World Series Game Seven

Los Angeles Dodgers @ Toronto Blue Jays

The best FOUR words in sports, WORLD SERIES GAME SEVEN. The Dodgers survived in game six thanks to another spectacular Yoshinobu Yamamoto performance and a clutch breakout from Mookie Betts. For the first time since 2019, the Fall Classic will come down to a decisive game seven. It has been an incredible series so far, with historic and record setting performances on both sides. Vlad Guerrero, Jr. and Ernie Clement could set the all time single season playoff hits record, Louie Garland could set a record for games pitched, and if this game is close at the end, we could be in for things we’ve never seen before.

Starting for the Blue Jays will be the man who started the last World Series game seven, Max Scherzer. At 41 years old, Mad Max will be the oldest pitcher to start a winner-take-all game, and he becomes just the fourth pitcher to start multiple World Series game sevens (Bob Gibson, Don Larsen, and Lew Burdette). Going on short rest will be Shohei Ohtani, but expect all hands on deck for both squads, as there is no tomorrow. And by all hands, that will mean nearly every starting pitcher from both teams, including Yamamoto on no rest. Tune in for what may be the greatest game seven every played.

Toronto Radio SN590 - Ben Shulman and Chris Leroux

Los Angeles Radio AM570 - Stephen Nelson and Rick Monday

FOX On Field - Ken Rosenthal, Tom Verducci, Kevin Burkhardt

Audio clips from MLB.tv

As always, thank you to Baseball Reference and SABR for statistics, box scores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

World Series Game Six Recap

Los Angeles Dodgers (93-69) @ Toronto Blue Jays (94-68)

The Blue Jays come back home to Rogers Centre just one win away from their first championship since Joe Carter walked off Mitch Williams and the Phillies in game six of the 1993 Fall Classic. Vladdy Jr. continues his unbelievable playoff run, closing in on the single postseason record for hits. Toronto will have another boost, as George Springer returns to the lineup, though it is unclear how much he’ll be able to do with his oblique injury. The Dodgers bats, on the other hand, have been mostly silent. Mookie Betts has struggled mightily this series, forcing manager Dave Roberts to shake up the lineup a bit. They’ll need the future Hall-of-Famer to step up if they intend to extend the series.

We should be in for another pitching duel for game six, as Kevin Gausman and Yoshinobu Yamamoto square up once again. The splitter heavy righties nearly matched one another in game two, but it was the Japanese ace who had the edge. With the season on the line, they both will need to bring their best. Can LA force a decisive game seven, or will Toronto wrap up the season in October?

Toronto Radio SN590 - Ben Shulman and Chris Leroux

Los Angeles Radio AM570 - Stephen Nelson and Rick Monday

Audio clips from MLB.tv

As always, thank you to Baseball Reference and SABR for statistics, box scores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

World Series Recap Games Four and Five

Toronto Blue Jays (94-68) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (93-69)

After an epic, 18 inning marathon win in game three, the Dodgers have taken the lead in this series, with two more to go at Chavez Ravine. Freddie Freeman once again played World Series hero, becoming the first player to ever hit multiple walk-off homers in Fall Classic history. Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani etched himself into the record books as well, reaching base in all nine of his plate appearances, by way of two doubles, two homers (including a game-tying shot in the 7th), and five walks (four intentional). And oh by the way, he’s gonna start game four on the mound. Truly a one of one player. Apart from Freeman and Ohtani’s heroics, however, the rest of the Dodger lineup has struggled to produce, and if they don’t turn it around soon, the powerful Blue Jays offense could strike. The much maligned Dodger pen held its own throughout extra innings, but will manager Dave Roberts be able to rely on them again?

It can be hard to imagine how a team could bounce back after such a heartbreaking and emotionally draining loss, especially given how many squandered opportunities the Jays (and how many runners got thrown out trying to advance in late innings!) But if there’s anything manager John Schneider knows for certain about his club, it’s their resilience and determination. That of course starts with their homegrown stud, Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., who’s been the best hitter throughout these playoffs. The task will be harder without George Springer, who left game three with an oblique injury and is doubtful to return, but don’t be surprised if fill-ins like Davis Schneider and Isiah Kiner-Falefa find ways to contribute.

Opposing Ohtani in game four will be California born Shane Bieber. It’s been an up and down postseason for the Jay’s midseason acquisition, but when he’s on, the former Cy Young can match up with the best of them. Blake Snell and Trey Yesavage will face off again for game five. Neither pitcher was particularly effective in their game one starts, but both have demonstrated the potential for brilliance. Will the Dodgers finish their quest for back-to-back championships in LA, or will the Blue Jays force the series back to Canada?

Toronto Radio SN590 - Ben Shulman and Chris Leroux

Los Angeles Radio AM570 - Stephen Nelson and Rick Monday

Audio clips from MLB.tv

As always, thank you to Baseball Reference and SABR for statistics, box scores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

World Series Game Three Recap

Toronto Blue Jays (94-68) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (93-69)

As we head to LA for game three, this series is tied at a game apiece. The Blue Jays jumped all over the Dodgers bullpen in game one, exploding for a nine run sixth inning. The bullpen has been the question mark for Dave Roberts and the Dodgers for much of the year, but he didn’t have to worry about that in game two as Yoshinobu Yamamoto went the distance in yet another stellar performance. For both managers, game three will be quite the test, as we’re in for a marathon. Tyler Glasnow will get the ball for LA, and while he’s been excellent in his two previous starts, he has yet to get past the sixth inning, which means the maligned Dodger pen will have to step up tonight. Mad Max Scherzer will toe the slab, making history as the first pitcher to appear with four different teams in the World Series. It hasn’t been a banner year for the future Hall-of-Famer, but Max has plenty of guile, grit, and moxie. Speaking of history, this game will full of it, with record setting production from the best player on the planet and a fantastic finish from a postseason legend.

Toronto Radio SN590 - Ben Shulman and Chris Leroux

Los Angeles Radio AM570 - Stephen Nelson and Rick Monday

Audio clips from MLB.tv

As always, thank you to Baseball Reference and SABR for statistics, box scores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

World Series Recap Games One and Two

Los Angeles Dodgers (93-69) @ Toronto Blue Jays (94-68)

The Fall Classic has begun in Canada, with the Blue Jays hosting the Dodgers for the first two games of the World Series. With George Springer’s epic homer in Game Seven against Seattle, Toronto captured its first AL Pennant in 32 years. Vlad Guerrero, Jr. took home ALCS MVP honors, while Alejandro Kirk and Ernie Clement racked up a ton of hits throughout the series. There is no let up in manager John Schneider’s lineup. And they should see an additional boost, as star infielder Bo Bichette returns to the team after missing thprevious two rounds with an injury.

The Dodgers look to defend their World Series crown as they rolled through the NLCS against Milwaukee, thanks in large part to their outstanding starting pitching. Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani combined for 28.2 innings, 35 strike outs, just nine hits, six walks, and two runs allowed across four games. The task will be much greater against this deep Toronto offense, and if the starters aren’t as effective, Dave Roberts will be forced to turn to a much maligned bullpen (which will be without their best lefty, Alex Vesia, due to an unfortunate family emergency.) Shohei Ohtani has appeared to break out of his postseason slump with a 3 homer day in game four (not to mention six shutout innings and ten strikeouts on the mound!). The rest of the offense has done enough to get by, but they’ll likely need more from the likes of Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Max Muncy, and the “Brothers Hernández”.

In Game One, the youngster Trey Yesavage will take on Blake Snell. Yesavage is making just his seventh career start (and 4th of the postseason), and he’s the second youngest to ever get a game one start (Ralph Branca for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947!). Blake Snell has been absolutely dominant, but he relies on hitters to chase outside the zone, which these Blue Jays avoid better than anyone.

For Game Two, expect a lot of splitters as Kevin Gausman and Yoshinobu Yamamoto face off. Gausman has been the Blue Jays best pitcher in these playoffs so far, but it will be tough to match the Japanese star. With the first complete game in the playoffs since 2017, Yamamoto looks to have the first complete game in the World Series in a decade, and he would the first with consecutive complete games since 2004.

Tune in for what should be an excellent series!

Toronto Radio SN590 - Ben Shulman and Chris Leroux

Los Angeles Radio AM570 - Stephen Nelson and Rick Monday

Audio clips from MLB.tv

As always, thank you to Baseball Reference and SABR for statistics, box scores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

American League Championship Series Game Seven Recap

Seattle Mariners @ Toronto Blue Jays

It all comes down to this. Game Seven. One team looking for their first AL Pennant in 32 years. The other looking for their first pennant ever. The Blue Jays survived game six thanks to a gutsy outing from youngster Trey Yesavage, as well as homers from Addison Barger and Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. Manager John Schneider will hand the ball to former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber, who delivered a strong start in game three. Expect the leash to be short, and for everyone outside of Yesavage to be available. On the offensive side, do not be shocked if postseason legend George Springer makes a mark, as he often has in previous game sevens.

The Mariners have never been closer to a World Series, but they missed their first opportunity to advance. And since they didn’t take care of business in Seattle, this is their last shot. Rodríguez, Raleigh, Naylor, and Suárez have done their part at the plate, but the rest of the lineup has practically been nonexistent in this series. If they want to close this series out, the big bats will need some help. Despite getting shelled in game three, George Kirby will take the mound in a winner-take-all game, as he did against Detroit in the ALDS. It will be his first ever playoff start on the road, which may cause some jitters for the righty. Manager Dan Wilson has a lot of options out of the bullpen; however, they’ve been heavily taxed in the postseason so far. Gabe Speier and Eduard Bazardo have been used in nearly every game, and their effectiveness has waned. The big question is how many outs can Andrés Muñoz get, and will the Mariners have a lead when he enters?

Game Seven, here we go!

Seattle Radio KIRO - Rick Rizzs and Aaron Goldsmith

Toronto Radio SN590 - Ben Shulman and Chris Leroux

Audio clips from MLB.tv

As always, thank you to Baseball Reference and SABR for statistics, box scores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

National League Championship Series Games Three and Four

Milwaukee Brewers @ Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers come back to Chavez Ravine with a two games to none series lead, behind dominant starts from Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Brewers did a decent job of limiting the Dodgers potent offense, but couldn’t string together anything in the first two games. And it won’t get any easier for Pat Murphy’s guys, as they will face the talented Tyler Glasnow in game three, and then Shohei Ohtani in game four. They’ve had no issue with Ohtani at the plate, who has struggled mightily since a two homer game to start this postseason. Fortunes can change quickly in October, though. As the Dodgers continue their quest to defend their World Series title, the greatest player on the planet will deliver his finest performance.

Los Angeles Radio AM570 - Stephen Nelson and Rick Monday

Audio clips from MLB.tv

As always, thank you to Baseball Reference and SABR for statistics, box scores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

American League Championship Series - Games One and Two

(3) Seattle Mariners (90-72) vs. (1) Toronto Blue Jays (94-68)

For the first time in 24 years, the Mariners have reached the ALCS. After outlasting the Detroit Tigers in an epic 15 inning fifth game, Seattle looks to continue their magical season and secure their first ever American League Pennant. MVP candidates Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodriguez provided plenty of spark in the ALDS, but it was veteran infielder Jorge "Top Gun" Polanco who came up with the clutch hits, not only the series clinching walk-off, but also two homers off of likely Cy Young Tarik Skubal. Manager Dan Wilson’s electric pitching staff will have their hands full with the Blue Jays hitters, who have been the best in baseball since May. Vladdy, Jr. led the way in a dominant performance against the Yankees. Toronto’s pitching may be a bit of a question mark heading into this series, but they did the job versus New York. Rogers Centre should be raring to go for game one.

Toronto Radio SN 590 - Ben Shulman and Chris Leroux

Seattle Radio KIRO - Rick Rizzs and Aaron Goldsmith

National League Championship Series Games One and Two

(3) Los Angeles Dodgers (93-69) vs. (1) Milwaukee Brewers (97-65)

Despite being the reigning World Series Champions and boasting a record shattering payroll, the Dodgers don’t want to view this series as a “David vs. Goliath” matchup. The Brewers may be a small market team without notable superstars, but they were the best team in baseball for a reason. They play hard, they battle, and they force you to execute as an opponent. Still, the pure talent the Dodgers possess is imposing. With 3 MVPS in the lineup, a 2X Cy Young Winner on the hill, and then one of the best Japanese pitchers to ever come over stateside going in game two, it’s no wonder Pat Murphy views this series as a challenge. It should be a great one.

Los Angeles Radio AM570 - Stephen Nelson and Rick Monday

Milwaukee Radio WTMJ - Jeff Levering, Lane Brindle, and Josh Maurer

Audio clips from MLB.tv

As always, thank you to Baseball Reference and SABR for statistics, box scores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.