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On the heels of one of the most exhilarating postseason games in recent memory, Wednesday night’s National League Wild Card game seemed tame. That being said, left-hander Madison Bumgarner showed his signature calm, cool demeanor – tossing a complete game shutout against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park and leading the Giants back to the National League Division Series.
A pair of Brandons – Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford – both led the way offensively, with the latter breaking a scoreless tie in the fourth with the first-ever postseason grand slam by a shortstop and the San Francisco first baseman driving in three insurance runs en route to the 8-0 victory.
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Tonight, the American League Division Series kicks off with a pair of games as the Detroit Tigers take on the Baltimore Orioles behind free-agent-to-be Max Scherzer, while the Cinderella-story Kansas City Royals look to take down the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and ace Jered Weaver on the road.
The Wrigley Field renovation project is underway as several statues were removed from the area on Wednesday ahead of construction at the home of the Chicago Cubs, Manny Ramirez could potentially return to the organization as a coach should he decide to retire as a player and the front office remains adamant that Javier Baez is the man moving forward at second base.
Here’s more from around the league:
“Baez will start at second for Cubs in 2015” – Cubbies Crib
“Madison Bumgarner dominant as Giants rout Pirates, 8-0” – Call to the Pen
“Chicago Cubs move statues as Wrigley Field renovation begins” – Da Windy City
“Predictions hard to make for Tigers – O’s” – MLB.com
“Vargas’ changeup faces tough test vs. Angels” – Kings of Kauffman