Rattler Alumni Report: MLB Playoffs October 7, 2009

Or should I say, Foxes Alumni Report?

New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 2-for-4, RUN, 2 RBI

Rodriguez, who started the game hitless in the last 18 [post-season] at-bats with runners in scoring position, drove in runs with singles in the fifth and seventh with runners in scoring position.

With Rodriguez breaking out and [C.C.] Sabathia evening his postseason record at 3-3, the talk of them not being able to deliver in the second season dissipated.

Philadelphia:
Raul Ibanez (Foxes, '94): 2-for-4, RUN, 2 RBI

For Raul Ibanez, his first season in Philadelphia has played out like a year in reverse - searing hot in April and May, icy cold in July and August.

And now, as the days grow short and chilled, the Phillies leftfielder is looking for an October rebirth, hoping this autumn will transform into spring.

Ibanez had the most significant hit in yesterday's 5-1 victory over Colorado in Game 1 of the National League division series, a fifth-inning RBI double that shattered both a scoreless tie and the spell Rockies starter Ubaldo Jimenez had cast over Philadelphia's lineup.

"That was huge," Shane Victorino said of Ibanez's hit. "That guy [Jimenez] can be unhittable when he gets in a groove."