One Series Almost Over, One Just Getting Started

For a while last night, it seemed like there was a pretty good chance that the Tigers/A's series would actually be over before the Mets/Cardinals game. The Cardinals posted a manly three-run ninth inning to finally win a 3-hour and 58-minute game that did not go into extra innings.

The series is tied at one all now, and if you're looking for a goat for the evening, look no further than Billy Wagner. He came on in the ninth inning with the game tied, and before he left, the Cardinals pounded out four hits and three runs, courtesty of a So Taguchi three-run longball that sealed the deal. Guillermo Mota's also a pretty solid candidate for junior goat, as he gave up two runs in the seventh inning that allowed the Cardinals to tie it.

The Cardinals almost had to win the Chris Carpenter start, even if it wasn't because of Carpenter himself. Had they gone down 2-0 with their best pitcher already having thrown, it might've been time to turn out the lights.

And speaking of turning out the lights, earlier in the day, Kenny Rogers was once again a bad ass, completely locking up the A's, and giving the Tigers a 3-0 lead in the series. The Roaster allowed just two hits, two walks, and no runs in seven and a third innings of work. Bonderman's on the hill for Detroit tomorrow, and the champagne and broomsticks will be in the house.