Yesterday the Yankees completed the inevitable, defeating the Twins to secure a spot in the ALCS. The Twins fought hard and Carl Pavano pitched an amazing game, but in the end it just wasn't enough. The Twins made a big baserunning mistake early (not their first of the series) and in the end their bullpen sort of fell apart. Congratulations to the Twins though, their last month of the season was exciting and they closed down the Metrodome with style.
The Angels finally exorcised their Red Sox demons by sweeping at Fenway Park in the most exciting way imaginable. Down 5-1 going into the 8th inning, they scored 2 runs in the 8th and 3 in the 9th to comeback against Jonathan Papelbon. Papelbon came into the game with 2 outs in the 8th and the bases loaded and allowed a two run single by Juan Rivera. The Red Sox scored an additional run in the 8th to give them a two run lead and it appeared they had the game in the bag. Papelbon retired the first two batters in the 9th before imploding. A single, a walk, and a double by Bobby Abreu later, the Angels were back within 1 run. With runners on 2nd and 3rd and two outs, the Red Sox elected to intentionally walk Torii Hunter to get to Vladimir Guerrero. It was a curious move that backfired when Vlad lined a single right up the middle for a base hit. Figgins and Abreu scored and the Angels went ahead 7-6. Brian Fuentes recorded an easy 1-2-3 inning in the 9th to end the game and the Red Sox postseason run.
The Yankees and Angels will meet in the ALCS beginning on Friday at Yankee Stadium.
With the ALCS set, the Dodgers are still waiting to see who they will play on Thursday. The Phillies took one step closer to ensuring a rematch of the 2008 NLCS with their victory over the Rockies last night. The game last night was back and forth until the Phillies went on top to stay in the 9th inning thanks to a little help from the umpires. Brad Lidge did what he's been so unable to do so many times this year and retired the Rockies in the bottom of the 9th to complete the save and put the Phillies up 2-1 in the series.
The Rockies and Phillies meet again tonight at 6:07 PM EDT with a rematch of game one pitchers Cliff Lee and Ubaldo Jiminez. Lee dominated the Rockies his last time out and if he can be half as effective tonight my money is on this being the last game in the 2009 division series.