The Epic at Minute Maid

Maybe Walker has some clairvoyant sense...or maybe he is actually from the future. Either way, I think he knew what he was doing when he "accidentally" did not get the tickets for the Roger Clemens' game...

We went to the game fully expecting to have a great time. We did indeed have one; however, little did we know that 13.5 innings later, 4 hours 15 minutes since we arrived, we would STILL be watching what turned out to be The Epic at Minute Maid.

We met at Walker's place after work, and we headed out shortly after that. We got a great parking spot and chowed down at The Home Plate grille across from the park. Fifteen minutes prior to the first pitch, we proceeded into the park; we realized that it was Bobble-Head Doll day, but when we finally got into the park, we were just a little too late to get one. There were actually 2 dolls in one package: Roger Clemens and Nolan Ryan. How much could I have sold that bad boy on ebay!?

We found our seats in the terrace level, basically between the first and upper decks. Here's a view from our seats:

The game begins...

The first inning goes rather quickly, with neither team scoring.

Second inning. Seconds after I tell Walker, "You know, Yadier Molina is a great ball player, just like his 2 brothers," Molina CRANKS one to right field, making it 1-0 Cards.

Bottom 2nd. The Astros play a little short ball, getting in 2 runs to take the lead.

Innings 3, 4, and 5 didn't exactly fly by, but they did showcase some excellent web gems. Jim Edmonds made some ridiculous runs to get to some fly balls, and Pujols made an incredible tag at first base.

6th Inning. Thinking his glove didn't do enought talking, Jim Edmonds launches a ball into the left field bleachers, bringing in Pujols. Cards up 3-2. That score would stand until the 9th inning...

Bottom 9th. First batter up is Morgan Ensberg(the last minute All-Star pick). On the second pitch, Ensberg says hello to his little friend: HOME RUN to the bullpen. Game tied 3-3. Astros were unable to add any more. To extra innings we went...

10th Inning. After a few tumultuous batters(Pujols is on 3rd), Brad Lidge(who throws 97 consistently) is called from the Bullpen. The crowd is pumped. First pitch, and the Cardinals execute a SUICIDE SQUEEZE!!! It was awesome. Pujols scores, making it 4-3.

Bottom 10th. Bard Ausmus comes to the plate. FIRST pitch: YANK! A line drive to left field. That would be TWO blown saves for the Cards in ONE game. Mwa ha ha...Unfortunately, no more runs were scored for the home team in that inning.

11-12th inning. No runs are scored for either team, but more Top 10 Plays were abound. Pujols bare-hands a bunt to second base to get the lead runner. Edmonds does his thing again. Biggio and Bruntlett tear it up in the middle infield.

**at this point, I realize this is the LONGEST game(by inning and time) I have ever witnessed. Also, as the game goes on, more and more people leave. I have no earthly idea why, but I didn't ask any questions. That opened up seats for us that were down and close to the action**

13th inning. On a 2-2 pitch, Jimmy Edmonds decided to break out the whoopin' stick one again: homer to left field. Cards up 5-4.

Bottom 13th. Julian Tavares comes in for the Cards amidst tons of boo's from the crowd. Ensberg comes through again: single. A sacrifice bunt is put down, but Tavares quickly throws it to 2nd to get Ensberg(it was later revealed on Sportscenter that Ensberg was actually safe). 1 out; man on 1st. Jason Lane comes up, singles to right field. 1 out; man on 1st and 3rd. Cards then intentionally walk Jose Vizcaino. 1 out; bases loaded. Ray King comes in from the bullpen to relieve Tavarez. Next batter is hit by pitch; game is now tied 5-5 with 1 out. Al Reyes replaces King on the mound. Next batter, Ausmus, flies out to right. Game is tied, 5-5, with 2 outs. Up to the plate comes Eric Bruntlett, the shortstop. First pitch: strike. Second pitch: strike. Third pitch: foul. Fourth Pitch: ball. Fifth pitch: low ball. On the 6th pitch, with a 2-2 count, Bruntlett lines to left field, scoring the go-ahead(and winning run).

At this moment, I also realize that this is the first walk-off hit I have ever witnessed. Truly amazing. This game included so many firsts for me, and I have been to many many baseball games.

Sadly, my camera's batteries were running low, so I was unable to get a pic of the final play. More reason for my pursuit of a new camera, haha.

Well I hope you enjoyed that; Lord knows I sure did. I am headed to Eric's Labor Day Football Bash, so I will catch you all on the flip side...

-H