523 replies to this topic

[russsnyder]

I honestly didn't think of Verlander's Series shortcomings until I came across it in a comments section for the Series. What makes it a trifle puzzling is that his numbers in both the ALDS (8-1 W-L, 3.08 ERA in 13 starts) and the ALCS (7-4 W-L, 3.01 ERA in 12 starts) are stellar.

After Dave McNally's first start against the Dodgers in Game 1 of the 1966 Series, his ERA stood at 7.71. He didn't last three innings, walking five and giving up two earned runs (the last runs the Dodgers would score in the entire Series). Needless to say, he did a little better after that.

Some other Orioles notables:

Mike Flanagan had a 3.32 Series ERA (in 19 IP), but it ballooned to 5.51 in three ALCS starts (one with Toronto).

Scott McGregor was the true postseason stud for the Orioles. In four Series starts, he was just 2-2, but posted a 2.12 ERA in 34 innings. He was just as good in the ALCS, going 1-1 with an 0.57 ERA in two starts.

That's good stuff.

I forgot McGregor being such a clutch pitcher.

[BSLMikeLowe]

Pretty miserable weather in Philly tonight. Yet I would imagine that MLB is going to go to every extent possible to try and get the game in tonight (or the wee hours of tomorrow morning). The reason is two-fold.

 

1) Postponing tonight means they have to play Game 5 Thursday, and on Thursday you have TNF. And who else would be playing on TNF but the Eagles and the Texans. Doubt MLB wants to have that game siphoning off a big chunk of their audience.

 

2) While TNF is primarily streamed on Amazon, it is also simulcast on an OTA channel in the two local markets of the teams playing. Guess what channel in both markets will be broadcasting the game on Thursday? If you guessed the FOX affiliate, you'd be right!

 

So assuming they make every effort to get this game in somehow, it might mean that both bullpens are going to get a lot of work tonight.

[Pedro Cerrano]

PP’D. Everything moved back a day

[BSLChrisStoner]

Anyone think MLB will eventually go to a neutral WS site like they had in '20?

[Mackus]

Anyone think MLB will eventually go to a neutral WS site like they had in '20?

Nope, not for as long as fans go to any of games at least.

[BSLMikeLowe]

Now to see how they work out the broadcast issue with TNF.

[You Play to Win the Game]

You blow as a sports fan if you’re watching a Thursday night game featuring Houston vs. Philly over your teams World Series game.

[BSLChrisStoner]

CBS Sports: Phillies vs. Astros: How World Series Game 3 rainout impacts pitching plans for both teams

https://www.cbssport...for-both-teams/

[BSLChrisStoner]

FanGraphs: How Will World Series Game 3 Rainout and Extra Off Day Affect Pitching Strategies?

[mdrunning]

Lance McCullers, Jr. has given up four runs to Philly the first time through the order, including three homeruns. He's having trouble commanding his fastball, and every time he comes in with the breaking stuff, it winds up in the seats. All three of the Phillies' homers have come off of breaking pitches.

 

Brandon Marsh, 24, became the youngest Phillie to homer in a Series. I'm guessing he's also the hairiest. 

[mdrunning]

Lance McCullers, Jr. became the first pitcher in postseason history to surrender five homeruns in a single game. Even John Smoltz was wondering aloud if maybe the Phillies were aware of something, that McCullers was perhaps tipping his pitches. Phillies' hitters are just sitting on that changeup. 

[TwentyThirtyFive]

Lance McCullers, Jr. became the first pitcher in postseason history to surrender five homeruns in a single game. Even John Smoltz was wondering aloud if maybe the Phillies were aware of something, that McCullers was perhaps tipping his pitches. Phillies' hitters are just sitting on that changeup. 

I aint gonna lie. A  part of me thinks the Phillies may be cheating at home. Thought that after their big comeback against San Diego

[mdrunning]

I aint gonna lie. A  part of me thinks the Phillies may be cheating at home. Thought that after their big comeback against San Diego

I'm not going to go that far, but the Phillies home/away long ball splits thus far in the postseason are noteworthy. Counting tonight's bombardment, they've hit 17 homers in six games at home, but just five in eight road games. 
 

[BSLChrisStoner]

FanGraphs: Phillies Torch McCullers in Game 3, Regain Series Lead

[BobPhelan]

Combined no-hitter by the Astros to tie the series at 2.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

Interesting series through 4

[mdrunning]

Only the third no-hitter in postseason history and the first of the "combined" variety. The others were Roy Halladay's (in his first postseason start) no-hitter for the Phillies against the Reds in Game 1 of the 2010 NLDS, and of course, Don Larsen's perfect game against the Dodgers at Yankee Stadium in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series.

[mdrunning]

Game 5 figures to be a bullpen game for the Phillies, while Justin Verlander gets another chance to shed his Series goat horns. Huge game for both teams, although I'd call it crucial for the Phillies while just pivotal for the Astros.

[BSLChrisStoner]

• Astros' Javier, relievers no-hit Phillies, even series

[Mike B]

Game 5 figures to be a bullpen game for the Phillies, while Justin Verlander gets another chance to shed his Series goat horns. Huge game for both teams, although I'd call it crucial for the Phillies while just pivotal for the Astros.

The Phillies were riding high after game 3.  I have a buddy who was there last night, who is a huge Phillies fan.  They were already talking about when the parade was going to be.  The no hitter killed some of that confidence.  Tonight IMO is a must game for the Phillies.