Walkin' it off again...
Once again the Rays win a game in the most dramatic of fashion - a 3-run walk-off homer. Today Jimmy Leonard was the hero. After squandering an earlier chance to be the hero when he struck out in the 11th with two men on, Leonard wasn't going to pass up the opportunity a second time and he launched one into the RF bullpen to give the Rays a big 2-0 lead in the ALDS. Things started off a lot like last night when the Yankees took a shock lead against another of our aces as Gordie Ager gave up a 3-run homer to wipe out a quick 2-0 lead the Rays took in the first. Also the much-maligned bullpen has been great in both games, today with 7 scoreless and Sean Forbes picking up the win. Brad Jackson will try to close it out at Yankee Stadium in two days.
One injury note: Jose Mendez had to leave yesterday's game with back tightness, diagnosed as "moderate" for two weeks so he was put on the IL and can't return until the World Series. Jeff Googins was added to the playoff roster to take his place.
In the other DS, the White Sox are looking at an early exit for the second straight year after a dominant regular season. Last year they won 106 and were dumped in the DS, and this year they won 109 and are now down 0-2:
For the second straight Chicago closer Walt Klopfer was lit up and blew the game.