34
MSB Playoff Results – Game 6, Second Round
McCarthy's walk-off blast sends Auk to Championship Series!
🏆 **SERIES CLINCHER:** McCarthy's Walk-Off Homer Gives Auk 5-3 Extra-Inning Victory, Series Win
ORACLE PARK - In one of the most dramatic playoff finishes in recent memory, Andy McCarthy launched a walk-off two-run homer in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Auk a thrilling 5-3 victory over the Thunder and clinch their Second Round series 4-2, sending them to the Championship Series to face the Dogs. The Oracle Park crowd erupted as McCarthy's blast sailed over the right field wall, capping an incredible comeback after the Thunder had tied the game in the ninth inning on Cody Rafaela's solo homer. After Pages walked to lead off the 10th, Ozuna lined out before McCarthy stepped to the plate and delivered the series-clinching blow on the first pitch he saw, launching it deep to right field and igniting a wild celebration at home plate.
The game was a tense back-and-forth affair that showcased everything playoff baseball has to offer. The Auk jumped ahead 1-0 in the first inning when Ozuna crushed a solo homer to left field, then extended their lead to 2-0 in the fourth when Bohm launched his own solo shot to left. The advantage grew to 3-1 in the sixth when Bohm doubled and Albies followed with an RBI single that scored him and gave Seth Lugo plenty of cushion to work with. Lugo was masterful for seven innings, scattering seven hits while allowing just one run and striking out seven to keep the Thunder at bay. But the visitors refused to go quietly, with Santiago Espinal crushing a solo homer in the eighth to cut the deficit to 3-2 before Rafaela's dramatic game-tying blast in the ninth sent the contest to extra innings.
"This team has fought all series long, and to win it in this fashion is just incredible," said Auk manager after the celebration. "McCarthy came through with one of the biggest hits in franchise history, and now we're headed to the Championship Series." The Thunder showed tremendous heart throughout the series, winning Games 3 and 5 to extend their season, but ultimately fell short against the superior Auk pitching and timely hitting. Ginkel earned the victory with a perfect 0.1 innings of work, while Turnbull took the loss after allowing McCarthy's walk-off homer. The Auk now await the Dogs in what promises to be an epic Championship Series showdown between two of the league's best teams.
Final: Auk 5, Thunder 3 (10 innings)
Series: Auk win series 4-2 and advance to Championship Series
📊 Full Box Score
📈 Statistical Highlights
Walk-Off Hero:
• McCarthy's 2-run walk-off homer in 10th inning clinched series for Auk
• McCarthy finished 1-for-1 with HR and 2 RBI in limited action
• First pitch he saw in 10th inning resulted in series-clinching blast
• Walk-off homer capped dramatic comeback after Thunder tied game in 9th
Home Run Barrage:
• Six home runs hit in Game 6 elimination contest
• Ozuna (solo, 1st inning), Bohm (solo, 4th inning), McNeil (solo, 6th inning), Espinal (solo, 8th inning), Rafaela (solo, 9th inning), McCarthy (2-run walk-off, 10th inning)
• Thunder's Rafaela and Espinal hit clutch homers to extend game
Multi-Hit Performances:
• Rafaela (3-for-4, HR, 2 RBI) - Tied game with dramatic 9th-inning homer
• Ozuna (2-for-5, HR, RBI), Bohm (2-for-4, HR, 2B, RBI), Albies (2-for-3, 2B, RBI, HBP)
• Arozarena (2-for-5), Smith,WD (2-for-5, 2B), Pederson (1-for-5, 2B)
Pitching Performances:
• Lugo (7 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 7 K) - Outstanding in series clincher
• Ginkel (W, 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER) - Got final out before walk-off
• Steele (6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 9 K) - Quality start wasted in elimination game
• Turnbull (L, 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 1 BB) - Allowed walk-off homer
• Miller,M blew save but Auk rallied to win in extras
Extra-Inning Drama:
• Thunder tied game 3-3 on Rafaela's homer in top of 9th
• Game went to 10th inning tied at 3-3
• Pages walked to lead off 10th for Auk
• McCarthy ended it with first-pitch walk-off homer
• Auk won series with dramatic extra-inning victory at home
Series-Clinching Moments:[/b>
• Auk overcame Thunder's resilient comeback attempts
• Thunder showed heart by winning Games 3 and 5 to extend series
• Auk's pitching dominated throughout series (allowed 3.5 runs per game)
• Home runs decided tight Game 6 elimination contest
• McCarthy's heroics sent Oracle Park crowd into frenzy
Weather Conditions:[/b>
• Partly cloudy, 60 degrees with 10 mph winds at Oracle Park - perfect for playoff drama
Championship Series Set:
• **AUK ADVANCE TO FACE DOGS IN CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES**
• Auk defeated Thunder 4-2 (W 4-2, W 6-1, L 4-5 15inn, W 4-1, L 4-5, W 5-3 10inn)
• Dogs defeated Rum Runners 4-1 (W 11-2, W 2-0, L 0-2, W 9-0, W 5-2)
• Championship Series features two dominant teams
• Auk averaged 4.5 runs per game in series victory
• Thunder fought valiantly but couldn't overcome Auk's balanced attack
Notable Achievements:
• McCarthy's walk-off homer ranks among most dramatic moments in playoff history
• Auk win series at home with thrilling extra-inning victory
• Thunder extended series to six games with gutsy performances in Games 3 and 5
• Rafaela's game-tying homer in 9th gave Thunder hope before McCarthy's heroics
• Auk's pitching staff combined to limit Thunder to 3 runs in clincher
• Six different players homered in Game 6 slugfest
• Auk advance to Championship Series for first time in franchise history
• Dogs and Auk will meet for championship with series starting soon
• Both teams showed championship mettle in winning their respective series 4-2 and 4-1
37
MSB Playoff Results – Game 5, Second Round
Dogs clinch series and advance! Thunder force Game 6 with dramatic comeback
🏆 **GAME OF THE DAY:** Dogs Close Out Rum Runners 5-2, Advance to Championship Series
CITI FIELD - Chris Sale delivered when it mattered most, working six solid innings as the Dogs defeated the Rum Runners 5-2 in Game 5 to close out their Second Round series 4-1 and punch their ticket to the Championship Series. Corey Seager provided the pivotal blow with a two-run homer in the fourth inning that tied the game at 2-2, while Arraez delivered the go-ahead RBI single in the fifth that put the Dogs ahead for good. Bryce Harper added a crushing two-run insurance homer in the eighth that sealed the victory and sent the home crowd into a championship celebration. The Dogs overcame an early deficit when Fry launched a solo homer in the second inning to give the Rum Runners a 1-0 lead, but Sale settled down and kept his team in position to mount their comeback.
Seager, who was brilliant throughout the series, came through in the clutch again in the fourth inning after Devers walked to reach base. The shortstop launched a towering drive to right field that tied the game at 2-2 and shifted all the momentum to the Dogs. In the fifth inning, Varsho doubled and Arraez followed with a clutch single to left center that scored Varsho and gave the Dogs their first lead at 3-2. The Rum Runners threatened in the late innings, but the Dogs bullpen of Chapman, Walker, and Joyce combined for three scoreless frames to preserve the victory. "This team has shown incredible heart and determination all series long," said Dogs manager after clinching. "Sale was outstanding when we needed him most, and our offense came through in the big moments. Now we move on to the Championship Series." Harper's eighth-inning blast provided the final margin, and Joyce closed out the series with a perfect ninth inning to earn his second save. The Dogs now await the winner of the Auk-Thunder series.
Final: Dogs 5, Rum Runners 2
Series: Dogs win series 4-1 and advance to Championship Series
📊 Full Box Score
Thunder Stave Off Elimination With 5-4 Victory, Force Game 6
TRUIST PARK - Jose Ramirez crushed a two-run homer in the fifth inning and Tyler Glasnow pitched 7.2 strong innings as the Thunder defeated the Auk 5-4 in a thrilling Game 5 to stave off elimination and force a Game 6 back at Oracle Park. Facing elimination for the second time in the series, the Thunder jumped out to an early 2-0 lead when Brandon Nimmo launched a two-run homer in the first inning that scored Busch and gave the home crowd reason for optimism. The Auk answered immediately in the top of the first when Carroll walked, stole second, and scored on Bohm's infield single to cut the deficit to 2-1, setting up a tense back-and-forth battle that would go down to the final out.
The decisive fifth inning saw the Thunder break the game open with a three-run explosion that put them ahead 5-2. After Pederson walked, Ramirez delivered the knockout blow with a towering two-run homer to right field that gave the Thunder a 4-2 advantage. Busch followed immediately with a solo shot of his own that extended the lead to 5-2 and sent the home crowd into a frenzy. The Auk refused to go quietly, fighting back in the eighth inning when Contreras launched a solo homer and Ozuna followed with his second home run of the game to cut the deficit to 5-4. "Our guys showed tremendous heart tonight," said Thunder manager after the victory. "Down 3-1 in the series, facing elimination at home, and we find a way to win. Now we get another chance in Game 6." Glasnow was masterful, scattering six hits while allowing four runs over 7.2 innings, and Vest earned the save with a perfect ninth inning that included two strikeouts. The series now shifts back to Oracle Park with the Auk leading 3-2 and needing just one victory to advance to the Championship Series.
Final: Thunder 5, Auk 4
Series: Auk lead 3-2
📊 Full Box Score
📈 Statistical Highlights
Series-Clinching Performances:
• Sale (W, 6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 5 K) delivered series-clinching victory for Dogs
• Seager went 3-for-4 with HR and 2 RBI in clincher
• Harper's 2-run insurance homer in 8th sealed Dogs' series victory
• Joyce earned save to close out Rum Runners in Game 5
Home Run Leaders:
• Seager (2-run HR, 4th inning), Harper (2-run HR, 8th inning), Fry (solo HR, 2nd inning), Nimmo (2-run HR, 1st inning), Ramirez,J (2-run HR, 5th inning), Busch (solo HR, 5th inning), Ozuna (2 solo HRs, 5th and 8th innings), Contreras (solo HR, 8th inning)
Multi-Hit Performances:
• Seager (3-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, R) - Dominated in series clincher
• Ramirez,J (2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, R), Contreras (2-for-3, HR, 2B, 2 RBI, R)
Pitching Gems:
• Sale (W, 6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 5 K) - Clinched series for Dogs
• Glasnow (W, 7.2 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 7 K) - Kept Thunder alive
• Vest (S, 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 K) - Preserved elimination-game victory
• Joyce (S, 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 K) - Closed out series for Dogs
• Dogs bullpen combined for 3 scoreless innings in clincher
Elimination-Game Drama:
• Thunder forced Game 6 with gutsy performance facing elimination
• Ramirez and Busch hit back-to-back homers in decisive 5th inning
• Auk battled back with two homers in 8th but fell short
• Dogs closed out series on home field with dominant eighth inning
• Thunder extended series with second elimination-game victory
Clutch Performances:
• Arraez delivered go-ahead RBI single in 5th inning for Dogs
• Nimmo's first-inning homer gave Thunder early 2-0 lead
• Harper's insurance homer provided crucial cushion for Dogs
• Thunder's three-run fifth inning proved to be difference
• Seager's two-run homer tied game and shifted momentum to Dogs
Weather Conditions:
• Clear, 80 degrees with 9 mph winds at Truist Park - perfect elimination-game weather
• Partly cloudy, 65 degrees with 10 mph winds at Citi Field - ideal series-clinching conditions
Series Results:
• **DOGS DEFEAT RUM RUNNERS 4-1 (W 11-2, W 2-0, L 0-2, W 9-0, W 5-2)**
• **Dogs advance to Championship Series to await opponent**
• Auk lead Thunder 3-2 (W 4-2, W 6-1, L 4-5 15inn, W 4-1, L 4-5)
• Game 6 returns to Oracle Park with Auk one win from advancing
• Thunder must win Game 6 to force winner-take-all Game 7
• Dogs await winner of Auk-Thunder series for Championship Series matchup
Notable Achievements:
• Dogs close out series at home with dominant performance
• Sale earned second victory of series in clincher
• Thunder show championship resilience with second straight elimination-game win
• Seager's three-hit performance highlighted Dogs' offensive attack in clincher
• Ramirez and Busch provided back-to-back power surge to save Thunder's season
• Dogs advance to Championship Series for first time
• Thunder force Game 6 after trailing series 3-1
• Dogs scored in three different innings to pull away in clincher
38
MSB Playoff Results – Game 4, Second Round
Dogs and Auk one win from advancing with commanding 3-1 series leads
🏆 **GAME OF THE DAY:** Ohtani's Historic Three-Homer Game Powers Dogs to 9-0 Rout
CITI FIELD - Shohei Ohtani delivered one of the most spectacular playoff performances in league history, launching three home runs and driving in six runs as the Dogs demolished the Rum Runners 9-0 in Game 4 to take a commanding 3-1 series lead and move within one victory of advancing to the Championship Series. The superstar became just the third player in postseason history to hit three home runs in a single game, with solo shots in the first and third innings before capping his masterpiece with a three-run blast in the sixth that put the game completely out of reach. Combined with Freddy Peralta's dominant seven-inning shutout performance on the mound, the Dogs are now in complete control of the series as it shifts back to Fenway Park for Game 5. Ohtani set the tone immediately, crushing the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the first inning deep to right center for a solo homer that gave the Dogs a 1-0 lead they would never relinquish.
After Kwan walked in the third inning, Ohtani launched his second bomb of the night, a towering drive to right field that extended the advantage to 4-0 and sent the home crowd into a frenzy. The decisive sixth inning saw the Dogs break the game wide open when Chourio was hit by a pitch and Seager followed with a two-run homer that made it 6-0. Hamilton was then hit by a pitch and promptly stole second and third base in succession before Kwan drew another walk. Ohtani then delivered the knockout blow, launching his third home run of the night – a three-run shot to right field that completed his historic hat trick and gave the Dogs an insurmountable 9-0 lead. "That's the kind of performance you dream about in the playoffs," said Dogs manager after the victory. "Shohei was absolutely locked in tonight, and Freddy gave us exactly what we needed on the mound. Now we go home with a chance to close this out." Peralta was masterful, scattering just three hits over seven scoreless innings while striking out six. The Rum Runners now face elimination in Game 5, needing to win three straight to advance.
Final: Dogs 9, Rum Runners 0
Series: Dogs lead 3-1
📊 Full Box Score
Auk Take Commanding 3-1 Lead With 4-1 Victory Behind Soroka's Gem
TRUIST PARK - Mike Soroka delivered a vintage playoff performance, striking out nine batters over five scoreless innings as the Auk defeated the Thunder 4-1 in Game 4 to seize a commanding 3-1 series lead and move within one victory of advancing to the Championship Series. The right-hander was dominant from the start, allowing just two hits while walking two and keeping the Thunder lineup completely off balance with his devastating sinker and slider combination. McCarthy provided the early offense with an RBI triple in the first inning that scored Bohm and gave the Auk a 1-0 lead, setting the tone for what would be a wire-to-wire victory. The visitors added to their advantage in the third when Carroll singled and Ozuna followed with a towering two-run homer to left center that extended the lead to 3-0 and put the Thunder in a deep hole.
The Thunder's only run came in the eighth inning in unusual fashion when Hurter committed a balk with Ramirez on third base, allowing the runner to score and cut the deficit to 4-1. But Bohm had provided crucial insurance just moments earlier with a solo homer to left field that gave the Auk a 4-0 cushion heading into the bottom of the eighth. Hurter earned his second save of the series despite allowing the balk, working four innings while allowing three hits and striking out four to close out the victory and put the Auk one win away from advancing. "This team showed incredible resilience after dropping Game 3," said Auk manager after taking the commanding series lead. "Soroka was outstanding tonight, and our offense did just enough. Now we go back to Oracle Park with a chance to finish this." The Thunder showed heart by winning a thrilling 15-inning Game 3 to avoid falling behind 3-0, but now face elimination as the series returns to Oracle Park for Game 5. They will need to win three consecutive games to advance, starting with a must-win situation in front of the Auk's home crowd.
Final: Auk 4, Thunder 1
Series: Auk lead 3-1
📊 Full Box Score
📈 Statistical Highlights
Historic Performances:
• Ohtani becomes third player ever to hit 3 home runs in a playoff game (solo 1st, 2-run 3rd, 3-run 6th)
• Ohtani's 6 RBI ties playoff single-game record
• Ohtani finished 3-for-5 with 3 runs scored in historic performance
Home Run Leaders:
• Ohtani (3 HR, 6 RBI - historic hat trick), Seager (2-run HR, 6th inning), Ozuna (2-run HR, 3rd inning), Bohm (solo HR, 8th inning)
Multi-Hit Performances:
• Ohtani (3-for-5, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R), McCarthy (3-for-4, 3B, RBI), Bohm (2-for-4, HR, RBI, 2 R), Diaz,Yai (2-for-5, 2B), Realmuto (2-for-3, 2B)
Pitching Gems:
• Peralta,F (W, 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 6 K) - Dominated in crucial Game 4 shutout
• Soroka (W, 5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 9 K, 2 BB) - Outstanding performance puts Auk one win away
• Hurter (S, 4 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 4 K) - Second save of series despite balk
• Combined shutouts by both winning teams gave them commanding series leads
Clutch Performances:
• McCarthy's RBI triple in 1st inning gave Auk early 1-0 lead
• Ozuna's 2-run homer provided cushion for Soroka in Game 4
• Hamilton stole three bases including consecutive steals of 2nd and 3rd in crucial 6th inning
• Seager's 2-run homer in 6th preceded Ohtani's final blast to seal victory
Series-Defining Moments:
• Dogs scored 9 unanswered runs in dominant Game 4 shutout
• Auk never trailed in Game 4, controlling game from first inning
• Both winning teams now hold commanding 3-1 series leads
• Dogs outscored Rum Runners 11-2 in Game 4 after being shut out in Game 3
• Both road teams facing elimination heading into Game 5
Weather Conditions:
• Clear, 83 degrees with 8 mph winds at Truist Park - perfect playoff weather
• Clear, 73 degrees with 11 mph winds at Citi Field - ideal conditions
Series Status:
• Dogs lead Rum Runners 3-1 (Games: W 11-2, W 2-0, L 0-2, W 9-0)
• Auk lead Thunder 3-1 (Games: W 4-2, W 6-1, L 4-5 15inn, W 4-1)
• Both series return for Game 5 with leaders needing one win to advance
• Rum Runners and Thunder face elimination, must win three straight
• Dogs return to Fenway Park with chance to close out series at home
• Auk return to Oracle Park with opportunity to advance in front of home fans
Notable Achievements:
• Ohtani's three-homer game ranks among greatest playoff performances ever
• Dogs and Auk both took commanding 3-1 leads with dominant Game 4 victories
• Soroka's 9 strikeouts in 5 innings showcased elite playoff pitching
• Both winning teams showed championship mettle bouncing back from Game 3 losses
• Dogs' 9-0 shutout marked complete turnaround after being shut out in Game 3
• Hamilton's baserunning prowess featured three stolen bases in Game 4
• Both series now one game from conclusion with clear favorites established
40
MSB Playoff Results – Game 3, Second Round
Road teams fight off elimination with stunning victories
🏆 **GAME OF THE DAY:** Thunder Survive Epic 15-Inning Marathon, Stun Auk 5-4
TRUIST PARK - In one of the most dramatic playoff games in recent memory, Santiago Espinal drove in Nimmo with a game-winning single in the bottom of the 15th inning as the Thunder stunned the Auk 5-4 to get back in the series and cut their deficit to 2-1. The marathon contest featured multiple lead changes, clutch home runs, and nearly five hours of playoff baseball that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Nimmo opened the decisive 15th with a single, then stole second base before advancing to third on a throwing error by catcher Contreras. Espinal then delivered the walk-off hit to give the Thunder new life in the series. The game was a back-and-forth affair from the start, with Smith homering in the second inning to give the Thunder an early 1-0 lead before Ozuna answered with a solo shot in the fourth to tie it at 1-1.
The score remained deadlocked through eight innings before Rafaela crushed a solo homer in the ninth to send the game to extras tied at 2-2. After two scoreless frames, Olson delivered what appeared to be the knockout blow with a two-run double in the 11th that scored McCarthy and Smith to give the Auk a 4-2 advantage. But the Thunder refused to go quietly, with Sosa launching a dramatic two-run homer in the bottom half that tied the game at 4-4 and sent the crowd into a frenzy. "This team has shown incredible heart all season," said Thunder manager after the victory. "Down 0-2 in the series, and we find a way to win in 15 innings. That's championship character." Both bullpens were tested to their limits, with the Thunder using six relievers and the Auk burning through seven. Williams earned the victory with two scoreless innings of relief, while Ginkel took the loss after allowing the game-winning run. The series now shifts back to Oracle Park for Game 4 with the Auk leading 2-1.
Final: Thunder 5, Auk 4 (15 innings)
Series: Auk lead 2-1
📊 Full Box Score
Rum Runners Shut Out Dogs 2-0, Cut Series Deficit to 2-1
CITI FIELD - The Rum Runners pitching staff delivered a masterful combined shutout as they blanked the Dogs 2-0 in Game 3 to climb back into the series and cut their deficit to 2-1. Playing on a wet field following a 71-minute rain delay in the fourth inning, the Rum Runners got stellar work from starter Nick Lodolo and a quartet of relievers who held the Dogs scoreless despite allowing seven hits. Fry was the offensive hero for the visitors, going 2-for-4 with a solo homer in the seventh inning that provided crucial insurance after the Rum Runners had taken a 1-0 lead in the fifth. The game's first run came when Fry singled and Turang followed with a hit to put runners on the corners with none out, and Verdugo grounded into a double play that allowed Fry to score and give the Rum Runners a 1-0 advantage.
The Dogs threatened throughout the contest but could never break through against the dominant Rum Runners pitching. In the first inning, the Dogs loaded the bases with Harper singling, Diaz reaching on a hit, and Varsho drawing a walk, but Devers struck out to end the threat. The home team left nine runners on base for the game, including stranding the bases loaded in the ninth when Arraez flied out to end the contest. Lodolo worked four scoreless innings before giving way to Banks, who was followed by Alvarado earning the victory with 1.2 scoreless frames. "Our pitchers were absolutely outstanding tonight," said Rum Runners manager after the shutout. "In a must-win game on the road, they came through big." Diaz and Martinez combined for the final two innings to preserve the victory, with Martinez earning his first save of the series. Pepiot took the loss despite a quality start, allowing just one run over four innings while striking out six. The series now returns to Citi Field for Game 4 with the Dogs still holding a 2-1 series advantage.
Final: Rum Runners 2, Dogs 0
Series: Dogs lead 2-1
📊 Full Box Score
📈 Statistical Highlights
Home Run Leaders:
• Smith,WD (solo, 2nd inning), Ozuna (solo, 4th inning), Rafaela (solo, 9th inning), Sosa,E (2-run, 11th inning - tied game), Fry (solo, 7th inning)
Multi-Hit Performances:
• Olson (3-for-5, 2B, 2 RBI), Ramirez,J (2-for-7), Smith,WD (2-for-6, HR, RBI), Nimmo (2-for-7, 3B, R, SB), Rafaela (2-for-6, HR, RBI), Fry (2-for-4, HR, RBI, R), Merrill (1-for-4, SB)
Pitching Gems:
• Lodolo (4 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 5 K) - Strong start in elimination game
• Alvarado (W, 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 K) - Earned victory in Game 3 shutout
• Williams,T (W, 2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER) - Closed out 15-inning marathon
• Wheeler (8 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 5 K) - Quality start wasted in extra-inning loss
• Martinez,J (S, 1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 K) - First save of series for Rum Runners
• Combined shutout by five Rum Runners pitchers held Dogs scoreless
Extra-Inning Drama:
• Thunder-Auk game went 15 innings in 5-hour marathon
• Multiple lead changes and clutch home runs in extras
• Espinal's walk-off single in 15th ended epic battle
• Sosa's 2-run HR in 11th tied game after Auk took 4-2 lead
• Olson's 2-run double in 11th inning gave Auk brief 4-2 advantage
Clutch Performances:
• Nimmo's triple in 15th set up winning run on stolen base and error
• Espinal delivered game-winning single with Nimmo on third
• Fry's solo homer provided insurance in Rum Runners' shutout victory
• Dogs loaded bases in 1st and 9th innings but couldn't score
Weather Conditions:
• Clear, 72 degrees with 9 mph winds at Truist Park
• Wet field, threatening skies at Citi Field with 71-minute rain delay in 4th inning
• Rain delay affected pitching changes and game flow
Series Situations:
• Both road teams fought back with crucial Game 3 victories
• Thunder cut series deficit to 2-1 after losing first two on the road
• Rum Runners climb back into series at 2-1 after dropping first two at home
• Auk and Dogs still hold series advantages needing one more win to advance
• Both series return to same venues for pivotal Game 4
Notable Achievements:
• Thunder's 15-inning victory ties longest playoff game of season
• Rum Runners' combined shutout features five different pitchers
• Dogs held scoreless for first time in series despite 7 hits
• Sosa's clutch home run in 11th inning kept Thunder in the series
• Both games featured dominant pitching performances in crucial Game 3
• Thunder and Rum Runners showed championship resilience down 0-2
