1998 – NATIONAL LEAGUE WILD CARD ROUND

PREVIEW – Blarney Drive and Michigan play in the wild card. Both teams were tied during the season. 

Michigan has the home field advantage based on the better home record.

In the second inning, Dean Palmer hits a solo blast off of Radke and the Bandits take the early lead. In the bottom half of the second, Jim Edmonds hits a solo to tie the game. Then, Mike Lieberthal singles. Brett Boone singles but due to a Giles error, the runners advance. Brosius hits a single and Ordonez makes an error, which causes 2 runs to score. Next, Bernie Williams hits a single and Michigan goes up 4-1 at the end of 2 innings.

In the 5th inning, Michigan gets on the board again. Vinny Castilla hits a homer. Then, Brady Anderson scores on a double error made by Klesko.

In the 6th Radke hits a batter after the Bandits hit 2 of Michigan’s batters. Radke gets thumbed from the game. Julio Santana comes in and gives up a 2 run homer to Mike Bordick to narrow Michigan’s lead to 6-3.

In the 8th, the Bandits score on a fielders choice. Plesac and Ligtenberg hold off the Bandits, and Michigan wins 6-4.

Final Score: Michigan 6 – Blarney Drive 4
Series 1-0 (MIC)

Win: Brad Radke 1-0
Loss: David Wells 0-1
Save: Kerry Ligtenberg (1)

In the 4th inning with 1 out, Bernie Williams beats a Veras throw home, and Edmonds makes it to 1b.

It’s a well pitched game for Johnson and Gardner. In the 6th inning, Rafael Palmeiro hits a homer and its 2-0 for Michigan.

In the 8th, Gardner loses his shutout as Rickey Henderson hits a homer.

In the 9th, Gardner retires the side as he gets the complete game and the win.

Final Score: Michigan 6 – Blarney Drive 4
Series 2-0 (MIC)

Win: Mark Gardner 1-0
Loss: Randy Johnson 0-1