Other than wishing a few guys well last night, I’m grateful that I didn’t have a horse in last night’s race otherwise I would have pulled out my nose hairs. Until I hopped in my car (middle of the 6th), I had only a third hand account of the Tigers-Mariners instant classic.

The game was wonderful even if only 5 runs scored in the course of a fifteen-inning game. Somehow, the drama held without the commissioner’s ghost runner on second. I couldn’t turn away until the bottom of the 12th when I finally went to bed-listening to the ESPN radio broadcast. Both crews did a very nice job of letting the drama speak for itself, although A.J Pierzynski did a terrific job of highlighting the M’s pitching strategy and reluctance to go to the heat.

I don’t know if either the Cubs or Brewers had team watch-parties, but I’m sure everyone is aware of what transpired and the meaning of “all hands on deck.” Since Game 4, both managers and their staffs have been mapping out who will pitch which innings and for how long. I’ve listened to both local sports stations and their various hosts speculate who is going to open for both teams and they seem to believe most guys won’t pitch more than two innings or in Counsell speak, six outs.

While most everyone (8 Tigers and 7 Mariners) pitched last night, what’s lost is that Tarik Skubal started and pitched brilliantly for 6 innings and George Kirby countered with five innings. As both teams have announced openers for tonight’s clash, there has been no mention of starters coming in for 9-out ventures. I am certain that if the game goes into extras, someone will step up.

The Dodgers hope the game goes 18 innings as it did in the 2018 World Series when the Dodgers won in 18 but lost to the Red Sox eventually. That night, Nathan Eovaldi pitched the last 6 innings and took the loss but earned everyone’s respect. Last night’s game only lasted 4:58 while the 2018 took 7:20 minutes.

As much fun as I’d have at AmFam this evening. I’m looking forward to watching and listening in the comfort of home.