Of the 19 girls on the field hockey team, only two come from outside Pennsylvania. One is Jen Miller of North Caldwell, NJ, who has found herself on the outside as she passionately cheers for her Yankees amongst a team of "Philly girls."
Playful banter and jabs have been fired at the senior defender, but she is confident in the Bronx Bombers.
"They were all joking around with me 'Oh Phillies are gonna win' I was like 'You wait!' " She said, "and they were saying how [they] won the first game and I was like 'We just want to give you one.' "
Despite being one of the lone non-Pennsylvanians, Miller has an ally in Gina Bartolacci. The senior forward was raised near Philly, yet is a Yankee fan after her father, who is from Northeast PA.
The Yankee faithful have found themselves not only opponents of their own teammates, but even their head coach.
Char Morett, who is from Philadelphia, is passionately cheering on her Phightin' Phils, not just for her fandom, but for some personal reasons. Morett's ex-husband is an employee with the Yankees, and she said she "really want the Phillies to win, even more so" than usual. The coach is confident in the Phillies and expects two wins at home. She is also hoping to get tickets to tomorrow's game, and is happy with the choice to start Joe Blanton.
And she admitted the team has been giving Jen "Jersey" Miller a hard time.
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Matt D'Antonio doesn't think there's enough Philly love in State College.
Maybe he hasn't seen the hundreds of students donning Phillies gear every day, or heard any of the mini-uproars that, like clockwork, occur after every Philly postseason victory.
Regardless, D'Antonio is doing what he can to support his favorite baseball team as they face off with the Yankees in the 2009 World Series.
"It just feels like we're in the middle of Pittsburgh country," said D'Antonio, manager of Bradley's Steaks and Hoagies on 119 S. Pugh St. "So we have to do what we can to represent Philadelphia. I mean, we're home of the Philly Cheesesteak here so it's only natural we give the Phillies some appreciation."
That appreciation can be found on the windows of Bradley's. The modest, brick storefront is completely Philly-fied. With red and white paint, the team's logo is proudly posted all over, and a mini scoreboard keeping track of the series is displayed just by the door.
"Right when Philly clinched a berth we thought of the idea," said Nate Gidding, owner of Bradley's. "And I think we've got some good reaction."
And there's even been a little piece of the Philly-New York rivarly at the restaurant.
"We had a little brawl Friday night," D'Antonio joked. "Some guys on the left started chanting, 'Lets go Yanks.' and then guys on the right responded with some cheers for the Phils. Nothing serious, just good competitive fun."
That liveliness inside is promoted by the exterior Phillies' decorations. Jesse Gooding was just walking down the street when the red and white paint caught her eye. "Man, I wish I was hungry right now," said Gooding. "I would so go in. Any place that supports the Phils is definitely my type of place."
Bradley's is open 11-8 Sunday-Wednesday and 11-late night Thursday-Saturday. They broadcast all World Series games on the radio.
Kurt Bopp: This is not the Cole Hamels of last season, and in a tiny park, he's gong to struggle to keep the Yankees in the park. Meanwhile, Andy Pettite is experienced and consistent. Pettite wins his first World Series start since his loss to Josh Beckett in 2003.
Yankees 7 Phillies 3
Dan Rorabugh: The Phillies haven't had the kind of year they expected from Cole Hamels, and Andy Pettitte certainly has the postseason pedigree to claim the edge in this one. But the offense headed by Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth won't put up just one run two games in a row. And the Yankee bats haven't exactly been white hot so far in this series.
Phillies 5 Yankees 3
Dave Rung: Facing perhaps the best postseason pitcher ever in Andy Pettitte, Cole Hamels will return to his 2008 playoff form and give the Phillies seven solid innings. Game 1 hero Chase Utley and overall playoff hero Ryan Howard will provide the offense in a Philadelphia win.
Phillies 5 Yankees 2
Zack Feldman: Back at home, the Phillies know they need this game to retain any chance at a pennant (especially with Blanton starting Game 4). It will come down to the bullpens, but the Phillies will pull this one out.
Phillies 5 Yankees 4
Andrew J. Cassavell: I'll be donning my pinstripes in section 318 for what should be the swing game of the series. Tonight's winning manager gets flexibility with his pitching staff, while the loser has to scramble just to make it a series again. I'm going with big-game Andy to bring back memories of game 5 in '96 and game 4 in '98.
Yanks 5 Phils 1
Allison Rainsford: Cole Hamels will finally return to 2008 form in front of a hyped up crowd and go 7 innings strong, giving up only one long ball. The Phils will once again contain A-Rod and get their offense going, racking up some early inning runs. And Brad Lidge will save another postseason game.
Phillies 5 Yankees 2
Stephen Hennessey: At the beginning of the series, many analysts thought the performance of A.J. Burnett and Cole Hamels would be the biggest key to victory. Burnett stepped up to the plate in Game 2, now it's Hamels time to prove himself. Yet, I think it will be Andy Pettitte who is the one to seize the moment for his team.
Teddy Hume got the start in back-to-back games despite John Jay being the back-up both nights. Icers coach Scott Balboni made the decision because he thought Teddy played well on Friday and he wanted to go with same lineup as Friday.
I talked to Balboni about the injuries to Kurt Collins and Nick Seravalli. Collins has a shoulder injury suffered falling into the boards on a tripping call in the second period and Seravalli hurt his finger taking a puck to it in the same period.
Balboni did not know the extent of either injury, saying both would undergo tests over the next couple of days to find out the severity.
Another injury suffered during the game afflicted junior forward Tim O'Brien. O'Brien went over to the bench in extreme pain in the first period barely making it over the bench. Following the game, O'Brien had ice taped to the leg and said it was a Charlie Horse, nothing more and that he'd be fine after the ice.
Casais gains possession and clears, and Hertzog runs the ball down on Wisconsin's side to possess and run the clock out. State wins 2-1, eliminates Wisconsin from regular season title contention, and moves into first place in the Big Ten with Northwestern to play tomorrow.
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Now a minute to go, and Wisconsin is attacking. Matheus Braga earns a yellow for delay of game.
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Mackenzie Arment had a great chance there at the three-minute mark from the top of the box, but he hard shot was directly at Horwath, who parried the ball away.
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Penn State had a chance with just about four minutes to go to push the lead back to two, as Yeisley received Braga's cross in the box, but had to pivot before shooting and couldn't get a good hit on the ball. Now just over three minutes remaining.
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After the restart, Wisconsin continues to possess on the Penn State half. Seems like that goal really energized the Badgers, and Penn State hasn't raised its game yet to match the energy level.
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Frank Costigliola earns a yellow card after a foul. Penn State really needs to hold off Wisconsin, but a kick into the box somehow gets away from Gross and is dangerously on the goal's doorstep, but a foul is called to end that threat.
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Well, shouldn't have said that. Wisconsin gets a goal off a free kick, as Scott Lorenz's free kick gets through the box and is pounded past Gross by Jon Rzepka. Score now 2-1 Penn State with under nine minutes to go.
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A nervous moment for State with the ball in the box, but it's cleared for a Badger corner. As SID John Regenfuss noted, it's crucial for Gorman's squad to hold this two-goal lead, as goal differential would be the tiebreaker if PSU and Northwestern finish tied atop the Big Ten standings.
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The Yeisley-Hertzog combo pays off yet again for State, as Yeisley breaks a 50-50 ball free to Hertzog, who runs past the Wisconsin defense and cashes in from the left side to bump the PSU lead to 2-0 with 12:14 to go. A big insurance goal for the Nittany Lions.
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Goodness gracious. Hertzog came wide open a through ball with nobody but Horwath to beat, but he couldn't get by and neither could a trailing Yeisley. The score stays 1-0 with 13 minutes to go.
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Hertzog comes on for Penn State after Costigliola takes the free kick and pushes the ball to Braga, who shoots high. Now 16:30 to go.
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A yellow card is pulled on Wisconsin's Austin Spohn for his slide tackle on Matheus Braga. Penn State had a break developing, which Spohn's tackle ended. 17:23 on the clock with about a 32-yard free kick coming.
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The Badgers are ratcheting up the pressure now with under 20 minutes on the clock. Penn State has been unable to muster possession in the last few minutes. Clock showing 18:30.
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Wisconsin made a dangerous run down the field and had an open man running to the goal, but Andres Casais somehow got back in the play and made a perfect tackle to slow the break and keep Wisconsin at bay. Now in the 70th minute here.
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In the 67th minute, Cost and Yeisley almost played a perfect two-man game for a goal, but Cost's shot went high. At the other end, Wisconsin has a chance after a cross, but Mark Fetrow runs through and clears to end the threat. TV timeout.
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Gelsinger almost had his first goal, but his angle shot from inside the box was saved by Alex Horwath. In the 65th minute, Salvatico comes on for Arment.
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In the 63rd minute, Justin Lee crosses into the box and Mark Fetrow gets his head on it, but the shot goes over the goal.
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In the 60th minute, Drew Cost had a 30-yard shot at goal that went just over the net. With the stoppage, Treavor Gelsinger subs on for Hertzog. The junior Gelsinger is still looking for his first goal of the year. Now would be a great time for him to get on the board, as it would likely seal a victory here.
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Penn State is really taking advantage of having the wind at their backs right now. They have maintained possession in the Wisconsin end for several minutes now before a blocked shot finally goes to Wisconsin in the 58th minute. Justin Lee had a blast at goal that was blocked during the sequence.
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Did a little research...the last time Penn State went undefeated at home was 2001, when they had a 7-0-0 record and progressed to the NCAA third round. They are 6-0-2 at Jeffrey heading into today's match.
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Warren Gross made a nice diving save there to keep the lead for PSU. 55th minute.
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Nice buildup there for Penn State. Jason Yeisley led Justin Lee down the right side nicely with a through ball, but Lee's cross was cleared by Wisconsin for a corner. 51st minute now.
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Wisconsin earned a dangerous free kick in the Penn State half, but it was easily headed away by State. Now in the 49th minute.
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Wisconsin takes the kickoff, and immediately turns it over to Penn State's Andy Parr. The Lions go on offense and earn a throw on the Wisconsin side here in the 46th minute.
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We're ready to start the second half here. The only change from the starting group is Mackenzie Arment,who remains at right midfield, where Vincent Salvatico started.
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Ben Skalina here to run down the second half. First, a quick peek at the halftime numbers:
Shots
Penn State 12
Wisconsin 5
Shots on goal
Penn State 2
Wisconsin 1
Corners
Penn State 7
Wisconsin 3
Saves
Penn State 1
Wisconsin 1
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That is it for the first half. It's 1-0 Penn State.
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Aaaron Nichols fouls Yeisley in the box, which set up a Braga penalty kick with 15 seconds left. Braga shoots high and left while Horwath dives low and right. The ball falls into the net for a Penn State 1-0 lead.
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Yeisley's hard work almost pays off. Fighting for the ball against a Wisconsin player, Yeisley was able to steal the ball from Wisconsin possession. As Yeisley fell to the ground after the skirmish, Braga took the ball and led Cost a little too far at the near post. Cost was able to center the ball, but Wisconsin regained possession. 2 minutes left.
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Costigliola yells at a Wisconsin player after fellow teammate Drew Cost falls to the ground on a foul call. 5 minutes left.
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No blood is present. Yeisley gets back up and stays in the game as play resumes. 8 minutes left.
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Yeisley gets hit in the nose and tosses around on the field. He is holding his face with both hands.
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Lee passed the ball to the foot of Hertzog, who shot, but the ball hit the outside netting. The nice pass by Lee received help from the wind, which allowed the ball to die right before Hertzog's foot.
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Arment shows a little trickery. He received the ball at the far side of the field and deked in and out through the middle of the field. Wisconsin players couldn't establish good footing against the winger. Arment shot from 20 yards out which flew just wide of the goal and a diving Horwath. 12 minutes left in the first half.
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Mackenzie Arment substitutes for Vincent Salvatico at the winger position.
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Hertzog falls over Wisconsin goalie Alex Horwath. Hertzog tried to catch up to the ball, which dribbled out of his reach. 18 minutes left
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The crowd is in an uproar as Corey Hertzog is tripped inside the 18-yard box. No foul was called. The play developed off a pass from Yeisley down the left sideline. 22 minutes left
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Frank Costigliola flips a ball over a Wisconsin defender in an attempt to lead Hertzog for a header shot on goal. The pass was a little too far but a good effort. 23 minutes left in the first half.
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The Lions look sloppy in the first 20 minutes. Wisconsin has stepped up its intensity, which the Lions have been scrambling to match.
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A goal opportunity for the Lions goes awry. Lee centered the ball to Yeisley who got his head on it. The ball went straight up into the air and Corey Hertzog had a shot on goal. But, the ball was deflected and controlled by Wisconsin.
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Warren Gross, who is sporting bright-orange goalie gear, loses distance on his goalie kicks because of the steady dose of wind against him.
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This is Collegian writer Brendan Monahan at Jeffrey Field for the Penn State-Wisconsin showdown. It's 0-0 in the 13th minute on a dreary day. The field is slippery, and there is an added excitement for senior day.
Icers beat writer Tom Kinslow offers his thoughts on the World Series...
Once Mariano Rivera struck out Gary Matthews Jr. in the ninth inning of Game 6 of the ALCS, it didn't take long for me to decide who to root for.
Go Phils.
As a Red Sox fan, I wouldn't root for the Yankees to win anything. A foot race, a game of checkers, a gold medal for America, nothing. I want them to lose every single game, every single year.
I laughed when they priced their fans out of their stadium. I laughed even harder when it turned out to be a joke of a stadium that allows anything hit remotely high and hard to right field to fly out of the park like it's Coors Field and Mark McGwire circa 1998 is at the dish.
To make a long story short, I'm rooting for the Phillies. Although, I must grudgingly say that I have a horrible feeling the Yankees will win this series, albeit in seven games. I also have a feeling I'll be watching A.J. Burnett raise the series MVP trophy.
Then again, I've been wrong from time-to-time so let's hope this is one of those times. Go Phils.
Comments
Icers beat writer Paul Casella offers his thoughts on the World Series...
As an Angels fan and a lifeling anti-Yankees fan, one would think I'm pulling for the Phillies, but that's actually not the case. I can't stand seeing any team win back-to-back championships, unless of course it's one of my teams. Honestly, I can't say I'm "rooting" for one team over the other, but instead just watching the games and hoping to see something exciting happen.
As for predictions, my theory coming into this series was the Phillies would only win if Cliff Lee could somehow pitch four complete games, which obviously is impossible. I stand by my prediction and say the Phillies will win every game that Cliff Lee is on the mound, and lose every one that he is not. Therefore, my prediction is Yankees win the series, four games to two. After recording the six-out save the other night, Mariano Rivera has put himself in a good position to win the World Series MVP award if he is able to close out one or two more games this series and keep the Phillies off the board. So, I'm saying the Yankees win this one in six games with Rivera taking home the second WS MVP award of his career.
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Sports chief Dave Miniaci offers his thoughts on the world series...
I'm a Cubs fan. Neither World Series team is a rival of mine, so who would I root for? I grew up in a house of Yankees fans so it's the Yankees right? Wrong. I hate the Yankees as much as everyone else. Derek Jeter may be my least favorite player not named David Eckstein or AJ Pierzynski. So the Phillies right? I've made friends with plenty Phillies fans since coming to Penn State. How about no. Being from North Jersey, I think I'm breaking a code by rooting for Pennsylvania teams. So who am I rooting for? The last pitch of the Series.
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Field Hockey beat writer Kurt Bopp offers his thoughts on the World Series...
I hate Phillie fans, but like their players. I hate Yankee fans and players, but I really hate how they buy wins. As a fan of a low-budget team (the Fish) I hate the big spenders and their mentality towards baseball. Despite being a huge capitalist, I prefer farm-grown teams to bought teams, so I'm pulling for the Phillies... and will try to ignore their fans.
So far it's been what I expected. I think the Phils win it in 6. They had to split the first two games, and they did. Cliff Lee will be the MVP, however he will not be better than Josh Beckett of 2003.
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Field hockey and Lady Lions beat writer Audrey Snyder gives her thoughts on the World Series...
Who I will pull for: Neither. Being that I am an Atlanta Braves fan there are certain aspects that I hate about each team. I despise Ryan Howard, because that man is a beast and I've watched him hit way too many home runs off of the Braves. But, I also look across the field and see Mark Teixeira and remember how good he looked in a Braves uniform (even if it was only for one year). I can't root for either team because it goes against my ethical beliefs. The 1996 World Series still gives me enough fuel to despise the Yankees, and living outside of Philadelphia and having to deal with their fans on a daily basis is reason enough to not pull for the Phillies.
Observation: The Phillies win in the opening game didn't surprise me considering they needed to take one of the first two to have a better chance of winning this thing. Cliff Lee continued his playoff dominance but for me, A.J. Burnett was the biggest surprise. He gave the Yankees seven, solid innings which was huge considering they used a total of six pitchers in Game 1.
What to look for: It's going to come down to the bullpens. Brad Lidge hasn't made an appearance yet and after he struggled mightily during the regular season "Lights out Lidge" may just allow the Yankees to light up the scoreboard.
MVP Prediction: I'll take Mark Teixeira. The slugger finally launched a homerun in Game 2 and it's just the beginning of his success as he heads to the hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park.
Comments
No amount of innings from Joe Blanton equals just five or six from staff ace Cliff Lee.
Although Lee could deliver great innings against the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the World Series, Charlie Manuel has announced his decision to start Joe Blanton.
Announced Friday afternoon, the decision is going to rightfully earn Manuel some criticism. Manuel said, "I don't think he's ready for it on three days' rest," though there are at least a couple of reasons why Lee is a better option for Game 4, and also why this decision affects the Phillies' chances for the rest of the series.
If Lee starts Game 4, it can reasonably be expected that he would not pitch another complete game. What Lee would be able to give the Phillies is something no other Phillies starter has proven they can do against the Yankees; give them a quality start and therefore - a chance to earn a lead for the bullpen.
Pedro Martinez could not silence the Yankees' bats, even after a borderline dominant performance against the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series, and Joe Blanton was unable to do even that well against the Dodgers.
The first question on the minds of Phillies fans is "If Pedro couldn't do it, how will Blanton?" The Yankees' lineup packs a much larger punch than the Dodgers' lineup, and a more consistent pitcher is needed to establish the Phillies during the first few innings.
Realistically, Lee would only be expected to throw a maximum of six innings, but that gives the Phillies two-thirds of the game to put runs on the scoreboard. Blanton effectively gives the Yankees confidence that the Phillies want to keep away from New York, especially while at home in Philly.
While Lee could be expected to deliver a deeper and perhaps better performance in Game 5 rather than Game 4, pitching Game 4 will allow Lee to rest enough between games to be able to throw a possible Game 7 if necessary.
The decision makes little sense on the surface, but don't discount the fact that managers know their players better then any journalist or fan could. Lee might be too tired to pitch more than a couple good innings and Blanton may have shown enough in the NLCS to earn the look in Game 4.
Set three got started with two kills from Megan Hodge putting the Lions up 2-0.
Another kill from Hodge put the Lions up 3-1.
Minnesota had the chance to tie the set, but a service error by the gophers put Penn State back up by two at 6-4.
A service by Hodge brought the Gophers back, but the Lions were still up 8-6. Brown followed by a kill on the next serve and the Lions led 9-6.
A Gopher service error put Penn State up 11-8. Another Gopher error put the Lions up 13-10. A kill from Megan Wilson and a Minnesota service ace brought the Gophers back to within on at 13-12.
Hodge answered for the Lions with a kill and put the Lions back up 14-12.
With the match tied at 14, the Gophers served the ball over the end line and gave the lead back to Penn State.
Illegal contact called on the Gophers put Penn State up 19-14 and prompted Minnesota coach Mike Hebert to call a timeout.
A Darcy Dorton kill out of the timeout gave the Lions their 20th point and a six-point lead. Dorton followed with another kill, putting the the Lions up 21-14.
Dorton couldn't get a third-straight kill, however, and hit the ball into the net making the score 21-15 Penn State
Confusion on the part of the Lions led to four touches and made the score 21-17.
Carpenter came in a notched a service ace to make the score 24-17.
Penn State wins the set 25-17.
Make that 88 consecutive victories for Penn State.
***
The second set of the night started with three quick kills from Megan Hodge to bring the score to 4-1.
The defense continued to be strong for the Lions, with Alisha Glass making a rolling dig to keep a volley going. Penn State recorded a point on that play as well.
At the first timeout, Penn State was ahead 14-9. Minnesota was holding closer to its opponents in this set, keeping plays alive with a strong defensive presence, especially from Christine Tan.
However, even with Minnesota keeping volleys alive, Penn State was ahead 20-12 at the second timeout. With only five points left to take the match, the Lions walked back onto the court slapping hands and looking ready to go.
Penn State did take the second set 25-16, and now lead the Gophers 2-0. That was Jocelyn bringing you the first two sets of the night. AJ unfortunately couldn't be here tonight as he is at a Pearl Jam concert, so Bill will be back to bring you the third, and possibly final, set of the match.
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With fans clad in a variety of costumes in honor of Halloween, the Lions got off to a quick start in their second match against Minnesota. Arielle Wilson recorded a kill on the first play of the game, and Penn State went from there.
A play to bring the score to 9-5 in favor of Penn State brought the fans at Rec Hall to their feet. A ball that was hit out of bounds was saved by Wilson and sent back over the net by Alyssa D'Errico. As Minnesota sent the ball back over, Cathy Quilico dug a ball that nearly hit the ground, allowing Blair Brown to record a huge kill.
Minnesota stuck with the Lions, and at the first timeout the score was close with Penn State leading 12-7.
After the timeout, the Lions really began to roll, quickly separating themselves from the Gophers. Penn State took the first set 25-14.
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Hey folks. Welcome to Rec Hall where tonight, the Penn State women's volleyball team goes for history.
The Nittany Lions (23-0, 11-0 Big Ten) welcome in Minnesota (17-5, 8-2 Big Ten) for the second meeting between the two teams this season. Penn State swept Minnesota back on Oct. 11 in Minneapolis.
Two coaching legends in Mike Hebert from Minnesota and Penn State's Russ Rose will be calling the shots from the sideline tonight.
Lots of story lines tonight, including the Lions going for their 88th consecutive win. A win would tie the 1971-74 UCLA men's basketball team for the fourth longest winning streak in NCAA Division I History.
Also, the Gophers will be without leading scorer Brook Dieter. The outside hitter left the team last week for undisclosed reasons. The Gophers have won both matches since her departure, but you have to believe the Lions will be seeing a different look from Minnesota tonight on the offensive end.
But what I am sure is of more importance to both teams is the fact that Minnesota is currently tied for second place, two games behind Penn State in the Big Ten standings. A win for the Gophers would certainly make things interesting at the top of the Big Ten standings.
Rec Hall is starting to fill up with fans in Halloween Costumes. Should be a great atmosphere for volleyball.
We'll be back with starting lineups and first set action
The two Nittany Lions were awarded the titles based on school achievements in addition to their soccer feats.
Yeisley received first team honors while Parr was listed on the second team. Yeisley also received the All-District II Team distinction in 2007. The senior can now become an academic All-American because he will be placed on the national ballot.
The World Series is now even at one game apiece, as Mariano Rivera records a six-out save. The game ends with the tying run at the plate in the person of Matt Stairs, but Rivera sits him down with his second strikeout of the night.
The series now goes to Philadelphia on Saturday, Halloween night, with both teams picking up one win in the first two games.
Game three likely pits Yankees' starter Andy Pettitte against Phillies starter Cole Hamels as the Series moves to the city brotherly love.
Final score
Phillies 1, Yankees 3.
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Rivera comes back out, looking for the two-inning save for the Yankees. He sits down Howard looking, and Howard strikes out for the fourth time tonight.
Werth goes after a 1-1 pitch hard, but he follows it straight back for strike two. Next pitch doesn't find the strike zone and the count is even at 2-2.
Werth reaches out and hits a soft liner to second, but Cano is right there for out No. 2.
Next batter, though, Ibanez, hits a double to left-center and keeps the game alive for 41-year-old Matt Stairs.
Strike one. And, now, strike two.
Next pitch comes in high and the count is 1-2. Now, ball two. Count is even at 2-2, and Molina comes out to the mind to talk to Rivera.
And whatever he said seemed to work, as Rivera throws the cutter low and inside, and Stairs chases for strike three. Game over.
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And now to the bottom of the eighth with Teixera leading off for the Yanks, and he gets hit by a pitch.
Next hitter, A-Rod, watches a 1-2 pitch as it catches the corner and A-Rod goes down
looking, his sixth strikeout of the World Series.
Ryan Madson does the same thing with Matsui, striking out his second of the inning. But now, Cano hits a shot into right for a base hit and the Yankees have two on with two out.
Madson works the count to 1-2, but Gardner follows off back-to-back pitches to stay alive. But now, the changeup catches Gardner off guard, and he goes down swinging.
Madson strikes out the side, and we go to the ninth.
End of the eighth,
Phillies 1, Yankees 3
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Regardless of what happens there, the Yanks are going to turn double play, so I'm not sure why announcers are making a big deal of this.
If it's a ground ball, they go first to second and back to first, and if it's a line drive they easily double Gardner off second, and the inning is over.
Ruiz starts off the inning with a groundout to third, and there's one away.
And with Mariano Rivera on the mound, Rollins draws the one-out walk.
And now Victorino draws a ball through the right side for a hit, and the Phillies have runners on first and second with one out.
Now the Phillies have Utley, last night's hero, up at the plate. Rivera gets ahead in the count 0-2.
Rivera tries to get him to chane, but Utley lays off. 2-2. And now a low pitch sends the count to 3-2.
A ground ball to second, Cano goes to Jeter who rifles it onto first to Teixera. The Yankees turn a double play and the inning is over.
Middle of the eighth
Phillies 1, Yankees 3.
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Hairston, Jr. leads off the bottom of the inning with a single to right.
And now, on a hit-and-run, Molina hits another single to right, advancing Hairston, Jr. to third.
Now Charlie Manuel comes out and replaces Martinez with Chan Ho Park. And, of course, the Yankees pinch-hit Jorge Posada for Molina. Next pitch is a fastball for strike No. 2. But the next pitch is lined into center for a base hit and another Yankees run. Yankees lead 3-1, with one out and runners on first and second.
Jeter comes up and stirkes out, trying to sacrifice the runners up, one out now with two on in the eighth.
And Damon steps up the plate, zero-for-three on the night,
Line drive to Howard at first, and controversy ensues. But Howard caught the ball and threw it to second. Either way you look at, it's a double play and the inning is over.
End of the seventh,
Phillies 1, Yankees 3.
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Burnett records strikeout No. 8 to start the seventh inning, as Ibanez goes down
swinging,
And one batter later, same result on Matt Stairs, as Burnett records yet another strikeout.
And now Feliz, hits a slow-roller to Jeter, and the shortstop throws him out at first to end the inning.
Middle of the seventh
Phillies 1, Yankees 2.
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Martinez comes out hurling in the sixth, striking out the heart of the Yankees order back-to-back. Teixera goes down swinging and A-rod does the same.
But finally, Matsui fines the ball and drives one to right field. Deep to right field and gone. Another solo shot gives the Yankees the lead, 2-1.
Next, Cano flies out to left, and the inning is over, but damage is done.
Yankees hit their second homerun of the game and take their first lead of the series.
End of the sixth
Phillies 1, Yankees 2
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The Phillies send Utley to the plate to lead off the sixth, but Utley fails to live up to last night's performance, as he grounds out to Teixera for the inning's first out.
Burnett now takes on Ryan Howard, and quickly jumps ahead 1-2, before throwing ball two. Burnett throws a nice breaking ball at the knees for strike No. 3 and records his seventh strikeout of the night, third on Howard.
Werth comes up swinging, and flies a ball to center field, where Cabrera is waiting and records another 1-2-3 inning for the Yankees.
Middle of the sixth
Phillies 1, Yankees 1.
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Martinez overpowers Migeul Cabrera for his sixth strikeout of the night, and the first out of the bottom of the fifth.
And that brings up Molina, who drew a walk in his first at-bat of the night. This time, however, he grounds a ball to Rollins at short, who throws to first for the second out.
Jeter rips a pitch into left, for a two-out double, and the Yankees have a runner in scoring position with two outs.
But Johnny Damon steps in and pops a pitch to the right side of the infield where Howard waits for the ball to settle into his glove for the third out and the inning ends with game still tied, in what has turned into a pitcher's duel.
End of the fifth
Phillies 1, Yankees 1.
_____
Feliz flies out to right for the first out of the inning.
The next batter, Ruiz, flies a ball to left over the head of Damon, as it bounces up against the wall. Ruiz jogs into second with a double, and the Phillies have a runner in scoring position with one out.
Top of the order for the Phillies with Rollins stepping in to bat. Burnett gets ahead in the count 0-2 before laying off a pitch just low for ball one. A bouncing pitch goes for ball two, and the count is even at 2-2. Rollins checks his swing, but doesn't go, and he works the count full. The breaking ball low and away gets Rollins to chase for strike three, two outs.
And now with two outs, Victorino pops up a pitch to the left side of the infield, where Rodriguez records the third out.
Top of the fifth
Phillies 1, Yankees 1.
_____
First batter of the fourth is Mark Teixera, who ties the game with a solo shot to right-center.
A-Rod flies a pitch to left, getting a rise out of the Yankee Stadium crowd, but Ibanez is there to make the play, one away.
Martinez walks Matsui, who reaches base for the second time tonight. The next batter, Cano, flies out to center field for the second out.
Hairston, Jr. strikes out looking, and lets the umpire know he wasn't too happy with the call. The pitch seemed to cross at the knees, and the Yankees are retired for the fourth, but not before ex-Angel Mark Teixera hits a solo homerun, tying the game.
End of the fourth
Phillies 1, Yankees 1.
_____
Burnett starts off the fourth with three straight balls to Werth before throwing strike one. And now, strike two. The full count pitch is lined into right field for a base hit and the Phillies have their lead off man on first.
The 0-2 pitch bounces in the dirt, but Molina fields it and throws behind Werth to first, where Teixera tags him out. A perfect throw by Molina on a play he's become famous for over the years, one away.
And one pitch later, Burnett strikes out Ibanez, two outs.
First pitch to Matt Stairs ends up as a fly ball to left, where Damon makes the catch for out No. 3.
Middle of the fourth
Phillies 1, Yankees 0.
_____
Miguel Cabrera leads off the bottom of the inning with a fly ball to straight-away center, where Victorino is waiting. One out.
After working a full count, Jose Molina takes a pitch high and away for ball four, and the Yankees have a runner on first with one out for the top of the order in Derek Jeter.
Pedro continues to get ahead of hitters, jumping ahead 0-2. Jeter fouls off a couple pitches to stay alive, then takes ball one up high. Another pitch sails high and the count is 2-2. Jeter leans out over the plate, but takes a called strike three for the second out.
Damon comes out swinging at the first pitch and flies one to the right-center field gap, where Victorino records his second putout of the inning and the Yankees strand a runner on first
End of the third
Phillies 1, Yankees 0.
_____
Carlos Ruiz leads off the third inning with a groundout to Jeter at short, one away in the third.
Top of the order coming up for the Phillies, Rollins steps in to face Burnett for the second time tonight. Rollins works the count full against Burnett, and the pitch is high and outside, giving Rollins first base.
Victorino comes up with the speedy Rollins on first. Burnett is doing everything he can to keep Rollins close at first, but still works ahead in the count 1-2. Another pickoff move to first, followed by a foul ball keeps the count the same.
Burnett continues to hold the ball as long as he can and occasionally step off to keep Rollins from swiping second. The pitch is nowhere near the plate, moving the count to 2-2.
Rollins finally goes, and he picks a good pitch to do it on, as Victorino taps one back to the mound. With Rollins going, Burnett has no choice but to go to first. Rollins moving on the pitch prevents the double play, keeping the inning alive as Utley steps in with two outs and Rollins on second.
Jose Molina shows off his defensive skills, fielding a bouncing pitch cleanly off one hop, keeping Rollins at second. The next pitch is way outside, and the count moves to 2-0. After ball three, the Yankees decide to just put Utley on, throwing ball four intentionally.
Runners on first and second with two outs now for Howard. Burnett throws the curve on a 1-1 count, fooling Howard as he takes strike two. Swing a miss, strike three. Molina drops the breaking ball, but picks it up and tags Howard for the third and final out of the inning.
Middle of the third
Phillies 1, Yankees 0.
_____
Martinez is back on the mound, ready to take on Rodriguez, who is looking for his first World Series hit, after finishing 0-4 last night with three strikeouts.
A-Rod falls behind in the count 1-2, but refuses to go away, fouling off pitch-after-pitch. And now, Rodriguez takes a pitch away, and the count evens out at 2-2. And the pitch is a breaking ball that completely fools Rodriguez, who walks away from the plate before the umpire even signals strike three. One out.
In steps Hideki Matsui, who singles a pitch through the right side for a base hit. The Yankees have one on with two outs now in the bottom of the second, and we see the footage of Pedro throwing Don Zimmer to the ground. Who knows how many times we'll see that before the end of the night?
Robinson Cano comes up to the plate, looking to keep the inning alive.
Pedro gets ahead in the count, yet again, going up 0-2 on Cano. Cano works the count to 1-2, fouls off a pitch, then takes another ball to even the count at 2-2.
Cano reaches out and pokes a looper into left field, and Ibanez lays out, making a diving catch for the second out.
And right-fielder Jerry Hairston Jr. comes up to the plate, replacing the struggling Nick Swisher for the Yankees. The count again goes to 2-2, before Hairston takes a pitch low and away for a full count, releasing Matsui at first. Hairston swings and bloops the pitch into right field, where Jayson Werth makes the catch, ending the inning.
End of the second
Phillies 1, Yankees 0.
_____
And Burnett is back on the mound to take on Ryan Howard.
The early pitcher's duel continues, as Burnett strikes out Howard swinging.
Burnett is working quick tonight, not wasting time between pitches. He works ahead of Werth 1-2, and throws a pitch low and away, trying to get Werth to chase. He checks his swing and evens the count at 2-2.
Werth follows off back-to-back pitches, staying alive against Burnett.
Werth takes a pitch low and outside, working a full count.
Burnett throws another pitch away, and Werth reaches out and grounds the ball slowly to Alex Rodriguez at third. Two outs.
Steps in Raul Ibanez, who was one-for-four last night with a pair of RBIs and a pair of strikeouts.
A blooper down the left-field line falls in for a hit and bounces into the stands for a ground-rule double.
Matt Stairs comes up and rips one under the glove of Rodriguez at third. Werth rounds third and will come into score, and the Phillies take the early lead, 1-0.
Burnett, trying to avoid any further damage, jumps ahead of Pedro Feliz, 0-2.
Burnett places the 1-2 pitch perfectly and gets Feliz to chase it, ending the inning. Third strikeout of the night for Burnett, but Matt Stairs' RBI single puts the Phillies ahead.
Middle of the second
Phillies 1, Yankees 0.
_____
And now Pedro takes the mound for the bottom of the first inning to take on the Yankees lineup, which was shoutdown by Phillies ace Cliff Lee last night.
First up, is Yankees all-time hits leader Derek Jeter. After getting ahead in the count, Pedro works a full count to Jeter. Full count pitch is a fastball at Jeter's knees, and a swing and a miss gives the Phillies their first out of the night.
That brings up Johnny Damon, who quickly falls behind in thecount 1-2, looking absolutely lost on a 75 mph changeup. Damon rips one down the right-field line, but it's just foul.
Martinez strikes out Damon swinging just one pitch later.
And up comes Mark Teixera. Martinez moving the ball around and jumps ahead of Teixera 1-2.
Teixera pops it up to the right side of the infield and Rollins calls everyone off, making the catch just to the right of the mound.
End of the first
Phillies 0, Yankees 0.
_____
So here we go, with game two. Not quite the pitching matchup we had in the World Series opener, but A.J. Burnett takes on Pedro Martinez tonight.
Jimmy Rollins flies out, the "Flying Hawaiian" Shane Victorino goes down looking and last night's hero Chase Utley flies out to left.
Burnett definitely keeps things less interesting than C.C. Sabathia, who walked the bases loaded in the first inning, last night.
Middle of the first
Phillies 0, Yankees 0.
_____
Hey all,
This is Paul Casella, your Collegian Icers reporter, here to take you through the second game of the World Series. As an Angels fan, I have lost any personal interest in baseball this year. So, stay tuned as we carry you through Game Two of the World Series.
It's senior year for 165-pounder Dan Vallimont, and with it comes experience. Vallimont was an All-American in 2008 and made it to the 'Round of 12' twice - in 2007 as a freshman after his redshirt year and again last season.
Vallimont holds a No. 9 ranking in the 165-pound weight class, but he's in for test when wrestling against Big Ten opponents this year. In Vallimont's weight class, InterMat ranks Minnesota's Dustin Schlatter at No. 1, Wisconsin's Andrew Howe at No. 3, Iowa's Ryan Morningstar at No. 4, Ohio State's Colt Sponseller at No. 8 and Indiana's Paul Young at No. 15. Just typing all those names makes me winded - imagine how Vallimont will feel wrestling the daunting slate of conference foes.
The Nittany Lions don't compete against Indiana so Vallimont won't see Young during the Big Ten regular season. He will have to face the other four with each match taking place on the road.
But, Vallimont admits he doesn't pay attention to the rankings, and his confidence seems to be soaring right now.
"I'd like to be able to push my opponent the whole seven minutes and dominate every match," Vallimont said.
The Worldwide Leader in Sports threw a little respect the way of the Big Ten and Penn State today on its dedicated soccer site, ESPN Soccernet.The column by Maria Burns Ortiz talks at length about Indiana's historical dominance of the conference and the emergence of parity in the league in the recent part of the decade.The story also features a picture of Nittany Lion scoring sensation Jason Yeisley, and notes Penn State controls its own destiny with matches against Wisconsin and Indiana remaining.Ortiz does name Northwestern, currently tied with PSU for second, as her favorite, but the Nittany Lions can assure themselves at least a tie for the conference title with wins over the Badgers and the Hoosiers. That mission starts Saturday afternoon at Jeffrey Field, and the match will be televised Sunday at 4 p.m. on the Big Ten Network.Both teams are coming off nonconference losses Wednesday: Penn State at Akron, Wisconsin at home to Northern Illinois.
Comments
Penn State goes for it's 88th consecutive win Friday night at Rec Hall against Minnesota.
If Penn State is fortunate enough to finish out this season undefeated, and hopes to keep the streak alive next season, then Russ Rose should not schedule Notre Dame for next year's nonconference slate, or ever.
The Fighting Irish have a knack for stopping streaks.
In 1994, the North Carolina women's soccer team was on a run of 92 straight wins (yes, no ties, just wins). That was until the Irish played the Tar Heels to a 0-0 tie and ended the winning streak.
The UCLA men's basketball team started its historic run of 88 consecutive wins in 1971. During that season, the Bruins dismantled the Irish and first-year coach Digger Phelps, beating them by 58 points.
Four years later, on January 19, 1974, the Irish scored 12 points in the last two minutes and defeated the Bruins 71-70.
The preseason rendition of the ESPN/ USA Today Coaches poll was released on Thursday.
Kansas is ranked first, followed by last year's runner up and Big Ten favorite Michigan State, Texas, defending champion North Carolina and Kentucky in the top five.
Here is the entire Top 25, in order
1. Kansas
2. Michigan State
3. Texas
4. UNC
5. Kentucky
6. Villanova
7. Purdue
8. Duke
9. West Virginia
10. Butler
11. Tennesee
12. California
13. Washington
14. Connecticut
15. Michigan
16. Oklahoma
17. Ohio State
18. Minnesota
19. Mississppi State
20. Georgia Tech
21. Georgetown
22. Dayton
23. Louisville
24. Clemson
25. Syracuse
Not surprisingly, Penn State was not in the Top 25, but the Nittany Lions did not receive any votes either.
With five Big Ten teams ranked to start the year, and Illinois getting 83 votes, leaving them just outside of the poll, Talor Battle and the Lions will face a daunting task trying to win the conference title
Senior guard Tyra Grant joins the elite list of other Big Ten players as a preseason All-Big Ten selection. Grant averaged 19.6 points per game for the Nittany Lions last season.
As we reported in the Collegian this morning, Matt Kirstein will be out three to five weeks with a sprained MCL and Taylor Cera will be out two to four weeks with a high left ankle sprain. The loss of both forwards is another tough break to an Icers squad that's had to deal with a good amount of injuries already.
With both injuries, the timetable for returns are not set in stone. Icers coach Scott Balboni said with Cera's injury, it can either linger on or it can heal itself in a couple of weeks. Kirstein, who started rehabbing the injury before he went to the doctor Wednesday, also said the return schedule depends on how the injury heals.
Just looking at the timetables, Cera could miss up to eight games and Kirstein could miss up to 10. If both players take the long end of the estimate, Cera could be back at the end of November for the two games against NCAA Division III Schools and Kirstein could be back for the first series with Delaware Dec. 4-5. The short end of the estimate could bring Cera back for the two games at Rhode Island Nov. 13-14 and Kirstein back Nov. 21-22 against Navy.
In the next five weekends, Penn State has two games with West Virginia, four games with Navy, two at Rhode Island and a two day tournament against two NCAA Division III Schools. Not including the NCAA schools, here are the Icers' records against Navy, Rhode Island and West Virginia going back to 2000-01:
Navy - 11-0
Rhode Island - 13-7-2
West Virginia - 13-0
Of those three teams, Rhode Island has given the Icers the most problems recently. But six of those losses came in the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons. In the last three seasons, Penn State is 9-1 against the Rams.
Balboni will have a challenge replacing Cera and Kirstein, but at the same time the Icers have done well against the teams they'll play without the pair. But again, that's assuming the timetables strictly follow the plan.
Talor Battle was named to the preseason first team all Big Ten team, coming off a year in which he averaged 16.7 points and five assists per game.
Michigan State's Kalin Lucas was tabbed as the conference's player of the year, at today's media day in Chicago.
Here is a look at the team in full:
Manny Harris, MICH, JR, G
16.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.40 apg, 1.23 spg
Kalin Lucas, MSU, JR, G
14.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 4.63 apg,
Evan Turner, OSU, JR, G/F
17.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 3.97 apg, 1.76 spg
Talor Battle, PSU, JR, G
16.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.97 apg, 1.18 spg
Robbie Hummel, PUR, JR, F
12.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.94 apg
(courtesy of Bigten.org)
The committee of 24 media members also voted on the preseason Big Ten standings. No surprise at No. 1, as the Michigan State Spartans three of its best players in Lucas, Raymar Morgan and Durrell Summers.
Purdue and Ohio State were voted second and third, respectively. The press release, only gave the conference's top three teams, so it was unclear where the Lions finished in the vote.
But with many magazines and projections placing the Lions toward the bottom of the conference, here is what Battle had to say at Penn State basketball media day last week:
"Its definitely motivation, but at the same time you don't blame them for having their own opinion. Losing all the players we lost last year is definitely a big loss. I'm not gonna fool you and tell you it's nothing - losing those three guys. That would be foolish of me. But we've got a lot of young guys who I think can fill the void."
He also noted the importance of building on 2008-09:
"It's very important, and I think we need to have another successful season so it's not one of those one-hit wonder things and prove that the program really is on the rise."
As we talked about in today's Collegian, junior forward Tim O'Brien has started to hit his stride offensively this season.
O'Brien has had back-to-back strong weekends and seems to be rounding into form just as the Penn State Icers received news they will be without Matt Kirstein and Taylor Cera for a couple of weeks.
So I decided to go game by game and break down O'Brien's season so you can see the increased production.
Towson
Oct 2: Icers win 4-3 in overtime. O'Brien went scoreless and did not assist on any of the goals.
Oct 3: Icers win 15-3. O'Brien tallies a goal and an assist.
Oct 16: Icers win 7-1. O'Brien scores a goal and assists on two others, by far his best game of the season up to that point.
Oct 17: Icers lose 4-3 in a shootout. O'Brien scores a goal and assists on another. This is where the junior starts to really put it together. The forward tallied more goals and assists in that weekend than he had in the previous two weekends combined.
For the season at this point: Three goals, five assists.
Oct 23: Icers win 6-3. The forward notches a goal as the Icers overcome a second period lapse to defeat the Dragons.
Oct 24: Icers win 4-3. Another two goals for O'Brien as Penn State plays in what it believes is its best performance of the year. The junior matched his entire goal total for three weeks in a two day span and continued his hot streak.
Over the last four games, O'Brien has racked up five goals and three assists. For the season, by my count, O'Brien has six goals, five assists. Now the Icers' site has him listed as having seven assists. I have gone over every box score three times and can only find five assists. Not sure what the deal is there.
But assuming O'Brien keeps the pace he's set over the course of the season so far, he'd finish with: 36 goals and 30 assists.
By comparison, in O'Brien's freshman year, he finished with 20 goals and 34 assists. A year later, O'Brien tallied 32 goals and 20 assists. So while it may have taken the junior some time to get started, which is most likely related to being off of the ice this summer while rehabbing a wrist injury, the forward has started to hit his stride as Penn State heads into the meat of it's schedule.
It'll be interesting to see if O'Brien keeps his hot hand this weekend against West Virginia.
The Phillies recieved a magnificent outing from Cliff Lee. The lefty dominated on the mound and made a nice behind-the-back grab which just showed it was that kind of night for him. If I was an Indians fan (which I'm not), his outing tonight would be tough to swallow. His complete-game effort was pure dominance. Recording 10 strikeouts against Jeter, Teixeira, Rodriguez, Posada, Matsui and Swisher was the type of outing the defending World Series Champions needed. This dominant win should give the Philies a great amount of confidence heading into Game 2. Anytime a team gets a win on the road it's a great feat, but to do it in the type of fashion the Phillies did was impressive.
As for the Yankees, CC Sabathia surrendered four hits, but unfortunately for him two of the hits were home runs. Sabathia didn't have the type of consistency the Yankees needed. While he recorded six strikeouts in seven innings he issued three walks and was forced to go deep into counts all night long. In order for the Yankees to come back tomorrow night and tie up the series they need a much better offensive performance from A-Rod. The clean up hitter struck out a team-high three times and hit into a double play. In order for the Yankees to regain home field advantage they need more production from the offense, need to cut down on the strikeouts and need to recieve a strong outing from Thursday's starter A.J. Burnett. If the Yankees can't get the win tomorrow night it's going to be very tough for them to even up the series and Train just may end up with another look of disgust on his face.
It's been fun folks! Be sure to follow the blog tomorrow night at 8 p.m. as Pedro Martinez faces off against A.J. Burnett.
********
Bottom 9th
The Yankees are down to their final three outs and face a six-run deficit.
Lee remains in the game for the Phillies. What a night for the 31-year-old.
Jeter- singles to center beyond the grasp of a sliding Shane Victorino. Despite the team's struggles tonight, Jeter has played well. The shortstop has gone 3-for-4 with two singles and a double.
Damon- singles to RF. Runners on first and second with no outs.
Teixeira- Madson is warming up for the Phillies. Teixeira hits the ball to Utley who gets Damon out at second. Rollins is then charged with a throwing error when the ball sails over Howard's head. Jeter scores to end the Phillies' hope of a shut out. 1 out.
Phillies 6- Yankees 1
Rodriguez- strikes out swinging as Lee records his ninth strikeout of the game. 2 outs.
Posada- The Yankees are down to their final out as Lee looks to close out the game. Posada strikeouts to end the game. Lee notches 10 K's while only surrendering six hits and giving up zero unearned runs.
Final:
Phillies 6 vs. Yankees 1
**********
Top 9th
Brian Bruney steps on the mound for the Yankees.
Feliz- pops up to the right side of the infield. Train is turning into quite the pessimist. Four hours ago he was looking forward to a parade and bragging rights, now he's one angry individual.
Ruiz- doubles to CF with 1 out. Great speed displayed by the catcher as he records a stand up double.
Rollins- singles on a bloop hit toward A-Rod. Runners on the corners with one out.
Victorino- singles to right field as the Phillies add another run, making it a 5-0 game.
Train is pacing around the office and just called Yankees manager Joe Girardi a "bum" and said this game makes him "want to puke." Well then.
Utley- There's a giggle fit going on in the office as Train is frusturated beyond words. Utley flies out to CF. Runners on the corners with 2 outs.
Train, who refrains from alcohol consumption said this game may drive him to hit the bottle. Don't worry he is of legal age.
Howard- doubles to RF as the Phillies add another run before Victorino gets tagged out at the plate. Victorino was grining from ear-to-ear as he came toward home while Train had his head in his hands with a look of disgust.
Phillies 6-0
*******
Bottom 8th
Cano- Lee remains in the game for the Phillies and what a gem the lety has turned in tonight. Lee's got everything working for him as he uses his 99th pitch to retire Cano on what was a beautiful, behind the back stop. The lefty has made plays look effortless tonight as he cought a pop up without moving earlier in the game and now makes one heck of a stop.
Swisher- strikes out looking. It's Lee's eighth strikeout of the night and wow what an acquisition Lee has turned out to be.
Cabrera- flies out to CF. What can't Lee do tonight? I predict he pulls a rabbit out of his hat next!
Phillies 4-0
*****
Top 8th
Phil Hughes enters the game in relief of Sabathia.
Rollins- Train is getting agitated as the Yankees turn to their bullpen. And rightfully so as J-Roll unleashes a ball that went high and foul into the wet, N.Y. sky. Rollins walks.
Victorino- So I'm taking notice of what looks like an empty, broken coffee pot sitting right across from me. What I would do for some caffeine right now is beyond words. 3-0 count for Victorino. Rollins gets a nice jump and steals second base while Victorino takes the strike. Hughes issues a walk to Victorino as well.
Utley- Damaso Marte comes in to relieve Hughes and Train's hopes have been all but crushed. Train says it will be 5-0 very soon as he has no faith in the lefty. Well, Marte retires Utley with a wicked curveball as Train has hope. 1 out.
Howard- flies out to RF as Rollins tags and makes it to third easily. Marte now leaves the game and is replaced by RHP David Robertson.
Werth- BB, bases loaded with two outs. If the Philies can get some insurance runs here it will make a Yankee comeback very tough.
Another plug for the Favre return to Green Bay. Oh FOX, don't you know this is a very sensitive subject for me?
Ibanez-- singles past Teixeira as the Phillies add two insurance runs. As the Phillies fans rejoice and give eachother high fives Train is very angered with the Yankees bullpen.
4-0 Phillies, 2 outs.
Francisco- A-Rod makes a nice stop on a ball hit to his right to retire Francisco.
Phillies 4-0
******
Bottom 7th
Rodriguez- grounds out to Feliz who keeps A-Rod hitless.
Posada- check swings as the ball dribbles back to Lee who tags him out.
Matsui- grounds out to Feliz to end the inning. The Yankees are down to six outs if they want to try and make a comeback. It should be interesting to see if Sabathia stays in the game, but my guess is they'll look for help coming from the bullpen.
2-0 Phillies
*****
Top 7th
Francisco- walks. Sabathia issues his third walk of the game.
Feliz- grounds into a 5-4-3 double play.
Ruiz- It's getting pretty quiet around as we're relying on the ginger, who claims she's the world's favorite ginger, to keep us awake. Good thing she had plenty of Sour Skittles at the volleyball match or else I may be asleep. Ruiz grounds out to Rodriguez to end the inning.
I'm looking forward to the seventh inning stretch so I can take a nice, long lap around the office.
2-0 Phillies
*****
Bottom 6th
Cabrera-flies out to RF as rain continues to fall in N.Y. Train admits to starting to feel a little nervous about the Yankees chances.
Jeter-singles up the middle, recording his second hit of the night. Jeter has been one of only three Yankees who have hit off of Lee tonight.
Damon- across the wall the women's volleyball writers are hard at work. Bill "Wild Bill" Landis and Minnesota's favorite ginger, Jocelyn Syrstad, continue to work dispite this highly anticipated game. Damon pops up tp Lee who casually sticks his glove out and makes the catch. What a confident play by Lee who didn't move his feet as he caught the ball right around his belt. 2 outs.
Teixeira- grounds out to Utley who retires Jeter at second. Lee and company keep the Yanks scoreless as we head to the top of the 7th.
2-0 Phillies
*****
Top 6th
Victorino- While Victorino flies out to CF talk in the office has turned to Halloween Costumes. Rung admits he's too cheap to buy a real costume so he's going as a GIANT worker. Gentile already told Train he doesn't need a costume to go as an upset Yankees fan. It's getting pretty hostile in here.
Utley- unleashes a home run once again over the right field wall. Utley unloaded on this pitch and there was no doubt that as soon as it left his bat the ball was leaving the park. 2-0 Phillies. Utley's homer, his second of the night, was good enough for Copain to admit that it was a nice shot. Watchig the replay of Sabathia's pitch on FOX's nifty replay camera shows that Sabathia left the ball right over the heart of the plate. I guarantee he wishes he had that one back. Out of Sabathia's three hits given up tonight, two of them were homers by Utley.
Howard- strikes out, Sabathia's fifth of the night.
Werth- singles beyond the outstretched glove of Cano. 2 outs. Soccer reoprter Brendan Monahan is still here working on a game story. What dedication from one of the quietest kids on staff. However, even Utley's homer was good enough to earn a few words from Monahan. Now that's saying something.
Ibanez- strikes out and Monahan said Ibanez's feet are moving way too much in the box and I couldn't agree more. Ibanez isn't looking too conftorable at the plate.
2-0 Phillies
****
Bottom 5th
Matsui- singles up the middle to record the Yankees thrid hit of the night. The crack of the bat was loud enough to make Skalina stop playing his game of virtual beer pong on his phone and turn his attention to the screen.
Cano- All of us here on the sports staff would like to thak FOX for pointing out that both teams have won seven games to get to the World Series. My question ... how the heck else would you get to the World Series without winning seven games? Cano lines out and gets Matsui out at first as well. Double play for the Phillies. After much conversation bewteen the umpires, it's confirmed that it is indeed a double play. 2 outs.
Swisher- pops up to RF to end the inning.
While the game has been pretty dull on the hitting front, Lee continues to turn in another solid post-season performance.
1-0 Phillies
****
Top 5th
Feliz- While the Fox staff continues to hype the Packers vs. Vikings game this weekend, I wish they would remember there is still a baseball game going on. I understand you need to plug your company, but as a Packer fan if I hear the F word one more time (Favre that is) I may break the monitor of this ancient computer I'm working on. Feliz strikes out. 1 out
Ruiz- rain is once again falling in N.Y. I guess it's a good thing Gentile isn't planning on majoring in meterology. Despite the rain, Jeter makes the throw across the diamond to retire Ruiz. 2 outs.
Rollins- So far my favorite comment of the night comes from copy editor Dave Rung. Rung said it's okay that Gentile's predicted 20-minute rain shower has started up once again. Afterall, Rung said being a meterologist is similiar to the job of a sportsbroadcaster. You get to say whatever you want and still get a hefty paycheck. Nice observation Rung. Rollins pops out to end the inning.
Phillies 1-0
*****
Bottom 4th
Teixeira- while the sports staff continues to piece their pages together, Lee has no problem fanning Teixeira, recording his fifth strikeout of the game.
Rodriguez- Train seems to have shifted his focus to the discussion of soccer as A-Rod works the count full. Much to the pleasure of Phillies fans, and Train's dismay, Lee gets A-Rod to swing at strike three. 2 outs.
Posada- Word around the office is that Phillies fans are liking the playoff beard that Ryan Howard is sporting. Maybe sports chief Dave Miniaci should look at Howard to learn how to properly grow a beard. Lee records strikeout number seven to close out the inning.
Phillies 1-0
****
Top 4th
Werth- Looks like the rain has let up in N.Y. as Gentile's weather report proved to be correct. Strikes out swinging on a pitch in the dirt. 1 out.
Ibanez- another check swing for Ibanez, his second of the night. 2-2 count as Ibanez looks at strike three. 2 outs.
Francisco- flies out to CF to end the inning. Sabathia appears to be getting into a rhythm as he recorded his third strikeout of the game, two of which came in this inning.
1-0 Phillies
****
Bottom 3rd
Swisher- pops up to Howard. The ball hung in the air for quite some time as Swisher was rounding first when Howard made the catch.
Cabrera- 1-2 count, Cabrera flies out to Utley who make the catch in shallow right field. 2 outs.
Jeter- doubles down the right field line with 2 outs. It's now the second time through the lineup for the Yankees and Phillies fans have to wonder how the Yanks will adjust to Lee's pitching.
Damon- grounds to Feliz who throws it across the diamond to Howard. The first baseman makes a nice play picking the ball out of the dirt. The Yankees leave Jeter stranded as we head to the fourth inning.
1-0 Phillies
*****
Top 3rd
Rollins- the Phillies return to the top of the order and this time J-Roll shows more patience at the plate working the count full before flying out to Cabrera on the warning track. 1 out
Victorino- after Victorino launched a foul ball into the LF seats he grounds out to Jeter. 2 outs
Utley- 2-2 count, Sabathia's pitch continues to rise as Utley continues to foul off pitches. Sabathia has thrown 54 pitches already and his 55th pitch gets sent over the RF wall. Home run Utley. Men's soccer writer Ben Skalina did call Utley's shot as he said he'd love to see Utley hit one into the RF bleachers. Well, Skalina did get his wish as the Phillies fans jump up and rejoice while Train tells them it's not over yet.
1-0 Phillies
Howard- strikes out to end the inning.
Behind Utley's homer the Phillies score the first run of the game taking a 1-0 lead over the Yankees.
****
Bottom 2nd
Rodriguez- 0-2 count, rain starts to fall in N.Y. as Train jokes that it may be necessary to pull out the tarp. A-Rod goes down swinging as Lee contines to tear through the Yankees lineup.
Posada- 3-1 count, bloops a single into RF to get the Yankees their first hit of the game. Rain appears to be falling harder in N.Y., but according to copy desk editor Eddie Gentile rain is expected to move out within 20 minutes. We refuse to accept the fact that it's raining and want to blame it on the poor reception coming from our 15-inch TV.
Matsui- strikes out as Lee records his fourth strikeout of the game, 2 outs with Posada on first base
Cano- flies out to end the inning as the Yankees leave a runner stranded on first.
I wish I had a score to report, but still notted up at zero after two complete innings.
*****
Top 2nd
Among all of the cheering, shouting and screaming coming from the sports portion of the office the paper is still being created. Pages are being designed while Monahan follows the Penn State soccer game on the computer. Just because there's a game going on isn't enough of an excuse to stop the sports staff from working. If you think it's a good enough excuse ... You're Wrong!
Back to the game
Francisco- 3-2 count, grounds out to A-Rod. 1 out
Feliz-grounds out. 2 outs
With two outs Copain is so happy he said he could "click his heels if he wanted to." I really hope I don't have to witness the heel click.
Ruiz- grounds out, 3 outs
Still scoreless heading into the bottom of the second inning
******
Bottom 1st
Jeter- It's starting to get pretty heated down here in the basement as the Phillies and well the Yankee fan are arguing over the finanes of the Yanks. After a strikeout from Jeter things are happy on the Phillies front.
Damon-tries to bunt, only to have the ball go right back to Lee. So far we've seen Rollins and Damon both attempt bunts with each player having no success. 2 outs
Teixeira-k swinging.
Lee fans two as the Yanks fail to record a hit in the bottom of the first inning
Still scoreless after one inning
******
Top 1st
Rollins- I appreciate the aggressiveness of Rollins, but wow, patience is sometimes a good thing. Taking the first pitch makes me believe Rollins is a little excited to get things underway. What good is a leadoff hitter if he can't get on base? Rollins grounds out to Teixeira
Victorino-out to Cano
Utley-BB While the Phillies fans cheer for Utley's discipline at the plate, Copain aka Train couldn't help but put down his Subway sandwich and yell, "Come On!"
Howard-lines the ball over the head of Teixeira and legs out a double. Utley moves to third. 2 outs
Werth-3-1 cout, Sabathia is throwing all over the place right now and if you're a Yankees fan you must be hoping Sabathia can keep his poise and get out of this inning. 3-2 count, BB. Bases loaded for the Phillies as Sabathia misses the outside part of th plate.
Ibanez-3-1 count. Men's soccer reporter Brendan Monahan said before the at bat started that if Sabathia walked Ibanez he would laugh out loud. Well, it didn't happen as Ibanez grounded out.
We're scoreless after the top of the first inning
******
With the first pitch almost underway I'm trying to distance myself from the flock of Phillies fans in the office. However, Icers reporter Tom Copain is still pulling hard for the Yankees, although what team doesn't Copain like?
*********
Starting lineups
Yankees
SS Derek Jeter
LF Johnny Damon
1B Mark Teixeira
3B Alex Rodriguez
C Jorge Posada
DH Hideki Matsui
2B Robinson Cano
RF Nick Swisher
CF Melky Cabrera
P CC Sabathia
Phillies
SS Jimmy Rollins
CF Shane Victorino
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
RFJayson Werth
DH Raul Ibanez
LF Ben Francisco
3B Pedro Feliz
C Carlos Ruiz
P Cliff Lee
******
We're just 17 minutes away from the scheduled first pitch.
More pregame action to follow
Cliff Lee takes the mound for the defending World Series Champion Phillies. In his last appearance, which came on October 18th against the Dodgers, he turned in eight strong innings, while surrendering zero earned runs.
CC Sabathia also had a strong showing his last time out. Just eight days ago Sabathia surrendered one earned run in the Yankees' win over the Los Angeles Angels.
*******
Good evening everybody! It's Audrey Snyder, the field hockey and Lady Lions reporter, here to take you through Game 1 of the World Series. Let me just get this right out in the open ... I don't care who wins this series. As a diehard Atlanta Braves fan I consider myself an equal hater of both the Phillies and the Yankees. Regardless of my disgust toward the Braves missing out on another postseason, I'm still looking forward to watching some good baseball tonight.
As I sit here in the cozy confines of the Collegian office, better known as a glorified basement with tons of crazy college students, I can't help but get excited for the action.
Comments
-A volley that lasted about a minute started the set, and the Buckeyes got off to a 1-0 lead, but Blair Brown, who now has 10 kills on the night responded with one of them to even it up.
-The third set is tight early, as Penn State has a 6-5 lead. The reason may be the Buckeyes return-ability. The Lions are ace-less after a first two sets in which they recorded eight.
-Darcy Dorton struggled early on, But Glass never lost confidence and the setter found her twice for a pair of kills early in the set, giving the Lions a 9-7 lead. On the second kill, Glass passed up Hodge to go cross-court to Dorton for one of the evening's most powerful kills.
-The Lions went on a 3-0 run after the game was deadlocked at 10, giving the Lions a 13-10 lead. Hodge has played outstanding tonight, with 14 kills.
-The Lions fell behind, 16-15, but responded with back-to-back points on a hitting error and a Darcy Dorton kill. Dorton had been blocked twice on the point already, but found the ball coming to her once again after a deflection. The freshman narrowly avoided the block for the kill, after the ball grazed the top of the net.
-With the score tied at 19, Megan Hodge skyed above all of her blockers and gently tapped a kill into the Bucks' backcourt. Ohio State evened it up immediately with a block on Alisha Glass after a shoddy pass from Quilico.
-The Buckeyes committed an error, when their setter couldn't handle a pass, and sent the ball behind the end line. As a result, the Buckeyes lost count of the hits, and committed an error because of four hits. The Lions easily finished the set, and their 87th consecutive win.
-AJC
***
- Penn State hit .429 in the first set, while the Buckeyes hit .278
-Blair Brown led the Lions in kills with 6, Megan Hodge was second with 5.
-The second set gotunderway with a kill from Brown and two service aces from D'Errico. the Lions took 3-0 lead.
-Another Brown kill followed by a Brown service ace put the Lions up 5-1.
-The Buckeyes made an early run, bringing the game within two points, but a kill from Glass put the Lions back up by three. Another Penn State point put the Lions up by four and prompted Ohio State coach Geoff Carlston to call a timeout.
-Out of the timeout, Ohio State notched two quick points, but another kill from Blair Brown ended the quick run and put Penn State back up 9-6.
-An Ohio State hitting error off the net and out of bounds and a Penn State block put the Lions up 14-7 and gave them the biggest lead of the set up to that point. The seven point lead forced Carlston to call another timeout.
-Hodge rose above the net and looked like she might have gone for the big kill, but instead dumped over the Ohio State defenders at the net and put the Lions up by 10 at 17-7.
-Blair Brown jumped right in front of Arielle Wilson, confusing the defenders and allowing Wilson to notch the kill and put the Lions up 19-9. Another kill from Hodge made it 20-9.
-A Wislon kill from Glass made the score 22-10 as the Lions continued their second set dominance.
-An Ohio State error made the score 24-10, but the Buckeyes came back with a point of thier own to make the score 24-11. An Ohio state service error ended the second set.
-PSU 25 OSU 11
***
First Set
-Last weekend it was D'Errico's Chicos. Tonight it is Browns clowns as the Lions begin the matchup with the Buckeyes.
-Here was Rose's starting seven for the first set:
OH: Darcy Dorton
MH: Fatima Balza
S: Alisha Glass
OH: Megan Hodge
H: Blair Brown
MH: Arielle Wilson
L: Alyssa D'Errico
-Continuing their strong blocking from the last match, Darcy Dorton and Fatima Balza teamed up for a block to give the Lions a 1-0 lead from the start.
-Dorton and Brown have brought most of the energy early. Brown notched a pair of kills early in front of her "clowns" who are now bowing down to her.
-With the Lions up 5-3, Rose took Dorton out for Quilico, continuing his rotation where he uses Quilico at the back and Dorton on the front line. He has said he was looking for more potential subs other than Quilico, but has been disappointed with their efforts -- until Saturday's 3-0 sweep of Purdue. We'll see later if he continues to use the substitutes this match.
-After another Penn State block, this time by Wilson and Hodge, the Buckeyes called timeout with the score 10-6 PSU.
-Hodge, who has been working on her jumpserve and using it a lot lately, served the first point out of the timeout about three feet long.
-After trailing early, the Buckeyes look like the stronger team in the last few minutes, putting most of their swings through Penn State blocks. They have also dug the ball phenomenally, and it may be frustrating the Lions as they have three hitting errors. It's tied at 13.
-After a 6-2 run, the Buckeyes call their second timeout. The Lions are back on form, and should wrap up the first set if they continue playing the way they've played during the last four points.
-After Hodge got blocked by a Buckeye directly out of the timeout, she pounded her fist into her hand, and turned away in disgust. Fittingly, Glass set Hodge on the very next point, and Hodge sent one of the most powerful kills of the evening into the Buckeye defense.
-Rose used his first sub of the night other than Quilico in Jessica Ullrich. She sent her first serve into the net, and Penn State followed it with an error. We'll see if he goes back to the bench again. Penn State responded, however, and closed the set with a Brown kill.
-It wasn't the prettiest set, but the Lions came away with a 25-21 win. Bill will be back to take you through set two.
As we reported yesterday, senior Matt Kirstein left yesterday's practice after taking a hit into the boards during a drill and limped out of the building to receive treatment.
After a trip to the doctor today, the diagnosis is in.
Sprained MCL. Three to five week timetable to return.
Back on the shelf for the forward.
Despite the obvious frustration, Kirstein didn't look back at the hit that caused his latest injury with anger.
"When I got hit yesterday, his knee kind of hit my knee and I was pushed back into the boards," Kirstein said. "It was a clean hit, it was a little bit unfortunate-like experience to happen. But, you know it just sucks.That's what happens when you play the game. So, it's nothing too big."
Check tomorrow's Daily Collegian where there will be more on this story and Taylor Cera's foot injury suffered last weekend.
While at practice yesterday, I decided to have a little fun at the end of my interview with junior forward Tim O'Brien. I asked O'Brien who he had in the World Series, which kicks off tonight, if you couldn't tell by the large amount of Phillies and Yankees gear being sported around campus.
The decision wasn't easy for the junior.
O'Brien made it no secret that he strongly dislikes both teams but settled on the Yankees in six (he hopes four).
Why four?
"I hate the Phillies more than any baseball team in the world," O'Brien said. "I can't stand when all these kids are going crazy when they're winning games through campus."
Just as a quick note, O'Brien is a native of Bethel Park, PA, which is about 20 minutes outside of Pittsburgh. So before any Phillies fans get up in arms, I think you can see where he's coming from.
However, the forward did back up his claim.
"I just think the Yankees' depth in their lineup will carry them in six games," O'Brien said.
Also, O'Brien went with Alex Rodriguez as his series MVP so you heard it here first. Yankees in six, A-Rod as the MVP.
When the No. 1 Penn State women's volleyball team hosts Minnesota this weekend, the Golden Gophers will certainly have a different look.
Outside hitter Brook Dieter told coach Mike Hebert last week that she will no longer be playing volleyball at Minnesota. The junior led the team in kills with 252 at the time of her resignation.
Dieter was held out of the Gophers match with Northwestern on Oct. 17 and has since been removed from the team's roster.
Back when the Lions played the Gophers on Oct. 11, Dieter proved to be a non-factor. She hit just .079 and had five kills in the Lions 3-0 sweep in Minnesota.
Her departure did not seem to hurt the team too much this past weekend as the Gophers defeated Michigan and Michigan State in Minneapolis.
Still, with Dieter out of the lineup, the Lions are sure to see a different attack.
Coach Russ Rose shared his thoughts on Dieter's departure:
As the Penn State men's basketball team has slowly ascended the Big Ten rankings the last couple of seasons, there has been one team noticeably doing the opposite.
A school with five national titles, 32 tournament appearances and 52 tournament victories, Indiana is arguably the class of the Big Ten when it comes to basketball.
Not in the last five years, however. They have gone through four coaches, and haven't made it to the sweet 16 since a run to the national title game in 2002.
The low point came last season, as the Hoosiers fell to 1-17 in the Big Ten and won just six games.
But as ESPN's Dana O'Neil points out, this season may be different because of a recruiting class that ranks among the nation's best.
Amazing how the Hoosiers can recruit with the best of the conference, coming off a season when they ranked among the worst.
This week's Ten Question Tuesday is with senior captain John Conte. As a defenseman, Conte has provided the Icers with plenty of consistency over the last four years, playing in at least 34 games every year and sporting +/- ratings of +26, +24 and + 27 over the last three full seasons. So even though we know what to expect on the ice, let's get to know Conte a little better off the ice.
1. Who are your three favorite bands right now?
A: Bruce Springsteen, Outkast and then maybe Jay-Z.
2. Who is your favorite Penn State athlete, not on the Icers?
A: Jen Steadman on the lacrosse team.
3. What story or name are you tired of hearing about in the news?
A: Matt Kirstein.
4. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: "Glory Days."
5. What's the best Disney movie of all time?
A: Miracle.
6. Who is the funniest guy on the team?
A: I'd say Alan Clark or Ryan Erbe, and neither of them do it purposely.
7. Best meal in town?
A: Faccia Luna's chicken parm.
8. If you had to go to school anywhere other than Penn State, where would it be?
A: Either in Boston or somewhere warm.
9. If you could pull off the ultimate prank on anyone on the team, coach of player, who would it be and why?
A: Well we've already had a couple good ones on Kirstein because we do stuff to him all the time anyway, but another good one would be coach [Bill] Downey. He gets pretty riled over some stuff, but he also has a good laugh about it.
10. What's the most exciting play in hockey?
A: Either a breakaway or shootout, that kind of stuff.
----------------------------
And that brings to end another version of TQT. Be sure to check back tomorrow for a complete recap of this past weekend's action involving the ACHA's top-10 teams. And of course later this week we'll be back with Ten Question Thursday, so be sure to check for our interview with senior Ryan Paradis.
The senior captain, who has battled a groin injury the entire season, took a hit during a drill today during practice and came down the ice noticeably wincing and holding his leg in the air.
Kirstein stood in the corner hunched over and repeatedly wincing in pain.The senior slammed his stick against the boards as he tried to shake off the pain.
The forward skated back and forth a couple of times before slowly heading to the locker room. Kirstein limped out of the building in noticeable pain.
Icers coach Scott Balboni said Kirstein injured his knee on the hit and that they weren't sure the extent of the injury, only that he was headed for treatment after practice.
What time is it? World Series time. The Yankees and Phillies duke it out starting tomorrow night and it should be entertaining. These are two teams that were arguably the top two in the league this year, and it showed in their strong pushes in the playoffs. I think this will be a drawn out series, and I think it will go to seven games. Who wins? I'm gonna go with the Phillies. However, the Yankees proved during the Angels series they can capitalize on errors, so the Phils will need to be on top of their game in every aspect. And if you want more Daily Collegian coverage of the World Series, read tomorrow's Collegian, which will feature a full page dedicated to previewing the World Series. Also, check back at MAKE PLAYS for continuing coverage and live blogs.
Some other things important and not so important:
- People are making a bit of a fuss over Mark Sanchez for eating a hot dog on the sidelines during the Jets' mauling of the Raiders. I don't see a problem. The man was hungry and wanted some Oakland fine dining.
- Mark McGwire is the new hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals. I won't say anything now, but if Skip Schumaker hits 40 home runs next year, something is wrong.
- And why stop at my Cardinals disdain? Look who has a twitter, the Cardinals manager himself. Looks like he caved in and got an account. Maybe it's because he wanted this one to actually be him.
Video of the week: Ever think you'd hear the name Rob Scuderi again? Neither did I. But the former Penguins fan favorite is "earning" the nice paycheck he got from the Kings in the offseason. Here he goes and takes out Blue Jackets' Jason Chimera's knees. No penalty was called, but you can imagine Chimera wasn't pleased, especially since he was covered in blood.
Smith, is the sixth child of 17 to Guffrie and his wife, Parthenia.
Smith's father was a school bus driver in Maryland for over four decades.
"On behalf of the entire UK basketball family, I offer my condolences to Tubby Smith and his family on the passing of Tubby's father," current Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari said in a Twitter message on Monday.
Tubby Smith coached the Wildcats to a national championship in 1998 and was named the head coach of Minnesota in 2007. Smith has accumulated a 42-25 record and a 2009 NCAA Tournament appearance thus far in his coaching stint with the Gophers.
Smith was also the head man at Tulsa and Georgia before becoming the Wildcat head coach.
Our thoughts and prayers are with coach Smith as he mourns the loss of his father.
Penn State begins its arduous season-ending three-game schedule Wednesday at No. 1 Akron.The Zips are every bit the No. 1 team in the land. They are 15-0. They've outscored opponents 42 to 3. They outshoot opponents by an average total of 17.1 to 4.3. They host an intimidating total of almost 1600 fans per home date at Lee Jackson Field.The Zips are also having a fine season in the Big Ten. They edged Indiana 1-0, beat down Ohio State 3-0, and blasted Michigan last week (5-1). Akron also beat surprise Big Ten contender Wisconsin in an exhibition in August (take from that what you will) by a 2-1 final.Clearly, the Nittany Lions had better be on their A-game if they want to get on the bus back to PA with even a tie.A win would be a massive boost in every way for Barry Gorman's footballers. Not only would beating the No.1 team be a huge boost to Penn State's RPI and tournament seeding possibilities, it could give the team that extra shot in the boots to power through Indiana and Wisconsin and claim the Big Ten title.-SkalinaComments
Quentin Wright, who will redshirt this year to move into the 184 or 197 weight classes next year, looks forward to a player-coaching role this wrestling season. Wright wants to not only push himself but also motivate teammates to work hard.
Wright said the new coaching staff meshes well with the team and anticipates "big things" even though he isn't competing.
"I know how hard I'm working, and I know how hard the other guys are working -- the way practice is going," Wright said. "We're getting better each and every day. Everybody in practice -- we're pushing each other to the limit."
Another week and another No.1 ranking for the Penn State women's volleyball team -- marking the 10th straight week to start the season the Nittany Lions are at the top.
Perhaps of note, however: The Lions swept a pair of conference foes this weekend, but lost a first-place vote to Texas. The Lions now hold 52 first-place votes to Texas' eight.
The Longhorns knocked off Colorado this weekend, 3-0, and have not dropped a set since September.
The Big Ten features the nation's No. 6 and No. 7 teams in Illinois and Minnesota, respectively as both moved up with a pair of wins this weekend. Michigan is ranked 13th, and the once-top ten Michigan State Spartans, who are clinging to life after losing six straight, were the only other team in the conference receiving votes.
On Friday, the Lions will face the Gophers -- who were ranked No. 5 when they went to Minneapolis two weeks ago and earned a sweep.
Hawaii remains at No. 3 with an 18-2 record, and Stanford moved up to No. 4. Here is a look at the rest of the top ten:
1. Penn State 2. Texas 3. Hawaii 4. Stanford 5. Washington 6. Illinois 7. Minnesota 8. Nebraska 9. Iowa State 10. Florida
Here's a wrap-up of all the Big Ten action this past week:
In order of standings
Penn State (22-0, 10-0 Big Ten) The No. 1 Lions returned home for the first time in two weeks and did so in style, sweeping both Indiana and Purdue over the weekend.
Some stellar blocking from the Lions was key in the victory over the Boilermakers.
Illinois (16-3, 8-2 Big Ten) The No. 8 Illini remained hot this week with a 3-1 over Wisconsin and a 3-0 win against Iowa, both on the road.
The wins stretch Illinois' winning streak to seven matches, and put them in second place behind Penn State in the Big Ten standings.
Minneosta (17-5, 8-2 Big Ten) The No. 9 Gophers had a tough slate of opponents this weekend as Michigan State and Michigan traveled to Minneapolis.
The Gophers came away with two wins, though, beating the Spartans 3-2 and then defeating the No. 11 Wolverines 3-1.
Michigan (18-5, 6-4 Big Ten) The No. 11 Wolverines hit the road for two matches this weekend.
Before losing to Minnesota, Michigan made the cross-state trip to East Lansing and swept Michigan State Wednesday night.
Ohio State (17-6, 5-5 Big Ten) The Buckeyes welcomed two teams from the Hoosier State this weekend as Purdue and Indiana visited Columbus.
The Bucks made quick work of both opponents, beating both Purdue and Indiana by a score of 3-1.
Wisconsin (10-9, 5-5 Big Ten) The Badgers were also home this weekend. They hosted Illinois Friday, followed by a match with Northwestern Saturday.
The Illini proved to much to handle in, beating the Badgers 3-1. Wisconsin, however, was able to rebound Saturday and beat the Wildcats 3-1.
Indiana (14-10, 3-7 Big Ten) The Hoosiers had a rough weekend. Losing to Ohio State 3-1 and Penn State 3-0.
Indiana has another tough weekend ahead with a home match against Michigan and a road match with Michigan State.
Purdue (11-10, 3-7 Big Ten) The Boliermakers fared the same as the Hoosiers as it was not a good weekend for volleyball fans from Indiana.
Purdue fell to the Buckeyes 3-1 and the Nittany Lions 3-0.
Iowa (11-11, 3-7 Big Ten) The Hawkeyes went 1-1 in a pair of home matches this weekend.
First, they defeated Northwestern 3-0. Then fell to the Illini 3-0 the next night.
Michigan State (14-8, 2-8 Big Ten) The struggles in the Big Ten continue for the Spartans.
They fell to Michigan at home during the week by a score of 3-0. Then dropped a road match at Minnesota 3-0 Friday night.
Northwestern (11-11, 2-8 Big Ten) The Wildcats remain at the bottom of the conference this week.
After losing 3-0 to Iowa Friday night, Northwestern took Wisconsin to four sets in Madison, but fell 3-1.
In other news:
The new AVCA rankings are also due out today. There's bound to be some moves made by Big Ten teams after this weekend.
Check back later for a post from Mr. Cassavell about the rankings.
While Penn State got to sit this weekend out in preparation for their Wednesday match with undefeated No. 1 Akron, the six other Big Ten teams were duking out a key Sunday slate that set up the final two weekends of conference action.On the Big Ten Network, Northwestern bested Indiana 2-0 behind second-half goals from Matt Eliason and Oliver Kupe.In Madison, Wis., the surprising Badgers continued their push for a surprising Big Ten championship with a 2-0 shutout of Ohio State. Wisconsin pushed its conference record to 3-2, marking the first time since 2006 that the team has recorded three Big Ten wins.And in East Lansing, Mich., Michigan State took down struggling Michigan 2-1 in the in-state rivalry game. A crowd of 2,300 was on hand at DeMartin Stadium to see the Spartans notch their second conference win.What does all this mean?Wisconsin is currently on top of the conference with nine points, but Penn State and Northwestern share the driver's seat with their identical 2-1-1, seven-point Big Ten records because they both have two games left.The standings:Team - Points - Games Remaining - Max. Points1. Wisconsin - 9 - 1 - 122. Penn State - 7 - 2 - 132. Northwestern - 7 - 2 - 134. Ohio State - 6 - 2 - 124. Indiana - 6 - 2 - 124. Michigan State - 6 - 1 - 97. Michigan - 3 - 2 - 9Northwestern and PSU have the clearest roads to Big Ten glory. If both teams win out they would tie for the conference championship.
Northwestern will do the Michigan two-step with Sparty and Wolverines, while Penn State has to take on resurgent Wisconsin and talented Indiana.
For Wisconsin to win the title, they'll need to beat Penn State next weekend, hope Northwestern can't close their schedule, AND have Indiana lose or tie one of its final two matches. The Badgers beat Ohio State, so no worries about a tie with those two.
Indiana and Ohio State both figure into the title mix as well. The winner of next Sunday's game between the two teams would need a win on the final weekend and some help to finish on top of the heap.
The team on top of the conference at the end of the regular season gets a first-round bye at the conference tournament, which determines the Big Ten's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.-SkalinaComments
The USA Today/NWCA preseason poll has been released by InterMat and the Nittany Lions are ranked No. 14. Here is the rundown of ranked Penn State wrestlers.
Last chance for the Angels, and instead of a one run deficit, they now trail the Yankees by three runs. Kendrick, Rivera and Napoli are due up for the Halos in the ninth.
Kendrick grounds to Teixeira for a quick first out.
Rivera flies to Cabrera for out number two after a relatively lengthy at-bat.
Gary Matthews Jr. is pinch hitting for Mike Napoli.
And with six pitches, Rivera strikes out Matthews.
The Yankees are the American League Champions!
RECAP:
Yankees 5, Angels 2
W: Andy Pettitte
L: Joe Saunders
SV: Mariano Rivera
For the first time since 2003, the Yankees are World Series bound. In particular, the Angels did themselves in with careless baserunning, poor defense and a lack of clutch hitting. But the Yankees battled where they had to, coming back from a run down early to take a lead that they would not relinquish.
And now it comes down to the World Series. The Phillies, looking for repeat, will face the Yankees, looking for their first championship of the new millennium (That's right, there was no year zero).
Just a reminder to fans out there thinking that it's possible to keep down a team with playoff hopes. There are Yankee haters out there, but although I'm no fan of the team, make no mistake. The Yankees don't die; They wait. And they're back for another chance at a World Series title, their 40th attempt to be exact.
Game one will be C.C. Sabathia against Cliff Lee, so tune in here for the Daily Collegian's live blog on Wednesday at 8 p.m. This is Zack Feldman signing off for the last time (for me anyway) this postseason.
Thanks for reading and goodnight baseball fans!
***
Bottom 8:
Cano, leading off the inning, actually needs to triple to be considered in scoring position with Swisher due up next.
Cano walks to open the frame for the Yankees.
A pitching change sets up Swisher's at-bat. Kazmir is in for the Angels, and has given up nine earned runs in just 10 innings pitched during this postseason.
Up in the count 2-0, Swisher fails to get a sacrifice bunt down, making the count 2-1.
In another defensive moment brought to you by Little League baseball, Howie Kendrick drops a routine throw off the sacrifice bunt of Nick Swisher, instead leading to two men on with no outs for the Yankees offense, who will again likely bunt.
Scott Kazmir fields Cabrera's bunt cleanly and throws it to no one in particular (the grounds crew is my best guess). All the runners advance two bases. Cano scores and there are runners at second and third, all with no out.
Kazmir fields Jeter's ground ball and fires the ball 50 feet to first base at a cool 85 mph, only accurate this time, retiring Jeter for one out.
Kazmir is unable to find the plate, missing to Damon, reloading the bases.
On the 1-2 pitch, Teixeira launches a fly ball near the warning track, caught by Hunter. scoring pinch runner Brett Gardner.
In comes Jered Weaver to ... protect ... stop ... mop up? Anyway, in comes Jered Weaver.
Weaver picks up where Kazmir left off, walking Rodriguez to once again relod the bases with two men out.
Posada is up. And Posada still doesn't deserve the fifth spot in the Yankees order.
Quickly down 0-2, Posada strikes out looking.
Last chance for LAA
Yankees 5, Angels 2
***
Top 8:
Chone Figgins singles to left field. As originally scripted, Jeter was to make the catch, run 10 yards, and dive into the stands to emerge a hero.
Instead, there is one man on with no outs for Abreu.
Teixeira saves the Yankees quite a bit of trouble with a diving stop that retires Abreu. Needless to say, Giambi and his lucky golden thong would not have come up with that one. Figgins moves to second, and the Angels will no doubt be happy to plate at least one run this inning.
Though smart baserunning prevents Figgins from being tagged out, Cano throws out Hunter on a ground ball for out two. Figgins remains at second with Guerrero up.
Guerrero, in what has been a decent game otherwise for him, pretends to walk, throwing his bat toward his dugout after ball three is called. The results are even better when the at-bat actually comes to an end, with Guerrero singling through the right side, scoring Figgins and narrowing the deficit to one run.
Reggie Willits is in to pinch run for Guerrero. Willits has appeared in four games now this postseason without recording an at-bat (or any statistic for that matter).
Kendry Morales grounds out 4-3, but the Angels get back to within one run.
Three outs to go for the Angels offense.
Yankees 3, Angels 2
***
Bottom 7:
Ervin Santana replaces Darren Oliver, who really kept the Angels close in this game. Entering into a bad situation, Oliver pitched the Angels out of trouble, and really deserves mention for his work in the playoffs.
Rodriguez leads off for the Yankees, singling up the middle.
Santana is intelligently holding Rodriguez close, as the Yankees might try to move Rodriguez into scoring position with nobody out by stealing second base.
Posada, who has no right hitting in the Yankees' top five (even if it were five years ago), hits into a 3-6-3 double play. Morales made a tremendous catch and throw to make the play possible.
Matsui flies out off the end of his bat for the third out.
Six outs remaining for the Angels. Will we see Mariano Rivera enter for a six out save?
Yankees 3, Angels 1
***
Top 7:
Swisher makes the catch in right field to retire Howie Kendrick for out one.
Juan Rivera, already 1-for-2 on the evening, bloops a single over Cano's head to put himself on with one out.
Pettitte is done for the evening, having thrown 99 pitches through 6 1/3 innings, allowing only the one earned run (though he is still responsible for Rivera at first.)
Joba Chamberlain, unsuccessful thus far through the postseason, is in to pitch to Izturis.
Robinson Cano makes an inning-saving play, picking the ball up while touching the second base bag after the grounder bounced off Jeter's chest. The Yankees did not turn two, however.
With two out in the inning, Chamberlain retires Aybar to lead New York into the seventh inning stretch.
At the stretch,
Yankees 3, Angels 1
***
Bottom 6:
Melky Cabrera, 1-for-1 already, flies out to shortstop Erick Aybar, ranging deep into left field for a shortstop in order to make the catch.
Jeter, who walked in his last at bat, walks again on a pitch routinely called a strike during this game by none other than plate umpire Dale Scott.
With Jeter on first and one out, Damon bloops a hit to center field, creating a first and second situation, still with only one out.
If the Yankees can get to Darren Oliver, there are few other arms in the Angels bullpen that have proven they are capable of squandering a Yankees rally.
A 5-3 double play, featuring a tremendous scoop from first baseman Kendry Morales, caps the inning for the Yankees.
After six complete innings,
Yankees 3, Angels 1
***
Top 6:
I can't help feeling as though I'm jinxing baseball fans everywhere, but I've got to say it: This game is moving at an almost unheard of pace for a playoff game.
Figgins gets hit with his own batted ball outside of the batters box and is called out thanks to some careful umpiring by the New York Yankees. Had Figgins run in foul territory or simply avoided the ball, he likely would have been out anyway.
Abreu grounds out to second base to carefully avoid beginning a rally here in the sixth.
Torii Hunter starts the offense for the Angels in the sixth by hitting an infield single to Rodriguez.
Guerrero needs redemption. For himself and for the Angels.
Guerrero doubles on a bloop to right field off a pitch two inches from the dirt. The tying run is at second base now with two outs for Morales.
Quickly working the count to 3-0, Morales ends up grounding to Pettitte, eliminating the threat.
Pettitte through six innings has allowed but one run on six hits.
Yankees 3, Angels 1
***
Bottom 5:
Matsui grounds out for out number one of the fifth.
Cano watches ball two (or as Dale Scott calls it, strike three) for out number two.
Swisher is Darren Oliver's latest victim, striking out on a devastating breaking ball, ending the inning.
Yankees 3, Angels 1
***
Top 5
Rivera singles to center to begin the frame, but following a Mathis strikeout, Rivera is part of Aybar's 4-3 double play.
A quick inning, which is exactly what Pettitte needed to keep momentum on New York's side.
****
Bottom 4:
Saunders earns a strike out with his 2-2 pitch to Cano, not impressing Dale Scott enough to ring up Cano. Cano walks to bring up a man known to me as "the anti-clutch": Nick Swisher.
Fully aware of there being no runners in scoring position, Swisher singles to left field.
Two men on, none out.
A well-placed sacrifice bunt from Cabrera sets up a good situation for Jeter.
Jeter is hitting with two men in scoring position and one out. Scoscia is out to discuss strategy. Most likely topic of the conversation: the squeeze play. To tie up the game will take the metaphoric wind out of the Angels' sail.
A defensive swing from Jeter evens his count at 1-1, and a foul back to the screen makes it 2-2. A squeeze is much less likely now, but not out of the realm of possibility.
Mathis, possibly playing chicken with Cano, drops ball three, though the ball does not fly far enough away for Cano to risk being thrown out at the plate.
The 3-2 to Jeter is fouled to the right side, though Morales is unable to reach it, catch it, run a while, and dive into the stands, Jeter style.
Ball four to Jeter loads the bases for Damon, a hitter looking for redemption after missing his opportunity in his last at bat.
2-0 to Damon, a fastball is almost certainly coming.
Despite the near-certainty of a fastball, Damon chops it foul to make the count 2-1.
Damon singles to left center to bring home two runs. Though the hit is undoubtedly big for the Yankees, credit Torii Hunter for cutting the ball off. The score could easily be 3-1 Yankees had the ball gone to the wall.
Still one out and now runners are at first and second.
Mr. Leigh Teixeira hits an infield single, thanks to Damon's hustle in getting to second. The bases are now reloaded.
With the infield in to prevent further damage, Saunders is showing his decrease in self-confidence, unable to locate pitches one and two of the at bat.
With the count at 3-1, Saunders needs to go after Rodriguez with another fastball.
Dale Scott is showing his Yankee pride with his latest blown call, a perfect pitch called ball four to Rodriguez.
The hometown discount to Rodriguez results in a 3-1 Yankees lead.
It is increasingly evident that FOX hires an intern to plot points on a graph, labeling the results "Pitch Track".
Darren Oliver, an X-factor in the series against the Red Sox, is attempting to stop the bleeding here in the fourth inning.
A 4-6-3 double play keeps the Angels close.
After four innings,
Yankees 3, Angels 1
***
Top 4:
Guerrero strikes out on a Pettitte-favoring call from plate umpire Dale Scott (whose name you might be seeing a bit more on this blog: stay tuned).
Morales, missing his opportunity on a hanging breaking ball, grounds to short for the second out.
Pettitte rebounds nicely from the third inning, settling down enough to strike out two men, including Hunter (this one on a pitch in the strike zone).
Going to the home-half,
Angels 1, Yankees 0
***
Bottom 3:
An on-the-run throw from Erick Aybar retires leadoff man Teixeira, leading to Rodriguez with the bases empty and one out.
Rodriguez walks on five pitches, possibly opening up a Yankees rally with one out.
I am likely to bring this up each time it come to this: Why is Jorge Posada hitting fifth for the Yankees?
The frail, 38-year-old with no arm left can still hit for average, but is one of the less impressive Yankee hitters in the postseason.
Mr. Posada flies out to right fielder Abreu for the second out.
Matsui, trying to earn himself a nice contract this offseason, grounds out to first base.
After three innings,
Angels 1, Yankees 0
***
Top 3:
Mathis doubles to open the third inning against Andy Pettitte.
Mathis is now hitting .636 in this series.
Aybar, a victim of multiple umpire-related blunders in this postseason, didn't need an umpire's help to strike out this time, swining at a breaking ball well in the dirt for out number one.
Pettitte's breaking ball is effective this game, proving difficult for the Angels hitters to pick up against his fastball.
With one out and a runner in scoring position, Figgins grounds out to Cano, who made an impressive ranging play to retire Figgins. Figgins is now 2-for-21 in this series, although Mathis is now at third base with two men out.
A base hit through the right side from Bobby Abreu puts the Angels on the board early, 1-0. The fastball from Pettitte allowed the lefty Abreu to drive the ball through the gap, plating Mathis from third.
A picture-perfect pitch from Pettitte on the outer half of the plate retires Hunter for the third out of the inning. The team with its back against the wall begins the scoring tonight.
Going into the home half of the third,
Angels 1, Yankees 0
***
Bottom 2:
While I cannot predict a major umpire error in the eighth or ninth inning (officially), I can say it is likely this Saunders v. Pettitte matchup could unfold as a six or seven inning pitchers duel, pitch count depending.
A Robinson Cano single leads up to 3-for-39 Nick Swisher.
Nick Swisher plus a new mohawk haircut does not equal Nick Swisher with postseason success.
The new, more aerodynamic Swisher flies out to left field. To his credit, despite his performance, he might be in line to represent Axe hair products in the future.
With two outs in the inning, Saunders allows a base hit to Melky Cabrera, past the dive of Angels third baseman Chone Figgins.
Two men on, two outs for the Captain, number two, Derek Jeter.
A 3-0 count to Jeter is followed with a foot-and-a-half-off-the-plate courtesy strike, courtesy of home plate umpire Dale Scott.
The generosity of umpire Scott goes unfulfilled, as Jeter walks on the next pitch.
Bases loaded, two out.
Johnny Damon is looking to refine his postseason repitoire, unchanged since his team-altering performance against his current team in 2004.
Damon, known better to his critics for his outfield arm anyway, grounds out to first base for the third out.
No score through two complete innings.
***
Top 2:
Derek Jeter is only a stronger arm away from a SportsCenter worthy highlight, instead yielding an infield single to Guerrero.
The Angels make a mistake that would make any junior-varsity coach cry himself to sleep. Vladimir Guerrero has made a baserunning mistake that turns an ordinary flyout by Kendry Morales into a 9-3 double play, as Vlad the Impaler has now become Vlad the Scapegoat for the Angels' hopes here in the second inning.
Howie Kendrick walks to jumpstart an all-but-burned-out Angels rally.
The initial spark did not turn into a flame this time as Rivera flies to Swisher, ending an embarrassing inning for L triple A (the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, for those of you confused by the last sentence).
No score through 1 1/2.
***
Bottom 1:
Not one to out perform his fellow leadoff hitter, Derek Jeter grounds out to the shortstop Aybar.
Damon grounds out in similar fashion for the second out.
Teixeira and Rodriguez set up a two-out two-on situation with back-to-back hits through the left side.
One man stands between the Yankees and runs. Not Saunders, but Jorge Posada, a man that has stood the test of time long enough. Now, however, he is older and incapable of hitting in the fifth spot.
I feel as though I've cheated on a test, having written that last paragraph after watching Posada lift a miserable flyball to right fielder Abreu to kill the rally.
No score after one complete inning.
*****
Top 1:
Pettitte has seen the playoffs, the World Series, and he has seen the Angels. Pettite is unfazed by tough situations and has shown it postseason after postseason.
After locating his first two pitches against Figgins, Pettitte induces a ground ball to Rodriguez for out number one, and strikes out Abreu for out two.
A Torii Hunter line-out gives Andy Pettitte his first 1-2-3 inning of the night. Worth noting, this playoff series has come down to the bullpen several times, including the last time Pettitte threw.
The team that puts runs on the board early gives themself an edge. Beyond the obvious reason of "having more runs than your opponent is good," the edge a starting pitcher feels with a sizable lead is one any starting pitcher other than Satchel Paige will attest to.
After 1/2 an inning,
No score
***
This is Zack Feldman of Framingham, Mass., bringing you Game 6 of the American League Championship Series.
And whether Angels or Yankees fans, few expected the Angels to pull off a second victory against the Yankees, the clear-cut best team in the American League during the regular season.
C.C. Sabathia showed up this postseason, 2-0 with a 1.12 ERA in two starts this ALCS. More impressively, Alex Rodriguez continues to state his case as greatest hitter since the 1950s, all but removing the tag of "postseason bust" that has continued to plague him since his 2005 postseason with New York.
A big come-from-behind win against the Yankees gave the Angels much needed confidence going into this Game 6, with Mike Scoscia and Torii Hunter appearing relaxed and ready to go during interviews. Furthermore, last night's rainout opens the door for John Lackey to go in Game 7, if neccesary.
Tonight's lineups include no surprises. They are as followed:
Los Angeles Angels
C. Figgins 3B
B. Abreu RF
T. Hunter CF
V. Guerrero DH
K. Morales 1B
H. Kendrick 2B
J. Rivera LF
J. Mathis C
E. Aybar SS
New York Yankees
D. Jeter SS
J. Damon LF
M. Teixeira 1B
A. Rodriguez 3B
J. Posada C
H. Matsui DH
R. Cano 2B
N. Swisher RF
M. Cabrera CF
Andy Pettitte, who allowed three earned runs in 6 2/3 innings during Game 3, is 6-1 career in the ALCS. The 37-year-old will get the start for the Yankees.
Joe Saunders has allowed two earned runs in seven playoff innings this postseason, and will start for the Angels.
The Yankees are playing for their 40th World Series berth. The Angels are playing for tomorrow.
Penn State lost five games last season when leading at halftime. They lost another game that was tied. Add another three games where the Lady Lions were trailing by only four points or less at the half to the list. That's nine games Penn State could have added to their win total last season. Say they win five of those games and the Lady Lions finish 16-13 and over .500, giving them a legitimate shot at a WNIT berth. Let's take a closer look at Penn State's statistics throughout those nine losses-
Penn State's shooting percentage-
First Half
FG%- 115-273, 42.1%
Second Half
FG%- 97-261, 37.2%
Opponent's shooting percentage-
First Half
FG%- 98-258, 38.0%
Second Half
FG%- 110-244, 45.1%
What This Means- The numbers don't lie, Penn State played much better in close games during the first half of play compared to the end of games. To be successful and turn those losses into wins, the Lady Lions need to take more high percentage shots in the second half and pressure the defenses into more erratic play by putting the pressure on while playing defense. A 7 percent increase in opponent shooting percentage is never a good sign for a team hoping to make a tournament run. A near five percent decrease in percentage is possibly even worse. From the looks of it, coach Coquese Washington has her team working on fixing this problem as Penn State needs to increase their own shooting percentage and not let up on defense late in games.
Three ways to help close out games
1. Establish a number two and three scorer behind Tyra Grant to not put so much pressure on her late in games. The Lady Lions only had one other player finish in double figures last year. Without non-conference games factored in, Grant was the only double digit scorer. The top two other scorers after Grant, Brianne O'Rourke and Mashea Williams, have both graduated so one of the returning or new girls must step up into those spots. Whether it is Julia Trogele, Nikki Greene or Alex Bentley, coach Coquese Washington will need to find another high level scorer on this young, but talented, roster.
2. Find a threat off the bench to relieve the starters early in the second half so they are fresh for the stretch run. With such a deep freshman class, Washington should be able to lock in on a consistent sixth player off the bench to give the team a jolt.
3. Have confidence to beat the favored opponent and pull of the upset. Those nine games came against teams with a better record then Penn State. The players know they can beat the teams they are supposed to beat. To get to the same level of the top teams in the conference, Penn State has to pull off a few upsets like they did when they beat Duke the year before.
Clark: Patriots over Bucs, Packers over Browns, Texans over 49ers, Vikings over Steelers, Colts over Rams, Chargers over Chiefs, Bills over Panthers, Raiders over Jets, Falcons over Cowboys, Bears over Bengals, Dolphins over Saints, Giants over Cardinals, Eagles over Redskins
Miniaci: Patriots over Bucs, Packers over Browns, Texans over 49ers, Steelers over Vikings, Colts over Rams, Chargers over Chiefs, Panthers over Bills, Jets over Raiders, Falcons over Cowboys, Bears over Bengals, Saints over Dolphins, Giants over Cardinals, Eagles over Redskins
Rorabaugh: Home team (and Tampa) in CAPS: Patriots over BUCS, Packers over BROWNS, TEXANS over 49ers, STEELERS over Vikings (Favre + cold = loss), Colts over RAMS, Chargers over CHIEFS, PANTHERS over Bills, Jets over RAIDERS, Falcons over COWBOYS, BENGALS over Bears, Saints over DOLPHINS, GIANTS over Cardinals, Eagles over REDSKINS
Oplinger: Patriots over Bucs, Packers over Browns, 49ers over Texans, Vikings over Steelers, Colts over Rams, Chargers over Chiefs, Bills over Panthers, Raiders over Jets, Falcons over Cowboys, Bears over Bengals, Saints over Dolphins, Cardinals over Giants, Eagles over Redskins
Gentile: Houston over San Francisco, Green Bay over Cleveland, San Diego over KC, Indianapolis over St Louis, Pittsburgh over Minnesota, New England over Tampa, Jets over Oakland, Carolina over Buffalo, Chicago over Cincinnati, Atlanta over Dallas, New Orleans over Miami, Giants over Arizona, Eagles over Washington
Rung: Texans over 49ers, Packers over Browns, Chargers over Chiefs, Colts over Rams, Vikings over Steelers, Patriots over Bucs, Raiders over Jets, Bills over Panthers, Bears over Bengals, Falcons over Cowboys, Dolphins over Saints, Giants over Cardinals, Eagles over Redskins
Comments
Penn State started the third, and final set, off strong, quickly bringing the score to 9-4. The quick go-ahead was thanks in part to several kills by Arielle Wilson along with some blocks from the middle hitter as well.
Penn State won the third set 25-12 in front of a crowd of 3,012. The team beat the Boilermakers 3-0 in the match.
The match win marks the Lions 86th consecutive win, continuing their current NCAA record streak. Join us Wednesday as Penn State takes on Ohio State at Rec Hall, looking to continue its undefeated season.
*****
The Boilermakers stuck with the Lions at the beginning of the second set, bringing the game to a tied score of 3-3 in the first few minutes.
Penn State's defense was a factor in this set, as well as the first one. Up through this point, the team has a total of 8 blocks, compared to 1 by Purdue.
Glass continued to do her part on the court, getting the ball to a plethora of hitters and even recording a handful of kills herself.
The Lions took the second set 25-15, with Dorton once again finishing the game with a powerful kill. They now lead the match 2-0.
*****
The first set got off to a good start for Penn State, with Cathy Quilico recording a service ace to record the team's third and fifth points. The Lions quickly got off to a 5-1 lead.
The front line for the Lions was strong again tonight, with setter Alisha Glass getting the ball to nearly all the hitters to allow a variety of people on the attack record kills for the team. Penn State had 13 kills in this set.
This is compared to the 6 kills recorded by the Boilermakers in the opening game.
Darcy Dorton finished the set strong for the Lions, getting kills to tally up the last three points for her team.
Penn State took the first set 25-13. We will take a short break before returning with action from the second set of this match.
*****
As we get ready here at Rec Hall for the match between Penn State and Purdue, the band leads the enthusiastic crowd in some pre-match music.
The Nittany Lions come into tonight undefeated, winning all 20 of their matches.
For an early regular season game against an unranked opponent, Friday's 6-3 win over Drexel sure didn't lack any excitement. Despite outshooting the Dragons 59-18, the game was tied after two periods and still in doubt until back-to-back goals by Chris Cerutti only 15 seconds apart midway through the third period.
So, aside from all that, here are just some quick hit notes from Friday's game:
- Penn State coach Scott Balboni picked up his 100th career win as the team's head man. He now has a career record of 100-19-8 (.787%).
Editor's note: One of the Icers beat writers just so happened to predict this game as the one Balboni would get win No. 100 in his season preview. Scroll down the blog to see how the other season preview predictions have turned out so far.
- Junior Taylor Cera limped to the locker room on a pair of crutches in the first period after suffering an apparent ankle injury. No immediate word was available on the extent of the injury, but he was scheduled for x-rays Saturday and will not be playing in the weekend finale at Drexel.
- Teddy Hume lived a goalie's worst nightmare, facing only 18 shots over three periods, while his teammates fired 59 at Drexel's netminder. That might not make sense at first, but trying to establish a rhythm and stay loose when you're facing an average of six shots per period is not an easy task. Hume will get Saturday night off for rest, after making five straight starts. Fellow junior John Jay will make his second start of the season.
- Friday's game was only the second this season freshman Dominic Morrone was held scoreless (4-3 OT win against Ohio was the only other game). If they hold him without a goal tonight, Drexel would be the first opponent to keep Morrone off the board for an entire weekend.
- Not only did Drexel score all three of its goals on the powerplay, but two of them were almost immediate following the penalty. The first goal came only 11 seconds after a Steve Thurston tripping call and the second came only 26 seconds after Marek Polidor went to the box for charging. Drexel finished the night 3-for-6 on the powerplay, as did Penn State.
- Penn State travels to Drexel Saturday night. The Icers have never lost on the road against the Dragons, sporting an all-time record of 11-0-0 and outscoring the Dragons 64-12 in those 11 games. That's an average score of 5.8-1.1 per game. Drexel has scored more than two goals only once during those games, whereas Penn State has scored two or less just one time.
Quilico served to start the set for the Lions. She started a
rally that ends with a Indiana block out of bounds. Megan Hodge gets credit for
the kill. Penn State got the first point of the set.
A missed block by Arielle Wilson evened the set at three
points. Wilson came back on the next rally with a thunderous kill to put the
Lions back up by one.
A service ace by Blair Brown put the Lions up 7-3.
A Hodge kill put the Lions up 8-4 and was her 14th
of the match. Katie Kabbes followed with a kill of her own, providing some
offense from the bench. She also had 2 block assists at that point.
Another kill from Kabbes put the Lions up 11-7. The Lions
went up 12-7 on another Kabbes kill. Kabbes seemed to show no rust after not
having played in the last couple of matches. Coach Rose said she is a vital sub
for this team and she is showing why tonight.
Indiana took a timeout after an Arielle Wislon kill put Penn
State up 15-9.
Kabbes got her fifth kill of the match to put the Lions up
19-13.
Megan Shifflet came on to serve for the Lions and starts a
rally that ends with a block from Fatima Balza to put the Lions up 20-13.
A Glass service error made the score 22-15 in favor of the
Lions.
With the score 24-15, the Hoosiers put together a pair of impressive points before the Lions closed them out to win their 21st game in a row.
Check back tomorrow for Penn State-Purdue
***
The Hoosiers continued to give the Lions a run for their money, keeping the score close through the beginning of the second set. After the first eight points, the score was tied up at 4.
The back and forth scoring continued throughout the first half of the set, but the Lions front row put on strong performance and quickly brought the final game score to 25-13. Penn State now leads the match 2-0.
Entering the third, and potentially match-winning set, the Lions lead their opponents in nearly every aspect of competition. The team has a total of 24 kills, 12 blocks and 24 digs up through this point.
We will be back after the break to bring you the third set of the Indiana-Penn State match.
*****
Indiana opened the first set with the first point, but the Nittany Lions quickly responded, bringing the score to 15-7 at the first timeout.
Megan Hodge led Penn State's attacking corps, finishing the game with 5 kills. Alyssa D'Errico and Blair Brown helped lead the team's defense, combining for 7 digs. Fatima Balza also had a strong showing for the Lions, racking up 3 blocks and 1 kill.
Despite a feisty Indiana team, who kept plays going back and forth between the teams several times, the Lions' front row players proved to be too dominant, recording 15 total kills.
The Lions took the first set 25-19, backed by an encouraging Rec Hall crowd. A short break will ensue as the teams switch sides of the court and prepare for the second set of the match.
*****
Four minutes before Penn State's match with Indiana was scheduled to start three students sporting sunglasses, sombreros and mustaches entered Rec Hall and started making noise.
They were carrying a large sign which they purposefully took a few minutes to unveil as the rest of the crowd watched in anticipation of what it said.
Once the suspense reached its climax, they finally unrolled it:"D'Errico's Chicos."
Gotta love the Penn State volleyball fans.
It's a relatively packed house tonight as junior libero Alyssa D'Errico take on the Hoosiers looking to expand their NCAA-record win streak to 85 games.The No. 1 Lions are returning home after a brutal road trip to two of the nation's top 11 teams.
The Hoosiers are 14-8 and 3-5 in the Big Ten, and are led by Ashley Benson who averages 3.46 kills per set and is hitting .376.
Well, the second regular season rankings have been released, and there are changes aplenty this time around. Starting off with Penn State, who dropped three spots to No. 6 after splitting back-to-back weekends against Ohio and West Chester, respectively.
The top two teams, No. 1 Lindenwood and No. 2 Illinois, remained the same yet again, but Lindenwood was not the unanimous No. 1 this time around. No. 3 Liberty received one first-place vote, while Lindenwood received the other 43. Only four other teams stayed ranked in the same spot as the last poll -- No. 10 Rhode Island, No. 16 Oakland, No. 23 Buffalo and No. 25 West Virginia.
Three new teams joined the top 25 rankings, including Arizona State (8-0-0), who went from unranked in the last poll all the way up to No. 13 in this week's rankings. Minot State and Indiana (PA) also joined the rankings this week at No. 18 and No. 24, respectively. Pittsburgh, Duquesne and Mercyhurst all fell out of the rankings to make room for the newcomers.
A quick look at where some of Penn State's recent and near future opponents are now ranked: Ohio is tied with Liberty at No. 3, West Chester drops five spots to No. 14 and both Towson and Drexel remain unranked.
Tyra Grant has a lot to live up to this season. Going into her senior year, Grant has been named to either an All-Big Ten team or an All-Big Ten honorable mention every season at Penn State. With another strong season this year, Grant could be nominated or named to an All-Big Ten team for the fourth straight year and end her collegiate career as one of the Penn State greats. The last Lady Lion to accomplish this feat was Kelly Mazzante from 2001-2004. The only question is can Grant live up to such high expectations this year? Mazzante did her senior year but saw a slight decline in her numbers. Here is a look at Mazzante's stats compared to Grant's through three years:
MAZZANTE
Season PPG. PCT. REB A TO S
2000-01 18.2 .468 123 47 42 72
2001-02 24.9 .437 138 59 66 68
2002-03 23.9 .433 161 76 79 87
2003-04 20.0 .401 141 55 65 62
GRANT PPG. PCT. REB A TO S
2006-07 14.6 .370 76 36 70 34
2007-08 13.8 .421 125 65 83 25
2008-09 19.6 .421 130 40 76 43
2009-10 ???? ???? ???? ??? ?? ??
Although Mazzante had a stellar senior year, her numbers somewhat declined after her outstanding junior season. The key for Grant is to not let the All-American and WNBA talk affect her play on the court and get wrapped up in the hype. After listening to both Grant and Coach Coquese Washington at media day it doesn't seem like this will be a problem. It's too early to tell but Penn State fans will get a better idea on Nov. 8 when Penn State kicks off their season with an exhibition match against Indiana University (Pa.)
Willits not scoring in that inning could be a factor as the game enters the ninth inning. Angels closer Brian Fuentes comes on to face Damon, Teixeira and Rodriguez.
The Yankees have had a knack for coming back late in games this season. Fuentes has to be careful not to make a mistake as all three Yankees hitters this inning have long-ball potential.
Damon gets good wood, but lines it right at Morales for the first out. That ball had double written all over it, but Morales didn't have to move.
Teixeira swings at the next pitch and flies out to Abreu in right.
Two down for A-Rod.
Scioscia elects to intentionally walk A-Rod. He likes the Fuentes-Matsui matchup better. So much so that he's willing to put the tying run on base with two outs.
Matsui walks and the runner that Scioscia put on is now in scoring position. Two on and two out for Robinson Cano.
Freddy Guzman and Brett Gardner on as pinch-runners.
Fuentes hits Cano. Bases loaded, two down, Nick Swisher up.
Swisher grounds one near the third-base bag, Figgins fields and tags the base, but the ball is ruled foul. New life for Swisher.
Swisher works a full count, the runners will be off on the pitch.
Swisher pops up to shortstop Erick Aybar. Fuentes pumped his fist as soon as Swisher made contact.
The Angels win and force a Game 6. They showed some nice resiliency tonight, but still have a tough test ahead of them.
Final: LA 7 NY 6
WP: Kevin Jepsen
LP: Phil Hughes
S: Brian Fuentes
If the Angels force a Game 7, check here at the Make Plays Blog for all the action. Good night America.
***
Bottom of the Eighth
Joba Chamberlain on to pitch for the Yankees.
Juan Rivera greets him with a double to left field. Rivera is then lifted for pinch-runner Reggie Willits.
Chamberlain gets Mathis swinging. That's the first time Mathis has been retired tonight.
An infield single by Aybar puts runners at the corners with one out. Robinson Cano made a nice back-hand stab to keep the ball in the infield and prevent Willits from scoring. Figgins up next.
Girardi comes out to lift Chamberlain. It will be Mariano Rivera coming in for the Yankees.
Aybar steals second with no throw. Both runners in scoring position now.
Figgins lines one to right, but it's caught by Swisher.
Willits runs off third, but goes back to the bag. The ball was hit pretty shallow, but with Willits' speed it would have been a close play.
Abreu flies out to center to end the inning. Rivera strands the runners. Yankees down by one.
LA 7 NY 6
***
Top of the Eighth
Final line on Burnett: 6 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO.
Starting pitcher Jered Weaver in to pitch for the Angels. Weaver started for the Angels in Game 3. Weaver starts it off with a strikeout of Melky Cabrera.
Posada grounds out to Weaver for the second out.
Weaver gets Jeter swinging to end the inning.
Weaver does the job and shuts down the Yankees after his team takes the lead.
LA 7 NY 6
***
Bottom of the Seventh
Burnett still in for the Yankees. He's thrown 80 pitches: 51 strikes, 29 balls.
The final line for Lackey: 6 2/3 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 SO. He is not on the hook for the loss.
Mathis greets Burnett with a base hit. His third of the game. He's on first for Aybar.
Two pitchers warming up in the Yankee bullpen.
Aybar works a walk after falling down in the count 0-2. Girardi lifts Burnett after allowing to first two Angels' hitters to reach base and he'll go with the lefty Damaso Marte to face Chone Figgins.
Don't be surprised if Scioscia asks Figgins to bunt here with the heavy-hitters coming up behind him.
He does. Nicely placed bunt a little bit down the first base line and both runners advance. Runners at second and third with one out for Bobby Abreu.
Abreu hits one softly on the ground to Teixeira. He makes the out, but Mathis scores on the play. Angels down one and that'll be it for Marte. Phil Hughes will come in to face Torii Hunter.
Hunter works a walk. Runners at the corners for Vlad Guerrero.
Guerrero singles up the middle to tie the game and Angel Stadium comes back to life. Hughes made an ill-advised pitch opting to go with the fastball against Vlad.
Angels tie it up. Still two on and two out for Kendry Morales.
Morales singles through the hole in the right side. Hunter comes in to score and Vlad moves up to third.
Huge response from the Angels to battle back after giving up six runs in the top half of the inning. They lead by one, and Phil Hughes stays in the game to face Izturis.
Izturis strikes out swinging, but the Angels re-take the lead.
LA 7 NY 6
***
Top of the Seventh
Nick Swisher is 2-for-14 in the ALCS, and he steps in first against Lackey. Swisher flies out to center for the first out.
Melky Cabrera hits one down the first-base line past an outstretched Morales. He's in at second with a stand-up double. One out with a man in scoring position for Posada.
Posada struck out in his first appearance. Joe Girardi put him in to get some more offense going, let's see if Posada can deliver here.
Posada draws a walk. Lackey hit the inside corner with a 3-2 curveball, but home plate umpire Fieldin Culbreth called it a ball.
Lackey gestures toward Culbreth asking where the pitch was and Culbreth walks out to the mound to discuss the call with the pitcher.
Two on and one out for Jeter. Two pitchers get going in the Angels bullpen.
Lackey walks Jeter on four pitches. Bases loaded with one out for Johnny Damon. Scioscia elects to stay with Lackey.
Damon flies out to left. Not deep enough to score Cabrera from third. Huge second out for Lackey.
Scioscia comes out to lift Lackey for the lefty Darren Oliver. Lackey leaves with 104 pitches and he is responsible for the three runners on base.
Angels going with the lefty Oliver to face Teixeira. You have to believe this will be Oliver's only batter with Rodriguez looming in the on-deck circle.
Teixeira crushes Oliver's first pitch and sends it off the wall in left. All three runners score and the Yankees cut the lead to one. No doubt, Scioscia will second-guess lifting Lackey for Oliver.
Teixeira was 1-for-3 with one strikeout tonight against Lackey.
A-Rod gets the free pass. Oliver will face the lefty Matsui.
Matsui singles up the middle and Teixeira scores to tie it. Huge hit for Teixeira and some nice base running as he has brought the Yankees back in this game.
Scioscia has seen enough and lifts Oliver despite the fact that the left-handed hitting Robinson Cano is due up.
He goes with rookie right-hander Kevin Jepsen.
Cano triples to the wall in the right. Rodriguez and Matsui come around to score. The Yankees take a two-run lead and this game has completely fallen apart for the Angels.
Swisher steps in and ends the inning the same way he started it, with a fly out.
The Yankees put up six runs in the inning.
NY 6 LA 4
***
Bottom of the Sixth
Kendry Morales strikes out after a long at-bat.
Izturis grounds out to second for out No. 2.
An Angels fan is apparently bored with the game and has taken it upon himself to jump around in the fountain beyond the center-field wall.
Juan Rivera grounds out to Alex Rodriguez to end the inning.
Burnett has dominated the Angels since the fourth inning.
LA 4 NY 0
***
Top of the Sixth
Damon swings and grounds one to Morales over at first for the first out.
Teixeira gets a nice piece of one, but he gets underneath it a little and it's caught near the track in left by Rivera.
A-Rod hits one off the wall in right, the ball gets off the wall quickly to Hunter whose throw to second nearly gets Rodriguez. The Yankees threatening with two outs and a man on second for Hideki Matsui.
A run here puts the Yanks right back in the game with still a lot of baseball left to play.
Matsui works a walk, putting two and two out for Cano. Mathis goes out to talk it over with Lackey who in his most dangerous spot of the game right now.
Cano is a notorious first-pitch fastball hitter. Lackey starts him with a curve and Cano swings over for strike one. Cano then grounds to Aybar who flips to second and the inning is over.
Lackey avoids the threat and that could really take the wind out of the Yankees sails. The top of the lineup will have one more shot at Lackey, but that inning could have been a killer.
LA 4 NY 0
***
Bottom of the Fifth
Figgins can't check his swing and strikes out for the first out.
Abreu grounds out to second for the next out.
Had it not been for a rough first inning for Burnett, this game would be a nice pitchers' duel.
Hunter singles through the infield. He's at first with one out for Guerrero.
Guerrero skies one to right for the final out.
Burnett seems to have settled in and had no trouble that inning with Posada now calling the game.
LA 4 NY 0
***
Top of the Fifth
Although he hasn't been sharp, Burnett has kept his team in the game. The Yankees need to string together a couple of hits off Lackey and see if they can get a run this inning. Swisher will lead it off.
Swisher swings over a Lackey curveball and the righty has the first out of the inning and his fifth strikeout.
Cabrera swings and lines a single into center field.
Girardi sees his chance to get back into the game and brings in Jorge Posada to hit for Jose Molina. Posada is a career .389 hitter against John Lackey, which begs the question of why Posada did not start the game in the first place.
Lackey is not fazed by Posada's success against him and freezes the Yankee catcher with a fastball low and away. Two outs.
Two breaking balls get away from Lackey, but Mathis does a nice job of sliding over and blocking both to keep the runner at first.
Lackey goes with the breaking ball again and gets Jeter swinging. He strikes out the side and the Yankees look dumbfounded at the plate right now.
Damon and Matsui are the only Yankees still in the lineup who have not struck out tonight.
LA 4 NY 0
***
Bottom of the Fourth
Maicer Izturis leads off for the Angels and grounds one over to Jeter for the first out.
Juan Rivera pops one out to left. Damon calls off Jeter and makes the catch for the second out.
Mathis takes a Burnett curveball and hits to the wall in left for a double. That is Mathis' fourth double of the series and Burnett still can't put together a 1-2-3 inning.
A little dribbler in front of the plate, but Molina jumps on it and throws to first to get the speedy Aybar to end the inning.
Burnett allows another hit, his sixth in four innings, but hasn't allowed a run since the first.
LA 4 NY 0
***
Top of the Fourth
Teixeira gets the inning started with a single. The Yankees desperately need to get something going this inning down by four.
Lackey gets A-Rod looking for the first out. Lackey just kept pounding Rodriguez inside with fastballs and Rodriguez couldn't pull the trigger.
Of course, Tim McCarver follows the at-bat by saying that A-Rod has been handling the inside pitch. So far he's gotten jammed on a inside fastball and struck out in an at-bat where he saw nothing but inside fastballs.
Matsui hits one off the glove of Morales who collects himself and throws to first for the second out. Teixeira advances to second on the play.
Lackey gets Cano swinging and pumps his fist as he walks off the mound. Lackey is dealing so far and the Yankees can't seem to figure out the Angels' righty.
LA 4 NY 0
***
Bottom of the Third
Burnett gets his first strikeout as he whiffs Abreu for the first out. His curveball looked a lot better there. Some nice late movement and Abreu swung right over the top of it.
Hunter works a one-out walk. He's at first for Vlad Guerrero. Burnett has been the beneficiary of some timely double plays tonight, let's see if he can induce another one.
Hunter gets a huge jump on Burnett and steals second base standing up. Burnett threw over to first a couple times, but his high leg kick is easy to run on and Hunter swiped the bag without trouble.
A wild pitch from Burnett gets by Molina and Hunter scampers to third. Burnett is beating himself right now. He's leaving pitches over the plate and seems to flustered by base runners.
Guerrero hits one hard on the ground to Jeter. Hunter runs on the crack of the bat, but with the infield in, Hunter is easily thrown out by Jeter.
After making a mistake by running on contact with one out, Hunter stays in a run-down long enough for Guerrero to advance to second. He's there with two outs for Kendry Morales.
Morales gets a nice cut at a fastball, but gets under it and the ball is caught at the wall by Cabrera.
Burnett gets helped by Hunter's base running blunder, but still seems off a bit. Base running has been a problem this whole series for the Angels, and even with a four-run lead, this could back to bite them.
LA 4 NY 0
***
Top of the Third
Jose Molina leads it off for the Yankees, then back to the top with Jeter and Damon.
Another bad at-bat, as Molina swings at the first pitch and flies out to right. The Yankees need to show more patience and get some more pitches on Lackey's arm.
Jeter takes one pitch, then swings and grounds out to Izturis for the second out. Even the Yankee captain is being aggressive with Lackey, but he had a pretty good pitch to hit there, just missed it.
Damon hits one hard to the right side, Morales makes a diving stab and flips to Lackey covering for the third out.
The Angels get a little help from the first-base umpire as it looked like Damon beat that play. Regardless the Yankee bats are silenced again and Lackey is rolling.
LA 4 NY 0
***
Bottom of the Second
Despite the rough first inning, Burnett threw just 20 pitches. He needs to have better location with his off-speed stuff this inning to keep the Angels from keying on his fastball.
Jeff Mathis will lead it off for the Angels. He takes a 2-2 fastball from Burnett and shoots it into right field for a base hit. It will be interesting to see how long of a leash Joe Girardi will keep his starter on after allowing five hits to the first eight batters.
Erick Aybar rolls one over to Cano who starts the 4-6-3 double play for the first two outs.
Figgins flies out the left-center to end it.
After getting the lead-off man on, the Angels were a little over-aggressive and jumped at some bad pitches. Burnett looked a little better this inning, but still needs to be sharper to become more effective.
LA 4 NY 0
***
Top of the Second
Cano leads it off for the Yankees, who could use a statement this inning after their pitcher was shelled in the first.
Cano gives his best home run swing, but gets under it and flies out to right-center. Not the kind of swing someone should take down four runs in the second inning.
Swisher takes a better cut than Cano, but lines it right to Morales at first for the second out.
Lackey gets his second strikeout. Cabrera looks at a fastball on the outside corner to end the inning.
Nice job by Lackey to keep the Yankees bats quiet in the second. He looks sharp with some nice break on his curve and some late movement on his fastball.
LA 4 NY 0
***
Bottom of the First
Figgins and Abreu have come into this game a combined 4-for-32 and have no stolen bases. If the Angels want to get things going against the Yankees, they will need the top of the lineup to get on for Hunter, Guerrero and Morales.
Figgins does get on after working a walk on five pitches. He's on at first for Abreu.
Abreu doubles to right-center. The ball is cut off nicely out there by Melky Cabrera who keeps Figgins at third. Two big runs out there now for Torrii Hunter.
Hunter swings and lines one up the middle for a base hit. Figgins scores easily and Abreu follows behind him and the Angels get on the board first.
Guerrero follows Hunter with another double. This time the ball goes out to left-center and Hunter scores without a throw.
Burnett usually has a sharp breaking ball, but thus far it's looked flat and the Angels are teeing off on his fastball.
Kendry Morales singles over the glove of Jeter into left for another base hit and Guerrero comes around to score. Man on first and still nobody out for Izturis.
Izturis hits one to the track in right, but it's reeled in by Swisher for the first out. The sixth batter for the Angels makes the first out of the inning.
Rivera grounds one to Rodriguez who throws around the horn for the 5-4-3 double play to end the inning.
Huge statement by the Angels. Burnett didn't have his best stuff in the first and the Angels took advantage. Now, they need to Lackey to come out and have a shut-down inning.
LA 4 NY 0
***
Top of the First
Derek Jeter wastes no time and takes the first pitch of the game, a fastball, into right field for a bloop base hit. Jeter fought off a a tough fastball on the hands to put himself at first for Damon.
Damon keeps the inning going with another hit to right. This one's hit much harder than Jeter's and puts two on for the dangerous Mark Teixeira.
Lackey drops a big hook on Teixeira and gets him looking for strike three. Lackey threw three curveballs for strikes in the at-bat. Still two on and one out for Rodriguez.
Rodriguez pops up a low fastball to first baseman Kendry Morales for the second out and Lackey can see his way out of this inning. Matsui in to hit with two outs.
Matsui grounds it to Morales who flips to Lackey covering to end the inning.
Lackey used his curve ball effectively in that inning, freezing Teixeira for a punch-out and getting Matsui to roll one over to first.
Lackey was lucky to get out of the inning without any damage after two of his first three pitches dropped in for hits.
NY 0 LA 0
***
Hey folks, Collegian women's volleyball writer Bill Landis here again to take you through Game 5 of the ALCS between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels.
The Yankees hold a 3-1 lead in the series and are looking to clinch an appearance in the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Game 4 was an impressive win for the Yankees, but the Angels will look to make one last stand at home and force the series to go back to the Bronx for Games 6 and 7.
The man in charge of slowing down the high-powered Yankee offense today is John Lackey. He is 1-1 in this postseason with an ERA of 1.38. In four playoff starts against the Yankees, Lackey is 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA.
He will opposed by Yankee right-hander A.J. Burnett. In his career against the Angels, Burnett is 4-2 with a 4.21 ERA. He has two no-decisions this postseason with a 2.19 ERA in two starts.
Well, Thursday has arrived and that means it's time for TQT with Tim O'Brien, as promised. With another Dave Matthews answer coming on the first question, I'm starting to realize this team does have some pretty good taste in music despite answers the first couple weeks that included Miley Cyrus and Britney Spears. No offense to anyone. But anyway, here we go with TQT vs. Tim O'Brien:
1. Who are your three favorite bands right now?
A: Dave Matthews Band, tough question. Let's see, Dave Matthews Band, OAR and we'll go with Dispatch.
2. Who is your favorite Penn State athlete, not on the Icers?
A: Oh man, favorite athlete not on the Icers? I'll go with Talor Battle. I like basketball, and he's a good player so it's pretty interesting to watch him being a young guy who can put up a lot of points and have fun playing the game.
3. What story or name are you tired of hearing about in the news?
A: I was tired of hearing about Michael Crabtree not signing with the 49ers. I mean these guys get paid so much money to play football and they're holding out for more money, it's pretty disgusting.
4. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: "Ants Marching," Dave Matthews Band.
5. What's the best Disney movie of all time?
A: D-2: The Mighty Ducks.
6. Who is the funniest guy on the team?
A: Thurston's pretty funny, Daley's pretty funny, so we'll go with those two -- Thurston and Daley.
7. Where can you find the best meal in town?
A: Wendy's.
Paul: Any favorite meal, specifically?
A: Spicy chicken, #6 combo.
8. If you had to go to school anywhere other than Penn State, where would it be?
A: Pitt.
Paul: Any reason?
A: Love the Panthers.
Paul: Sarcasm?
A: No, true. True.
9. If you could pull off the ultimate prank on anyone on the team, coach of player, who would it be and why?
A: You can put Matt Kirstein because we just did this to him in the locker room earlier but he doesn't know: We taped up all his equipment up into a big ball and taped up his stall, so he couldn't get to any of it and he had to cut it all down and whatnot. He thinks the coaches did it, but it was me and John Conte, so we'll take the blame for that. So Matt Kirstein, and anything to rattle his cage, I'll do.
Paul: You want me to publish that or keep it a secret?
A: Yeah, yeah publish.
10. What's the most exciting play in hockey? Big hit, short-handed goal, OT goal, penalty shot, big save?
A: I'd probably say a game-winning goal with less than a minute left in a game.
----------------------------
That does it for another player interview via TQT. Be sure to check back tomorrow when I do my weekly look around the ACHA and break down all the matchups involving the ACHA's top-10 teams. And be sure to stay tuned this weekend as we follow coach Balboni's quest for win No. 100 as he currently sits at 99.
The mood was optimistic today as head coach Coquese Washington and members of the Lady Lions met the media to kick off the 2009-10 season.
Washington and the rest of the team appeared eager to get into came action, but that will have to wait until a Nov. 6 exhibition with Indiana (Pa.).
Most of the players were doing interviews, while senior guard Nicole Arcidiacono took it upon herself to walk the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center with a microphone and a cameraman, interviewing her own teammates.
Some things to note from today's practice:
Injured senior Megan Quinn helped coaches take the players through some drills.
An impromptu game of duck-duck-goose broke out between some of the Lady Lions players.
The players were very loose, as made evident by transfer Mia Nickson dancing and singing with her teammates on the court.
The freshmen were very much involved with running the drills. Washinton will be looking to newcomers Nikki Greene, Marisa Wolfe, Gizelle Studevent and Alex Bentley to make key contributions this season.
Wolfe, Bentley and Greene ran through some plays today with senior guard Tyra Grant and junior forward Julia Trogele. Washington said she hasn't decided on a lineup yet, but this could be the makings of a starting five.
Both Wolfe and Greene looked at home down on the low block working on post moves.
Too early to tell if this team has what it takes to make a statement in the Big Ten, but for now spirits are high and the players are ready to see game action.
Brad Lidge, arguably the 25th best closer on the Phillies in the regular season, has performed almost a full 180 degree turn, performing well in the postseason.
He is facing pinch-hitter Mark Loretta to begin the inning. After a couple of half-hearted swings, Loretta strikes out swinging for out number one.
And then there were two.
Furcal pops out weakly to Ruiz.
One to go.
And then that's it. Even if Belliard had kept the game alive, it's clear in the looks of Dodgers players and coaches; there's nothing left to play for. Still, Belliard did not keep it going. And the last play of the NLCS is Brad Lidge retiring Ronnie Belliard on a flyout to center field.
The Phillies are National League Champions.
Recap:
Phillies 10, Dodgers 4
Phillies win the series, 4-1
W: Chad Durbin
L: Vicente Padilla
This series had comebacks, blowouts and Ryan Howard. Especially Ryan Howard.
And through it all, the games showed what true playoff baseball is all about: heart, dedication and effort. And realistically speaking, the better team won. The better pitching won, and the better hitting won.
Cole Hamels wasn't at the top of his game, but Chad Durbin picked up his game when Philly needed it most. Clutch hitting prevailed in all but one game for the Phillies, and Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino put the icing on the cake.
Whether or not the Phillies will come on top against (in all likelihood) the Yankees is up for discussion. The Phillies lineup will certainly be able to knock Yankee pitching around, however the same can be said about New York's finest.
Until the World Series, this is Zack Feldman signing off.
Good night, baseball fans!
***
Bottom 8:
Ronald Belisario enters the game. Unless I'm mistaken, he is the 18th pitcher used by the Dodgers in this game.
A great diving catch by Kemp is out number one.
Major league journeyman Matt Stairs is in to hit for Madson.
Martin catches Stairs' popup in front of the pitcher's mound for out number two.
Rollins lines a single into center field, keeping the Phillies offense going.
Inches shy of a home run, Victorino hits a ground-rule double, due to fan interference. Unfortunately for the Phillies, Rollins would have easily scored had there been no interference, though instead there are two men in scoring position for Utley.
A wild pitch scores Rollins for the 10th run of the evening for Philadelphia.
Utley grounds out, but it's time for Philly pitching (undoubtedly Lidge) to give Philly fans what they have always wanted ... since 2008.
Going into the ninth inning:
Phillies 10, Dodgers 4
***
Top 8:
The Phillies have little to worry about. Park is retiring Dodgers like Nick Swisher retires the Rays; quickly, yet painfully.
A single from Belliard to lead off the inning is a dim sign of hope for the Dodger offense.
Ethier hits a shot to right, with a first and third situation for the Dodgers.
With relievers to spare, here comes Ryan Madson to pitch.
Manny walks to load the bases for Matt Kemp. A grand slam still leaves the Dodgers two runs short, so they will likely be looking to continue adding base runners by any means necessary.
Kemp singles to bring in a run.
9-4 Phillies
Kemp does exactly what he has to. Swinging for the fences helps, but it won't tie the game. Continued singles yields the most benefit at this point.
James Loney pops out to third on a pitch well outside of the strike zone, giving Madson a big out.
Russell Martin with three on and one out strikes out after a long at bat.
With confidence back on his side, Madson challenges Martin and wins the battle. Four outs to go.
Quickly ahead of Blake, Madson evens the count before getting the 6-4 putout.
The biggest at bat of the year for Madson gives the Phillies the position they need to finish strong in the ninth inning.
Three more defensive outs to go for the Phillies
Phillies 9, Dodgers 4
Bottom 7:
The pace of the game has picked up, and as such, the offense for both teams has slowed down. Even with Victorino's two-run home run, the past two innings have gone by quickly.
Howard, leading off the inning against the newly entered Hong-Chih Kuo, strikes out on an off-speed pitch on the inside corner.
However well Kuo does in this inning, the Dodgers are facing difficult odds, which are getting steeper with each offensive out.
Speaking of difficult odds, the ship is leaving the dock for the Dodgers. Jayson Werth hits his second home run of the game, the seventh home run between the two teams this game.
Werth is now 3-for-4 with 4 RBIs.
A strikeout of Pedro Feliz ends the inning, but not before the Phillies add to their momentum.
Phillies 9, Dodgers 3
***
Top 7:
With Chan Ho Park now in, the Dodgers are in a hole that most teams are not able to climb out of.
Three quick outs later, the Dodgers are down to their six final outs.
Phillies 8, Dodgers 3
***
Bottom 6:
The hardest part of the inning is over for Kershaw, retiring Ruiz.
Now, Miguel Cairo, a man of many winning teams (though little of that is because of him), is retired.
Jimmy Rollins acts shocked and chagrined that he was hit with a pitch in a close game, despite the fact that his previous hit-by-pitch didn't touch anything but his jersey.
Victorino does his team some good, with a two-run home run to left field, increasing the deficit to five.
Phillies 8, Dodgers 3
***
Top 6:
Durbin really pulled the string on the last curveball he threw to Kemp, whose swing missed by a few inches.
Loney and Martin barely fared as well, grounding to Rollins and grounding to Durbin, respectively.
Through 5 1/2 innings,
Phillies 6, Dodgers 3
***
Bottom 5:
The speed of this game is approaching absolute zero, however there is more excitement now than should have been expected a couple of innings ago. It truly is a game again, and the pitching performance of Clayton Kershaw over the next couple of innings will likely dictate the future of the Dodgers this season.
Kershaw begins his appearance with a couple of 95 mph fastballs, a good sign for the Dodgers. Facing Ryan Howard to open an appearance is not an easy thing to do for a relief pitcher.
Although Howard walks, his curveball for ball four appeared to have a bit of the plate. Unfortunately, the catcher Martin had to move his glove a bit to catch the ball, giving the pitch the appearance of being outside.
Werth, 2-for-2 with three RBIs in the game, strikes out on a well-placed fastball in on his hands.
Kershaw almost escaped with a double play, although Belliard bobbled the ball, eliminating the chance for two. He was able to tag second, though, and there are now two out.
Feliz strikes out swinging at a pitch in the dirt. Martin makes a noteworthy throw to retire Feliz, keeping the game within reach for L.A..
Phillies 6, Dodgers 3
***
Top 5:
Clayton Kershaw, the next best option to bringing in Broxton in the fifth inning, is again warming up in the bullpen. With Orlando Hudson pinch-hitting for Sherill, expect Kershaw to take over pitching duties.
Hudson gives the Dodgers their third solo home run of the night -- this one deep to left field.
J.A. Happ, a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year, is up in the bullpen in case Hamels begins to fade. Hamels is currently at 87 pitches through 4 1/3 innings.
Furcal doubles, possibly indicating that Hamels isn't as sharp now as before the long delay.
Hamels threw a solid four innings to start. However a shaky fifth inning is responsible for a shorter gap now. With a man at second and a run already in, Happ is trying to stop the bleeding and prevent a squandering of the Phillies' early lead.
A walk of Belliard brings up Ethier with two on and one out.
Ethier fails to come up big in the clutch, but Mr. Postseason of the 2000s, Manny Ramirez, is up with two out.
Chad Durbin will pitch to Ramirez.
A generous strike one call and a foul off Manny's shin puts Durbin ahead of Ramirez, 0-2, but Manny evens it up at 2-2. To cap off the at-bat, Manny defensively hits a lazy roller to Durbin, who successfully gets out of the inning.
(For the record, make sure you take the pain of bumping into furniture at night, and "times it by a thousand", as per Chip Caray's request.)
After 4 1/2, yes, only four and one-half innings (half the game),
Phillies 6, Dodgers 3
***
Bottom 4:
Werth, hitting a robust .133, including his three-run home run, is now making a case to approach the Mendoza line by game's end. He singles to left to open the fourth for the Phillies.
Ibanez, going head-to-head with Werth and Feliz for lowest NLCS batting average, actually comes up clutch for the Phillies, doubling to right field. The hit plates Werth, who scores from first base.
The floodgates all but open, Torre is trying to keep the defecit within reach. Padilla is gone, chased from the game after only three-plus innings.
Ibanez is still Padilla's responsibility as Ramon Troncoso enters the game. Troncoso has pitched with good success twice in the NLCS thus far.
Ruiz walks, putting a second man on base with only one out.
Hamels bats now, with a bunt expected to put two men into scoring position.
Hamels, unlike many pitchers in today's game, fearlessly crowds the plate. This makes it harder for a pitcher to throw in the strike zone, generally resulting in high and/or outside pitches. It goes without saying that hitting the batter in this situation is a poor idea, especially considering Hamels is up.
On the 3-2 pitch, Hamels gets it down in good fashion. Credit Hamels for getting it down with two strikes, which many hitters would not try to do after missing two attempts.
Give credit where credit is due. Started by Manny Ramirez, there is a trend now involving wearing jerseys far larger than one's true size. This can result in increased hit-by-pitches.
Rollins bravely takes one right in the jersey to load the bases. Reports indicate the jersey is okay.
George Sherrill is the third Dodger pitcher of the inning, brought in to face Victorino. The Dodgers are going to spare no one in this game. Without a tomorrow in which to play if they lose, Torre will go to his best relievers now that Padilla is out.
A generous courtesy strike later, Victorino is hit in the side to bring in a run.
This is do or die for the Dodgers. More runs means a less-likely chance of overcoming the deficit.
Utley, 0-7 in the regular season in bases-loaded situations, strikes out. This effectively keeps the Dodgers in the game.
Hamels is going to come back out to pitch after a long wait, including two runs and two pitching changes.
After four completed innings,
Phillies 6, Dodgers 2
***
Top 4:
Ramirez and Kemp both ground out to short, making it eight straight hitters retired by Hamels.
His changeup has kept hitters guessing, and he retires Loney, L.A.'s hottest hitter.
Chad Billingsley is still up in the bullpen. Expect a pinch hitter if Padilla's spot comes up in the batting order.
Hamels breezes through another inning. Also, don't expect to see Phillies relievers too soon. As long as Hamels can keep throwing, he'll be out there. After this game, there will be plenty of time to rest before his scheduled World Series start.
Phillies 4, Dodgers 2
***
Bottom 3:
Padilla is making his start worthwhile. Though down 4-2, Padilla is now throwing as well as he has since game two.
A couple fastballs have moved left-to-right with such break, they have the appearance of a screwball coming in to left-handed hitters, such as Utley, who strikes out for the second out of the inning.
Ryan Howard goes down without a fight, and still is looking to put up an RBI tonight.
After three innings,
Phillies 4, Dodgers 2
***
Top 3:
Hamels is dealing. Since James Loney's home run, Hamels has put all six Dodgers away, striking out two in this inning.
Phillies 4, Dodgers 2
***
Bottom 2:
Pedro Feliz, in the category of most likely to homer in this NLCS, is ranked slightly below Cliff Lee and slightly above Charlie Manuel. That said, Feliz hits a home run to the same right field seats that have been bombarded the first three times.
Clayton Kershaw, one of the Dodgers' weapons out of the pen, is now warming up. Billingsley has also been warming up.
Hamels strikes out looking on Padilla's best fastball of the night, jamming Hamels up and in.
Padilla's fastball and slider have shown tremendous improvement this inning. Home run aside, this was an interesting inning for Padilla, who has shown for the first time tonight he is ready and capable of bringing a well-located fastball and dropping a devistating slider. Once he establishes his curveball tonight, it is possible he could begin shutting the Phillies down.
After two full innings:
Phillies 4, Dodgers 2.
****
Top 2:
It's no shock how a lead can calm a pitcher down. Already with momentum in the series, the Phillies have taken the shred of run support the Dodgers have already mustered and put three of their own on the board.
Loney, sitting dead-red on the fastball, powers the third home run of the game to the same right field seats.
The fans, already flush with souvenirs, throw the ball back onto the field. The fan's throw clocked 35 mph quicker than Padilla's curveball.
Padilla, in need of gym time, flies out to left to end the inning.
The Dodgers plate one on the road back to tie the Phillies.
Through one-and-a-half innings,
Phillies 3, Dodgers 2.
***
Bottom 1:
Vicente Padilla was greeted with a round of cheers from the Philly crowd, in front of whom Padilla performed as a Phillies pitcher from 2000-2005.
As the Phillies have shown (see: Dodgers Game 4 meltdown), the Phillies are no strangers to adversity. Ryan Howard has stated his case to be 2009's David Ortiz, minus the steroids.
Howard's "I want the bat, now" attitude has led the Phillies to several of their wins this postseason, and Padilla is very aware of Howard's postseason accomplishments.
Padilla's attempts to jam Howard resulted in four consecutive balls, putting two men on with two out.
Originally thought a safer route then pitching to the human RBI generator, Padilla is now watching Jayson Werth circle the bases, following a monster three-run home run to the same part of the ballpark in which Ethier hit his.
Three runs later, Joe Torre is already picturing tomorrow's headlines in the L.A. Times. Credit them for putting up a run before Charlie Manuel goes to the bullpen.
After one complete inning,
Phillies 3, Dodgers 1
***
Top 1:
Ronnie Belliard, James Loney and Russell Martin represent the extent of the Dodgers' offense in this series. Yes, Manny Ramirez provided two of the Dodgers' three hits in Game 3, however he is 2-13 otherwise.
Hamels has yielded two quick outs from the bats of Rafael Furcal and Ronnie Belliard, however a long at bat to Andre Ethier ends with a home run to the deepest part of the ballpark.
Obviously shaken, Manny follows Ethier's effort (say that five times fast) with a single of his own. One on, two out for Kemp.
154 strikeouts on the season not for Matt Kemp. Not a great resume booster, but he has plenty of time to rebound.
After 1/2 an inning,
Dodgers 1, Phillies coming up
***
Dodgers at Phillies Game 5
With their backs against the wall, the Los Angeles Dodgers are going to make their claim tonight to stay in the hunt for the World Championship. After their bats were embarrassed in Game 3, Dodger relief pitching was similarly shamed in Game 4, backing them into the infamous 3-1 hole that, frankly, the Red Sox are the only team to properly master the magic trick that is winning that type of series.
Vicente Padilla is trying to replicate his solid Game 2 start. Cole Hamels opposes for the Phillies, a team trying to prove lightning can strike twice in consecutive years.
For those of you sick of Ron Darling and Buck Martinez (I assume all of you are tired of Chip Caray,) this is Zack Feldman, the Collegian's cross country reporter, bringing you Game 5 of the NLCS. It's do or die for L.A., so here we go!
Comments
Okay, people. PSU holds on for the win, but a nervy one at that. They'll be out of action until next Wednesday, at No. 1 Akron.
*****
With about 2:20 showing on the clock, Bucknell comes close again, as Conor O'Brien comes onto a cross in the box about 8 yards from goal, but he blasts his shot high.
*****
Bucknell almost tied the game there. The ball came loose in the box off a corner, but Gross was able to save and control the shot from the ground. Now under four minutes to go.
*****
Penn State had a chance to extend the lead there. Cost passed into the box to Hertzog, and then Hertzog passed back to Cost making a run into the box, but his shot was saved by Bucknell's Caso.
*****
Bucknell had a chance at the front post off a corner, but the attempt went wide.
*****
Clock now shows just under 10 minutes. Penn State still just holding off Bucknell.
*****
Braga takes a man on inside the box, and breaks to the outside before somehow getting off a shot with his left foot that just barely goes wide. Sometimes the plays he can't connect on show his skill even more.
*****
Off a Bucknell corner, Penn State can only get a weak clear out of the box. Bucknell's Sean King gets his foot on it and pounds one at Gross, but the tall goalkeeper extends and is able to stop and hold the dangerous shot. Now 14:35 on the clock.
*****
With 18:40 showing on the clock, Gelsinger made a sharp cut to the inside and let go a cannon shot that went just high. Gelsinger is still looking for his first goal of the year.
*****
Fetrow picks up a foul with an ill-advised slide tackle. Bucknell with a free kick chance from about 30 yards with just under 22 minutes, but Gross covers the ball and the Nittany Lions go the other way.
*****
Now under 25 minutes, and it seems as if there's been a lot more space out there for both teams. Treavor Gelsinger has come on for Corey Hertzog as well.
*****
Yeisley had a chance for goal no. 10 on a cross, but he couldn't bring his header inside the near post.
*****
Corey Hertzog with a questionable play with about 30 minutes left. He played a back pass that went right to one of the Bucknell forwards, but Fetrow comes back with a tackle to end the threat. Bison fans shouting for a foul, but none comes.
*****
Penn State is having more of a battle than they probably thought they'd get from these Bison. Bucknell's had a lot of opportunities and Gross has played one of his shakier games in net.
*****
Andres Casais earns a yellow cards after a hard sideline tackle on Kumah. 33:18 on the clock.
*****
After a series of Bucknell chances, Gross goes down with an apparent injury, but he pops up and is ready to go with 33:40 on the clock.
*****
In the 56th minute, Penn State answers with an equally skillful goal. Corey Hertzog takes a pass from Jason Yeisley and beats Bucknell's Tommy Caso to the right post for a 2-1 lead.
*****
Penn State had a chance there to get back in front, as Braga fed Yeisley between two defenders on the right side of the box, but Yeisley's hard-angle shot was wide.
*****
After several minutes of inactivity, Bucknell ties the game up. CK Kumah takes a right wing through ball from Luke Joyner, cuts back, and beats Gross just inside the right post. So we're tied up here, 1-1.
*****
Hello there, Ben Skalina here to blog the second half. We'll be distracted during this half by the recently started Phillies game. And they're under way here. Penn State going right to left, Bucknell left to right.
Penn State switched jerseys at halftime. They're wearing a different set of blues than they wore during the first half.
*****
That will do it for the half. It's 1-0 Penn State. Here are the stats.
Shots
Penn State 10
Bucknell 8
Saves
Penn State 5
Bucknell 3
Corner Kicks
Penn State 2
Bucknell 4
Fouls
Penn State 4
Bucknell 4
*****
More dangerous plays for the Lions off of two corner kicks. Gross was able to block a header on the first. On the second corner, Gross made an amazing save while on the ground. The ball was loose in the middle when a Bucknell player shot at a wide-open goal, but Gross managed to dive and made the save from the ground.
A scuffle took place afterwards when Gross appeared to be hurt by a Bucknell player. While Gross rolled around, several Bison and Lions exchanged unfriendly words. Gross is up and ready to take th goal kick.
*****
A dangerous header went off Bucknell player Luke Joyner after a cross from another Bison player. No Lion defenders were in the middle of the field. Luckily the ball went way off target and out of bounds.
*****
A desperate play for the Lions. Mackenzie Arment jumped off-balance and headed the ball out of bounds after receiving a header pass from Yeisley.
*****
Drew Cost led Jason Yeisley perfectly down the middle of the field. With no one present, Yeisley tried posting a player up, then tried crossing it to the far post but no Lions were around and Bucknell cleared the ball. 10 minutes left in the first.
*****
Krispin is being carried off the field and seems to be favoring his left ankle. The Bucknell crowd claps for the midfielder as he hobbles off.
*****
A vicious tripping foul called on Bucknell. Patrick Krispin rolled several times on the ground. He's laying on the field as assistant coach Ryan Defibaugh goes out to help. 13 minutes left to play.
*****
Off a Bucknell corner kick, Warren Gross leaps up for the ball. It goes of Gross' hands but a Penn State player was able to clear it out of the box.
*****
Penn State just scored its first goal on a Jason Yeisley goal from Corey Hertzog. Hertzog streams down the field after the goal with his hands in the air. It's 1-0 Penn State with 15 minutes left to play in the first half.
*****
This is Brendan Monahan bringing you the live blog for Penn State vs. Bucknell. I'm joined by fellow writer Ben Skalina. The two teams have already played 29 minutes.
After last year's epic celebration following the World Series, Philadelphia is getting ready in advance of Wednesday's NLCS Game 5.
Since the Phillies could close out the series with the Dodgers tonight, the city is greasing the light posts, signs, bus shelters and anything else wild fans could climb.
City officials added there would be hightened security around Philly to prevent the rowdy crowd from looting or wrecking up the place.
This, of course, is an excellent pre-emptive move by the city, because let's face it, Philly fans are bonkers about their team. They are absolutely prone to tipping over cars and uprooting small trees if the Fightin's make their second World Series in a row.
The only question is: What more could police do if the Phils were to win their second World Series in a row? Bolt all automobiles to the street? Drape every tree in flame-resistant sheets?
Well, it's Tuesday and you know what that means -- time for another edition of TQT. For the Tuesday edition, I pulled aside sophomore Paul Daley. After receiving "Dave Matthews" as one of the answers to the favorite bands question, I knew it was a good choice (see Paul's bio to the right of this page). So, without giving away any other answers, here's the rest of TQT with Daley:
1. Who are your three favorite bands right now?
A: I'll have to go with Third Eye Blind, Dave Matthews and Lil' Wayne.
Paul: Finally, a Dave Matthews answer. I like it.
2. Who is your favorite Penn State athlete, not on the Icers?
A: Sean Lee just like everyone else. He's just awesome, he's a beast.
3. What story or name are you tired of hearing about in the news?
A: I'm always tired of hearing about Brett Favre, it's just so overdone, it's ridiculous. It seems like every year, it just comes around again.
4. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Right now I'd have to go with that new song "Fireflies" by Owl City, Paradis told me about it the other day and I think about half our team's just been non-stop listening to it.
5. What's the best Disney movie of all time?
A: Beauty and the Beast.
Paul: Any reason?
A: Because I used to know all the words to that song, "Be Our Guest."
6. Who is the funniest guy on the team?
A: John Conte, just because any situation he's in, he's always got a funny comment. You can always make jokes with him, no matter how serious the situation is.
7. Alright, without being influenced by your coach, what's the best meal in town?
A: Coach Gigante's dinners, which I'm going to tonight. He invites the players over, I just love going there. Home-cooked meals, they're great.
8. If you had to go to school anywhere other than Penn State, where would it be?
A: Notre Dame. I'm a big Notre Dame fan, I've been to the campus five or six times for football games and just love that place, it's awesome.
9. If you could pull off the ultimate prank on anyone on the team, coach of player, who would it be and why?
A: I'm going to have to go with [Matt] Kirstein, pretty much 95-percent of my pranks are on him anyway, it's just too easy.
10. What's the most exciting play in hockey? Big hit, short-handed goal, OT goal, penalty shot, big save?
A: Penalty shot because I think the penalty shot is the most exciting play in all of sports.
----------------------------
And so ends another edition of TQT. We're not done for the week yet, though, as we will get to know Tim O'Brien a little better this Thursday. Be sure to check back to see what he had to say when faced with these same questions.
Chad Gaudin, who was traded to the Yankees in August from San Diego, enters the game with a comfortable nine run lead.
Guerrero reaches and hits a fly ball to Cabrera in right field. Two more to go for New York.
Rivera hits a deep fly ball to center but Gardner has room and puts it away. One more out for the Angels.
Gary Matthews Jr. pinch hits for Howie Kendrick. Gaudin finishes off the Angels as Matthews grounds out to Cano. Game over.
Final Score:
NYY 10, LAA 1
C.C. Sabathia dominated the Angels on his way to earning the victory. He let up just five hits and one earned run in eight innings.
Scott Kazmir gets the loss for LA and leaves the Angels in a 3-1 series hole to the Yankees.
Although Game 5 will be played in Anaheim on Thursday, this series is pretty much over. The Yankees are clearly a better team and I don't see the Yankees losing three in a row especially with two of those games in the Bronx.
Check in on the MAKE PLAYS blog tomorrow night for Game 5 of the series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies look to close out the Dodgers in Philadelphia and make a second consecutive trip to the World Series -- most likely to face the Yankees.
Thank you for following and have a good night.
****
Top 9th.
And as if the Yankees needed more insurance, A-Rod doubles to left-center to lead off the inning against Palmer, who stayed in the game after a rocky 8th inning.
Chad Gaudin is warming up for the Yankees in the bullpen to come in and pitch the ninth as it is obviously not a save situation for Mariano Rivera.
Posada flies out to Abreu for the first out. To add insult to injury, A-Rod decides to tag up and after an errant throw from Abreu goes into the stands, A-Rod walks across home plate to make it 8-1.
Phil Hughes is now warming up in the bullpen for New York along with Gaudin.
Matsui finishes off an 0-5 night with his third strikeout. Two outs.
Palmer walks Cano to bring up Brett Gardner for the first time tonight.
Gardner hits a bloop single that falls in front of Hunter for a base hit. First and second with two outs for Melky Cabrera.
Palmer is in trouble as Cabrera doubles down the right field line and two more runs come across for New York. Yankees 10, Angels 1.
Jeter grounds out to third to end the inning.
This one is all but over.
NYY 10, LAA 1
****
Bottom 8th.
The Angels need a big inning here.
Brett Gardner has stayed in the game after running for Swisher and is playing center field. Cabrera has moved over to right. Sabathia is out to pitch the 8th.
Sabathia gets a quick out as he forces Figgins to ground out to Jeter. One out. Five more to go until the Yankees take a 3-1 series lead.
Another strike out makes five for Sabathia as he gets Abreu. That's his third punch out in the last five batters.
Hunter grounds out to end the inning.
NYY 7, LAA 1
****
Top 8th.
After retiring six straight, Scioscia decides to let Santana go back out and pitch the 8th.
That decision may backfire as Santana hits Swisher. Yanks manager Joe Girardi decides to let Brett Gardner pinch run for Swisher.
Gardner steals and is thrown out by Napoli after a great catch and tag by Aybar on a close play. One out.
Melky Cabrera draws a walk to bring up Jeter with one man on and one out.
Right-hander Matt Palmer enters the game to face Jeter.
Jeter hits a high hopper to Aybar who makes an incredible play by bare handing the ball and fires it to first to get Jeter. Wow, what a play. Cabrera moves to second.
Johnny Damon follows that up with a 2-run home run to right. That is his second home run in as many nights. A big blow to the Angels as now they need six runs to tie with just six outs remaining on offense.
Teixeira pops out to shortstop to end the inning but not before more damage has been done by the Yankees.
NYY 7, LAA 1
****
Bottom 7th.
Sabathia recovers after going 3-0 on Morales by striking him out swinging for the first out.
Sabathia strikes out Napoli. C.C. is showing no signs of fatigue which is very impressive. He is only pitching on three days rest and has thrown close to 90 pitches tonight.
Sabathia cruises through the inning 1, 2, 3 as Aybar grounds out. He has now thrown 92 pitches in seven innings and is still dominating the Angels. Sabathia has given up just five hits and one run.
NYY 5, LAA 1
****
Top 7th.
Santana comes out for his second inning of work and will face Posada to start the 7th. The Angels cannot afford to give up any more runs if they want to have a chance at salvaging this game.
Santana strikes Posada out swinging for the first out.
Matsui, now 0-4 for the game, grounds out to Kendrick at second.
Santana makes quick work of New York as Cano strikes out to make it a 1, 2, 3 inning.
It's stretch time.
NYY 5, LAA 1
****
Bottom 6th.
No one is warming up for the Yankees so Sabathia will take the mound for the second half of the sixth inning.
On a 3-2 pitch to Hunter, the center fielder checks his swing and takes first base. With Guerrero, Rivera and Kendrick coming up, this is a great opportunity for the Angels to add some runs.
Guerrero singles to right on a change up from Sabathia and Hunter stops at second base. Two men on with no outs for LA.
Rivera grounds out into a double play in a huge play for Sabathia. Posada heads to the dugout following the double play even though there are only two outs.
Man on third with two outs for Kendrick. Kendrick lines out to Teixeira at first and now Posada can head into the dugout without embarrassing himself.
NYY 5, LAA 1
****
Top 6th.
Ervin Santana enters the game for Los Angeles. So far this postseason, Santana has has let up one run on three hits and has tallied one win and one loss. The victory for the right-handed pitcher, who was a starter during the regular season, came in yesterday's game.
Jeter singles up the middle for his second hit of the day.
A ground ball to first by Damon causes Santana to cover at first and just barely get Damon out. Man on second now with one out for the Bronx Bombers.
Teixeira up to bat now and looks to build off his last at bat where he singled. The Yankees hit into yet another fielders choice as Tex grounds out and Jeter moves to third with two outs.
In his 16 playoff games as a Yankee prior to this season, A-Rod had just one RBI. These playoffs have obviously been a different story as Rodriguez has five home runs and 11 RBI.
However, A-Rod won't get a 12th RBI here as he strikes out to end the inning and strands Jeter on third.
NYY 5, LAA 1
****
Bottom 5th.
Howie Kendrick grounds out to second to start the fifth for LA.
Kendry Morales gets the Angels on the board against Sabathia with a solo shot to center that Cabrera almost got a hold off on top of the wall.
Mike Napoli steps in as the Angels look to narrow this four run margin even more. Napoli singles to left on a ball almost snagged by A-Rod.
With a man on first and one out, Aybar singles to center. A great at bat by the shortstop, fouling off a few pitches and working the count full before slapping one in front of Cabrera. Napoli moves over to second on the hit and the Angels have the top of the order up now.
Sabathia works the count to 0-2 against Figgins before getting Figgins to ground into a potential double play. Figgins beats out the play at first leaving the Angels with men on first and third and two outs with Bobby Abreu set to face Sabathia.
The inning ends as Abreu pops out to Cabrera in center field but the Angels are on the board against the big, burly left-hander.
NYY 5, LAA 1
****
Top 5th.
Teixeira leads off the inning for New York against Kazmir who has now thrown more than 85 pitches in just four innings. A rare occurrence, Tex singles to make it five straight innings with the leadoff runner on base for the Yankees.
That will be it for Kazmir. After four plus innings, six hits and four earned runs, he gives way to right-handed reliever Jason Bulger.
A-Rod welcomes Bulger to the game with a two-run dinger. 5-0 Yankees. A-Rod is on fire this postseason.
Posada walks and that will be it for Bulger. With the left-handed Matsui due up, the Angels bring in Darren Oliver.
Posada steals a base as Matsui strikes out and its now man on second with one out.
Cano hits one to the wall in left center and lands at second with a double. Because there was just one out, Posada had to wait to see if Hunter was going to catch it before he ran and subsequently he did not score. Second and third with one out for Swisher.
Swisher grounds the ball to Oliver who fires to Napoli. Napoli catches Posada in a run down and in a weird play, Cano and Posada both end up at third base. Both of them get tagged but and although both were standing off the bag, only Posada was called out. A very strange play and a strange ruling.
It doesn't end up mattering as Cabrera grounds out to a fielders choice at third.
The umpires have made some questionable calls tonight. Along with that call, the sac-fly ruling on Swisher leaving the base early and a pick off throw in which the Yankees got the favorable call could have gone either way.
Nevertheless, in the middle of the fifth, the score is....
NYY 5, LAA 0
****
Bottom 4th.
Torii Hunter starts off the inning by striking out against Sabathia.
Guerrero grounds out to A-Rod at third for the second out.
Rivera grounds out to third to conclude another quick 1,2,3 inning for C.C.
As of now, the Yankees look to have control of this crucial game.
NYY 3, LAA 0
****
Top 4th.
A-Rod leads off the inning as the Yankees look to continue getting their first batter of every inning on base. Unfortunately for them, it has not resulted in any runs thus far.
The leadoff man has reached base for the fourth consecutive inning as, working on a full count, Rodriguez singles up the middle.
Posada doubles to put men on second and third with nobody out. Another chance for the Yankees with Matsui, Cano and Swisher coming up to bat.
Mastui goes down on an inside pitch for out number one.
Cano hits a ground ball to Kendrick who charges and and throws the ball home on a questionable decision. Rodriguez is safe at home and it remains one out with two men on. The smart play would have been to get the sure out at first and sacrifice the run. Now the Yankees have a good chance to tag Kazmir for more runs.
After Swisher walked, pitching coach Mike Butcher goes out to chat with Kazmir as the bases are loaded with one out and Cabrera at bat.
After a long at bat, Cabrera singles to left and knocks in two runs for New York. The play at home was close with Cano but the replay showed that Napoli didn't touch the runner. Still one out, runners on first and second for Jeter.
Kazmir throws over to second and it looks as if he picks off Swisher but the ump calls him safe. Very questionable on the replay.
With the count at 3-0, Kazmir walks Jeter to register his fourth walk of the night and load the bases again. You have to think Mike Scioscia is thinking about pulling Kazmir very soon.
Damon hits what appears to be a sacrifice fly to left field but after scoring, the Angels appealed to the umpire saying Swisher left third base too early. In a rare decision, the Angels win the appeal. On the replay it does not look as if Swisher left early but nevertheless the inning is over.
The Yankees finally tag Kazmir for three runs.
NYY 3, LAA 0
****
Bottom 3rd.
Aybar makes his first at bat of the game for LA. The young shortstop had a nice season for the Angels with a .312 batting average. He bunts out to first.
Back to the top of order for the Angels with the speedy Chone Figgins. Figgins has just two hits so far this postseason. He hits a weak grounder to Sabathia who throws him out at first.
Two outs and nobody on base for Abreu. The former Phillie and Yankee loves to take pitches and already has 8 walks this postseason. His conservative eye doesn't work out this time as he looks at strike three to end the inning.
Through three innings, Sabathia looks really sharp only having thrown 29 pitches opposed to Kazmir who has already thrown 53.
NYY 0, LAA 0
****
Top 3rd.
Melky Cabrera lays down a perfect bunt in between Kazmir and first base and beats it out to give the Yankees another baserunner with no outs. This time, with the top of the order up, it should be interesting to see if they can capitalize.
As soon as I type that, Jeter quickly flies out to Abreu in right. One out.
Damon hits a grounder to Kendrick at second. Kendrick makes a quick decision and decides to go to second to barely get the speedy Cabrera out. No time to throw to first so its Damon on first with two outs and the struggling Teixeira to the plate.
Teixeria has just three hits, one of which was a home run, so far in this postseason. An important cog in the Yankees lineup, Tex needs to start hitting for them to be successful for the remainder of this series and maybe even the World Series.
The ball bounces away from Napoli and Damon moves over to second. This would be huge for Teixeira and the Yankees if he can get off his slump and knock in a run here.
On a full count with two outs, Teixeira strikes out and the Yankees go down in the 3rd.
NYY 0, LAA 0
****
Bottom 2nd.
A high chopper to shortstop gives Juan Rivera time to beat out Jeter's throw to Teixeira at first. Let's see how Sabathia responds to pitching out of the stretch with no outs and last night's star, Howie Kendrick, at bat.
Kendrick hits into a fielders choice to give Sabathia one out with Rivera on second base.
Kendry Morales lines out to Swisher in right field. Rivera stays put at second. Two outs for catcher Mike Napoli.
Napoli grounds out to Jeter to end the inning.
Both teams have had numerous baserunners through two innings but neither has capitalized. Still a scoreless game.
NYY 0, LAA 0
****
Top 2nd.
Alex Rodriguez leads off the second inning for the Bronx Bombers. Despite having struggled in prior playoffs, A-Rod has been hitting the ball really well this October.
On a full count from Kazmir, A-Rod draws a walk. Man on first with no outs to start the 2nd for New York.
Posada, who homered last night, now up. On the first pitch of the at-bat, A-Rod takes off towards second and successfully steals the bag. The Yanks now have a runner in scoring position with nobody out.
It should be interesting to see how Kazmir deals with this jam early in the game. Kazmir does have some playoff experience last year with the Tampa Bay Rays but he struggled this season with both the Rays and the Angels. He posted a 10-9 record with a 4.89 ERA in the regular season.
Posada walks to bring up Matsui with a chance to spark some scoring.
Mastui looked in control of the at bat going up 2-0 but then proceeded to pop out to short on a 2-1 count. One out. Men still on first and second with second basemen Robinson Cano coming up.
On a 1-1 count, Cano continues the trend and flies out to Aybar near the foul line behind third base. After having runners on first and second with no outs, Kazmir has retired two straight and now looks to finish off the Yankees with no damage.
Nick Swisher, who has struck out nine times already this playoffs, comes up for the Yanks looking to start the scoring. Instead, he hits the ball right to Abreu in right field to end the inning.
Middle of 2nd.
NYY 0, LAA 0
****
Bottom 1st.
Chone Figgins hits first for the Angels against Sabathia. He lines out to Jeter at shortstop for the first out.
Bobby Abreu shows good discipline at the plate as usual and walks and is the first LA baserunner of the game.
Torii Hunter flies out to right. Two outs for Sabathia.
Vladimir Guerrero, who is looking to follow up his big 2-run shot last night with another big one tonight, grounds out to third base for to end the inning.
NYY 0, LAA 0
****
Top 1st.
Derek Jeter leads off against Scott Kazmir with a single to right field.
With Johnny Damon at bat, Jeter gets caught stealing. One out.
Now with one out, Damon grounds out to Morales at first base.
Kazmir proceeds to strike out Teixiera to end the inning.
Middle of 1st.
NYY 0, LAA 0
****
Hey everyone,
Jake Kaplan, one of the Collegian's women's gymnastics reporters, here to keep you up to date on Game 4 of the American League Championship Series between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
After last night's 11-inning thriller where the Angels backup catcher Jeff Mathis hit a game winning double off New York reliever Alfredo Aceves, the series stays in Anaheim for Game 4 with the Yankees up 2-1.
This is a very important game for both squads. If the Yankees go up 3-1 in the series, it will be tough for the Angels to win three straight and two at Yankee Stadium.
Alright well here are the starting lineups. First for the visiting Yankees.
1. Derek Jeter SS
2. Johnny Damon LF
3. Mark Teixiera 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez 3B
5. Hideki Matsui DH
6. Jorge Posada C
7. Robinson Cano 2B
8. Nick Swisher RF
9. Melky Cabrera CF
C.C. Sabathia will get the start for New York. Sabathia is pitching on just 3-days rest after getting the win in Game 1 of this series where he pitched eight innings and gave up just one earned run.
And now the lineup for the Angels.
1. Chone Figgins 3B
2. Bobby Abreu RF
3. Torii Hunter CF
4. Vladimir Guerrero CF
5. Juan Rivera LF
6. Howie Kendrick 2B
7. Kendry Morales 1B
8. Mike Napoli C
9. Erik Aybar SS
Scott Kazmir gets the nod from Mike Scioscia. This will be his first appearance in this series.
Comments
Nothing like a little controversy in the playoffs. Yankees closer Mariano Rivera is being investigated by MLB for possibly adding the spitball to his arsenal. Video and photos show Rivera spitting on or near the baseball while on the mound against the Angels on Monday. It's probably a lot of nothing, just like the Joe Mauer sign-stealing incident. The video seems inconclusive, but if he is found to be doing it, what will the consequences be? It's interesting to think about. But is it worse than taking steroids? Or about the same? I guess we'll find out.
Some other things important and not so important:
- Continuing with our love for horrible jerseys and horrible customized jerseys, who here wants a Sonia Sotomayor Eagles jersey? Apparently this chick.
- Speaking of jerseys, people waiting for Hartford Whalers jerseys to hit the market again can finally rejoice.
- Maybe you readers can help us decide a minor debate we've had here. Better hockey name: Cal Clutterbuck or Pierre-Luc Letourneu-Leblond?
Video of the week: Ron Artest Part Deux. Well, it's not Ron Artest, but this angry basketball player becomes a fan's worst nightmare.
The new AVCA Coaches Top 25 Poll came out earlier today, and the Lions remain in the top spot.
Penn State once again received 53 first-place votes with Texas claiming the other seven.
A little bit of a shake-up in the Big Ten, though. Illinois swept then-No. 6 Minnesota over the weekend. This prompted the voters to vote Illinois ahead of Minnesota. The Illini came in at No. 8, while the Gophers dropped three spots to No. 9
Michigan remained at No. 11 despite giving Penn State its toughest test of the season.
Michigan State was again left out of the top 25, but is receiving votes in this week's poll.
Penn State's next three matches are against unranked opponents, but Minnesota comes to Rec Hall Oct. 30.
Here's this week's top 10: 1.) Penn State (53) 2.) Texas (7) 3.) Hawaii 4.) Washington 5.) Nebraska 6.) Stanford 7.) Kentucky 8.) Illinois 9.) Minnesota
Matt Stairs comes to plate for Feliz. Broxton has some bad memories of Matt Stairs from last year's NLCS, and he pitches around him. A four-pitch walk for Stairs.
Broxton hits Ruiz, and the Phils have two base runners with one out here in the ninth.
Greg Dobbs will hit for Lidge. Eric Bruntlett is on second base for Stairs.
Dobbs pops out to Blake. Two outs.
Jimmy Rollins saves the day for the Phils. A huge walk-off two RBI double. Ruiz scores the winning run. The Phillies fans around me appear to be in utter shock that Rollins came through in the clutch.
And Brad Lidge gets his first win of the year.
W: Lidge
L: Broxton
Final score
PHI 5 LAD 4
FInal thoughts:
Just a huge win for the Phillies.
If the Dodgers held on, I would have predicted the Dodgers to win the series and advance to the World Series. A Phillies win gives them a chance to clinch their second straight National League Championship at home.
A loss would have left all the pressure on the Phils, with the winner of Game 5 most likely winning the series. As it is the Phils should be advancing to the World Series yet again.
Be sure to check out the MAKE PLAYS blog once again tomorrow night at 8 as Jake Kaplan will take you through Game 4 of the ALCS.
Good night all and thanks for following along.
****
Top 9th
Scott Eyre comes in for the Phillies to try to hold the deficit at one.
Hudson flies out to Werth standing on the foul line with Howard and Utley serving as close spectators to the catch.
Furcal hits a line-drive single to center. Victorino takes a nice angle on the ball to prevent Furcal from getting more.
Brad Lidge to pitch. We'll see which Lidge shows up.
Kemp fouls Lidge's pitch off his leg but is able to finish his at-bat. Kemp strikes out, and Furcal steals second.
Lidge's 2-1 pitch to Ethier goes in the dirt, and Furcal takes third. Ethier watches strike three.
The Phillies go into the bottom of the ninth down one.
LAD 4 PHI 3
****
Bottom 8th
George Sherrill, closer for the Orioles to start the season, is on for the eighth inning. Jimmy Rollins leads off for Philladelphia.
Sherrill's full count offering to Rollins results in a ground out to Blake.
Only five outs to work with for the Phils.
Victorino gets hit by Sherrill's pitch on his back foot. Victorino is able to shake it off and jogs to first.
Utley swings at ball four, but Victorino is able to advance to second on the pitch in the dirt. And Utley's second look at ball four gives him first base.
Torre goes to mound to speak to Sherrill but he opts to keep the ball in his hands to face the dangerous Howard.
Sherrill sneaks a high fastball past Howard for out number two.
The Phillies can't afford to blow this opportunity. Two on, two out for Werth, who will face closer Jonathan Broxton who is coming in to attempt the four-out save.
A double switch by Torre means Orlando Hudson, who replaces Belliard at second, will hit in the ninth spot, and Broxton is in the sixth spot.
Werth flies out to right and the Phillies strand two in the bottom of the eighth.
After 8
LAD 4 PHI 3
****
Top 8th
Ryan Madson takes the hill for the Phils.
Madson strikes Manny out looking.
Loney hits a grounder up the middle. Utley attempts to make a tough play but is unable to field the ball cleanly, and Loney reaches on an infield single.
Madson gets the wanted ground ball out of Belliard but the Phillies are only able to get the force out at second.
Scott Eyre is warming in the pen for the Phils.
Belliard steals second. Utley did a good job blocking the base, and I think Belliard was actually out. Regardless, Martin walks and the Dodgers have runners on first and second with two outs.
Madson's two-strike fastball is tipped by Casey Blake, and Ruiz holds on for the K.
The Phillies now have 6 outs to work with to make up the one-run deficit.
LAD 4 PHI 3
****
Bottom 7th
I have to admit I'm a little surprised to see Kuo back out on the mound with three righties coming up for the Phillies.
I guess I shouldn't question the move, as Kuo has Feliz confused in a leadoff strikeout.
Ruiz grounds out to short. Kuo making quick work of these righties so far in the 7th.
Park is done for the evening as Manuel brings up Ben Francisco in the ninth spot of the order.
Phillies fans got a little excited here in the office as the ball jumped off Francisco's bat, but Ramirez makes the easy grab just shy of the warning track.
After 7
LAD 4 PHI 3
****
Top 7th
Chan Ho Park in for the Phillies to start the 7th.
Furcal grounds out to Park.
Park strikes out Kemp swinging.
The home plate umpire contiues to have an inconsistent strike zone frustrating hitters and pitchers.
Ethier walks on a pitch that looked right down the middle. Ethier even looked surprised to be granted the base.
A great throw by Ruiz catches Ethier trying to steal second for the final out. The Phils will have to deal with Manny in the eighth with a fresh count.
LAD 4 PHI 3
****
Bottom 6th
Top of the order for the Phils in the sixth.
Rollins grounds out to third.
A rip down the third baseline line for Victorino results in a stand-up triple.
Utley hits a RBI single to right field. The Phillies pull within one and score for the first time ssince the first inning.
Wolf now has a conference of his own with pitching coach Rick Honeycutt.
Howard has a good at-bat, earning a walk. The Phils have runners on first and second with one out.
Wolf's day is done. I'll be able to tell you his final line after the inning is done.
Ronald Belisario will come in for the Dodgers to face Werth.
Werth's bat shatters as the ball grounds to Blake at third. He throws to Belliard who is covering second. Howard is out, but Belliard drops the ball when transferring it to his hand to turn two. Utley is on third and Werth on first with two outs.
Here we go...another pitching change by Joe Torre. Hung-Chih Kuo to take on Ibanez.
Ibanez hits a promising line drive to left, but Manny makes a shoe-string catch to end the inning
Wolf's final line:
4 runs on 3 hits in 5.1 innings
After 6
LAD 4 PHI 3
****
Top 6th
Blanton does come out to start the sixth and face Manny.
Blanton gets Manny to ground to third, but Howard can't pick Pedro Feliz's throw in the dirt.
Ruling is error on Feliz.
Loney flies out to Ibanez.
Ronnie Belliard hits a single to shallow left-center. Rollins made a heck of an effort on the ball and appeared to be there in time but was unable to come up with the grab. Runners on first and second with one out.
Russell Martin looks at strike three. To say the least, Martin did not agree with the call. He exchanged some words with the umpire. It appeared like the ump was on the verge of tossing the Dodgers catcher.
Casey Blake hits a line drive single to shallow right, scoring Manny and advancing Belliard to third. Dodgers go up by two.
Wolf looked at what appeared to to be strike three, but the ump called a ball. On the pitch Blake took second base with a "steal." Ruiz didn't even make a throw. Wolf flies out to center for the final out.
LAD 4 PHI 2
****
Bottom 5th
Raul Ibanez flies to center for an easy out by Kemp.
Pedro Feliz fouls out to Loney.
J.A. Happ is warming in the Phils bullpen.
Carlos Ruiz walks on a close pitch that Wolf thought he had.
Charlie Manuel appears to be letting Blanton continue as he comes to the plate.
Blanton hits a chopper fielded by Furcal who steps on second for the force out.
After 5
LAD 3 PHI 2
****
Top 5th
Wolf leads off the inning for the Dodgers and will look to help his own cause.
Wolf hits a fly ball to right, Ibanez takes a few steps back and makes the grab.
Furcal grounds out to Utley.
The promising start to Blanton's attempt at a rebound inning doesn't last as Matt Kemp hits a homerun to straight away center field to take the lead. Victorino climbed the wall but the ball was out of reach.
Ethier lines out to Utley for the final out.
LAD 3 PHI 2
****
Bottom 4th
The Phillies look to regain the lead here in the fourth with Utley leading off.
Utley hits yet another flyout to Ethier.
Howard follows up his first-inning homer by looking at strike three.
Werth goes down swining and tosses his bat away in disgust.
Each pitcher has had a rocky, two-run inning and three easy innings. Wolf has responded well, and we'll see if Blanton can do the same.
After 4
LAD 2 PHI 2
****
Top 4th
Top of the order for the Dodgers here in the fourth.
Furcal leads off the inning by grounding to Howard for an easy out.
Matt Kemp becomes the first base runner for LA with a one-out walk.
Ethier drills a foul ball right at the first base umpire, and he doesn't even have to shake it off. Blanton leaves a hanger for Ethier to crush. He hit it to deep center, and Victorino made an impressive, somewhat-awkward grab at the track for the second out.
Ramirez hits a shot just inside the third baseline for a single. Kemp advances to third.
James Loney shoots a hard hit grounder into rightfield plating Kemp to put the Dodgers on the board. Ramirez advances to second.
Blanton issues a 5-pitch walk to Belliard to load the bases. Rich Dubee goes out to mound to calm down his pitcher.
Martin hits an RBI single to left to tie up the score at 2. Ibanez made a nice play to hold Loney at third. Bases still loaded.
Casey Blake hits a groundball to second, Utley throws to Howard and the Dodgers are retired.
LAD 2 PHI 2
****
Bottom 3rd
Joe Blanton hits a well-hit ball to right field but it was right at Ethier for the first out.
Ethier is getting his fair share of action in right field this evening. Rollins gives him another easy grab and there are two outs.
Good thing this one isn't a dome, the Phils are continously hitting pop ups off of Wolf. Victorino skies one to Blake in foul territory to end the inning.
After 3
PHI 2 LAD 0
****
Top 3rd
Russell Martin flies out to Jayson Werth to lead off the inning.
Jimmy Rollins fields a Casey Blake grounder and throws over to Howard for the second out of the inning.
Blanton remains perfect as his counterpart, Randy Wolf hit a sharp ground ball to Howard. Howard snagged the ball and stepped on the base for the out.
PHI 2 LAD 0
****
Welcome to the fans following Bill's coverage of the great game played in Anaheim that just wrapped up, with the Angels finally getting on the board in the ALCS. I'll do my best to keep you as entertained.
Bottom 2nd
Ibanez flies out to Manny at the warning track in left.
Pedro Feliz reached for what appeared to be ball three and hit a lazy fly ball to right, which Loney brought in.
A great play by shortstop Ronnie Belliard to barehand a grounder up the middle that appeared to be well-placed to retire Ruiz and the Phils go three up, three down in the second.
After 2
PHI 2 LAD 0
****
Top 2nd
Manny grounds out to short to lead off the top of the second.
Blanton fans Loney looking in just three pitches.
Ronnie Belliard keeps Blanton perfect through two by flying out to Ibanez in left.
PHI 2 LAD 0
****
I apologize for the late start tonight, the Yankee fans here in the office stole our TV. We didn't miss anything because Blanton shut down the Dodgers 1-2-3 in the top of the first.
Jimmy Rollins leads off the bottom of the first with a basehit to left field.
Shane Victorino hits a high towering shot to...shallow right field which was caught by Ethier. The ball was high enough for Rollins to get back to first all the way from second to avoid the double play.
Utley follows Victorino's lead and skies it to the right side, this one caught by Loney. Howard comes up with 2 outs with Rollins still on first.
Wolf's 2-1 offering to Howard appeared to be in there for a strike, but the ump disagreed and the first basemen took the 3-1 pitch over the right field wall to give the Phils a 2-0 lead.
Howard gets a curtain call after tying Lou Gehrig's major league record with 8 consecutive post season games with an RBI.
Werth flies out to Ethier to end the inning.
After 1
PHI 2 LAD 0
****
Good evening baseball fans!
Eric Book, Collegian women's tennis reporter (a slight upgrade tonight), here to take you through Game 4 of the NLCS between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Phillies hold a 2-1 lead in the series. The teams split in LA and the Phils welcomed the Dodgers to Citizens Bank Park last night by dominating the Dodgers in the most lopsided game of the 2009 playoffs with a 11-0 victory.
The Phils 11 runs came on 11 hits and Cliff Lee put out another impressive performance pitching 8 innings of shutout ball, including 10 strikeouts.
Philadelphia is looking to defeat the Dodgers for the second straight year in the NLCS.
Randy Wolf of the Dodgers will take on Joe Blanton of the Phillies here in Game 4.
Tonights starting lineups...
LA Dodgers
Raphael Furcal SS
Matt Kemp CF
Andre Ethier RF
Manny Ramirez LF
James Loney 1B
Ronnie Belliard 2B
Russell Martin C
Casey Blake 3B
Randy Wolf P
Phillies
Jimmy Rollins SS
Shane Victorino CF
Chase Utley 2B
Ryan Howard 1B
Jayson Werth RF
Raul Ibanez LF
Pedro Feliz 3B
Carlos Ruiz C
Joe Blanton P
Don't forget the Yankees and Angels are still playing so keep up with my boy "Wild Bill" Landis in the post below.
Comments
David Robertson in to pitch for the Yankees. Juan Rivera leading off for the Angels.
Rivera hits a soft grounder to Jeter who fields nicely and throws across to Teixeira for the first out.
Morales swings and sends one high in the air to left field. Hairston squeezes for the second out of the inning.
Girardi walks to the mound and lifts Robertson after he retires the first two hitters.
Alfredo Aceves on to pitch for the Yankees. The first batter he sees is Howie Kendrick.
Kendrick shoots one into center field past a diving Robinson Cano. Kendrick at first with two down for Jeff Mathis.
Mathis rips one off the wall in left field and Kendrick comes around third, sliding into home and the Angels win it.
That'll wrap it up. The Angels take Game 3 and get back into the series.
LA 5 NY 4
WP- Ervin Santana
LP- Alfredo Aceves.
***
Top of the Eleventh
Ervin Santana on to pitch for the Yankees.
John Lackey is warming in the bullpen.
Melky Cabrera grounds out to second to start the inning. Jeter flies out to center for the second out.
Francisco Cervelli at the plate now and he strikes out to end the inning.
LA 4 NY 4
***
Bottom of the Tenth
Hughes still in for the Yankees. Jeff Mathis starts the inning with a double off Hughes. Runner on second with nobody out for Erick Aybar. Let's see if Scioscia opts for some small ball and bunts Mathis over to third.
Girardi lifts Hughes. Mariano Rivera makes his way to the mound.
Aybar's bunt is fielded by Rivera. Rivera bounces the throw to Ridriguez at third and the ball scoots into left field. Nice back-up by Johnny Damon to keep Mathis from scoring.
First and third, nobody out for Chone Figgins.
Teixeria makes a diving snag on Figgins shot down the line. Teixeria makes the out at first and prevents the run from scoring.
Intentional pass for Abreu will load the bases for Torii Hunter. Hunter has been impatient at the plate today. It will be interesting to see if he changes his approach with the game on the line.
Jerry Hairston comes in to play left field for the Yankees. Hairston has a stronger arm than Damon.
First pitch to Hunter is low and in for ball one. Second pitch in almost the same spot. Hunter up 2-0. Third pitch is a cutter over for strike one. Rivera gets Hunter to chase to 2-1 offering to even the count at 2 and 2. Hunter hits one on the ground to Teixeira, who quickly fires home to get the force.
Guerrero up with the bases loaded and two outs.
First pitch is low and in for a ball. Vlad takes a huge cut anf fouls one back for strike one. Guerrero grounds out to Teixeira to end the inning.
Mariano Rivera once again comes up huge for the Yankees in the postseason.
LA 4 NY 4.
***
Top of the Tenth
Jason Bulger doing the pitching for the Angels now. Posada leads it off for the Yankees.
Bulger gets Posada swinging to start the tenth.
Cano rolls one over to Kendrick, who throws to first for the second out. Nick Swisher stepping into the box.
Bulger gets Swisher swinging on a sharp breaking ball. Impressive inning by Bulger.
LA 4 NY 4
***
Bottom of the Ninth
Hughes stays in for the Yankees in the ninth.
Rivera starts the inning with a ground out. One down for Kendry Morales.
Morales smokes one down the first-base line. Teixeira protects himself and makes the catch.
Kendrick pops up to Cano and we're going to extras.
LA 4 NY 4
***
Top of the Ninth
Brian Fuentes in for the Angels. Scioscia going with his closer in a tie game.
Fuentes gets Damon to ground out to second and follows it up with a strike out of Mark Teixeira.
Scioscia elects to put Rodriguez on intentionally with nodoby on and two outs. A-Rod gets the Barry Bonds treatment. Runner on first, two outs.
Jerry Hairston Jr. comes on to picnh-hit for Matsui. Move pays off the Angels as Fuentes gets Hairston swinging. On to the bottom of the ninth.
LA 4 NY 4
***
Bottom of the Eighth
Phil Coke in to pitch for the Yankees.
Abreu hits one to the wall in center. The hit would have been an easy double, but Abreu thought he could stretch it to three, then changed his mind and got caught going back into second. Keep that base running mistake in mind, could come back to bite the Angels.
Coke does his job and gets Abreu, albeit in an unorthodox way. Girardi lifts Coke for the righty Phil Hughes.
Hughes strikes out Hunter for the second out.
Vlad reaches and pulls one down the line to Rodriguez. Rodriguez's throw is off the mark, but Teixeira applies the tag and the Angels are retired in the eighth.
LA 4 NY 4
***
Top of the Eighth
Jepsen stays on in the eighth for the Angels. Leaves Angels fans longing for the days of Brendan Donnelly, Francisco Rodriguez and Troy Percival closing the door for the Angels.
Matsui works a walk to start the eighth. One on and nobody out for Jorge Posada.
Brett Gardner in to run for Matsui. Gardener runs, Scioscia calls for the pitch-out and Gardener is out at second.
Bad Move by Gardner to run as Posada goes deep to tie the game. Jepsen left a fast ball right over the heart of the plate and Posada crushed over the center-field wall.
Goes to show, it doesn't matter how hard you throw it. If it's over the plate, a major league hitter is going to do some damage.
Cano singles and that gets some action going in the Angels bullpen.
Jepsen walks Swisher. That puts two on and one out for Melky Cabrera. Jepsen still in the game. Jepsen gets Cabrera swinging for the second out.
Jeter grounds out to the pitcher to end the inning.
I'm smelling extras.
LA 4 NY 4
***
Bottom of the Seventh
Pettitte remains in the game as Chamberlain continues to throw in the Yankee bullpen. Girardi will no doubt have Pettitte on a short leash this inning after giving up the home run to Guerrero last inning.
Morales skies one down the right-field line that just misses chalk. Two pitches later, he lines one to left that is speared by Damon for the first out.
Apparently, Girardi has seen enough. He signals for Chamberlain out of the bullpen and that'll be the night for Andy Pettitte.
Pettitte's final line : 6 1/3 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO.
Kendrick greets Chamberlain with a rocket off the wall in right. Kendrick goes into third sliding with a triple. Go-ahead run 90 feet away with one down for Mike Napoli.
Make that Maicer Izturis pinch-hitting for Napoli.
Izturis hits one to the track in right-center. Plenty deep enough to score Kendrick from third. Angels take the lead on Izturis' sac-fly.
Erick Aybar ground one down the line, fair, and is in at second with a stand-up double. Jeter and Posada have some encouraging words for Chamberlain on the mound, but the big righty gets the hook.
Chamberlain faces three batters and gives up two hits and a run. He leaves the game responsible for the runner on second base.
The lefty Damaso Marte comes on for the Yankees and Figgins swings at his first pitch. Swisher easily catches the fly ball to right and the inning is over.
Girardi could be second-guessing himself for taking Pettitte out. Angles take the lead.
LA 4 NY 3
***
Top of the Seventh
Oliver stays in for the Angels to face Jeter. Oliver needs a shut-down inning here to keep the momentum on the Angels' side.
Jeter swings and misses for the first out.
Damon loops one into center, but Hunter lines it up and makes a running grab for the seond out.
Oliver walks Teixeira and that'll be it for the lefty with Rodriguez coming up. Scioscia is going to go with young right-hander Kevin Jepsen.
A-Rod hits a 3-1 pitch on the ground to Figgins. Figgins fires to Kendrick covering at second and the inning is over.
Shut-down inning complete.
NY 3 LA 3
***
Bottom of the Sixth
Figgins grounds one to Jeter who scoops and fires over to Teixeira for the first out.
Abreu has another long at-bat, then lines one through the hole on the right side for a base hit. One on and one out for Torii Hunter.
Hunter takes a mighty cut again, but gets under the ball and skies one into shallow right. Swisher squeezes and Abreu stays at first. Two down.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi comes out to talk it over with Pettitte with the count 2 and 2 on Vlad Guerrero.
Didn't work. Vlad crushes one to left and this game is tied. Pettitte went middle-in with a fastball, but Vlad opened up and sent it into the Angels bullpen.
Joba Chamberlain immediately gets up in the pen for the Yankees.
Rivera pops out to end the inning, but Vlad does the damage.
NY 3 LA 3
***
Top of the Sixth
Weaver pleaded with Scioscia to leave him in, but to no avail. Weaver is done after five, his final line: 5 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 3 BB, 4 SO.
Lefty Darren Oliver is on in relief of Weaver. He'll face Posada to start the sixth.
Throw a backwards "K" on the board. Oliver gets Posada looking for the first out.
Cano hits one hard on the ground at Aybar. the ball hits the heel of Aybar's glove and ends up in left field. Cano on first with one out for Swisher. Give Cano a hit on a ball that probably should have been fielded.
Cano is nearly picked off, but gets back to the bag. Morales played off the bag a little bit and looked like he might have had Cano, but the tag was just a bit high and Cano got his hand in before the tag.
Swisher hits one on the ground that appeared fair, but was called foul. Oliver rings Swisher up on the next pitch. Man on at first and two down for Cabrera.
Cabrera lines out to Figgins to end the inning.
Nice job by Oliver to not allow any runs after the Angels put one up last inning.
NY 3 LA 1
***
Bottom of the Fifth
Pettitte's line through four: 4 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 SO.
Pettitte whifs Morales for the first out.
Howie Kendrick takes the third pitch he sees and puts it over the wall in left. The Angels finally get on the board, still down two.
Napoli chases one out of the zone for the second out. The smoke from the fireworks after Kendrick's home run has finally made its way out of the ballpark.
Hot shot to Rodriguez off the bat of Aybar and the inning is over, but the Angels finally get to Pettitte.
NY 3 LA 1
***
Top of the Fifth
Despite the two home runs, Weaver has pitched well for the Angels. His line thus far: 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 SO.
Jeter connects on the first pitch and flies out to Abreu in right.
Two pitches later, Damon sends one into the second row in right field and gives the Yankees a three-run lead. Five hits for the Yankees today, three solo home runs.
Teixeira walks and the Angels start to get some action in the bullpen. Lefty Darren Oliver is getting loose.
Rodriguez swings at the first pitch he sees and just misses his second homer of the night. Rivera squeezes it at the wall in left and Kate Hudson can sit back down.
The Yankees are being very agressive this inning, but getting some good hacks off of Weaver.
Weaver fans Matsui to end the inning, but another solo home run from the Yankees has them ahead by three.
NY 3 LA 0
***
Bottom of the Fourth
Second time through the lineup now for the Angels. Abreu leads it off, followed by Hunter and Guerrero.
Couple of hall-of-famers in attendance as Hank Aaron and Rod Carew have been spotted.
Abreu lines one out to left, Damons snags it for the first out of the inning.
Hunter swings for the fence on the second pitch he sees, but will have to settle for a long, loud foul ball. He takes the next pitch to left field for a base hit. Fourth straight inning with a baserunner for the Angels.
Hunter breaks for second, but Pettitte throws to first. Hunter, running on Pettitte's first off move, is easily thrown out at second by Teixeira.
Guerrero walks. Instead of first and second with one out, it's a man on first with two outs as Hunter may have ran the Angels out of a big inning here.
Rivera gets on top of one, but lines it right at Damon for the third out.
Angels still can't get anything going against Pettitte.
NY 2 LA 0
***
Top of the Fourth
A-Rod leads it off for the Yankees. He flied out in his first at-bat. Rodriguez belts a 3-1 fast ball deep to left for home run. Weaver has made two mistake pitches today and both have found thier way into the left-field seats.
Can't try to sneak a 3-1 fast ball by Rodriguez, that's asking for trouble.
Matsui works a walk. He's at first with nobody out for Posada.
Posada ropes a 3-2 pitch into right-center for a base hit and the Yankees have first and second, still nobody out. Weaver desperately needs to avoid a big inning here.
Cano grounds it to Kendrick who flips to second for one out. No play at first and the Yankees have runners at the corners with one down for Swisher. Swisher should see a steady diet of breaking balls here as Weaver will look to induce a double play.
A 1-2 change-up to Swisher just misses the corner and the count runs even at 2 and 2. Swisher does not see one fastball and goes down swinging on a curve. Two down, runners still at the corners for Melky Cabrera.
Cabrera lofts one into shallow center, but a nice running catch by Aybar saves at least one run and Weaver is out of the inning with just one run.
NY 2 LA 0
***
Bottom of the Third
The Angels will send Kendrick, Napoli and Aybar to the plate to start the bottom half of the third. Then back to to the top with Figgins.
Kendrick gets jammed a sends one in the air to right. Swisher fights off the California sun and puts it away for the first out of the inning.
Napoli completely shatters his bat and sends another one to Swisher. Two down.
Another broken bat, this one belongs to Erick Aybar. But he is able to muscle a base hit into center field. One on and two out for Chone Figgins.
Pettitte nearly picks off Aybar, but the throw short-hops Teixeira a little bit and Aybar scampers safely back to the bag.
Aybar plays the waiting game with Pettittte then swipes second. Pretty good pitch for Posada to throw on, but Aybar is in there at second regardless. That's the first Angels baserunner to make it past first base.
Figgins pops the next pitch foul to Teixeira.
Three baserunners for the Angels today, and so far they can't get to Pettitte.
NY 1 LA 0
***
Top of the Third
Back to the top of the order for the Yankees, as Jeter looks to follow up on his lead-off home run. It will be interesting to see how Weaver starts Jeter after the shortstop parked a fastball in the first.
Weaver does start Jeter with a high, hard one and Jeter swings under it for strike one. He then flies out to deep right-center for the first out of the inning.
Damon grounds one to Kendrick for out number two.
Weaver gets Teixeira swinging for the third out. Harmless inning for the Yankees as Weaver looks like he is settling in.
NY 1 LA 0
***
Bottom of the Second
Vlad Guerrero leads it for the Halos and hits a 2-0 pitch back through the middle for a base hit. Let's see if the Angels can do what they couldn't do in the first and get something going with the lead-off man on.
Rivera yanks one to the left side, fielded by Jeter who flips to Cano to for one out. Rivera narrowly beats the turn at first. One on and one out for Kendry Morales.
Morales rolls another one to Jeter who takes upon himself to get the two outs this time. The 6-3 double play ends the inning and the Angels waste another opportunity to get something going.
NY 1 LA 0
***
Top of the Second
Matsui leads it off for the Yanks and Weaver starts him with a strike on the outside corner. Nice battle between Weaver and Matsui as the Yankees DH fights off a couple 3-2 fastballs and dumps a curve into right field for a base hit. Quality at-bat by Matsui.
Home plate umpire Bill Miller jumps the gun a little bit and rings up Posada on strike two. The catcher reminds the umpire that he still has one more strike left and then works a walk. Two on and nobody out for Cano.
On a 2-2 pitch, Cano rolls one over to shortstop Erik Aybar who flips to second for one out. Cano beats out the throw to first and the Yankees have first and third with one out for Nick Swisher.
There's been a Pat Sajak sighting behind home plate. No word if Vanna White is in attendance. Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler also taking in some baseball. Nicholson is rocking a red Yankees hat (showing allegiance to both teams?)
Swisher flies out the left, but it's not deep enough to advance either of the runners. Still first and third with two down now for Melky Cabrera.
Cabrera grounds out to second and the threat is over. Big inning by Weaver, keeps the Yanks off the board after getting the first two batters on base.
NY 1 LA 0
***
Bottom of the First
It will be important for the Angels to try and get something going here in the bottom half. Not an easy task against Pettitte.
Figgins starts it off with a base hit through the hole on the left side. Pettitte seems a bit pre-occupied with Figgins over at first as he threw over to the bag three times in a row. Abreu cannot take advantage though, he takes an anxious cut at a 1-0 curveball and pops out foul to Teixeira.
Pettitte continues to pay with catch with his first basemen. Perhaps he is not happy with the nice weather and is trying to make his own delay.
Hunter grounds into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.
NY 1 LA 0
***
Top of the First
Weaver is looking to build off of a seven strikeout performance against the Red Sox in Game 2 of the ALDS.
Jeter steps in, and we're ready for baseball.
Weaver quickly falls behind Jeter 2-0. Weaver throws a get-me-over fastball and Jeter deposits it into the left-field seats. Not the start Angels manager Mike Scioscia was looking for.
Weaver responds to get Damon swinging for the first out. Weaver then jams Teixeira, who pops out to center field for the second out.
Weaver gets A-Rod to fly out to right-center on a high fastball down 0-2.
Jeter gets the Yanks off to a hot start.
NY 1 LA 0.
***
Hey folks, women's volleyball writer Bill Landis here to take you through Game 3 of the ALCS between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (still need to change that name).
Anyway, the Angels are looking to avoid going down 3 games to the Yankees as the scene shifts from the Bronx to So-Cal.
Here's you're starting lineups:
Yankees
1. Derek Jeter SS
2. Johnny Damon LF
3. Mark Teixiera 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez 3B
5. Hideki Matsui DH
6. Jorge Posada C
7. Robinson Cano 2B
8. Nick Swisher RF
9. Melky Cabrera CF
Starting Pitcher for the Yankees is Andy Pettitte
Angels
1. Chone Figgins 3B
2. Bobby Abreu RF
3. Torii Hunter CF
4. Vladimir Guerrero CF
5. Juan Rivera LF
6. Kendry Morales 1B
7. Howie Kendrick 2B
8. Mike Napoli C
9. Erik Aybar SS
Starting Pitcher for the Angels is Jered Weaver
Comments
The women's volleyball team just keeps racking in the accolades for its unbeaten start.
For the fifth consecutive week a Nittany Lion brought home Big Ten player of the week. This time it was junior outside hitter Arielle Wilson.
While Wilson typically doesn't see a whole lot of opportunities to hit, she has capitalized when she does -- as the Big Ten leader in hitting percentage.
She hit at a .727 clip while not recording an error in Saturday's sweep of Michigan State.
Perhaps more impressive, however, was her .696 hitting percentage against Michigan in a gym head coach Russ Rose said made it tough to concentrate. The Lions were held to a .362 clip, but Wilson only posted one of the team's 20 errors, while recording 17 kills on 23 swings.
An impressive offensive outburst from the Phillies, an onslaught no doubt that will be attributed to playing at home. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Shane Victorino provided a serious punch in the middle of the order, while every Phillies starter managed to reach base (Ibanez the only one without a hit.)
The Dodgers will look to improve on their performance in Game 4. Despite good defense, the lineup hit an anemic 3-29 (.103), did not walk and struck out 10 times, while starting pitching let them down early. On their side is the fact that they will be facing Joe Blanton, who managed a 12-8 record with a 4.05 ERA. After facing Cliff Lee, Blanton will likely look like John "Way Back" Wasdin to Dodgers hitters.
Game 4 of the NLCS will be blogged tomorrow live at 8 p.m. and Game 3 of the ALCS will be blogged starting at 4 p.m. Join me, Zack Feldman, again on Wednesday night, for Game 5 of the NLCS and if necessary, Game 7 of the ALCS.
Good night, baseball fans!
***
Top 9
Cliff Lee is out of the ballgame in favor of Chad Durbin. Charlie Manuel, whose age is showing more every day, apparently wanted Lee in the 8th only for his bat.
Loretta, in his first at bat of the night, lines out to left field. One away.
Furcal is retired for out two.
Ruiz makes arguably the best play of the night to close the game.
Final Score: Phillies 11, Dodgers 0
***
Bottom 8
As the Collegian staff listens to Michigan J Frog on Youtube (Why? Don't ask.), Ronald Belisario replaces Troncoso, who threw two excellent innings, yielding only two walks while striking out three.
Casey Blake is also now out of the game in favor of Mark Loretta.
Carlos Ruiz walks to open the frame.
Cliff Lee, evidently going to complete the game from the mound, is given a standing ovation while approaching the plate.
Lee, in an attempt to show up the entire Dodgers offense (save M. Ramirez), singles up the middle to advance Ruiz to second. Two men on, no out.
Rollins grounds out, but in the process advances the runners to second and third. One out.
Shane Victorino just dented another baseball as well as the confidence of the Los Angeles Dodgers, with a three run home run. The ball sailed into the second deck at Citizens Bank Park.
Belisario mixes things up nicely by allowing a single to Chase Utley. Utley is now one of three Phillies with multiple hits tonight.
Utley forces himself to run to second base on a wild pitch to set up another possible run.
Ryan Howard advances Utley to third with a ground out. Two outs in the inning.
Jason Werth Grounds out to end the frame. Three outs to go for Lee and the Phils.
Phillies 11, Dodgers 0
***
Top 8
James Loney now matches Furcal, Ethier and Kemp's 0-for-3 lines tonight, striking out to open the 8th inning.
Casey Blake flies out to center field, adding himself to my above statistic.
Russell Martin, joining his friends in the no-longer-exclusive 0-for-3 club, strikes out on high heat to give Lee his 8th shutout inning.
Going to what is likely the Phillies' last chance to pack additional runs on,
Phillies 8, Dodgers 0
***
Bottom 7
Fighting his intention to swing at every pitch, Ryan Howard takes a leadoff walk. Howard is not expected to be a stolen base threat according to Collegian experts. It can be safely assumed he can score on any hit exiting the field of play in the air.
Jason Werth walks; Ryan Howard delays the game temporarily while moving to second base.
Raul Ibanez swings and misses at a well placed Trancoso fastball for out one in the inning. Despite two walks, Trancoso has effectively stopped the bleeding for the time being.
A 5-4-3 double play hit by Feliz ends the inning.
Phillies 8, Dodgers 0
***
Top 7
A non-Manny Ramirez Dodger has reached base. It's not a miracle. It's in fact a single through Chase Utley, hit by Ronnie Belliard to lead off the inning.
Andre Ethier grounds out to second. One out and a man at second.
Ramirez, 2-2 before this at bat, was given a second chance after Lee's 1-2 pitch narrowly missed the plate.
After the second chance pitch, Ramirez waved carelessly at strike three, clearly establishing the Dodgers' intentions to not rally before it's too late. Two outs.
Remember Belliard reaching base with his clutch single in this 8-0 game? Well, he is stranded at second, as Kemp strikes out.
On one bright note (if one can call it that), Lee has been forced to throw more pitches, sitting at 97 after 7 innings. Expect to see one more from Cliff "The Dodger Silencer" Lee, followed by a nice curtain call.
Phillies 8, Dodgers 0
***
Bottom 6
Ramon Troncoso, who has retired the only batter he faced in the playoffs so far, is in to pitch.
Jimmy Rollins is called out on strikes for out one.
Shane Victorino waved at strike three to represent out two in the inning.
Chase Utley was unable to get a two-out rally going, flying out to the center field wall. A little more power, better direction of the swing or a convenient bolt of lightning could have made this a 9-0 game.
Instead, midway through the 6th inning,
Phillies 8, Dodgers 0
***
Top 6
Russell Martin flies out to right field for the first out.
Why Billingsley is being pinch hit for by Orlando Hudson is beyond me, unless Hudson will be tossing his 70 mph fastball at the Philly hitters to conserve the bullpen.
Turns out Hudson's exception speed is useless since speed aside, he is an empty toolbox. Hudson too flies out to right field for the second out.
To demonstrate his own desire to cut his team's losses and save his base hits for game four, Furcal strikes out on three pitches.
Phillies 8, Dodgers 0
***
Bottom 5
Ryan Howard flies out to right field. One out
Werth strikes out for the second out of the inning. Two down.
Ibanez walks in Billingsley's exciting display of how to make playoff games slower.
Ibanez scores on Feliz's near home run - a triple to right field.
With a runner on third and two out, Ruiz gaps an outside pitch to bring Feliz in.
Lee strikes out, but not before the Phillies put across two two-out runs.
The Phillies deserve to feel they have enough runs at this point. Don't overlook what a good team is capable of with two outs.
After all, Lee has allowed but two runners, both of whom happen to be Manny Ramirez.
Halfway through this one,
Phillies 8, Dodgers 0
***
Top 5
Ramirez continues to swing a hot bat, singling to right field.
Manny: 2-2.
Other Dodgers: 0-11.
Kemp strikes out swinging at a pitch in the dirt, giving Lee the first out of the inning.
Loney, fresh off a grounded-into-double-play, narrowly missed a second one, failing only due to the slow nature of the ground ball. Two out.
Blake grounds to short in what is becoming typical Dodger fashion.
Quick outs and few hits are becoming the Dodger norm.
Phillies 6, Dodgers 0
***
Bottom 4
Cliff Lee makes contact as solid as any of the Dodgers hitters have thus far, flying out to center fielder Matt Kemp.
Kemp catches Rollins's fly ball to center for out two.
BIllingsley has shut down the Phillies since taking over in the second inning, but walks Victorino with two outs.
Utley grounds out to conclude the fourth inning.
After 4 frames,
Phillies 6, Dodgers 0
***
Top 4
Furcal, now 7-20 in the 2009 playoffs (though only 1-8 in the NLCS), strikes out on Lee's signature changeup after a lengthy 9 pitch at bat.
A 3-1 putout retires Belliard for the second out of the 4th for the Dodgers.
Ethier, one of the x-factors for the Dodgers offense, grounds out to second to end the frame.
Interesting to note is Utley's new inability to complete throws to 1st base.
With the Phillies looking to add more in the 4th,
Phillies 6, Dodgers 0
***
Bottom 3
Belliard, playing deep on the outfield grass, throws Ibanez out at first, 4-3. One out.
Pedro Feliz keeps things moving with a 6-3 groundout.
Ruiz, sporting a 2.083 OPS (on base plus slugging) in the NLCS so far, flies out to right field, the first 1-2-3 inning for Dodgers pitching. Too little too late? The Dodgers need to wake up at the dish in inning 4 to begin closing the gap.
After 3 innings,
Phillies 6, Dodgers 0
***
Top 3
Casey Blake strikes out as Lee continues to dominate opposing hitters in the 2009 playoffs.
Russell Martin grounds into the 1-3 putout for the second out of the inning.
Kuroda strikes out on four pitches to conclude the top of the 3rd.
Though Lee has been arguably dominant thus far in the game, he has also been economical with his pitches, needing only 40 pitches to get through the first three innings. At his current pace, the Phillies could expect eight innings or possibly a complete game, helping to save the bullpen for game four.
Phillies 6, Dodgers 0
***
Bottom 2nd
Carlos Ruiz, a big factor in games 1 and 2, leads off the inning with a gap double.
Cliff Lee misses his first attempt at a sacrifice bunt, but gets the second attempt down, moving Ruiz to 3rd base. Kuroda's throw nearly takes James Loney off the base. One out, one on.
Rollins, one of only 4 Phillies without a hit in the first inning, doubles up the right field line, scoring Ruiz and leading to a coaching visit to the mound.
Phillies 5, Dodgers 0
Kuroda's day is done. More on his final line after Rollins's fate on the basepaths is decided.
Scott Elbert, a 2004 draft pick of the Dodgers, enters the game to pitch. This is his first career postseason appearance. He inherits Rollins on second, who is still Kuroda's responsibility.
Shane Victorino, who began the damage in the first inning, walks to put men on first and second.
A wild pitch brings the runners to second and third with one out.
Utley, hitting .222 in the LCS before this at bat, walks to load the bases for baseball's hottest hitter, Ryan Howard.
Howard brings the 6th run across the plate by hitting a weak ground ball to first. Though Howard was tagged out, there are still two runners in scoring position for Werth, who will be facing Chad Billingsley.
Billingsley, a 12 game winner during the regular season, has an 18.00 ERA in five career innings spanning two career games in the NLCS, including a 0-2 record in those two games.
Werth ends the inning by striking out swinging.
After two complete innings,
Phillies 6, Dodgers 0
***
Top 2nd
Manny leads off the inning with a base hit up the middle. 1 on, no out.
Down early, the Dodgers are attempting to get something going to close the gap early. With a potent offense, the Dodgers don't have to worry if they keep chipping away at the lead.
A Matt Kemp lineout is the Dodgers' first out of the inning.
Loney grounds into the 3-6-3 double play to end the inning.
Cliff Lee in typical fashion has breezed through innings 1 and 2, throwing 29 pitches between the two -- the same amount needed for Kuroda to escape the 1st inning.
***
Bottom 1st
Kuroda, in just his second year in Major League Baseball, is 2-0 in his playoff career with a 1.46 earned run average.
Jimmy Rollins leads off the home-half of the first inning with a flyout to right.
Kuroda allows his first hit of the game to Shane Victorino, a potential threat on the bases.
Victorino moves himself into scoring position after stealing on a Kuroda fastball.
Utley, previously 1-8 in the LCS, singles to right, though Victorino was held up, setting up a 1st and 3rd situation with 1 out.
Ryan Howard hit his 12th career triple to right field, plating Utley and Victorino
Phillies 2, Dodgers 0
Jason Werth shot a Kuroda fastball over the center field wall. Werth's home run is his first in 8 career NLCS games.
Phillies 4, Dodgers 0
Kuroda, looking shaky following the onslaught of offense, began 3-0 to Raul Ibanez, ultimately getting to 3-2 before striking out Ibanez.
A 5-3 putout retired Pedro Feliz and the Phillies for the first.
After 1 full inning,
Phillies 4, Dodgers 0
***
After a failed bunt attempt designed to keep the corner infielders on their toes, Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal led off the ballgame by flying out to left fielder Raul Ibanez.
Ibanez grabbed the second out in impressive fashion; a sliding catch off the bat of Ronnie Belliard.
Andre Ethier, swinging a hot bat in the playoffs as of tonight's game, struck out on a half-hearted checked swing, giving Cliff Lee a 1-2-3 inning to open the game.
After 1/2 an inning, Dodgers 0, Phillies due up
***
Zack Feldman of Framingham, Massachusetts here, bringing you the live updates from Game 3 of the NLCS between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The series, tied at one game apiece, has been all about key match-ups and late-inning rallies.
Game 1 saw the Dodgers keep Philadelphia close, trailing the Phillies by a score of 5-4 until former closer George Sherril uncharacteristically walked two important runners in the process of allowing three earned runs, giving the Phillies much needed insurance.
Final score of Game 1: Phillies 8, Dodgers 6.
Game 2 was a pitcher's duel in every sense, with former ace Pedro Martinez proving his capabilities in the twilight of his career, allowing only two hits in seven innings. Vicente Padilla, helped out by his slower-than-dirt curveball, threw 7 1/3 innings of stellar baseball in the no-decision. Chan Ho Park allowed two runs in the 8th inning, blowing Martinez's chance at a win and Philly's chance at a 2-0 series lead.
Final score of Game 2: Dodgers 2, Phillies 1.
How will things play out tonight?
Cliff Lee, ace of the Phillies' staff, will go against the Dodgers' Hiroki Kuroda in Game 3 at 8:07 p.m.
Comments
So yeah, a bunch of us forgot to pick the Cardinals-Texans game last week (we wonder why) and that will count as automatic losses. Regardless, Mini-Ouchie (his new nickname after hurting his ankle BEFORE the sports staff football game) led the way with an impressive 11-3 week. Despite Rung's 7-7 week, we came out of Week 5 at 54-30 and head into Week 6 at 293-149 (66 percent) for the season. Looks like we're stuck at two out of three, unless...
Word on the street is the MAKE PLAYS blog has put its weakest link, Dave Rung (44-32) on the trading block. A source close to the situation confirmed the MAKE PLAYS blog is close to acquiring FOOTBLOG All-American Matt Fortuna (42-18 in NCAA picks) in exchange for Rung, a stapler, a (your business could be here) cheese steak and a non-alcoholic beverage to be named later. However, it might be tough to get a deal done before Tuesday's trade deadline.
The picks...
Clark (49-27): Bucs over Panthers, Packers over Lions, Jaguars over Rams, Vikings over Ravens, Texans over Bengals, Redskins over Chiefs, Giants over Saints, Steelers over Browns, Eagles over Raiders, Seahawks over Cardinals, Patriots over Titans, Jets over Bills, Bears over Falcons, Chargers over Broncos
Miniaci (50-26): Panthers over Bucs, Packers over Lions, Jaguars over Rams, Vikings over Ravens, Texans over Bengals, Redskins over Chiefs, Giants over Saints, Steelers over Browns, Eagles over Raiders, Cardinals over Seahawks, Patriots over Titans, Jets over Bills, Falcons over Bears, Chargers over Broncos
Rorabaugh (55-21): home teams in CAPS. BENGALS over Texans, PACKERS over Lions, JAGUARS over Rams, Ravens over VIKINGS, Giants over SAINTS (as much as it pains me, but the Saints defense hasn't really been tested yet.), STEELERS over Browns, Panthers over BUCS, Chiefs over REDSKINS, Eagles over RAIDERS (face it, Clark), Cardinals over SEAHAWKS, PATRIOTS over Titans, JETS over Bills, Bears over FALCONS, Broncos over CHARGERS
Oplinger (46-30): Texans over Bengals, Packers over Lions, Jaguars over Rams, Vikings over Ravens, Saints over Giants, Steelers over Browns, Panthers over Bucs, Redskins over Chiefs, Eagles over Raiders, Cardinals over Seahawks, Patriots over Titans, Jets over Bills, Falcons over Bears, Chargers over Broncos
Gentile (35-27): Houston over Bengals, Green Bay over Detroit, Baltimore over Minnesota, Giants over New Orleans, Pittsburgh over Cleveland, Kansas City over Washington, Jacksonville over St Louis, Seahawks over Cardinals, Eagles over Raiders, Pats over Titans, Jets over Bills
Falcons over Bears, San Diego over Denver
Rung (37-25): Bengals over Texans, Packers over Lions, Jaguars over Rams, Vikings over Ravens, Giants over Saints, Steelers over Browns, Panthers over Buccaneers, Redskins over Chiefs, Eagles over Raiders, Seahawks over Cardinals, Patriots over Titans, Jets over Bills, Bears over Falcons, Chargers over Broncos
Comments
Despite recently stating coach Scott Balboni was sitting at 98 career wins, he actually has 99. Therefore, Balboni has a chance to record win No. 100 as a coach Friday night in front of his home crowd at the Greenberg Ice Pavilion against the Drexel Dragons.
With the Icers having lost to Drexel only one time in their history, it would be shocking if Balboni didn't get to 100 wins at some point this weekend, whether it's Friday at home or Saturday when the Icers travel to Drexel.
Be sure to check out Friday's edition of the Collegian for a more in-depth look at this weekend's games and Balboni's quest for the milestone.
So as you've seen from last night's wonderful post by Mr. Kurt Bopp, we here at MAKE PLAYS will be blogging games from the two league championship series. We will not be following every game, but if it's on a school night, you can bet your bottom dollar on a live blog right here.
Here's a full run-down of all the games to be blogged on MAKE PLAYS:
NLCS
Game 3: Oct. 18 at 8 p.m.
Game 4: Oct. 19 at 8 p.m.
*Game 5: Oct. 21 at 8 p.m.
ALCS
Game 3: Oct. 19 at 4 p.m.
Game 4: Oct. 20 at 8 p.m.
*Game 5: Oct. 22 at 8 p.m.
*Game 7: Oct. 25 at 8 p.m.
Remember to check in with us as you watch the postseason for our take on the series.
Four hours after it began, the Phils stand with a 1-0 series lead in the 2009 NLCS. Cole Hamels received the win and Clayton Kershaw took the loss with Brad Lidge recording a save.
Thanks for tuning in, and remember to catch up on all LCS games right here. And remember, I'll be back.
***
Bottom of the Ninth
Brad Lidge, the shaky closer of the Phillies, comes in to close out the game. He quickly puts Kemp in an 0-2 hole, but Kemp hits a slider right over J-Roll for a single.
Case Blake is up as he looks to avoid an 0-5 night. The announcers say how the Dodgers have 12 walk off wins, behind the Yankees and... the Florida Marlins.
Blake hits a grounder to Utley who turns the double play with Rollins. 2 out.
James Loney is up looking for his fourth hit. With a full count and a nervous/shaking Dan Rorabaugh, Brad Lidge walks Loney. Belliard is the new batter, representing the tying run. But against the odds of this season, Lidge gets Belliard to fly out to end the game.
Phildelphia Phillies 8, Los Angeles Dodgers 6
***
Top of the Ninth
Jonathan Broxton is the new pitcher to face Rollins. The childhood pal of Dontrelle Willis flies out to left fielder Juan Pierre. Victorino singled to left for his second hit of the night to bring up Utley. Utley also flies out to Pierre, who shows his lack of an arm as he throws the ball in. Two down with Victorino on first and Howard up.
As the temp bats, Phillie fans have to wonder: Who's coming in? Lidge? Blanton? Does Madson stay? I'm assuming Lidge, which means we're in for an exciting final three outs.
Broxton strikes out Howard for the third out.
Phillies 8, Dodgers 6
***
Bottom of the Eighth
Loney starts off the inning with a single off Ryan Madson to go 3-4 on the night. Great night, James. Thanks for your help this fantasy season. Belliard shows the Dodgers aren't giving up as he hits a line drive to center. Runners on first and second with none out.
Even more exciting than the game, 2003 Marlin sparkplug Juan Pierre is in the batting circle. Clearly Martin was excited about this as he hit a grounder to left and scored Loney from second. Aggressive base-running as former Phillies skipper Larry Bowa sends Loney to close the gap to 3. Juan Pierre is up. The old speed demon shows he hasn't lost his touch as he works the count... and then swings one of the ugliest swings I've seen and grounds into a fielder's choice. It's okay, Juan, I still love you for 03. One out, runners on the corners.
Furcal scares Phillie fans with warning track power but flies out to Werth. Belliard scores on the sac fly. Phillies 8, Dodgers 6
Ethier singles, sending the former Fish Pierre to third and bringing up Manny. You can hear the excitement in the announcers' voices. Madson gets ahead in the count 1-2 with two BIG swings by Manny. But Manny ends up grounding out to third, bringing a wave of relief to the city of Philadelphia and Phillie fans everywhere.
Phillies 8, Dodgers 6
***
Top of the Eighth
George Sherrill opens the inning against Ryan Howard, who walks to give the Fightin' a leadoff runner. Jayson Werth follows Howard with a walk of his own, bringing up Ibanez. Ibanez sends Sherrill's first pitch over the right field wall for three more runs. Phils 8, Dodgers 4
Ruiz singles on a grounder to left. Sherrill is still in and you've gotta assume Torre is throwing in the towel tonight. Pinch hitter Ben Francisco flies out to Matt Kemp, who fires a bullet to first to double up Ruiz and bring up the bottom half of the inning.
Phils 8, Dodgers 4
***
Bottom of the Seventh
Good news: My car isn't towed or ticketed. Bad news: The roads are getting bad and my car doesn't do well in the snow (already had an accident in March.) If this is my final posting, I'd just like to say it has been an honor serving you faithful readers tonight. And let's face it, I've been waiting for a field hockey blog for two months, so this probably will be my final blog post.
Anyway, Antonio Bastardo (insert joke about his last name here) comes in to face Ethier. Ethier leads off the inning with a double to the right corner. Manuel has seen enough from Bastardo, so he is bringing in Chan Ho Park to face Manny "I'm still not better than Hanley" Ramirez. The first Korean player in MLB history forces Ramirez into a ground out to get one out. Park looks solid as he opposes his original MLB team and strikes out Matt Kemp with a 96 mph heater.
Casey Blake grounds out to Utley for the final out.
Phils 5, Dodgers 4
***
Top of the Seventh
Pinch hitter Miguel Cairo faces new pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo. Kuo strikes out Cairo in one of the most boring playoff showdowns you'll ever see. Rollins comes up still looking for a hit, and he gets it with a single passed a diving Furcal. Victorino grounds to thirdbaseman Casey Blake who gets Rollins at second. Belliard was unable to turn two, so Utley comes up with two outs as he looks for his first hit of the night. The announcers warn fans to watch him to lean in to get hit by a pitch. How do they still have jobs? Manuel is no Morris Buttermaker...
Utley strikes out to end the Phils attack. Now for the 7th inning stretch, I will go make sure my car isn't a) towed or b) buried in snow.
Phils 5, Dodgers 4
***Bottom of the Sixth
Blake leads off the inning for the Dodgers and pops out to Howard near the Phillie dugout. The Phils bullpen gets going as Hamels faces the Bopp Knight, James Loney. Had the first basemen recorded a couple more hits over the year and the Knights would have been first and $200 richer... but I digress, Loney singles to left to bring up Belliard. Charlie Manuel has got to be thinking about pulling his ace, while his ace has got to be thinking about Heidi... or the baby... I'd pick Heidi.
Belliard also singles to left, giving the Dodgers men on first and second with one out. And with that, Manuel pulls Hamels. He finishes the night with: 5.1 innings pitched, 8 hits, 4 earned runs, 1 walk and 4 strikeouts. Now people HAVE compared him to Beckett, but with numbers like that, I'd rather see the great Dontrelle Willis pitch.
The new pitcher is Chad Durbin. He comes in to face Russell Martin, who hits a screaming line drive straight to Jayson Werth for the second out. The out brings up the former Phillie Jim Thome. Manuel is taking no chances as he brings in new pitcher J.A. Happ. Happ was also a Bopp Knight this season, the anchor of a staff that included Greinke, Beckett and Halladay. And yes, that rotation carried us to 2nd.
Thome shows the Phils what they're missing as he drew a walk to load the bases and bring up Furcal. Randy Wolf comes out to pinch run for Thome. Clearly surprised, Wolf didn't have his spikes on and required an equipment timeout. The entire few minutes of the timeout, the announcers whined about the timeout. Once everyone was set, Furcal grounded out on a full count to end the inning.
Phillies 5, Dodgers 4
***
Top of the Sixth
Ronald Belisario relieves Troncoso and instantly gets Ibanez to ground out. Feliz grounds out as well as Belisario makes quick work of the Phils. Ruiz gives Belisario the hat-trick of groundouts to end a quick half-inning.
Phils 5, Dodgers 4
***
Bottom of the Fifth
I'm relieved I didn't make a premature analogy and compare Kershaw to another young ace who stepped up big in the playoffs to give his team a victory and cement himself as an ace: Josh Beckett. Anyway, Martin opens the inning with a ground rule double down the left field line. Hamels eases in and strikes out pinch hitter Orlando Hudson for his fourth of the night and first of the inning.
Furcal hits a line drive to right, sending Martin running. But with his eyes set on home, Martin slips rounding third and has to stay 90 feet away from home. With runners on first and third and one out, Hamels gets a double play ball from Either. Rollins tosses to Utley who wildly throws far from Howard, giving Either a fielder's choice RBI as Martin scores. Phillies 5, Dodgers 2
Much to the delight of L.A. and the game's announcers, Manny is up again. The estrogen-popping giant jacks a two-run home run to left center, just after TBS showed his homer off of Hamels in last year's NLDS. The finally full Dodger stadium erupts with joy as the announcers try to hide their strong affection for the slugger. Hamels gets Kemp to ground out to second and get out of the inning.
Phillies 5, Dodgers 4
***
Top of the Fifth
Raul Ibanez singles on a line drive to left to open the inning for the bottom of the Phillies order. With Feliz up, Kershaw bounces a pitch in front of Martin, giving Ibanez an easy bag. And for the record, catching for a wild pitcher is a lot tougher than it looks. I feel for you Russ. Kershaw fails to find the strike zone and walks Feliz to bring up Ruiz. L.A.'s pitching coach and infield meet with their young and shaken pitcher at the mound as the Phillies threaten for the first time all night.
Kershaw still struggling, but throws a 2-1 strike high that Ruiz drives to left for a three-run homer. Football editor and Phillie die-hard Matt Brown shows his psychic abilities and two-sport talent as he proudly called the homer before the at-bat. Kershaw gives the L.A. faithful uneasiness as he walks his counterpart on four straight balls.
With Hamels on first, J-Roll looks to keep the inning going with still no outs. The Dodgers make an early call to the bullpen. Rollins grounds into a fielder's chocie to third, Hamels out at second. After a few failed attempts to pick off Rollins, Kershaw strikes out Victorino. Unfortunately for the Dodgers, the pitch was wild and let Rollins move to second with two outs. Kershaw follows with another bounced pitch by Martin, moving J-Roll to third. Though I'm partial to catchers and Kershaw is very erratic, Martin needs to help out his young ace and stop a ball.
Kershaw walks Utley for the fifth walk of the night in only the fifth inning. With two guys in the pen, Torre has got to wonder if it's time to pull his wild ace. The temp, Ryan Howard, jacks a line drive to the right hand corner, driving in both Rollins and Utley. Phils up 5-1.
And that will be the end of the night for young Clayton Kershaw. His stats: 4.2 innings pitched, 4 hits, 5 earned runs, 5 walks and 3 strikeouts. It was a rough night for him, but to quote The Offspring, "You're Gonna Go Far, Kid."
Torre brings in Ramon Troncoso with two outs and Howard on second. Werth flies out to shallow left to end the Phillie attack.
Phillies 5, Dodgers 1
***
Bottom of the Fourth
Hamels punches out Blake to open the inning, but he is throwing a lot of pitches and still not looking as sharp as a season ago. Loney comes up after his homer but pops out to second. Ronnie Belliard follows with his own pop up to second to the end a rather boring inning. The game is turning into a pitcher's duel, even though the pitchers aren't as pitching as well as advertised.
Dodgers 1, Phils 0
***
Top of the Fourth
After more stomach-churning commercials by George Lopez, Victorino opens up the inning with a pop up to first as Kershaw keeps rolling. Joe Torre is interviewed and gets the chance to talk up his very young pitcher. Right on cue, Kershaw gets Utley to pop out to third for the second out. Howard draws a walk after many close pitches, bringing up Werth. Werth gives Phils fans hope with a deep fly to left, but Ramirez pulls an un-Manny like move and catches the warning track ball to strand Howard and end the Phillies attack.
Dodgers 1, Phils 0
***
Bottom of the Third
Hamels strikes out Either to open the bottom half of the inning. Man-Ram comes up and the camera shows Jim Thome, sparking an argument in the office about whether or not Phillies fans should hate the over-sized hitter. Ramirez pops out to second, falling 0-2 on the night and embarassing the number 99 on an LA jersey. (You'll always be 99, Great One.) Hamels seems nothing like the 08 World Series MVP, but he manages to get a ground out from Kemp to end the inning.
Dodgers 1, Phils 0
***
Top of the Third
Pedro Feliz faces the 21-year-old Kershaw and gets him to pop out for out number one. Kershaw walks catcher Carlos Ruiz to draw Mr. Heidi Hamels, who bunts to the pitcher and lazily jogs to first for the second out. Ruiz advances to second. J-Roll breaks his bat but grounds out to end the inning, stranding a runner on second.
Dodgers 1, Phils 0
***
Bottom of the Second
James Loney, one of the "stars" of the 2nd place Bopp Knights, jacks a solo shot deep to right to give the Dodgers the first run of the series. Victorino comes through with a nice warning track catch to get one out, and Martin grounds out to third for the second out of the inning. Kershaw comes up against last years World Series MVP, and beats him for a walk. Furcal hits a dribbler to the pitcher, but Carlos Ruiz guns him down at first to get out of the inning.
Dodgers 1, Phils 0
***
Top of the Second
The former temp of Dunder Mifflin, Ryan Howard, opens the inning for the Phils with a fly ball to the warning track, snared by the No. 2 best Ramirez in the National League. Jayson Werth stares down strike three, right down the plate, sending the five Dodger fans behind the plate in a frenzy. Raul Ibanez, one of the best acquisitions of the year for the Phils, comes through like he has the second half of the year with another strike out, watching once again.
Phils 0, Dodgers 0
***
Bottom of the First
Dodgers open up with a deep fly out before Hamels can get going. The new father lost his no-hitter with an Andre Either slapper to left. Manny "I wish I was Hanley" Ramirez comes up for his first NLCS at-bat and quickly fell behind 0-2. (And yes, I am a Marlins fan) Ramirez gives the few Dodger faithful hope as he hits a deep ball just a few feet foul. After a few more fouls balls, Hamels gets the better of Ramirez and strikes him out for the second of the inning. Kemp sends his first pitch into left for a single, giving the Dodgers runners in scoring position in the first. Mountain man-looking Casey Blake pops out to end the threat and the inning.
Phillies 0, Dodgers 0
***
Top of the First
Hey guys, Kurt Bopp of the field hockey beat here keeping you posted on the Phils/Dodgers game 1 from LA. Due to unforeseen circumstances (meaning snow in mid-October in Happy Valley) I just got in to keep you posted on tonight's action. We begin with 1 out after J-Roll popped up to catcher Russel Martin, and Victorino on first after a grounder past Furcal.
After an Utley deep fly ball to center, Victorino gets caught in a run-down after Kershaw picked him off. Three out, time for the Dodgers.
Comments
No, that's not a typo. Welcome to the beginning of TQTT (Ten Question Tuesday & Thursday).
Don't worry, we're not doing this to confuse you. I know last year, TQT was Ten Question Thursday and so far this year TQT has been Ten Question Tuesday.
But now, we plan to introduce you to a player or coach through our ten-question survey not just once a week, but twice. Earlier this week, we interviewed Teddy Hume and now tonight, we give to you assistant coach Bill Downey.
By making TQT a twice-a-week operation, we hope to be able to talk to each and every Icer, player or coach, by the end of the year.
But, for now, here's TQT with Bill Downey...
1. Who are your three favorite bands right now?
A: Pearl Jam, I'm a Willie Nelson fan and uh...I'm trying to think who else I listen to. I'd probably leave it at that right now, just those two. Maybe some older country, some Hank Williams or something.
2. Who is your favorite Penn State athlete, not on the Icers?
A: Sean Lee. He's a competitor, I like the way he brings it every game, doesn't matter who they're playing.
3. What story or name are you tired of hearing about in the news?
A: Goalie situation on the Penn State Icers.
4. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot.
5. What's the best Disney movie of all time?
A: I think they made like a "Robin Hood" move I liked when I was a kid, but I can't remember for sure.
6. Who is the funniest guy on the coaching staff?
A: I'd probably say [John] Segursky. He's a beauty, he tells it like it is. Sometimes everyone's thinking what he's saying, and he just yells it out and it's pretty funny, especially with his delivery, too.
7. Best meal in town?
A: At home, whatever the wife's cooking.
8. If you had to coach somewhere other than PSU, where would it be?
A: Probably the Penguins. That's many years off yet, and a lot of hard work down the road.
9. If you could pull off the ultimate prank on anyone on the team, coach of player, who would it be and why?
A: I joke around with Matty Kirstein a lot when we're getting ready for practices some days and stuff. Sometimes I just make stuff up and bust his chops about it, and apparently the guys think it gets him pretty worked up, so I do that occasionally, but all in good fun.
10. What's the most exciting play in hockey? Big hit, short-handed goal, OT goal, penalty shot, big save?
A: Blocked shot by a penalty killer. That's what I like the most.
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And that brings to end another edition of TQT. Downey, just like all the others we've interviewed so far provided a few interesting answers and certainly a couple laughs.
The Icers take on No. 9 West Chester Friday night at the Greenberg Ice Pavilion, Matt Kirstein finds out if he won Homecoming King or not the same night and coach Scott Balboni currently sits at 97 wins.
All stuff we'll be keeping a close eye on, so be sure to check back freequently.
Frank Molinaro is undoubtedly one of the strongest guys, pound for pound, on the Penn State wrestling team.
His intense leg work out might be a big reason.
A two-minute video of Molinaro's leg workout at the Lorenzo Wrestling Complex is featured in a video on YouTube. Molinaro, now a redshirt sophomore in the 09-10 season, wrestled at the 141-pound weight class last season and finished eighth at nationals. It was a real nice run for the Barnegat, N.J. native, because he only finished eighth at the Big Ten Tournament a couple weeks prior.
Molinaro always talked about a national championship being tangible last year, but this year he might actually make a legitimate run for it. In the Big Ten, Reece Humphrey, a senior from Ohio State who wrestled at 133 last year, is ranked No. 1 at 141 by AWN and 5th by WIN and would likely be the Big Ten favorite. But he's definitely beatable -- last year's 133-pounder Jake Strayer fought him hard each match.
Molinaro has the tough streak to take Humphrey out.
That's the game. A 2-0 victory for the Lions. Penn State remains undefeated at home and Gross records another shutout. The team will travel to Ohio State on Sunday.
*****
Gelsinger almost had his first goal of the season. His shot was in the box but Pianko snagged the grounder with one hand. Five minutes left.
*****
Gross makes a dangerous play in the box. As he controlled the ball, he blundered -- passing a dribbler five feet to a Lafayette player. Gross slides to the ground to attempt a save. Luckily, Casais came to the rescue and blocked the Lafayette shot. Around seven minutes left.
******
Braga's cross goes into the box. Fetrow almost notched a goal as he headed the ball at the net, but Sean Peckham was there for the Lafayette save.
*****
Yeisley scores a nifty header. Krispin kicked a no-looker off the side of his foot to Braga. Braga crosses to Yeisley at the far post. The senior headed the ball while wheeling off-balance with the ball ending in the far side of the net. 2-0 Lions with about 15 minutes left.
*****
A Lafayette player was tripped outside the box in a controversial call. The free kick by Blake Fink goes just over Gross' hands and the crossbar. The Lions got away with one there. 17 minutes left.
*****
Drew Cost is back in the game. This time he'll come in for Costigliola.
*****
Another opportunity on a Yeisley header, but this one goes awry. After Hertzog was trying to create a play on his own, he decided to give it off to Salvatico. Salvatico crossed it to Yeisley who almost notched his second header goal.
*****
Play resumes with the Hertzog-Yeisley connection. Hertzog passes from far out and directly to the head of Yeisley. The senior capitalizes with a dagger to the upper left of the goal. It's 1-0 Penn State with 23 minutes left.
*****
The game clock stops as a Lafayette player crouches down on the field. Trainers run out to help. There's just under 25 minutes left to play.
*****
Salvatico feeds Braga who dribbles down the middle. In perhaps the best chance of the half, Braga shoots a low shot that is saved.
*****
Matt Smallwood makes his first appearance of the game -- he subs in for Drew Cost.
*****
Braga had a good opportunity in the middle of the field after making a defender miss. He tried to kick it off to another player but no one was there. 27:30 left on the clock.
*****
Gross gives a hefty boot downfield to Yeisley. This is a good sign for Gross and the Lions. Gross usually yells or grimaces on kicks since suffering from a hip injury earlier in the year.
*****
Lafayette's backline is playing close to the midfield in an attempt to condense the Lion attack.
*****
Braga had a running and crossing Hertzog. Hertzog tried to shoot the ball across his body but could only produce a dribbler in a trigger-happy shot. There are 34 minutes left to play.
*****
Patrick Krispin's attempted cross goes over the net. The Lions crosses have been off so far.
*****
A good opportunity is squandered by the Lions. Braga takes the first corner for Penn State in the second half and after several deflections, the ball goes back to the midfielder. From a side angle, Braga scoots the ball to the net, but goalie Andrew Pianko notches the save.
*****
Braga set up to put some moves on Chip Aronica, but the Lafayette defender deflected it as Braga tried to cross him over. There are just under 39 minutes left to play.
*****
Justin Lee walks limping to the sidelines with cramps. Cramps have plagued Lee in the past including last Sunday's game against Northwestern.
*****
The Lions opened with a Salvatico shot on goal -- already looking sharper than their first half start.
*****
Besides Salvatico for Arment and Krispin for Parr, there are no new starters for the Lions as the second half begins. The Lions played away from a set offense in the first half. They need to stick to two-touch soccer in the second.
*****
For the first time this year, almost every Lion starter is sporting gloves. Yeisley, Cost, Costigliola and Fetrow were the only starters without gloves -- forcing them to blow on their hands for warmth.
*****
This is Brendan Monahan bringing you the second half from the chilly Jeffrey Field press box. An interesting note -- Penn State only tallied one shot on goal in the first while Lafayette notched three in the category. This came despite the Lions dominating the shot total nine to three.
*****
Halftime stats
Shots
Lafayette 3
Penn State 9
Corner Kicks
Lafayette 1
Penn State 1
Saves
Lafayette 1
Penn State 3
Fouls
Lafayette 9
Penn State 5
*****
The whistle blows, and that'll do it for the first half. Pretty boring stuff, but the Lions picked up slightly at the end. Penn State doesn't want to tie with this team. I'll turn it over to Brendan for the second 45.
*****
Looks like PSU is picking it up a little bit here. Krispin and Yeisley played a nice 20man game, and it paid off with a Lafayette handball and a free kick. But the set piece doesn't turn into anything.
*****
Great combination play yielded the first chance of the night for Penn State. Treavor Gelsinger played a fantastic one touch to Matheus Braga running by him into the box, and Braga cut in and beat Pianko. However, the ball clanged off the post and was cleared by the Leopards. Now under 4 minutes to go.
*****
Penn State had a counterattack chance off a Lafayette free kick, but Salvatico couldn't do anything with it on the near sideline.
*****
Under 9 minutes here. Vincent Salvatico in for Arment.
*****
With 11 minutes to go in the half, Braga registers PSU's first shot on goal in the game from about 24 yards outside the box, but Pianko easily makes the save.
*****
A minute later, Patrick Krispin comes on for Andy Parr at left back. Sorry there's nothing else to report, but this is tight, boring soccer.
*****
With just over 14 minutes in the half, Treavor Gelsinger subs on for Hertzog.
****
First corner of the game upcoming with 18 minutes left in the half. Fetrow made a nice tackle on Glenn in transition to force it.
*****
Lafayette is playing a very conservative game here. Penn State will need to make good on any scoring chances they get tonight. 21:30 left in the half.
*****
Great move there by Hertzog. He took a clear on his side of the field, beat his man and had enough space to run into the Lafayette penalty area. However, his shot was blocked and went wide. 23 minutes left.
*****
Lafayette has free kick here from about 25 yards. It took a deflection off the Penn State wall and came to Gross, who reacted and made the night's first save. 26:30 left.
*****
It should be noted that Lafayette is playing its back line extremely high here. That serves to keep the Lion forwards away from goal, and generally cause congestion in the middle of the field.
*****
Justin Lee had a good look at goal from about 22 yards there, but his shot went high. Clock just rolled under 30 minutes.
*****
Lafayette is packing it in on defense, leaving just Glenn as the lone high attacker.
*****
After a sloppy clear of a Matheus Braga cross by a Lafayette defender, Mackenzie Arment stumbles going after the ball, so no chance for PSU. 9th minute.
*****
TJ Glenn of Lafayette earns the game's first yellow card in the seventh minute after a delay of game where he kicked the ball away from a Penn State player after a Lafayette foul.
*****
Mackenzie Arment registered the first shot of the game in the fifth minute.
*****
As SID John Regenfuss noted, play is looking "disjointed."
*****
Lafayette got the ball deep on a Penn State turnover, but Andres Casais made a nice clear to end the chance. Just over 2 minutes in.
*****
Penn State has its best 11 on the field to start the game, as Frank Costigliola and Mark Fetrow will make their return tonight from one-game suspensions.
*****Good evening everyone, and welcome back to the Jeffrey Field press box. This is Ben Skalina here to live blog the first half of Penn State against Lafayette. The Nittany Lions come in undefeated at home, and have an overall record of 7-3-2. The Cougars are 7-3-1 overall and 2-2-1 on the road. Gametime temperature is a brisk 43 degrees, but the wind is calm.
Comments
2. Who is your favorite Penn State athlete, not on the Icers?
A: Megan Hodge. My sister is a big volleyball player, and so I know a little bit about volleyball. And she is just a dominant player, and no matter what sport you play, if you're able to dominate like she does, it's prettt special.
3. What story or name are you tired of hearing about in the news?
A: Brett Favre. I'm totally "Favre'd-out," I really wish he'd retire and just go back down to Mississippi to go fishing.
4. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: "On the Coast of Somewhere Beautiful" by Kenny Chesney.
5. What's the best Disney movie of all time?
I remember when I was a little kid I loved Beauty and the Beast because Gaston, the clock, was the man. He was my boy back when I was in preschool.
Editor's note: Not being a big Beauty and the Beast fan, I googled the movie to make sure I was spelling the name right. Upon doing so, I found Gaston was actually the villain in the movie, and the clock's name was Cogsworth. Maybe the next film session should include Beauty and the Beast to jog Teddy's memory.
6. Who is the funniest guy on the team?
I'm gonna have to go with John Conte. He has these great sayings and great one-liners, he's just a great guy to be around.
7. Alright, without being influenced by your coach, what's the best meal in town?
A: Wings Over Happy Valley. There's no better soul food than honey mustard or buffalo wings, so that's my go-to food.
8. If you had to go to school anywhere other than Penn State, where would it be?
A: I'd probably be up at a small liberal arts school in New England, hating my life, but luckily I came here.
9. If you could pull off the ultimate prank on anyone on the team, coach of player, who would it be and why?
A: I'd have to get back at our goalie coach, Brian Gratz, because when my new goalie pads came in over the summer he got a hold of the box and took them out and put these old, really run-down pads in there. Then he put tamper-proof tape back on the box, so when I opened it up and saw them I had a bit of a meltdown in the lobby, so I owe him one.
10. What's the most exciting play in hockey? Big hit, short-handed goal, OT goal, penalty shot, big save?
A: You expect me to say big save, but nothing's gonna beat an overtime goal. It's life or death, and when your team buries the puck, you're rushing down the ice to celebrate and nothing can beat that feeling.
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Starting this week, I am going to be doing two of these a week. One on Tuesday and one on, you guessed it, Thursday. That way, it remains TQT. Check back Thursday when we go one-on-one with assistant coach Bill Downey for TQT.
Penn State made its first appearance in the NSCAA/adidas coaches' poll today. They enter the poll at No. 24, just behind Big Ten foe Indiana at No. 23. Northwestern is the only other Big Ten team in the top 25 at No. 16.Upcoming nonconference opponent Akron is the unanimous No. 1 team in
the land at 11-0-0, and the Zips rolled the University of
Illinois-Chicago and Western Michigan last week by a combined 7-1 score.The Nittany Lions are ranked fourth in the Great Lakes region of the coaches poll, behind Akron, Louisville and Northwestern.The Nittany Lions are also ranked in several other national polls. They stayed at No. 24 in the SoccerAmerica top 25, moved up to No. 20 in the College Soccer News top 25, and fell one spot to No. 31 in the TopDrawerSoccer.com Tournament 48.It should also be noted that Penn State is currently on top of the Big Ten standings with 7 points (2-0-1). The Nittany Lions control their own destiny in the race for the top seed in the conference tournament, and will be assured of that seed if they win out.-SkalinaComments
Penn State wrestling's volunteer assistant coach Aaron Anspach won his first professional MMA fight this weekend as he defeated Frank Armstrong (4-3) at the Jafra Shine in Altoona.
"I had a lot of fun and it was cool to hear all the guys cheering for me," Anspach said in a press release from LionHeart Fighters. "I get a huge rush just taking someone up in the air and driving them into the cage. I got hit a couple of times and it shook me a little bit, but I have been hit harder than that in other events and I know it will take a lot to stop me."
Anspach was the national runner-up at the heavyweight class at the 2007 NCAA Tournament. He put together a 22-4 record during his senior season and earned the first All-America season of his career.
Here's a video of an amateur fight Anspach competed in a couple years ago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDTYrTY5B9A
Check back tomorrow for the next post leading up to wrestle-offs.
For those of you who couldn't travel to Bird Arena this past weekend for Penn State's thrilling series with the No. 5 Ohio Bobcats, I stumbled across some video footage of Thurston's game-winning OT goal.
This goal, remember, came with only one second left on the clock. With time winding down, there was no point in Thurston hanging back in his defensive position, so he crashed the net hoping for an opportunity.
And when freshman Dominic Morrone hit him with a centering pass, that's exactly what he got.
Watching the video it's clear the puck goes in just before the horn sounds, but it's a great representation of just how close it was.
Ah, October baseball. The playoffs. Umpires screwing up terribly. Badly scheduled series. Isn't it great? Yeah we've seen some exciting games. However, now we have to wait two days for more baseball and some fans have to wait three days. Not cool, though I'm sure the build up for the NLCS will be riveting. Yankees/Angels and Dodgers/Phillies -- two very good series. It should be exciting. Maybe umpires who know what they're doing will show up for these series. My prediction? Phillies-Angels World Series. I think that would be a great series. Let's see if it happens.
Some other things important and not so important:
- We here at MAKE PLAYS know our fair share of terrible jerseys. The Canucks and Astros have had some pretty bad ones. The Blues almost had something terrible but axed it last second. However, the Broncos might win (or lose) for ugliest uniform. Hideous.
- Who thought the Raiders would have more wins than the Titans at this point in the season? If you raised your hand, you're lying.
- As ESPN "graces" the TV next to me, the broadcasters mention the NFL Trade Deadline is a week away. Too bad no one really cares about the NFL Trade Deadline. The MLB Deadline is so much more exciting.
Video of the Week: I love fancy goals. This is no exception.
The Lions continued to justify their unanimous No. 1 ranking with tbeir second straight weekend sweep of a top-10 opponent. After an impressive showing against No. 2 Illinois last week, Lindenwood proved again it can win competitive, close games versus a quality opponent. Up next: @ #22 Robert Morris (IL).
#2 Illinois
Games: at Indiana: W 2-1, W 3-0
A week after suffering two losses to No. 1 Lindenwood, Illinois bounced back with a pair of wins -- albeit not very convincingly. Playing against Indiana University, who just joined the ACHA this season, the Illini managed to squeak out only a one-goal victory Friday night. On a brighter note, Illini goalie Mike Burda, who was in net when Illinois eliminated Penn State last year, recorded his first shutout of the season in Saturday's game. Up next: vs. Northern Michigan.
#3 Penn State
Games: at #5 Ohio: L 2-1, W 4-3 (OT)
Despite suffering their first loss of the season Friday night, the Icers salvaged a last-second victory Saturday to split their first road trip of the season. With this being the huge rivalry that it is and both games being decided by only one goal, the intensity was very high both nights, with lots of penalties and a few scuffles breaking out. With three first-year players receiving game disqualifications for fighting over the weekend, some other new guys should get some playing time this weekend while those guys serve their suspensions. But overall, there was certainly no love lost between the Icers and Bobcats, and with both teams currently in the top-5, it could be a very interesting weekend when the Bobcats come to the Greenberg Ice Pavilion later this season, January 15-16. Up next: vs./@ #9 West Chester.
#4 Delaware
Games: at Navy: W 3-2, W 7-1
The fourth-ranked Blue Hens managed to pull out a one-goal victory in a back-and-forth game Friday night. After Delaware took a 2-1 lead, Navy responded with the game-tying goal, only to see Delaware put in the game-winner just a few minutes later. Moments after the final buzzer sounded, however, Navy's Sam Carlson took a slap shot toward the UD net. Some Delaware players were not too happy with that, for obvious reasons, and it eventually led to both teams coming together at center ice, but the referees called no penalties and did not give out any game disqualifications. Despite no suspensions coming from the incident Friday night, the incident certainly had to have fired up both teams, but it was only apparent on the Delaware side looking at the scoreboard, as the Blue Hens dominated Saturday's game en route to a 7-1 win. Up next: vs. #5 Ohio.
#5 Ohio
Games: vs. #3 Penn State: W 2-1, L 4-3
The Bobcats managed to do something they were unable to do in five tries last year -- defeat the Icers. Not only did Ohio get swept by Penn State in the four regular season meetings last year, but the Bobcats were also eliminated by the Icers at the ACHA National Tournament. And despite two wins in either overtime or a shootout over the past few years, Ohio had not beaten the Icers in a regulation game in the last 12 tries, dating back to a 4-1 Bobcats victory on February 9, 2007. With two more regular season meetings still on the schedule, and the potential for another post-season meeting, the Bobcats must be happy to have gotten that monkey off their backs. Up next: @ #6 Delaware.
#6 Oklahoma
Games: (ACHA Showcase)
vs. #15 Stony Brook: W 5-2
vs. # 17 Adrian: L 6-5 (SO)
vs. #9 West Chester: W 6-1
It's tough to figure out what to make of this Oklahoma team. After failing to put up much of a contest against Lindenwood two weeks ago, OU came out of a bye week and had an interesting weekend at the ACHA Showcase. Despite two convincing wins Friday and Sunday, the Sooners lost the middle game to Adrian. Also, the win against West Chester may not be as convincing as originally thought (see #9 West Chester below). Up next: @ #8 Iowa State.
#7 Liberty
Games: at #11 Robert Morris (PA): W 2-1, W 4-1
Well, Robert Morris found a way to keep the potent Flames offense in check, giving up only six goals this whole weekend, ending Liberty's streak of four straight double-digit scoring games. Also, after giving up six goals in the season opener against ACHA Division II Davenport, goalie Brad Whittingstall has been absolutely dominant in net. In his four starts since that game, Whittingstall has a 4-0 record, giving up just one goal in each of those starts, while making a combined 83 saves. Up next: vs. #11 Robert Morris (PA). (Not a mistake, they play back-to-back weekends.)
#8 Iowa State
Games: at #1 Lindenwood: L 5-2, L 4-2
The Cyclones have turned some heads with these losses -- and not in a bad way. Although the Cyclones would have loved to come away with at least one victory, obviously, playing on the road in Lindenwood and keeping both games close like this will put Iowa State on the map. Iowa State even controlled the action at some points during the two games, including outshooting the Lions 13-5 in the series' opening period Friday night. Up next: vs. #6 Oklahoma
#9 West Chester
Games: (ACHA Showcase)
vs. #14 Michigan-Dearborn: W 6-5 (SO)
vs. Arizona State: L 9-2
vs. #6 Oklahoma: L 6-1
Rough weekend for the Golden Rams. After a thrilling shootout victory against Dearborn Friday night, West Chester failed to keep that momentum going throughout the rest of the weekend. Being outscored 15-3 in the final two games of the Showcase, including a 9-2 drubbing at the hands of unranked ASU, can't be the way West Chester had envisioned the weekend going. When the first set of regular-season rankings came out last Friday, I was surprised to see the Golden Rams had dropped two spots from No. 7 to No. 9, despite a 2-0 start. Now, it appears as if the voters might have been on to something. Up next: @/vs. #3 Penn State.
#10 Rhode island
Games: (ACHA Showcase)
vs. Minot State: L 6-4
vs. #13 Kent State: W 6-1
vs. #12 Central Oklahoma L 4-3
After being upset by unranked Minot State in the weekend opener, Rhode Island responded Saturday by dominating No. 13 Kent State. The Rams came up short in their for a winning record on the weekend, though, losing a one-goal battle to Central Oklahoma. It should be interesting to see how Rhode Island and West Chester bounce back and get ready for league matchups after their disappointing performances at the showcase. Up next: vs. Drexel.
Notes:
- The three top-10 teams competing in the ACHA Showcase posted a combined record of 4-5 in their nine games.
- The No. 8, No. 9, No. 10 and No. 11-ranked teams went a combined 2-8. Although No. 8 Iowa State was playing No. 1 Lindenwood, and No. 11 Robert Morris was playing No. 7 Liberty, that's still a lot of losses in that portion of the rankings, which should make it interesting to see how the next polls sort out those four teams.
- The only losses for any team in the top-5 were in the No. 3 Penn State vs. No. 5 Ohio series, in which each team won one and lost one. Other than that, Lindenwood, Illinois and Delaware all posted weekend splits.
That's all I got this week for my look around the ACHA. Check back tomorrow when we'll have another edition of TQT with a player we have yet to decide on.
With Penn State wrestle-offs only 24 days away, Back Points will lead you into the season with a variety of items of interest about the wrestling team.
What's the reception been like? Has Penn State been everything you though it would be? Did they throw you a parade?
"Well, there haven't been any parades or anything, but the (community) has really been fantastic, (there's) really just excitement for the wrestling program here. It's huge. It's statewide, too. It's just -- people just have so much pride in the results that the Pennsylvania state high schools have had over the years ... They've got so many Division 1 programs here, it's kind of unreal. You drive down I-80 and every 30 minutes, there's another Division 1 wrestling program. The support, really, has been awesome."
Five months after your departure, do you feel closure with the folks up in Ames?
"Everything's kind of cooled down, and at the time, there was just a lot of uncertainty -- what's going to happen? Are 10 guys going to try to transfer? All the things like that that would make people upset. I think they've got a good coach in there now, and everybody's satisfied and happy with where the program is."
Do you think you're going to have as much trouble selling your house as former Iowa men's basketball coach Steve Alford did in selling his?
"(Laughs.) His house is probably a little different than my house."
You mean you didn't have a custom basketball court built on-site?
"We were just about put that in. I'm glad we didn't go through with that. (Laughs.) It's good, though. It'll happen, I think."
What do you miss most about Ames -- besides the people, friends, etc.? Hickory Park?
"Yeah, Hickory Park was awesome. Someone sent me a friendly letter that said, 'Too bad for you, you're not going to get to eat at Hickory Park anymore.' That was kind of funny. There's a lot of things I miss. But I'm excited (with this opportunity) ... I'm seven minutes from campus in the house that I'm renting. We see wild deer and turkey. My wife saw a black bear run across the road."
A couple of things we noticed while we waited for the Phillies-Rockies game to start:
1. The Browns finally got off the schneid, but no thanks to Derek Anderson. The Cleveland quarterback threw 17 passes -- and completed two of them. Anderson passed for 23 yards and an interception, immediately placing him among the worst quarterbacks to start for a winning team. Brady Quinn, anybody?
2. Was anyone else confused watching the Cowboys-Chiefs game? The Chiefs wore the state of Texas on their helmets, and the Cowboys wore blue jerseys, leaving no team with a white jersey and confusing viewers as to who the home team actually was. At least Kansas City's choice was explainable (the team used to be the Dallas Texans and the team wore throwbacks for the 50th anniversary of the old AFL). But why did Dallas wear blue? I thought those colors were cursed?
3. There was one bright side to Tampa Bay's fifth straight loss of the season. When a second-quarter Josh Johnson pass was deflected into the air, it fell into the hands of unsuspecting offensive lineman Donald Penn. The 6-foot-5, 305-pounder then started chugging up the field, plowing over Eagles defenders on his way to a 15-yard gain and a first down. Unfortunately, Penn's efforts were all for naught since Johnson threw an interception just before the end of the half.
4. Wait a second, is Cincinnati good? The team that used to be famous for having players jailed seemingly every other day is now pulling off impressive wins against Green Bay, defending-champion Pittsburgh and, on Sunday, AFC-favorite Baltimore. This may be the year Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco and the Bengals finally get it all together. Or, they could just be one of those teams that gets off to a hot start and then fades at season's end. Time will tell.
5. Princess the Camel picked the Monday Night game this week, so we won't know who to insult this week. Since she went with the Jets, Miniaci and Rung have their collective pride on the line. She beat Rung in last week's predictions, and she bested Miniaci in Week 2.
And that'll do it from Jeffrey Field as the game ends in a 1-1 tie. Some serious injury concerns now for State with Hertzog's apparent injury. Check tomorrow's paper for full coverage, and thanks for following along, if you were indeed following along.
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Drew Cost earned a yellow card with 2:18 on the clock for some language he dropped on the referee after a foul was called on Patrick Krispin.
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Hertzog is carried off the field, and play resumes.
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Faria comes in for Hertzog. Hertzog is still down, and he looks like he's in an awful lot of pain.
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Maybe more cramps for PSU, as Hertzog goes down clutching his hamstring. He's been working tremendously hard all game. Clock stopped with 3:38 showing.
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Penn State has a corner with 4 and a half minutes, but NU clears for a Nittany Lion throw.
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With less than 8 minutes to go, Forgue almost makes a freshman mistake. He takes a header on a ball into the box instead of letting it go to Gross, and NU's Eamon O'Neill had a shot. However, O'Neill's shot was weak and Gross stopped it easily.
Now 6 minutes to go.
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Strange choice there from Yeisley. He got to a loose ball in the NU half and had space to run, but he opted to take a one-timer that went way over goal.
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As the teams come out for the second OT kickoff, the crowd starts to get into it with some "Let's go State" chants.
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As I was singing his praises, Matheus Braga makes some plays for Penn State. First, he sets Yeisley loose with a great lead pass. After Yeisley's shot is blocked, Braga gets the ball again and breaks into the box, and his shot gets by Rosenthal but is cleared by an NU defender. That was in the 97th minute.
Time is almost up in the first OT, and Braga clears as the horn blows.
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Action goes back and forth in overtime, but neither team has had a shot. Under 4 minutes to go in the first OT.
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Overtime set to start. Lee is still out, but all the other starters are in for Penn State, which takes the ball to start the overtime.
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Now we're headed to overtime. Truly a classic Big Ten match here. Overtime rules: 2 10-minute periods, sudden death.
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Another stunner. Hertzog has the ball in the box and tries to cross, but the ball is played with a hand and PSU will have a penalty kick with 39 seconds on the clock. Hertzog to take it. And he pounds it past the diving Rosenthal to even the match.
1 all with 39 seconds left.
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It's now full attack mode for PSU as they try to stay unbeaten at Jeffrey Field. Hertzog had an opportunity, but he wasn't ready to control the ball as it came off Yeisley's head.
Under 2 minutes left now.
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Wow, a stunning goal for Northwestern. Eliason headed a cross back to Peter O'Neill, who found Eamon O'Neill in front of goal. The later didn't miss his chance, and stuck the ball into the top of the goal with 5 minutes remaining.
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Penn State should have had a goal there in the 82nd minute. Faria took the ball away deep in the NU end and got the ball to Yeisley , but there was some hesitation and the Lions didn't get a shot off.
Next, in the 83rd, Yeisley got a shot off at Rosenthal, and he parried the ball away. It came to Faria with an open goal, but he couldn't get his foot on it.
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Rafa Faria, who just came on for Corey Hertzog, earns a yellow card, his first in a Penn State uniform. The clock rolls under 10 minutes in the second half.
Matt Eliason, NU's leading scorer, had a chance there on a header, but he didn't get enough of the ball and the shot went wide.
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Northwestern has rebounded a little bit since that delay, tightening up on defense and showing life on offense.
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With 18 minutes showing, Justin Lee comes off with some cramps and Marco Ciarla takes his place.
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20 minutes remaining. Vincent Salvatico has come on for State at right wing.
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Things could start to get chippy here. Northwestern commits a couple fouls, first on Cost and then on Hertzog.
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Gross pops up after the trainers attend to him, but the officials are still discussing the play and any disciplinary action. Looks like there might not be any cards.
SID John Regenfuss says the trainers taped up one of Warren's fingers, maybe a dislocation.
Back underway here after the delay.
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Big moment here. The ref called a foul on Andres Casais just outside the box, so the Wildcats have a chance to break the tie. On Piero Bellizi's kick, Gross makes the initial save and a save on Cody Stanley. Then a scuffle broke out on top of Gross, and Gross stayed down with some kind of injury. Both teams clear the field with 23:42 on the clock as trainers take a look at Gross.
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As I typed that, Hertzog created a chance the next minute. He won a footrace on the sideline, then beat two defenders with some fancy footwork, but his pass didn't find a PSU foot.
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Drew Cost got in on the shot brigade in the 62nd minute, letting loose one from outside the box that Rosenthal had to save for the Wildcats. Now under 27 minutes to go.
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On the other end, PSU's defense has really tightened up since the break. While NU didn't have any shots on goal in the first half, there were several dangerous balls in the box that the defense had to take care of.
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In the 59th minute, Yeisley had another chance. Braga ran to the middle of the field, and passed to Yeisley, but his shot was blocked.
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Surprising foul call there. It looked like Forgue took the ball away clean from Kupe, but the ref blew the play dead.
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Another near miss for PSU. Braga had the ball at the elbow of the box, beat his man and fired a bad angle shot to the back post that missed by just a few feet.
34 minutes to go.
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Mackenzie Arment made a nice play there, taking the ball away on defense and running to the offensive zone. His pass for Yeisley was a little behind though, and no shot for State.
Under 37 minutes now.
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Another chance there for State, as Braga made a nice tackle on defense and booted ahead for Hertzog. Hertzog passed to Yeisley, but the senior couldn't control the ball at the top of the box.
40 minutes to go.
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Slightly nervy moment there for Penn State in the 47th minute, as Matt Eliason almost got to a ball in the box, but the Lions were able to clear.
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The teams are back out for the second half. Penn State with its starters back out there. We found out at halftime that Frank Costiglola isn't playing for Penn State because he earned his fifth yellow card last game and a one-game suspension.
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Ben Skalina here to blogify the second half. That first half was the most entertaining scoreless soccer I have ever seen. The goalies both made some fantastic plays to keep the scoreboard clean. Still, Jason Yeisley would love to have a couple of his shots back, as he had several golden opportunities to score.
First half stats:
Shots
Penn State - 12
Northwestern - 4
Saves
Penn State - 0
Northwestern - 6
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That will do it for the half. The score is 0-0. Ben Skalina will be here to run down the second half.
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Yeisley falls in the box and fans yell for a call, but none is given. 45th minute
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Braga centers it to Yeisley from 5 yards out, but Yeisley shoots the ball right into the hands of Rosenthal.
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Yeisley beats Rosenthal to the ball who is found outside of the goal. Yeilsey's shot is deflected by Stanley. 42nd minute
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Jacobo Vera substitutes for Arment. 39th minute
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Patrick Krispin substitutes for Andy Parr. 37th minute
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Treavor Gelsinger substitutes for Hertzog. 34th minute
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Braga's free kick is saved by a diving Rosenthal.
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Braga is tripped just outside the box which sets up a free kick. 31st minute
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Warren Gross jumps up for the ball while Northwestern's Eliason tries to head it. Gross knocks it away and then dives for the ball again as it started to dribble to another Wildcat.
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Hertzog dribbles into the 18-yard box and shoots a grounder into the hands of a diving Rosenthal. 27th minute
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Northwestern's Matt Eliason shoots from five yards out, but it's blocked.
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Corey Hertzog crossed the ball to Yeisley who headed it wide of the far post. 22nd minute
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Braga shoots from 30 yards out. The pace has been back and forth witht the Lions not being able to penetrate the middle of the field. 22nd minute
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Chris Ritter from Northwestern receives a yellow card after jumping and nudging Braga in the head. Braga was attempting to head the ball.
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Justin Lee shoots directly at Northwestern goalie Misha Rosenthal from 25 yards. 14th minute
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Braga attempts to feed Yeisley from 20 yards out but passed behind him.
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Northwestern cross was headed away by Forgue and cleared by Drew Cost. 11th minute
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Matheus Braga centered a pass to Mackenzie Arment in the middle of the field, but it was deflected and scooped by the Northwestern goalie. 5th minute
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Matt Smallwood is getting the nod at midfield over Frank Costigliola.
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Brian Forgue is starting for Lion defender Mark Fetrow. Fetrow recieved a red card last Sunday against Michigan State and will not play today.
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This is Collegian writer Brendan Monahan. I'll be bringing you the live blog for the Penn State men's soccer game against Northwestern.
Gentile forget to pick one game in Week 3, so how did he follow it up in Week 4? He forgot to pick every game. That counts as an 0-14 week for him, but we won't punish everyone for his failure, so we finished 50-20 last week to bring our season tally to 239-119 (66.7 percent). The picks...
Clark (40-22): Ravens over Bengals, Browns over Bills, Panthers over Redskins, Steelers over Lions, Cowboys over Chiefs, Giants over Raiders, Eagles over Bucs, Vikings over Rams, 49ers over Falcons, Patriots over Broncos, Seahawks over Jaguars, Colts over Titans, Jets over Dolphins
Miniaci (39-23): Bengals over Ravens, Bills over Browns, Redskins over Panthers, Steelers over Lions, Cowboys over Chiefs, Giants over Raiders, Eagles over Bucs, Vikings over Rams, Falcons over 49ers, Patriots over Broncos, Seahawks over Jaguars, Colts over Titans, Dolphins over Jets
Rorabaugh (47-15): Ravens over Bengals, Browns over Bills, Redskins over Panthers, Steelers over Lions, Cowboys over Chiefs, Giants over Raiders, Eagles over Bucs, Vikings over Rams, 49ers over Falcons, Texans over Cardinals, Patriots over Broncos, Seahawks over Jaguars, Colts over Titans, Jets over Dolphins,
Oplinger (37-25) : Ravens over Bengals, Bills over Browns, Panthers over Redskins, Steelers over Lions, Cowboys over Chiefs, Giants over Raiders, Eagles over Bucs, Vikings over Rams, Niners over Falcons, Broncos over Patriots, Jags over Seahawks, Colts over Titans, Jets over Dolphins
Gentile (35-27): Ravens over Bengals, Bills over Browns, Panthers over Redskins, Steelers over Lions, Cowboys over Chiefs, Giants over Raiders, Eagles over Bucs, Vikings over Rams, Falcons over 49ers, Patriots over Broncos, Jaguars over Seahawks, Colts over Titans, Jets over Dolphins
Rung (37-25): Ravens over Bengals, Bills over Browns, Panthers over Redskins, Steelers over Lions, Cowboys over Chiefs, Raiders over Giants, Eagles over Bucs, Vikings over Rams, 49ers over Falcons, Texans over Cardinals, Patriots over Broncos, Seahawks over Jaguars, Titans over Colts, Dolphins over Jets
Comments
Welcome to the first live blog of the season. The Icers have a huge showdown tonight with arch-rival, No. 5 Ohio.
Unfortunately, we're getting started a little late because of some technical problems, but we haven't missed any scoring yet.
Let's get this started.
1st Period
Six minutes remaining in the first, score tied at zero. Rich O'Brien just picked up a slashing penalty, putting Ohio on a power play.
Teddy Hume is in net for the Icers tonight.
One minute left on the powerplay, shot attempt blocked by Nick Seravalli, but Penn State can't get the puck cleared.
Ohio passing it around the zone looking for an opportunity. Shot by Ohio saved by Hume, and Thurston finally clears it down the ice and Ohio picks up an icing call trying to dump it back in.
Time winding down on the powerplay, and the Icers have successfully killed off the R. O'Brien penalty.
Carey Bell gives away the puck in his own zone, but Teddy Hume robs the Bobcats of the game's first goal and we remain deadlocked in a scoreless tie.
Killing off that penalty had to be a huge boost for Penn State, who struggled immensely on the penalty kill last week against Towson. Coach Balboni didn't sugarcoat it after the games last weekend, saying if they took as many penalties against Ohio this weekend and played that poorly on the penalty kill they'd be in "big trouble."
And right on cue, Penn State picks up another penalty. This one is on sophomore Dan Loucks with only 1:24 left in the first period.
And now the penalty kill is really going to be tested. Just moments later, Steve Thurston is called for cross-checking in front of Teddy Hume. Ohio goes on a 5-on-3.
A couple shots on net saved by Hume and a bad pass by Ohio clears the puck out of the zone with time winding down on the period.
And Ohio can't get it set up again before the period expires. First period over with the score Penn State nothing, Ohio nothing.
No team ever wants to be down two guys and face a 5-on-3 penalty kill, but if you're going to be in that situation, Penn State did it at the right time. By picking up both those penalties within the last two minutes of the period, the Icers get to break up the penalties with the intermission.
It might not seem like a big deal because either way it's two minutes in the box, but the period break automatically kills some of that time. Instead of allowing Ohio to set up in the zone and just pass the puck around waiting for an opportunity to put it on net while the defenders tire out, Ohio had to make a strong push before the period ran out. Now, with the faceoff to start the second period, even if the Bobcats win it, it will take them at least 10-15 seconds to get the puck back in the zone and the powerplay set up.
Loucks has 36 seconds left on his penalty, Thurston has 55 seconds left on his.
Enjoy the intermission, grab a drink or something to eat, check out the Twins/Yankees game. Do whatever you want to pass the next 10 minutes as quickly as possible.
2nd Period
Action is underway in the second.
Time winding down on those penalties. Loucks is out, 15 seconds left on Thurston's penalty.
And now Thurston is out of the box. The 5-on-3 is successfully killed and Penn State sends it down the ice, taking an icing call to catch some rest.
Ohio wins the faceoff and fires a shot, but it's saved by Hume and Penn State sends it down again, another icing. Those guys have to be getting tired since they can't change lines on an icing call.
Play continues and Penn State brings it into the Ohio zone.
Moments later off a faceoff, freshman Dominic Morrone fires a shot and GOAL. Penn State 1, Ohio 0.
Assist goes to Saad. Morrone scores his fourth goal already in this young season and Saad picks up his third point of the season. Scrolling down this blog just a little ways might reveal a certain one of your Icers reporters picked that pair as the freshmen to watch for this year. It's still an early season, but those guys are making a big impact offensively, as are some of the young defenders like Rich O'Brien.
An interference call against Ohio will give Penn State a powerplay with 14:58 remaining in the second period and the Icers already leading 1-0.
Penn State having trouble getting control of the puck and setting anything up in the zone. Half the powerplay is over already.
Thurston carries it in and fires a shot off Paul Marshall's mask, but Ohio clears it away and out of the zone without any harm done.
Only 10 seconds left on the penalty.
Powerplay is over, both teams having success killing off their penalties so far tonight.
12:28 left in the second period with the Icers leading 1-0. Ohio leads the shots on goal category, 11-10, but Morrone has scored the game's only goal to give Penn State the lead.
Play continues to go back-and-forth with both teams taking shots and spending time in the other team's zone, but still just the one goal.
Eight minutes left in the second, still a 1-0 Penn State lead.
Penalty coming up on Penn State. Polidor goes to the box, two minutes for delay of game. And the penalty kill unit will be tested yet again.
Centering pass deflected toward the net, but it goes just wide of the net. Chris Cerutti clears the puck out of the zone.
Ohio sets it up in the zone, 20 seconds left on the penalty.
Polidor out of the box, back to full strength. Penn State tries to get the outlet pass to Taylor Cera along the boards, but the pass misses him and goes the length of the ice for an icing call.
Ohio makes a strong push to the net, puck is loose. Hume makes the save. The puck is under Hume and Ohio crashes the net hard.
Apparently, the puck appeared to eventually cross the line, but the whistle had already blown, no goal.
An Ohio player took exception to the call and let the referee know about it. The ref took even more exception to that, giving him a 10-minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The teams remain at full strength, but the OU player will be stuck in the box for 10 minutes.
4:03 left in the second.
An Icers giveaway leads to an Ohio breakaway, which results in a GOAL with 3:26 left in the period. Penn State 1, Ohio 1.
Michael Schultz scored the goal for the Bobcats, tying the game at one late in the second period. Assist goes to defenseman Mark Tracy.
Another icing call on Penn State, and there will be a faceoff to the right of Teddy Hume. Penn State wins the faceoff and flips it out of the zone, the Bobcats bring it back in but they're offsides.
Two minutes left in the period, puck in the OU zone. Cleared out, but John Conte dumps it back in. Shot on net is turned away by Marshall.
The teams come together for a little scuffle in the corner after a whistle.
Now, the referees step away and Penn State freshman Eric Steinour and Ohio's Zach Tisdale go at it a little bit, refs trying to sort out the penalties now.
Still sorting them out...
Steinour and Tisdale both are sent to the locker room after their scuffle.
All penalties are off-setting, so both teams remain at full strength. Steinour and Tisdale receive game misconducts for fighting.
The time it took to sort out those penalties was almost the length of an intermission, and now time runs out in the second and we have to sit through an actual intermission.
End of the second period. Penn State 1, Ohio 1.
We'll be back in around 9:15 after the second intermission for the third period. Should be worth coming back for with the game tied and the intensity picking up quite a bit there at the end of the second period.
3rd Period
The start of the third period is moments away, twenty minutes left of regulation hockey.
Period has started and an early Ohio icing will result in a faceoff in the Bobcat zone. Ohio wins the faceoff and send it out toward center ice.
Penn State spending some time in the Bobcat zone, but nothing coming of it yet. Pucks clears away down into the Icer zone and both teams switch lines.
Ohio brings it back in on a 3-on-2, but Rich O'Brien blocks it away and then skates to the bench after taking a puck to the knee.
The Bobcats have 20 shots on goal to the Icers' 14, but the score remains tied at one.
Penalty on the Icers. Freshman Ryan Erbe goes to the box for tripping with 14 minutes left in regulation.
Thurston clears the puck out of the Icers' zone and Penn State gets a quick switch.
Cone tries to clear, but it's stopped at the blue line. Ohio shot on net is denied by Hume. The puck is again sent to the blue line, but not out.
Shot, save. Rebound in front and Schultz scores his second GOAL of the night. Ohio 2, Penn State 1.
And the Bobcats have now scored two unanswered goals since Morrone started the scoring back in the second and the Bobcats have a 2-1 lead in the third.
Down to 11 minutes left in the third, Ohio clinging to a one-goal lead.
Halfway point of the third, and Penn State has managed only one shot on goal so far this period. Ohio, on the other hand, has fired six shots on net and, more importantly, has the period's only goal.
Penn State makes a push into the Ohio zone, but OU goalie Marshall freezes the puck, faceoff coming in the Ohio zone.
Pronchik wins the faceoff back to Thurston, who fires a wrister on net, glove save by Marshall.
Ohio finally clears it out and comes down, setting up in the Penn State zone.
Delayed penalty coming up on Thurston. Powerplay for the Bobcats.
Ohio keeping the pressure on, and get a few shots toward the net, but nothing to show for it so far. One minute left on the Thurston penalty.
Twenty seconds left on the powerplay. Puck has been in the Penn State zone for almost the entire powerplay.
Penalty to Thurston has expired. Ryan Paradis is able to clear the puck to center and allow Penn State time for a switch.
Schultz continues to give Penn State problems, centering a pass in front, but Ohio can't get a stick on it.
Penalty coming up on Penn State again. Paul Daley is going to the box with 4:17 left. Third penalty of the period on the Icers. Coach Balboni not happy with the call at all and letting the referees know about it.
Polidor gains control of the puck and brings it into the OU zone for a short-handed opportunity, but Marshall turns his attempt away.
Less than a minute left on Daley's powerplay.
And now an Ohio penalty is going to give us 4-on-4 hockey for 48 seconds and then Penn State will have a 1:12 powerplay when Daley gets out of the box.
2:20 left in the game. Daley is out of the box and Penn State has a powerplay.
45 seconds left on the powerplay, Penn State working it around the OU zone.
Tim O'Brien fires a shot on net and Marshall makes the save and holds on for the faceoff.
Time winding down on the powerplay, and it's over. One minute left in the game.
Ohio still leads 2-1, 53 seconds left. Faceoff in the Bobcat zone.
Bobcats send it out to center ice, Morrone sends it back in.
Under 30 seconds, Icers pull Hume. Make a push at the OU net. Bobcats clear it out, game over.
Final score: Ohio 2, Penn State 1.
After struggling so much on the penalty kill last week against Towson, Penn State played much better short-handed tonight, but the game-winner still came with an Icer in the penalty box.
A very competitive, physical game tonight should make for an interesting series finale tomorrow night.
Be sure to check back here tomorrow night and keep an eye on our Twitter (docked to the right of this page or at twitter.com/Collegian_Icers).
The Penn State/Ohio matchup just got a little more exciting, as if it wasn't enough already. With Ohio jumping up from No. 6 in the preseason rankings to No. 5, this weekend now becomes a series between not only two arch-rival teams, but a matchup of two top-5 teams, as well.
The top two teams, No. 1 Lindenwood and No. 2 Illinois, remained the same. The only difference is Lindenwood is now the unanimous No. 1 team, receiving all 37 first-place votes this time around.
Other than Ohio's jump to No. 5 (No.5 Oklahoma switched places with the Bobcats and are now No. 6), the only other change in the top-10 is now-No. 7 Liberty flip-flopping with now-No. 9 West Chester. Although it was experted Liberty could move up after scoring double-digit goals in four straight games, it's surprising to see West Chester fall two spots. The Golden Rams already had fallen three spots in the offseason after finishing last year ranked No. 4 and starting this year at No. 7, although they did receive one first-place vote. Now, after a 2-0 start, they drop another two spots to No. 9. Tough to figure that one out.
As for the rest of the rankings, Adrian was the biggest mover, jumping eight spots to No. 17 after a 3-1 start. Other notables: Buffalo entered the rankings at No. 23 taking the place of Penn State - Berks, who is now unranked after starting the season at No. 19.
Here are the rankings:
1 Lindenwood (7-0)
2 Illinois (2-2)
3 Penn State (2-0)
4 Delaware (2-0)
5 Ohio (7-0)
6 Oklahoma (0-2)
7 Liberty (6-0)
8 Iowa State (6-0)
9 West Chester (2-0)
10 Rhode Island (4-0)
11 Robert Morris (PA) (2-0)
12 Central Oklahoma (4-2)
13 Kent State (3-1)
14 Michigan-Dearborn (1-1)
15 Stony Brook (1-0)
16 Oakland (2-2)
17 Adrian (3-1)
18 Eastern Michigan (1-1)
19 Mercyhurst (0-5)
20 Duquesne (0-2)
21 Pittsburgh (1-1)
22 Robert Morris (IL) (1-3)
23 Buffalo (3-1)
24 Western Michigan (2-0)
25 West Virginia (0-2)
It's kind of surprising to see Mercyhurst, an 0-5 team, only drop two spots to No. 19, but the Lakers have played a very difficult opening five games. After dropping two to Ohio, the Lakers lost a game to No. 13 Kent State and then dropped a pair against No. 11 Robert Morris (PA). But still, 0-5 is 0-5.
My record at picking NFL games has put a dent in my confidence, so I've decided to redeem myself by picking the winners in the MLB Division Series.
American League:
Twins/Yankees: Many think the one-game playoff between the Twins and Tigers Tuesday was the battle to see who would get swept by the almighty Yanks, but the streaking Twins could pose a problem for the AL East Champs. AL MVP favorite Joe Mauer will cause problems for New York's pitching staff and Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer have filled in well for the injured Justin Morneau. If a game is close in the late innings, the Twins have one of the Majors' hottest closers in Joe Nathan. With a payroll three times that of the Twins, the Yankees obviously have more talent. CC Sabathia will look to right his postseason struggles, while A-Rod will continue trying to climb into the New York faithful's good graces with some clutch performances. I see Minnesota pushing New York to the edge, but in the end, talent will overcome scrappiness.
Yankees, 3-2
Red Sox/Angels: This matchup may provide the most excitement of any of the Divisional Series on a game-by-game basis. The lumberjack Kevin Youkilis will provide some big plays with his bat and his glove and Jason Bay will provide consistent offense throughout the playoffs. Expect David Ortiz to have a run-of-the-mill series but provide one big hit sometime late in a game. For the Angels, who are still playing for former pitcher Nick Adenhart, the runs can come from anywhere, as it seems like a new player comes up with the big hit every night. I'm looking at Kendry Morales to perform and Vladimir Guerrero to hit at least one pitch at his shoelaces. The pitching, though, is what will win either of these teams the series. With matchups like Jon Lester vs. John Lackey, Josh Beckett vs. Jered Weaver and Scott Kazmir vs. Clay Buchholz in the first three games and Brian Fuentes and Jonathan Papelbon closing the games out, don't be surprised if there are a string of 2-1 final scores. In the end, I'm calling for Boston to keep its stranglehold on the Angels in the postseason.
Red Sox, 3-1
National League:
Cardinals/Dodgers: The Dodgers seem to finally be catching up to their Los Angeles brothers in the Junior Circuit. With playoff appearances in three of the past four years, excitement for baseball has come back to Chavez Ravine. Manny Ramirez's 50-game suspension didn't hurt the team as much as his performance after he came back, but Manny is Manny and you can expect a great postseason performance from him as usual. Matt Kemp and James Loney should step up for Los Angeles as well, and Ramirez's replacement during his suspension, Juan Pierre, could also be thrust into some important spots. For the Cardinals, shutting down Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday would be a task for any team, but with the Dodgers starting pitching, it might be impossible to shut down either of them. After Randy Wolf and Clayton Kershaw, neither of whom is dominant, the next starters are a significant drop off. The Cards pitching, on the other hand, has been brilliant. Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright are both in the discussion for the NL Cy Young, while Ryan Franklin has been lights out at the back end of the bullpen. This series won't end well for the NL West Champions.
Cardinals, 3-0
Rockies/Phillies: It was the Phillies first postseason appearance in 14 years and before the City of Brotherly Love could even celebrate, their postseason appearance was over by way of a 3-0 sweep at the hands of the Colorado Rockies. That was 2007, and the Phillies more than made up for that disappointment with a World Series Championship last year, but the NL East Champs are still out for revenge against Colorado. What appears to be a mismatch could in fact become a series if the Majors' hottest team since the All-Star break continues its play. Jimmy Rollins could end up being the Phils' playoff MVP after the most dismal start to a season in his career, while Mr. "Home Run or Strikeout" Ryan Howard will have some big plays to earn his paycheck once again. Philadelphia's starting pitching can match up with anybody, as World Series MVP Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee and a postseason-tested Pedro Martinez lead that bunch. The only way the Rockies can win this series is if they can keep it close and find some runs against the Phils' struggling bullpen. Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki and Todd Helton will provide some offense, but not enough.
Phillies, 3-1
Come back before the ALCS and NLCS to see how I did and what I think about those series.
Welcome to the 2nd installment of Ten Question Tuesday.
This week, I pulled aside senior captain Matt Kirstein and, I gotta admit, this interview had me laughing from the very first question. Just as a backdrop, I needed to talk to coach Balboni after TQT, so he was standing just a couple feet away for the whole interview. Certainly added to the humor of it, especially for the first question.
And here we go:
1. Who are your three favorite bands right now?
A: Linkin Park, Lil' Wayne and, uhh, Miley Cyrus.
Paul: Is that last one serious?
A: (laughs) "Party in the U.S.A" that's my jam.
Paul: Are you going to her concert when she comes here?
A: No, but I know somebody who is going to her concert (laughs, looks at coach Balboni).
Balboni: We've got a booth for it baby!
2. Who is your favorite Penn State athlete, not on the Icers?
A: Sean Lee.
3. What story or name are you tired of hearing about in the news?
(After not being able to think of an answer and coming to come back to it at the end)
A: Alright, I got one. I'm tired of hearing about Terrell Owens.
4. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Numb Encore.
5. What's the best Disney movie of all time?
A: Definitely gonna have to go with D-2: The Mighty Ducks.
6. Who is the funniest guy on the team?
A: Paul Daley.
Paul: Why's that?
A: I don't know, he's always got a smart comment, real dry humor, under his breath, I don't know, he's a pretty funny guy.
7. Alright, without being influenced by your coach, what's the best meal in town?
A: I do like the G-Man, but I'm gonna have to go with Faccia Luna as my favorite place to eat. It's an Italian place, real good.
8. If you had to go to school anywhere other than Penn State, where would it be?
A: Umm, that's tough. I guess I'd say Notre Dame or Miami of Ohio.
Paul: You a Notre Dame fan?
A: No, but it's a good school, I don't know, that was a tough question.
9. If you could pull off the ultimate prank on anyone on the team, coach or player, who would it be and why?
A: I would pick Timmy (O'Brien). Only because he tends to think he never gets rattled and nobody can rattle him, when actually he does get rattled, so I would pick Timmy for sure.
10. What's the most exciting play in hockey? Big hit, short-handed goal, OT goal, penalty shot, big save?
A: I'm gonna go big hit.
Paul: Why's that?
A: I prefer the big hit, I probably won't be a big shootout-goal scorer in my life. So I'm gonna go with the big hit, changes momentum and it's a tough play.
And that ends another edition of TQT. Tune in next Tuesday when we talk to...well, I guess you'll just have to wait and find out. But in all honesty, even we don't decide this far in advance who we're going to pick.
For MAKE PLAYS' MLB playoff preview, we decided to gaze into our crystal balls to see what every one of the eight postseason teams would need to do to take home the World Series. Here, Rorabaugh discusses how the AL West Champion Angels could win the title.
All year long, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim rallied around one teammate, one friend. Now they can celebrate in his memory.
Following the death of rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart in April, the Angels rallied to win the AL West, the AL pennant and, after Wednesday night's win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, the 2009 World Series.
Anaheim won Game 6 off a strong outing by Ervin Santana, who provided half of the one-two punch with ace John Lackey at the top of the Angels' rotation. Throughout the playoffs, Lackey and Santana led the way, going 6-0 with a combined ERA of 2.03.
But it was another pitcher that remained in the hearts of the Anaheim dugout. The No. 34 jersey of Adenhart, who was killed by drunk driver just hours after pitching in his major-league debut April 8, hung in the dugout all season long. The players took turns patting the jersey after celebrating in the clubhouse after the win.
At the start of the season, the loss of All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez was thought to mean the decline of the Angels' bullpen. But newcomer Brian Fuentes proved enough to hold the team's playoff leads, going 5-for-6 in save situations and recording a 1.76 ERA.
The Angels' offense -- led by Kendry Morales, Chone Figgins and veterans Torii Hunter and Bobby Abreu -- manufactured runs throughout the postseason. Anaheim beat the Boston Red Sox in four games by averaging about four runs per game, and upset the New York Yankees by putting up 4.6 runs per game over the six-game series.
The Angels' pitching did the rest of the work, holding teams to an average of 3.2 runs per game.
For MAKE PLAYS' MLB playoff preview, we decided to gaze into our crystal balls to see what every one of the eight postseason teams would need to do to take home the World Series. Here, Miniaci discusses how the AL East Champion Yankees could win the title.
Pressure situations call for unlikely heroes, and the New York Yankees got theirs in Game 7 Thursday night.
Outfielder Brett Gardner singled home Jorge Posada in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Yankees defeated the Phillies 2-1 to win their 27th World Series title.
Gardner, who only had seven at bats in the Series before Thursday night, came in as a defensive replacement for Melky Cabrera in the top of the ninth. Posada led off the bottom of the inning with a double, and Gardner took care of the rest, smacking a Brad Lidge pitch into center field for the win.
Ryan Howard homered for the Phillies in the top of the first and Series MVP Alex Rodriguez tied it in the bottom half of the first with a home run of his own.
It remained a scoreless pitchers' duel between aces CC Sabathia and Cole Hamels the rest of the way until Gardner's heroics.
The Yankees' road to their first World Series win in their new stadium was a daunting one. The Yankees took down the Twins in a four-game sweep before downing their rivals -- the Red Sox -- in seven.
Rodriguez quieted his nay sayers this post season, clubbing 11 home runs over the Yankees' 18 playoff contests, including five in the World Series.
For MAKE PLAYS' MLB playoff preview, we decided to gaze into our crystal balls to see what every one of the eight postseason teams would need to do to take home the World Series. Here, Rung discusses how the AL Wild Card Red Sox could win the title.
For the first time in 91 years, the Boston Red Sox faithful are able to celebrate a World Series championship at home.
The Red Sox clinched their third title in six years with a 7-2 victory in Game 6 over the St. Louis Cardinals. Josh Beckett had his sixth quality start of the playoffs, giving up both Cardinal runs in 7 2/3 innings while striking out 9.
Jonathan Papelbon struck out three of the final four batters to collect his fifth save of the postseason and was the center of a championship celebration for the second time in his career.
Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis was named the Series MVP. He batted .384 with three home runs and six RBIs over the six games. His two-run dinger in the eighth inning of Game 5 gave the Sox a 5-4 win and broke a 2-2 deadlock in the series.
Beckett's 5-0 record boosted his career postseason mark to 12-2 while lowering his ERA to 2.41. His two complete-game shutouts of the Yankees in the ALCS earned him the MVP in the Sox's 4-1 series win.
To go along with Beckett's stellar postseason performance, the rest of Boston's starting pitching was solid, allowing only 20 earned runs over 79 1/3 innings in 14 playoff games.
Former playoff hero David Ortiz struggled through most of the postseason, but still had enough magic in his bat to finish Boston's sweep of the Angels in the ALDS with a three-run walk-off home run in Game 3.
Tony Romo still has Jessica Simpson on his mind. Or maybe he has nothing on his mind. Whatever the case, the Cowboys QB apparently thought he had more downs than he actually did at the end of Sunday's loss. Video from the game shows Romo holding three fingers up after his last pass, an incompletion. He also tried waving his linemen back to the line of scrimmage. Ultimately, he was forced to realize he squandered the team's last down. Way to fail, Tony. Way to fail.
Some other things important and not so important:
- MLB playoffs are starting. My Cubbies didn't make it in, but it's OK. They probably would've been swept in the first round anyway.
- Braylon Edwards is apparently jealous of LeBron James. I don't know what the big deal is. Who wouldn't be?
- Brett Favre made it out of last night alive. I'm still not impressed. Hate me for it if you want, but I still refuse to acknowledge Brett Favre is the Vikings' QB. It doesn't help that The Worldwide Leader has a serious man-crush on the farm boy.
Video of the week: A four year old recites Kurt Russell's speech as Herb Brooks in the movie "Miracle." Awesome. His dad is raising him well.
In a rematch of last year's championship game (well, two rematches technically), Lindenwood solidified its spot atop the ACHA rankings. After a 6-2 blowout in Friday's game, the Lions held off the Illini in a much closer, 3-2 battle Saturday night. With a sweep of the Illini, the Lions surely brought back memories of last year's title game when Lindenwood skated away with the trophy. Lindenwood is now 6-0 and it would be very surprising if they didn't receive every first-place vote when the next rankings come out. Up next: vs. #8 Iowa State.
#2 Illinois vs. #1 Lindenwood
No, winning either of last weekend's games wouldn't have erased the memory of losing last year's national championship game, but it certainly would have helped build toward winning one this year. However, allowing Lindenwood to come into Champaign, IL and take both games by a combined score of 9-4 won't help Illinois in the standings or from a mental standpoint. These teams don't play again in the regular season until February right before the league and national playoffss, so Illions might need to win those games if they want to have any confidence going into the ACHA national tournament. It should be interesting to see if Illinois falls from the No. 2 spot in the next rankings. Up next: @ Indiana.
#3 Penn State vs. Towson
By now, just about anyone reading this blog knows how Penn State's weekend went. An absolute gift from the officials erased what should have been a 4-3 loss and, instead, allowed the Icers to win 4-3 in OT. A sloppy start to the season and lackluster effort Friday was followed up with a much more impressive performance Saturday in a 15-3 win for Penn State. Although a loss Friday night would have caused Penn State to fall in the rankings for sure, its 2-0 record may be good enough on paper to jump Illinois for the No. 2 spot when the next rankings come out. Up next: @ #6 Ohio.
#4 Delaware @ #23 West Virginia
Delaware, like Penn State, got off to a 2-0 start last weekend with a sweep of the Mountaineers. A 5-0 victory Friday night was followed up by a 4-3 win Saturday. Delaware is in a very similar position to Penn State, with 10 newcomers on its roster, including freshman goalie, SJ Broadt, who earned his first collegiate win after stopping 23 shots in Saturday's 4-3 win. Although Penn State and Delaware are both loaded with young, new faces, both teams expect to be competing with each other for not only a league title, but an ACHA title come March. Up next: @ Navy.
#5 Oklahoma -- Idle
With a weekend off, the Sooners look to gather themselves and bounce back from two opening weekend losses to Lindenwood. Up next: ACHA Showcase (vs. #14 Stony Brook, vs. #25 Adrian, vs. #7 West Chester).
#6 Ohio vs./@ Washington & Jefferson College
The Bobcats improved to 6-0 with a weekend sweep of Washington & Jefferson, winning by scores of 3-2 and 4-0. Senior goalie Paul Marshall stopped 24 shots in Saturday's shutout and made 22 saves for the win Friday night. Marshall lowered his GAA to a microscopic 0.81 through five starts so far this year. Should make for an interesting weekend when Penn State goes into Bird Arena next weekend for an early season battle between rival, top-10 teams. Up next: vs. #3 Penn State.
#7 West Chester vs. Rutgers, vs. William Paterson
West Chester played a pair of home games this past weekend, one on Friday and one on Sunday. After beating Rutgers 5-3 Friday night, the Golden Rams took Saturday off before coming back out and beating William Paterson 7-3 Sunday afternoon. West Chester, like Delaware and Penn State, is off to a 2-0 start and will look to improve to 5-0 with three games coming up this weekend. Up next: ACHA Showcase (vs. #14 Michigan-Dearborn, vs. Arizona State, vs. #5 Oklahoma).
#8 Iowa State vs. Indiana
Iowa State continued to roll through the early stages of the season, improving to 6-0 with two blowout wins over Indiana, 6-1 and 8-2. The Cyclones have now outscored their opponents by a combined score of 54-8 through six games, or an average of about 9-1. Although they have only played Missouri, Kansas and Indiana so far, the Cyclones will have their toughest test of the season when they go on the road to play the country's top-ranked team. Up next: @ #1 Lindenwood
#9 Liberty vs. #19 Penn State - Berks
Liberty has made a statement. After struggling to a 7-6 win over ACHA Division II Davenport on opening night three weeks ago, the Flames have won their last five games by a combined score of 60-12. The Flames destroyed Penn State - Berks, winning 15-1 Friday and 14-2 Saturday, marking four straight games in which Liberty has scored double-digit goals. Liberty doesn't face a top-10 team until #4 Delaware rolls into town November 13-14, and the Flames don't play a road game against a top-10 team until February. Who knows how many goals they'll have racked up by then? Up next: @ #11 Robert Morris (PA)
#10 Rhode Island vs. Navy
Rhode Island survived the weekend and remained undefeated after recording a pair of wins over Navy. The first one came rather easily Friday night when the Rams won 9-2, but Saturday was a different story. Although the Rams appeared well on their way to a second straight blowout after jumping out to a 5-0 lead, the Midshipmen stormed back, scoring four straight goals during the second and third periods. Navy couldn't manage to get the equalizer, though, and a late Rhode Island goal thwarted the comeback effort, as the Rams held on to win 6-4. Up next: ACHA Showcase (vs. Minot State, vs. #13 Kent State, vs. #12 Central Oklahoma).
That's how the top-10 teams fared this past weekend in the ACHA. Check back later in the week when I'll take a look ahead to this weekend's game and break down each game involving a top-10 team. Also, be sure to check back at the beginning of every week for your top-10 recap.
Oh, and don't forget to check back a little later tonight. After all, it's Tuesday, and that can only mean one thing -- another installment of Ten Question Tuesday.
Senior forward Jason Yeisley was today named a finalist for the Lowe's Senior CLASS award. The award honors senior student-athletes who excel in four categories -- classroom, character, community and competition.While he is currently leading the Penn State in goals (6) and points (16), Yeisley also has accumulated a 3.61 GPA in his management major.Yeisley is the only Big Ten soccer player (men or women) to be a finalist for the award, which will be announced during the College Cup in December.Fan voting for the award has begun, and will continue through Nov. 13. The fan vote will make up 1/3 of the final vote.
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For MAKE PLAYS' MLB playoff preview, we decided to gaze into our crystal balls to see what every one of the eight postseason teams would need to do to take home the World Series. Here, Mike discusses how the NL Wild Card Rockies could win their first ever title.
A star was born this Rocktober.
World, Ubaldo. Ubaldo, world.
The pitcher with the strange name became a household name as Ubaldo Jimenez set a postseason record with five wins as the Rockies won their first World Series title in franchise history by sweeping the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
In the clinching Game 4, Jimenez gave up one run on three hits through eight innings to lower his postseason ERA to 0.32.
The young righty began the postseason on the right foot, outdueling last year's World Series MVP Cole Hamels and setting the tone for the Rockies to win the series in four games.
Jimenez also won the clincher in the NLCS by shutting out the Los Angeles Dodgers. A sixth-inning Brad Hawpe home run was all Jimenez needed to pick up his third win of the postseason.
The World Series title caps an improbable turnaround for the Rockies, who had the second-worst record in the National League as of June, prompting the firing of manager Clint Hurdle. The team promoted Jim Tracy to manager, a move many credit to be the turning point of the season. Tracy insists this team had the talent to win all along.
Sitting ten feet from Tracy in the locker room was the longest-tenured Rockie, first baseman Todd Helton. Helton, whose power has declined over the years, channeled 2001 and slammed two homers in the World Series.
While his teammates jumped around in celebration, Helton could only sit at his locker and smile, comparing past Rockies pitchers to their current star in Jimenez.
For MAKE PLAYS' MLB playoff preview, we decided to gaze into our crystal balls to see what every one of the eight postseason teams would need to do to take home the World Series. Here, Gentile takes a look how the NL Central champion St. Louis Cardinals could win their second title in five seasons.
The sea of red in Busch Stadium erupted and fireworks lit up the St. Louis skyline as Albert Pujols barreled his way to the pitching mound and tackled and drove reliever Ryan Franklin to the grass in celebration.
Yes, the St. Louis Cardinals are World Champions once again.
Pujols smacked around Boston's pitching to the tune of three hits and four RBIs, Chris Carpenter pitched eight effective innings to earn his second win during the World Series and the St. Louis Cardinals celebrated their second title in five seasons Monday night after downing the Red Sox, 7-2.
Carpenter gave the Cardinals reason to believe during his incredible playoff run. The winner of the World Series MVP award carried the Cardinals to five wins during the '09 postseason, setting a new MLB record.
Carpenter came out of the gates blazing in Game 5 Monday, retiring the first 13 batters in order.
After fanning David Ortiz with a hard curve that eventually landed in the dirt in front of the plate, the frustrated batter snapped his bat over his knee and chucked the shards to the backstop.
But the Cardinals' best power hitter and NL MVP favorite Pujols found only success as he continued to add to the legacy of his incredible, young career during the '09 postseason. The slugger sent a 3-2 Daisuke Matsuzaka fastball over the deepest part of the center field wall at Busch Stadium to drive in the first three runs of the game in the first inning. With his next at bat in the fifth, Pujols drove in another run when he squeaked a line drive down the right field line for a double.
While Pujols ended his postseason batting .376 with 5 HR and 16 RBI, it was the Cardinals' ace Carpenter who carried the St. Louis team that entered the postseason in a slump after dropping six of its last seven games of the regular season. The 34-year-old righty pitched seven innings of two-run ball during game one of the Divisional Series against the Dodgers and then finished off Los Angeles with a complete-game shutout in game five.
Carpenter earned wins in both of the opening games of the Championship Series and the World Series, including eight innings of 1-run, five-hit ball against the Phillies in the NLCS opener.
Pujols ended the Phillies run for a second straight title when he launched a towering shot out of the confines of Busch Stadium when Brad Lidge left a fastball hanging in the zone during game six of the NLCS. It was Lidge's second blown save of the postseason.
Pitcher Adam Wainwright, who lead the NL in wins for the regular season, also earned four wins during the postseason for the World Champion Cardinals.
For MAKE PLAYS' MLB playoff preview, we decided to gaze into our crystal balls to see what every one of the eight postseason teams would need to do to take home the World Series. Here, Miniaci discusses how the NL West champion Dodgers could win the title.
After winning four World Series titles on the East Coast, Joe Torre finally brought one to the west and against a team used to opposing him.
The Los Angeles Dodgers took down the Boston Red Sox 3-2 in Game 5 to win their first World Series crown since 1981.
That timely hitting was produced by World Series MVP Andre Ethier, who clubbed the game-winning home run in the eighth inning Monday night.
Ethier and his .327 playoff batting average helped lead the Dodgers throughout the playoffs, as they beat the St. Louis Cardinals in four games before edging the Philadelphia Phillies in seven. Ethier -- who batted .362 in the Series with 11 RBIs -- also drove in teammate Matt Kemp on a double in the second inning to give the Dodgers an early lead.
But a Kevin Youkilis two-run single in the seventh quieted the Chavez Ravine crowd.
That was until Ethier stepped up with Russell Martin on first and sent a Hideki Okajima fastball into the left field bleachers.
Jonathan Broxton came in the bottom of the ninth and pitched a perfect inning, striking out former Dodger J.D. Drew to cap the win.
For MAKE PLAYS' MLB playoff preview, we decided to gaze into our crystal balls to see what every one of the eight postseason teams would need to do to take home the World Series. Here, Dan discusses how the NL East champion Phillies could win their second straight title.
For the first time in nearly a decade, the Commissioner's Trophy will not move cities following the World Series.
The Philadelphia Phillies became the first team since the 1999-2000 New York Yankees to repeat as champions after finishing off the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in Game 6 Wednesday night at Angel Stadium.
World Series MVP Ryan Howard blasted his third World Series home run in the top of the sixth inning to put the Phillies ahead for good. His eight postseason home runs ties him with Barry Bonds and Carlos Beltran for the most all-time in a single playoffs.
Philadelphia rode the long ball to its second straight and third overall championship. Chase Utley's two-run homer in the 10th inning of Game 7 of the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers regained the lead after a blown save by Brad Lidge. In the NLDS against the Colorado Rockies, Jayson Werth belted home runs in Games 2 and 3 en route to a 3-0 sweep.
While last year's championship team was fueled by shutdown relief pitching, this year's staff relied on its starters. Led by 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels, 2008 Cy Young winner Cliff Lee and rookie sensation J.A. Happ, the Phillies' starters made it at through the sixth inning all but twice in 16 games. Righties Joe Blanton and veteran Pedro Martinez added valuable innings to a predominantly left-handed staff.
Lions' outside hitter Arielle Wilson was named Big Ten Player of the Week earlier today. It is her sixth time winning the award.
Wilson had 21 kills over the weekend for an average of three kills per set.
She hit at a .472 clip and led the team with 14 blocks.
Wilson has been a force for the Lions this season. She leads the Big Ten in hitting percentage (.575) and blocks per set (1.49)
The new AVCA Coaches Top 25 Poll comes out later today. It will be interesting to see how the voters react to the Lion's dropped set to Iowa Friday night.
1. Why do the Steelers insist on wearing these God-awful uniforms? I don't even know what else to put here. As if everyone else not from Pittsburgh needed another reason to hate these guys. Very menacing.
2. The Rams have scored three offensive touchdowns this season. The 49ers scored three defensive touchdowns against the Rams Sunday. St. Louis hasn't come close to resembling an actual team yet this season. We could see back-to-back seasons with an 0-16 team.
3. The Titans were 10-0 through 11 weeks last year. This year they're 0-4. Kerry Collins had to throw 48 times Sunday and Chris Johnson was limited to just 16 carries. That isn't how this team started perfect and won home field advantage in the AFC last season. Then again, it's hard to justify running the ball when your defense gives up 27 points in the first half.
4. Princess the camel picked the Saints over the Jets this week. She's 3-1 now, turning the heads of no one. Really, I mean, it's a camel eating graham crackers. I like my football without nonsense, thank you.
5. JaMarcus Russell went 12-for-33 for 128 yards Sunday. This guy could have gone 12-for-33 for 128 yards Sunday. Darren McFadden carried the ball six times for -3 yards Sunday. This guy could have carried the ball six times for -3 yards Sunday (that's Andre Smith, by the way, who does not play running back in Cincinnati). Meanwhile, Randy Moss caught what ended up being the game-winning TD and Derrick Burgess recorded four tackles in New England. Oakland really is a black hole for talent.
Give credit to Rorabaugh. He successfully picked the Lions to snap their losing streak, and his 14-2 week makes him our leader on the year at 36-12. Gentile (35-13) could be tied with him, but he forgot to pick the Sunday night game and we're forced to notch one up in the loss column. Way to go. Anyways, we were a collective 66-30 last week, bringing our total on the year to 189-99 (65 percent). Better than Oplinger's chances of finding a girlfriend (20 percent), but not we're still not as likely to pick winners as Miniaci is to miss a layup (95 percent). And the picks are in....
Clark (30-18): Bears over Lions, Bengals over Browns, Texans over Raiders, Colts over Seahawks, Jaguars over Titans, Giants over Chiefs, Ravens over Patriots, Bucs over Redskins (Can I pick them both to lose?), Bills over Dolphins, Saints over Jets, Cowboys over Broncos (turns out the Donkeys aren't that good), 49ers over Rams, Steelers over Chargers, Vikings over Packers (Farve will show up big)
Miniaci (28-20): Bears over Lions, Bengals over Browns, Texans over Raiders, Colts over Seahawks, Titans over Jaguars, Giants over Chiefs, Patriots over Ravens, Redskins over Bucs, Bills over Dolphins, Saints over Jets, Cowboys over Broncos, 49ers over Rams, Steelers over Chargers, Vikings over Packers
Rorabaugh (36-12): Bears over Lions, Bengals over Browns, Texans over Raiders, Colts over Seahawks, Titans over Jaguars, Giants over Chiefs, Ravens over Patriots, Redskins over Bucs, Saints over Jets, Broncos over Cowboys, Niners over Rams, Steelers over Chargers, Packers over Vikings
Rung (27-21): Bears over Lions, Browns over Bengals, Texans over Raiders, Colts over Seahawks, Jaguars over Titans, Giants over Chiefs, Ravens over Patriots, Redskins over Buccaneers, Dolphins over Bills, Jets over Saints, Broncos over Cowboys, 49ersover Rams, Chargers over Steelers, Packers over Vikings
Oplinger (29-19): Bears over Lions, Bengals over Browns, Raiders over Texans, Colts over Seahaks, Titans over Jaguars, Giants over Chiefs, Ravens over Patriots, Bucs over Redskins, Bills over Dolphins, Saints over Jets, Cowboys over Broncos, 49ers over Rams, Steelers over Chargers, Vikings over Packers
The third set opened with Glass serving for the Lions. she started a rally that ended with a Balza block and 1-0 lead for the Lions.
A Hodge kill put the Lions out in front 5-2. The slow starts that plagued the Lions in the first two sets didn't seem to have an affect early on in the third.
Wisconsin went on a run of its own and tied the game at 8 after a service ace.
Four points later, the Lions tied the match at 10 after a Wisconsin service error.
A block by Dorton and Balza followed by a Dorton kill out the Lions up 12-10. Balza posted six blocks up to that point, making the most of her start after not playing much last night.
Blair Brown was blocked twice but would not be denied a third time a she got a kill off the defenders finger tips and gave the Lions a 15-11 lead, prompting Wisconsin to call a timeout.
Two hitting errors by the Lions shrunk the lead to three at 17-14.
Wisconsin called another timeout with the Lions leading 21-15.
Hodge served off the kill and Wisconsin got the point after Dorton blocked a kill out of bounds.
A Dorton kill gave the Lions a 23-16 lead.
The Lions won the third set 25- 16 and extended the win streak to 80 matches.
-Bill ***
Second Set
The recurring theme this weekend has been slow starts to sets. The Lions once again got off to a slow start in the second tonight.
Blair Brown has given the Lions most of their offense -- she now has six kills with the score in the second set tied at 6.
Despite the Lions' dominance in hitting, they have made several service and return errors that have stopped them from pulling away. After another Blair Brown kill, the Lions led 13-12.
Interesting note. Last night Russ Rose elected to start Katie Kabbes over Fatima Balza. He started Balza tonight, and the junior college transfer has barely even seen the bench. She has only two kills, but have several key blocks and is providing the team with energy.
The Lions used a 3-0 run to take a 17-14 lead, and the Badgers were forced to call their first timeout.
One of the storylines in tonight's match has been the passing of Alyssa D'Errico. On several occasions she has gone 10 or 20 feet behind the back line to not only save the ball, but set up a hitter almost perfectly.
With the score 22-17 Wisconsin took another timeout, but couldn't stop the Lions' roll, as they took the second set 25-20.
Here is Wild Bill Landis for set 3.
-AJC
***
First Set
The Lions came out flat in the beginning of the first set and trailed the Badgers 9-7 after the first 16 points were settled.
Blair Brown and Megan Hodge carried the offensive load early tallying four kills and 2 kills respectively.
A service ace by Arielle Wilson tied the game at 11.
After a hitting error by Wisconsin, the Lions took a 14-13 lead, only to give a point right back to the Badgers and tie the game at 14.
A big block by Wilson and Brown gave the Lions a two point lead at 16-14.
Wisconsin called a timeout with the score 17-14 PSU.
Out of the timeout Brown set up Hodge for the kill and gave the Lions a four point lead.
Alisha Glass faked a set and sent the ball over the net to an unprepared Badger defense and got the Lions 21st point of the game and increased the lead to 21-17.
After a nice rally, Dorton and Wilson got the block to give the Lions a 23-17 lead.
Dorton got the kill to win the first set 25-18. The Lions lead the match 1-0.
AJ will bring you action from the second set.
-Bill
***
Pregame
Hey folks, it's AJ coming to you live from atop the Rec Hall gym, where tonight the Nittany Lions look to extend their win-streak to 80 against the Wisconsin Badgers.
For the first time in the last two seasons the Lions dropped a game last night during their three games to one victory over Iowa. In the post-game press conferences, the Lions were not happy. Just a testament to how good this team has been: They won a Big Ten match against a formidable opponent, but instead of celebrating, they hung their heads as they entered the locker room simply because the dropped a set in which their opponent played incredibly, 26-24.
The Lions just raised their 2008 national title banner in front of a crowd donning pink for breast cancer awareness. The building is pretty full for the Lions' second conference home match, and most of the fans gave the Lions a standing ovation for their 38-0 national championship season.
The game will get underway shortly.
Here is the Penn State starting lineup:
Alyssa D'Errico Megan Hodge Darcy Dorton Fatima Balza Arielle Wilson Alisha Glass Blair Brown Comments
The Icers lost. No wait, they won. Better yet, let's go to overtime!
Confused?
Welcome to the mindset of every person in attendance at tonight's season-opening Penn State Icers game.
With the score tied at 3 in the waning seconds, a Towson penalty gave the Icers a late powerplay.
However, moments after the ensuing faceoff, Towson grabbed control of the puck and rushed ahead on a breakaway, leaving everyone behind -- including the officials.
As the puck slid past Teddy Hume into the back of the net, the closest official was at the center ice line with no view of the puck apparently.
After clearly hitting the back of the net and bouncing out, none of the refs blew their whistles or signaled a goal as Towson began to celebrate and its bench erupted.
Tim O'Brien, after slamming his stick against the glass in frustration, grabbed the loose puck -- in response to his coaches' screams to keep playing -- and put it in Towson's net as they all celebrated by the bench.
The officials all came together as Towson's coaches shouted in their direction, part in disbelief, part in anger. The official ruling came back that the puck hit the post and did not go in, but since the scoreboard operator stopped the clock, play stopped, as well (meaning Penn State's "goal" didn't count either).
After clearing up that situation, the last 12 seconds of regulation was uneventful before Penn State freshman George Saad ended the game early in overtime, leaving Towson wondering what had just happened.
Teddy Hume's response to being asked whether the puck went in the net or not? A smile, followed by, "No answer."
Steve Thurston wasn't so shy about answering the question. He said it was obvious the puck went in the net and has no idea how the officials missed it.
So did the puck go in the net or bounce off the post? Well, let's put it this way: There was no "ping" noise, Hume hung his head immediately after the puck got by him, O'Brien swung his stick like a baseball bat into the boards and every Tiger thought they had just won the game.
So even though both teams seemed to have scored four goals tonight, Penn State gets the one that counts and skates away with the victory, 4-3.
The fourth and final set of the match between the Lions and the Hawkeyes started out much like the third set left off. After 12 points, the two teams were tied at six. However, the Lions began to pull away to take the set, and the match, with a final set score of 25-18.
The Lions had 15 total kills in this set and increased their hitting percentage to .481 compared to the dismal .132 they hit in the third set.
Darcy Dorton seemed to lead her team through the emotional rollercoaster, jumping up and down on the sidelines as well as cheering her teammates on for everything they did when she was out on the court with them.
With the win, the Lions continue through their conference season undefeated, standing at 15-0.
Penn State will contine Big Ten play tomorrow when they go up against Wisconsin at 7 p.m.
***
Quilico served for the Lions to start the third set and started a nice rally that ended with a kill by Hodge. The Lions took the first point of the set.
Fatima Balza got a kill in her first action of the night to tie the set at 2.
The Lions and Hawkeyes went back and forth to start the set, and after 14 points were settled the score was tied at 7.
Blair Brown seemed to be fully recovered from an ankle injury she suffered two weeks ago as she sprinted back towards the pep band to save the ball. She then ran back to her position and dove to try to keep the ball in again.
The Lions demonstrated a lot of hustle. Alisha Glass went to the floor for a dig and on the returning hit from Iowa, Brown and Wilson rose above the net for the block. Penn State took a 14-10 lead.
The Hawkeyes went on a run and tied the game at 19-19 on a hitting error by Blair Brown prompting Lions' coach Russ Rosee to call a timeout.
After being blocked, Megan Hodge got the ball back on a dig from D'Errico and provided a kill to give the Lions a 22-21 lead.
A service ace by the Hawkeyes tied the game again at 23 and brought the crowd to life in Rec Hall. Iowa tied the game at 24 after the Lions hit the ball of the antenna.
Iowa won the third set 26-24 after Hodge sent a kill out of bounds.
The last time the Lions lost a set in the regular season was Nov. 19, 2007. It's been a while.
Rose seems pretty into his speech in the huddle right now.
-Bill
***
The second set of the evening got off to a tight start, with the first eight points resulting in a 4-4 tie. Penn State began to pull away from Iowa after that with back-to-back kills from freshman outside hitter Darcy Dorton.
Iowa shut down after its early attack, quickly dropping the second set by 25-10.
Megan Hodge continued to show her dominance on the offensive attack, racking up multiple kills and using her big presence at the net to record several blocks as well.
The Nittany Lions' efforts were supported throughout the match by three enthusiastic fans donning afros and snazzy outfits, holding a huge banner that read: "Da Rose Bros: Got Rings? He does!"
-Jocelyn
***
The Nittany Lions struggled early, but once Arielle Wilson took charge, the Lions had little trouble taking the first set of tonight's match against Iowa, 25-16. Wilson dominated the set early with back to back blocks followed by back to back kills two points later, putting the Lions up 6-5.
The highlight of the first game came with the score 10-6 Penn State. Junior libero Alyssa D'Errico made a diving dig, popping it up to setter Alisha Glass. Glass didn't set like she had the previous few points, however. She gave Wilson a low pass, and before the Iowa outside hitter could even jump for a block, the ball was on the floor for another Wilson kill.
Wilson, the junior outside hitter finished the game with six kills and four blocks and was essential to an early Lions run that separated them from the Hawkeyes.
The set began with the Lions raising their 12th Big Ten banner, and sixth in a row. 2008 all-Americans Christa Harmotto and Nicole Fawcett, who graduated last spring, were on hand for the ceremony.
With opening faceoff 24 hours away, your Collegian Icers writers have put together their thoughts on a few different aspects of the upcoming season. This year seems to be one of the more unpredictable seasons we've seen in awhile. With 13 new players overall, 11 freshmen, and no Nick Signet or Luke DeLorenzo, how will this team fare? Sure, the other 18 returning players have proven they have an incredible amount of talent, Teddy Hume has proven he can win games in net (24-3-1 in the last two seasons) and Tim O'Brien can put up plenty of goals. But will all that be enough?
Let's take a closer look.
Player to Watch:
Copain - G Teddy Hume
For the most part during pre-season practice, Icers coach Scott Balboni has said Teddy was his guy right now. With a mostly young and inexperienced defense, the new starting goaltender might have to stand on his head early in the season while the defense gels. If he can handle the workload of being the starter, and if he can steal a couple of games in October and November, it will go a long way toward building this team's confidence and making them a contender in March.
Kinslow - D Steve Thurston
Possibly going a little off the board with this choice but with replacing so many defensemen from last year, the young guys are going to need to get some help and guidance from an experienced member on the team and I'm looking at Thurston to fill that role. Thurston had a very solid season last year and if he can rally the young defensemen around him in the early part of the season, it will go a long way to helping the Icers achieve their long term goals.
Casella - F Taylor Cera
So many guys could fit into this category on this team. We could watch Steve Thurston and John Conte try to lead the young defensemen, Teddy Hume try to establish himself as an everyday No. 1 goaltender or any number of the 11 freshmen. We could watch for speedster Chris Pronchik, but it would be too much work trying to keep up with him on the ice.. We could watch for walk-on Brian Dolan to see how he does. But I went with Cera. At 6'2", 215 pounds, Cera isn't the typical forward. After seeing a decrease in playing time in the middle of last year for not using that body to his advantage, Cera came back near the end of the year with a vengeance. On a team looking to replace the loss of so many players, Cera has a chance to turn a lot of heads with his versatility and size.
Freshman to Watch:
Copain - the Freshmen defenders
I know it seems like a cop-out, and I could've very easily gone with Eric Steinour after his three-point performance in the Blue-White scrimmage, but the key to the Icers in 2009-10 will be the play of the defense. Balboni is already expecting there will be some growing
pains early in the year, and last Friday night showed there is still a good amount of work to be done. But if the young defensemen can mesh and improve by January and February, it could lay the groundwork for a possible championship run and set a foundation for the years to come.
Kinslow - D Ryan Erbe
Erbe was one of the few freshmen to actually see playing time with the veterans during last Friday's Blue-White scrimmage and is going to play a major role in the young defense as Copain pointed out. Erbe will need to stand his ground as a player in the early-going and help eat up some valuable minutes so the Icers have an idea of where they are going with their young guys.
Casella - F George Saad and F Dominic Morrone
This is a tough one because all we have to go off really is the Blue-White game and a few practices. While the Tom's both went with a defenseman (or defensemEn in Copain's case), I'm going to swing over to the offensive side. Sure, the Icers need their freshmen to step up defensively and fill a lot of holes, but they also need some contributions to the offense. Offensively the team still has a lot of stars (Kirstein, O'Brien, Polidor, Paradis, Cerutti, Daley, Pronchik, etc.), which presents the perfect opportunity for a freshman to step up and fly under the radar. With other teams focusing on the speed and talent of the returning players from last year, guys like Saad and Morrone will have a good chance for a breakout season.
Team MVP:
Copain - F Tim O'Brien
It may be an obvious choice, but with Luke DeLorenzo graduating, O'Brien now becomes the offensive focus. Not only is he the top offensive option for the Icers, he'll also be the the main focus of opposing defenses. O'Brien was able to lead the team in scoring last season and that was with an injured wrist a good chunk of the year. Imagine the kind of offense he can produce with a healthy wrist.
Kinslow - F Matt Kirstein
Again trying to stray away from the obvious, Kirstein had a breakout season last year, scoring 17 goals and registering 25 assists. If Kirstein can improve on those numbers in his senior season, he's poised to have a monster year for Penn State and can really help bolster the scoring attack with O'Brien.
Casella - D Steve Thurston
Last year, Thurston was second on the team with a +37 +/- rating, behind only now-graduated defenseman Craig Brooks. Not only was Thurston a force on a senior-laden defensive unit, but he became a threat offensively, as well, scoring 17 goals and dishing out 18 assists. Matt Kirstein and Tim O'Brien are the only returning Icers who had more points last year than Thurston. Thurston also became an integral part of the team's power-play unit by the end of last season. On top of maintaining his defensive prowess and contributing offensively and on the power-play, Thurston will have the added responsibility this year of being a captain and working with Conte to get the young defensemen playing together at a high level. If he pulls all that off, how could he not be this team's MVP?
Games to Watch:
Copain - Oct 10-11 at Ohio, Oct 16-17 vs./@ West Chester
It's really early in the season, but four straight games against the No. 6 and No. 7 teams in the country respectively after this weekend will be a good measuring stick for where this team is right now and how much farther they have to go to be where they want to be. Illinois is not on the schedule and the games with No. 4 Delaware might be bigger, but we'll find out a lot about these Icers during this four-game stretch.
Kinslow - Oct 9-10 at Ohio
Nothing tests the character of a young team better than two road games against a top-10 team and the Icers will get it next weekend against Ohio. Balboni marked this as one of the tougher road trips they take all season and they'll have to do it with a bit of inexperience at key positions. If the Icers are able to win on this road trip, it'll go a long way toward giving the team some confidence and momentum throughout the season.
Casella - Oct 23 vs. Drexel
Before you call me crazy and stop taking everything I say for the rest of the year seriously, please just hear me out. No, this isn't about revenge, even though Drexel beat Penn State for the first time ever last year ruining the Icers' 21-0-0 record against the Dragons. It's about a milestone. Coach Scott Balboni currently has 95 career wins in his three seasons as the Icers' head coach and this is game No. 7 on the season. With four tough games against Ohio and West Chester on consecutive weekends, it's possible the Icers will start the season with four wins in their first six games, setting Balboni up for career win No. 100 in front of the home crowd against the Dragons.
Aside from the milestone, games to watch: Jan 29-30 at Delaware
This late-season matchup could determine the regular season ESCHL League Champion. The Icers have won it back-to-back years, but with Penn State and Delaware coming into the season ranked No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, this matchup looks like it could be very interesting come January.
Overall Regular Season Record:
Copain - 29-6
Just because of the inexperience on the blueline, the Icers might have some problems early in the season, especially with four of their first six games against top-10 teams. But by December and January, possibly sooner, Balboni will have this unit running where it normally is and they'll be in the hunt, once again, for a ACHA National Championship.
Kinslow - 28-7
Some growing pains are to be expected with so many young players filling so many important roles early on in the season, not to mention with the schedule up front as Copain mentioned. But this team is too talented and too well-coached to let it slip for too long. Expect the Icers to be in the mix for a national championship when it's all said and done.
Casella - 28-6-1
It looks like we all have the Icers winning about the same amount of games this year, but we all came up with our predictions separately. With so many games against ACHA powerhouses on their schedule and so many young players, the Icers are bound to hit a rough patch or two. Especially when you account for injuries, which are inevitable in the game of hockey. Late in the year, the Icers have a four-weekend stretch in which they play Ohio, West Chester, Delaware and Rhode Island. Sure, it will be a great primer for the postseason, but somewhere along the way I think those four teams will give the Icers a few losses, toss in one of them being in overtime, and you get a 28-6-1 record with a push deep into the ACHA National Tournament.
Additional Notes:
The hardest category to pick for me, personally (Casella), was the "Player to Watch." That category really comes down to what you want to watch for, so I'm going to elaborate on my answer a little bit. Obviously, as Copain pointed out, the play of Hume in net will be a huge factor in the team's success. If you're looking for goal scoring, watch O'Brien. Consistency and well-rounded? Kirstein. Speed and flash? Pronchik is your guy. Under-the-radar solid defender game-in, game-out? Conte. And I think Chris Cerutti will really be a fun guy to watch this year. After posting 13 goals and 12 assists in just 26 games last year, Cerutti figures to be a much bigger part of the offense (for a much bigger part of) this season. Oh, and anytime Polidor, Daley and Kirstein are on the ice, get ready for some bone-crushing hits. Don't let the position names fool you, these three forwards will likely deliver the biggest hits you'll see all year.
Regardless of how many games you think this team will win or who will be this year's standout players, there is no doubt there are a lot of questions surrounding this team.
And, tomorrow, we start to figure out some answers.
With the season about to get started and coverage of the team picking up, we'd love to hear from you, the fans.
Whether it's a response to a game or one of our stories, a question you might have about the team or us, anything really. E-mail one of the three of us, and we'd be more than happy to throw your comment or question right up here on the blog and respond to it.
After all, this coverage is to make sure the public has as much information as possible, so if there's a question or something you'd like to know more about, let us know and we'll do our best to fill you in.
Monahan wrote a great feature this week about Corey Hertzog's unpredictable nature on and off the field. We talked to Hertzog, as well as his roommate this year, John Gallagher, and his roommate last year, Patrick Krispin, to see what they had to say on the matter.
John Gallagher talks about Corey Hertzog's eating habits:
The men's soccer team will no doubt look to get some kind of unexpected play from Hertzog when they take on Michigan State on the Big Ten Network on Sunday.
Comments
As the Icers get ready to open their season against Towson Friday night, let's take a quick look at the recent history between these two teams.
This matchup was a staple in Penn State's schedule from 2000-2006, but Friday will mark the first time the teams have met since January 21, 2006.
Also, this is the first time the Icers will take on the Tigers under head coach Scott Balboni, who took over at the start of the 2006-07 season.
To say this series has been one-sided since 2000 would be a bit of an understatement, although the Tigers did manage a 5-5 tie back in 2001.
Keep in mind, however, both teams have completely different rosters this year than they had back in 2006. As a matter of fact, Steve Thurston is the only current Icer who was even on the 2005-06 team.
But just for fun, here's how the 13 games between Penn State and Towson since the 2000-01 season have played out:
DateSite Result
10-21-00 AwayW: 5-1
1-10-01 Home T: 5-5
11-2-01 Home W: 6-0
11-3-01 Away W: 8-2
11-1-02 HomeW: 8-3
11-2-02 AwayW: 10-2
10-31-03 Home W: 14-1
11-1-03 Away W: 8-3
3-23-04 Neutral W: 10-1 **
10-9-04 AwayW: 6-2
1-22-05 HomeW: 5-4
1-20-06 Away W: 11-2
1-21-06 HomeW: 10-2
** - Game was played in the first round of the 2004 ACHA National Tournament in Ames, Iowa.
So as you can see, Towson has not had much success against the Penn State Icers in the past decade. With a record of 12-0-1 against the Tigers, Penn State has outscored Towson 106-28 in those 13 meetings. That's an average score per game of about 8-2.
But before you make your predictions and go handing this one to Penn State in a blowout, don't forget the Drexel Dragons. Last year, Drexel came into the Greenberg Ice Pavilion and scored a last-second goal to beat the Icers for the first time in the history of the program, ruining the Icers' perfect 21-0-0 record against the Dragons.
And with the last meeting between Penn State and Towson coming over three years ago, both teams having new coaches since then and almost entirely different rosters, those games hold little, if any, meaning. But it's always interesting to have at least just a little background on the series.
