For about 5 minutes after the last game ended, I simply sat here trying to comprehend exactly what it was that had just happened on the TV screens in front of me. In a 10 minute span, everything changed. The Yankees had runners at the corners with nobody out and it was almost certain that they would get a run.
Meanwhile, in Baltimore, the Red Sox were headed to the bottom of the 9th with a one-run lead and the man they call "Pap" entering the game as one of the best closers in the majors, and probably the best closer in Red Sox history. It was obvious. The Red Sox were going to overcome their September choke and attend the party that is October baseball.
(Back in Tampa)
Greg Golson, on third base with nobody out, gets caught off third base by Evan Longoria after a ground ball, and leaves the Yankees with first and second and one out, not as ideal as runners on the corners, but still a good-looking opportunity to score at least a run. Just a single run, say Boston fans.
(Back in Baltimore)
The Red Sox had missed an opportunity in the top of the 9th with the bases loaded and one out. They had grounded into a double play and walked away with nothing. It was okay though, because Papelbon was not going to give up a run to the players due up for the Orioles. It was Adam Jones, a solid player but with a bad history against Pap, Mark Reynolds, who strikes out more than I would if I played, and Chris Davis, who has similar strikeout problems which is why he was traded midseason from Texas to the lowly Orioles. Nolan Reimold and Robert Andino would come up as the 4th and 5th guys, but that's doubtful. Surely, the Sox could not blow against THEM. Not these scrubs.
Pap quickly retired Jones and Reynolds on strikeouts and Chris Davis is coming up next, it's in the bag!
(Back in Tampa)
Somehow, some way, the resilient Rays got out of the jam they were facing against the mighty Yankees. a groundout to second with 2 outs got them out of it, and they headed to the bottom of the 12th in a 7-7 tie. And guess who was due up, their hero, Evan Longoria. You can see where this is headed...
(Back in Baltimore)
Chris Davis doubles down the line off Pap with 2 outs. Pinch-runner comes in. It's okay though, right? Because Nolan Reimold is up, and, even though he has been swinging a hot bat, he is only hitting .245 for the season and is facing a great closer trying to make up for a loss late last week.
2 strikes on Reimold, this one is over. Wait, he got smart, he took one the other way! It's in the gap! Here comes the tying run! It's 3-3 and Reimold is safe at second! O man, Pap is mad, he will get this guy, extra innings are on tap.
Robert Andino up. 1 strike, 2 outs, Reimold on second and... o my! Base hit to left! Wait! Did Carl Crawford just catch that? NO! Its in for a hit! Crawford throws to the plate! SAFE!!!!!! Orioles Win! The Red Sox are on the ropes! Alright, it's okay, Tampa has used all their good pitchers and pinch-hitters, they can't possibly beat the Yankees in the 12th.
(Back in Tampa)
It's tied still, 7-7, in the 12th inning. Evan Longoria comes up. He knew the Orioles had tied the game in Baltimore as he was stepping into the box. As the count went to 1-1 on him, he heard the cheers of the crowd, Boston had lost! If the Rays can win, they will go back to the postseason. Said Longoria after the game, "After the 2nd strike on me, the last thing on my mind was a walk-off homer." Well, it was 1-2... O my! Pitch in the dirt away, Longoria almost, ALMOST, chased it. 2-2 pitch, inside, liner down the line, could be a double, wait, it's staying up, its OUTTA HERE!!!!!!!!! RAYS WIN!!!!! Tampa Bay is going to the playoffs in the most extraordinary fashion that I have ever seen. 3 (THREE) minutes after Boston blew it, Tampa clinched it.
Tampa Bay trailed 7-0 early in the game. They trailed 7-6 with 2 outs and 2 strikes in the bottom of the 9th. Dan Johnson, who had not played all night, was pinch-hitting. He has not hit a homer since April, that's APRIL, 8th, so just get on base, Dan, and we will go from there. Down the line and it's a HR!!!!!!! I don't believe it. I really do not.
This was the most incredible night of baseball I have ever witnessed, and I cannot wait to watch some more as we head into October. No matter what, there is only one thing that is for sure...
YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP
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