Dutchies in the MLB playoffs: ALCS game 1

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Last night the Orioles hosted the Royals in game one of the American League Championship Series. In the top of the third inning the Royals took a lead when Alcides Escobar homered to left field. A single by Nori Aoki followed by a walk drawn by Lorenzo Cain put runners on first and second. A single by Billy Butler loaded the bases before Alex Gordon hit a broken bat bloop double to right field that cleared the bases after Jonathan Schoop bobbled the throw from right fielder Nick Markakis.

The O’s got on the board with one run in their third at bat and the Royals scored a run on their turn in the top of the fifth inning. In the bottom of the fifth the Orioles got within one run of the Royals. Nick Markakis led off the inning with a soft fly ball single to left field. After Alejandro de Aza’s single put runners on first and second, Adam Jones grounded into a force out at third on which he reached first base safely. Then Nelson Cruz doubled to drive in Alejandro de Aza. With runners on the corners, Steve Pearce drew a walk off James Shields. A single by Ryan Flaherty eventually drove in Adam Jones and Nelson Cruz to make it 5-4.

In the bottom of the sixth, Jonathan Schoop scored the game tying run from third after he had drawn a walk off James Shields. He was driven in by Alejandro de Aza who hit a bloop infield single that just dropped in between the pitcher and the shortstop.

After nine innings the game was tied at five and extra innings were necessary.  In the tenth the Royals scored three more runs. Once again, Delmon Young proved his value to the Orioles when he replaced Jonathan Schoop at bat with two outs and runners on first and second. Young singled up through the middle and drove in Ryan Flaherty. But that was all the Orioles could do.  Final score 8-6 Royals.

Wade Davis earned the win for the Royals while Darren O’Day was labelled with the loss.

Best hitter for the Royals was Alex Gordon, who went 3 for 4 and who drove in four runs.
Ryan Flaherty was the best hitter for the Orioles, going 3 for 5 with two runs batted in.

Jonathan Schoop didn’t collect a hit in three at bats, but he drew a walk after he scored. He also stole third base and was part of a 6-4-3 double play.