Friday, August 05, 2011

Box score of the week

The 2001 season was quite memorable for the Arizona Diamondbacks with them winning the World Series that year. With that, let's check out a game from Arizona's '01 championship season.

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This past Sunday, the LA Angels of Anaheim's Erick Aybar attempted to break up a no-hit bid by the Detroit's Justin Verlander in the 8th inning by laying down a bunt. Aybar reached base but was not given a hit when Verlander was charged with an error on the attempt to throw out Aybar at first. Many viewed Aybar's attempt as "bush league" despite the fact the Angels were only down 3-0. Verlander lost the no-hitter when Macier Izturis hit a clean single to left. The Tigers hung on for a 3-2 win.

Upon witnessing that, I couldn't help but recall a game back in May 2001 when the San Diego Padres were hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. Having retired the first 22 batters he faced, D-Backs pitcher Curt Schilling was only five outs away from a perfect game when Padres catcher Ben Davis laid down a bunt for a base hit. With San Diego trailing only 2-0, the logic seemed rather sound, given the fact the tying run was coming to the plate after Davis reached. But Arizona manager Bob Brenly didn't see it that way, later referring to the bunt attempt as "chicken sh*t." Huh. I guess math wasn't Brenly's strong suit.


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