Good thing they shot off the fireworks at Camden Yards after the Orioles' victory on Monday night, because the two teams aren't providing any.
The Yankees and Orioles finished 1-2 in the majors in home runs this season, with 245 and 214, respectively. The Yankees have five players with at least 20 homers, as do the Orioles. Plus, the Orioles have another guy, Jim Thome, who's the seventh-leading home run hitter of all time.
And so far, we've seen one ball leave the park in this American League Division Series -- Russell Martin's ninth-inning shot in Game 1.
Instead, the teams are playing small ball -- taking (or trying to take) the extra base, advancing the runner with hits to the right side, bunting.
What in the name of Earl Weaver is going on?
Well, a big part of what's going on is this: CC Sabathia, Jason Hammel, Andy Pettitte and Wei-Yin Chen. The four starters for the two teams have been tough to hit. And except for Jim Johnson's blow-up in Game 1, the relief has been tight.
On Monday night in Game 2, no one even reached the warning track with a fly ball.
That could all change starting in Game 3, though, with Yankee Stadium's right-field porch just waiting for somebody to pop one.
Tags: CC Sabathia, Jim Johnson, Yankees, pitching, orioles, homers, alds, andy pettitte, home runs, Wei-yin Chenthe hobbit an unexpected journey latkes how to make it in america how to make it in america schweddy balls schweddy balls bill conlin
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