September 30 - Playoffs round 2, Game 1

October 08, 2025, 04:05:33 PM

MSB Playoff Results – Game 1, Second Round
Best-of-Seven Series open with dramatic statements

🏆 **GAME OF THE DAY:** Dogs Demolish Rum Runners 11-2 in Playoff Statement Game

FENWAY PARK - The Dogs came out swinging in Game 1 of their Second Round playoff series, overwhelming the Rum Runners 11-2 behind a dominant performance from ace Chris Sale and an explosive 16-hit attack that left no doubt about their championship aspirations. Varsho led the offensive onslaught with a perfect night at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a towering home run, two RBIs, two runs scored, and a stolen base that showcased the Dogs' aggressive playoff mentality. The visiting Dogs jumped on Rum Runners starter Luis Castillo early, plating two runs in the first inning on consecutive hits by Arraez and Devers, followed by Harper's sacrifice fly. They never looked back, adding two more in the fourth, two in the fifth, and a decisive two-run blast by Chourio in the seventh that broke the game wide open at 9-2.

Kwan matched Varsho's three-hit performance, reaching base four times and scoring three runs from the leadoff spot. Sale was masterful for seven innings, scattering eight hits while allowing just two runs – a solo homer by Fry in the sixth and an earlier run in the fourth. The veteran left-hander struck out five and kept the Rum Runners off balance throughout his outing. Castillo lasted just 4.2 innings for the Rum Runners, surrendering nine hits and six earned runs in a performance that put his team in an early series hole. "This is playoff baseball at its finest," said Dogs manager after the dominant victory. "Sale set the tone on the mound, and our offense backed him up all night long." Chapman locked down the final two frames with three strikeouts to preserve the blowout victory. With a commanding 1-0 series lead, the Dogs have seized home-field advantage heading into Game 2.

Final: Dogs 11, Rum Runners 2
Series: Dogs lead 1-0

📊 Full Box Score

Auk Edge Thunder 4-2 Behind Miller's Gem, Take Series Lead

ORACLE PARK - Bobby Miller worked seven strong innings and the Auk capitalized on a wild fourth inning to defeat the Thunder 4-2 in Game 1 of their Second Round series, played in frigid 48-degree conditions with winds gusting to 17 mph at Oracle Park. The home team seized control when McCarthy reached on an error and Smith drew a walk to put two runners aboard with one out in the fourth. McCarthy promptly stole third base, and when Smith followed suit by stealing second, catcher Smith made an errant throw that allowed McCarthy to score the game's first run. Correa's walk loaded the bases before Olson walked to force in another run, and Contreras delivered a clutch RBI single to give the Auk a 2-0 advantage they would never relinquish.

The Thunder struck back in the sixth when Nimmo crushed a solo homer to right field, temporarily cutting the deficit to 2-1, but the Auk added insurance runs in the bottom half when Smith singled, Correa walked, and Olson lined an RBI single to right center before Rojas followed with an infield single that plated another run, extending the lead to 4-1. Miller scattered eight hits while allowing just two runs to earn the victory, striking out seven Thunder batters and consistently working out of trouble to strand five runners on base throughout his dominant outing. Thunder starter Tyler Glasnow struck out nine batters but lasted just five innings, surrendering four runs in the critical fourth frame. "Miller was outstanding tonight," said Auk manager after the win. "In these conditions, against their lineup, that's the kind of pitching that wins championships." Holton and Mason Miller combined for two scoreless innings of relief to lock down the victory, with Miller earning his first save of the postseason. The Auk will look to take a commanding 2-0 series lead in Game 2.

Final: Auk 4, Thunder 2
Series: Auk lead 1-0

📊 Full Box Score

📈 Statistical Highlights

Home Run Leaders:
• Varsho (solo, 7th inning), Chourio (2-run, 7th inning), Fry (solo, 6th inning), Nimmo (solo, 6th inning)

Multi-Hit Performances:
• Varsho (3-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, SB), Kwan (3-for-4, 3 R), Devers (2-for-5, 2 2B), Diaz,Yai (2-for-5, RBI), Seager (2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 BB), Harper (1-for-4, 2 RBI, SF), Pederson (2-for-4, 2B), Olson (2-for-3, 2B, RBI, BB)

Pitching Gems:
• Sale (W, 7 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 5 K) - Dogs dominant in Game 1
• Miller,Br (W, 7 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 7 K) - Auk takes series lead
• Glasnow (L, 5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 9 K) - Strong strikeout numbers in losing effort

Playoff Intensity:
• Dogs exploded for 16 hits in Game 1 blowout victory
• Auk capitalized on fourth-inning chaos with stolen bases and defensive miscues
• Both home teams won their Game 1 openers to seize series advantage

Weather Conditions:
• Cloudy, 61 degrees with 4 mph winds at Fenway Park
• Clear but frigid 48 degrees with 17 mph winds at Oracle Park created challenging conditions

Save Situations:
• Miller,M (1st playoff save) shut down Thunder in ninth inning

Notable Achievements:
• Sale's playoff dominance continues with another seven-inning gem
• Varsho's perfect 3-for-4 night powers Dogs offensive explosion
• Dogs' 16-hit attack sets aggressive tone for playoff series
• McCarthy and Smith executed double steal in pivotal fourth inning for Auk
• Both series 1-0 after opening games, setting up crucial Game 2 matchups