September 26 - Playoffs round 1, Game 5
MSB Playoff Results – Game 5
First Round Best-of-Seven Series
🏆 **GAME OF THE DAY:** Brewers Stun Thunder with Walk-Off Homer, Force Game 6
BUSCH STADIUM - Henderson crushed a walk-off solo homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Brewers to a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Thunder in Game 5, keeping their playoff hopes alive and forcing the series back for a Game 6. The stunning home run came on the first pitch from Garcia after the Brewers had tied the game in the eighth on Kelenic's RBI triple.
The Thunder appeared to be in control after jumping ahead 3-0 in the third inning on Busch's two-run homer and Ramirez's RBI single. Lopez was masterful through seven innings, allowing just one run on Marte's solo blast in the fourth. But the Brewers refused to go quietly, mounting a desperate comeback in the late innings that electrified the home crowd.
"We weren't going to give up on our season," said Brewers manager after the thrilling victory. "That's the kind of fight this team has shown all year." After Lowe walked and stole second in the eighth, Perez singled him home to cut the deficit to 3-2. Kelenic then delivered the game-tying triple down the right field line, setting the stage for Henderson's heroics.
The Thunder now must regroup after squandering a golden opportunity to close out the series at home. Lopez had been dominant with seven strikeouts through 7.1 innings, but Turnbull and Garcia couldn't hold the lead. The series shifts back to the Thunder's home park for a decisive Game 6, with the Brewers riding tremendous momentum.
Final: Brewers 4, Thunder 3
Series: Thunder lead 3-2
📊 Full Box Score
Rum Runners Advance with 3-2 Victory, Clinch Series Over Kraken
AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD - Palacios homered and Skubal pitched brilliantly as the Rum Runners defeated the Kraken 3-2 in Game 5 to win the series 4-1 and advance to the second round. The Rum Runners secured their playoff series victory with a gritty performance that saw them overcome a late Kraken rally to punch their ticket to the next round.
The Rum Runners jumped ahead 2-0 in the first inning on back-to-back doubles by Merrill, Hoerner and Realmuto, then added an insurance run in the seventh when Palacios crushed a solo shot to right center. Skubal was dominant on the mound, allowing just one earned run over seven innings while striking out 10 batters to earn the victory.
"This team never stops competing," said Rum Runners manager after advancing. "From our starting pitching to our bullpen to our offense, everyone contributed to this series win." The Kraken made things interesting in the late innings, scoring in the third on Caballero's RBI groundout and again in the seventh on his RBI double, but couldn't generate the crucial final hit.
Martinez closed out the series with his second save, striking out the side in the ninth to seal the victory. The Rum Runners won the series 4-1 and will await their second-round opponent with confidence after showcasing dominant pitching throughout. The Kraken's season ends in disappointment after winning Game 2 but failing to build on that momentum.
Final: Rum Runners 3, Kraken 2
Series: Rum Runners win 4-1 (ADVANCE)
📊 Full Box Score
Auk Eliminate Argonauts 6-4, Advance to Second Round
PNC PARK - Ozuna belted two home runs and the Auk closed out the Argonauts with a 6-4 victory in Game 5 to win the series 4-1 and advance to the second round. The Auk overcame an early 3-1 deficit with a three-run second inning and never looked back, ending the Argonauts' season with a convincing performance.
Carroll sparked the comeback with a two-RBI triple in the second inning that tied the game at 3-3, then Ozuna delivered his first homer of the night to give the Auk a 4-3 lead. The designated hitter wasn't finished, adding another solo blast in the fourth inning that extended the advantage to 6-3 and effectively put the game out of reach.
"We knew they'd come out fighting with their season on the line, but our guys responded with quality at-bats," said Auk manager after the clinching win. Lugo earned his second victory of the series with six solid innings, while Hoffman recorded his second save by shutting down the Argonauts over the final three frames.
Lowe provided a highlight for the Argonauts with two triples and a homer, but it wasn't enough to extend the series. The home team left seven runners on base and couldn't generate the big hit when they needed it most. The Auk advance to face their next opponent with excellent momentum after winning four of five games.
Final: Auk 6, Argonauts 4
Series: Auk win 4-1 (ADVANCE)
📊 Full Box Score
📈 Game 5 Playoff Highlights
Current Series Status:
• Thunder lead Brewers 3-2 (Game 6 required)
• Rum Runners win series 4-1 (ADVANCE)
• Dogs win series 4-0 (ADVANCE)
• Auk win series 4-1 (ADVANCE)
Walk-Off Drama:
• Henderson's leadoff homer in bottom of 9th gives Brewers stunning 4-3 win
• Brewers rally from 3-0 deficit to force Game 6
• Thunder squander chance to clinch at home
Teams Advancing to Round 2:
• Dogs (swept Landlubbers 4-0)
• Rum Runners (defeated Kraken 4-1)
• Auk (defeated Argonauts 4-1)
Offensive Stars:
• Ozuna (2-for-4, 2 HRs, 3 RBIs), Palacios (2-for-4, HR, RBI), Henderson (HR, 2 RBIs), Kelenic (triple, RBI), Carroll (triple, 2 RBIs), Lowe (3-for-4, 2 triples, HR, 2 RBIs)
Pitching Excellence:
• Skubal (7 IP, 1 ER, 10 K) clinches series for Rum Runners
• Lugo (6 IP, 4 ER, 4 K) earns second win as Auk advance
• Lopez (7.1 IP, 2 ER, 7 K) dominant but suffers tough loss
Series Clinchers:
• Martinez records save to clinch Rum Runners' series win
• Hoffman shuts door on Argonauts with 3 scoreless innings
• Three series complete, one remains
Game 6 Preview:
• Thunder-Brewers series heads back for decisive game
• Thunder lead 3-2 but Brewers have all the momentum
• Winner advances to face Rum Runners in Round 2
Topic: September 26 - Playoffs round 1, Game 5 (Read 1900 times)
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