I happened upon quite a finish to the World Baseball Classic qualifier between Brazil (Brazil ... baseball???) & Panama last night. Even though the game was in Panama City, Brazil was the home team, due to prior wins. About 40% of Brazil's roster were Japanese-Brazilians (there are a lot of people of Japanese descent in Brazil). Their Manager was Brzil's own Barry Larkin??? Panama's Manager was 'Mr. 7-Game Postseason Winning Streak' himself, the Man who's return to the 1B Coach's Box precipitated the Giants' great run to glory, Roberto Kelly.
Brazil lead, 1-0, going to the top of the 9th. Then, after a BB & a sacrifice bunt, Brazil brought in their Closer, a flame-thrower named Thyago Vieira, who actually pitched for the Mariners' Rookie League Team this year. Panama had a runner on 2nd with the following trio due up:
- Carlos Ruiz of the Phillies
- Carlos Lee of the Marlins
- Ruben 'that was the worst baserunning in MLB history' Rivera, who apparently has been an 'RBI machine' for the Piratas de Campeche in the Mexican League lately.
As expected, Ruiz came through with a line drive hit, but it was hit so hard to LF, that the runner had to stop at 3rd. Apparently, the same runner ran through a stop sign earlier in the game & was thrown out at the plate.
Then, after a battle, Carlos Lee whiffed on ball four around shoulder height.
It all came down to Rivera. With Roberto Kelly nervously watching, Rivera flailed at several pitches, ending the game.
Brazil is headed to the WBC, & Panama misses out.
I love finding odd-ball games like this, featuring familiar faces in different roles. I really wanted Roberto Kelly to have success, but his high-priced talent wasn't up to it.
We are flying down to the Bay Area tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. We may make a quick pilgrimage to AT&T & the Giants' store on Friday afternoon. Back up here on Sunday morning.
2010 & 2012 World Series Champions! Sounds great!!!
4 comments:
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Safe travels!
Indeed. Well said.
I happened upon quite a finish to the World Baseball Classic qualifier between Brazil (Brazil ... baseball???) & Panama last night. Even though the game was in Panama City, Brazil was the home team, due to prior wins. About 40% of Brazil's roster were Japanese-Brazilians (there are a lot of people of Japanese descent in Brazil). Their Manager was Brzil's own Barry Larkin??? Panama's Manager was 'Mr. 7-Game Postseason Winning Streak' himself, the Man who's return to the 1B Coach's Box precipitated the Giants' great run to glory, Roberto Kelly.
Brazil lead, 1-0, going to the top of the 9th. Then, after a BB & a sacrifice bunt, Brazil brought in their Closer, a flame-thrower named Thyago Vieira, who actually pitched for the Mariners' Rookie League Team this year. Panama had a runner on 2nd with the following trio due up:
- Carlos Ruiz of the Phillies
- Carlos Lee of the Marlins
- Ruben 'that was the worst baserunning in MLB history' Rivera, who apparently has been an 'RBI machine' for the Piratas de Campeche in the Mexican League lately.
As expected, Ruiz came through with a line drive hit, but it was hit so hard to LF, that the runner had to stop at 3rd. Apparently, the same runner ran through a stop sign earlier in the game & was thrown out at the plate.
Then, after a battle, Carlos Lee whiffed on ball four around shoulder height.
It all came down to Rivera. With Roberto Kelly nervously watching, Rivera flailed at several pitches, ending the game.
Brazil is headed to the WBC, & Panama misses out.
I love finding odd-ball games like this, featuring familiar faces in different roles. I really wanted Roberto Kelly to have success, but his high-priced talent wasn't up to it.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
We are flying down to the Bay Area tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. We may make a quick pilgrimage to AT&T & the Giants' store on Friday afternoon. Back up here on Sunday morning.
2010 & 2012 World Series Champions! Sounds great!!!
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