaked his thumb during his last AB.  Correa-Gattis-Reddick due up

[astrojo]

Encarnacion helped off the field with an injured ankle.

[Limey]

Speaking of punchable faces...

This?

[Waldo]

Correa flies out to left center.  1 out, Beltran PH for Gattis

[Waldo]

Beltran lines a single to right-center, Fisher PR for him.  Runner at 1st, 1 out, Maybin PH for Reddick

[Aussie Astro]

This?

Yeah, sort of.  Punch and kick in that case.

[LonghornCDR]

"Hey guys... we're going finally let you hit in the post-season... against Kimbrel.   Good luck"

[Waldo]

Maybin lines out to center.  Runner on 1st, 2 out, Gurriel up

[Waldo]

Gurriel strikes out on a foul tip.

END 8th - 8-1 Astros

[TerryPuhl21]

It was a good at bat by Maybin. Fouled off several before hitting that on the screws.

On another note, sure looks like a pretty obvious foreign substance on Kimbrel's hat. It glistens pretty nice when they show his facial close ups. I know most use something, I'm just saying....


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[Waldo]

TOP 9th - 8-1 Astros.  Giles relieves Gregerson.  Springer shifts over to RF while Maybin stays in CF.  Moreland-Vazquez-Devers due up

[Waldo]

Moreland lines out sharply to left.  1 out, Vazquez up

[Waldo]

Vazquez lines a single through the left side.  Runner on 1st, 1 out, Devers up

[Waldo]

Devers pops out to Bregman in foul territory.  Runner on 1st, 2 out, Bradley up

[Waldo]

On an 0-2 count Giles bounces a wild pitch off McCann and up the 1B line, Vazquez advances to second.  1-2 count to Bradley

[Waldo]

Bradley lines a single to Correa's right, Vazquez scores.  8-2 Astros.  Runner on 1st, 2 out, Bogaerts up

[Limey]

Giles needs to bear down here.

Something about the score 8-1 and the name Giles...

[Jacksonian]

Gas canning.

[Limey]

Bingo.  2-0.

[Waldo]

On a full count Bogaerts K's swinging.  ASTROS WIN!!!

FINAL - Astros 8, Red Sox 2

W - Keuchel
L - Pomeranz

HOU leads series 2-0

[Aussie Astro]

That's 2, the sleep deprivation is well worth it when the boys are firing!

[das]

He's annoying to listen to and misinformed.  I literally did a confused dog head tilt when he referred to Yuli as "free-swinging."

No kidding.  Yuli was exceptional at working the count, especially after two strikes, all game long, yesterday and during  a fair amount of the season this year.  Strange.

[doyce7]

No kidding.  Yuli was exceptional at working the count, especially after two strikes, all game long, yesterday and during  a fair amount of the season this year.  Strange.

I've literally heard multiple national guys refer to the "free swinging Astros"

Really? Free swinging Astros? This isn't 2015

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[austro]

I've literally heard multiple national guys refer to the "free swinging Astros"

Really? Free swinging Astros? This isn't 2015

Can you blame them? It's impossible to see the Astros on a national telecast. How would they know what this team looks like?

[doyce7]

Can you blame them? It's impossible to see the Astros on a national telecast. How would they know what this team looks like?

I heard this said on mlb network, where they "watch all the games"

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[austro]

I heard this said on mlb network, where they "watch all the games"

I'm thinking that's more aspirational than factual.

[Craig]

I heard this said on mlb network, where they "watch all the games"

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Maybe they can only watch out-of-market games because of the stupid blackout rules.

[JimR]

Just got a look at Hudson and Raupweiler.

We were in section 116. We were on camera?

[chuck]

We were in section 116. We were on camera?

Yessir. There was a point in the game, too early, really, when they decided to show three or four sets of despondent Socks fans. Those two idiots behind you guys? Yeah. Them too. They were the last ones shown. It probably won't make the screen in the condensed game that Hap will watch tomorrow but Hap probably vaguely remembers what you two look like so all is not lost on that front.

What amused me was that while the guys behind you looked like they were suffering from an insistent case of the howlin' skitters you two were fixated on the game, eyes wide open, like two owls staring at a nest of rats.

[chuck]

Here you go.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Here you go.

Great screen capture.

[JimR]

Here you go.

My gosh, that is us. Wonder why the camera was there? We were very close to the swells Thursday so I thought we might be glimpsed on TV then.
The Sox fan behind us was cool. He was like a condemned man awaiting his fate at the firing squad. He told us the series will end Sunday. Hope he is right.

I’ll tell you, boys and girls, those were two fun days. Saw Neil and Leslie yesterday after seeing Geoff and Allison the day before, and some might be amused at the lengths to which Matt and I went to do everything Fri exactly the same as we did Thurs so as not to jinx anything. Sorry my baby boy missed this experience, but he was having fun too and caught the vaunting on TV.

I love this team. I love this season. Even if we go all the way, I will be sad to see it end. Thanks for posting the screenshot, chuck, but i’m Not sure I like your latest name for me.

[JimR]

Yessir. There was a point in the game, too early, really, when they decided to show three or four sets of despondent Socks fans. Those two idiots behind you guys? Yeah. Them too. They were the last ones shown. It probably won't make the screen in the condensed game that Hap will watch tomorrow but Hap probably vaguely remembers what you two look like so all is not lost on that front.

What amused me was that while the guys behind you looked like they were suffering from an insistent case of the howlin' skitters you two were fixated on the game, eyes wide open, like two owls staring at a nest of rats.

Thanks for the explanation. I wondered. The guy with the beard did not utter a peep all day except for telling all of us Astrophiles around him he knew well which team was better. He was a good dude. I saw surprisingly few people in Sox gear, and for the most part, they accepted the butt-kicking quietly.

[HudsonHawk]

Thanks for the explanation. I wondered. The guy with the beard did not utter a peep all day except for telling all of us Astrophiles around him he knew well which team was better. He was a good dude. I saw surprisingly few people in Sox gear, and for the most part, they accepted the butt-kicking quietly.

Yeah, the Red Sox fan behind us seemed like a decent fellow.  He accepted his team getting throttled graciously.  The Astros fan behind me was clueless.  He didn't know who was pitching for the Astros, even after they announced it and was told three times.  I'm not sure he paid any attention to the game at all, thought that didn't stop him from tying to impress with lady friend with his dumbassery. 

[HudsonHawk]

My gosh, that is us.

I'm not sure the guy sitting next to you is me.  It looks more like a fat version of my dad. 

[JimR]

Yeah, the Red Sox fan behind us seemed like a decent fellow.  He accepted his team getting throttled graciously.  The Astros fan behind me was clueless.  He didn't know who was pitching for the Astros, even after they announced it and was told three times.  I'm not sure he paid any attention to the game at all, thought that didn't stop him from tying to impress with lady friend with his dumbassery.

It might have been the bazillion beers he had.

[Craig]

You guys are also easy to spot in the Astros Fancam for Game One, with Biggio and Ryan a few rows ahead.

[JimR]

You guys are also easy to spot in the Astros Fancam for Game One, with Biggio and Ryan a few rows ahead.

Yep, that is the game I thought we’d be seen at.