[ZapMast]

1972 World Sim

Seattle Cascades (3) vs. Indianapolis Racers (1)

vs.


Game 5



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"Welcome, baseball fans, to Victory Field in Indianapolis, where the 1972 World Sim Championship continues! It’s Game 5 between the Seattle Cascades and the Indianapolis Racers, and we are in for a must-see showdown tonight!"
"Just a few days ago, Seattle looked unstoppable, surging to a commanding 3-0 series lead. Their lineup was relentless, their pitching overpowering, and their path to a championship seemed inevitable. But the Indianapolis Racers had other plans. With their backs against the wall, they delivered—a 6-1 victory in Game 4, fueled by power hitting, clutch pitching, and a refuse-to-lose mentality."
"And now, the question looms—can the Racers do it again? Can they turn this into a series? Or will Seattle respond, snuffing out the momentum and celebrating a championship right here, right now on enemy turf?"
"For the Cascades, tonight is about finishing the job. They’ve dominated this series, winning the first three games with timely hitting and a bullpen that has shut the door every time. One more win, and they hoist the trophy. But if they let this one slip? The series heads back to Seattle, and suddenly, the pressure swings back on their shoulders."
"For the Racers, tonight is all about survival. They’ve already shown they can fight back. But can they take it up another level? Can they extend this series one more day and send it back to Seattle with all the momentum?"
"This is it. The stage is set. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Will the Cascades close it out, or do the Racers have another miracle in them? Buckle up, settle in, and get ready—because Game 5 of the 1972 World Sim starts now!”

Top of the 1st – Seattle Strikes First
Seattle looks to take early control in Game 5 as Ken Holtzman takes the mound for Indianapolis. Wes Parker leads off, taking a called strike before evening the count at 1-1. After fouling one off, he drills a ground ball, up the middle, past the second baseman into center field for a single. Joe Torre steps in, taking a ball before sending a grounder between first and second. The ball gets past the second baseman for a single, and as right fielder Buddy Bell makes a poor throw attempting to get Parker out at third base, he motors home to score while Torre advances to second on the error. Al Bumbry works a 1-1 count before rolling over a grounder to the shortstop, who makes the play to first for the out. Torre remains at second with one away. Frank Robinson follows by fouling off the first pitch before swinging through the next. Down 0-2, he takes two pitches in the dirt to even the count, then bounces a ground ball past the first baseman into right field for a single. Torre moves up to third, putting runners on the corners with one out. Holtzman stays composed and focuses on Dave Duncan, who launches a swinging strike before a called strike puts him in an 0-2 hole. After another ball misses high, Holtzman checks Robinson twice at first before a curve ball causes Duncan to swing and miss for the strikeout. With two down, Glenn Beckert steps in and takes a ball, then a called strike before fouling one off to fall behind 1-2. He lays off two close ones to work the count full but lines a soft out to the shortstop to end the inning. Seattle plates a run on three hits, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to take a 1-0 lead.

Bottom of the 1st – Busby Works Around a Hit
Steve Busby takes the ball for Seattle, looking to maintain the early 1-0 lead. Tony Perez leads off for Indianapolis and takes a called strike before working the count even at 1-1. Busby places a perfect pitch on the corner for strike two, but Perez holds off on two close pitches to bring it full. After fouling one off to stay alive, he lines a soft single into right field. Dusty Baker steps in next and quickly falls behind 0-2 after fouling off the first pitch and whiffing on the second. He stays disciplined, taking three straight balls to bring it full, but Busby wins the battle, getting Baker to chase a breaking ball for a swinging strikeout. With one down, Billy Williams digs in and watches back-to-back strikes paint the zone. He then rolls over a ground ball to second, where Glenn Beckert starts a smooth 4-6-3 double play to end the inning. Despite the leadoff single, Busby faces the minimum and keeps Seattle in front 1-0 after one.

Top of the 2nd – Busby Helps His Own Cause
Seattle looks to build on its early lead against Ken Holtzman. Sonny Jackson leads off and takes a ball before watching a called strike even the count. After working ahead 3-1, he rolls over a ground ball to the second baseman, who makes the routine play for the first out. Mike Anderson steps in next and takes a ball before swinging through the next pitch to even the count. A called strike puts him behind 1-2, and Holtzman freezes him with a perfect pitch on the inside corner for a called strike three. With two down, pitcher Steve Busby helps his own cause, turning on a 1-0 pitch and lining a single down the third-base line for Seattle’s fourth hit of the game. Wes Parker follows and takes a ball before fouling one off, then tries to check his swing on a changeup but the ump at first rings him up to fall behind 1-2. He stays back and drills a line drive into the left-center gap for a double. Busby rounds third and heads for home, the throw from Dusty Baker to home plate is cut off, and a play is made on Parker at third. He slides into third safely with Busby scoring Seattle’s second run. With Parker now on third, Joe Torre has a chance to add on but pops up a 0-0 pitch to shortstop, ending the inning. Seattle extends its lead to 2-0 as Busby’s baserunning makes the difference.

Bottom of the 2nd – Busby Strands Two
Indianapolis looks to respond after falling behind early. Buddy Bell steps in first and watches a ball go by before fouling off the next pitch. With the count even, he lifts a soft line drive to left field, but it hangs up just long enough for the left fielder to make the catch for the first out. Tito Fuentes follows and quickly falls behind 0-1 after fouling off the first pitch. He works his way back into the count, taking two balls to go ahead 2-1, but then swings through a pitch to even it up. Fuentes stays alive by fouling off another offering before lining a sharp single into center field for the Racers’ second hit of the game. With a runner on, catcher Ellie Rodriguez digs in. After taking a first pitch ball, he watches several pickoff attempts. When Busby finally delivers the 1-0 pitch, it's hit to center and caught for the second out. Eric Soderholm takes a 1-0 pitch outside. With two down, Fuentes takes off and swipes second base without a throw, putting himself in scoring position. Soderholm then jumps on a 2-0 pitch and grounds a single past the diving shortstop into left field, but Fuentes is held at third. The Racers now have runners at the corners with Juan Beniquez stepping in. Beniquez fouls off the first pitch, falling behind 0-1, then chops a weak grounder to third. The throw across the diamond is in time, and Busby escapes the jam, stranding both runners. Indianapolis misses a prime scoring opportunity, and Seattle maintains its 2-0 lead heading into the third.

Top of the 3rd – Holtzman Works Around an Error
Seattle looks to extend its lead as Al Bumbry steps in to lead off the inning. He wastes no time, but his swing results in a soft popup to the shortstop near second base for the first out. Frank Robinson follows, taking a ball inside to start his at-bat. After swinging through a pitch to even the count, Robinson lifts a routine popup to the second baseman, who squeezes it for the second out. With two away, Dave Duncan steps in and makes solid contact, but his ground ball to the right side is misplayed by the second baseman Fuentes, allowing him to reach on an error. Glenn Beckert follows and takes a big cut, coming up empty for strike one. He then falls further behind 0-2 on another swing and miss. Holtzman stays in control, inducing a ground ball to third. The play is made cleanly, with the force out recorded at second base, ending the inning. Seattle fails to take advantage of the miscue, and Holtzman keeps it a 2-0 game as the Racers come up in the bottom of the third.

Bottom of the 3rd – Busby Holds Steady
Ken Holtzman leads off the inning for Indianapolis and quickly finds himself in an 0-2 hole after fouling off two pitches. He lays off a ball low and inside, but on the next pitch, Busby puts him away with a swinging strikeout for the first out. Tony Perez steps in and battles, fouling off multiple pitches to push the count full. He stays patient and draws a walk, giving the Racers a one-out baserunner. With Perez on first, Dusty Baker takes ball one, and on the next pitch, Perez takes off for second, successfully stealing the base beating the throw. Baker works the count even at 1-1 but gets under a pitch and lifts a fly ball to center field for the second out. With a runner in scoring position, Billy Williams looks to capitalize. He takes ball one, then makes contact, but it's a slow roller to the first baseman, who fields it and flips to the pitcher covering to retire the side. Indianapolis strands Perez at second, and Seattle maintains its 2-0 lead heading to the fourth.

Top of the 4th – Holtzman Works Around Trouble
Sonny Jackson leads off the inning for Seattle and takes a ball before grounding out to the second baseman, who makes the play to first for the out. Mike Anderson steps in next and takes a ball, then a called strike to even the count at 1-1. After working it full with a swinging strike and two balls, he fouls off a pitch to stay alive before lining a single into shallow center field. With Anderson aboard, Steve Busby drops down a sacrifice bunt right back to Holtzman, who fields it cleanly and makes the play to first, advancing Anderson to second. That brings up Wes Parker, who quickly falls behind 0-2 after fouling off two pitches. He lays off a ball low, but Holtzman finishes him off with a swinging strikeout to end the inning. Seattle leaves a runner stranded, but they still hold a 2-0 lead as we move to the bottom of the fourth.

Bottom of the 4th – Seattle’s Defense Holds
Buddy Bell leads off the inning for Indianapolis and shows patience at the plate, working the count to 3-1 before lifting a soft line drive to the third baseman for the first out. Tito Fuentes steps in and takes a called strike before evening the count at 1-1 with a ball low. He swings through the next pitch, falling behind 1-2, but puts the ball in play, sending a grounder to shortstop. However, the ball is mishandled, and Fuentes reaches safely on an error on the shortstop's peg. The ball gets away allowing Fuentes to makes it to second base. Ellie Rodriguez follows and takes a ball, then watches a called strike even the count at 1-1. Another called strike puts him behind 1-2, and after taking ball two, he then swings and misses for strike three on the next offering. Eric Soderholm comes up looking to extend the inning, taking two called strikes to fall behind 0-2. He gets under the next pitch, sending a routine fly ball to center field for the final out. Indianapolis fails to capitalize on the error, and after four innings, Seattle continues to lead 2-0.

Top of the 5th – Holtzman Escapes Trouble
Joe Torre steps in to start the fifth and quickly falls behind 0-1 after a called strike. He watches a ball even the count at 1-1, then connects on a ground ball that finds a hole on the left side for a single. Al Bumbry follows and swings at the first pitch, fouling it off. On the next pitch, he sends a high fly ball to center field for the first out. With one away, Frank Robinson steps in and takes a ball, then another to get ahead 2-0. On the next pitch, he lines a single into right field, moving Torre up to second. Ken Holtzman now finds himself in a jam with two on and one out as Dave Duncan digs in. The right-handed slugger takes a called strike to start, then fouls off the next pitch to fall behind 0-2. Holtzman goes for the putaway pitch, and Duncan swings through it for strike three. Glenn Beckert steps in next and takes a ball, then bounces a grounder to second base, where it’s fielded cleanly and tossed to first for the final out. The Cascades strand two, and their lead remains 2-0 as the game moves to the bottom of the fifth.

Bottom of the 5th – Racers Rally to Tie
Juan Beniquez leads off the inning for Indianapolis and wastes no time, sending the first pitch on the ground past the shortstop for a single. With a runner aboard, Paul Schaal steps in to pinch-hit and takes a ball to open the count. A pickoff attempt keeps Beniquez close at first before Schaal sees a called strike, evening the count at 1-1. He watches two straight balls to get ahead 3-1 before Busby battles back with a called strike to force the count full. On the payoff pitch, Schaal rips a line drive into right field for a single, and Beniquez races around second to third, with no play at third base.

With runners at the corners, Tony Perez steps in, eager to capitalize. He fouls off the first pitch before taking a ball to even it at 1-1. A swinging strike puts him behind 1-2, but the next pitch results in a routine ground ball to short. It looks like a tailor-made double play, but the shortstop bobbles it, and everyone is safe! Beniquez comes home to score, cutting Seattle’s lead to 2-1. Schaal advances to second, while Perez reaches on the costly error.

Now with two on and still no outs, Dusty Baker digs in and quickly gets ahead 2-0. He fouls off a pitch before watching ball three to take a favorable 3-1 count. Busby doesn’t challenge him, issuing ball four to load the bases. That brings up Billy Williams with a prime opportunity to do damage. He starts with a called strike, then evens the count with a ball. Busby comes back with another called strike, and on the 1-2 pitch, Williams swings through it for strike three, a huge out for the Cascades.

Matty Alou steps in next as a pinch hitter and watches a ball to open the count. He then evens it at 1-1 with a called strike before lifting a harmless popup to the first baseman for out number two. It’s all on Tito Fuentes now with the bases still loaded. He works a 2-0 count when Busby uncorks a wild pitch, allowing Schaal to dash home and tie the game, 2-2! Perez advances to third, and Baker moves up to second. With two runners in scoring position, Fuentes gets back in the box, but Busby induces a routine grounder to third to retire the side. The Racers push two across to erase the deficit, and we’re all knotted up at 2-2 heading into the sixth.

Top of the 6th – Holtzman Exits as Bare Takes Over
Seattle looks to regain the lead as they face the new pitcher Ray Bare as that marks the end of Holtzman’s night here in the sixth. Roy Foster will take over for Bell in Right and will bat in the nine hole to complete the double switch. Don Baylor is called upon to pinch-hit and gets ahead 1-0 before watching a called strike even the count. After taking another ball, he tries to hold up on the next offering but the ump says he went around to make it 2-2. On the next pitch, he lifts a deep fly ball to center, but it hangs up just long enough for the outfielder to make the catch.

Mike Anderson follows and quickly falls behind 0-1 after fouling off the first pitch. He takes a ball to even the count, then grounds one softly to the first baseman, who fields it cleanly and flips to the pitcher covering for the out. With two gone, Steve Busby steps in, hoping to keep the inning alive. He gets ahead 1-0 before bouncing a grounder to first, where it’s handled smoothly for an unassisted putout.

Ray Bare keeps Seattle scoreless in the frame, and the game remains locked at 2-2 heading into the bottom of the sixth.

Bottom of the 6th – Rodriguez Singles, But the Racers Come Up Empty
With the game still tied, Ellie Rodriguez leads off the bottom of the sixth against Steve Busby. He falls behind 0-1 after taking a called strike but works the count full after a series of disciplined takes. On the payoff pitch, he lines a single into left-center, giving Indianapolis a leadoff baserunner.

Eric Soderholm steps in, and with Rodriguez taking a cautious lead, Busby delivers a first-pitch strike as Rodriguez takes off, attempting to steal second. The throw from the catcher is on target, and Rodriguez is tagged out at second, erasing the leadoff runner. Soderholm refocuses but finds himself in a 1-2 hole after fouling off a pitch. He then grounds one to the shortstop, who fields it cleanly and throws to first for the second out.

Juan Beniquez is up next and quickly falls behind 0-1 after fouling off the first pitch. He makes solid contact on the next one, sending a hard liner to right-center, but the center fielder makes a smooth running grab to retire the side.

Seattle’s pitching continues to hold firm as the Racers strand another inning without scoring. It’s still 2-2 heading to the seventh.

Top of the 7th – Seattle Struggles to Find an Answer
With the score still tied 2-2, Wes Parker steps in to lead off the seventh against Indianapolis right-hander Ray Bare. Parker takes a ball to start but evens the count at 1-1 after a called strike. He then takes another ball then fouls off a pitch to even the count 2-2, before finally swinging and missing for strike three. Joe Torre follows, taking a first-pitch strike before grounding one sharply toward third base. The third baseman fields it cleanly and fires to first for the second out. Al Bumbry tries to get something going, showing patience as he works the count to 3-0. He lays off the next pitch, drawing a walk and putting the go-ahead run on first. That brings up Frank Robinson, who takes a first-pitch strike before watching a ball to even the count at 1-1. He fouls off a pitch, then watches strike three on the outside corner to end the inning.

Seattle leaves another runner stranded as Indianapolis keeps the game locked at 2-2 heading to the bottom of the seventh.

Bottom of the 7th – Indianapolis Threatens but Comes Up Empty
Roy Foster leads off for the Racers against Seattle’s Steve Busby and takes a ball before slapping a grounder up the middle. The shortstop reacts quickly, making a diving stop, but he'll have to eat it, as Foster legs out an infield single. Tony Perez steps in next and takes a called strike before another is fired in for an 0-2 count. With Foster breaking for second base, the throw goes to second, and he’s caught stealing! The Cascades nail him with a perfect throw from the catcher Duncan to the shortstop covering. Perez stays in the box and watches a ball go by before lining a single over a leaping first baseman into right field, keeping the inning alive. Dusty Baker follows and works the count to 1-1. After fouling off a couple tough pitches, he sends a high fly ball to center field. The center fielder camps under it and makes the grab for the second out.

Billy Williams steps up, looking to keep the pressure on. He fouls off the first two pitches to fall behind 0-2 but stays disciplined, working the count to 1-2. He then lines a single to right-center field, with Perez moving up to second. With two on and two out, Garry Maddox enters as a pinch-hitter. He takes a called strike before a ball evens the count. Suddenly, a balk is called! Perez advances to third, and Williams moves to second, putting two runners in scoring position. The crowd roars as Maddox gets back in the box. He works the count to 1-1 before lifting a fly to right field, but it hangs up just long enough for the right fielder to track it down for the final out!

A big chance goes to waste for Indianapolis, and we remain tied 2-2 as we head to the eighth.

Top of the 8th – Borbon Slams the Door
Seattle looks to break the deadlock against Indianapolis reliever Pedro Borbon, but the right-hander is locked in. Dave Duncan steps up first and quickly falls behind 0-2 after a called strike and a foul ball. He watches a pitch off the plate, but Borbon comes back with another strike, freezing Duncan for a called third strike. Glenn Beckert follows and swings at the first pitch, sending a sharp grounder to shortstop. The fielder handles it smoothly and fires to first for the second out. Tim McCarver comes in as a pinch-hitter and takes a couple balls to start the at-bat. He then rolls a grounder to second base, and the play is made easily for the final out.

Borbon retires the side in order, keeping the game tied at two as we move to the bottom of the eighth.

Bottom of the 8th – Racers Threaten but Come Up Empty
With the score still knotted at two, Indianapolis looks for a breakthrough against Seattle’s Steve Busby. Jerry Kenney is now playing shortstop for Seattle. Tito Fuentes leads off and quickly falls behind 0-1 after fouling off the first pitch. He then takes a called strike to go down 0-2, but fights back with a sharp groundball through the middle for a single. Ellie Rodriguez follows and takes a ball as Fuentes swipes second base, putting the go-ahead run in scoring position. That's his second stolen base of the game. With a 1-0 count, Rodriguez swings through a pitch, then another, falling behind 1-2. He works the count even but on 2-2, he laces a grounder past short for a single. Fuentes races to third, putting runners on the corners with no outs.

That prompts Seattle to make a move, bringing in left-hander Al Hrabosky from the bullpen to face Eric Soderholm. The righty hitter takes two quick strikes and battles to a 1-2 count, but Hrabosky overpowers him with a fastball for a huge strikeout.
With one out, Juan Beniquez steps up. He takes a ball, then sends a slow grounder to third base. The fielder charges, fires home, and Fuentes is out on the force play. Rodriguez advances to second, but Seattle keeps the go-ahead run off the board. Roy Foster comes up next and works the count to 2-2 after a couple of foul balls. He puts up a tough battle, fouling off multiple pitches, but finally lifts a fly ball to deep center field. The ball hangs up just long enough, and the catch is made to retire the side.

The Racers leave two runners stranded, failing to capitalize on a golden opportunity. We remain tied at two heading into the ninth inning!

Top of the 9th – Borbon Slams the Door - Again
With the score still tied at two, Indianapolis returns to Pedro Borbon to keep Seattle off the board in the ninth. Mike Anderson steps in first for the Cascades and swings at the first pitch, sending a high pop-up in foul ground and the third baseman easily handles it for the first out. Seattle sends up pinch-hitter Roger Repoz to bat for the pitcher. Borbon gets ahead quickly, as Repoz swings through two straight pitches to fall behind 0-2. On the next pitch, Borbon buries a cutter, and Repoz swings over it for a strikeout. With two outs, Wes Parker digs in, looking to spark a rally. He takes a called strike to open the at-bat, then works the count back in his favor at 2-1. But Borbon induces a soft grounder to the first baseman, who fields it cleanly and steps on the bag unassisted to end the inning.

A dominant performance from Borbon sends us to the bottom of the ninth with Indianapolis needing just one run to stay alive in the series!

Bottom of the 9th – Baker Keeps the Racers Alive!
With their season on the line, Indianapolis looks for a hero in the bottom of the ninth. Seattle counters by bringing in right-hander Bobby Bolin, hoping to push the game to extra innings. Tony Perez leads off for the Racers and takes a called strike to start. He evens the count at 1-1, then fouls off a pitch to fall behind 1-2. Bolin fires a fastball on the inside corner, and Perez is rung up looking for the first out. That brings up Dusty Baker, who has a chance to send Indianapolis to Game 6. The first pitch is a ball. He then fouls one off to even the count at 1-1. On the next pitch, Baker unloads—crushing a deep fly ball to left-center field! The crowd erupts as it sails over the wall for a walk-off solo home run!

Victory Field explodes in celebration as Baker rounds the bases. The Racers stave off elimination in dramatic fashion, taking Game 5 with a thrilling 3-2 victory!

Victory at Victory Field!


A World Sim Classic – Dusty Baker Saves the Racers!
Game 5 of the 1972 World Sim will be remembered as one of the most thrilling contests of the season. With their backs against the wall, the Indianapolis Racers clawed their way to a dramatic 3-2 walk-off victory, staving off elimination and sending this series back to Seattle.

Seattle jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, capitalizing on a defensive miscue in the first and aggressive baserunning in the second. The Cascades looked poised to complete the sweep, but the Racers refused to go quietly. A two-run fifth inning, fueled by clutch hitting and a costly Seattle error, brought Indianapolis even at 2-2. The tension only built from there, with both teams squandering scoring opportunities and the bullpens trading zeroes into the late innings.

Then came the bottom of the ninth. With one out and no one on, Dusty Baker delivered the moment Indianapolis had been waiting for, launching a towering blast to left-center for the walk-off home run. The stadium erupted as the Racers lived to fight another day, stunning Seattle and keeping their championship hopes alive.

Now, the series shifts back to the Pacific Northwest for Game 6, where the Cascades will have another shot to close it out at Emerald Field. But momentum is now with Indianapolis, and with their ace set to take the mound, they believe they can force a decisive Game 7.

Can Seattle regroup and finish what they started, or will the Racers ride this wave of confidence to another stunning victory? The tension is at an all-time high, and Game 6 promises to be another instant classic. We’ll see you in Seattle!



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