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t just doesn't get any better than this!
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Unbelievable. ONE OUT remaining, and this has to go and happen. It gives me a headache thinking about it...
Posted by: Jared at October 17, 2005 10:53 PM
Why would Lidge pitch to Pujols? did he not see Ausmus motion to Lidge to pitch outside? why didn't Garner elect to walk him to get to the inept-against-lidge reggie sanders? garner should have known not to pitch to the best hitter in the world (outside of new york), especially with a pitcher that has recently been in a slump. if the astros lose the series, they deserve it.
Posted by: toffer at October 17, 2005 10:54 PM
I cant belive they blew a 2 run lead. Why did some one not go out on the mound and calm down Lidge?
Posted by: Larry at October 17, 2005 10:54 PM
As posted several notes below, I would have had Lidge pitch to Edmonds out of the windup. Eckstein could have had third, if you aren't going to contest his taking second why worry about third? Put Lidge in the situation that he is most comfortable with, ie pitching out of a windup like the start of an inning.
Posted by: Glen at October 17, 2005 10:54 PM
I cant talk about it.
Posted by: Travis at October 17, 2005 10:55 PM
Admit it, Houston...you knew it wasn't going to be that easy. As did many of you, I raised the roof going into that final out, and I hit my hardwood floor when that @#$%$% Pulols hit that homer. It's back to St Louis, and we have to do it the hard way...the only way the Astors have ever known. i feel good with OZ on the mound... let's get it done. GO STROS!
Posted by: Keymaster at October 17, 2005 10:57 PM
Why pitch to Pujols with a 2 run lead and 2 outs? Lidge went mano a mano with Pujols and got his $!% kicked!
Posted by: Ben at October 17, 2005 10:57 PM
Will Garner's single mistake this postseason cost us our chance at the Series? How many times has this happened?
DON'T PITCH TO PUJOLS IN THE NINTH WITH THE GAME ON THE LINE!
Posted by: david in d.c. at October 17, 2005 10:58 PM
Can someone explain why on earth the Astors would even consider pitching to Pujols in the 9th with him being the winning run???????? He is the ONLY cardinal who has been swinging the bat well ALL series. Garner should have been fired on the spot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Dan at October 17, 2005 10:58 PM
Did anyone in the Crawford Boxes catch that Pujols homerun?
Posted by: cardsfan at October 17, 2005 10:59 PM
Lidge has been unreal all year long and when he got those first two outs it seemed like business as usual. But one could tell he lost his focus once the first batter got on base. He pitched inside to Edmonds, okay, that makes sense, but he didn't even challenge the guy. And then the one mistake to loose the game. Sad really they were one strike from winning in front of their fans. Lidge will now be a headcase for the next couple games. I think STL has all the reason in the world to think they can win the next two just like they did last year.
Posted by: Mark at October 17, 2005 11:00 PM
Why on Earth did they decide to pitch to A.? Does Garner love the pain that Astros fans have felt for so long? Bet that was the series right there.
Posted by: Steve S at October 17, 2005 11:00 PM
Tonights game winning homerun by Pujols was the exact scenario I thought it would take for the Cardinals to win this series. I think this loss kills the Astros confidence. Hopefully Oswalt wins game 6, because if it goes 7 there is no chance.
Posted by: Chris Struchtemeyer at October 17, 2005 11:02 PM
It seemed to me Brad lost his focus after getting two outs in the 9th. And, I thought they should have walked Albert. They let it slip it away big time.
Posted by: Randall Tuller at October 17, 2005 11:02 PM
I hope this doesn't haunt the Astros.
Posted by: larry ginsberg at October 17, 2005 11:02 PM
with a base open you should walk Pujols and face the next guy.
who cares if you loose by 1 or 2 runs
horrible coaching on that one.
I would like someone to explain to me why they went at Pujols with fastballs.....
If we loose this series this is another Oiler vs. Buffalo fiasco.
Posted by: brad britt at October 17, 2005 11:02 PM
I want to cry. One friggin' strike away from winning it all at home. Dang that Pujols!!! Lidge should've taken out Eckstein or Edmonds when he had the chance.
Posted by: Tara at October 17, 2005 11:02 PM
If the Astros don't win the National League pennant this year, they may never do so in my lifetime - and I'm only 49.
The Pujols home run was just sick. 8-(
Posted by: KenH at October 17, 2005 11:03 PM
The Astros are just cursed. They'll never ever go to a world series. Ever.
Posted by: Mike at October 17, 2005 11:04 PM
Why do you pitch to the best hitter in the game with reggie sanders banged up? The go ahead run was already at the plate. Big boy Roy we need you now more then ever!!!
Posted by: Eric at October 17, 2005 11:04 PM
I hope you are going to report on the tone of the clubhouse. This loss has the ability to devastate morale. It will be interesting to see how Garner and Lidge respond to this loss. My hope is that Roy gets mad, takes this series over and gets it done.
Posted by: Lubbock Astro at October 17, 2005 11:05 PM
The Astros franchise is CURSED!!!! I know you're sitting here saying we've got 2 more chances - but it doesn't get any better than tonight with one more strike, and a two-run lead - and a base open to walk Pujols (the only guy in the park that could beat you with one swing, even if it is Lidge on the mound). Even if you walk the next guy, or even let him get a single, you still can't lose the game. Lidge should've gotten Eckstein out by overpowering him with fastballs (like he did the previous 2 to get 2 strikes). Eckstein is not a serious threat to hit it out of the park even if he gets a hold of one. By losing him on the AB, and losing focus on Edmonds, this set up Pujols. Why be conventional now and pitch to the guy in the situation? Walk him and take your chances with another Cards' player.
Bottom line, all an Astros fan knows throught their history is heartache, adn I wouldn't be surprised if we can't make close the deal. It's 1980 all over again, then withour best pitcher (Nolan Ryan) and not having JR Richard at all, we can't hold a 3-run lead in the 8th inning and lose in 10 to Philadelphia and fail in getting to the World Series. Couldn't hold a lead last year in Game 7 with our best pitcher on the mound (Clemens), and now can't hold a 2-run lead with our best closer on the mound? It's a deja vu all over again!
Posted by: Tito at October 17, 2005 11:05 PM
No way you even dare pitch to this awesome hitter. Number 1 Mistake EVER. Worse than buffalo.
Posted by: DizaPpoiNtEd at October 17, 2005 11:05 PM
Being a die hard Cubs fan I didn't think anything could be more devistating than what happened 2 years ago with 5 outs to go. Boy was I was wrong! One out to go and they can't close the deal. Now the mental aspect of what has happened will kick in and I don't think the Astros will overcome it especially with the series going back to St. Louis. In my opinion Pujols's homer is the turning point in the series. Cardinals in 7.
Posted by: Cubs Fan at October 17, 2005 11:06 PM
Can anybody tell me what just happend? I have to say that almost all the confidence I had in the Astro's going to the World Series left riding on the ball Pujols hit! If we can't get one out when it counts...at home. Whats gonna happen IN STL where we have won only one game out of the last 6?
Posted by: Joshua Ehrat at October 17, 2005 11:08 PM
I remind you again John, your calling the wrong team the "loveable losers." No team has had more talent and done less with it than Houston.
Posted by: john porter at October 17, 2005 11:08 PM
I have to say, i think the astros are history. With this mental butt kicking, headed back to st louis, i just dont see them winning. They had the best chance you could possibly have and choked. I'd really think twice about putting lidge in a situation like that again. He pretty much singlehandedly cost the stros a trip to the series. I mean, when your entire existence is based upon pitching one inning, how can you possibly choke that badly.
Posted by: jason s at October 17, 2005 11:11 PM
As soon as Lidge walked Edmonds I told my wife that we need to walk Pujols to load the bases and pitch to Sanders. I like the matchup with Sanders mutch more that Pujols. It also puts Lidge back in the windup. Worst case Sanders hits a two run single and we are still playing. Born in Houston and still live here but John, we are done. These guys do not have the mental toughnes after tonight-maybe the staff but not the position players.
Posted by: Derrell at October 17, 2005 11:12 PM
choke city, that is all I can say about it. What a bitter disappointment.
Posted by: katman at October 17, 2005 11:13 PM
I can't stand Pujols. Did you see how cocky he is when he hits? He just strolls up there like "Yeah, there's a few more millions on my contract. I'm a pimp." At least Lance has the decency to look surprised. We're great guys and we deserve this. The fat lady hasn'e sung yet.
Posted by: Sarah at October 17, 2005 11:16 PM
cubs fan, i couldnt agree more. thats the first thing i thought of- 10/14/03 game 6 (I was there). go get 'em strohs. you're still up 3-2.
Posted by: johnnyred34 at October 17, 2005 11:16 PM
It is not a curse. You make your own luck and pitching to Pujols is foolish and stupid. You owe it to the fans and the players not to let that happen. Walking in the winning run is better for everyone's moral than making a foolish decision like that.
Posted by: Mike at October 17, 2005 11:18 PM
On and another thing. Thanks for the gopher ball Lidge. Thanks a lot buddy.
Posted by: katman at October 17, 2005 11:18 PM
The best hitter in the game against the best closer in the game. Don't icon_exclaim.gif and moan about Pujols jacking it or that he should have been walked. B/S. He hit a mistake. You throw Edmonds that slider and its 4-4. You throw Sanders that slider and its 6-4. Bottom line, a closer that you're 80-something and 1 with after 8 innings showed he was human.
The heart of a champion shows up in St.Louis and ends it there. Oswalt won't let it go 7.
Posted by: Brian at October 17, 2005 11:18 PM
no words.
Posted by: rudy at October 17, 2005 11:18 PM
God, I hate that guy!!!!
Posted by: Don at October 17, 2005 11:19 PM
I hate Pujols like I hate Jeter.
Posted by: Cristian at October 17, 2005 11:19 PM
I wonder if the guy that shot his TV after the Buffalo Game did it again?
Posted by: Robert Ewing at October 17, 2005 11:20 PM
I wanted it so bad tonight...and now the odds of it happening are worse and none. All because you didn't see the writing on the wall and walk that punk...
Posted by: Paul at October 17, 2005 11:21 PM
Hey Brad Britt...they went at Pujols with sliders. That's what he hit out of the ballpark a HANGING SLIDER!
Posted by: Larry at October 17, 2005 11:22 PM
As an Astros fan since '65, I have but one question -- WHY MUST WE CONTINUE TO SUFFER?
I hope the Chron brings back both the 'CHOKE CITY' headline and The Tombstone, because this letdown certainly deserves it.
Why blame Garner for this? He did not walk a batter on 5 pitches to bring up Pujols. Nor did Garner hang a slider to perhaps the best hitter in the game.
Lidge has shown vulnerability three nights in a row. He is toast for the rest of the series.
The Astros are toast. They are done. I am going to die without seeing a World Series game in Houston.
Brad Lidge, go spend the summer with Bill Buckner.[/b][/quote]
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http://blogs.chron.com/lopezblog/archives/...l.html#comments
Comments
Unbelievable. ONE OUT remaining, and this has to go and happen. It gives me a headache thinking about it...
Posted by: Jared at October 17, 2005 10:53 PM
Why would Lidge pitch to Pujols? did he not see Ausmus motion to Lidge to pitch outside? why didn't Garner elect to walk him to get to the inept-against-lidge reggie sanders? garner should have known not to pitch to the best hitter in the world (outside of new york), especially with a pitcher that has recently been in a slump. if the astros lose the series, they deserve it.
Posted by: toffer at October 17, 2005 10:54 PM
I cant belive they blew a 2 run lead. Why did some one not go out on the mound and calm down Lidge?
Posted by: Larry at October 17, 2005 10:54 PM
As posted several notes below, I would have had Lidge pitch to Edmonds out of the windup. Eckstein could have had third, if you aren't going to contest his taking second why worry about third? Put Lidge in the situation that he is most comfortable with, ie pitching out of a windup like the start of an inning.
Posted by: Glen at October 17, 2005 10:54 PM
I cant talk about it.
Posted by: Travis at October 17, 2005 10:55 PM
Admit it, Houston...you knew it wasn't going to be that easy. As did many of you, I raised the roof going into that final out, and I hit my hardwood floor when that @#$%$% Pulols hit that homer. It's back to St Louis, and we have to do it the hard way...the only way the Astors have ever known. i feel good with OZ on the mound... let's get it done. GO STROS!
Posted by: Keymaster at October 17, 2005 10:57 PM
Why pitch to Pujols with a 2 run lead and 2 outs? Lidge went mano a mano with Pujols and got his $!% kicked!
Posted by: Ben at October 17, 2005 10:57 PM
Will Garner's single mistake this postseason cost us our chance at the Series? How many times has this happened?
DON'T PITCH TO PUJOLS IN THE NINTH WITH THE GAME ON THE LINE!
Posted by: david in d.c. at October 17, 2005 10:58 PM
Can someone explain why on earth the Astors would even consider pitching to Pujols in the 9th with him being the winning run???????? He is the ONLY cardinal who has been swinging the bat well ALL series. Garner should have been fired on the spot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Dan at October 17, 2005 10:58 PM
Did anyone in the Crawford Boxes catch that Pujols homerun?
Posted by: cardsfan at October 17, 2005 10:59 PM
Lidge has been unreal all year long and when he got those first two outs it seemed like business as usual. But one could tell he lost his focus once the first batter got on base. He pitched inside to Edmonds, okay, that makes sense, but he didn't even challenge the guy. And then the one mistake to loose the game. Sad really they were one strike from winning in front of their fans. Lidge will now be a headcase for the next couple games. I think STL has all the reason in the world to think they can win the next two just like they did last year.
Posted by: Mark at October 17, 2005 11:00 PM
Why on Earth did they decide to pitch to A.? Does Garner love the pain that Astros fans have felt for so long? Bet that was the series right there.
Posted by: Steve S at October 17, 2005 11:00 PM
Tonights game winning homerun by Pujols was the exact scenario I thought it would take for the Cardinals to win this series. I think this loss kills the Astros confidence. Hopefully Oswalt wins game 6, because if it goes 7 there is no chance.
Posted by: Chris Struchtemeyer at October 17, 2005 11:02 PM
It seemed to me Brad lost his focus after getting two outs in the 9th. And, I thought they should have walked Albert. They let it slip it away big time.
Posted by: Randall Tuller at October 17, 2005 11:02 PM
I hope this doesn't haunt the Astros.
Posted by: larry ginsberg at October 17, 2005 11:02 PM
with a base open you should walk Pujols and face the next guy.
who cares if you loose by 1 or 2 runs
horrible coaching on that one.
I would like someone to explain to me why they went at Pujols with fastballs.....
If we loose this series this is another Oiler vs. Buffalo fiasco.
Posted by: brad britt at October 17, 2005 11:02 PM
I want to cry. One friggin' strike away from winning it all at home. Dang that Pujols!!! Lidge should've taken out Eckstein or Edmonds when he had the chance.
Posted by: Tara at October 17, 2005 11:02 PM
If the Astros don't win the National League pennant this year, they may never do so in my lifetime - and I'm only 49.
The Pujols home run was just sick. 8-(
Posted by: KenH at October 17, 2005 11:03 PM
The Astros are just cursed. They'll never ever go to a world series. Ever.
Posted by: Mike at October 17, 2005 11:04 PM
Why do you pitch to the best hitter in the game with reggie sanders banged up? The go ahead run was already at the plate. Big boy Roy we need you now more then ever!!!
Posted by: Eric at October 17, 2005 11:04 PM
I hope you are going to report on the tone of the clubhouse. This loss has the ability to devastate morale. It will be interesting to see how Garner and Lidge respond to this loss. My hope is that Roy gets mad, takes this series over and gets it done.
Posted by: Lubbock Astro at October 17, 2005 11:05 PM
The Astros franchise is CURSED!!!! I know you're sitting here saying we've got 2 more chances - but it doesn't get any better than tonight with one more strike, and a two-run lead - and a base open to walk Pujols (the only guy in the park that could beat you with one swing, even if it is Lidge on the mound). Even if you walk the next guy, or even let him get a single, you still can't lose the game. Lidge should've gotten Eckstein out by overpowering him with fastballs (like he did the previous 2 to get 2 strikes). Eckstein is not a serious threat to hit it out of the park even if he gets a hold of one. By losing him on the AB, and losing focus on Edmonds, this set up Pujols. Why be conventional now and pitch to the guy in the situation? Walk him and take your chances with another Cards' player.
Bottom line, all an Astros fan knows throught their history is heartache, adn I wouldn't be surprised if we can't make close the deal. It's 1980 all over again, then withour best pitcher (Nolan Ryan) and not having JR Richard at all, we can't hold a 3-run lead in the 8th inning and lose in 10 to Philadelphia and fail in getting to the World Series. Couldn't hold a lead last year in Game 7 with our best pitcher on the mound (Clemens), and now can't hold a 2-run lead with our best closer on the mound? It's a deja vu all over again!
Posted by: Tito at October 17, 2005 11:05 PM
No way you even dare pitch to this awesome hitter. Number 1 Mistake EVER. Worse than buffalo.
Posted by: DizaPpoiNtEd at October 17, 2005 11:05 PM
Being a die hard Cubs fan I didn't think anything could be more devistating than what happened 2 years ago with 5 outs to go. Boy was I was wrong! One out to go and they can't close the deal. Now the mental aspect of what has happened will kick in and I don't think the Astros will overcome it especially with the series going back to St. Louis. In my opinion Pujols's homer is the turning point in the series. Cardinals in 7.
Posted by: Cubs Fan at October 17, 2005 11:06 PM
Can anybody tell me what just happend? I have to say that almost all the confidence I had in the Astro's going to the World Series left riding on the ball Pujols hit! If we can't get one out when it counts...at home. Whats gonna happen IN STL where we have won only one game out of the last 6?
Posted by: Joshua Ehrat at October 17, 2005 11:08 PM
I remind you again John, your calling the wrong team the "loveable losers." No team has had more talent and done less with it than Houston.
Posted by: john porter at October 17, 2005 11:08 PM
I have to say, i think the astros are history. With this mental butt kicking, headed back to st louis, i just dont see them winning. They had the best chance you could possibly have and choked. I'd really think twice about putting lidge in a situation like that again. He pretty much singlehandedly cost the stros a trip to the series. I mean, when your entire existence is based upon pitching one inning, how can you possibly choke that badly.
Posted by: jason s at October 17, 2005 11:11 PM
As soon as Lidge walked Edmonds I told my wife that we need to walk Pujols to load the bases and pitch to Sanders. I like the matchup with Sanders mutch more that Pujols. It also puts Lidge back in the windup. Worst case Sanders hits a two run single and we are still playing. Born in Houston and still live here but John, we are done. These guys do not have the mental toughnes after tonight-maybe the staff but not the position players.
Posted by: Derrell at October 17, 2005 11:12 PM
choke city, that is all I can say about it. What a bitter disappointment.
Posted by: katman at October 17, 2005 11:13 PM
I can't stand Pujols. Did you see how cocky he is when he hits? He just strolls up there like "Yeah, there's a few more millions on my contract. I'm a pimp." At least Lance has the decency to look surprised. We're great guys and we deserve this. The fat lady hasn'e sung yet.
Posted by: Sarah at October 17, 2005 11:16 PM
cubs fan, i couldnt agree more. thats the first thing i thought of- 10/14/03 game 6 (I was there). go get 'em strohs. you're still up 3-2.
Posted by: johnnyred34 at October 17, 2005 11:16 PM
It is not a curse. You make your own luck and pitching to Pujols is foolish and stupid. You owe it to the fans and the players not to let that happen. Walking in the winning run is better for everyone's moral than making a foolish decision like that.
Posted by: Mike at October 17, 2005 11:18 PM
On and another thing. Thanks for the gopher ball Lidge. Thanks a lot buddy.
Posted by: katman at October 17, 2005 11:18 PM
The best hitter in the game against the best closer in the game. Don't icon_exclaim.gif and moan about Pujols jacking it or that he should have been walked. B/S. He hit a mistake. You throw Edmonds that slider and its 4-4. You throw Sanders that slider and its 6-4. Bottom line, a closer that you're 80-something and 1 with after 8 innings showed he was human.
The heart of a champion shows up in St.Louis and ends it there. Oswalt won't let it go 7.
Posted by: Brian at October 17, 2005 11:18 PM
no words.
Posted by: rudy at October 17, 2005 11:18 PM
God, I hate that guy!!!!
Posted by: Don at October 17, 2005 11:19 PM
I hate Pujols like I hate Jeter.
Posted by: Cristian at October 17, 2005 11:19 PM
I wonder if the guy that shot his TV after the Buffalo Game did it again?
Posted by: Robert Ewing at October 17, 2005 11:20 PM
I wanted it so bad tonight...and now the odds of it happening are worse and none. All because you didn't see the writing on the wall and walk that punk...
Posted by: Paul at October 17, 2005 11:21 PM
Hey Brad Britt...they went at Pujols with sliders. That's what he hit out of the ballpark a HANGING SLIDER!
Posted by: Larry at October 17, 2005 11:22 PM
As an Astros fan since '65, I have but one question -- WHY MUST WE CONTINUE TO SUFFER?
I hope the Chron brings back both the 'CHOKE CITY' headline and The Tombstone, because this letdown certainly deserves it.
Why blame Garner for this? He did not walk a batter on 5 pitches to bring up Pujols. Nor did Garner hang a slider to perhaps the best hitter in the game.
Lidge has shown vulnerability three nights in a row. He is toast for the rest of the series.
The Astros are toast. They are done. I am going to die without seeing a World Series game in Houston.
Brad Lidge, go spend the summer with Bill Buckner.[/b][/quote]
"Can't buy what I want because it's free...
Can't buy what I want because it's free..."
-- Pearl Jam, from the single Corduroy
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