This Braves-Astros game is in the 17th inning!

[MaineDem]

Is a terrific game to watch as an impartial fan.

[teach1st]

1. I'm a Braves fan...

...but I am more of a baseball fan and am just enjoying the game no matter who wins. The Rocket in relief!

[Ekirh]

2. Amen to this

As a fellow Braves fan I agree. Kudos to the Astros coming back 6-0 and damn this has just been a great game . . . and to think if the Braves manage to win we still have to do a game five. . .

Edit: Going to the 18th . . hot damn.

[Ekirh]

3. Hats off to Houston

Great game... now go get those cardinals. . .

[MaineDem]

4. Damn...Clemens is the winner, right?

Congrats, Astros.

[Ekirh]

5. Yes . . .

He is the winner in fucking relief. . .Astros used everyone minus a few pitchers to get this win . . now they better rest up . . . . damn . . My team just lost and I'm still satisfied just because of how good the game was.

[PDittie]

6. Bring on the Redbirds

[Bluzmann57]

7. I'm a Cub fan

and you don't want anything to do with the Cardinals. They are that damn good, dammit. Credit to the Astros though. Good job.

[PDittie]

8. They're good

They owned everybody this season.

I still like the Astros pitching (starters and bully) in a short series.

One more pic:

[kerstin]

11. Who's Ausmus hugging?

Kind of looks like Bagwell, only bulkier (I'm basing that on the sideburns). Looks too short to be Clemens, unless Clemens is picking Brad up. (I know he picked up Chris Burke after the kid hit the winning dinger into the Crawford seats.)

I've never known such happiness.

Go 'Stros.

[PDittie]

12. I think it's Backe

This was from his HR in the 9th (I think).

[kerstin]

18. That makes sense.

Brad still has his batting gloves on. Did you see Backe putting the Mojo on Brad's bat beforehand?

I'm a little worried about Backe as our number four pitcher. Astacio was impressive down the line and I was disappointed he didn't make the cut. At least Garner has the left-hander Wandy if Brandon gets in trouble. By the way, am I wrong or has Gallo been perfect in relief? At least I can't remember his giving up any hits -a walk or two at the most.

[PDittie]

19. Yes, and yes

Backe is about 14 years old, as far as I can tell.

But I wish we would use a three-man rotation in this playoff. Backe shut out the Cards for eight innings in last year's NLCS. I don't think he's got another one like that in him.

The key is for us to get into their bullpen. With Reyes injured, the best they've got is Tavares (and the Astros own him).

Gallo's tough, but Wheeler and Qualls are the money in our bully. If I see Russ Springer once more this season I'm going to hurl.

[kerstin]

20. I noticed Garner added Astacio after all. n/t

[Captain Hilts]

9. They pulled this same stunt with the Mets in 1986! nt

[kerstin]

10. Yes but with a far different result.

But of course "Mookie Wilson" should know all about that one!

[Reciprocity]

16. Same score though. 7/6.

I'm still in shock. I was hanging on every swing and pitch back in 86. I remember the headline in the Houston Chronicle the next day. "Mets get off Scott free". I have hated the Mets for almost twenty years. I guess I can let that go, now that we have redeemed ourselves.

[kerstin]

17. That game pains me to this day. n/t

[Pacifist Patriot]

13. I am so pissed at my husband.

When the Braves were ahead he said, "well that wraps it up, the Braves are in." So I went to bed. I thought the CNN ticker had to be a typo this morning or the product of a deranged Astros fan. I'm crushed.

I know. I know. The Braves have had their day in the sun. Let another team have a chance....but one from Texas????? I'm sorry. I can't wrap my brain around that.

Go Cards!

[enigami]

14. One of the best games ever

Damn those Astros make me nervous

[Ekirh]

15. Going to be a good series

Between the Cardinals and the Astros. . . can't wait for it to start.