"A New York Treasure" --Village Voice

Thumbs Down Emoji

When my cousin texted on Monday asking if I wanted to go to Game 4 with him and his wife it didn’t take long to respond—Yes! They live in Houston, season ticket holders for the Texans, and are the kind of dedicated sports fans who love rooting their teams on but don’t lose sleep when they lose. They wore Astros hats and orange jackets last night while I sported a crumbling El Duque Yankee T-shirt over a long sleeve shirt just so I wasn’t associated too closely with the enemy.

Scorecard in my lap.

Funny how games are always harder to follow when you are there. There was that strange sequence of events with Aaron Judge in the fourth—and later, was that fan interference on his double, and if so what did that mean? We didn’t have TV screens near us so it was all unclear. All we could tell was that there was some low comedy—a ground ball slowly rolling up the third baseline, sure to stay fair, that kicked foul at just the last minute and was snatched by Todd Frazier, and a pair of bumbling errors by Starlin Castro. Later on, of course, Chase Headley slipped on a banana peel rounding first and turned excitement into peril into relief when he recovered and reached second safely with a deft tag.

The Astros struck first with a bases clearing double after the Yanks had loaded them on a couple of walks and an error. They added another on Castro’s second Benny Hill move. And so my cousins were feeling good, their boys up 4-0.

Now, I am not an In-Your-Face kind of rooter. Not unless provoked I suppose. So it wasn’t as if there was any trash talking going on. But a rowdy Yankee crowd was quieted. It was the simmering quiet of angry New Yorkers.

And while we saw some other Astros fans they were not a noisy bunch.

Once Aaron Judge hit a moonshot to start the seventh, the crowd woke up, and you can say it didn’t relent until after the final out, well past the moment when the Yanks scored six unanswered runs to win the game and even the series. (Final Score: Yanks 6, Astros 4.)

All I know is that it was loud. The Stadium didn’t shake the way Yankee Stadium II did—where the thrill was mixed with terror—but it was impressive. I didn’t let out one yell, I stayed calm—jumping and clapping on the inside—didn’t want to be rude to my cousins. Instead I took great satisfaction looking out over the Stadium and seeing everyone stand and waves their arms and yell and scream. My cousins left with two outs in the 9th but I stayed and after the last out put my fist out to fans passing by, enjoying the hard thump of hearty congratulations.

I stayed and listened to Sinatra and everyone sing to Sinatra on repeat. I sung a little myself.

So many big at bats, but was most thrilled for Gary Sanchez and Judge for coming through in the heat of the moment.

Today gives that sombitch Keuchel who just owns the Yanks. He’s got a beatin’ coming to him one of these days. Hopefully, that time is now. Those Astros are bound to up jump the boogie and score a bunch of runs sometime soon, too. Let’s hope that ain’t today.

Never mind the shadows:

Let’s Go Yank-ees!

Categories:  1: Featured  Game Recap  Game Thread  Yankees

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237 comments

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1 Hank Waddles   ~  Oct 18, 2017 10:55 am

So awesome that you were there. Here's my quick story.

I'm sure the early start is great for all you folks in New York, but a 2:00pm start on the West Coast is less than ideal, especially since I don't work in a cubicle designed to hide internet feeds from prying eyes. I was teaching at 2:00, and while I'll admit to sneaking peaks at the score during down moments and between classes, I was pretty much in the dark for the first four or five innings.

I still wasn't free after school -- supervision duty in the tutoring center until 5:00. At least in the library I could sit and grade papers with the game on my phone sitting next to me. There's something surreal about watching a big play -- Guriel's bases loaded double -- in the complete silence of a school library.

I missed Judge's homer when a text from a friend at the game ("That didn't suck.") dropped my feed, but I watched Didi scamper around the bases with his triple, pumping my fist under the table in silent celebration.

But my battery was draining rapidly, falling into single digits, so I pocketed the game and closed down the library. By the time I was done and opened the MLB At Bat app, there were dots on second and third with no one out!

So how to balance a dying battery with a team that refused to die? Cross your fingers and hope for the best on both fronts. A few minutes later my daughter and I were sitting in the back seat of a Lyft on our way home, and the game was tied at four, the phone holding strong at 1%. Sanchez was at the plate with runners at first at third, and then the At Bat app started messing with my head:

In play, no outs.

No runs had been scored, according to the app, so for thirty seconds or so I sat there trying to imagine a scenario in which Sanchez could've put the ball in play without recording an out or plating a run. Just as my head was about to explode, the score clicked to 6-4 and there was Sanchez-shaped dot standing on second base. Silence in the back of the Lyft, bedlam in the Bronx and in my heart.

We got home in time for the last couple out of the eighth, then we watched Chapman dominate the ninth. I kinda love this team.

2 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 10:59 am

Wow, we get both Alex and Hank in one blog post!!!

AB, this is one of those games you're gonna be hearing about till you're an old man, and you'll say, "Yep, I was there."

3 Greg G   ~  Oct 18, 2017 11:28 am

I too was at work in LA. Thankfully, we had a big mailing project to do, and usually I am not assigned to help but we are short handed right now. I reserved the conference room and turned on the tv, and it took 20 minutes to figure out how to get the cable to work. Thankfully, I only missed the pre-game. A new co-worker just started working with our small department a few weeks ago, and today I found out he grew up in upstate NY and was a Yankee fan too. We stuffed envelopes and took in the game and at inning breaks went back to our offices to check emails.

When the Yanks were down 4-0, I used that old Torre line. Just try to knock in two runs and cut the lead in 1/2 and that was what they did.

For the 8th and 9th, since it was now past work hours, I went to our gym in the building and turned on the tv and it was just static, after 5 minutes, I found another tv, and Frazier was already on first. Such a great AB by Headley and it reminded me of the Indians game when Knoblauch argued an interference call in 1999 and that guy flopped down on the way home and made it anyway. Headley has handled his inconsistent playing time really well, and he has such a sad face, you want to root for the guy, just to get a smile on that pathetic mug.

Judge was amazing and Sanchez delivered with the double. Gregorious going for 3rd gave me agita n the 8th.

During the broadcast they were talking about how fans at the stadium should be told what is being reviewed. It probably looked like Judge was lucky to get back and be safe and then he lost his mind and tried to steal 2nd. He almost f'n made it too.

Keuchel is one bad mofo, but I kind of think the 2nd time pitching to a team in such a short time might favor the Yanks. Either way, Giles has to be shitting himself after the Bird dinger and last night's blown save.

Poor Sonny Gray. That dude has pitched over 21 innings in the postseason and gotten o run support.

Let's go Yang-keys!!! Clap, clap, clap clap clap.

Love you Al Bell!

4 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 12:16 pm

I am loving the 5:00 starts. I know it doesn't work out for everyone, though. One of the benefits of social media today is bringing the stadium experience into my house. Last night's highlights on the MLB channel show a bunch of fan videos from where they were sitting. I then saw one twitter video from a guy in the bleachers going crazy for the Yanks right after the final out. Lol.... And to hell with keuchel. Go Yankees!

5 Bronx Boy in NC   ~  Oct 18, 2017 1:18 pm

Funny how games are always harder to follow when you are there.

During the 1996 Jeffrey Maier game, there may have been no one farther from the play than we were – last row in the upper deck, backs against the concrete, just to the 3B side of home. We didn’t know what had happened until we were in the car later listening to the radio. Live, it was just a bunch of gestures and yelling.

All I know is that it was loud. The Stadium didn’t shake the way Yankee Stadium II did—where the thrill was mixed with terror—but it was impressive.

How I wish I could bottle that old feeling. For my kids, for anyone. Or just for me to relive. A full house in the playoffs and you catch those opening notes of Sandman? Yes, Virginia, a concrete building can sway. I try to tell people about it and I just start thousand-yard staring.

I know you were talking about the architecture itself, but I think the emotional power of a crowd is the real mixture of thrill and terror. One side of that coin is a cauldron of joy and glory in the Bronx, where the only thing that gets hurt is some meatball’s ERA. The other side is Nuremburg. It’s chilling to contemplate that those two feelings may have some function of the deep, caveman brain in common. Here’s to more of the good kind.

6 Hank Waddles   ~  Oct 18, 2017 2:07 pm

[5] There's been enough talk about informing fans of these decisions that I think we'll likely see a change for next season. It's crazy that the only people who don't what's going on are the people who paid to be there. Just have the crew chief get on a microphone and make an announcement whenever something crazy happens. "The runner rounded second, but did not properly retrace his steps over the bag on his way back to first." Now, on that Judge play it would probably be too much to explain the whole thing, that the Yankees were trying to have him steal the bag back, but the crowd needs some kind of information.

7 Bronx Boy in NC   ~  Oct 18, 2017 2:12 pm

[6] And the mikes on NFL field officials provide more than enough precedent for doing just that.

Or they could use a message typed on the video screen. The precedent for that is plenty old -- the light bulb that has always gone on next to "H" or "E."

Having an official type "Returned to 2B on fan interference" or "Kid from New Jersey got all up in Tony Tarasco's situation" :) would be only an extension of that.

8 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 3:56 pm

Whether or not the Yankees win the ALCS (and WS), it's been a fun team and a fun season. Right now I'm just enjoying all the gravy

9 cult of basebaal   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:06 pm

[1][3] I'm in your boat today. Yesterday, luckily, was also the Champions League match between Spurs and Real Madrid, and I'd scheduled a day off weeks ago.

I'll be ducking out as early as possible today.

GO YANKEES!!!

10 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:13 pm

nice to get the first out.

11 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:13 pm

Phew, says the wall.

12 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:14 pm

Leftover Salvatore's NY Pizza for lunch and starting the game at the office listening to the radio. I am a creature of habit, not simply superstitious.

Let's get 'em Yanks.

13 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:15 pm

nice play by Bird

14 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:16 pm

I. otoh, am simply superstitious

15 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:16 pm

Oy

16 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:17 pm

Ugh. That was a gimme grounder. Dammit, Todd!

17 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:17 pm

OK, no harm, no foul.

18 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:17 pm

nice make up Todd

19 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:18 pm

The only thing better than 3 quick outs is 4 quick outs.

20 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:19 pm

Line one through keuchel’s beard. Shake him up!

21 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:22 pm

Ways to deal with Keuchel:

* Bunt for a hit
* Steal bases when we do get on
* Walks
* Lean into pitches
* Get someone to pick a fight with him and get him tossed ala Gabe Kaplan ;)

22 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:26 pm

not happy with K K Keuchel 1st.

23 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:35 pm

Tanakasan

24 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:35 pm

Well done, Tanaka!

25 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:36 pm

H.U.G.E!

26 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:36 pm

Great pitching! I hope we can get some runs now.

27 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:40 pm

need to drive up the pitch count

28 51cq24   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:41 pm

what are they seeing that they keep swinging at these pitches way out of the zone? they just saw this guy 5 days ago, come on

29 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:42 pm

nice shot Starlin

30 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:44 pm

Bird!

31 mhoward120   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:44 pm

Bird bird bird...Bird is the word

32 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:45 pm

Word to Big Bird! 2 out ribeye is a ticket to happiness.

33 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:45 pm

where can I get a thumbs down emoji?

34 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:45 pm

The funny thing, in ancient Rome a down thumbs was the signal to save the gladiator. Thumbs up meant killing him.

35 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:46 pm

Bird is the word! Let's get another.

36 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:46 pm

Just getting into my morning coffee and cookie when Bird gets clutchy clutch!
Used to watching games in the AM now, at first was strange but now it’s great.

37 51cq24   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:48 pm

isn't there a law passed a few years ago saying commercials can't be louder than the actual programming? what happened to that? some of these commercials are like 3x louder than the game.

38 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:52 pm

Jazz Jr asked me my favorite Yankee ever...how do you choose? Guess it’s always the guys from your youth, for me Reggie, Donnie Baseball, and Mariano will always be the holy trinity..

39 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:53 pm

Um, it's your call Hicks.

40 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:54 pm

Castro, not helping

41 mhoward120   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:55 pm

Every boy is entitled to one childhood hero whom he can love regardless of flaws.
To me, that was the Mick.

42 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:55 pm

Hicks quit on that. Shit.

43 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:57 pm

Clever pitch and catch.

44 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 4:58 pm

This little shit is due.

45 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:00 pm

Just not now. Huzzah!

46 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:00 pm

Tanakasan again.

47 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:00 pm

Yes

48 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:01 pm

Whew. I don't know how lucky we can continue to be, but I like it.

49 51cq24   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:02 pm

i think that was castro's mistake. hicks probably couldn't get it, castro could but he backed off hoping hicks would make an easier catch. anyway, no harm no foul, but castro is really looking bad in the field

50 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:02 pm

tough to name a single fav. The Mick, Yogi, Mo and DJ on Mt. Rushmore of guys I've watched.

51 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:05 pm

Atta boy, Chase! Bunt time for Brett?

52 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:06 pm

Grrrr.....

53 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:07 pm

Donnie Baseball.

54 iyasu   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:08 pm

Yes!

55 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:09 pm

Judge rules in favor of another Yankees run!

56 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:09 pm

That’s the worst fucking camera work. Christ! Atta boy, Judge!

57 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:12 pm

Terrible ab for Gary. Yuck.

58 51cq24   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:13 pm

christ alive, gary. what the fuck?

59 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:15 pm

Sigh.

60 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:15 pm

another run, thank you.

61 mhoward120   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:15 pm

Anyone wanna kidnap Kate Upton tomw to really fuck up Verlander?
On the other hand, anyone NOT wanna kidnap Kate at any time?

62 iyasu   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:22 pm

What a pitch.

63 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:24 pm

Beautiful!

64 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:24 pm

tanakasan again!

65 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:27 pm

More runs, please.

66 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:31 pm

I’m so sick of watching this bearded asshole pitch!

67 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:32 pm

Fuck you, blue. Not even close.

68 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:32 pm

Way way outside.

69 iyasu   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:33 pm

An ump-has-early-dinner-plans K.

70 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:35 pm

Bottom third. No drama!

71 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:39 pm

The 8 and 9 batter ffs!

72 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:42 pm

I don’t understand why we are pitching around McCann

73 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:43 pm

I said, no drama!

74 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:44 pm

Paint it black!

75 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:45 pm

nice time for a k!

76 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:46 pm

Catch it, Gary. That was strike 3 to Bird ffs!

77 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:47 pm

Beauty!

Hiroic!!!

78 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:47 pm

Phew!!

79 iyasu   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:47 pm

Pumped!

80 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:48 pm

Hell yeah!

81 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:48 pm

Hot Fucking Damn, Tanaka! Buck wasn’t very excited. Douche.

82 51cq24   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:50 pm

really nice pitching on both sides. they must be so frustrated

83 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:51 pm

Hit the weight room, Todd!

84 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:51 pm

Good knock, Todd.
They're warming up relievers, that's good.

85 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:51 pm

tuff shot on Sanchez. great K. love Tanaka's emotion. think he wants more time in pinstripes

86 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:52 pm

I accept that error!

87 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:53 pm

I'll take that E5. Now cash him in

88 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:53 pm

make em pay for that mistake!

89 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:53 pm

Chase!

90 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:53 pm

Man, Smoltz makes a lot of excuses.

91 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:54 pm

like a 10 pitch AB for gardy

92 Bronx Boy in NC   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:54 pm

I know how the rules work, but that's an E3 in my book. Speaking as a longtime 3.

93 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:55 pm

[85] Yeah, Sanchez takes one square in the face. I mean it was frightening, and the Fox Fucks did even acknowledge it. WTF!

Dead horse, I know, but...

94 Bronx Boy in NC   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:56 pm

Foul off 10

95 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:56 pm

they have to walk the judge

96 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:57 pm

Brett has hit the ball 60 feet 3 different times.

97 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:58 pm

What’s the origin of ‘pull the string’ for a change up?

98 Bronx Boy in NC   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:59 pm

What's that chant?

99 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 5:59 pm

Please don’t whiff on ball 4.

100 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:00 pm

I accept the walk.

Show/Hide Comments 101-200
101 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:00 pm

better than an IW... pitch count climbing

102 Bronx Boy in NC   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:00 pm

Someone has spent time with him on working the strike zone.

103 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:00 pm

[97] Not sure, but I always pictured a yo-yo.

104 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:01 pm

Huge AB here...don’t chase Gary!

105 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:01 pm

SANCHIZE!

106 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:02 pm

Bam! Hit it too hard for Judge to score though!

107 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:02 pm

The Sanchize Cometh!

108 Bronx Boy in NC   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:02 pm

Bop on the noggin was just what he needed

109 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:02 pm

The sheriff!

110 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:02 pm

Gary!

111 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:02 pm

Boom!!!!!

[103] makes sense!

112 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:03 pm

That was funny

113 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:04 pm

Oh my god, just missed a double. Just missed!

114 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:04 pm

[98] Generic Stadium chant. Happens all over the country.

115 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:06 pm

C’’mon, Didi! Find a gap!

116 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:06 pm

Yes! Didi did it again!

117 Bronx Boy in NC   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:06 pm

Didi!!

Wait, isn't Altuve infallible?

118 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:06 pm

Yes!!

119 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:07 pm

3 is better than 2. 4 is also better than 3! Bye bye Kuggle

120 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:07 pm

Knocked out of the game!!!

121 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:07 pm

[97] I always thought it was the positioning of the fingers as if you were pulling down a window blind, holding the string between your thumb and forefinger. Perhaps also the wrist motion?

122 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:08 pm

[119] Was that you in yesterday's thread who compared him with Kuggle?
I've been calling him "Noodles" ever since I saw that.

123 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:09 pm

Woo-Hoo! I can't believe Jesus missed that one. Out of miracles?

124 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:10 pm

Whoo-hoo!

125 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:10 pm

[98] Sounds like the riff from Seven Nation Army to me.

126 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:12 pm

[125] We are the warriors who built this town...

127 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:13 pm

No, that's a different one.

128 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:13 pm

I always get those confused.

129 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:15 pm

amazing plaudits to Tanaka from the Fox idiots. guess even dopes say something right sometimes

130 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:17 pm

Tanaka still looking good.

131 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:17 pm

(122) my humble contribution of Kuggle

132 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:18 pm

[129] What has really astounded me this year is: Joe Buck is not the dumb one.
It's amazing.

Well, I guess maybe his problem isn't stupidity. It's... insipidity?

133 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:20 pm

Another great inning for Hiro. Fuck, how do I teach 'Hiro' to my autocorrect?

134 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:20 pm

Hai Tanaka!

135 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:20 pm

What a start! Tanakason!

136 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:20 pm

Thumbs down, thumbs down, thumbs down!

137 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:22 pm

I’m getting irrationally exhuberant for a LA-NY Serious....

138 Bronx Boy in NC   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:23 pm

That does sound exciting. But careful: Wheelchair-bound Tommy Lasorda will be their Frank Torre times ten.

139 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:24 pm

[132] Insipidity! Good one.

Buck is pissing me off more than Smoltzie. At least Smoltz is acknowledging the Yankee positives. Buck sounds like he's on the Astros payroll.

140 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:27 pm

[137] Cart, horse, and all that. ; )

141 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:27 pm

[137] That would be one for the ages.

142 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:29 pm

Eagle Eye Bird.

143 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:30 pm

Fear The Head! C’mon, Chase!

144 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:33 pm

Holy smokes.
Bird... cannot fly.

145 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:33 pm

Just out of the reach of Saint Altuve

146 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:33 pm

Score em score em score em? Oh, it’s Bird running. Lol...

147 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:33 pm

Lamar!

148 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:33 pm

Gameday on now, why doesn’t Bird ever score on XBH? Was that hit too hard?

149 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:33 pm

B-b-b-b-bird bird bird
Bird stops at third...

150 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:35 pm

The Head is screwed on right.

151 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:37 pm

[148] Most of the guys on Banter could beat Bird from first to third. And maybe some of their grandmas, too.

152 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:39 pm

Eat shit, blue. Not a strike.

153 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:39 pm

Dammit, Brett.
Oh well.

Now we get to see another Tanaka inning!

154 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:39 pm

[149] That's very good. It's stuck in my head now.

155 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:39 pm

Ball 4 but at least that was close. That’s been a strike all night.

156 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:42 pm

I find the product nugenix to be disturbing

157 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:43 pm

‘Nugenix’...? Do I want to google that?

158 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:43 pm

That’s right down the fucking middle, blue. Holy Nelly!

159 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:44 pm

Wait, I thought

(a) YS has a 'joke' of a right field fence, and
(b) the Astros are the best hitters in MLB.

And yet, they keep flying out to the track in RF.

Something's not right here.

160 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:44 pm

[157] I’ve seen their ad 100 times in this series. Starring frank Thomas. But say Nugenix three times fast. What does that sound like? It’s disturbing.

161 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:45 pm

[157] it’s a “testosterone booster”

162 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:45 pm

Siddown, sucka.

TanaKa strikes again.

163 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:46 pm

2 down.

164 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:46 pm

[157] Natural testosterone booster? I'll stick with booty.

165 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:46 pm

Love this pitching!

166 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:47 pm

[161] I got two kids, pass on the extra testosterone.
[164] isn’t that why you run marathons?

167 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:48 pm

Oh Smoltz - Severino will be pitching in an elimination game. Either way...

168 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:48 pm

Yeah!

Nice work, Sheriff.

And nicer work, Hiro. What a gem.

169 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:49 pm

[166] based on what little I know, it’s not an accident it sounds like eugenics.

170 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:49 pm

Brilliant 7. Great play by Gary.

171 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:49 pm

Yes! Nice save Gary!

172 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:49 pm

[166] Yeah, is that really what the world needs more of?
Testosterone?
Seems doubtful.

173 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:49 pm

Phew, that was scary.
Robertson then Chapman

174 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:49 pm

I hope Kahnle can go two and the rest of the pen gets to rest for two days.

175 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:50 pm

Tanaka is ICE.

176 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:52 pm

[166] Nah, that's for the endorphins.

177 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:53 pm

Oh and some insurance runs please...

178 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:55 pm

Ok he could have swung at some point.

179 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:56 pm

Jazz, when you buy MLB gear, what size jersey do you take?

180 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:56 pm

Don’t waste Robertson. Cmon joe.

181 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:57 pm

Oh, that is beautiful.

I have tears in my eyes.

The Sanchize is all warmed up.

182 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:57 pm

Boat, I’ll have to check, it’s been a while.

Gary!!!!!!!!!

183 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:57 pm

KABOOOOOOOOOM,

184 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:57 pm

Kraken!

185 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:58 pm

The Swagger is back. Liked that bat drop.

186 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:58 pm

Didi, again.

The future is now. It has arrived.

It's like Girardi said in the post-game yesterday: the team reminds you of when Joe was playing.

187 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:58 pm

I’ll take that insurance

188 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 6:59 pm

Sir Didi!

189 BobbyB   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:01 pm

This team reminds me more and more of the ‘96 team.

190 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:01 pm

Hicks is the one batter that still looks awful all the time.

191 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:02 pm

[186] Yeah, DiMaggio

192 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:06 pm

Ok, Tommy for two

193 Bronx Boy in NC   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:08 pm

"Maybe you don't even have to go to Chapman" ?!?

194 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:08 pm

No Betances? ;>)

195 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:09 pm

5 more to go

196 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:10 pm

Now 4

197 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:11 pm

Mmmmmm, Kahnle.
Me like.

198 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:11 pm

Now 3

199 Bronx Boy in NC   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:11 pm

Leave him in!

200 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:11 pm

Beautious!

Show/Hide Comments 201-237
201 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:13 pm

I have not enjoyed baseball this much in ages.

202 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:16 pm

Bird the bird the walking Bird!

203 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:16 pm

[201] hear hear!

204 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:16 pm

[201] For sure. It really is like '95. Or '96.

205 Bronx Boy in NC   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:17 pm

It's like '95 suddenly turned into '96.

206 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:18 pm

Is there any sensible reason to not throw Kahnle in The 9th?

207 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:24 pm

1 down.

208 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:25 pm

[205] Ooh, good, right!

209 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:25 pm

One down

210 Bronx Boy in NC   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:25 pm

A big lead and they aren't (so far) shredding the bullpen for no reason. It's like Christmas!

211 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:27 pm

Grrr

212 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:27 pm

I guess the strike zone is smaller now.

213 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:28 pm

We have insurance

214 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:28 pm

Two down

215 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:29 pm

Another beautiful game.

Beautiful.

I love this game.

216 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:30 pm

Most satisfying. Bring on verlander!

217 rbj   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:30 pm

Three down! Shut out intact.

218 Bronx Boy in NC   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:30 pm

All the feelings.

219 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:30 pm

No way Verlander pitches like that again, we got this!

220 seamus   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:31 pm

I’m even looking forward to A-Rod! Lol

221 iyasu   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:31 pm

What a win. Muscle Hero!

222 Boatzilla   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:31 pm

Houston you have a problem.

223 Bronx Boy in NC   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:31 pm

Can we get "motorboat" going as Verlander's nickname?

224 Alex Belth   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:42 pm

Holy cow that was wonderful.

225 Alex Belth   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:42 pm

218) Yes!

226 Ara Just Fair   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:45 pm

Mo help me. Ortiz doing his “The Yankeeeeeees win” and his overall love of baseball might actually make me like him. Didn’t think it was possible. Cheers y’all. What a game.

227 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:47 pm

Of course...
we still have to win in Houston.

228 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:56 pm

[227] 'Stros are rattled. Home cooking or not, I think we win.

229 RIYank   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:57 pm

[228] Agree. Just trying not to be...
Toooptimistic! Remember?

230 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Oct 18, 2017 7:58 pm

[229] D'oh! We need to compile the Banter Glossary at some point.
Can the Score Truck drive to Houston in 36hrs?

231 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Oct 18, 2017 8:13 pm

No one up for Cubs-Dodgers? I'm hoping Cubs win one and they have to use Kershaw in Game 6.

232 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 18, 2017 8:30 pm

I'm sure I'm greedy but I want to beat Verlander like we beat Keuchel.

233 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Oct 18, 2017 8:40 pm

[232] You bet, don't like Game 7s on the road.

234 GaryfromChevyChase   ~  Oct 18, 2017 8:44 pm

what a night! Tanaka needs to be resigned. best comment from Banter: Houston, you have a problem. need the day off myself. Let's beat JV and avoid a game 7.

235 iyasu   ~  Oct 18, 2017 9:30 pm

First comment on a Yahoo Japan article looks forward to a Tanaka-Darvish match-up in the World Series.

236 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Oct 18, 2017 11:00 pm

[235] It will be insane here if that happens. Def taking the day off work for that.

237 iyasu   ~  Oct 19, 2017 8:39 am

[236] Japan sure could use it. The morale boost sports success gives energizes communities in the best way.

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"This ain't football. We do this every day."
--Earl Weaver