After watching the Atlanta Braves jump out to a 2-0 lead over Cliff Lee, I got the sense that they were going to do something special last night. Then, the Philadelphia Phillies rallied and took Game 1 of their series against the Braves. One message that they sent Atlanta last night: If you are going to play in October, you are going to have to earn it!
The Braves do not get the luxury of seeing the ragtag starting lineups that the Phillies trotted out to get swept by the Washington Nationals, beat by the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals.
No, they rested and lost eight consecutive games. Now they are rested and are playing to keep their division rival at home. What better way to end the regular season than to crush your division rivals’ hopes and spirits?
So, the Braves lost to the Phillies. The St. Louis Cardinals had the gift of the season laid before them: the Houston Astros and the loss by the Braves. What an easy way to tie the Braves in the wild card?
However, I give the Astros credit. They clawed and scrapped their way to a win against the Cardinals. They won in the 10th inning on a squeeze bunt. They had jumped to a 4-1 lead and saw the Cardinals rally to tie it at 4. Then, their speed and youth stole a game from a division rival and gave the Braves hope yet again.
Derek Lowe will face Roy Oswalt tonight. Which Lowe will show up?
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