The Phillies rally for three runs in the top of the ninth, beating the Rockies 5-4 in Game 4 of the division series to advance to the NLCS. For the second consecutive night at Coors Field, Huston Street, Colorado’s very reliable closer, gives up runs in the final frame and takes the loss.
Admitting to a blown call, which led to the decisive run in the Rockies’ 6-5 Game 2 NLDS loss to the Phillies at a very chilly Coors Field, home plate umpire Jerry Meals, after watching a post-game replay, states the ball that glanced off Chase Utley’s leg should not have been in play. To make matters worse, in the same at-bat in which the ball was really foul, umpire Ron Kulpa rules the runner safe on a close call which appeared to have the Philadelphia infielder beat at first base.
The New York Yankees complete a sweep of their own, defeating Minnesota, 4 – 1, to take their ALDS in the last game ever played at the Metrodome. Solo home runs by Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada off Carl Pavano in the 7th are the deciding blows. Andy Pettitte wins the 15th postseason game of his career, tying John Smoltz for the most ever.
The Phillies take a 2 games to 1 lead in their NLDS with a 6 – 5 win over the Rockies in frigid conditions at Coors Field. Chase Utley hits a 1st-inning home run and benefits from a dubious umpiring call that leads to the winning run in the 9th. Much-maligned Phillies’ closer Brad Lidge picks up the save after placing the tying and winning runs on base via walks in the bottom of the 9th.
Jonathan Papelbon, who had never given up a run in any of his previous 26 postseason innings, allows two inherited runners to score in the eighth, and yields another three runs in the ninth, giving the Angels, who trailed 5-1 going into the sixth inning, a 7-6 victory over the Red Sox. The Halos’ comeback victory at Fenway completes a three-game sweep of the ALDS over a team which historically had been their nemesis, losing their past four postseason encounters with Boston.
In Matt Holliday’s first at-bat at home since his critical error allowed LA to stage an amazing comeback victory, the Cardinals’ left fielder receives a standing ovation from the sellout crowd of 47,296 at Busch Stadium. The former NLCS MVP award winner (Colorado – 2007), who will become a free agent after the season, is touched by the fans’ reaction and very appreciative of their support.
The Dodgers advance to their second consecutive National League championship series, beating St. Louis 5-1 to complete a three-game sweep of the Redbirds in the NLDS. Solid pitching by late-season pick-up Vicente Padilla and timely hitting by Andre Ethier, who had three extra-base hits, and Manny Ramirez, who broke out of a slump with three hits and two RBIs, close out the series, which will be best remembered for the team’s dramatic Game 2 comeback when Matt Holliday’s error on James Loney’s ninth-inning two-out line drive leads to a stunning two-run walk-off rally.
2009 – The Los Angeles Dodgers complete a three-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals with a 5 – 1 win at Busch Stadium in the NLDS. Andre Ethier has a double, triple and three-run homer, while Manny Ramirez has two doubles among his three hits to lead the Dodger offense. Vicente Padilla gets the win, over Joel Pineiro.
Twins closer Joe Nathan gives up a game-tying two-run homer to the Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez in the 9th and Minnesota wastes a slew of opportunities to put New York away in Game 2 of their ALDS, losing, 4 – 3, in 11 innings. Mark Teixeira hits a walk-off home run off Jose Mijares to end the game, after Minnesota wastes a bases-loaded, none out opportunity in the top of the 11th.
Los Angeles takes a commanding two games to none lead over Boston in the other ALDS with a 4 – 1 win at Angel Stadium. Jered Weaver allows only two hits in 7 1/3 innings for the Angels, who score three runs off Josh Beckett in the 7th to break a 1 – 1 tie.
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