Holy crap... It works...

I withdraw the "fashion accessory" comment. Now let's see him steal second.

We've found the secret ingredient for Hicks to hit - it has to be late in the game with the tieing/winning run in scoring position.

Hell of an at bat by Hicks.

That is the slowest, weirdest move to first I've ever seen. Steal a bag.

Someone wake up Gardy and have him give Hicks the steal sign.

Why didn't he go home?

Runner in scoring position... And we only have a Mauer up.

Here comes the Baby Meat.

Ok Donny, we need you to come in and throw 4 balls to Mauer.

I know that Mauer's job is to get on base, by whatever means, and setting the table for Willingham/Morneau is no small thing, but darn, I sure would have liked a hit there.

Ventura sure earns his paycheck. He's managin' the hell out of this series at every opportunity.

And Veal leaves after one batter? Does Ventura overmanage much? Time for a big hit from The Hammer.

I know that Mauer's job is to get on base, by whatever means, and setting the table for Willingham/Morneau is no small thing, but darn, I sure would have liked a hit there.

 

Doing such a thing would require the person on the mound to throw a pitch within a foot of the strike zone.

 

Mauer did the right thing by putting the bat on his shoulder.

And there you go.

You bet!

OK, I feel better now.

Jesse Crain meatball! I remember those!

THE HAMMER FALLS!!!!! Veal definitely could not have thrown that pitch.

Hammertime.

High Five

Nice work by the Hammer.

Doing such a thing would require the person on the mound to throw a pitch within a foot of the strike zone.

 

Mauer did the right thing by putting the bat on his shoulder.

 

Gameday showed at least one of those balls in the zone fwiw. The point is valid though, there was nothing good to hit in that at bat.

This is how the lineup is supposed to work!

Let's get Diamond back out there and stomp their hopes.

Gameday showed at least one of those balls in the zone fwiw. The point is valid though, there was nothing good to hit in that at bat.

 

I think the 3-0 pitch may have been close. Maybe it was the 2-0 pitch.

 

But IIRC, those first two pitches were waaaaaaaayyy outside. And when a pitcher starts off an AB like that, you make him throw a strike before swinging.

I presume Diamond is done. Good outing for him. The wind seems to be the great equalizer in this series. Pretty tough to get anything other than a line drive out of the park.

I think the 3-0 pitch may have been close. Maybe it was the 2-0 pitch.

 

But IIRC, those first two pitches were waaaaaaaayyy outside. And when a pitcher starts off an AB like that, you make him throw a strike before swinging.

 

I know, and I agree it was a good at-bat, which the "adult" in me can appreciate. That being said, the "little kid" in me was still hoping for a hit. Walks just aren't very exciting for the average fan.

Would have liked to see Diamond strike Dunn out for the third time, personally.

Would have liked to see Diamond strike Dunn out for the third time, personally.

 

I guess Gladden blew that call!