Well, I think it’s safe to say that Dan Miceli will not be pitching for the Stros tomorrow.
Miceli served up a walk off gopher ball to Jim Edmonds in the 12th inning as the Cardinals edged the Stros 6-4 in Game 6 on Wednesday at Busch Stadium in St. Louis to force a seventh game in this extraordinary 2004 National League Championship Series. Since the advent of the NLCS about 20 years ago, there had never been a walk off dinger in any NLCS game. Now, there has been one in the last two games of this series. Unbelievable.
The Stros were behind for most of this game, as the Cards racked Stros starter Pete Munro for 4 runs and eight hits in 2 1/3rd innings. However, the Stros bullpen was extraordinary, as Harville, Qualls, Weaver, and then Lidge held the Cards at bay for the next nine innings. After Mike Lamb‘s solo yak in the 4th brought the Stros to within 4-3, it was not until Bags‘ clutch base hit with two out in the ninth that the Stros were able to catch the Cards and send the game into extra innings.
Even though Lidge was magnificent in retiring the Cards in order in the ninth, tenth, and eleventh innings, the Stros really lost the game in the ninth. After Bags’ hit and a double steal, the Stros had Beltran on third and Bags on second with two out and Berkman batting. Berkman worked the count to 2-2 against Cards’ closer Isringhausen before striking out on a low inside pitch that would have been ball three if he could have laid off it. The Stros never threatened after that.
So, this series goes to Game 7, and anything less would not do it justice. This incredible series simply deserves a heart-pounding Game 7. As with the final game of the Braves’ series, I feel reasonably good about Game 7 with the Rocket starting on full rest and Roy O also available for relief duty on three days’ rest. Although I’m concerned that Lidge is pitched out after pitching in the past four games, the Cards’ best relievers Isringhausen and Taveras have also been extended.
So, I like the Stros’ chances. But hang on tight because it’s going to be one wild ride!
Houston's Clear Thinkers
Longtime Houston attorney Tom Kirkendall's observations on developments in law, business, medicine, culture, sports, and other matters of general interest to the Houston business, professional, and academic communities.
You’ve got to feel bad for Bags. After all these years he finally gets a playoff hit that matters and the end result is a burnt out Lidge. He’s had a good series and a good career, time for him to see what God has planned for the next phase of his life…and allow Beltran to continue the “Killer B” legacy in Houston!