Keith's Sports Journal: Foul Ball: Lincecum Dominates and Twins/Rays Dig Holes for Themselves

San Francisco 1 Atlanta 0, SF takes 1-0 Series Lead: I have to admit that I thought Tim Lincecum would struggle in his first career playoff start. I was wrong. Lincecum gave up two hits, one walk, no runs, while striking out 14 Braves hitters. While the Braves lineup doesn't have Chipper Jones or Martin Prado, this is still a lineup that is hard to strikeout making Lincecum's performance even more dominating. The play of the night that will certainly rage on the call for MLB to integrate instant replay into the game came in the fourth inning. Buster Posey stole 2nd on a hit and run and was obviously thrown out by a good foot. Didn't matter as he was called safe. Cody Ross would drive Posey in and that would be the only run the Giants would need. Needless to say that call will be talked about today and the rest of the playoffs.

Tampa Bay 0 Texas 6, Texas takes 2-0 Series Lead: C.J. Wilson was quite impressive in his first career postseason start. Wilson went 6 1/3 innings giving up no hits, two hits, two walks, while striking out seven. The play of this game was another blown call by a umpire. With the Rangers leading 2-0 in the fifth inning, a controversial non-check swing call against the Rangers Michael Young. Joe Maddon was thrown out of the game after arguing this call. On the next pitch Michael Young hit a three-run home run driving a stake in the Rays heart. The Rangers are now one game away from the ALCS.

Minnesota 2 NY Yankees 5, NYY takes 2-0 Series Lead: Probably the team to meet the Rangers in the ALCS will be the New York Yankees because they continued their dominance over the Minnesota Twins. Lance Berkman out of all people was the hero of the game for New York, homering and driving in the eventual game-winning run in the seventh inning. Minnesota just can't catch a break against New York.

Jerry Crawford Quote: Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was tossed in the game for arguing ball and strikes with home plate ump Hunter Wendelsted. Crew chief Jerry Crawford answered questions about the ejection after the game, sort of. Via ASAP Sports

"Q. What did Gardenhire say?
JERRY CRAWFORD: Balls and strikes. That simple.

Q. Was there anything said regarding the history between Hunter and Ron that's been public?
JERRY CRAWFORD: Nothing.

Q. Did Hunter say anything about the pitch, the 2-2 to Berkman?
JERRY CRAWFORD: Nothing."

Thanks for nothing Jerry.

Create a Caption: Joe Maddon and Jim Wolf passionately discuss the finer points Vino wine versus Chardonnay. (Photo via Yahoo! Sports)