The Cubs suffered a 3-1 loss last night, becoming the first team eliminated in the post-season and sending the Dodgers to the NLCS. Los Angeles pitcher Hiroki Kuroda held Chicago's offense at bay, throwing 6 1/3 innings and allowing no runs. The Cubs now get to shuffle home with the consolation of the National League's best regular season record and a pat on the back. Dodgers fans get to come back for more.
"Dodger fans, you are very special," Joe Torre said. "The way you supported us all year when we struggled, when we couldn't get out of our own way ... I can't tell you how much we appreciate it. Just don't go away, we'll be back next week, because we still have eight more games to win."
I remember when he used to talk to Yankees fans like that. It breaks my heart a little. The feel good story has become Torre and Manny, a couple of east coast cast offs who have silenced their critics. I'm officially shoving aside my American League allegiance and rooting for the Dodgers to go all the way. •The Brewers were able to hold off the Phillies, and playoff elimination, with a 4-1 win over the Phillies. Three hits from J.J. Hardy and a strong 5.1 inning performance by Dave Bush. Milwaukee had a brief scare when Philadelphia loaded the bases with no outs and Pedro Feliz hit a double-play grounder to shortstop that scored Ryan Howard. But Shane Victorino was called for interference when he didn't slide into second, sending the runners back. A short grounder to Torres ended the game.