The Houston Astros defeat the Atlanta Braves, 7 – 6, in extra innings in Game 4 of the NLDS, on a walk-off homer by substitute Chris Burke

This Day In Baseball

On October 9, 2005 –  At Minute Man Park The Houston Astros defeat the Atlanta Braves, 7 – 6, in extra innings in Game 4 of the NLDS, on a walk-off homer by substitute Chris Burke. The game sets several records, including the longest postseason game ever at 18 innings, longest postseason game by time (5 hours, 50 minutes), and first postseason game with two grand slams. Houston will now advance to the National League Championship Series for the second year in a row to face the 2004 NL Champion St. Louis Cardinals.

Atlanta’s five-run late lead in the contest vanishes with an eighth-inning grand slam by Lance Berkman and a two-out ninth inning solo shot by Brad Ausmus, which barely clears Gold Glove center fielder Andruw Jones’ outstretched hand. After the bullpen is spent, Roger Clemens enters in the 15th and gets the victory. Burke had hit just five homers all season.