BASEBALL

The playoffs continued….

First up, Tampa Bay looked to even the series as against a red hot Texas Rangers team.  That wouldn’t exactly come to fruition, as the Rangers bats were locked and loaded.  The Rangers got up to a 2-0 lead, and then, in the 5th, the Rangers basically sealed the deal.  Michael Young hit a 3-run shot to give the Rangers a 5-0 lead and Ian Kinsler added another run with an RBI.  Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson was dominate as well, as the Rangers cruised to an easy victory.  They now lead the series 2 games to 0.  Texas 6, Tampa Bay 0.

In San Francisco, it was Game 1 of the series between the Giants and the Atlanta Braves.  Both of these teams were playing very well headed into the post-season, and this should be a series to remember.  Giants ace Tim Lincecum took the mound hoping to have a monumental game against a strong Braves offense.  That’s exactly what happened.  He had 14 strikeouts and only gave up 2 hits in an extraordinary effort.  He was simply untouchable.  The Giants only needed one run to win the game, and got off a Cody Ross RBI.  The Giants take a 1-0 lead in the series.  San Francisco 1, Atlanta 0.

And in Minnesota, the Twins were hoping to square up the series with the Yankees.  Getting a win at home against New York is very important.  You don’t want to go into Yankee stadium down 2-0 in a best of 3 series.   Well, this game would go back and forth.  The Yankees led 2-1 in the sixth and thought they might hold on, but Orlando Hudson even it up with a home-run blast.  But, in the 7th, Lance Berkman and Derek Jeter each hit RBIs to drive in 2 more Yankee runs to take a 4-2 lead.  The Twins tried to come back, but simply couldn’t get the run.  Then, Yankees reliever Mariano Rivera sealed the deal.  The Twins just seem unable to figure out the Yankees.  They were ousted by the Yankees last year and appear to be their prey this year as well.  NY Yankees 5, Minnesota 2.

FOOTBALL

Finally, in college football a special Thursday night game between undefeated Nebraska and undefeated Kansas State.  Nebraska was ranked #7 in this game, but the K-State Wildcats have been red-hot and some thought this game had upset potential.  Nebraska’s QB, Taylor Martinez, has been on fire this year, but his name hasn’t generated Heisman buzz.  Well, last night’s game might change all of that.  Martinez rushed for an amazing 241 yards and 4 touchdowns!!!   And remember — he’s their quarterback.  This was purely an outstanding performance that will surely get the attention of the Heisman committee.  Nebraska 48, Kansas State 13.