September 22 - Playoffs round 1, Game 2
MSB Playoff Results – September 22, 2024
First Round, Game 2 – Playoff Edition
🏆 **GAME OF THE DAY:** Thunder Take 2-0 Series Lead with 4-2 Victory Behind Wheeler's Dominance
TRUIST PARK - Zack Wheeler delivered a masterful eight-inning performance and the Thunder rallied from an early 2-0 deficit to defeat the Brewers 4-2, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series. Wheeler was absolutely dominant, allowing just four hits while striking out eight batters in one of the finest postseason pitching performances of the year. The veteran right-hander retired the final 21 batters he faced after giving up two runs in the opening frame, completely shutting down the Brewers' offense.
The Brewers struck quickly in the first inning when Marte tripled down the right field line and scored on Robles' RBI single. Rooker followed with a solo homer to give the visitors a 2-0 advantage, but that would be all they could muster against Wheeler's brilliance. The Thunder clawed back with two runs in the fifth inning on Arcia's two-run homer that tied the game at 2-2. They seized control in the sixth when Busch doubled to lead off the inning and scored on Nimmo's go-ahead RBI single. McNeil added an insurance run with another single that made it 4-2.
"Wheeler was unbelievable tonight," said Thunder manager after the crucial victory. "He gave up those two early runs and then just shut them down completely. That's what aces do in the playoffs." Gilbert took the tough loss despite striking out 13 batters over 7.2 innings for the Brewers, who managed just four hits and couldn't generate any offensive momentum after the opening frame. Jax slammed the door with a perfect ninth inning to secure the save. The Brewers now face elimination as the series shifts back to their home ballpark, needing to win three straight games to advance.
Final: Thunder 4, Brewers 2 (Thunder lead series 2-0)
📊 Full Box Score
Kraken Explode for 9-5 Victory, Even Series with Rum Runners at 1-1
FENWAY PARK - The Kraken offense erupted for 13 hits and nine runs as they bounced back from their Game 1 defeat to pummel the Rum Runners 9-5, evening the series at one game apiece. Harris II led the charge with three hits including a double and triple, driving in two runs and scoring twice. Wood also had a huge night, going 3-for-5 with three RBIs including a bases-clearing triple in the second inning that gave the Kraken an early 4-0 lead.
The visitors never looked back after the explosive second inning, adding two more runs in the fifth on Neto's towering two-run homer that extended the lead to 7-0. The Rum Runners finally broke through in the sixth inning with a four-run rally, highlighted by Palacios' two-run single that cut the deficit to 7-5 and gave the home crowd hope. But the Kraken responded immediately, scoring single runs in the eighth and ninth innings to put the game away. Harris II's RBI triple in the ninth provided the exclamation point.
Holmes earned the win despite allowing five runs over 6.1 innings, while Law picked up the save with two scoreless frames. Castillo took the loss after getting hammered for six runs in 4.1 innings. "We needed to respond after Game 1 and the guys came out swinging," said Kraken manager. "That's playoff baseball - you've got to have a short memory and come back strong." With the series now tied, both teams head into Game 3 on equal footing, with momentum firmly shifted to the Kraken after their offensive explosion.
Final: Kraken 9, Rum Runners 5 (Series tied 1-1)
📊 Full Box Score
Gil Throws Complete Game Shutout as Dogs Take 2-0 Series Lead, 3-0
CITI FIELD - Luis Gil threw a masterful complete game shutout, striking out 15 batters as the Dogs dominated the Landlubbers 3-0 to take a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-five series. Gil was absolutely untouchable, allowing just three hits while overwhelming the Landlubbers lineup with his electric fastball and devastating slider. The right-hander struck out the side in multiple innings and never allowed a runner past second base in one of the most dominant playoff pitching performances in recent memory.
The Dogs provided all the offense Gil needed in the first inning when Arraez doubled and Ohtani followed with a two-run homer that gave the home team an early 2-0 lead. Harper added a solo shot in the sixth inning to make it 3-0 and provide additional insurance. The Landlubbers never mounted a serious threat against Gil, who threw 113 pitches and showed no signs of fatigue as he mowed down the final nine batters he faced.
"That's as good as it gets," said Dogs catcher after watching Gil's gem. "He was painting the corners all night and his stuff was absolutely electric. The Landlubbers had no chance." Blanco pitched well in defeat, allowing just three runs over six innings, but the Landlubbers offense managed only three hits and now face a daunting task. Down 2-0 in the series, the Landlubbers must win at least two of the next three games to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Dogs, meanwhile, are now just one victory away from advancing to the next round.
Final: Dogs 3, Landlubbers 0 (Dogs lead series 2-0)
📊 Full Box Score
Auk Take Commanding 2-0 Series Lead with 2-0 Shutout of Argonauts
ORACLE PARK - The Auk pitching staff continued its playoff dominance as Bryce Miller threw seven shutout innings and the bullpen finished the job in a 2-0 victory that gave them a commanding 2-0 lead over the Argonauts in their best-of-five series. Miller was masterful, scattering five hits while striking out seven in a performance that mirrored the pitching excellence displayed in Game 1. Mason Miller closed things out with two perfect innings, striking out four of the six batters he faced.
The Auk manufactured both runs through timely hitting and aggressive baserunning. They struck first in the second inning when Bohm doubled and scored on Contreras' RBI double to make it 1-0. Contreras provided all the offense the pitchers needed when he crushed a solo homer in the fourth inning that extended the lead to 2-0. That proved to be more than enough run support against the struggling Argonauts offense, which managed just seven hits and couldn't solve the Auk pitching staff for the second straight game.
Kelly pitched well for the Argonauts, allowing just two runs over 6.1 innings, but received no offensive support. The Argonauts left seven runners on base and hit into two double plays in the loss. "Our pitching was outstanding again," said Auk manager after the victory. "When you hold a team to just two runs over 18 innings, you're doing something special." The Auk now need just one more victory to advance, while the Argonauts face elimination and must win the next three games to keep their season alive.
Final: Auk 2, Argonauts 0 (Auk lead series 2-0)
📊 Full Box Score
📈 Statistical Highlights
Home Run Leaders:
• Rooker (1st inning solo shot), Arcia (2-run HR in 5th), Neto (2-run HR in 5th), Ohtani (1st inning 2-run HR), Harper (6th inning solo HR), Contreras,WE (4th inning solo HR)
Multi-Hit Performances:
• Harris II (3-for-6, 2B, 3B, 2 RBIs, 2 runs), Wood (3-for-5, 3B, 3 RBIs), Busch (2-for-4, 2B), McNeil (2-for-3), Palacios,R (3-for-4, 2 RBIs), Ozuna (2-for-4, 2B), McCarthy (2-for-2, 2 walks), Bohm (2-for-4, 2 doubles), Contreras,WE (2-for-3, 2B, HR)
Pitching Gems:
• Wheeler (8 IP, 2 ER, 8 K, WIN) - retired final 21 batters
• Gil (9 IP, 0 ER, 15 K, WIN) - complete game shutout
• Miller,Br (7 IP, 0 ER, 7 K, WIN)
• Gilbert (7.2 IP, 4 ER, 13 K - no decision)
Strikeout Dominance:
• Gil's 15 strikeouts in complete game shutout led all pitchers
• Combined 11 strikeouts by Auk pitching staff held Argonauts scoreless
• Wheeler and Gilbert combined for 21 strikeouts in Thunder-Brewers matchup
Series Standings After Game 2:
• Thunder lead Brewers 2-0 (one win from advancing)
• Dogs lead Landlubbers 2-0 (one win from advancing)
• Auk lead Argonauts 2-0 (one win from advancing)
• Kraken-Rum Runners tied 1-1 (series wide open)
Weather Conditions:
• 74° clear with 14 MPH winds at Truist Park
• 66° clear with 9 MPH winds at Fenway Park
• 74° clear with 7 MPH winds at Citi Field
• 56° clear with challenging 15 MPH winds at Oracle Park
Notable Achievements:
• Three teams hold 2-0 series leads and face elimination games
• Two complete game efforts (Gil 9 IP shutout, Wheeler dominant 8 IP)
• Gil's 15-strikeout shutout marks historic playoff performance
• Auk pitching staff allows just 2 total runs through first two games
• Kraken's 13-hit explosion evens series and shifts momentum
Topic: September 22 - Playoffs round 1, Game 2 (Read 3095 times)
previous topic - next topic
