Giants 6, Reds 4
CINCINNATI — Buster Posey hit the third grand slam in Giants’ postseason history, and San Francisco completed its startling comeback by holding off the Cincinnati Reds 6-4 this afternoon in the decisive Game 5 of the NL Division Series.
The Giants won the final three games, all in Cincinnati, and advanced to the NL Championship Series. They will face either St. Louis or Washington.
Ahead 6-0, San Francisco saw the Reds rally throughout the late innings. Cincinnati scored once in the ninth before Sergio Romo struck out Scott Rolen with two runners on base to end it.

– Associated Press

Giants 8, Reds 3
CINCINNATI — Angel Pagan led off the game with a home run, Gregor Blanco and Pablo Sandoval connected later and Tim Lincecum came out of the bullpen to help the San Francisco Giants beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-3 this evening, evening their NL division series at 2-all.
The Giants can complete an unprecedented comeback Thursday. No team has recovered from a 2-0 deficit in a best-of-five series by winning three on the road.
Matt Cain, who lost the series opener and has yet to beat Cincinnati in three starts this season, will start Game 5 against Mat Latos.
The Reds haven’t won a home playoff game in 17 years. One thing in Cincinnati’s favor — it hasn’t dropped three straight at home all season.
Lincecum relieved in the fourth inning with the Giants ahead 3-2. The two-time NL Cy Young winner struck out six in 4 1-3 innings, allowing one run.

– Associated Press

A’s vs. Tigers

How can you stop Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera or Prince Fielder?

I’m not sure Oakland can.

The A’s have been on quite a roll, but “Moneyball” doesn’t usually translate into postseason success.

While having Oakland advance would be nice, it’s too hard to ignore the Tigers.

They have the hitting and pitching to win a short series.

The pick: Tigers in five.

Yankees vs. Orioles

In April, not many people would have picked the Orioles to have a winning record.

Here they are in October facing the Yankees in the playoffs after beating the Texas Rangers.

I don’t see them slowing down the Yankees.

The joy ride ends.

The pick: Yankees in four.

Reds vs. Giants

San Francisco emerged from the NL West, but I’m not sold on their rotation after Matt Cain.

The Reds? Yeah, I like everything about them.

They can hit. They can pitch. They have the relievers to shut down the opposition.

They can go a long way, too.

The pick: Reds in four

Nationals vs. Cardinals

Where are you Stephen Strasburg?

The Nationals have their ace shut down for the season, but they still have some live arms remaining.

I know they’re new to the postseason, but they should have enough to beat the Cardinals.

The pick: Nationals in five.

Agree? Disagree? Post them in the comments below.

– Rick Green

Aroldis Chapman routinely hits 100 mph on his fastball.

Apparently Pirate All-Star Andrew McCutchen didn’t like it when he was plunked by Chapman Friday night.

Do you  think there will be any retaliation by the Pirates today?

– Rick Green

http://youtu.be/DSS20zemaPE

The Cincinnati Reds took an early 1-0 lead in their showdown with the Pittsburgh Pirates Friday on an inside-the-park HR by Chris Heisey.

Looking at the replay, I’m  not convince he was safe at home.

What do you think?

Chris Heisey’s hit on mlb.com

– Rick Green