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In a matchup of the two teams that have
represented the AL in the World Series the last four years, the
Capitals squared off against the Isotopes. Guessing this
matchup set a record for the most combined wins (222!) between
two wild card teams.
Game 1: Isotopes jump off to a 4-1 lead
after 4 innings before the Capitals get two in the 6th off a two
run blast by the ageless Nelson Cruz. Isotopes nurse a 4-3 lead
until two outs in the 9th. One out away from a win and no one
on base, Candelario doubles and scores when Lindor singles him
home. Matt Kemp is the hero with a pinch hit double to secure
the 5-4 Capital win.
Game 2: Capitals stay hot and jump out of
the blocks with a 5-2 lead after three, in large part to an Ian
Happ blast. Isotopes stop the bleeding though and score in the
next three innings courtesy of a Robinson Cano (remember him?)
2-run shot and a Mookie Betts solo HR to take a 7-5 lead.
Isotopes pen decides to not blow the lead this time and shuts
down the Caps the rest of the way to even the series.
Game 3: Scoreless until the 5th, each team
scores once. Isotopes take a 3-1 lead in the 6th. A Garrett
Cooper HR extends the lead to 4-1. Isotopes pen reverts back to
giving up 9th inning runs as the Capitals score twice to cut it
to 4-3. Down to their last out with Realmuto on base, Lindor
gets hit by a pitch and Cesar Hernandez walks to load them up
for Anthony Rendon. Isotopes get a huge break with a ground
ball to second to end the game. Playing with Fire becomes the
bullpen's official motto. Isotopes up 2-1.
Game 4: Capitals explode for 4 in the 2nd
and had the bases loaded with only one out but Isotopes escape
further damage somehow. Isotopes chip away with single runs in
the 5th and 6th and eventually tie it at 4 with another Cano two
run shot. Tied in the 9th (again!), Isotopes collect 4 hits and
2 walks to score 4, taking an 8-4 lead. With their backs
against the wall, the Capitals make some noise but with the
tying run on deck, Candelario flies out to end the series,
giving the Isotopes a 3-1 series win.
All four games came down to the last out.
As so often is the case in these evenly matched series, they're
determined by a lucky bounce here and there! Congrats to Jason
for an amazing season!
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