ALCS Game 4...Royals @ Astros, October 12, 2015

[HudsonHawk]

Here we go...

[HudsonHawk]

Man o man is McCullers pumped up...drills the first hitter

[JimR]

Man o man is McCullers pumped up...drills the first hitter

The huge danger with starting him

[Jacksonian]

Gameday says it's a small strikezone.  Reality?

[Andyzipp]

Needs a little luck/defense to help him settle down.

Carter does...not provide it.

[Colt 45]

Damn Carter you did that yesterday too

[das]

Man o man is McCullers pumped up...drills the first hitter

And, he's shaken off Castro twice already. This, after both Dallas and Collin talked extensively to working off of Castros plan.

[HudsonHawk]

Damn Carter you did that yesterday too

Prior to yesterday, Correa has a broken leg on that play.  Escobar slid way early.

[Colt 45]

Hopefully they'll get him in the dugout and calm him down a little bit

[Andyzipp]

Prior to yesterday, Correa has a broken leg on that play.  Escobar slid way early.

Thanks, Chase Utley?

[das]

Strike zone does not seem small to the inside on righties.

[HudsonHawk]

T1:

Escobar hit by pitch
Zobrist grounds to 1B, Carter throws 3 feet over Correa's head, Correa manages to leap and catch it and get his foot back on the bag
Cain flies out F9
Hosmer pops out F6

Inning over, no score

[HudsonHawk]

Thanks, Chase Utley?

Yeah, no attempt to break up the double play on that.  Word gets around, I guess.

[Andyzipp]

Escobar...HBP
Zobrist reached on FC...Escobar out at 2nd
Cain flys out to RF
Hosmer pops out to SS

Middle 1, 0-0

[Andyzipp]

T1:

Escobar hit by pitch
Zobrist grounds to 1B, Carter throws 3 feet over Correa's head, Correa manages to leap and catch it and get his foot back on the bag
Cain flies out F9
Hosmer pops out F6

Inning over, no score

Are we wearing the same clothes today too?

[Colt 45]

Now everyone is trying to hit the rafters

[MRaup]

God damnit Altuve, TAKE LEVEL SWINGS!

[JimR]

Altuve has been virtually worthless.

[Jacksonian]

God damnit Altuve, TAKE LEVEL SWINGS!

If he did he'd swing under the strike zone.

[HudsonHawk]

Are we wearing the same clothes today too?

It's yours if you want it.

[Bench]

Whoever does the PBP, it's appreciated by those of us stuck in a conference room in Fort Worth trying to surreptitiously get caught up on the game.

Thanks in advance.

[HudsonHawk]

Correa drilled with 2 outs.  Crowd not happy.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

MOTHERFUCKER VENTURA

[HudsonHawk]

Strike zone got enormous for Rasmus.

[Colt 45]

Do these announcers have to speak every second of every broadcast?

[MRaup]

Strike zone got enormous for Rasmus.

Fuck this ump. He squeezed the shit out of McCullers in the first too.

It's gonna be a "you'd better swing with 2 strikes" kind of day at the plate.

[HudsonHawk]

Do these announcers have to speak every second of every broadcast?

This is what happens when you put three or four of them in the booth.  They all have to get their time in.

[HudsonHawk]

Rasmus with a single, Correa to 2B with two out for Gattis...time for Evan to earn some of that scratch

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

They moved me to a new desk at work today.  The trade floor TV's are behind me now, so I have to turn around to watch the game.  No more plausible deniability about working today. 

[MRaup]

COME ON, CAVEMAN! CLUB THE SHIT OUT OF ONE!

[Colt 45]

23 pictures so far I'm liking it

[HudsonHawk]

Why anyone throws Gattis anything within 3 ft of the plate is a complete mystery.

[HudsonHawk]

Ventura has the biggest hat I've ever seen.

[MikeyBoy]

Altuve has been virtually worthless.

Gattis has been even worse.

[HudsonHawk]

Fuck

[das]

Rasmus with a single, Correa to 2B with two out for Gattis...time for Evan to earn some of that scratch

We gotta pick up Rasmus next year.  Happy to be spending Crane's $$...

[MRaup]

For fuck's sake. Gattis is awful right now.

[Waldo]

Gattis has been even worse.

He's ice cold right now.

[Andyzipp]

Altuve fouls out to 3b on the first pitch. 1 away
Springer works the count full before striking out looking. 2 away
Correa HBP on his Biggio Brand (TM) elbow pad by a 97 mph fastball.
Rasmus singles to right on a 2-2 count.  Correa to second.
Gattis (after the potential jinx by the PBP guys) stikes out. 3 away

2 runners stranded, 26 pitches for Ventura.

After 1, no score

[Jacksonian]

Somebody needs to eat something prehistoric.

[Reuben]

Why anyone throws Gattis anything within 3 ft of the plate is a complete mystery.

Why Hinch continues to bat him 5th, behind his hottest hitter, is a mystery to me.

[HudsonHawk]

Somebody needs to eat something prehistoric.

Perhaps the problem has been cooking the meat for the chili.  I'm guessing the caveman prefers it raw.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Why Hinch continues to bat him 5th, behind his hottest hitter, is a mystery to me.

This is the part I don't get.  I would've much rather had Carter batting there.

[OregonStrosFan]

Gattis has been even worse.

Looks like he's got a bad Hunter(Pence)-Herion addiction (breaking ball low and away) - hope he can kick it quick!

[juliogotay]

How about letting Tucker DH?

[HudsonHawk]

McCullers sure is fidgety. 

[Reuben]

How about letting Tucker DH?

Tucker
Marwin
Conger
Keuchel
the batboy

Several guys in that dugout that seem capable of providing better ABs than Gattis right now.

[HudsonHawk]

Have these idiot announcers not noticed that CF is 436 deep?

[Waldo]

Ouch.

[HudsonHawk]

After 7 straight breaking balls, McCullers tries to sneak a fastball in and its 2-0 Royals.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Rusty Kuntz is the Royals first base coach.

[HudsonHawk]

McCullers really has trouble finishing hitters off.

[Waldo]

Rusty Kuntz is the Royals first base coach.

I read that yesterday and wondered if I was reading a satire piece.

[geezerdonk]

Maybe Marwin can put a half dozen Xanax in Lance's Gatorade.

[Andyzipp]

Top 2nd, McCullers pitching.

Morales strikes out swinging on a 2-2 pitch.  1 away
Moustakas walks on a 3-2 breaking ball.
Perez abuses a child in the stands and then abuses McCullers.  HR to right field.  2-0 Royals.
Gordon works a 12 pitch at bat before lining out to LF.  2 away
Rios strikes out on three straight.

McCullers throws 30 pitches in the inning, 45 total so far.

2 runs on 1 hit and 1 walk.  Nobody left.
Middle of 2, 0-2 Royals.

[LonghornCDR]

Hopefully the thread title jinx will only affect that one pitch from McCullers.

[JimR]

Marwin cannot swing LH.

I had zero confidence in McCullers for today. I would have rather had Fiers.

[Reuben]

Marwin cannot swing LH.

I had zero confidence in McCullers for today. I would have rather had Fiers.

Something tells me we will see Fiers before too long.

[HudsonHawk]

Gomez!!!!!

[Waldo]

GoGo!!!

[Reuben]

I love that guy.

[Colt 45]

He looks pissed, almost back to back.

[HudsonHawk]

Valbuena hits one 402 feet for a can o corn.  Next year that's a dinger.

[WakePhil]

I ordered a lunch beer and Gomez teed off as soon as it was placed on the table.

[Andyzipp]

I ordered a lunch beer and Gomez teed off as soon as it was placed on the table.

Keep ordering.

[juliogotay]

Keep ordering.

i'll chip in for a cab.

[HudsonHawk]

Keep ordering.

No shit.  You better be fucking schnockered by the time this game is over.

[Andyzipp]

Bottom 2nd, Ventura pitching

Gomez homers to left on a laser to left on a 1-1 fastball.  1 run in.
Valbuena flys out to the warning track in left center after a 402’ try.  1 away.
Carter strikes out on 3 straight pitches. 2 away.
Castro strikes out on a 2-2 pitch. Side retired

Ventura at 40 pitches.

1 run on 1 hit, no one left.
After 2, 1-2 Royals

[chuck]

Pierzynski talking about how no one in the league likes Gomez.

[Andyzipp]

Pierzynski talking about how no one in the league likes Gomez.

Takes one to know one.

[Colt 45]

Kid was better, but a high pitch count.

Hope he can get a few easy innings.

[Andyzipp]

Top of the 3rd, McCullers pitching

Escobar (0-0) grounds out, 6-3.  1 away
Zobrist (0-1) flies out to CF. 2 away
Cain (0-1) works a full count after getting down 0-2, strikes out on a curve. Side retired.

McCullers at 58 pitches

No runs, hits or walks.

Middle 3, 1-2 Royals

[Colt 45]

Takes one to know one.

No kidding

[HudsonHawk]

Springer swinging from the heels, over the top of everything

[Waldo]

Correa!!!!  Tie game!!!!!!!

[HudsonHawk]

Correa!!!!!!

[Colt 45]

POW

[Andyzipp]

CARLOS!!!

[WakePhil]

Oh god, sorry work. Lost day. Priorities are clear here.

[HudsonHawk]

Oh god, sorry work. Lost day. Priorities are clear here.

Please tell me that happened as she set your second beer down.

[Andyzipp]

Middle 3rd, Ventura pitching

Altuve (0-1) continues not much of anything…strikes out on a 2-2 slider. 1 away.
Springer (0-1) goes full before striking out on an inside fastball. 2 away.
Correa (0-0) goes yard off the “Community Leaders” ridiculousness.  Tie ball game!!!
Rasmus (1-1) strikes out on a 2-2 breaking ball.  Side retired.

Ventura at 59 pitches.

1 run on one hit.  No walks, nobody left.

After 3, the game is tied at 2.

[WakePhil]

No, just as I finished. Reordering now.

[MikeyBoy]

Correa dinger. Tie game. Conger-bot.

[chuck]

Please tell me that happened as she set your second beer down.

Best case scenario Phil's looking at a seven beer lunch. I'm not sure I've ever gone back to work after seven beers.

[HudsonHawk]

Best case scenario Phil's looking at a seven beer lunch. I'm not sure I've ever gone back to work after seven beers.

He needs to trust his stuff and go a beer an inning.

[Andyzipp]

Top of 4th, McCullers toiling

Hosmer (0-1) strikes out swinging on a 1-2 pitch. 1 away.
Morales (0-1) grounds out weakly to first. 3 unassisted. 2 away.
Moustakas (0-0) gets a base hit to left on a 2-2 curve.
Perez (1-1) pops up to Valbuena. Side retired.

McCullers at 75 pitches.

No runs, 1 hit, no walks.  One runner left.

Middle of 4, 2-2

[Waldo]

Nice inning for LMJ.  He still has a chance to go 6.

[BizidyDizidy]

I like McCullers, surprised you're so down on him Jim. Yes, he was a bit twitchy last outing, but it was still a pretty decent performance (and better than what we've gotten out of Kazmir lately).

[WakePhil]

There is no beer that can save Gattis.

[HudsonHawk]

Man Carter missed a meatball there.

[Andyzipp]

Bottom of the 4th, Ventura pitching

Gattis (0-1) grinds his bat handle into saw dust before hitting a lazy fly to center. 1 away.
Gomez (1-1) attempts to bunt for a hit, but is mostly thrown out 1-3. 2 away.
Valbuena (0-1) walks on a 3-1 breaking ball. Runner on 1st.
Carter (0-1) hits into a fielders choice.  Valbuena out at 2nd. Side retired.

Ventura at 70 pitches.
No runs, no hits, one walk, one man left.

End of 4, game still tied 2-2.

[Colt 45]

I don't believe we get much more out LMJ

92 pitches

Sure has a good hook.

[HudsonHawk]

Zobrist is a tough out. 

[das]

I don't believe we get much more out LMJ

92 pitches

Sure has a good hook.

He's getting pretty strong. Not sure he's done.

[Andyzipp]

Top of 5th, McCullers pitching

Gordon (0-1) goes full before walking on a high curve. Runner on 1st. Castro out for a chat.
Rios (0-1) strikes out on 3 straight. 1 away.
Escobar (0-1) strikes out on a 1-2 curve. 2 away
Zobrist (0-2) grounds to Altuve. Out 4-3, Side retired.

Meanwhile, this lady hasn’t made an appearance today: http://www.rantsports.com/clubhouse/2015/10/12/female-fan-shamelessly-snorts-cocaine-during-astros-royals-playoff-game/

McCullers at 94 pitches.
No runs, no hits, 1 runner left

Middle of 5, all tied up 2-2

[chuck]

Every time a Royal hits a routine ground ball to a place where an infielder would normally be and there is actually a guy standing there preparing to field the ball and throw the guy out it surprises me.

[WakePhil]

Next beer should come just in time for bottom half of the inning. And...here it is.

[Jacksonian]

Every time a Royal hits a routine ground ball to a place where an infielder would normally be and there is actually a guy standing there preparing to field the ball and throw the guy out it surprises me.

Right.  Broadcasters need to show the infield prior to each batter so you know where on earth they are.

[BizidyDizidy]

MLB network had that little graphic in the corner

[HudsonHawk]

If Springer makes contact, he's gonna beat it right into the ground.

[JimR]

Posted in wrong thread. Altuve 0-14. He has to break out soon.

[HudsonHawk]

Correa with an RBI double and the Astros take a 3-2 lead!!

[Colt 45]

What a future we may have !

[WakePhil]

Is there an OWA pension? I can't return to work.

[HudsonHawk]

Is there an OWA pension? I can't return to work.

Don't worry buddy, we got ya.

[T. J.]

I am SHOCKED that no fans tried to grab that ball down the right field line. 

[Colt 45]

Some insurance please!

[Colt 45]

Oh no not Gattis!

[HudsonHawk]

Gattis misses another fat pitch to end the inning.

[Andyzipp]

Bottom of the 5th, Ventura still pitching.

Castro (0-1) strikes out swinging on 1-2 fastball. Does manage to hit Perez’ glove on the backswing. 1 away.
Altuve (0-2) grounds out 5-3, with an extra effort from Hosmer on the catch. 2 away.
Springer (0-2) walks on a 3-1 fastball.  Runner on 1st.
Correa (1-1) work the count full before lining the ball down the right field line for a double.  Springer scores from 1st.  Astros take the lead.
Rasmus (1-2) takes the intentional walk.  Runners on 1st and 2nd.
Gattis (0-2) flys out to left center. Side retired.

Ventura at 93 pitches.
1 run on 1 hit, 2 walks. 2 runners left.
End of 5, 3-2 Astros

[JimR]

Better swings from Gattis. Just missed that on. Deep to center when jammed.

[WakePhil]

It's the odd numbered beers that are effective. The even ones are my sacrifice.

[geezerdonk]

McCullers might levitate.

[Andyzipp]

Top 6th, McCullers still in.

Cain (0-2) strikes out on a 2-2 curveball. 1 away.
Hosmer (0-2) flies out to Rasmus in left. 2 away.
Morales (0-2) grounds out to Valbuena, 5-3. Side retired

McCullers at 105 pitches.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 walks, 0 runners left.

Middle of 6, 3-2 Astros.

[Waldo]

Hell of a day by McCullers.  Need nine more outs to give him a W.

[HudsonHawk]

I don't know what Hinch does, but I'd run McCullers back out there for the 7th.

[HudsonHawk]

That, boys and girls, is why you wear a mask.

[das]

I don't know what Hinch does, but I'd run McCullers back out there for the 7th.

Agree. He looks strong.

[Waldo]

Time for a Carter smash?

[Reuben]

Kruk wondering if McCullers blew his wad finishing the 6th. Very animated as he came off the mound apparently.

[HudsonHawk]

Carter could not get that at bat over with soon enough.

[Andyzipp]

Bottom 6th, Ventura out. Kelvin Herrera pitching for the Royals

Perez gets his mask knocked off by a Gomez backswing.
Gomez (1-2) strikes out on a 98 mph 0-2 fastball. 1 away.
Valbuena (0-1) walks on a 3-0 fastball. Runner on 1st.
Carter (0-2) strikes out on a 97 mph 0-2 fastball. 2 away.
Castro (0-2) strikes out on a 97 mph 2-2 fastball. Side retired.

0 runs, 0 hits, 1 walk, 1 runner left. Astros have struck out 11 times so far.

End of 6, 3-2 Astros.

[Waldo]

I don't know what Hinch does, but I'd run McCullers back out there for the 7th.

Looks like Hinch agrees with you.

[chuck]

They can go ahead and turn the air conditioning off in there.

[WakePhil]

The waiter, who has a beard to rival Gallardo, just suggested I mix in a water.

[JimR]

McCullers really settled down after two innings of hyperventilating. I hope he gets through this.

[HudsonHawk]

The waiter, who has a beard to rival Gallardo, just suggested I mix in a water.

Screw that guy.

[HudsonHawk]

Man Perez has had a rough day.

[HudsonHawk]

McCullers drills Perez, and is out with one out in the 7th.

[Waldo]

Man Perez has had a rough day.

Seems like a tough SOB.

[HudsonHawk]

Seems like a tough SOB.

He's a catcher. 

[HudsonHawk]

Pinch runner for Perez, takes 2B.  Tying run in scoring position with one out.

[HudsonHawk]

Pinch runner steals 3B...tying run 90 feet away with 2 out.

[Waldo]

Think this gets overturned?

[HudsonHawk]

Hinch challenging...probably gonna be overturned for coming off the bag....maybe not as Valbuena tagged him with his wrist, not the glove.

[Colt 45]

I say yes
Close

[Waldo]

Overturned!!!

[Colt 45]

Boy Howdy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[HudsonHawk]

Sliding practice for the Royals next spring...call overturned, inning over.

[Reuben]

Woohoo! That's huge.

[Andyzipp]

Top of the 7th, McCullers still pitching

Marwin Gonzalez in at first for the Astros. 
Moustakas (1-1) grounds out to first. 3U. 1 away.
Perez (1-2) hit by a 0-1 fastball in the rib cage.  Runner on 1st.
McCullers is done.  6.1 IP, 2 hits, 2 runs, both earned, 2 walks, 7 strikeouts, 110 pitches.

Will Harris is on the mound for Houston. Terrance Gore in to pinch run for KC.
Gore steals second easily. Runner on 2nd.
Gordon (0-1) strikes out on a 1-2 fastball. 2 away.
Gore steals 3rd. Valbuena spiked on the play.
After a Gulf Coast Windows review, Gore came off the bag. 2-5 on the caught stealing.  Side retired.

0 runs, 0 hits, 1 walk.  0 runners left.

Middle of 7, 3-2, Astros maintain.

[Reuben]

So was Gore channeling Carter there? I'm only following via radio.

[WakePhil]

For the record, I hate this part of replay, but FUCK the record! He's out. Even beer finally starts contributing.

[BizidyDizidy]

They need to change that rule

[chuck]

It worked in the Astros' favor but I really dislike that sort of replay challenge, the did he come off the bag for a nanosecond. That has never been a disputed call until now and I don't see what good it does.

[Tom Servo]

Sliding practice for the Royals next spring...call overturned, inning over.

If nothing is changed in the replay rules regarding these play, EVERYONE, will be running drills on this next year.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[toddthebod]

Let's go!!!!  Need a top of the order rally.

[BizidyDizidy]

Altuve looking ridiculous

[Reuben]

It worked in the Astros' favor but I really dislike that sort of replay challenge, the did he come off the bag for a nanosecond. That has never been a disputed call until now and I don't see what good it does.

Same here.

[HudsonHawk]

It worked in the Astros' favor but I really dislike that sort of replay challenge, the did he come off the bag for a nanosecond. That has never been a disputed call until now and I don't see what good it does.

I agree.  I hate that *that's* what replay has become.

[Waldo]

Listen to that crowd.   Astonishingly loud.

[toddthebod]

Has anyone heard this Al-Tu-Ve chant before?

[HudsonHawk]

Altuve has got to get to 2B here.

[T. J.]

Has anyone heard this Al-Tu-Ve chant before?

Just said the same thing myself.  Love it.

[Tom Servo]

Yeah, this is way louder than it was on tv yesterday. Now I really can imagine how loud it must be.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Waldo]

Yeah, this is way louder than it was on tv yesterday. Now I really can imagine how loud it must be.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The audio mix yesterday was terrible, but you can get a better feel for it if you watch the condensed game on MLB.tv.  I think they were keeping the crowd noise low for the broadcast so that the talking heads could be heard, but they changed the mix for the condensed game.

[WVastro]

I like the symmetry.

Al-Tu-Ve
Bigg-Gee-O

[Tom Servo]

I like the symmetry.

Al-Tu-Ve
Bigg-Gee-O

Yeah I liked the sound of it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JimR]

It has always been the rule to not come off the base.

[HudsonHawk]

Fuck what a terrible at bat by Springer...and why the FUCK is Altuve glued to 1B?

[HudsonHawk]

Correa!!!!!

[Waldo]

CORREA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Holy shit.

[Tom Servo]

Yes!!!!!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Andyzipp]

Correa is insane!!!

[chuck]

And as Phil's ninth beer gets served...

[T. J.]

HO LEE SHIT

[toddthebod]

The harder you throw it, the faster it goes out of the park!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MusicMan]

Bigamy is both illegal and immoral, but I'm asking Carlos Correa to marry me anyway.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WakePhil]

Drunk and hugging bar people

[pots]

Correa!!!

[BizidyDizidy]

This kid might stick

[Colt 45]

Drunk and hugging bar people

Nice

[Waldo]

COLBY JACK!!!!!!

[HudsonHawk]

Colby Jack!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Andyzipp]

Back to Back!!!

[pots]

Rasmus!!!

[Tom Servo]

Colby jack!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[T. J.]

What more can be said. Wow.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Crush City. 

[Colt 45]

Bring on the ALDS

[T. J.]

And Gattis gets one through.  Keep it rollin!

[MusicMan]

Bring on the ALDS

SHUT YOUR MOUTH


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WVastro]

Bring on the ALDS

Stop!!

[T. J.]

Bring on the ALDS

WHATTHEHELLAREYOUDOING??!!

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Long overdue great at bat by Altuve set this up. What an inning.

[WakePhil]

My brother is about to get naked in this bar. Will challenge my cover that he is a potential client.

[HudsonHawk]

Bring on the ALDS

This is the ALDS, dumbass.

[BizidyDizidy]

Pressing question - where is Congerbot?

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Sipp in the 8th, or Perez? I'm listening and they haven't said if anyone is warming up.

[WakePhil]

Bring on the ALDS

Fuck you with a thousand diseased dicks. I am forever humble BBG. I might need to drink heroine to counterbalance

[Andyzipp]

Bottom of the 7th, Herrera still pitching

Sellout crowd of 42,387 announced.

Altuve (0-3) walks after a 10 pitch battle with Herrera.  Robert Ford is trying his best to jinx the Astros. Runner on 1st.
Ned Yost visits the mound. Herrera is done.
Ryan Madson in to pitch for KC.
Springer (0-2) strikes out on a 1-2 fastball. 1 away.
Correa (2-2) homers to left field!!! Altuve scores!!! Astros up 5-2.
Rasmus (1-2) goes back to back!!!! 6-2 Astros!
Gattis (0-3) even gets a base hit. Single to center. Runner on 1st.
Marisnick in to pinch run for Gattis.
Gomez (1-3) base hit to right, Marisnick reaches 3rd, Gomez to 2nd on a throwing error
Valbuena (0-1) pops out to “deep short” Gordon makes the catch. 2 away.
Gonzalez (0-0) strikes out.  Side retired.

3 runs, 4 hits, 1 walk. 2 runners left.

End of 7, 6-2 Astros extend.

[Waldo]

Pressing question - where is Congerbot?

They showed him doing it on Correa's first HR.

[DVauthrin]

Bring on the ALDS

Delete your post and shut up!  Game ain't over yet.

[BizidyDizidy]

Oh missed that - streaming on my iPad in the car while my wife drives and gives me dirty looks, so has cut in and out a bit

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Sipp in the 8th, or Perez? I'm listening and they haven't said if anyone is warming up.

Oh, never mind. Misread Gameday and thought Hosmer / Morales / Moustakas were due up.

[HudsonHawk]

Harris still in...leadoff single on the first pitch

[HudsonHawk]

Another hit...tying run on deck

[Limey]

Meetings until 2:30, but now I am set up at Ron's Pub for the end of the game. 

Same smell, same Scottish barmaid (not sure if those are related), fingers crossed for the result. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MusicMan]

Spack, ban Colt 45 before we all go down.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BizidyDizidy]

Where's Spack to smite the sinner? BBGs unhappiness showing up.

[HudsonHawk]

Third straight hit...bases loaded...tying run at the plate, nobody out.

[Andyzipp]

shitfuck.  bases loaded.

[DVauthrin]

Spack, ban Colt 45 before we all go down.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Agreed.  He must be sacrificed, immediately.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

This is nauseating.

[MusicMan]

6-3, Sipp in


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Waldo]

Crap...

[HudsonHawk]

fourth straight hit...6-3, tying run at 1B, nobody out

[HudsonHawk]

Harris out, Sipp in.

[Andyzipp]

Sinking feeling.

[toddthebod]

Colt 45 whoever the hell you are, I am going to fly down to Houston and give you a beating.

[Limey]

Colt 45 may get his wish - more ALDS. 

For the record, I was here to the B2B jacks, so it ain't me. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[toddthebod]

How does Hinch let Harris stay in for four straight hits?

[Andyzipp]

Sipp's gotta get tough here.

[WakePhil]

They don't serve heroin shots here what is the appropriate sacrifice?

[Limey]

They don't serve heroin shots here what is the appropriate sacrifice?

Colt 45


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Outlawscotty]

Colt 45


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

God help you.

[WakePhil]

Colt 45


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Genius, but might to leave for the convenience strore

[HudsonHawk]

Fifth straight hit, 6-4, tying run in scoring position, still nobody out.

[Waldo]

Hnnngggghhh...

[MusicMan]

Bile. Rising.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Limey]

Very few words being spoken here that aren't on George Carlin's list.  Perhaps the only one not on the list is "Mother..."   


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HudsonHawk]

Way to tell the BBGs to fuck off, OWA, quality work

[Limey]

Fucking Morales. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Limey]

Unfucking believable. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HudsonHawk]

E6, two runs score, tie game. Runners at the corner, still nobody out.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Epic meltdown. The rookie giveth, the rookie taketh away. Gotta bone the fuck up right now. Game isn't lost yet.

[Andyzipp]

shitfuck.

[HudsonHawk]

Bring on the ALDS

What do you think now, dickbreath?

[Limey]

Dumbfuck statement of the day:

"At least the bases aren't loaded anymore.  "


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HudsonHawk]

Can't seem to finish the Moose Tacos

[HudsonHawk]

One out.

[Waldo]

An out!  An out!

[Limey]

Huuuuuuuuuuge K.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HudsonHawk]

Sipp out, Fields in

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Sweet Jesus. This is a long game.

[Waldo]

Nope, it's Gregerson

[toddthebod]

Gregerson?  Bizarre.

[BizidyDizidy]

Not going to be a bigger part of the game than this, like the move

[HudsonHawk]

I guess you figure Gregerson's more likely to get a ground ball.

[Limey]

Correa didn't watch that grounder into his glove.  Inning not his fault, but he could've helped his pitcher out there. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HudsonHawk]

If I'm the Royals, I'm squeezing.

[T. J.]

HUGE stop by Castro

[Andyzipp]

If I'm the Royals, I'm squeezing.

Thankfully they played themselves out of that.

[Limey]

If I'm the Royals, I'm squeezing.

Butt cheeks?   That's all of us. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Waldo]

Come on Gregerson, don't lose this guy

[Limey]

Is a walk so bad here?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HudsonHawk]

Is a walk so bad here?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not the end of the world.

[BizidyDizidy]

But you'd think this is a guy you can get

[HudsonHawk]

Butera fouling off pitches

[HudsonHawk]

Walk to load the bases.  Now you got nowhere to put Gordon.

[WakePhil]

Hair is falling from my head and interfering with my reading the screen. This is real.

[Limey]

Color guy worried about the runner on first.  What an idiot.  It's the two guys ahead of him I'm worried about. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HudsonHawk]

7-6 Royals

[HudsonHawk]

And the dickstomp is completed in masterful fashion.

[Limey]

7-6 Royals

End the bleeding there and you've got 6 outs vs. 3 to tie/win it. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HudsonHawk]

Is it quiet in there, or just the mics turned down?

[Waldo]

Rhetorical statement: AJ Pierzynski can go fuck himself.

[MusicMan]

Bring on the ALDS

I'm going to find you, motherfucker.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Limey]

A walk here is not good. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HudsonHawk]

Bases loaded again.

[Limey]

Fuck me. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Limey]

Is that a young Jimy Williams coaching at 1st?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Limey]

Twins jumping on the Rangers early.  4-0 in the 2nd.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Waldo]

The Twins?

[Andyzipp]

The Twins?

The Blue Jays tagged them in.

[Limey]

The Twins?

Sorry, Germans. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WakePhil]

The Twins?

Canadians are all related, right?

[HudsonHawk]

Finally.  Gotta go to work boys...chasing a run.

[Andyzipp]

Top of the 8th, Harris pitching

Rios (0-2) singled to left field. Runner on 1st.
Escobar (0-2) singled to center, after bouncing off the mound.  Runners on 1st and 2nd.
Strom takes a visit to the mound to talk to Harris.
Zobrist (0-3) blooper to center.  Bases loaded. Shitfuck.
Cain (0-3) singles to left.  Rios scores.
Harris is done after allowing 4 straight hits.
Tony Sipp in for the Astros.
Hosmer (0-3) singles over Altuve.  Escobar scores.
Strom talking to Sipp.
Morales (0-3) rolls to Correa, but off his glove. Error on Correra. Zobrist and Cain score. Game tied. Runners on corners.
Dyson steals 2nd.  Runners on 2nd and 3rd.
Moustakas (1-2) strikes out after a 10 pitch at bat.  1 away.
Hinch taking the visit. Sipp is done.
Luke Gregerson in for the Astros.
Butera (0-0) walks after a 10 pitch at-bat.  Bases loaded.
Gordon (0-2) out 4-3.  Hosmer scores. Dyson to 3rd, Butera to 2nd. 2 away.
Rios (1-3) walks on a 3-1 pitch outside.  Bases loaded.
Paulo Orlando in to pinch run for Rios at first.
Escobar (1-3) strikes out looking.  Side retired.

5 runs, 5 hits, 2 walks, 1 huge error.  3 runners left.

Middle of 8, 6-7…Astros falter.

[Waldo]

Springer is due for a big hit today.

[WakePhil]

Leaving bar to find Colt 45

[T. J.]

A 45 minute half inning.  45 FUCKING MINUTES.  See anything strange about that COLT "45"?!

Goddamit.

[Aussie Astro]

Canadians are all related, right?

The 'Eh' Team

[DVauthrin]

Time for the bats go to work.

[chuck]

Leaving bar to find Colt 45

Stay where you are and order a beer.

[JimR]

I am ill.

[Tom Servo]

Leaving bar to find Colt 45

You guys need to give it a rest. Nobody did this but the Astros. And the royals of course.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Limey]

Stay where you are and order a beer.

You should listen to him...he's pre-law. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WVastro]

That was brutal. How often did AJ use a reliever over parts of  two innings this year? I don't recall too many instances. Gregerson barely pulled it off yesterday and Harris.... Well no need to go over that again.

[HudsonHawk]

Lowrie continues his string of putrid at bats.

[Tom Servo]

That was brutal. How often did AJ use a reliever overlays of  two innings this year? I don't recall too many instances. Gregeraon barely pulled it off yesterday and Harris.... Well no need to go over that again.

Same thought here. He shouldn't do that anymore.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[geezerdonk]

In the last two years, Kansas City is 152 - 4 when leading after 7.

[Limey]

In the last two years, Kansas City is 152 - 4 when leading after 7.

What's their record when losing after 6?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WVastro]

Same thought here. He shouldn't do that anymore.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Autocorrect killed me there. Sorry fellas.

[HudsonHawk]

Quick 7 pitch 8th.

[Ty in Tampa]

Jesus...

[HudsonHawk]

What's their record when losing after 6?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

After 7

[Andyzipp]

Bottom of the 8th, Herrera fell asleep

Changes for the Royals:
Orlando in right.
Wade Davis in to pitch for the Royals

Lowrie pinch hits for Castro
Lowrie (0-0) popped out to SS on the first pitch he sees. 1 away.
Altuve (0-3) grounds out 6-3. 2 away.
Springer (0-3) strikes out on three straight pitches.  Side retired.

End of 8, 6-7 Royals

[HudsonHawk]

Well...three outs left

[Limey]

Well...three outs left

Each.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MRaup]

I am absolutely sick to my stomach.

Hinch leaving Harris and Sipp out there to slow roast was unbelievably painful.

[Limey]

5-0 northern team


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Andyzipp]

Just a colossal collapse.

[MikeyBoy]

Pathetic at-bats in bottom of 8th. Altuve is back to hitting everything a foot in front of the plate. Not letting the ball to travel.

[toddthebod]

The game is over.  The series is over.

[HudsonHawk]

Leadoff walk for the Royals in the 9th

[juliogotay]

I am absolutely sick to my stomach.

Hinch leaving Harris and Sipp out there to slow roast was unbelievably painful.

Clearly Hinch doesn't have confidence in many in the pen.

[Bench]

The game is over.  The series is over.

Blow up the dome.

[MikeyBoy]

I am absolutely sick to my stomach.

Hinch leaving Harris and Sipp out there to slow roast was unbelievably painful.

He had nobody ready to replace Harris. I guess he thought the shit was handled.

[Ty in Tampa]

leaving Harris in after the 2nd hit is inexcusable. I realize the bullpen is suspect but you have to step on their throats and not let up...

[Limey]

And we'll never be royals (royals)
It don't run in our blood
That kind of stuff just ain't for us
We crave a different kind of buzz
Let me be your ruler (ruler), you can call me Killer Bee
And baby I'll rule (I'll rule I'll rule I'll rule)
Let me live that fantasy


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[chuck]

Maybe the Royals haven't noticed that Conger's in.

[MRaup]

And we'll never be royals (royals)
It don't run in our blood
That kind of stuff just ain't for us
We crave a different kind of buzz
Let me be your ruler (ruler), you can call me Killer Bee
And baby I'll rule (I'll rule I'll rule I'll rule)
Let me live that fantasy


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm shoving you in front of the same bus Colt 45 is going in front of.

[Ty in Tampa]

fuck fuck

[Waldo]

Dammit

[MRaup]

leaving Harris in after the 2nd hit is inexcusable. I realize the bullpen is suspect but you have to step on their throats and not let up...

If you think it's the game situation and you're willing to burn Gregerson anyway, they should've just gone to him.

[HudsonHawk]

9-6 Royals

[Jacksonian]

They'll need Collin McWhew not Collin McPew on Wednesday.

[T. J.]

Original tweet now deleted, but at least we now know who to blame:

https://twitter.com/johnwessling/status/653667073323868160

[Limey]

7-0 Germans.

Bad day for Texas baseball.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Gonna be a sad plane again.

[toddthebod]

Harris should never have seen the 8th inning, particularly after such a long bottom of the 7th.  If someone wasn't warming up in the bullpen, that is unexcuseable negligence. 

[Andyzipp]

Original tweet now deleted, but at least we now know who to blame:

https://twitter.com/johnwessling/status/653667073323868160

Yes.  Colt 45.

[WakePhil]

I found Colt 45 ( the beer not the human). It's not over.

[HudsonHawk]

This is a dick stomp you'll be telling your grandkids about.

[Andyzipp]

Top of the 9th. Josh Fields in to pitch for Houston.

Conger in at catcher for the Astros.

Zobrist (1-4) walks on a 3-1 fastball.  Runner on 1st.
Cain (1-4) strikes out on a 0-2 fastball. 1 away.
Hosmer (1-4) launches a 2 run homer into the Astros bullpen. 
Dyson (0-0) strikes out on a 1-2 fastball. 2 away.
Moustakas (1-3) pops out to Gonzalez at 1st.  Side retired.

2 runs on 1 hit, 1 walk. No one left.  On the bases or likely in the stadium.

Middle of the 9th, 6-9 Royals. 

[juliogotay]

Harris should never have seen the 8th inning, particularly after such a long bottom of the 7th.  If someone wasn't warming up in the bullpen, that is unexcuseable negligence.

Yea, that's it...just run any old body out there. Anybody would be better than Harris, right?

[Andyzipp]

This is a dick stomp you'll be telling your grandkids about.

This is Bills/Oilers territory.

[Limey]

This is a dick stomp you'll be telling your grandkids about.

Where's Billy Wagner when you need him?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Waldo]

This is a dick stomp you'll be telling your grandkids about.

Much like 2005 NLCS Game 5, if they win the series I will conveniently forget this.

[Ty in Tampa]

Yea, that's it...just run any old body out there. Anybody would be better than Harris, right?

I see what you did there but leaving him in was just dumb...

[Waldo]

Correa got something started

[Limey]

Base fucking hit!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HudsonHawk]

Much like 2005 NLCS Game 5, if they win the series I will conveniently forget this.

Absolutely.

[Limey]

Much like 2005 NLCS Game 5, if they win the series I will conveniently forget this.

Great analogy!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WakePhil]

You guys need to give it a rest. Nobody did this but the Astros. And the royals of course.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just pissed that the Clark totally missed the atmosphere here. I was looking for the beer, not the person.

[MRaup]

FUCK this home plate umpire.

[MusicMan]

On the plus side, we've discovered that we should drill Correa in the elbow before every game.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

I remember that I didn't feel the true, awful gravity of the Pujols shot until many hours later, at a bar, and then it was just like all the color went out of the world. I don't feel terrible yet. I'm worried about tonight.

[HudsonHawk]

Wow...how can Rasmus take strike three in this situation?

[Waldo]

Awful time to turn into Morgan Ensberg

[Limey]

Tucker looks like they just woke him up from Hunter S.  Thompson's birthday party. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MRaup]

Good lord. I will pay a LOT of my hard earned money not to see another Moose Tacos close up. Good lord, he wins the caveman look-alike contest walkoff style.

[HudsonHawk]

I sure as fuck hope they didn't have the clubhouse all taped up ready for a celebration after that 7th inning

[HudsonHawk]

How the fuck does Tucker takes strike three in this situation?

[Waldo]

Dude... Tucker...

[Ty in Tampa]

I sure as fuck hope they didn't have the clubhouse all taped up ready for a celebration after that 7th inning

If they did, they're feverishly tearing it down right now.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Wade Davis is invincible.

[MRaup]

Same. Exact. Pitch. to Gomez is a ball off the outside corner. Strike to Rasmus.

FUCK. THIS. UMP.

[Jacksonian]

Wade Davis is going to make a lot of money on the open market as a big league closer.

[Waldo]

Same. Exact. Pitch. to Gomez is a ball off the outside corner. Strike to Rasmus.

FUCK. THIS. UMP.

I thought the pitch to Rasmus was further off the plate.

[Andyzipp]

Bottom of the 9th, Davis pitching

Correa (3-3) hits a single into center.  Runner on 1st.
Rasmus (2-3) strikes out looking on a letter-high fastball.  1 away.
Tucker pinch hits for Marisnick.
Tucker (0-0) strikes out looking.  2 away.
Gomez (2-4) flies out to right.  Game over.

No runs on 1 hit, no walks. 1 man left.

Royals win 6-9. Game 5 Wednesday in KC.

shitfuck.

[HudsonHawk]

And the collapse is complete.  That's one they'll write books about folks.

[ValpoCory]

Surprisingly, this is not the first time the Astros have scored 3 runs in the Bottom of the 7th before giving up 5 runs in the Top of the 8th of a possible series clinching home playoff game.  They even gave up 2 runs in the top of the 2nd in that game too, before posting 5 scoreless frames before giving up 5 in the 8th and losing that one as well.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU198010120.shtml

[MRaup]

And the collapse is complete.  That's one they'll write books about folks.

Fucking sickening.

I feel awful for Will Harris.

[Limey]

Do other teams pull shit like this?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MusicMan]

Houston was 19-0 when leading by 4 in the 8th.
KC was 0-15 when trailing by 4 in the 8th.

[ValpoCory]

Do other teams pull shit like this?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's 4 separate multiple run leads in the 8th inning or later in series clinching home games where they ended up losing the game.    That's got to be high on that list.

ETA: My bad.  1986 Game 6 wasn't a clinching.  Just felt that way with Mike Scott up for Game 7.

[Ty in Tampa]

That sucked but they still have a chance to win this. let's don't lose sight of that.

[ValpoCory]

That sucked but they still have a chance to win this. let's don't lose sight of that.

Exactly.  The Astros have held 3+ run leads at some point in all 4 games of the series.   They can do it again.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

That sucked but they still have a chance to win this. let's don't lose sight of that.

Tell me again about the rabbits,  George.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

It would be nice, in situations like this, if everyone in baseball just agreed not to discuss what happened here today. You know, show a little tact, a little fellow feeling for the Houston ballclub.

[Tom Servo]

It would be nice, in situations like this, if everyone in baseball just agreed to not discuss what happened here today. You know, show a little tact, a little fellow feeling for the Houston ballclub.

I'm just ready for Game 5.  Everything prior is done and forgotten about.

[juliogotay]

Surprisingly, this is not the first time the Astros have scored 3 runs in the Bottom of the 7th before giving up 5 runs in the Top of the 8th of a possible series clinching home playoff game.  They even gave up 2 runs in the top of the 2nd in that game too, before posting 5 scoreless frames before giving up 5 in the 8th and losing that one as well.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU198010120.shtml

did you notice the date? October 12.

[WVastro]

It's all about Colin McHugh now. Fuck the rest.

[Ty in Tampa]

 1-0 pitcher's duel...9-6 come from behind. a loss is a loss. move on.

[ValpoCory]

did you notice the date? October 12.

A day that will live in infamy. 

Too soon?

[MusicMan]

What time is Wednesday's game?

[Tom Servo]

What time is Wednesday's game?

8pm

[ValpoCory]

Time for Jim Crane to ofter up a bulldozer to Collin McHugh.

[MusicMan]

ESPN Stats & Info ‏@ESPNStatsInfo  30s31 seconds ago
Carlos Correa: 11 total bases vs Royals

Most by a shortstop in postseason history

2nd-most by any player in a loss in postseason history

[Tom Servo]

8pm

Btw, that's eastern time.  Sorry, I'm on the east coast.

[Limey]

8pm

El Real for lashings of Frito Pie, beer, Uber and late-night toilet hugging.

[JJxvi]

Soft tossing bullpen...   If the Astros could have managed a couple more wins in September, I wonder if they would have aggressively transitioned both Velasquez (who could only get mop work since things were so tight) and also McCullers who was seemingly 5th wheel with Fiers and Kazmir to hard throwing late inning bullpen arms.

[pots]

One of the key pickups at the deadline was suppose to be a bullpen arm.  This is all the Padres fault

[MusicMan]

One of the key pickups at the deadline was suppose to be a bullpen arm.  This is all the Padres fault

No, it's all Colt 45's and Greg Abbott's fault/.

[pots]

No, it's all Colt 45's and Greg Abbott's fault/.

For this instance sure, but the painful to watch bullpen of the last month and a half.  Luhnow recognized it.  Couldn't get what he wanted at the deadline.

[pots]

Interesting take I heard form the radio guys today,  They said the hitting coach was saying that Gomez's injury is actually helping to fix his swing.  Keeping his arms in more, a shorter more compact swing

[WakePhil]

We have game 5. So, all is not lost.

I did say that I'd be gone for about 1.5 hours and instead was gone for 4.5 hours. I left a bar to go to a terrible convenience store and drank a Colt .45. I am staying late at work trying to hide inebriation. All for naught, but that's part of being a fan.

We have Wednesday. We just set it up like 2005 so that we can witness the exact moment of heartbreak in the faces of more KC fans.

Frito Pies and Beers. There are heavier crosses to bear.

[Limey]

I did say that I'd be gone for about 1.5 hours and instead was gone for 4.5 hours. I left a bar to go to a terrible convenience store and drank a Colt .45...

I was only joking.

[NeilT]

I'm home from the game now.  I may never leave again. 

That inning was exactly like the Pujols home run in 2005, only longer.  Much longer.

[WakePhil]

I was only joking.

Many a true word is spoken in jest - Chaucer

[WakePhil]

I'm home from the game now.  I may never leave again. 

That inning was exactly like the Pujols home run in 2005, only longer.  Much longer.

"...suffering, so exquisite and prolonged and perfectly punctuated"

From a review of Anna Karenina. Fitting.

[Jacksonian]

We have Wednesday. We just set it up like 2005 so that we can witness the exact moment of heartbreak in the faces of more KC fans.

I have a hard time conjuring up that level of hate for their fans.

[NeilT]

"...suffering, so exquisite and prolonged and perfectly punctuated"

From a review of Anna Karenina. Fitting.

That game was exactly like the plot of Anna Karenina, particularly when the Astros threw themselves under the center field train.

[WakePhil]

I have a hard time conjuring up that level of hate for their fans.

Nor do I. Exaggeration. Wish well to them if they end up winning. I pulled for them last year.

[WVastro]

I'm having a tough time with this loss... I want to call my mom  so she can tell me it'll be ok. I'm a grown ass man.

[HudsonHawk]

I'm having a tough time with this loss... I want to call my mom  so she can tell me it'll be ok. I'm a grown ass man.

You don't need your mommy.  It'll be ok.  Life will go on. 

[WVastro]

You don't need your mommy.  It'll be ok.  Life will go on.

Only trying to get a laugh or two. I'm sure we could all use it!

[austro]

Late to the party, but given Harris's struggles lately, I was really surprised that there wasn't somebody ready to go at the first sign of trouble in the 8th (i.e., right after the first pitch). Although Sipp didn't exactly shut things down when he came in, either.

I was listening on ESPN Radio, so it was hard to tell what happened on Correa's error. I think they said that Sipp deflected the ball, and then they didn't really describe anything. Was it a sure double-play, or would it have been a miracle? Although even one out would have helped at that point.

[WVastro]

Looked like a double play to me.

[HudsonHawk]

I was listening on ESPN Radio, so it was hard to tell what happened on Correa's error. I think they said that Sipp deflected the ball, and then they didn't really describe anything. Was it a sure double-play, or would it have been a miracle? Although even one out would have helped at that point.

It was a sure double play.  Big candy hop, right at Correa a foot from the bag.  He took his eyes off of it to look at the bag and it hit off the tip of his glove.  The yahoos kept talking about how it was a tough luck error and should have been in hit.  In no alternate universe was that any thing other than a huge E.

Of course, if Sipp fields it, it's also a double play, but with  no run scoring. 

[HudsonHawk]

Only trying to get a laugh or two. I'm sure we could all use it!

The whining really isn't very funny.

[WakePhil]

It was a sure double play.  Big candy hop, right at Correa a foot from the bag.  He took his eyes off of it to look at the bag and it hit off the tip of his glove.  The yahoos kept talking about how it was a tough luck error and should have been in hit.  In no alternate universe was that any thing other than a huge E.

Of course, if Sipp fields it, it's also a double play, but with  no run scoring.

I was sure of this too, but on replay I wasn't sure. If Sipp doesn't slow down the ball I think it might have gone clean up the middle. Hard to say.

[HudsonHawk]

I was sure of this too, but on replay I wasn't sure. If Sipp doesn't slow down the ball I think it might have gone clean up the middle. Hard to say.

It may have gone up the middle, Altuve may have had a play.  Either way, it was not a "miracle" play for Correa.  He took his eye of the ball and, and it bounced off his glove chest high.

[WakePhil]

It may have gone up the middle, Altuve may have had a play.  Either way, it was not a "miracle" play for Correa.  He took his eye of the ball and, and it bounced off his glove chest high.

Agreed, after the tip it was a playable ball by Correa.

[JimR]

Clear error. AsMatt said, he did not look the ball in his glove, and was looking at the base. The announcers were covering for him. If Sipp fields it, 1-2-3 DP.

[Ron Brand]

Y'know, it doesn't get any easier from here on, it only gets harder. They've been all loose and cocky going into the playoffs, and they just took a damn good punch to the balls. Time to see just what this team is made of, and how they respond.

[austro]

Y'know, it doesn't get any easier from here on, it only gets harder. They've been all loose and cocky going into the playoffs, and they just took a damn good punch to the balls. Time to see just what this team is made of, and how they respond.

The hope that I'm holding onto is that Cueto is just as likely to blow up as he is to pitch well. I think the Astros can get to him. The problem, of course, is that McHugh is unlikely to pitch a complete game...

[HudsonHawk]

The hope that I'm holding onto is that Cueto is just as likely to blow up as he is to pitch well. I think the Astros can get to him. The problem, of course, is that McHugh is unlikely to pitch a complete game...

I have high confidence in McHugh.  Of course, I had much less in McCullers today, and he went out and pitched his ass off.

[juliogotay]

I have high confidence in McHugh.  Of course, I had much less in McCullers today, and he went out and pitched his ass off.

I just don't have much confidence in this pen. KC is getting a good look at Sipp, Harris and Gregerson. They are overexposed.
I hope that a hard-thrower is priority 1 next year.

[HudsonHawk]

I just don't have much confidence in this pen. KC is getting a good look at Sipp, Harris and Gregerson. They are overexposed.
I hope that a hard-thrower is priority 1 next year.

Fields is a hard thrower. 

[Ty in Tampa]

Correa got way ahead of himself on the Sipp tip. No excuse.

[NeilT]

I've rarely had a better view of a play. Correa was moving into the double play and didn't finish catching the ball. He wasn't way ahead of himself, but enough to flub the play.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Top of the 8th, Harris pitching

Rios (0-2) singled to left field. Runner on 1st.
Escobar (0-2) singled to center, after bouncing off the mound.  Runners on 1st and 2nd.
Strom takes a visit to the mound to talk to Harris.
Zobrist (0-3) blooper to center.  Bases loaded. Shitfuck.
Cain (0-3) singles to left.  Rios scores.
Harris is done after allowing 4 straight hits.
Tony Sipp in for the Astros.
Hosmer (0-3) singles over Altuve.  Escobar scores.
Strom talking to Sipp.
Morales (0-3) rolls to Correa, but off his glove. Error on Correra. Zobrist and Cain score. Game tied. Runners on corners.
Dyson steals 2nd.  Runners on 2nd and 3rd.
Moustakas (1-2) strikes out after a 10 pitch at bat.  1 away.
Hinch taking the visit. Sipp is done.
Luke Gregerson in for the Astros.
Butera (0-0) walks after a 10 pitch at-bat.  Bases loaded.
Gordon (0-2) out 4-3.  Hosmer scores. Dyson to 3rd, Butera to 2nd. 2 away.
Rios (1-3) walks on a 3-1 pitch outside.  Bases loaded.
Paulo Orlando in to pinch run for Rios at first.
Escobar (1-3) strikes out looking.  Side retired.

5 runs, 5 hits, 2 walks, 1 huge error.  3 runners left.

Middle of 8, 6-7…Astros falter.

Worst half inning experience of my life.

[Reuben]

I've rarely had a better view of a play. Correa was moving into the double play and didn't finish catching the ball. He wasn't way ahead of himself, but enough to flub the play.

Sipp basically did the same thing. He had a pretty easy hop and just alligator-armed it.

Putting SPs in the bullpen isn't working out too well this postseason - Price, Wainwright notable examples - but yeah, Hinch might have to get creative now that Harris, Sipp, and Gregerson have all been used and abused.

[Limey]

Y'know, it doesn't get any easier from here on, it only gets harder. They've been all loose and cocky going into the playoffs, and they just took a damn good punch to the balls. Time to see just what this team is made of, and how they respond.

Not a problem.  Most of their balls haven't dropped yet anyway.

[Limey]

The hope that I'm holding onto is that Cueto is just as likely to blow up as he is to pitch well. I think the Astros can get to him. The problem, of course, is that McHugh is unlikely to pitch a complete game...

If Hinch has learned anything from yesterday, let's hope it's that not only relievers can pitch in relief in a win-or-go-home game.

[homer]

Putting SPs in the bullpen isn't working out too well this postseason - Price, Wainwright notable examples - but yeah, Hinch might have to get creative now that Harris, Sipp, and Gregerson have all been used and abused.

Fiers in Game 2 after Kazmir should have been planned ahead of time.

[JimR]

Fiers in Game 2 after Kazmir should have been planned ahead of time.

Kazmir went deeper into the game if they see Fiers as a long man.

[homer]

Kazmir went deeper into the game if they see Fiers as a long man.

I think I'm following what you are saying. And i know it's easy to sit at my desk in Houston 4 days later and know what should have been... but: I was pretty sure before the game Friday that Kazmir had at best 5 innings in him. Fiers could have been ready to throw 6 and 7, and then been ready again to help yesterday.

[JimR]

I think I'm following what you are saying. And i know it's easy to sit at my desk in Houston 4 days later and know what should have been... but: I was pretty sure before the game Friday that Kazmir had at best 5 innings in him. Fiers could have been ready to throw 6 and 7, and then been ready again to help yesterday.

yes, if they decided to use him as a setup man. that is what we do not know.

[Reuben]

Out of curiosity I looked up Fiers' career stats. He has pitched in relief in 16 of his 81 career games. Didn't fare quite as well as his starts but it's comparable. 26 2/3 relief IP, so he's done plenty of long work.

Also of interest is that he's got virtually even splits vs. RHB and LHB.

Kazmir has started all but one of his 272 career games.

Keuchel relieved in 9 games back in 2013 and didn't fare well, but of course that was in another lifetime, before he was Dallas fucking Keuchel.