Buzzmaster

  (4:43 PM)

Welcome to The Show! We'll kick off tonight's ALCS/NLCS bonanza at 7:30 ET. Buster Olney and Rob Neyer will be giving their inning-by-inning analysis of both games and as usual, you can sound off by sending in your comments and questions off the games! Talk to you soon!

Buzzmaster

  (7:38 PM)

Helloooooooooooooooo! Good Evening! OK, here's a question.. can you call it a doubleheader if the games are at the same time?

Eric (Canton, NY)

No.

drew (st louis)

negative, but who wants to watch the sox and yanks anyways? go cards!!

Derek (BX, New York)

I'm calling it now: complete game shutout for Lieber

Matt (West Hempstead, NY)

Yeah, what's the deal with both games being on at the same time!!!! I'm an Astros fan stuck here in NY and I don't have cable so now I can't even watch my team's Championship Series Game 1 because MLB scheduled both games at the same time for whatever reason!!! What's the deal?

Buzzmaster

  (7:44 PM)

Yeah, who thought this was a good idea? This is like the one time that having picture in picture is actually worth it .. although Buzz has one small tv and another TV propped up on a dictionary and a phone book to watch both games.

Wade (Pulaski, TN)

Seriously boneheaded move by MLB. We have to tune in to Fox Sports Net of all channels just to see the NLCS. It's obvious which series is more important to MLB.

drew (st louis)

you know whats weak.....when you have a midterm the day after your home town team plays in the NLCS........baseball>school

Rick (Los Angeles)

Matt is the last guy in America without cable/sattelite

Rob Neyer

  (7:46 PM)

Honestly, I really don't see a big problem here. Sure, there are a small percentage of us who would like to see every pitch of both games. But here's a dirty little secret: most baseball fans aren't as gung-ho as you and me. Most of them are quite happy to flip back and forth as events (and commercials) dictate.

Simmy (LI, New York)

who's your da-dy? (clap clap clap+clap+clap) hehehe i can't wait anymore!

Matt (West Hempstead, NY)

Yeah that's right Rick- never had it bc i knew I'd spend all my time watching sports on espn instead of doing my schoolwork lol

Jarreau (The Bronx)

Who are you guys fooling!? Even you Astros and Cards fans are gonna be watchin more of the sox-yanks game!

Travis (Wayland, NY)

Whats the deal with Schillings ankle?

Buzzmaster

  (7:50 PM)

It's not looking good .. he's a trooper and will probably try to start Game 5 but if you are a Sox fan, you have to be worried .. very worried.

Buzzmaster

  (7:52 PM)

Everyone, welcome Rob Neyer to The Show! He'll be giving analysis throghout the games and answering a few questions in the process!

Peter (Bakersfield, CA)

Schilling's ankle just gives Red Sox fans another excuse. It's Grady's fault, it's the ankle's fault, yadda, yadda, yadda.

Casey (Portland (OR))

After last night's outing, Yankee fans everywhere want to see Schilling try to start again on that gimpy ankle...especially if Tito tries to have him go on short rest.

kg (great neck, ny)

things just always seem to fall apart for the sox when they play the yanks. pedro needs to make a statement tonight to take some focus off of schilling's unfortunate condition

Rob Neyer

  (7:57 PM)

I just read that story about Schilling maybe pitching again, with a "better brace." Yeah, right. He's done, or should be. Game 5 will be the pivotal moment of Derek Lowe's career.

Alex (Amherst, MA)

How come no one else is mentioning this? Tom Gordon looked tired last night. He is not that big of a guy and he is getting older. Dona??t you think that his arm could play a huge role n this series?

Jeff (Columbia)

Please enter your Flash still has the gas. I am more worried about the Yanks in general than Flash's armquestion.

kg (ny)

yeah i agree with alex's message. gordon did not look good at all. all 80 of those appearances he made throughout the year may be catching up to him. now one seems to be talking about how pathetic the yankees bullpen looked last night. their starters are shaky enough. w/ a poor performing bullpen, they could be in big trouble... even if schilling can't pitch. that would be crazy if the bosox pull it off w/o curt

Buster Olney

  (8:01 PM)

Hey, folks -- ready to go? Big game for the Sox, almost as much for the Yankees. A virtual must-win for Boston, I think, with all the questions swirling around Schilling's availability the rest of the way, and all the pressure on Pedro. I wonder if Martinez will throw inside to somebody early in the game to in attempt to change the tone of the competition and re-establish himself a bit -- just as he did in Game 3 of the ALCS last year, at the moment he threw over Karim Garcia's head. Most likely candidate, if he does throw inside: A-Rod. I don't think he would take another shot at Sheffield, or at Jeter. We'll see, though. And look for Jon Lieber to pound fastballs inside...

Fred (NYC)

Where's Showgirl?

Buzzmaster

  (8:02 PM)

Have no fear, Showgirl will be back Friday night!

Tim (Austin, TX)

Will you guys comment on both games at the same time? Are you going to provide more coverage for one series or the other?

Buzzmaster

  (8:05 PM)

We are going to do our best to be partisan .. but we'll of course lean to the game that is more exciting at that moment.

Casey (Portland (OR))

How about Saturday? Will she be around to help us celebrate a Yankees sweep?

Buzzmaster

  (8:07 PM)

Well, she'll be around Saturday. Not so sure about the sweep part!

Vin (NYC)

Pedro is about to get a spanking from his daddy!

Buster Olney

  (8:07 PM)

Hey, Buzz, I'm locking in on the Red Sox-Yankees game, if that's OK with you...

Matt (Houston)

Why do Fox analysts always root for the Astros opponents?

scott (Boston)

Can we get Bill Simmons on here?

Rob Neyer

  (8:09 PM)

Matt, all I can tell you is that fans of every team think the national broadcasters are biased against their team. And if you think about that for a moment, you'll realize it's absurd.

Buzzmaster

  (8:09 PM)

Bill Simmons will be in The Show tomorrow at 1:30 ET! Don't miss it!

Buzzmaster

  (8:10 PM)

Buster! Welcome! Everyone say HI to Buster Olney! He's locked in and ready to go! He'll be offering up analysis of the Red Sox-Yankees game!

Tom (Chicago (formerly of St. Louis))

Time to see the best team, and the best baseball team in America play some ball.... GO CARDINALS!

Jared (Brookline, MA)

Why can't Tim McCarver just go away? I really don't want to hear him utter the words "Who's Your Daddy" ever again. I don't mind it from anyone else, just sounds really really REALLY wrong coming from him. And if he talks about BRANDON Arroyo one more time, I'm throwing something at the TV.

Kramer (FL)

Buster, do you think that Francona will have the guts to NOT pitch Schilling if there is a Game 5 and the trainer thinks he will be ineffective again? Or will he fear the backlash in Boston and let that color his decision(again)?

Rob Neyer

  (8:14 PM)

You know what? I think if Schilling's out of action, the Cardinals really might be the best baseball team in America. On the other hand, if Mussina's on his game...

Fred (NYC)

Full disclosure time. Last night, Showgirl openly admitted she was rooting for the Sox (however foolishly). Buzzmaster and Buster -- please declare your allegiances, so we know where you stand...

Buster Olney

  (8:15 PM)

Hey, Kramer -- I think the choice is out of Francona's hands at this point, and in the hands of Theo, the Drs., and Schilling. And I would guess it's a longshot he'll pitch Game 5; maybe there's a better chance for GAme 7, if necessary... I suspect Curt, as a competitor who feels responsibility as the Red Sox ace, may have deceived the med. staff -- and himself, probably -- about what the condition of his ankle was.

Buzzmaster

  (8:15 PM)

OK OK.. Buzz is a Sox guy. Have the nice, broken-in, dirty, game-worn hat to prove it. Can't root for the Yankees. Just physically can't do it .. it's like a medical condition or something. Can't speak for Buster .. although he did just write a book on the Yankees .. so ...

Rob Neyer

  (8:16 PM)

Just to throw something in there. . . Buster knows more about this than I do, but shouldn't the Red Sox have known -- before Game 1 -- that Schilling wouldn't be able to throw hard? Or did they suspect as much, but figure maybe his adrenaline would kick in and compensate for the bad ankle? In retrospect, it just seems incredibly stupid that they let him start.

Buzzmaster

  (8:17 PM)

Yankees are taking the field..

Marc (Champaign, IL)

So, Buzzmaster...you are going to keep us updated on the Presidential Debate tonight, right?

Buzzmaster

  (8:17 PM)

Well, we've got two baseball games, a UCONN football game and Lost ahead of it .. so ...

Buster Olney

  (8:18 PM)

Loved the Dodgers until I was 22 -- psycho Dodgers fan -- then met Tommy Lasorda on the set of the country show Hee Haw. Haven't rooted for the Dodgers since; I'm basically without a favorite baseball team now. Just root for good games, good story lines...

Pete (San Diego)

Is anyone else feeling a Houston/Boston World Series? That's my pick since the playoff match ups came out.

Rob Neyer

  (8:19 PM)

Not me, Pete. I'd say the odds heavily favor a rematch of the '64 Series, which would be pretty cool. Too bad the Cardinals don't have anybody like Hoot Gibson (though I'm sure McCarver will give us plenty of reminders).

Buzzmaster

  (8:20 PM)

Both games have begun ..

Rob Neyer

  (8:21 PM)

Just got the first pitch in St. Louis, at 7:20 Central Time. I'll be back at the end of each half-inning with updates, and Buster will be doing same for the Bronx game.

Casey (Whitewater, WI)

"I met Tommy Lasorda on the set of Hee Haw" might be the funniest sentence ever uttered in this chat.

Buzzmaster

  (8:22 PM)

Single for Biggio .. Sox have 2 out nobody on in the first.

Devin (Durham, NC)

Good to see Biggio won't go 0 for the series

Matt (NY, NY)

Ok, Buzz, Rob, Buster... no jinxing tonight. I hold Buster entirely responsible for Moose's demise last night.

Buzzmaster

  (8:22 PM)

Got it.

Buzzmaster

  (8:23 PM)

Manny goes down swinging .. Sox go quietly in the first.

Carter (Fargo)

Get ready for the daddy chant

Buzzmaster

  (8:24 PM)

Dinger! Carlos Beltran!

Scott (Lubbock, TX)

I need to make an altar to my new God, Carlos Beltran.

Buster Olney

  (8:25 PM)

Manny Ramirez missed that last slider by what, five feet? Ugly. Took Lieber two pitches to overcome his butterflies and get command of his stuff, which is part of the reason why he's become such an important guy for Joe Torre. There are no Kevin Brown-like emotions, no El Duque physical mysteries, no Vazquez-like anxieties that overcome his delivery. Impressive first inning: 9 pitches. And here comes Pedro...

Dusty (Boston)

What are the odds of a first pitch beanball from Pedro here?

Noah (Charlotte)

If 2 runs wins that game, I will go streakin

Matt (NY, NY)

The Sox are 11-19 vs. the Yanks when Pedro starts. That is just amazing.

Buzzmaster

  (8:27 PM)

Pedro walks Jeter to start the game.

Buzzmaster

  (8:28 PM)

Jeter steals second ..

Carter (Fargo)

Catch the ball Bellhorn

Rob Neyer

  (8:28 PM)

Wow. Eight minutes and a half-inning into the game, and the Astros are up 2-0 on Beltran's laser beam down the right-field line. That makes five home runs in the postseason already, and I suspect he's already forgotten that his late-season power slump -- zero regular-season home runs after September 7 -- cost him membership in the 40/40 club. The Astros' only real chance in these first two games is to just bludgeon the St. Louis starters. And though it's early, they're certainly off to a good start. Woody Williams did show a good yakker in striking out Berkman.

Dave (SF)

OV-ER-RATED! clap-clap-clap-clap-clap

bobby (macon)

pedro is actin a little scared this inning

Buzzmaster

  (8:30 PM)

It sounds like every single person in the stadium is chanting Who's Your Daddy .. every single person!

Buzzmaster

  (8:31 PM)

Oh boy.. Pedro hits Rodriguez .. not intentional.

Buzzmaster

  (8:32 PM)

Yankees draw first blood on a Sheffield RBI single..

Marc (Selden, NY)

Start up the run machine

Derek (Pittsburgh)

Damon has a cannon...not.

Mike (Hot Springs, AR)

oh c'mon Sox. We need a series of it before you fold!

Ben (Boston)

Pedro is throwing smoke...control issues because he doesn't usually let it loose that much.

Judd (Memphis)

HAHA Berkman!!!!!!!!!

Buzzmaster

  (8:35 PM)

What was that? How did Berkman misplay that ball?

Buzzmaster

  (8:35 PM)

Cardinals with man on third and one out .. Pujols at the plate.

Buzzmaster

  (8:36 PM)

Dinger! Albert Pujols!

Tom (Chicago (formerly of St. Louis))

WOOOOHOOOOO

Noah (Charlotte)

Pujols and Beltran, the numbers are going to be off the charts this series!

Jarreau (Bronx)

Pedros heatin up.....

Hernando(Colombia)

Pedro is gonna K 17 tonight I Called it

Steve (WY)

Glad to see Pedro decided to show up.

Jared (Brookline, MA)

Overthrowing a little bit in the top of the first, then setlling down for 2 Ks to Matsui and Bernie. I'd have to say that we're seeing classic Pedro tonight. Red Sox fans are starting to breathe a little easier.

Greg (PSU)

Buzz, whats your set up...dual tv's and a coke? livin' the luxurious life, huh?

Buzzmaster

  (8:41 PM)

Yup, got the two TVs and 2 bottles of Coke .. good to go!

Dan (Louisville KY)

Great hitting by the Cards. Edmonds stayed back nicely and took that last ball to right.

Buster Olney

  (8:43 PM)

Bottom of the First: After Pedro beat the Angels last week, he said that he felt very strong -- surprisingly strong, he said -- and that his extra velocity was actually a problem, because he struggled for his control. Looked like the same thing in the first inning tonight: He was throwing as high as 97 mph, four fastballs of 94, 95, 94, 93 to Jeter, and he was very erratic. By the end of the inning, he was much sharper, but there was a heavy toll, besides the run that the Yankees scored. Twenty-six pitches. The announcers are harping on the communication issues between Pedro and Varitek, but any time Pedro pitches, some of this stuff goes on. He likes to control the tempo.

Drake (PA(Atlanta fan))

Buzz do you predict that Bos vs NYY game will end tonight

Buzzmaster

  (8:44 PM)

Yes, Buzz will go out on a limb and say that, yes, the game will definitely end tonight.

Rob Neyer

  (8:45 PM)

In his first inning of work, Brandon Backe gave up three screamers: first a liner that Berkman lost in the lights, then an opposite-field shot from Pujols that tied the game, and finally Jim Edmonds' single to right. Honestly, looking at Backe and Munro, I think the Cardinals will score more than a dozen runs in these first two games (combined). Cardinals 13, Astros 8.

Steve (Albuquerque, NM)

Pitch counts: Lieber- 9 Pedro- 26

Buzzmaster

  (8:46 PM)

Ortiz draws the leadoff walk in the second inning..

Buster Olney

  (8:47 PM)

Lieber uncharacteristically wild to start the second; you've got to wonder if the long bottom of the first affected him a bit...

Simmy (LI, New York)

I think Lieber is losing the strike zone... This is very unline him

Matt (New Haven, CT)

Everybody needs to relax - it's the SECOND inning!

Mark (Cartersville, GA)

Red sox have GOT to show their typical patience at the plate. Swinging early in the account is not how they beat people. They need to wear pitchers down.

Buzzmaster

  (8:49 PM)

Sox go quietly in the second.

Chase (San Marcos, TX)

Oh great, Scooter...the most useless thing ever!

Toby (Richmond, Va)

If I see "scooter" one more time Im gonna cut the TV off and listen to radio. Tim McCarver almost drives me to this anyway.

Bob (Chicago)

Scooter's such a screwball!

Buster Olney

  (8:50 PM)

Lieber recovers quickly -- and quickly being the operative word. Two innings, 20 pitches, not a single hard-hit ball.

Dan (RI)

That's about 20 pitches threw two... Lieber looks solid. He has great movement.

Greg (PSU)

Imagine having to be the voice of scooter, what a degrading feeling. I would kill myself.

Rob Neyer

  (8:52 PM)

Listening to the TV broadcast (because ESPN Radio's doing the ALCS) of the NLCS, Thom Brennaman just referred to Pete Munro -- Houston's Game 2 starter -- as a "youngster." Uh, Thom? Pete Munro turned 29 four months ago. He's a youngster only when compared to broadcasters and writers. Woody Williams cruised through the top of the second.

Matt (West Hempstead, NY)

How good is Beltran?!? Seriously, he is just SCARY GOOD!!! Buster and Rob, what are the chances do you think the Astros may be able to sign him this offseason being that he is such a huge part of their postseason run to this point?

Noah (Charlotte)

Lieber has always been grossly underrated all the way back to his days with the Cubs.

Arthur (Austin, TX)

At least someone is watching the NLCS!

Rob Neyer

  (8:54 PM)

It's easy to predict Beltran will sign with the Yankees. But isn't that what all of said about Vladimir Guerrero a year ago? I think he's most likely to end up in New York, but I also think the Cubs, the Astros, and perhaps even the Red Sox might be players.

Matt (NY, NY)

You can't do the TV on mute with the radio anymore, the 5 second delay kills everything. Thanks Janet.

Chris (Cleveland, OH)

We got guys from Texas watching the ALCS game, and guys from NY watching the NLCS, this is messed up.

Scott (Moline, IL)

If Houston goes the the World Series, my money is on Beltran returning... If not, I see him going to NYY.

Rob Neyer

  (8:55 PM)

The delay -- and compared to the radio, the difference is less than five seconds -- is actually helpful when I'm working, because I can be typing away, hear something happen on the radio, and look at the TV in time to see it. But yeah, I can imagine that it would be impossible if you're just trying to enjoy the game.

Dave (Texas)

they have no chance to sign beltran, boras is going to get him yankee money... the stros just dont have the money to do it.

Erik (Alexandria,VA)

If Pedro can't get Lofton and Cairo out, its going to be a long night

Chase (San Marcos, TX)

Beltran is such a quality guy; however, I think playing for a team he already likes weighs much more heavily on his mind.

John-Paul (Sacramento)

Pedro's not going to last more than six throwing this many pitches

BronxinBama (Montgomery)

40 pitches in 2 innings for Pedro!

Pete (Lawrence, KS)

Someone told me about this little device that you can hook to your radio to eliminate the 5 second delay...pretty nifty 'cept that it costs $140.

Jason (Essex, VT)

A-rod is going to homer... you watch

Steve (Lancaster, PA)

That was a BALK!!

Matt (West Hempstead, NY)

Pedro's a WILD MAN tonight. The best pitcher of all time can't find the plate- what's going on? Is it the chant?

Rob Neyer

  (9:01 PM)

Backe looked awfully sharp in the bottom of the second; but then, Reggie Sanders is easy pickings for a right-hander with a decent slider (which Backe's got). The true test comes when he faces the middle of the order again. If he can get past Murderers Row without giving up a crooked number, the Astros actually have a shot in this game.

BronxinBama (Montgomery)

Al Leiter is a good addition to the FOX staff, better than Brett Boone from last year!

Alex (Winona, MN)

Pedro the best of all time? He's great, but that's a bit much.

Matt (Rochester, NY)

Pedro's overthrowing...trying too hard.

Landon (Spokane, WA)

A-rod is making Pedro throw a lot of pitches.

Buzzmaster

  (9:04 PM)

Just FYI.. we aren't ignoring Houston-St. Louis just not much happening .. Pedro comes up with huge K on ARod .. headed to the third with Yankees up 1-0.

Dave (Texas)

that pitch froze me... and im in my living room.

MC (San Francisco)

whew. 46 through 2. At this rate, he might last four. Wow.

Jesse (Bloomington, IL)

Just a comment that Scott Rolen is the best third baseman in the game, offensively and defensively....

Buster Olney

  (9:06 PM)

bottom of Second: Pedro's pitch count continues to climb -- after 26 in the first inning, another 20 in the second inning, 46 in all. At this rate, he's going to last five innings. Something else that's interesting: As hard as he is throwing, the Yankees are locked onto his fastball -- Olerud, Lofton and Jeter all had good hacks at his hard stuff that inning -- and they are ignoring his breaking stuff. Of the 46 pitches he's thrown, the Yankees HAVE SWUNG AND MISSED ONCE. And seven foul balls. One swing and miss. This is Pedro Martinez we're talking about...

Buzzmaster

  (9:06 PM)

Beltran just hit another shot into the upper deck, but foul. That dude can hit.

Buzzmaster

  (9:08 PM)

Cabrera with the leadoff single in the third ..

Rob Neyer

  (9:08 PM)

Since giving up the home run to Beltran, Woody Williams has retired nine straight Astros (including Beltran, on a strikeout) and looked like he wasn't straining to do it. I don't believe in momentum in baseball, but Williams certainly seems to have settled down.

Jason (Essex, VT)

I wonder if Francona is rocking back and forth like a confused monkey yet?

Bryan (New York)

what a weird swing by damon

Steve (Lancaster, PA)

Damon looking great again tonight, I swing at a bee harder than that

Tom (Chicopee, MA)

Confused monkey? Oh man, I forgot the Presidential debate is on!

Mike (Dallas)

I like that Cabrera kid. His batting average stinks, but he makes hits when it counts, which is more than you can say for Manny.

John (Hyde Park, NY)

Glad to see the Sox hitters being patient and working the count so they can get into the Yanks middle relief...

Buzzmaster

  (9:14 PM)

Pujols up again .. nobody on and 2 out in the 3rd.

Buster Olney

  (9:14 PM)

Top of the third: Jon Lieber is rolling, firing, getting the ball back, firing again, his pace exactly the opposite of Pedro right now. Three innings and 30 pitches. The Red Sox hitters have got to put up some kind of struggle at some point, or their season will be in jeopardy within a couple of hours. The Yankees only lead 1-0, but it's playing out completely one-sided so far...

Buzzmaster

  (9:15 PM)

Just like Beltran, Pujols hits one long enough for a home run, just foul.

Matt (NY, NY)

Kill scooter now please

Biggio's the Boss (H-Town)

does that scooter leave yankee stadium early to beat traffic too?

Mike (Dallas)

Is there a more intimidating hitter in the AL than Sheff?? The way he waves that bat and grins...scary stuff for a pitcher.

Buzzmaster

  (9:17 PM)

Tony La Russa just did an interview from the dugout..

Mike (Roslyn, NY)

VLAD is way more intimidating... he can hit from anywhere in the zone

Buster Olney

  (9:19 PM)

Bottom of the third: Pedro gets three outs, 10 pitches, 56 pitches in all; his best inning. The Red Sox have the heart of their order coming up. It'll be interesting to see if Lieber can keep jamming Ramirez, mixing that with his slider away... Can't make a mistake with Manny...

roger (StL)

after three-days rest, when is the other shoe gonna drop on Backe?

Mike (Dallas)

But Sheff is more controled. Vlad might be able to hit anything...but he also swings at everything. He hits alot of junk foul, and gets himself out alot. Sheff waits for his pitch.

Marc (Champaign, IL)

What about Tejada?? The man had 150 RBI's this year!

bobby (macon)

albert pujols is also pretty intimidating... can't forget him

Derek (Pittsburgh)

I love u2, but it really disappoints me to see them sell out for Apple.

Rob Neyer

  (9:21 PM)

Just as Williams did, Backe pitched a great third. Maybe my prediction of a slugfest was koo-koo krazy?

Matt (Mankato, MN)

John Kerry just hit a home run off Bush... oh wait, wrong channel.

Scott (Lubbock, TX)

Is anyone else enjoying both games at the same time like I am? I thought I'd hate this.

Marc (Champaign, IL)

I hope Backe drops soon. If the Cards cant beat up on a so-so pitcher on 3-days rest, how are they going to do against a well rested Clemens-Oswalt combo?

Noah (Charlotte)

Sorry that home run by Kerry was foul, and then Bush struck him out.

Casey (Austin, Tx)

3-1 odds that Jeff Kent grounds out into a Double Play

Fred (NYC)

1-2-3 for the heart of the Sox order again. Now Lieber should at least get through six innings, which is all he needs to do. The Sox are not playing smart so far...

Buster Olney

  (9:25 PM)

Top of the Fourth: Is this Jon Lieber, or Greg Maddux? Wow. He's faced 14 hitters and 9 of those have seen 3 pitches or less. He's had one three-ball count, only four two-ball counts. The Red Sox hitters are getting nothing to swing at, but he's throwing enough strikes that they keep swinging. Thirty-six pitches in four innings...

Frank (Fort Worth)

Is it me, or is Woody Williams' strike zone a lot larger than Brandon Backe's?

Buzzmaster

  (9:25 PM)

Dinger! Jeff Kent! 4-2 Astros!

Conrad (Chicago)

How's a bomb to left for those 3-1 odds?

D.C. Yankee (Washington)

that's no double play for kent!!!

Frank (Fort Worth)

ATTA BOY KENT!!

Buzzmaster

  (9:27 PM)

For the 6 people who care .. West Virginia 10, UCONN 6 ,, start of 3rd quarter.

DanThaMan (San Diego)

Pedro is starting to reach the mid-90s, watch out

Andrew (Wilmington, MA)

Actually Buzz...thank you for that. I layed some coin on West Va.

Buzzmaster

  (9:28 PM)

Good luck.

Matt (Buffalo)

he also just walked another guy, you can throw as hard as you want but you gotta have control

Twins Fan (ND)

Pedro has good velocity, but he doesn't seem to have much movement on the fastball. And that pitch was a strike!

BronxinBama (Montgomery)

Pedro is a mystery to me. Yanks have to score now, while they can.

ahmed (danburry CN)

AL Leiter how good is he. he's got a future in TV.

Tony D (Franklin, MA)

While they can? Pedro's inching ever closer to his 100-pitch wall, and it could come ever sooner with his extra velocity tonight. I can't wait to see the Sox bullpen.

Steve (WY)

My prediction for the bottom of the 4th, 2 run homer for the Cards...seems to be the popular thing to do.

Buzzmaster

  (9:34 PM)

Yanks go down in the 4th .. still 1-0 NY heading to fifth.

alex (seattle)

whats wrong with scott rolen? hasnt got a hit in the postseason yet, time to move him out of the cleanup spot

Scott (Lubbock, TX)

Rolen looks dead on his feet. Is he hurting worse than he's letting on?

Bubba (West Yarmouth, MA)

I wonder who Nomar is rooting for...

Marc (Champaign, IL)

The Cardinals have officially sold out by bring in those thundersticks

Buster Olney

  (9:35 PM)

End of the Fourth inning: Pedro is hanging in there, with his command at less than his best. I agree with what somebody else said here, that the movement on his fastball is not as dynamic as it often is. He's thrown 72 pitches, and the Yanks have swung and missed three times. But as weird a game as he's pitching, the Red Sox are still down just a run. And Jon Lieber has always been a guy who gives up some homers, when he's pitching well. Pedro seemed like he was on the ropes early, and the Yankees haven't capitalized...

Marc (Champaign, IL)

His defense has not suffered, he just picked a bad time to be in an offensive slump

Josh (Buffalo)

For the 2 people that care the US soccer team just beat panama 6-0. Thats US soccer 6, yanks and sox 1 run combined

Buzzmaster

  (9:38 PM)

They are interviewing John Lieber's father in the stands.. can we start a petition to stop interviewing athletes families?

Scott (Belton, TX)

Backe doing a good job hitting the corners and keepin the Cards off balance but that one got away a little bit

Eric (Canton, NY)

I'm drafting that petition right now, Buzz.

Scott (Lubbock, TX)

we have a soccer team?

Buzzmaster

  (9:39 PM)

Boston goes down on 9 pitches in the fifth.

David C. (NY)

Did you feel that breeze from Cabrerra's whiff?

Buzzmaster

  (9:41 PM)

Cards with runners on 1st and 2nd with one out ..

Bob (Chicago)

Debate Update: Bush says that Scooter and McCarver must be stopped at all costs, and Kerry flip-flopped on the issue.

Reid (Raleigh, NC)

The Sox have had some god-awful at-bats tonight.

Buster Olney

  (9:41 PM)

Top of the Fifth: Is Lieber just playing catch with Posada? 'Cause that's what it looks like. Sliders away, sinking fastballs inside, occasional changeup. It's like the Red Sox aren't even in his field of vision. Forty-five pitches, five innings. He's on a pace to throw an 81-pitch one-hit shutout... At this rate, we'll see the end of the debate.

Buzzmaster

  (9:42 PM)

When did Jack Nicholson become a Yankee fan?

Rob (Boston)

The Sox are making Lieber look like Cy Young. Take some pitches dammit!!!!

John (Hyde Park, NY)

Cabrera must have been tired after actually seeing 4 pitches. Sox averaged 3.9 pitches per PA this year, a whopping 2.6 tonight so far...

Buzzmaster

  (9:43 PM)

Sanders grounds into the double play to end the inning.

Rob Neyer

  (9:44 PM)

Backe was dealing in the second and third: zero baserunners, four strikeouts. But I wonder if he wore himself out a little bit. If a pitcher can avoid overthrowing (and screwing up his form), he can get a bit extra on his pitches for short bursts (think about the turbo thrusters in a jet fighter). But after the burst . . . Here's a prediction: Backe won't make it out of the sixth. He does have a 4-2 lead after four, though, so you Astros fans have to be at least mildly optimistic.

Kramer (FL)

"Couldn't center the ball" is replacing "upside" in terms of overused phrase.

Buzzmaster

  (9:44 PM)

Love the chef hats in the stands when Sheffield hits ..

Wes (Dallas)

Hit and run with A-Rod and Sheff?

JB (CT)

Newsflash....55th Who's Your Daddy? chant at Yankee Stadium sets ALCS record

Eric (Cincy)

You're his daddy! We get it! Enough already!!

Buzzmaster

  (9:47 PM)

Varitek almost took Pedro's head off on that play!

pat (Los Angeles )

Mildly Optimistic? We Astro Fans are mildly optimistic until the morning paper tells us it wasn't a dream and we got the win.

Mike (Roslyn, NY)

whats Backe doing swinging on the 1st pitch.... he's a pitcher, he can afford to take some

Tim (grand rapids, MI)

you gotta like how Varitek was heads up and didn't give up on the play

Tim (grand rapids, MI)

that a boy pedro

Matt (New Haven, CT)

BIG pitch...................

Ben (Rochester)

Is it just me or does ARod have lipstick on?

Rob (Boston)

Could feel the breeze here in Boston after Sheff's swing and miss.

kg (ny)

pedro seems to be getting into more of a rhythm now. however, its tough to get excited about that since his pitch count is way up. and we all know how pedro does w/ a high pitch count

Andy (Chicago)

Prediction alert: Cards are gonna put a crooked number on the board this inning

Andy (Chicago)

Score update West Viginia 17, UCONN 6

Daniel (NY)

You cards fans are cute. Let me try. Prediction alert: It doesn't matter who wins in the NL central the yanks are gonna smoke ya. Enjoy your consolation games.

J.P. (NYC)

87 pitches ands counting for Pedro...

Jeff (PA)

hey buzz...what is a crooked number?

Buzzmaster

  (9:53 PM)

7?

Derek (Pittsburgh)

Woody Williams double, that hurts

Doug (Swampscott, MA)

Yeah, we all know how Pedro does with a high pitch count. An opponent's batting average of .187 from pitches 91-105 and .244 from pitch 106 on

Jared (Brookline, MA)

5 innings with only 1 hit. Last night it was 6 innings with no hits. And I think the chances of breaking Leiber open is much greater than Mussina. I don't care what the pitch count is.

Buzzmaster

  (9:56 PM)

Cardinals on the board again with a double by Walker! 4-3 Astros.

John (Crossett, AR)

I think Walker's bat went further than the ball

Buster Olney

  (9:57 PM)

Bottom of the fifth: Ben in Rochester -- agreed; what's with A-Rod's lips? I can't answer that. Pedro is holding the Yankees down, still 1-0, but he is nearing his own finish line - -thought to be about 105-110 pitches. He's thrown 91 pitches, and began to look a little gassed during that Matsui at-bat, his fastball drifting high and outside a couple of times. The REd Sox will need help sometime in the 7th inning, probably...

Eric (Cincy)

Walker and Beltran are paying big dividends for their new teams.

DP (Jersey)

Seriously Buzz, I thought St. Louis was a great sports town. Thunderstix??!?!?! Copying off of Anaheim?!?!?!?

Buzzmaster

  (9:57 PM)

Yeah, pretty original huh?

Roger (StL)

WHy would they even pitch to Pujols? c'mon!

Flynn (Franklin, MA)

Damon needs to get on base somehow...

Marc (Champaign, IL)

Backe is at 90 pitches, Cards gotta get him here or else

Rob Neyer

  (9:59 PM)

I'm doing my best to follow the Red Sox and Yankees . . . What's particularly interesting about this game is that we can, if for just one evening, answer a fascinating question: What happens when one immovable object meets another? Boston's lineup is built around strike-zone judgement, working the count (only the Yankees drew more walks this season, and it was close). Meanwhile, Lieber walked only 18 batters in 177 innings this season, which is basically impossible unless you're Greg Maddux. And to this point, at least, Lieber's been the immovable one.

Buzzmaster

  (10:00 PM)

Pujols walks..

Scott (Lubbock, TX)

Focus Rob! NLCS!

Chris (Fargo, ND)

Damon needs to not strike out

Buzzmaster

  (10:01 PM)

Backe is done for the night..

Jeff (Baytown, TX)

Good move by Garner. Don't take chances here.

pat (Los Angeles )

Backe is gone. Good game under pressure. Same can't be said for Berkman.

Rob Neyer

  (10:01 PM)

Backe's done, with two outs in the fifth. Should I go back and edit my previous comment, and predict instead that he won't escape the fifth? (I said the sixth.) Nobody will ever know except me, you, and the wall...

BK(Boston)

Wow, Rob, that was a great point. I keep waiting for it to click with the Red Sox Hitters like last night. Pedro is running out of gas, they better get it going soon.

Adam (State College)

i think this is hte longest at bat for the night for the sox

Ben (Rochester)

Poor Cashman, he always looks so miserable

Rob Neyer

  (10:03 PM)

So what chance do the Astros have now? Realistically, we're not going to see Brad Lidge until the eighth, which means Houston's shaky middle relievers have to record seven outs, at least, without giving up a few runs. Can they do it? Sure. Will they? Doubt it.

Buzzmaster

  (10:03 PM)

This will be the 11th pitch to Damon..

Jamila (Boston)

up to 13, from 0-2 to full count

alex (ridgewood)

you'd be miserable too if your boss was george steinbrenner

Buzzmaster

  (10:04 PM)

Rolen gets a hit! RBI! Game tied!

DP (Jersey)

Look what it did to George Costanza.

Buzzmaster

  (10:06 PM)

Lieber has thrown more pitches to Damon than he has thrown in an entire inning..

Buzzmaster

  (10:06 PM)

Finally.. Damon flies out.

Eric (Cincy)

The Damon at bat may have been better than a hit. Make Lieber work, get him tired and pounce, like last night.

Bart (Birmingham, AL)

the wife is making me watch the presidential debate.....have there been any fights between NY and Boston yet???

Buzzmaster

  (10:08 PM)

Nope.

Buzzmaster

  (10:08 PM)

Sox go down in the 6th.

MC (San Francisco)

good god, this is a nightmare for red sox fans. nightmare.

Drew (Dallas, TX)

Boston won't pick a fight till they're at home

Toby (Richmond, Va)

Bart, are you serious, thought about getting a divorce?

Steve (Lancaster, PA)

200 strikeouts for Bellhorn

Abe (NH)

Pedro won't last the inning....

Buster Olney

  (10:10 PM)

Top of the sixth: Johnny Damon had more pitches in his at-bats (16) than the Red Sox did in any previous inning, but it didn't seem to slow down Lieber at all. He kept pumping strikes to Damon, then went right after Bellhorn, striking him out. Now the Yankees will reach the seventh inning with the lead, and Lieber might start the inning, but the Yankees can try to get the last bunch of outs from just Gordon and Rivera. They don't have to go to Sturtze or Heredia or Quantrill now. Huge outing by Lieber...

J.P. (NYC)

Lieber ... 24 of his 69 pitches that inning...

Brian (Kalamazoo, MI)

So in the first 6 innings of each the games so far, Boston has had a combined 1--that's ONE--hit...

BronxinBama (Montgomery, AL)

My wife is making me watch the Yankee game. Any fights in the debate yet?

Bart (Birmingham, AL)

Toby.......she says I'm not allowed to divorce her....go Cards!!

Seth (L.A.)

The score is 1-0. If you think the 2004 Red Sox can't come back from that you're nuts.

Bart (Birmingham, AL)

BronxiBama.....lots of mud throwing but no fists yet

Buzzmaster

  (10:13 PM)

What are the odds that one or both of these games go into extra innings?

Matt (New Haven, CT)

Wouldn't it be a hoot if the Sox struggled against Lieber and beat Rivera?

Larry King (Washington DC)

"It's the 7th inning and we have Grady Little on the phone..."

Thomas (Kingsley, IA)

Could Boston ask anything more of Pedro tonight? The guy's only given up one and they can't find a way to score on John Lieber?

Mike D (Sacramento)

About 2:1 right now I'd say...

Will (Chevy Chase, MD)

The great unmentioned fact of this game is that if Bellhorn holds onto that ball in inning 1, Jeter is out stealing at 2nd and that 1 run never scores. The Sox have been undone by shoddy defense - not Schilling, Pedro or Lieber...

Kash (Edison, NJ)

Sure. Of course Mariano blows postseason saves every 3-4 years and considering he just did it last week, don't expect a miraculous comeback...1918

Buzzmaster

  (10:17 PM)

Dinger! Olerud! 3-0 Yankees!

Matt (NY, NY)

Pedro fades again.

Chris (NY)

B-E-A-UTIFUL

Jason (Brooklyn)

Looks like that 100 pitch count really does mean something with Pedro

Eric (Cincy)

Well, Olerud is probably old enough to be Pedro's daddy.

reza (RSN)

Olerud.... what is this... 1993???

Brian (Beacon,NY)

Giambi? Who?

Mark (Athol Ma)

Grady Francona just choked on his Chaw.

Mike (Philly )

How long till he throws at someones head ?

Buster Olney

  (10:20 PM)

I'm sure Terry Francona wants to get pedro through this inning without having to replace him in the middle, and have him walk off into that Who's Your Daddy chant. Pedro looks frustrated enough...

Tom (New York)

Thanks for the Pedro-Jinx, Will.

Buzzmaster

  (10:21 PM)

Cards-Astros has moved to the bottom of the 6th.. still 4-4.

Tom (New York)

You can't blame Francona on that one. God forbid Pedro gets blamed.

Marc (Champaign, IL)

Buzz, this inning is going to be huge in STL

Buzzmaster

  (10:23 PM)

Cards with runners on first and second and nobody out..

Kash (Edison, NJ)

Did Pedro forget his good luck midget at home?

Buzzmaster

  (10:24 PM)

Nice sac bunt .. runners move up for St. Louis.

Marc (Champaign, IL)

I believe "little person" is the prefered nomenclature

Buster Olney

  (10:24 PM)

End of the Sixth: I can't remember seeing Pedro looking that disheartened. I've seen him angry, arrogant, petulant, laughing, smiling, but it's like all the emotion just drained out of his face after Olerud hit the home run. He's got 113 pitches and you'd have to assume that Timlin will come in to face the right-handers at the top of the Yankees' lineup next inning. Pedro was not overpowering, for certain. But heck, if the Sox can't score any runs, it really doesn't make any difference...

Josh (Sudbury, ON)

6 innings, 3 runs... not bad at all to me, it's just the boston hitters who aren't bringing it

Buzzmaster

  (10:25 PM)

HUGE break for the Cardinals just now. Qualls got Sanders to hit a grounder up the middle, and he might have turned it into a double play . . . except Sanders' bat shattered, the business end helicoptering toward Qualls and distracting him. After a sac bunt, the Cardinals have men on second and third, pinch-hitter Roger Cedeno batting.

Buzzmaster

  (10:25 PM)

Why didn't Bags let that ball go foul?

Rob Neyer

  (10:25 PM)

Cardinals go up one on Cedeno's RBI grounder to Bagwell.

Cary (Waco,Tx)

Card bring one in

Buzzmaster

  (10:26 PM)

Womack singles up the middle .. 6-4 Cards.

Mike (Roslyn, NY)

Houston we have a problem

Rob Neyer

  (10:27 PM)

Another grounder up the middle. Cardinals up two runs, and in a few minutes their outstanding bullpen will take over. I'm going to say something controversial in about 45 minutes, and I hope you'll stick around long enough to hear (i.e. read) it.

J.P. (NYC)

Lieber: 75 Pitches. 52 Strikes. 23 Balls.

Buzzmaster

  (10:28 PM)

Womack steals second .. that's being aggressive.

Buzzmaster

  (10:28 PM)

Womack scores on infield hit ... 7-4 Cards.

mike (st. louis)

the floodgates have opened

rangersin05 (Corpus Christi)

could the Astros fall apart any quicker

Conrad (Chicago)

Wheels off. Not good.

Rob Neyer

  (10:29 PM)

Now it's 7-4, Astros, thanks to another weak single (plus Vizcaino's throwing error and Bagwell's inability to block a ball in the dirt). Game over?

Buzzmaster

  (10:29 PM)

7th inning stretch in Yanks-Sox game.. Buzz is getting up to streeeeeeeeetch.

Noah (Charlotte)

Not sure if anyone picked it up, but Pedro is headed out for the 7th.

Steve (Boston)

Look I'm as patriotic as the next guy, but they draw out the 7th inning stretch way too long in Yankee Stadium.

Buzzmaster

  (10:31 PM)

Pujols walks.. first and second with 2 outs.

Buster Olney

  (10:31 PM)

Top of the Seventh: They just flashed a graphic on Fox -- The Red Sox, in innings 1-6 in this series -- 37 at-bats, 1 hit, 1 walk. And they didn't add much to that in the seventh against Lieber. The Yankees' scouts were insistent that the pitchers not give ANYTHING to Millar on the inner half of the plate; keep everything away. Lieber threw a slider away and it looked like Millar missed it by about 3 feet, before hitting into an inning-ending doubleplay. Seven innings, 79 pitches, no runs. Can't say I ever envisioned anything like that...

Grady (Bos)

Pedron has one more inning in him

Scott (Montrose, CA)

Right on Pedro...prove them wrong (or completely implode, whatever)

Rich (Champaign, IL)

Come on man, have some appreciatiation for this guy...what a singer

Vinny (Avenel, NJ)

How is it that everyone who watches baseball knows that Pedro is only good for 100 pitches or 7 innings....except for the Red Sox managers ?

Buzzmaster

  (10:33 PM)

Timlin is in.

Rob Neyer

  (10:33 PM)

In case anybody's wondering, this is easily Lieber's best start of the year. On September 2, he pitched seven shutout innings against Cleveland, but gave up six hits and struck out only three Indians. Three strikeouts again tonight, but only two hits? I wonder how many times a pitcher's saved his best start of the year for October...

Abe (NH)

Oh boy, not much faith in Timlin right now.....

Roger (Stl)

ACKKKK! i think my batteries have gone out on me remote!

Dan (San Diego)

Uconn TD 24-13

Tony D (Franklin, MA)

There's no reason Torre shouldn't at least give Lieber a chance to go nine. Get the bullpen ready and get him out at the first sign of trouble, but until then, ride him out for all he's worth. Save the bullpen.

Gimp (Wiliamsburg)

I just opened my fridge and Derek Lowe is on my milk carton.

Buzzmaster

  (10:38 PM)

Nice catch by Mueller!

Buzzmaster

  (10:38 PM)

Edmonds doubles .. 10-4 Cards.

DP (Jersey)

The Astros have just hit a huge wall.

J.P. (NYC)

Torre letting a pitcher go nine is like him asking Sheffield to bunt...

The Fat Lady (StL)

time for me to do my job....

DP (Jersey)

Thank goodness for Diamond Cam, I've always wanted a close up view of the catcher's cleats. Can they bring back the cartoon baseball to tell me what a Fastball is?

Buster Olney

  (10:42 PM)

End of the Seventh -- This might turn out to be Pedro's last outing for the Red Sox, without question, if the series doesn't reach Game 6. If you were the Boston ownership, how much would you be willing to spend on a pitcher who is very good but not dominant, has a lot of wear-and-tear, a small body and a violent delivery, and he seems to have hit something of a mental roadblock against your most notable rival (Boston is 11-20 against the Yankees in his starts now, I believe). You'd pay $8-9 million annually, I think, but nowhere near the $12-15 million that Pedro is going to want. Internally, the Yankees' execs hope that the Red Sox lock up Pedro, because they think he's going to break down and because they fear a Steinbrenner cocktail napkin deal, where George deals with Pedro directly and signs him. And I wonder if the Red Sox would love for the Yankees to overbid and take Pedro off their hands, this late in his career; that way, their PR posture can be that they wanted Pedro, but Pedro wanted the cash. It'll be interesting, no matter what happens...

Rob Neyer

  (10:43 PM)

10-4 after six innings. Steve Lyons just said this game is far from over. At least now we know why they call him "Psycho," right? Yes, the Astros have an excellent lineup. But no, they're not going to score seven runs off La Russa's bullpenners. I'm not sure what I'm going to write about, at the remaining half-inning breaks. So feel free to shoot some questions my way.

Luke (Warner Robins Ga)

Well guys...I'm tired of watching Boston's lack of production and the Cardinals just decimating the Astros...I'm going to bed.

Mike (New York)

Mariano hasn't exactly been lights out against Boston...Stay tuned

Pat (Pittsburgh)

The Sox look like they feel the weight of the whole country weighing down on them. This has been a real disappointment and is drawing waaay to much focus away from the series with the two best teams in baseball, the NLCS

MC (San Francisco)

So, Sports Nation, are there Red Sox done if they lose Game 2?

Gimp (Williamsburg)

If the Sox lose this one, and win game 3, I say it's right back on.

Buzzmaster

  (10:47 PM)

Lieber coming out .. to a huge ovation ..

Jacob (Washington DC)

It's not over until it's over

DP (Jersey)

*tipping cap* Thanks Liebs

Max (Long Island)

What game is the Fat Lady watching?

brett (CT)

The Red Sox are good for 3 runs (knock on wood), this one's far from over

Bob (Chicago)

Fat Lady has Picture-In-Picture.

Harlow (Boston)

Sawx got to Flash last night, there's no way you can count them out yet.

MC (San Francisco)

The Fat Lady was at the debate.

Chris (Seattle)

The Sox won't win with swings like Varitek's...

Scott (Lubbock, TX)

How is it that Sox fans remain so optimistic? It's amazing to me.

Scott (NY)

But I smell a little rally here in the 8th

Buzzmaster

  (10:53 PM)

What does a rally smell like?

Buzzmaster

  (10:54 PM)

Red Sox have the tying run at the plate in Orlando Cabrera ..

Jacob (Washington DC)

Tom Gordon = blown lead every single time

Buster Olney

  (10:55 PM)

After Varitek's double: Gordon really hasn't been nearly as sharp in the last couple of weeks, he pitched last night and got knocked around, and right away, Varitek has a long at-bat and rips a double. Torre might have to get five or six outs from Rivera. I got to believe that if Cabrera gets on base, he'll be the last guy that Gordon faces...

Buzzmaster

  (10:55 PM)

Who is this guy singing God Bless America?

The Fat Lady (Stl)

If Gordon gets out of this, i might be needed in NY shortly

alejo (Rosario, Argentina)

Go Sox!! It's now or never. We should score before Mariano Rivera comes in.

Mike (Roslyn, Ny)

7th inning strech in STL

Buzzmaster

  (10:56 PM)

Cabrera grounds out but a run scores ..

Tony D (Franklin, MA)

Nothing wrong with trading an out for a run at this stage of the game.

Rob Neyer

  (10:57 PM)

Seventh-inning stretch in St. Louis, and time for yours truly to switch to ALCS for a few minutes . . . just in time to see what might be an interesting rally! Runners on second and third, nobody out, and by the way what's wrong with Flash Gordon lately? If he doesn't start pitching better, the Yankees are going to have problems against the Cardinals in the Series.

Eric (Cincy)

Why is anyone even watching the NLCS game anymore? It's over!

Jacob (Washington DC)

Should walk Mueller. Damon hasn't done anything this series, including 4 ks yesterday

BB (Syracuse, NY)

Can't put the tying run on base, Jacob ...

Boo Mason (Sioux City, IA)

Let's get Mo Rivera in here ... NOW

Buzzmaster

  (11:00 PM)

You got him..

Tony D (Franklin, MA)

This game is eerily similar to last night's...just on a smaller scale.

Toomey (New York City)

Damon is due

Nostradamus (Beyond The Grave)

I'm gonna say it here first... Damon will hit it out of the park off of Rivera.

Erik (Charlotte)

This might be cruel and unusual punishment, but they're showing a Mastercard "How Much Would You Pay to See the Red Sox in the World Series" commercial right now...

Alex (Indianapolis)

I'm gonna throw my computer at the television if I see that Red Sox Master Card commercial again.

Buzzmaster

  (11:03 PM)

Damon 5-for-24 lifetime on Rivera

francisco (mexicali, mexico)

Yeah, Damon is due for a pay cut

Bubba (West Yarmouth, MA)

anyone need firewood?

Matt (NY, NY)

Uh oh, Mo brought the chainsaw with him.

Buzzmaster

  (11:05 PM)

Holy Cow! Mo is bringin it!

Buzzmaster

  (11:06 PM)

Damon goes down looking ..

Blaine (Terre Haute IN)

seriously, how can you watch strike three go by??

Jarreau (Bronx)

Rivera does it again.

David (Boston)

horrible, horrible. the sox can't win if they don't take the bats off their shoulders

Buster Olney

  (11:07 PM)

End of the top of the eighth: Damon's face said it all after he took called strike 3 on the outside corner. After all those cutters inside, including the one that shattered his bat into 12,126 pieces, it's unfair to throw a 93 mph fastball over the outside corner -- absolutely unfair.

JH (EL Paso (TX))

A run here would be excellent insurance. let s see if NY can get it.

Ethan (Bennington Vermont)

You have to love the Red Sox radio anouncer letting everyone know that this could be Pedro's last start in a Red Sox uniform...

Buster Olney

  (11:10 PM)

bottom of the eighth: The Red Sox cut the lead to 3-1, they've got an off-day Thursday, and Foulke started warming up in the bottom of the seventh, which all leads to this question -- what is Alan Embree doing in the game? You've got to keep it close to give yourself a shot, so let Foulke start the inning...

Marc (Champaign, IL)

Like Mo needs insurance....seriously

Buzzmaster

  (11:11 PM)

Ugh.. both games are at commercial at the same time ..

DP (Jersey)

Hey has anyone heard if FOX has any new reality shows coming soon?

Buzzmaster

  (11:13 PM)

Dinger! Lance Berkman! 10-6 Cardinals..

Joe (Storrs)

YOU'RE RISKING A PATIENT'S LIFE!

MC (San Francisco)

"His father is the District Attorney!!"

Biggio's the Boss (H-Town)

Can the Astros score without a homerun please

Brian (Long Island, NY)

astros are in slam range!!!!

The Yellow Dart (Strongbadia)

Perhaps it's just me, but doesn't Foulke's delivery look like it would be extremely awkward and uncomfortable for anyone else to duplicate?

Drew (Norristown, PA)

Foulke is showing off that pinpoint accuracy.

Rob Neyer

  (11:16 PM)

Reality shows . . . You know why I don't have any interest in "reality" shows? Aside from the fact that there's little real about them, I mean? Because when I want reality on TV, I can watch sports. Is there anything more real than the expression on a pitcher's face when he gives up a home run?

Marc (Champaign, IL)

Nahh, they have Kline and Izzy coming in for the Cards. I would be very suprised if Houston gets another run.

Buzzmaster

  (11:18 PM)

Sox and Cards are both down to last 3 outs..

Buzzmaster

  (11:19 PM)

Bases loaded for ARod

Medler (LI)

Odds on A-rod slam????

Simmy (LI, New York)

Who else can sense an A-Rod slam?

Thomas (Kingsley, IA)

Boston sportswriter's prepare your column, A-Rod Grand Slam drowns Sox.

Alex (Indianapolis)

Whiff! That's what I sense.

Jamie (Sacramento)

Ladies and gentlemen, I have a Derek Lowe sighting...

Matt (Rochester, NY)

Simmons is probably soiling himself right now.

Buzzmaster

  (11:22 PM)

Just a reminder .. Simmons will be in The Show tomorrow at 1:30 ET ..

Buzzmaster

  (11:22 PM)

ARod flies out .. last chance for the Sox.

Drew (Norristown, PA)

Well, Boston has the guys they want coming up.

Larry (Hotlanta)

all that money for a popout?

Blaine (Terre Haute IN)

i love tense games almost as much as I love taffy. And I'm a man who loves his taffy.

Jason (Boston, MA)

Is it possible to donate a foot tendon?

Buster Olney

  (11:25 PM)

Update from the debate: They disagreed. They mocked each other's record. They took responsibility for nothing. They asked for your vote. Back to the 9th inning...

Buzzmaster

  (11:25 PM)

Cardinals about to come up in the 9th .. down 10-6.

Toby (Norman)

Ok, my prediction. Rivera gives up a run, and the tying run is on third when he shuts the door.

Rob Neyer

  (11:26 PM)

Heading to the top of the ninth in St. Louis, so both games might end at almost exactly the same time. And when it happens I'll have my controversial -- hey, I'm serious! -- item.

Buzzmaster

  (11:26 PM)

1 down for Sox ..

Buzzmaster

  (11:26 PM)

Ooops.. meant Astros coming up in the 9th..

Fred (NYC)

Manny is .200 lifetime against Rivera...and only has 1 strike left...

Bob (Chicago)

Rob, does the controversy involve Scooter, subliminal messages, and world domination?

Buzzmaster

  (11:29 PM)

Double for Manny!

Tom (Chicopee, MA)

Ortiz....short left field porch.....Priceless.

Bill (Ft. Lauderdale)

If the Sox tie this game, I'll eat my mouse pad...

Abe (NH)

it's all up to Millar? Oh, boy....

Buzzmaster

  (11:32 PM)

Houston HR makes it 10-7 .. Biggio doubles .. two out ...

Buzzmaster

  (11:32 PM)

Down to last strike for Sox..

Rich (Dallas)

Which is bigger? Delaware or Rivera's strike zone?

Jackson (NYC)

Fox is missing pitches o show praying fans...Who cares...show the game.

Justin (Greeneville,TN)

Ballgame over, Yankees win. Thaaaaaaaaa Yankees win!

Buster Olney

  (11:34 PM)

It's over: Count me among those who find very little reason to think the Red Sox can win this series, now that they're down 0-2. Curt Schilling lost and is out indefinitely, Pedro Martinez lost and would have to win in Yankee Stadium in Game 6 if this series continues, the Red Sox still don't know who their starter will be for Game 5. And we haven't even mentioned how Mussina and Lieber completely shut down the Red Sox hitters and kept them off-balance (I suspect Gene Michael's team of seven advance scouts had something to do with this; they are loaded with experience, too). The Red Sox will have to hit their way back into this series, so it's good they're going home. But they have to sweep, probably with Arroyo, Wakefield and Lowe. A tough, tough assignment, against a team that finish games with the best closer in history. Talk to you guys again Friday night...

Medler (LI)

The Yankees win!!!! Theeee Yankees win!!!!!!

Rob Neyer

  (11:34 PM)

I hope you'll be back here every night, because we all enjoy having you. But let's be brutally frank here... Both League Championship Series are all but over. Coming back from 2-0 would be damn hard work regardless, but without Schilling it's just not going to happen. And you saw what happened to the Astros tonight? It'll happen again tomorrow night: Munro will battle and it'll be close for a few innings, but he'll get knocked out in the fourth or fifth, and then the Cardinals will abuse Houston's bullpen. And the Astros aren't coming back, not with Clemens and Oswalt pitching on Short rest if there's a Game 6 (or 7). So while I hope to see you again tomorrow night, I can't really blame you if you do something else until Game 1 of the Yankees-Cardinals World Series.

Kendall (Ny, NY)

Start Spreading the news....

Chris (Westport, CT)

The series is over

Thomas (Kingsley, IA)

That last pitch was 96. Mo is filthy

Shawn (Vegas)

The Yankees Are your daddy! Say it!

Buzzmaster

  (11:35 PM)

Ground out .. game over.

Jason (Scarsdale NY)

good night boston .... sleep tight

Supermatt (Los Angeles)

Nothing is over until the last out is recorded. The Red Sox will right the ship in Fenway on Friday and Saturday.

Scott (Lubbock, TX)

Playoff baseball isn't about brutal honesty. It's about hope. If the Astros can pull off a win tomorrow, they have a great shot. Sure, it's a long shot, but who wants to hear that it's all over? It's not.

Pete (Palo Alto)

Give me whatever Supermatt is smokin'...the Sox are done without Schilling.

Buzzmaster

  (11:41 PM)

Both games finished before 11:45 ET .. not bad.

Brian (Long Island, NY)

bring your brooms out to fenway

Sam, Northport NY

Breaking News: Pedro's little midget friend is very, very sad.

Buzzmaster

  (11:45 PM)

Sorry to hear that .. well, folks, it's been fun. Buzz has to agree with Rob .. we could be in for a couple unspectacular series .. let's hope the Red Sox can make it interesting.

Daniel (NY)

Listen to the Francona interview it is so great. He's Pissed

Buzzmaster

  (11:47 PM)

Just missed him .. he's done now.

Jim (NY)

This series isn't coming back to NY

Buzzmaster

  (11:49 PM)

Well, we'll know soon enough .. Buzz is sleepy. Gonna wrap things up .. but will be back tomorrow night! Take care!