It could easily be stated that this was the best single date in Baseball regular season history, but now can you say that with the understanding that this game dates back to the 1800's? Ok, maybe that may be a stretch, but in a made for TV era we live in, this was easily one of the most exciting nights the game has ever seen. The Cardinals started September 8 1/2 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the Wild Card race, by September 15 the margin was at 4 1/2 games, and by September 27 the race was tied. The Cardinals put the pressure on the Braves for an entire month, and started last night by really putting the pressure on Atlanta. By virtue of a five run first inning against the lowly Astros, St. Louis all but forced a one game playoff tomorrow night, provide it that Atlanta could beat the Phillies at home with ace, Tim Hudson on the hill. The weight of the collapse must have been too much to bear for the Braves, as they had the lead in the 9th inning with their stud rookie closer, Craig Kimbrel on the mound and he could not protect the lead. That blown save ultimately led to the Phillies 13th inning victory. Atlanta's 8 1/2 game lead with a month left was over. An epic rally by the Cardinals, and a forgettable month by Atlanta defined their wild card race of the National League, and those games were boring compared to the American League. Tampa Bay and Boston basically had a duplicate race of their own, with the Rays playing the role of St. Louis, and Boston doing the choking. Boston appeared to be in much better shape, and had things pretty well in grasp. The Sox were leading the last place O's, and Tampa was down 7-0 early to the Yankees. Than the Baseball God's took fate a different way, Boston's momentum was halted by a conveniently placed rain shower in the midst of the 7th inning. That was conveniently placed for Tampa, as Evan Longoria stole the show. Tampa rallied for 3 runs in the 8th, looking like they were setting up for a nice tease for their fans, and with 2 outs, Mr. Longoria drove a pitch 12 rows deep, and we had a game on our hands. Red Sox nation now has two games to worry about, their beloved Red Sox, and their new second favorite team, the hated Yankees. Tampa held strong in the 9th and got their chance in the bottom half, and with 2 outs, none other than .202 pinch hitter Dan Johnson knocks a pitch over the right field fence. Boston resumed, and lights out closer, Jonathon Papelbon let the lead in. Now we had a lot of Yankee fans, and within minutes of the Orioles winning run, Evan Longoria belts out his second clutch Home Run of the night, and we have an AL Wild Card Champion.
This night provided us with the conclusion to two epic collapses, two teams playing red hot baseball that overcame nine game deficits, two extra inning games, three epic finishes and countless numbers of clutch plays, and big hits. I am not positive, but I do not think this could have been scripted any better. Baseball got exactly what it wanted, but more importantly what it needed. Baseball is certainly second fiddle to the NFL anymore, but in their showcase night for the ages, it still proves to be as exciting as ever. I was loving every second of these games and I had no personal vest in either game.This was must see TV at its finest. ESPN lucked out that they got three must see matchups with all the suspense of a game seven brings. It was perfect, it was exciting, and it was great baseball. Major League Baseball has just set itself up for some exciting playoff baseball thanks in large part to the Braves and Red Sox choking in September. The chess game of baseball is not for everyone, but when it gets down to this point, a few more people start watching. Baseball purists were in their glory last night, as the showcase games set the tone for a memorable October to come. I'll be watching, and thanks to last night, a few more will be too.
It could easily be stated that this was the best single date in Baseball regular season history, but now can you say that with the understanding that this game dates back to the 1800's? Ok, maybe that may be a stretch, but in a made for TV era we live in, this was easily one of the most exciting nights the game has ever seen. The Cardinals started September 8 1/2 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the Wild Card race, by September 15 the margin was at 4 1/2 games, and by September 27 the race was tied. The Cardinals put the pressure on the Braves for an entire month, and started last night by really putting the pressure on Atlanta. By virtue of a five run first inning against the lowly Astros, St. Louis all but forced a one game playoff tomorrow night, provide it that Atlanta could beat the Phillies at home with ace, Tim Hudson on the hill. The weight of the collapse must have been too much to bear for the Braves, as they had the lead in the 9th inning with their stud rookie closer, Craig Kimbrel on the mound and he could not protect the lead. That blown save ultimately led to the Phillies 13th inning victory. Atlanta's 8 1/2 game lead with a month left was over. An epic rally by the Cardinals, and a forgettable month by Atlanta defined their wild card race of the National League, and those games were boring compared to the American League. Tampa Bay and Boston basically had a duplicate race of their own, with the Rays playing the role of St. Louis, and Boston doing the choking. Boston appeared to be in much better shape, and had things pretty well in grasp. The Sox were leading the last place O's, and Tampa was down 7-0 early to the Yankees. Than the Baseball God's took fate a different way, Boston's momentum was halted by a conveniently placed rain shower in the midst of the 7th inning. That was conveniently placed for Tampa, as Evan Longoria stole the show. Tampa rallied for 3 runs in the 8th, looking like they were setting up for a nice tease for their fans, and with 2 outs, Mr. Longoria drove a pitch 12 rows deep, and we had a game on our hands. Red Sox nation now has two games to worry about, their beloved Red Sox, and their new second favorite team, the hated Yankees. Tampa held strong in the 9th and got their chance in the bottom half, and with 2 outs, none other than .202 pinch hitter Dan Johnson knocks a pitch over the right field fence. Boston resumed, and lights out closer, Jonathon Papelbon let the lead in. Now we had a lot of Yankee fans, and within minutes of the Orioles winning run, Evan Longoria belts out his second clutch Home Run of the night, and we have an AL Wild Card Champion. 
This night provided us with the conclusion to two epic collapses, two teams playing red hot baseball that overcame nine game deficits, two extra inning games, three epic finishes and countless numbers of clutch plays, and big hits. I am not positive, but I do not think this could have been scripted any better. Baseball got exactly what it wanted, but more importantly what it needed. Baseball is certainly second fiddle to the NFL anymore, but in their showcase night for the ages, it still proves to be as exciting as ever. I was loving every second of these games and I had no personal vest in either game.This was must see TV at its finest. ESPN lucked out that they got three must see matchups with all the suspense of a game seven brings. It was perfect, it was exciting, and it was great baseball. Major League Baseball has just set itself up for some exciting playoff baseball thanks in large part to the Braves and Red Sox choking in September. The chess game of baseball is not for everyone, but when it gets down to this point, a few more people start watching. Baseball purists were in their glory last night, as the showcase games set the tone for a memorable October to come. I'll be watching, and thanks to last night, a few more will be too.
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