Notable pitching performances in LCS Game 5, teams facing elimination

In the last 10 years, I have noticed some notable pitching performances in a Game 5 LCS game when a team was facing Elimination.

2003: The Marlins were facing Elimination and Josh Beckett pitched a gem to take the NLCS back to Chicago and the Marlins went on to stun the Cubs 4-3.

2007: The Red Sox were trailing the Indians (sound familiar) 3-1 and Josh Beckett was sent to the hill and his Game 5 gem sent the series back to Fenway where the Red Sox beat the Indians 4-3

2012: The Giants, who came back to beat the Reds in the NLDS, were in a familiar spot against the Cardinals in the LCS, down 3-1, they sent Barry Zito to the mound and Zito's gem sent the series back to San Francisco, where the Giants beat the Cardinals 4-3.

On this night 10 years ago. A Classic in the Bronx

The Yankees and Red Sox squared off to go to the World Series in a winner take all Game 7. The pitching matchup was one made for Cooperstown: Pedro Martinez and Roger Clemens. The Red Sox grabbed the early lead and Clemens was taken out in the 7th Inning. In the 8th Inning, the Yankees rallied and Grady Little was about to take Pedro Martinez out, but Pedro had the final say. Pedro decided to stay in the Game and the Yankees came back to tie. The Game went into the 11th Inning. Aaron Boone hit Tim Wakefield's first pitch into the upper deck in left field and the Yankees advanced to the World Series. The Yankees lost the Fall Classic to the Florida Marlins 4-2

On this night in 2003, A personal favorite moment of mine

On this night in 2003, The Minnesota Golden Gophers hosted Michigan at the Metrodome. Minnesota jumped out to a 28-7 lead in the 3rd Quarter. In the 4th, Michigan decided it was time to play some ball. John Navarre led the Wolverines to the greatest comeback in UofM history. Chris Perry scored twice, Navarre hit Braylon Edwards for a 50 yard touchdown and Jacob Stewart returned a interception for a touchdown. Freshman kicker Garret Rivas connected from 35 yards out with 40 Seconds left as Michigan stunned the Golden Gophers and retained the little brown jug.

It was one of my favorite moments as a diehard Michigan Football fan (1996-2005).

My hopes for the next Reds Skipper

With Dusty Baker being let go, it was a surprise. However, i think the Reds should look "Outside the organization". Barry Larkin, Tony LaRussa, who managed the Cardinals and worked under Jocketty. I to this day, still do not agree with the Bob Boone hiring, but it is what it is.

On this day in 2002

On this day in 2002, The Reds hosted the Phillies at Cinergy Field. It was the final game at the Ballpark on the Ohio River. The Phillies would beat the Reds 4-3. Barry Larkin and Jose Rijo would be taken out in a double switch in the top of the 6th Inning. The Reds stayed competitive all the way until Late August. Also on this night in 2002, The Falcons "embarassed" the Bengals 31-3 on ESPN Sunday Night Football. The Bengals would start their "Delay of a Season" 0-3. The Bengals would finish the 2002 season 2-14, Dick LeBeau was relived of his duties on Black Monday and the Bengals would get the first pick in the 2003 NFL Draft.

Why is football such a "pass happy" game

15-20 years ago, Football was a grind it out sport. The teams leading running back would get 25-30 carries a game. In today’s NFL, QB’s are throwing the ball 50-60 times a game. The Shot-Gun, Spread formations are more used then 15-20 years ago, when coaches like Bill Parcells, Bill Cowher used to love running the ball in the 4th quarter with a lead.

Favorite Reds by Position

Catcher: Joe Oliver, Eddie Taubensee, Devin Meseroco, Javier Valentin

1st Base: Sean Casey, Joey Votto

2nd Base: Pokey Reese, Brandon Phillips

Shortstop: Barry Larkin, Paul Janish, Zack Cozart

3rd Base: Aaron Boone, Scott Rolen, Todd Frazier

Left Field: Greg Vaughn, Ryan Ludwick, Ryan Freel, Chris Stynes

Centerfield: Ken Griffey Jr, Drew Stubbs, Ron Gant

Rightfield: Jay Bruce, Ryan Freel, Dmitri Young

Pitchers: Jose Rijo, Danny Graves, Pete Harnish, Bronson Arroyo, Aaron Hurang, Kyle Loshe, Mike Leake, AC, Homer Bailey

Favorite Skippers: Davey Johnson, Jack McKeon and Dusty Baker