Friday, October 01, 2004
Dodgers Clinch Tie
Posted by Dave StudemanYesterday, the Giants won and the Cubs lost. San Francisco is now tied with Houston for the wildcard lead. As Aaron notes, the Cubs and Giants go up against first-place teams this weekend while the Astros play Colorado. This would seem to favor Houston, but weird things have been happening this week.
Speaking of which, the Dodgers clinched a tie for the AL West by beating the Rockies in 11 innings last night. Yet another crazy extra-inning game. The Rockies actually took a 2-1 lead in the top of the 10th on a Jeromy Burnitz single, giving them an 80% chance of winning. The Dodgers tied it up in the bottom of the 10th, however, thanks to Hee Seop Choi's double, an error and a groundout. Choi's double, with none out, was a huge blow, cutting the Rockies' odds back down to 54%.
The Rockies threatened in the top of the 11th, getting runners to first and third, but didn't score. Then, with two out and a runner on first (Dodger chances at 57%), David Ross -- of all people -- blasted one out of the park. That's a 43% play with one swing of the bat. Congratulations to the Dodgers and Ross.
Dave was called a "national treasure" by Rob Neyer. Seriously. Comments about this article can be sent to him through the miracle of e-mail.