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.
In a move commended by environmentalists, the Devil Rays, which had decided to phase out all free parking, will still extend its offer to all vehicles transporting four or more passengers. The decision exemplifies Tampa Bay’s continued approach to the greening of Tropicana Field and its team operations.
2005 – Andy Pettitte is hit by a line drive during warmups and struggles through a 5-3 loss to St. Louis in Game One of the N.L.C.S. Reggie Sanders powers a two-run blast in the first off Pettitte as the Cardinals build a lead they would never surrender. Chris Burkestays hot for Houston with a pinch-hit two-run shot of his own.
The White Sox’ 2-1 victory, tying the ALCS at one game apiece with the Angels, will be best remembered for Doug Eddings’s controversial call which appears to signal the third out of the ninth inning has been made, but A.J. Pierzynski takes first base as the home plate ump belatedly rules the catcher had trapped the swinging strike. Chicago will take advantage of the incident when pinch runner Pablo Ozuna steals second and scores the winning run on Joe Crede’s double.
With his team having lost three consecutive playoff games and on the brink of elimination in the NLCS, Marlins starter Josh Beckett sends the series back to Chicago when he strikes out 11 Chicago batters and gives up just two hits en route to tossing a 4-0 shutout at Pro Player Stadium. Florida will complete their stunning comeback by winning the final two games at Wrigley Field, including the infamous Game 6 that will make Steve Bartman an instant villain in the Windy City.
Thirty-five years after creating controversy with his rendition of the song, Jose Feliciano sings the Star-Spangled Banner at the Marlins’ NLCS game against the Cubs at Pro Player Stadium. The singer’s nontraditional gospelized version of the national anthem sung before the start of Game 5 of the 1968 World Series at Tiger Stadium caused such a flap that some radio stations stopped playing his records on the air.
The St. Louis Cardinals hit three home runs in a 5 – 4 victory over the Francisco Giants, who lead the National League Championship Series by two games to one. Jim Edmonds, Eli Marrero and Mike Matheny clout round-trippers for the Cards while Barry Bonds adds one for San Francisco. Chuck Finley gets the win for St. Louis.
The Anaheim Angels take a commanding 3 games to 1 lead over the Twins in the ALCS with a 7 – 1 victory. Rookie John Lackey throws seven shutout innings for Anaheim to get the win. Brad Fullmer and Benjie Molina each drive in a pair of runs for the Angels.
2001 – Astros are swept by the Braves at Turner Field, 6-2, to close out another disappointing N.L.D.S, their third such fate at the hands of Atlanta in five years. Former Houston backup Paul Bako homers off Shane Reynolds and drives in three. Daryle Ward’s two-run blast is the only response for the Astros.
Tom Kelly retires as the Twins’ skipper. During his 15-season tenure, the longest among current managers, he won two World Series titles and compiled a record of 1140-1244 for the small market team.
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