Category Archives: Zeke

10 best MLB Playoff games of the 2010s

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1. Game Six of the 2011 World Series
2. Game Seven of the 2016 World Series
3. Game Five of the 2017 World Series
4. Game Three of the 2018 World Series
5. Game Seven of the 2014 World Series
6. Game Five of the 2015 American League Division Series
7. Game Six of the 2019 American League Championship Series
8. Game One of the 2010 National League Division Series
9. Game Seven of the 2019 World Series
10. Game Five of the 2014 National League Championship Series

Game Six of the 2011 World Series

Game Six of the 2011 World Series was played in Busch Stadium, in St. Louis, Missouri, against the visiting Texas Rangers, and the St. Louis Cardinals on October 27, 2011. The Starting pitchers for both teams were Jamie Garcia for the Cardinals and Colby Lewis for the Rangers. Quickly, Texas got an early lead in the first inning when Josh Hamiliton drove in Ian Kinsler. In the bottom half of the first, the Cardinals responded with a two-run home run by Lance Berkman. 

Later, the Rangers tied the game with an Ian Kinsler ground rule double, and the Cardinals starter was pulled from the game. Also, Nelson Cruz was singled home by Mike Napoli, giving Texas the lead. Yadier Molina got an RBI groundout to give St. Louis the lead  again in the top of the fifth. Colby Lewis was doing well for the Rangers until he walked the bases loaded and was pulled for Alexi Ogando, who walked Yadier Molina to score a run. It was now tied four to four. The Cardinals could have scored more but the inning ended on a pickoff. 

David Fresse.

Lance Lynn came to pitch for the cardinals and allowed three runs, including back to back home runs. It was seven to four Rangers until Allen Craig homered to make it seven to five. In the ninth, Rangers closer Neftali Feliz struck out two but allowed a double and a single. There were men on first and second base, and the Rangers were one strike away from securing the Championship, but David Freese hit a game tying triple, one of the most clutch moments in MLB history. In the tenth inning, Josh Hamiliton hit a two-run home run, putting the Rangers on top nine to seven. 

In the bottom of the inning, the Cardinals were again one strike away, but Lance Berkman hit a single to tie the game. The Rangers did not score in the top of the eleventh, and David Fresse again stepped up to the plate. With a full count, David Freese hit the ball into the center field grass, walking off the Game, and sending the Cardinals to game seven. They would go on to win the 2011 World Series, and David Fresse was named World Series MVP.

Game Seven of the 2016 World Series

Game Seven of the 2016 World Series was played in Progressive Field, in Cleveland, Ohio, against the visiting Chicago Cubs and the hometeam Cleveland Indians (now Cleveland Guardians), on November 2, 2016. The two starting pitchers were Kyle Hendricks for the Cubs, and Corey Kleuber for the Indians. Dexter Fowler led off the game with a solo home run, giving Chicago the one-nothing lead, but the Indians tied the game in the bottom of the third because of Carlos Santana’s single. The Cubs scored two runs in the fourth inning, and to start the fifth inning, Javier Baez made it four to one Cubs off a solo home run, and Corey Kleuber was taken out of the game. The Cubs also scored another run that inning, making it five to one. 

In the bottom of the fifth, after allowing a walk, Kyle Hendricks was also taken out. The Indians scored off a wild pitch in the sixth, but 39-year-old David Ross added another run off his solo home run making it six to three Chicago. In the eight inning, Brandon Guyer hit a run scoring double. Then, in dramatic fashion, Indians outfielder Rajai Davis hit a game tying home run, sending the game into extra innings. In the tenth, Kyle Schwarber led off the inning with a single, and Ben Zobrist hit him home, making it seven to six. A Miguel Montero single gave another insurance run to the Cubs.

Rajai Davis hitting his game seven home run.

 In the bottom of that inning, the Cubs got the first two out, but allowed a walk and another hit to Rajai Davis, making it a one run game. Finally, there was a ground ball, which ended the game, and the Cubs were World Champions for the first time in 108 years. The last time before that was 1908. 

Game Five of the 2017 World Series

Game Five of the 2017 World Series was played in Minute Maid Park, in Houston Texas, against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, and the hometown Houston Astros, on October 29, 2017. The two starting pitchers were Dallas Keuchel for the Astros, and Clayton Kershaw for the Dodgers. In the first inning Logan Forsythe singled to give two runs to Los Angeles, and another two runs were scored off an error by Yuli Gurriel, and a single by Austin Barnes, putting the Dodgers up four to nothing. Houston scored in the fourth when Carlos Correa hit an RBI double, and Yuli Gurriel hit a three-run home run, tying the game at four apiece. 

In the top of the fifth, Cody Bellinger hit a three run home run, but Jose Altuve hit a three run home run of his own to tie it back up at seven. A triple by Bellinger scored a run, but the next half George Springer tied the game yet again. Alex Bregman scored on a double by Altuve and Carlos Correa also hit a two run home run. Corey Seager doubled a run in for the Dodgers, but Brian McCann responded with a solo home run in the bottom of that inning. Yasiel Puig hit a two run home run, and Chris Taylor scored in the tying run. 

Alex Bregman hitting his walk off base hit.

In the inning, Brian McCann and George Springer were walked, and McCann was pulled for pinch runner Derek Fisher. Then, Alex Bregman hit a walk-off single to left field, winning the game for the Astros. The Astros would later win the series in seven games, and George Springer was named MVP. 

Game Three of the 2018 World Series

Game Three of the 2018 World Series was played in Dodger Stadium, in Los Angeles, California, against the Boston Red Sox, and the Los Angeles Dodgers, on October 26, 2018. The two starting pitchers were Walker Buehler for the Dodgers, and Rick Porcello for the Red Sox. Neither team scored until the third inning, when Joc Pederson hit a solo home run, putting the Dodgers up one to nothing. Porcello pitched four and two-thirds of an inning, only allowing three hits and one run, and Buehler pitched seven scoreless innings with only two hits. 

In the eight inning, Jackie Bradley Jr. hit a solo home run to tie the game. No one scored in the ninth because Cody Bellinger was caught in a pickle. In the tenth inning, Boston pinch runner Ian Kinsler attempted to score on Rafael Devers’s fly ball, but Cody Bellinger cut him down at the plate. In the thirteenth inning, Brock Holt made it to second base, giving the Red Sox a runner in scoring position, and he eventually scored on an infield single by Eduardo Nunez, putting Boston on top two to one. In the bottom of that inning, Max Muncy also scored on an infield hit by Yasiel Puig, tying the game again. 

Max Muncy hits a walk off home run in the eighteenth inning.

No one scored until the eighteenth inning, when Nathan Eovaldi was called out of the bullpen to relieve. In the bottom of the eighteenth, Max Muncy stepped up to plate and hit a game winning solo home run into the left field seats of Dodger Stadium, making this game the longest in World Series history. The Red Sox would later win the series in five games. 

Game Seven of 2014 World Series

Game Seven of the 2014 World Series was in Kauffman Stadium, in Kansas City, Missouri, against the visiting San Francisco Giants, and the Kansas City Royals on October 29, 2014. The two starting pitchers were Jeremey Guthrie for the Royals, and Tim Hudson for the Giants. The Giants were the first to score, when Michael Morse hit a sacrifice fly, driving in the first run of the game, and Brandon Crawford hit another flyball, putting the Giants up two to none. The Royals immediately scored too, when Alex Gordon hit an RBI double and Omar Infante hit a sacrifice fly. The Royals could have scored more, but Nori Aoki struck out with two men on base. 

Giants reliever Jeremy Affeldt pitched a scoreless third inning, and in the top of the fourth, Micahel Morse hit a single to right field, which gave the Giants the three to two lead. In the bottom of the fifth, Madison Bumgarner came in to pitch, and after allowing a leadoff single, he retired the next fourteen Royals he faced, pitching possibly the best World Series relief appearances ever. 

Madison Bumgarner and cather Buster Posey celebrating the World Series Championship.

Eventually, the Giants won the game three to two, making them World Series champions, and Madison Bumgarner was named series MVP. 

Game Five of the 2015 American League Division Series

Game Five of the 2015 American League Division Series was played in Rogers Centre, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, against the visiting Texas Rangers, and the hometown Toronto Blue Jays on October 14, 2015. The two starting pitchers were Marcus Stroman for the Blue Jays, and Cole Hamels for the Rangers. In the first inning, the Rangers jumped on top with a two to nothing lead when Prince Fielder hit an RBI single, and Shin-Soo Choo hit a solo home run. No one scored until the infamous seventh inning. 

To start the inning, there was a 53 minute delay when the fans threw trash on the field because of a controversial call. To start the next half of the inning, there were two errors by the Rangers which loaded the bases. Then there was a ball that should have ended the inning, but the ball was dropped at home, making it three to two. Then, there was another single by Josh Donaldson, making it a tie game; three to three. 

Jose Bautista hitting his game saving home run.

The next batter was Jose Bautista, who stepped up to the plate with runners on first and third and two outs. Then, in one of the memorable moments of the decade, Jose Bautista hit a towering home run into the second row, making it six to three Blue Jays. Toronto would win the game, and the Blue Jays would advance to the ALCS only to be defeated by the Kansas City Royals. 

Game Six of the 2019 American League Championship Series

Game Six of the 2019 American League Championship Series was played in Minute Maid Park, in Houston Texas, against the visiting New York Yankees, and the Houston Astros, on October 19, 2019. The two starting pitchers were Brad Peacock, and Chad Green. In the bottom of the first inning, the Houston Astros got the early lead when Yuli Gurriel hit a three run home run. After that, Chad Green left the game without pitching a full inning. In the second, Didi Gregorious hit a double and Gary Sanchez drove him in making it three to one, and Peacock was taken out. 

In the top of the fourth, Gio Urshela hit a solo home run, making it a one run game. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Alex Bregman hit a fielder’s choice which scored Houston’s fourth run of the game. It was now four to two. In the top of the ninth inning, down to their last out, Gio Urshela hit a single, and then DJ LeMahieu hit a clutch two run home run, tying the game and making it four to four. 

Jose Altuve’s walk off home run.

It looked like it might go into extra innings, but in the ninth, George Springer walked, and then Jose Altuve stepped up to the plate. Then, in dramatic fashion, hit a two run home run off Aroldis Chapman to send the Astros to the World Series, only the fifth time that had ever happened in MLB history. 

Game One of the 2010 National League Division Series 

Bad Quality.

Game One the National League Division Series was played in Citizens Bank Park, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, against the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies, on October 6, 2010. The two starting pitchers were Roy Halladay for the Phillies and Edinson Volquez for the Reds. Roy Halladay, quickly threw a one to three inning for the Phillies, then in the bottom of the first the Phillies offense got started early. 

Shane Victorino hit a double down the line, and after stealing third base, Chase Utley brought him home with a sacrifice fly ball, making it one to nothing. After another one two three inning by Halladay, the Phillies scored three more runs, on a two RBI single by Shane Victorino, and a RBI by Philadelphia’s starting pitcher, Roy Hallady. It was now a four to nothing, and the Reds had no hits on the day. Roy Hallady set down every batter until the fifth inning, when he walked Jay Bruce. 

Roy Hallady celebrating the completion of his no-hitter.

That would be the only walk given up the entire game by Hallady. Roy Hallady would strike out eight batters that day, walk one man, and would face 28 batter and retire 27 of them, thus throwing a no-hitter. That was his second of the year, because he threw one against the Florida Marlins earlier that year. The Phillies would go on to sweep the Reds, only to be beaten by the San Francisco Giants in the ALCS. Roy Halladay would eventually get into the Hall of Fame. 

Game Seven of the 2019 World Series 

Game Seven of the 2019 World Series was played in Minute Maid Park, in Houston, Texas, against the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros, on October 30, 2019. The two starting pitchers were Zack Greinke for Houston, and Max Scherzer for the Nationals. The Astros jumped on top early when Yuli Gurriel hit a solo home run in the bottom of the second inning. They also got another run when Carlos Correa hit an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth inning, making it four to nothing. Max Scherzer was taken out of the game, allowing seven hits in five innings. 

Greinke had only allowed one hit until he gave up a home run to Washington’s third baseman Anthony Rendon, and was taken out of the game for Will Harris, who allowed a two run home run to Howie Kendrick in the seventh inning, making it three to two Nationals. In the eight Juan Soto walked and Adam Eaton scored him in, giving the Nationals the two run lead. In the ninth inning, the bases were loaded for Adam Eaton. 

The Washington Nationals celebrate their championship.

He hit a single which gave the Nationals two insurance runs. It was now six to two. Patrick Corbin had now pitched three scoreless, and Daniel Hudson came into pitch the bottom of the ninth, and proceeded to strike and the side, and the Nationals were World Champions for the first time in franchise history, and the first champions from Washington since 1924.

Game Five of the 2014 National League Championship Series

Game Five of the 2014 National League Championship Series was played in AT&T Park in San Francisco, California, on October 16, 2014. The two starting pitchers were Madison Bumgarner for the Giants, and Adam Wainwright for the Cardinals. In the top of the third, the scored a run after there were a pair of walks, and then a double by Jon Jay which put the Cardinals up one to nothing. In the bottom half of that inning, the Giants responded with a two run home run by Joe Panik. 

Their lead did not last long as Bumgarner gave up home runs to Matt Adams and Tony Cruz in the top of the fourth, giving the Cardinals a three to two lead. After giving both home runs, the two starters settled in as Wainwright retired the next ten batters he faced, and Bumgarner retired the next thirteen batters he faced. But in the eight inning that all ended when the Cardinals brought in a relief pitcher to keep the lead in their favor. 

Travis Ishikawa after sending the Giants to the World Series.

Pinch hitter Michael Morse then hit a game tying home run, making it three to three. In the top of the ninth, pitcher Santiago Castilla walked two people, but got out of the jam. In the bottom of that inning, the Cardinals brought in Michael Wacha, who allowed two runners on, then allowed a walk-off home run to Travis Ishikawa to send them to the World Series. At that point, that was the fourth time that had happened in history, but it also happened in 2019. 

George Washington: A Natural Born Leader

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October 22, 2021
By Zeke

George Washington leading his men at the Battle of Monmouth in 1778.

    George Washington was born a natural leader, and he is probably one of the most influential men in all of American history. During the American Revolutionary War, he led his army to many triumphant victories. But he was not just a military leader. Washington, who was chosen to lead the Constitutional Convention, preferred to stay home at his farm in Virginia, but the people of the newly created United States of America begged him to run for president. Because of this, he won easily, and when they wanted him to go for a third term, he refused, believing one man should not have that much power. Finally, Washington retired and returned home. Today, his face appears on money, and the capital of the U.S. is named after him. He is forever remembered and revered as a natural born leader. 

History of the American Civil War Part 5: Post-War and 1865

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Important or Major Battles in 1865

3rd National Flag of the Confederacy, flown in the last weeks of the war.

In 1865, almost all of the Battles were Union victories, and with Robert E. Lee surrendering on April 10, ended the war in the Eastern Theatre. The Final Battle of the War was fought in Cameron County, Texas, on May 13, 1865, but mostly all Confederates stopped fighting after Appomattox Courthouse. After the war, the South was put under military occupation, and the reconstruction era started, which was a hard time for the south. 

Before the war, the south had most of the richest states in the Union, but it has the poorest states of the Union to this day. A lot of the south’s towns and cities were destroyed by the war, and they had horrible economic problems. The population had decreased greatly, both north and south. Overall the Union had 853,838 military casualties with 110,100 killed in action, 224,580 died of disease, 275,154 wounded in action, and 211,411 captured, and 30,192 died as P.O.W.s. 

Burying the Union dead at Sharpsburg Battlefield, 1862.

The Confederates had 94,000 killed in action, 164,000 disease deaths, 194,026 wounded in action, 462,343 captured, and 31,000 died as P.O.W.s. Overall for both sides, there were a total of 828,000 Union casualties and 864,000 Confederate Casualties, and for both sides there were 616,222-1,000,000 deaths, 50,000 civilian deaths, and 80,000 slave deaths. The American Civil War was the worst war ever fought on American soil, and the worst war in all United States History. 

Political Situation 

1865 was the final year of the war, and the south had basically already lost by the beginning of the year. When the south eventually lost, they were put under military occupation, and many southern civilians had to beg on the streets for food. All of the slaves in the south were freed, but they were not educated and had to fend for themselves. They were also segregated from the white southerners. Confederate President Jefferson Davis was put in prison.

The Assassination of President Lincoln.

Also, on April 14, 1865, United States President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by actor John Wilkes Booth in Ford’s Theatre, Washington D.C. He was succeeded by his Vice President, Andrew Johnson. 

Second Battle of Fort Fisher

The Second Battle of Fort Fisher was fought from January 13-15, 1865 in New Hanover County, North Carolina. Before the landings, Union gunboats shelled the fort, which made the landings easier. A landing force of 2,000 men consisting of navy and army landing near Fort Fisher on January 13. The federals were commanded by General Kidder Breese, and they were routed by the Confederates. This attack, however, drew Confederate attention away from another attack party led by Brevet General Newton M. Curtis. At 2:00 P.M. Curtis attacked and took the northern wall, but his brigade suffered heavy casualties due to Confederate snipers, and two of his colonels were killed. 

Union attack of Fort Fisher.

Seeing what he thought was an opportunity, Confederate General William H.C. Whiting ordered a counterattack. As his men charged into the Yankees, he was grabbed by a Union soldier who commanded him to surrender, and then shot Whiting who was mortally wounded. Whiting would die of his wounds on March 10, 1865. Union gunboats again kept firing at the fort with deadly aim. The battle raged on deep into the night, and the Confederate surrendered on January 15. With the capture of the fort and all of the surviving men, it was a major victory for the Union who suffered 1,057 casualties (664 army and 393 navy) while the Confederate suffered 1,900 casualties. 

Battle of Bentonville

Battle of Bentonville was in Johnston County, North Carolina and lasted from March 19-21, 1865. Following his March to the Sea, Union General William T. Sherman and his 60,000 men started the Campaign of the Carolinas in which he swept through South Carolina, and moved into North Carolina only to be met by Commanding Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston army of 21,900. The Rebels attacked on March 19, and Union General Henry W. Slocum engaged them, but he was pushed back. The Confederates were attacked by Slocum in their right wing, and after they overran the Union field hospital, they were pushed back in confusion. 

The Confederates firing a volley at Bentonville.

The Confederates tried to break the Union line at night, but they were unsuccessful. At about midnight, the Confederate fell back and dug trenches. In the Afternoon of March 20, Slocum drove the Southerns back to Mill Creek, but then the Confederate Cavalry drove Slocum back in a light skirmish. On March 21, Union General Joseph A. Mower attacked the Confederate left flank, making the Confederates retreat, ending the battle. Overall, the Union had 1,527 casualties, and the Confederates had 2,606 making it a Union victory. 

Battle of Five Forks

The Battle of Five Forks was fought on April 1, 1865 in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. The Battle was part of the Appomattox Campaign, which was the final campaign in the Eastern Theatre of the war. Confederate General George Pickett had only 10,600 men, and he was hit by Union General Gouverneur K. Warren in his rear, but Union General Phillip Sheridan stupidly told Warren to let Pickett retreat. When Pickett retreated to Five Forks, Sheridan decided to pursue him, and sent General George A. Custer to do it. Custard sent them on the run at Bear Swamp. Sheridan then planned an attack: Custer’s Cavalry would attack the Confederate right flank, and Warren would attack the left flank with his infantry. 

Union Cavalry Attack at the White Oak Road.

The Union routed the Rebel’s Cavalry, and they fell back to White Oak Road after the Union charged. After that at about 4:15 P.M. the Union V Corps attacked, and there was heavy fighting at the White Oak Road. There was hand-to-hand combat, and the two armies were so close to each other that they could barely shoot. Many officers were killed or wounded in the fighting such as Union General Frederick Winthrop and Union Colonel Richard N. Bowerman. Later, Union General Charles Griffin joined the main attack, and the Confederates were pushed back even farther. 

By that point Pickett had rejoined the battle, but the Confederate right and left flank had collapsed, and they had withdrawn before nightfall, making it a Union victory. The Northerns only suffered only 830 casualties, but the Confederates suffered a whopping 2,950 casualties.  

Battle of Sailor’s Creek (Sayler’s Creek)

The Battle of Sailor’s Creek was fought on April 6, 1865 in Amelia, Prince Edward, and Nottoway County Virginia. On the Rainy Morning of April 6, Union General Andrew A. Humphreys attacked the Confederates at 9:00 A.M., and Union General Gershom Mott was wounded. Confederate General John B. Gordon’s men suffered heavy casualties, and they had 1,700 captured. Union General George Crook started to use hit and run tactics on the Rebels at Sailor’s Creek. The Union burned the Confederate Wagons, but they were driven away. 

Map of the Battle of Sailor’s Creek.

The Union deployed a pincer maneuver, and the Confederates were routed, being shot in the back as they tried to retreat. All of Confederate General Richard S. Ewell’s men were either killed, captured, missing, or captured, including Ewell himself, making it another major Union victory. The Union had a total of 1,148 casualties, and the Confederates had 7,700 captured, but the number of casualties is unknown. It probably greatly exceeded the Union’s casualties.  

Battle of Appomattox Courthouse

The Battle of Appomattox Courthouse was fought on April 9, 1865, in Appomattox County, Virginia and was the last battle of the Eastern Theatre of the war, and the final battle of the Appomattox Campaign. At Dawn on April 9, Confederate General John B. Gordon attacked Union General Phillip Sheridan’s Cavalry, and they took the ridge, but when they saw the entire Union XXIV Corps on the other side of the hill, Confederate General Robert E. Lee immediately told them to withdraw. They retreated towards Lynchburg. Lee saw that many of his men were starving, tired, and low on ammo, and he decided that the only option was to surrender. 

General Robert E. Lee surrendering to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse.

He sent a leader to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, and they met at Appomattox Courthouse. Union General George Custer wanted an Unconditional Surrender, but instead Grant decided Lee’s men would not be taken as P.O.W.s, and not be charged for treason, but they would be free to go after they were paroled. On April 10, Lee gave a farewell address to his men, and they were sent home. In the end, the Union had 164 casualties, and the Confederates had 500 casualties, and all the rest of their 26,000 men surrendered, ending the war in the Eastern Theatre.