Here’s the latest edition of Rant-O-Matic for October 12, 2012:
Baltimore Orioles vs. New York Yankees
After splitting the first four games of the ALDS, everything comes down to a crucial Game 5 on Friday as the Orioles and Yankees look to advance to the ALCS for a matchup against the Detroit Tigers.
Baltimore appeared to be in good shape a few days ago when they were on the verge of winning Game 3 before Raul Ibanez entered the game and hit two home runs to give the Yankees a 3-2 win. C.C. Sabathia will be taking the mound against Jason Hammel on Friday and if Game 1 is any indication of what to expect–Baltimore could be in trouble.
Sabathia was beyond impressive in the series opener as he lasted 8 2/3 innings while allowing just two runs, but the main storyline in this one may be Joe Girardi‘s decision to bench Alex Rodriguez.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Washington Nationals
In the second Game 5 matchup of Friday, the Cardinals look to bounce back after a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Nationals on Thursday thanks to a game-winning home run by Jayson Werth in the bottom of the ninth inning to win it. Adam Wainwright will be squaring off against Gio Gonzalez in what should be an interesting pitching matchup between these two teams as the winner will move on to the NLCS to face the San Francisco Giants–who overcame a 2-0 deficit to beat the Cincinnati Reds in the NLDS.
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