Alex Gonzalez and the Atlanta Braves saved us from the prospect of three sweeps in the first round of the playoffs. It was an improbable win for the Braves in many respects. They were down 4-1 with Brian Wilson, San Francisco's closer, on the mound and Atlanta's offense is one of the weakest in the playoffs. Once the Braves tied it Billy Wagner has to leave with an injury and their fate rests with Kyle Farnsworth on the mound, the Farnsworth who not known as a big game pitcher. That view looked to be confirmed when he hit Freddy Sanchez. The Braves options looked bleaker when Buster Posey was up with the bases loaded and one out. Posey grounded the ball to Troy Glaus, who has not played much third this season, and Glaus passed up on the play at home and went around the horn for an inning ending double play.
Rick Ankiel ended the game in extra's with a solo home run, and hopefully that eliminates some of his bad memories from his pitching meltdown in the playoffs many years ago.
In addition to former Jays Alex Gonzalez, Eric Hinske and Troy Glaus, Tim Collins was indirectly involved in yesterdays outcome. On July 31st the Braves acquired winning pitcher Farnsworth and home run hitter Ankiel from KC in return for Tim Collins, among others.
The earlier game was an embarrassment for the Reds. Too many hit batters and too many errors make for a bad loss. It was surprising to see Scott Rolen make an error and generally not look great in the game. Things looked better for the Reds when Brandon Phillips homered to lead off the game, no repeat no-hitter in the works. Not even Aroldis Chapman could hold back the Phillies but he didn't get any help.
Elsewhere we are back to the AL today with the home teams trying to win and sweep.
Umpires were back in the news yesterday, from Bobby Cox's ejection, to Chase Utley saying the pitch he was hit by "came pretty close to him", and several other close plays. The umpires are under a microscope in the post-season and they aren't faring well.
Here is Utley commenting on being hit:
It was pretty close. At first, I thought it was going to hit me in the head. Fortunately, it didn't. And he throws so hard. I felt like I thought it hit me, so I put my head down and I ran to first.
Did it actually hit you?
I'm not sure.
What will you be watching for this weekend?
And Happy Thanksgiving to those north of the border.
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