Wild Nail Biter Goes to Texas

09/03/2000 - Great baseball weather today at Neutral Ballpark. Texas took the afternoon game 8-7. Chad Allen-99 led the offense for Texas going 1 for 5 with 1 home run and 3 RBI. With the victory, Texas is now 59-70.

9-3-2000 (Day Game): 2000-New York 2000_USA_NY (66-61) vs. 2000-Texas 2000_USA_TX (59-70)

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
2000-New York 2000_USA_NY	4	0	0	2	0	1	0	0	0	7	16	3
2000-Texas 2000_USA_TX	0	2	3	0	0	3	0	0	x	8	11	0

Batting

2000-New York 2000_USA_NY	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	IBB	SO	SB	CS	SH	SF	E	AVE
A. Rodriguez-05 (DH)	4	3	4	0	0	3	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.275
C. Stynes-00 (CF)	5	2	3	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.296
F. Menechino-01 (3B)	3	1	1	0	0	0	1	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	2	.105
M. Caruso-98 (SS)	5	1	4	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.369
R. Ibanez-06 (LF)	5	0	2	0	0	0	2	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	.253
D. Easley-97 (2B)	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	.233
T. Tarasco-95 (RF)	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.169
P. Lo Duca-01 (PH7)(RF7)	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.306
T. Graffanino-05 (1B)	4	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	.304
J. Flaherty-97 (C)	5	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.200
	41	7	16	3	0	3	7	4	0	7	0	0	0	0	3	.271

3 for 13 with runners in scoring position.

2B: C. Stynes-00(2)[23], M. Caruso-98[7]
HR: A. Rodriguez-05(3)[27]
RBI: A. Rodriguez-05(3)[79], F. Menechino-01[2], M. Caruso-98[7], R. Ibanez-06(2)[78]
E: F. Menechino-01(2)[2], T. Graffanino-05[1]
GIDP: C. Stynes-00[6]
LOB: 11

2000-Texas 2000_USA_TX	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	IBB	SO	SB	CS	SH	SF	E	AVE
J. Canizaro-00 (2B)	4	1	2	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.299
C. Allen-99 (RF)	5	1	1	0	0	1	3	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.266
T. Neel-93 (1B)	4	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.244
P. Clark-93 (DH)	4	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.303
S. Livingstone-92 (3B)	4	2	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.344
J. LaRue-05 (C)	3	2	1	1	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.220
C. Murray-01 (LF)	4	0	2	1	0	0	2	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.500
D. Sadler-98 (SS)	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.164
J. Tyner-01 (CF)	4	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.351
	36	8	11	5	0	1	8	2	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	.264

5 for 10 with runners in scoring position.

2B: J. Canizaro-00(2)[6], T. Neel-93[13], J. LaRue-05[15], C. Murray-01[1]
HR: C. Allen-99[7]
RBI: C. Allen-99(3)[36], P. Clark-93[35], J. LaRue-05[22], C. Murray-01(2)[2], J. Tyner-01[17]
PB: J. LaRue-05[1]
DP: 1
LOB: 6

Pitching

2000-New York 2000_USA_NY	IP	R	ER	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	IBB	SO	WP	HBP	ERA	Pitches Thrown	Game Score
A. Watson-97(L 6-10)	8.0	8	7	11	5	0	1	2	0	3	0	0	6.69	134	35
	8.0	8	7	11	5	0	1	2	0	3	0	0	4.59	134	-

2000-Texas 2000_USA_TX	IP	R	ER	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	IBB	SO	WP	HBP	ERA	Pitches Thrown	Game Score
M. Sirotka-99(W 1-1)	8.2	7	7	15	3	0	3	4	0	7	1	0	5.55	184	22
A. Rhodes-01(S 6)	0.1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2.17	8	-
	9.0	7	7	16	3	0	3	4	0	7	1	0	4.81	192	-

Fielding

2000-New York 2000_USA_NY	Pos	CH	PO	A	E
A. Watson-97	P	1	1	0	0
J. Flaherty-97	C	3	3	0	0
T. Graffanino-05	1B	9	7	1	1
D. Easley-97	2B	2	0	2	0
F. Menechino-01	3B	6	3	1	2
M. Caruso-98	SS	4	1	3	0
R. Ibanez-06	LF	4	4	0	0
C. Stynes-00	CF	0	0	0	0
T. Tarasco-95	RF	4	2	2	0

2000-Texas 2000_USA_TX	Pos	CH	PO	A	E
A. Rhodes-01	P	0	0	0	0
M. Sirotka-99	P	2	2	0	0
J. LaRue-05	C	7	7	0	0
T. Neel-93	1B	10	9	1	0
J. Canizaro-00	2B	3	1	2	0
S. Livingstone-92	3B	3	2	1	0
D. Sadler-98	SS	6	2	4	0
C. Murray-01	LF	1	1	0	0
J. Tyner-01	CF	0	0	0	0
C. Allen-99	RF	4	3	1	0

DDBB Player of the Game: C. Allen-99
Neutral Ballpark
Rodriguez-05 (2000-New York 2000_USA_NY) hits 3 home runs [27]. Watson-97 (2000-New York 2000_USA_NY) throws a complete game [2].
Away Lineup Type: Profile: LHPDH-Default
Home Lineup Type: Profile: LHPDH-Default

9-3-2000 (Day Game): 2000-New York 2000_USA_NY (66-61) vs. 2000-Texas 2000_USA_TX (59-70)

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
2000-New York 2000_USA_NY	4	0	0	2	0	1	0	0	0	7	16	3
2000-Texas 2000_USA_TX	0	2	3	0	0	3	0	0	x	8	11	0

2000-New York 2000_USA_NY

Player	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
1) A. Rodriguez-05 (DH)	HR,R(1),RBI	1B,X(2)	-	HR,R(1),RBI	-	HR,R(1),RBI	-	BB	-
2) C. Stynes-00 (CF)	1B,R(4)	GO643,DP	-	2B,R(3)	-	LO3	-	2B	-
3) F. Menechino-01 (3B)	BB,R(5)	LO7	-	1B,RBI,X(4)	-	SO	-	BB	-
4) M. Caruso-98 (SS)	1B,RBI,R(5)	-	1B	1B	-	2B	-	LO6	-
5) R. Ibanez-06 (LF)	1B,2RBI	-	1B	PB,SO	-	GO63	-	SO	-
6) D. Easley-97 (2B)	LO3	-	SO	-	SO	-	SO	-	GO31
7) T. Tarasco-95 (RF)	LO9	-	FO9	-	LO9	-	-	-	-
P. Lo Duca-01 (PH7)(RF7)	-	-	-	-	-	-	SO	-	GO53
8) T. Graffanino-05 (1B)	GO43	-	GO63	-	BB	-	LO1	-	1B
9) J. Flaherty-97 (C)	-	1B	-	GO63	WP,LO5	-	-	GOU	LO6

2000-Texas 2000_USA_TX

Player	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
1) J. Canizaro-00 (2B)	GO63	FO7	-	2B	-	BB,R(2)	-	2B	-
2) C. Allen-99 (RF)	GOU	-	FO9	GO31	-	HR,3RBI,R(2)	-	SO	-
3) T. Neel-93 (1B)	ROE5	-	2B,R(4)	GO43	-	FO7	-	-	-
4) P. Clark-93 (DH)	GO63	-	1B,RBI,X(5)	-	ROE5,X(5)	FO9	-	-	-
5) S. Livingstone-92 (3B)	-	1B,R(7)	1B,R(6)	-	1B	-	FO9	-	-
6) J. LaRue-05 (C)	-	BB,R(9)	2B,RBI,R(7)	-	PU5	-	LO9	-	-
7) C. Murray-01 (LF)	-	1B,RBI	2B,RBI	-	GO63	-	SO	-	-
8) D. Sadler-98 (SS)	-	SO	LO6	-	-	GO53	-	LO7	-
9) J. Tyner-01 (CF)	-	RBI,GO43	-	LO7	-	ROE3,R(2)	-	LO9	-

SCORING PLAYS

Top of the 1st
A great day for a scheduled game between
New York (66-60) and Texas (58-70).
The starting pitcher for New York is Allen Watson-97 (6-9, 6.61).
The starting pitcher for Texas is Mike Sirotka-99 (0-1, 4.60).

*** Top of the 1st ***

Settling into the box is Rodriguez-05.
nobody out here in the Top of the 1st.
Sirotka-99 sets and delivers ...

Well hit to center field ...
Tyner-01 going back, but he has no chance ...
and that one's well into the cheap seats ...
Home Run for Rodriguez-05!

And that breaks the tie, Texas trails now 1 - 0.

Left-handed hitter Caruso-98 checks in.
He brings a 8 game hitting streak with him to the plate.
nobody gone.
Stynes-00 is on at second. Menechino-01 takes his lead from first.
Sirotka-99 has the sign ...
he winds and fires ...
the runners are on the move ...

Swung on ...
and he promptly strokes one to center field ...
a solid line drive single for Caruso-98.
Caruso-98 extends his hitting streak to 9 games.

A green light from the coaching box ...
so the runners keep on going ...
but Tyner-01 might have a play ...
strong throw to LaRue-05 ...
but he can't get the tag down in time ... safe!
Here comes Stynes-00 to score.
Taking third is Menechino-01.
and Caruso-98 alertly takes second on the throw.

Now here's Ibanez-06.
He entered the game batting .252 with 21 HR and 76 RBI.
nobody gone.
Menechino-01 is parked on third. Caruso-98 leads off second.
Sirotka-99 winds and deals ...

Swung on ...
lined hard to shortstop ...
just out of Sadler-98's reach ...
and into center field for a base hit ...
picked up there by Tyner-01 ...
single for Ibanez-06.

They're waving Caruso-98 around ...
but Tyner-01 might have a play ...
strong throw, but it's off line ... he's safe!
Scoring from third is Menechino-01.
Here comes Caruso-98 to score.
and Ibanez-06 alertly takes second on the throw.

Bottom of the 2nd
Right-handed Murray-01 ready to face off against Watson-97 ...
staring him down.
nobody gone here in the Bottom of the 2nd.
Livingstone-92 is on at second. LaRue-05 leads off first.
Murray-01 waits ...
Watson-97 plants his foot on the rubber, and deals ...

Swung on ...
banged into center field for a base hit ...
coming up to cut it off is Stynes-00 ...
solid single for Murray-01.

A green light from the coaching box ...
so the runners keep on going ...
but Stynes-00 might have a play ...
great throw to Flaherty-97 ...
but he can't handle it ... safe!
Here comes Livingstone-92 to score.
LaRue-05 heads to third.
and Murray-01 alertly takes second on the throw.

The left-handed Tyner-01 adjusting his gloves for a moment ...
Now he's ready.
one out.
Tight situation now for Watson-97, with LaRue-05 just 90 feet away at third. Murray-01 takes his lead from second.
Watson-97 cranks it up and deals ...

Bouncing ball out to Easley-97 at second base ...
And he takes his time ...
Before throwing Tyner-01 out at first.
LaRue-05 scores from third.
Taking third is Murray-01.

Bottom of the 3rd
And play stops for a moment as Clark-93 goes back to the dugout to get a new bat ...
Now he returns and steps into the box.
one out.
Neel-93 is on at second.
Clark-93 waits ...
Watson-97 plants his foot on the rubber, and deals ...

Grounded sharply to the left side ...
and that's going to get past Menechino-01 and into left field ...
Ibanez-06 comes up with it quickly there...
and Clark-93 is going to have himself a with a single.

Neel-93 is trying for extra bases ...
Here comes Neel-93 to score.

So here's LaRue-05.
He entered the game batting .219 with 7 HR and 21 RBI.
two out here in the Bottom of the 3rd.
Livingstone-92 perched out at second.
Watson-97 turns, sets, and delivers ...

Swung on ...
hit in the air to right field ...
going back is Tarasco-95 ...
way back ...
and it's off the wall ...
LaRue-05 cruises toward second for a double.
Here comes Livingstone-92 to score.

And Watson-97 fails to hold Texas in check here in the Bottom of the 3rd ...
and we've got a brand new ballgame.

Murray-01 ready to face off against Watson-97 ...
staring him down.
two away.
LaRue-05 leads off second.
Watson-97 has the sign ...
he rocks back, and here it comes ...

And there's a shot down the first base line ...
fair ball, and headed for the right field corner ...
Tarasco-95 unable to cut it off ...
and Murray-01 cruises toward second for a double.
Scoring from second is LaRue-05.

And that breaks the tie, Texas now leads 5 - 4.

Top of the 4th
And that brings up Rodriguez-05.
So far today he is 2 for 2 with 1 HR and 1 RBI.
one out.
Sirotka-99 delivers ...

Right in his wheelhouse ...
and Rodriguez-05 just unloads ...
that's just going to jump out of here ...
deep over the left field wall ...
Home Run for Rodriguez-05!
and Rodriguez-05 has 2 bombs today.

And we have a tie ball game.

Menechino-01 stands in and cocks his bat ...
Sirotka-99 looks in.
one down here in the Top of the 4th.
Stynes-00 perched out at second.
And here comes the pitch ...

And there's a line shot ...
past a diving Canizaro-00 and into center field ...
Tyner-01 coming over to cut it off ...
and he does, to hold Menechino-01 to a single.

A weak throw back to the infield ...
and Stynes-00 is going to take advantage ...
Here comes Stynes-00 to score.

Top of the 6th
Up next for New York, Rodriguez-05.
He has had some luck kocking in baserunners this season.
He entered the game batting .268 with 24 HR and 76 RBI.
nobody out.
Sirotka-99 comes set to the letters...
the pitch...

And there's a drive to deep center field ...
Wow, no doubt about that one ...
a monstrous Home Run for Rodriguez-05 that carries well into the seats!
and Rodriguez-05 has 3 home runs today.

Bottom of the 6th
Settling into the right side of the box is Allen-99.
He entered the game batting .267 with 6 HR and 33 RBI.
one out here in the Bottom of the 6th.
Tyner-01 leads off second. Canizaro-00 is edging off the bag at first.
With 103 pitches in the books, Watson-97 is getting a workout ...
and here comes the pitch ...

Swung on ...
high fly ball towards the left field power alley ...
and carrying well ...
back goes Ibanez-06 ...
way back ...
and that one's outta here! Home Run for Allen-99!
Tyner-01 scores.
Canizaro-00 scores.

And Allen-99 comes up with the big hit, Texas is on top now 8 - 7.

PLAY BY PLAY

A great day for a scheduled game between
New York (66-60) and Texas (58-70).
The starting pitcher for New York is Allen Watson-97 (6-9, 6.61).
The starting pitcher for Texas is Mike Sirotka-99 (0-1, 4.60).

*** Top of the 1st ***

Settling into the box is Rodriguez-05.
nobody out here in the Top of the 1st.
Sirotka-99 sets and delivers ...

Well hit to center field ...
Tyner-01 going back, but he has no chance ...
and that one's well into the cheap seats ...
Home Run for Rodriguez-05!

And that breaks the tie, Texas trails now 1 - 0.

Hitting next is power hitting Stynes-00.
nobody down.
Sirotka-99 kicks and deals...

Swung on ...
and that's going to be hit into right field for a base hit ...
Allen-99 over to pick it up ...
single for Stynes-00.

Menechino-01 is next.
He entered the game batting .062 with 1 RBI.
nobody gone.
Stynes-00 takes his lead from first.
Sirotka-99 a long look at Stynes-00 ...
Sirotka-99 toes the rubber ...
now winds, and delivers ...

Ball four ... and Menechino-01 works out a walk.
Stynes-00 heads to second.

Swung on ...
and he promptly strokes one to center field ...
a solid line drive single for Caruso-98.
Caruso-98 extends his hitting streak to 9 games.

Now here's Ibanez-06.
He entered the game batting .252 with 21 HR and 76 RBI.
nobody gone.
Menechino-01 is parked on third. Caruso-98 leads off second.
Sirotka-99 winds and deals ...

Swung on ...
lined hard to shortstop ...
just out of Sadler-98's reach ...
and into center field for a base hit ...
picked up there by Tyner-01 ...
single for Ibanez-06.

Now Easley-97 strides to the plate.
He entered the game batting .236 with 15 HR and 54 RBI.
nobody down.
Ibanez-06 perched out at second.
Easley-97 waits ...
Sirotka-99 plants his foot on the rubber, and deals ...

Swung on ...
lined to first base ...
right there to handle it is Neel-93 ...
and he makes the catch for the out.

Tarasco-95 steps in.
one out here in the Top of the 1st.
Ibanez-06 takes his lead from second.
The pitch is on the way ...

Lined to right ...
Right at Allen-99 ...
And he pulls it in.

Graffanino-05 will be the hitter.
two down here in the Top of the 1st.
Ibanez-06 takes his lead from second.
Sirotka-99 has the sign ...
he rocks back, and here it comes ...

Graffanino-05 hits it slowly on the ground towards second base ...
fielded there by Canizaro-00 ...
and he throws to Neel-93 to get him.

And Sirotka-99 wriggles off the hook, but New York pushes 4 runs across to take the lead...
and after one half, it's 4 - 0.

*** Bottom of the 1st ***
*** New York 4 - Texas 0 ***
*** Due up for Texas: Canizaro-00, Allen-99, and Neel-93 ***

The righty Canizaro-00 takes a few practice cuts ...
Now he's ready.
nobody out.
Canizaro-00 waits ...
Watson-97 plants his foot on the rubber, and deals ...

Hard roller to shortstop ...
Caruso-98 gloves it ...
And goes to first for the out.

Hitting next is Allen-99.
one gone.
Watson-97 ready and deals ...

Cued to first base ...
Graffanino-05 grabs it and hustles to the bag ahead of Allen-99 for the out.

Neel-93 moves into the box now.
He entered the game batting .244 with 14 HR and 42 RBI.
two away.
Watson-97 cranks it up and deals ...

Grounded hard to third base ...
up with it there is Menechino-01 ...
lots of time ...
but he throws it away ...
error on Menechino-01 ...
as Neel-93 is safe at first.

And that brings up Clark-93.
two out here in the Bottom of the 1st.
Neel-93 is parked on first.
Graffanino-05 holding Neel-93 to the bag.
And here comes the pitch ...

Grounded hard to shortstop ...
taken there by Caruso-98 ...
lots of time ...
and he throws out Clark-93 easily.

No runs, no hits, and 1 man left on base for Texas...
And after 1 it's New York 4 - Texas 0.

*** Top of the 2nd ***
*** New York 4 - Texas 0 ***
*** Due up for New York: Flaherty-97, Rodriguez-05, and Stynes-00 ***

Flaherty-97 is the hitter.
He entered the game batting .200 with 2 HR and 6 RBI.
nobody down here in the Top of the 2nd.
Sirotka-99 turns, sets, and delivers ...

Lined hard to shortstop ...
just out of Sadler-98's reach ...
and into center field for a base hit ...
picked up there by Tyner-01 ...
single for Flaherty-97.

Batting next is Rodriguez-05.
He entered the game batting .268 with 24 HR and 76 RBI.
nobody out here in the Top of the 2nd.
Flaherty-97 is edging off the bag at first.
Neel-93 holding Flaherty-97 to the bag.
Sirotka-99 kicks and deals...

Swung on ...
and there's a line shot ...
past a diving Livingstone-92 and into left field ...
Murray-01 coming over to cut it off ...
and he does, to hold Rodriguez-05 to a single.

With nobody out, they play it safe ...
The runners will hold ...
On to second goes Flaherty-97.

Stynes-00 adjusting his gloves for a moment ...
Now the powerful hitter is ready.
nobody out.
Flaherty-97 is hanging out at second. Rodriguez-05 is edging off the bag at first.
Sirotka-99 rocks and fires ...

Grounded hard to shortstop ...
taken there by Sadler-98 ...
he tosses to Canizaro-00 for the force ...
and over to first ...
in time ... double play!
Flaherty-97 stops at third.

Menechino-01 is the hitter.
two down.
Flaherty-97 inches away from third.
Sirotka-99 turns, sets, and delivers ...

Swung on ...
and there's a liner to left field ...
coming up to get a bead on it is Murray-01 ...
and he makes a fine running catch.

No runs, 2 hits, and 1 man left on base for New York...
And after 1 and a half it's New York 4 - Texas 0.

*** Bottom of the 2nd ***
*** New York 4 - Texas 0 ***
*** Due up for Texas: Livingstone-92, LaRue-05, and Murray-01 ***

Coming up next, Livingstone-92.
He entered the game batting .326 with 1 HR and 12 RBI.
nobody gone.
The pitch is on the way ...

Swung on ...
and that's lined sharply up the middle ...
just over the outstretched glove of the leaping Caruso-98 ...
and into center field for a base hit ...
Stynes-00 gets to it quickly ...
and Livingstone-92 is held to a single.

Coming up to the plate is LaRue-05.
nobody down.
Livingstone-92 is edging off the bag at first.
Watson-97 checks Livingstone-92 to keep him close to the bag ...
Watson-97 shakes off a few signs...
now he gets the one he wants...
and Watson-97 delivers...

Ball four ... LaRue-05 will head to first.
Livingstone-92 hustles to second.

Right-handed Murray-01 ready to face off against Watson-97 ...
staring him down.
nobody gone here in the Bottom of the 2nd.
Livingstone-92 is on at second. LaRue-05 leads off first.
Murray-01 waits ...
Watson-97 plants his foot on the rubber, and deals ...

Swung on ...
banged into center field for a base hit ...
coming up to cut it off is Stynes-00 ...
solid single for Murray-01.

Sadler-98 steps up next.
He entered the game batting .169 with 2 HR and 12 RBI.
nobody gone.
LaRue-05 creeping down the line at third. Watson-97 in a bit of a jam here, with Murray-01 at second.
Watson-97 is looking in...
now the pitch ...

Struck him out ...
Sadler-98 goes down looking.

Bouncing ball out to Easley-97 at second base ...
And he takes his time ...
Before throwing Tyner-01 out at first.
LaRue-05 scores from third.
Taking third is Murray-01.

So here's Canizaro-00.
So far today he is 0 for 1.
two away.
Murray-01 measures his lead at third.
Watson-97 winds and deals ...

Fly ball to left ...
Ibanez-06 comes in ...
And he hauls it in for the out.

2 runs, 2 hits, and 1 man left on base for Texas...
And after 2 it's New York 4 - Texas 2.

*** Top of the 3rd ***
*** New York 4 - Texas 2 ***
*** Due up for New York: Caruso-98, Ibanez-06, and Easley-97 ***

Caruso-98 is the hitter.
He entered the game batting .349 with 1 HR and 6 RBI.
nobody down.
Caruso-98 waits ...
Sirotka-99 plants his foot on the rubber, and deals ...

Banged in the air to center field ...
tough play for Tyner-01, who got a late jump ...
and the best he can do is short-hop it ...
base hit for Caruso-98.

Settling into the box is Ibanez-06.
So far today he is 1 for 1 with 2 RBI.
nobody down.
Caruso-98 leads off first.
Snap throw to first ...
But Caruso-98 gets back.

Now batting, Ibanez-06.
He entered the game batting .252 with 21 HR and 76 RBI.
nobody out.
Caruso-98 is edging off the bag at first.
Sirotka-99 checks Caruso-98 to keep him close to the bag ...
Sirotka-99 cranks and fires ...

Swung on ...
and there's a little flare to center field ...
Tyner-01 got a great jump and is coming in a hurry ...
but that's going to fall in for a single.

And with a hard throw back to the infield ...
Tyner-01 stops the runners in their tracks ...
Caruso-98 goes to second.

Now here's Easley-97.
So far today he is 0 for 1.
nobody down.
Sirotka-99 in a bit of a jam here, with Caruso-98 at second. Ibanez-06 is edging off the bag at first.
Sirotka-99 comes set to the letters...
the pitch...

Strike three called ...
And Easley-97 is done.

Batting next for New York, Tarasco-95.
So far today he is 0 for 1.
one out.
Caruso-98 perched out at second. Ibanez-06 is parked on first.
Sirotka-99 sets his hands at the belt ...
now looks in to get a sign from LaRue-05 ...
the pitch ...

And a high fly ball to deep right field ...
drifting over is Allen-99 ...
and he makes the catch for the out.

Caruso-98 is tagging up ...
and he is safe at third.

Now Graffanino-05 digs in.
So far today he is 0 for 1.
two gone.
Runners at the corners.
Throw to first ...
Safe! Ibanez-06 got a little careless with his lead, but gets back.

Now here's Graffanino-05.
So far today he is 0 for 1.
two gone here in the Top of the 3rd.
Runners at the corners.
Big hole on the right side with Neel-93 holding the runner.
Sirotka-99 ready, here he comes ...

Swung on ...
Graffanino-05 hits it slowly on the ground towards shortstop ...
fielded there by Sadler-98 ...
and his hurried throw is in the dirt ...
but it's dug out nicely by Neel-93 to get him!

No runs, 2 hits, and 2 runners left on base for New York...
And after 2 and a half it's New York 4 - Texas 2.

*** Bottom of the 3rd ***
*** New York 4 - Texas 2 ***
*** Due up for Texas: Allen-99, Neel-93, and Clark-93 ***

Stepping to the plate is Allen-99.
So far today he is 0 for 1.
nobody gone here in the Bottom of the 3rd.
Watson-97 winds and deals ...

Hit in the air to right ...
Lined up with it is Tarasco-95 ...
And he makes the routine catch.

Getting set to hit is Neel-93.
So far today he is 0 for 1.
one gone.
Watson-97 turns, sets, and delivers ...

Swung on ...
and that ball is absolutely hammered to center field ...
no chance for Stynes-00 ...
he'll have to play it off the wall ...
that is going to be a double for Neel-93.

And play stops for a moment as Clark-93 goes back to the dugout to get a new bat ...
Now he returns and steps into the box.
one out.
Neel-93 is on at second.
Clark-93 waits ...
Watson-97 plants his foot on the rubber, and deals ...

Neel-93 is trying for extra bases ...
Here comes Neel-93 to score.

Now Livingstone-92 strolls to the plate.
He entered the game batting .326 with 1 HR and 12 RBI.
one gone here in the Bottom of the 3rd.
Clark-93 stretching his lead at first.
A good job here of holding Clark-93 tight to the bag ...
He'll have to stay put.

So here's Livingstone-92.
So far today he is 1 for 1.
one down here in the Bottom of the 3rd.
Clark-93 is parked on first.
Big hole on the right side with Graffanino-05 holding the runner.
Watson-97 winds and deals ...

Ground ball into right field for a base hit ...
cut off there by Tarasco-95 ...
and that's going to be a single for Livingstone-92.

A green light from the coaching box ...
so Clark-93 keeps on going ...
but Tarasco-95 might have a play ...
strong throw to Menechino-01 ...
to nail him ... nice play!
and Livingstone-92 takes second on the throw.

So here's LaRue-05.
He entered the game batting .219 with 7 HR and 21 RBI.
two out here in the Bottom of the 3rd.
Livingstone-92 perched out at second.
Watson-97 turns, sets, and delivers ...

Swung on ...
hit in the air to right field ...
going back is Tarasco-95 ...
way back ...
and it's off the wall ...
LaRue-05 cruises toward second for a double.
Here comes Livingstone-92 to score.

And Watson-97 fails to hold Texas in check here in the Bottom of the 3rd ...
and we've got a brand new ballgame.

Murray-01 ready to face off against Watson-97 ...
staring him down.
two away.
LaRue-05 leads off second.
Watson-97 has the sign ...
he rocks back, and here it comes ...

And that breaks the tie, Texas now leads 5 - 4.

Sadler-98 at the plate.
So far today he is 0 for 1.
two gone.
Murray-01 is hanging out at second.
Sadler-98 waiting ...
now Watson-97 delivers ...

And that's a bullet hit towards shortstop ...
but Caruso-98 is right there to take care of it ...
and Sadler-98 is out.

That'll do it for Texas in the Bottom of the 3rd.
But they get 3 runs in the inning...
and have now jumped out on top 5 - 4.

*** Top of the 4th ***
*** Texas 5 - New York 4 ***
*** Due up for New York: Flaherty-97, Rodriguez-05, and Stynes-00 ***

Right-handed Flaherty-97 ready to face off against Sirotka-99 ...
staring him down.
nobody down here in the Top of the 4th.
Sirotka-99 delivers ...

Tapper to shortstop ...
Sadler-98 plays it ...
And slings it over to first for the out.

And that brings up Rodriguez-05.
So far today he is 2 for 2 with 1 HR and 1 RBI.
one out.
Sirotka-99 delivers ...

And we have a tie ball game.

Stynes-00 steps into the box.
So far today he is 1 for 2.
one out.
Sirotka-99 ready and deals ...

Swung on ...
a high drive to right field ...
and deep ...
Allen-99 going back ...
but it's over his head and off the wall ...
that is going to be a double for Stynes-00.

Menechino-01 stands in and cocks his bat ...
Sirotka-99 looks in.
one down here in the Top of the 4th.
Stynes-00 perched out at second.
And here comes the pitch ...

And there's a line shot ...
past a diving Canizaro-00 and into center field ...
Tyner-01 coming over to cut it off ...
and he does, to hold Menechino-01 to a single.

A weak throw back to the infield ...
and Stynes-00 is going to take advantage ...
Here comes Stynes-00 to score.

Caruso-98 stands in.
So far today he is 2 for 2 with 1 RBI.
one down.
Menechino-01 takes his lead from first.
He fires over to first ...
The tag ... not in time!

And that brings up Caruso-98.
He entered the game batting .349 with 1 HR and 6 RBI.
one gone.
Menechino-01 stretching his lead at first.
Sirotka-99 checks Menechino-01 to keep him close to the bag ...
Sirotka-99 sets and deals ...

Swung on ...
soft line drive to the right side ...
just over the infield ...
and into right field for a base hit ...
cut off there by Allen-99 ...
single for Caruso-98.

They're waving Menechino-01 around ...
but Allen-99 might have a play ...
great throw to Livingstone-92 ...
and he's out - got him!!

Up to bat is Ibanez-06.
So far today he is 2 for 2 with 2 RBI.
two down.
Caruso-98 is parked on first.
Neel-93 holding Caruso-98 to the bag.
Sirotka-99 has the sign ...
he rocks back, and here it comes ...

Passed ball, as it gets away from LaRue-05 ...
And rolls all the way to the backstop.
Caruso-98 hustles to second.

Getting set to hit is Ibanez-06.
So far today he is 2 for 2 with 2 RBI.
two away.
Sirotka-99 in a bit of a jam here, with Caruso-98 at second.
Ibanez-06 waiting ...
now Sirotka-99 delivers ...

Strike three called ...
And lookout, as Ibanez-06 is expressing his disagreement to the plate umpire ...
But he manages to say his peace without getting tossed from the game.

Sirotka-99 escapes without further damage, but not before New York comes up with 2 runs...
and they lead now 6 - 5.

*** Bottom of the 4th ***
*** New York 6 - Texas 5 ***
*** Due up for Texas: Tyner-01, Canizaro-00, and Allen-99 ***

Tyner-01 ready to face off against Watson-97 ...
staring him down.
nobody down here in the Bottom of the 4th.
Watson-97 kicks and deals...

Lined to left ...
Right at Ibanez-06 ...
And he pulls it in.

Here's Canizaro-00.
So far today he is 0 for 2.
one down.
Canizaro-00 waiting ...
now Watson-97 delivers ...

Swung on ...
and there's a shot down the third base line ...
fair ball, and headed for the left field corner ...
Ibanez-06 unable to cut it off ...
and Canizaro-00 cruises toward second for a double.

Allen-99 moves into the box now.
So far today he is 0 for 2.
one out.
Canizaro-00 perched out at second.
Watson-97 sets and deals ...

Hard bouncer to the right side ...
Graffanino-05 gloves it on the second hop ...
and shovels it to Watson-97 to erase Allen-99.
Canizaro-00 advances to third base.

Neel-93 taking a moment to clean some dirt from his spikes ...
And now he steps in to face Watson-97.
two away.
Canizaro-00 edging away from the bag at third.
Neel-93 waiting ...
now Watson-97 delivers ...

Neel-93 hits it slowly on the ground towards second base ...
fielded there by Easley-97 ...
he'll have to hurry ...
and he just does get Neel-93 by a step!

No runs, 1 hit, and 1 man left on base for Texas...
And after 4 it's New York 6 - Texas 5.

*** Top of the 5th ***
*** New York 6 - Texas 5 ***
*** Due up for New York: Easley-97, Tarasco-95, and Graffanino-05 ***

Easley-97 will be the batter.
So far today he is 0 for 2.
nobody down here in the Top of the 5th.
Sirotka-99 shakes off a few signs...
now he gets the one he wants...
and Sirotka-99 delivers...

Tipped into LaRue-05's mitt ...
And held for strike three!

Tarasco-95 will be the hitter.
He entered the game batting .171 with 3 HR and 22 RBI.
one out.
Sirotka-99 kicks and deals...

Hit on a line to right ...
But Allen-99 is there to snag it for the out.

Graffanino-05 is coming up next.
He entered the game batting .305 with 2 HR and 16 RBI.
two down.
The pitch on the way to Graffanino-05 ...

Check swing ...
LaRue-05 appeals ...
no swing, says the umpire ...
and that's ball four.

Flaherty-97 ready to face off against Sirotka-99 ...
staring him down.
two out.
Graffanino-05 is parked on first.
Neel-93 holding Graffanino-05 to the bag.
Sirotka-99 rocks and fires ...

Look out, that's way outside and gets away from LaRue-05 ...
wild pitch!
Graffanino-05 advances to second base.

Now Flaherty-97 digs in.
He entered the game batting .200 with 2 HR and 6 RBI.
two gone.
Graffanino-05 leads off second.
The pitch is on the way ...

Swung on ...
lined hard to third base ...
but right there to handle it is Livingstone-92 ...
and he makes the catch for the out.

No runs, no hits, and 1 man left on base for New York...
4 and a half in the books, and it's New York 6 - Texas 5.

*** Bottom of the 5th ***
*** New York 6 - Texas 5 ***
*** Due up for Texas: Clark-93, Livingstone-92, and LaRue-05 ***

Clark-93 at the plate.
So far today he is 1 for 2 with 1 RBI.
nobody down here in the Bottom of the 5th.
Watson-97 rocks and fires ...

Big bouncer to Menechino-01 ...
nice play to stay with it ...
he cranks it up ...
and unleashes one that gets away from Graffanino-05 ...
Clark-93 will be safe on the error.

Livingstone-92 is the hitter.
So far today he is 2 for 2.
nobody gone.
Clark-93 leads off first.
Watson-97 a long look at Clark-93 ...
The pitch on the way to Livingstone-92 ...

Livingstone-92 hits it hard on the ground ...
and that's into right field for a base hit ...
up to get it is Tarasco-95 ...
single for Livingstone-92.

A green light from the coaching box ...
so Clark-93 keeps on going ...
but Tarasco-95 might have a play ...
great throw to Menechino-01 ...
and he's out ... what a throw!

Batting next for Texas, LaRue-05.
So far today he is 1 for 1 with 1 RBI.
one down.
Livingstone-92 is parked on first.
They throw over to first ...
and Livingstone-92 just does get back ...
that'll cut a step off of that big lead.

Batting next is LaRue-05.
He entered the game batting .219 with 7 HR and 21 RBI.
one out.
Livingstone-92 leads off first.
Watson-97 glances over at first ...
The pitch is on the way ...

Popped him up ...
Way up there on the left side ... who wants it? ...
and now Menechino-01 calling for it ...
and puts it away for the out.

Batting next for Texas, Murray-01.
two out.
Livingstone-92 is edging off the bag at first.
Pickoff throw to first ...
The tag ... and he's safe!

And that brings up the righty Murray-01.
So far today he is 2 for 2 with 2 RBI.
two down.
Livingstone-92 is edging off the bag at first.
Graffanino-05 holding Livingstone-92 to the bag.
Watson-97 is looking in...
now the pitch ...

High chopper to shortstop ...
Caruso-98 charges ...
Snags it ...
And fires to Graffanino-05 in time for the out.

No runs, no hits, and 1 man left on base for Texas...
We've played 5, and the score is New York 6 - Texas 5.

*** Top of the 6th ***
*** New York 6 - Texas 5 ***
*** Due up for New York: Rodriguez-05, Stynes-00, and Menechino-01 ***

Up next for New York, Rodriguez-05.
He has had some luck kocking in baserunners this season.
He entered the game batting .268 with 24 HR and 76 RBI.
nobody out.
Sirotka-99 comes set to the letters...
the pitch...

And there's a drive to deep center field ...
Wow, no doubt about that one ...
a monstrous Home Run for Rodriguez-05 that carries well into the seats!
and Rodriguez-05 has 3 home runs today.

The dangerous Stynes-00 checks in.
So far today he is 2 for 3.
nobody out.
And Stynes-00 tired of waiting and steps out of the box ...
he steps back in now ...
and Sirotka-99 delivers ...

Swung on ...
and that's lined sharply towards the right side ...
but right to Neel-93 ...
and Stynes-00 is out.

Menechino-01 is next.
So far today he is 1 for 2 with 1 RBI.
one gone.
And Sirotka-99 steps off the mound for a moment...
he is ready now...
the pitch...

Got him ...
Sirotka-99 threw the hook ...
And Menechino-01 swung right through it.

The umpire brushes off the plate ...
as Caruso-98 gets set to hit.
two down.
Now the pitch to Caruso-98 ...

Hit in the air to left field ...
going back is Murray-01 ...
way back ...
and it's off the wall ...
Caruso-98 cruises toward second for a double.

Ibanez-06 will be the hitter.
So far today he is 2 for 3 with 2 RBI.
two away here in the Top of the 6th.
Caruso-98 leads off second.
Now the pitch to Ibanez-06 ...
there goes the runner ...

Hit up the middle ...
Sadler-98 grabs it near second ...
And makes an off-balance throw to first for the out.

1 run, 2 hits, and 1 man left on base for New York...
And after 5 and a half it's New York 7 - Texas 5.

*** Bottom of the 6th ***
*** New York 7 - Texas 5 ***
*** Due up for Texas: Sadler-98, Tyner-01, and Canizaro-00 ***

Batting next is Sadler-98.
He entered the game batting .169 with 2 HR and 12 RBI.
nobody out here in the Bottom of the 6th.
Watson-97 has the sign ...
he winds and fires ...

Slow roller to third base ...
taken there by Menechino-01 ...
and he throws to Graffanino-05 to get him.

Hitting next is Tyner-01.
So far today he is 0 for 2 with 1 RBI.
one down.
Watson-97 comes set to the letters...
the pitch...

Tyner-01 hits it on the ground to first base ...
taken there by Graffanino-05 ...
no, it goes under his glove ...
and Tyner-01 reaches on the error.

Standing in to hit is Canizaro-00.
So far today he is 1 for 3.
one gone here in the Bottom of the 6th.
Tyner-01 takes his lead from first.
Tyner-01 can't get a good lead ...
Give credit to the effective pickoff move of Watson-97.

And that brings up the right-hander Canizaro-00.
So far today he is 1 for 3.
one gone.
Tyner-01 leads off first.
Graffanino-05 holding Tyner-01 to the bag.
The pitch is on the way ...

Just missed inside, and that's ball four.
Tyner-01 takes second.

Settling into the right side of the box is Allen-99.
He entered the game batting .267 with 6 HR and 33 RBI.
one out here in the Bottom of the 6th.
Tyner-01 leads off second. Canizaro-00 is edging off the bag at first.
With 103 pitches in the books, Watson-97 is getting a workout ...
and here comes the pitch ...

And Allen-99 comes up with the big hit, Texas is on top now 8 - 7.

That will bring up Neel-93.
So far today he is 1 for 3.
one down.
Watson-97 has the sign ...
he rocks back, and here it comes ...

Swung on ...
soft line drive to the left side ...
just over the infield ...
but it hangs in the air long enough for Ibanez-06 to make the play.

Stepping to the plate is Clark-93.
So far today he is 1 for 3 with 1 RBI.
two gone.
Watson-97 is looking pretty tired out there...
he is ready now, and here comes the pitch ...

Hit high, but not deep to right ...
Under it there is Tarasco-95 ...
And he pulls it down for the out.

That'll do it for Texas in the Bottom of the 6th.
But they get 3 runs to lead 8 - 7 .

*** Top of the 7th ***
*** Texas 8 - New York 7 ***
*** Due up for New York: Easley-97, Tarasco-95, and Graffanino-05 ***

Now batting, Easley-97.
So far today he is 0 for 3.
nobody down.
Sirotka-99 cranks it up and deals ...

Strike three swinging ...
Sirotka-99 with the nasty slider.

That will bring up Tarasco-95.
He entered the game batting .171 with 3 HR and 22 RBI.
one gone.

And now he's being called back ...
It looks like Lo Duca-01 is going to pinch hit.

Sirotka-99 at the belt, now comes to the plate ...

A swing and a miss ...
That'll do it for Lo Duca-01.

Graffanino-05 is the hitter.
So far today he is 0 for 2.
two away here in the Top of the 7th.
And here comes the pitch ...

Swung on ...
hit on the button ...
right back to the box ...
but Sirotka-99 able to stay with it to retire Graffanino-05.

No runs, no hits, and nobody left on base for New York...
And after 6 and a half it's Texas 8 - New York 7.

*** Bottom of the 7th ***
*** Texas 8 - New York 7 ***
*** Due up for Texas: Livingstone-92, LaRue-05, and Murray-01 ***

Stand up... it's time for the 7th inning stretch.

Livingstone-92 steps in.
He is really seeing the ball well today.
So far today he is 3 for 3.
nobody down.
Watson-97 comes set to the letters...
the pitch...

Hit to right ...
Lo Duca-01 is under it ...
And he has it to retire Livingstone-92.

Settling into the box is LaRue-05.
He entered the game batting .219 with 7 HR and 21 RBI.
one out.
I don't think Watson-97 has much gas left in the tank ...
but he digs deep and delivers ...

There's a shot to right field ...
And Lo Duca-01 is there to pull it in.

Murray-01 steps into the box.
So far today he is 2 for 3 with 2 RBI.
two gone here in the Bottom of the 7th.
Watson-97 ready and deals ...

A swing and a miss ...
Watson-97 got him with a high hard fastball!

No runs, no hits, and nobody left on base for Texas...
We've played 7, and the score is Texas 8 - New York 7.

*** Top of the 8th ***
*** Texas 8 - New York 7 ***
*** Due up for New York: Flaherty-97, Rodriguez-05, and Stynes-00 ***

Flaherty-97 checks in.
So far today he is 1 for 3.
nobody out.
Sirotka-99 winds and deals ...

Big bouncer to first base ...
and Neel-93 makes the play unassisted.

Rodriguez-05 brings his perfect swing into the box.
He entered the game batting .268 with 24 HR and 76 RBI.
one down.
Sirotka-99 ready and deals ...

Ball four ... and Rodriguez-05 works out a walk.

Stynes-00 adjusting his gloves for a moment ...
Now the powerful hitter is ready.
one out.
Rodriguez-05 leads off first.
Sirotka-99 glances over at first ...
Sirotka-99 has the sign ...
he winds and fires ...

And that's drilled to the gap in right center ...
Tyner-01 coming over ...
but he won't have a play, and will have to play it off the wall ...
that is going to be a double for Stynes-00.

And with a hard throw back to the infield ...
Tyner-01 stops the runners in their tracks ...
On to third goes Rodriguez-05.

Menechino-01 ready to face off against Sirotka-99 ...
staring him down.
one gone.
Rodriguez-05 is parked on third. Stynes-00 is on at second.
The infield is in.
Menechino-01 waiting ...
now Sirotka-99 delivers ...

And that's low, for ball four.

And the hitter is Caruso-98.
He entered the game batting .349 with 1 HR and 6 RBI.
one down.
Trouble brewing for Sirotka-99 and Texas, with the bases loaded.
The infield is in.
The pitch is on the way ...

Swung on ...
and that's lined sharply up the middle ...
but there's Sadler-98 ...
who reacts quickly and spears it, nice play!

Settling into the box is Ibanez-06.
So far today he is 2 for 4 with 2 RBI.
two away.
The bases are loaded.
Sirotka-99 at the belt, now comes to the plate ...

A big swing and a miss ...
Strike three ...
Ibanez-06 got the big sweeping curveball ...
And missed it.

A wasted opportunity there for Ibanez-06 and New York.

No runs, 1 hit, and 3 runners left on base for New York...
And after 7 and a half it's Texas 8 - New York 7.

*** Bottom of the 8th ***
*** Texas 8 - New York 7 ***
*** Due up for Texas: Sadler-98, Tyner-01, and Canizaro-00 ***

And the hitter is Sadler-98.
He entered the game batting .169 with 2 HR and 12 RBI.
nobody gone.
Watson-97 winds and deals ...

Lined to left ...
But right at Ibanez-06 ...
Who had him played perfectly for the out.

Batting next is Tyner-01.
So far today he is 0 for 3 with 1 RBI.
one out.
Watson-97 delivers ...

Hit on the button towards right field ...
but right at Lo Duca-01 ...
who stays with it to retire Tyner-01.

The righty Canizaro-00 takes a few practice cuts ...
Now he's ready.
two out.
Watson-97 shakes off a few signs...
he is ready now...
the pitch...

Hit in the air to left field ...
going back is Ibanez-06 ...
way back ...
and it's off the wall ...
Canizaro-00 cruises toward second for a double.

Allen-99 digs into the box ...
and stares out at Watson-97.
two away.
Canizaro-00 is on at second.
Watson-97 is looking in...
now the pitch ...
the runner is going ...

Strike three called ...
Froze him with that breaking ball.

No runs, 1 hit, and 1 man left on base for Texas...
8 in the books, and it's Texas 8 - New York 7.

*** Top of the 9th ***
*** Texas 8 - New York 7 ***
*** Due up for New York: Easley-97, Lo Duca-01, and Graffanino-05 ***

Easley-97 steps up next.
He entered the game batting .236 with 15 HR and 54 RBI.
nobody out.
Easley-97 waits ...
Sirotka-99 plants his foot on the rubber, and deals ...

Little roller to Neel-93 ...
He picks it up and shovels to Sirotka-99 ...
Who wins the foot race to the bag ... Nice play!

Lo Duca-01 stands in.
So far today he is 0 for 1.
one gone.
Sirotka-99 rocks and fires ...

Hit toward third base ...
Livingstone-92 pulls it in ...
And fires to first in time.

And they'll make a change here ...
Out of the bullpen comes Rhodes-01.

So here's Graffanino-05.
So far today he is 0 for 3.
two away.
The corner infielders inch towards the lines ...
and the outfielders take a step back to prevent extra bases.
Rhodes-01 rocks and fires ...

Swung on ...
ground ball into center field for a base hit ...
cut off there by Tyner-01 ...
and that's going to be a single for Graffanino-05.

Flaherty-97 will be the hitter.
So far today he is 1 for 4.
two gone here in the Top of the 9th.
Graffanino-05 is parked on first.
Graffanino-05 held on by Neel-93.
The corner infielders inch towards the lines ...
and the outfielders take a step back to prevent extra bases.
The pitch is on the way ...
the runner is going ...

Swung on ...
and there's a liner to shortstop ...
but Sadler-98 is right there to take care of it ...
and Flaherty-97 is out.

And you can put this one in the books.
The final score is Texas 8 - New York 7