I was totally expecting a Kamala-style belly slap when Prince untucked his shirt.

Man, that was one heck of a BP fastball the Pirates threw Fielder on the walk-off HR, huh?

Both teams winning puts a bit o' pressure back on the Phillies, that's certain. One more night like that, and suddenly they'd really be vulnerable to being the odd team out.

The odds still favor them, big-time. And I'd have really liked a two-game cushion coming out of tonight's action, especially after the Pirates took a 5-4 lead into the bottom of the 8th. With Zambrano and Harden coming up for the Cubs, I could easily see the Mets losing the next two, and I'd be happy with a split . . . after which the Brewers could easily be tied for the WC going into the weekend.

Wheeeeeeee!!!!!

The odds still favor them, big-time. And I'd have really liked a two-game cushion coming out of tonight's action, especially after the Pirates took a 5-4 lead into the bottom of the 8th. With Zambrano and Harden coming up for the Cubs, I could easily see the Mets losing the next two, and I'd be happy with a split . . . after which the Brewers could easily be tied for the WC going into the weekend.

Exactly. What a huge advantage that extra game is with only five left. Had the Brewers lost, the Mets could have gone 3-2, and the Brewers would have needed to run the table to force a one-game playoff at Shea.

Still, got to like being one ahead over being one behind.

Far too dramatic, but the end result means the Pirates are 0 for their last 13 games in Miller Park.

I don't think the Mets are making it. The Mets needed to do better than 4-6 against the Nats and Braves and didn't. That's what will cost them a playoff spot, IMO.

The schedule favors the other teams.

What a huge advantage that extra game is with only five left.

It increases the odds immensely that the Mets will have to use Johan on Sunday, doesn't it? What a huge luxury it would be to be able to rest him and have him ready for Game 1 with the play-offs already clinched. And that could still happen if things unfold in one direction over the next four days. But the chances would have been better it could have happened if we'd hit the trifecta tonight, instead of just the Division Daily Double.

Oh, just to clean up a little WC race business:

The Fish and Cardinals? Officially eliminated tonight.

The Astros? Tragic number down to two -- pretty much out as well.

It really is now almost completely down to three teams for two spots.

I don't think the Mets are making it. The Mets needed to do better than 4-6 against the Nats and Braves and didn't. That's what will cost them a playoff spot, IMO.


PPlllblblblblblblbblbllblblblb!

And TWO TIMES on Sunday.

It increases the odds immensely that the Mets will have to use Johan on Sunday, doesn't it? What a huge luxury it would be to be able to rest him and have him ready for Game 1 with the play-offs already clinched. And that could still happen if things unfold in one direction over the next four days. But the chances would have been better it could have happened if we'd hit the trifecta tonight, instead of just the Division Daily Double.

Exactly. You are making my points for me. So I'm going to bed.

I will say this- it does increase the chances, though remote, that Philadelphia misses the playoffs entirely. And a 2.5 game lead with 5 to go (3.5 in the wild card) blown would be some kind of nice bookend collapse to NY's 7 with 17 to go.

Who am I kidding? I'm going to watch the 1986 Mets: A Year to Remember.

Tonight sort of proves the Brewers won't be losing games to Pittsburgh . . .

I thought it was conventional wisdom that Prince just didn't care enough about this playoff race.

Also, what the hell was that dimwit doing pitching to Fielder in that spot anyhow?

That was pretty close to a Brandy Chastain moment for Prince. That shirt was untucked by the time he rounded first and he went for it again around 3rd as if he forgot he already pulled it out. Most important Brewers HR in some time. Sveum's vs Texas to keep the meaningless streak alive on Easter Sunday in '87, but probably since Ned Yost's, of all people, off Mark Clear in the 9th inning at Fenway during the final week of the '82 season. Of course Milwaukee lost its next four, before clinching with a 10-2 win over Baltimore.

Wait, that pitch was a FASTBALL?!? Really?

Of course Milwaukee lost its next four, before clinching with a 10-2 win over Baltimore.

Feel free to follow this one up the same way.

Well, we won't have Yost to kick around anymore. Of course, w/o his HR, a Monday tiebreaker would've been necessary in '82. A 5 game series with the O's.

Back from Miller Park. The bulk of the game was a lot of shaky, but the Brewers did a couple things they haven't done at all in September, hit with RISP and actually win. Started in the terrace but finished in standing room alongside the right field line. As soon as Prince made contact the place was pandemonium. It has been a tough few weeks but that was a really spectacular moment in person. Glad I didn't give up on them.

The hits w/ RISP were late. They did have several ABs earlier in the game w/ RISP. I think they started 0-5 in that regard. Crowd was tortured. Lady sitting next to us threw her scorecard down about ten times.