Archive for the ‘Rivalry’ Category
MLB – Comparison of Giants vs Phillies
Both teams boast remarkable pitching. The Phillies have a stellar big three. Roy Halladay is a former Cy Young winner who figures to take that award again this year. Cole Hamels has reclaimed the fire that saw him win the World Series MVP in 2008. Roy Oswalt joined the team at the trade deadline. All three have been remarkable since the beginning of September. Halladay threw a no-hitter in the NLDS and Hamels hurled a shutout. Meanwhile, San Francisco is formidable at pitching as well. Tim Lincecum has won two National League Cy Young awards. He struck out 14 hitters while pitching a shutout in his postseason debut against Atlanta. Matt Cain and Jonathan Sanchez have also blossomed in to great pitchers. Madison Bumgartner has emerged as the fourth starter. With pitching like that, it will be hard for either team to get hits.
In the bullpen, San Francisco has a slight advantage. Their middle relief has been more consistent than the Phillies. However, Philadelphia has an edge at the closer position. Brad Lidge has struggled since not blowing a save in 2008. Despite that, Lidge is starting to regain form. Giants closer Brian Wilson doesn’t give up many home runs, but he doesn’t have the pedigree of Lidge.
On offense, the Phillies have a distinct edge. Each team hit .212 in the NLDS, but the Phillies have threats from top to bottom. Their 8th place hitter, Carlos Ruiz, led the team in batting average. Ruiz has delivered several big hits in the postseason. Chase Utley and Jayson Werth are near the top of the list for career playoff home runs in the National League. The rest of the offense is getting healthy in time and can strike at any time. Meanwhile, the Giants don’t have the same offensive potency. Rookie catcher Buster Posey has been great all year. Meanwhile, Cody Ross and Andres Torres have become threats in the Giants batting order. Overall, the Phillies have a major edge in run production. With the pitching on both sides, that could prove to be the edge in this series.
Tags:
The Redsox Vs. The Whitesox
On Wednesday, September 29, 2010 the White Sox took the game 5 to 2. The two teams kept it at an even zero game until the top of the 4th inning when Ortiz singled to left and Scutaro scored, making the score 1-0 Red Sox. The White Sox answered back in the bottom of the 4th with a home run made by Pierzynski. The Red Sox held their own until the bottom of the 7th inning.
Chicago got serious in the the bottom of the 7th inning and things started to heat up. Vizquel singled to center field and De Aza scored and Pierre ran to second. Lillibridge to a bunt and sent Pierre on to score and Vizquel to third. Ramirez singled to left and Vizquel scored, making the game 1-4 White Sox. M. Ramirez struck out and A. Ramirez was out on second base and the inning was over. The White Sox put a big show on in this inning and gained a solid lead over the Red Sox.
Freddy Garcia pitching for Chicago and Lowell hit a home run in the top of the 8th inning. Putz relieved Garcia and the inning went on with no one scoring until the bottom of the 8th. Tim Wakefield was pitching for Boston when Pierre grounded into a double play which led to Morel scoring on the hit. The game was 5 to 2 White Sox.
The Red Sox were not able to answer to the White Sox and the game ended 5 to 2. Freddy Garcia was having back problems but did not let it hold him back from playing his best. He lasted until the 8th inning and gave up two 2 runs on 4 hits. This was his first starting game since he was sidelined for lower back stiffness on September 7, 2010.
Beckett caused a lot of issues that led to the loss of this game for the Red Sox. They were eliminated from post season contention on Tuesday. Beckett only lasted six innings before he was pulled and replaced by Tim Wakefield to finish out the game. It ended up being a disappointing night for the Red Sox and the fans are hoping for better next season.