It turns out the Title Defense is a lot more nerve racking

Written by Mike Mariano | 16 October 2009

Last night's game saw great contributions from every facet of the team.  The offense mashed eight runs on three homers, Cole Hamels pitched well enough, the bullpen was solid, as was the defense.  There were a few miscues obviously, namely the Rollins-Utley DP and the Manny home run, however the team played great.  The game was heart-poundingly intense from start to finish.  You've got to love playoff baseball, every pitch is exciting.  Honestly, I don't remember being this nervous last year.  Last year there was a huge "happy to be here" effect so no matter what happened I was just excited.  Now that I know what the team is capable of, it's like living and dying with every pitch.

How about Chooch Ruiz?  The guy is just a good playoff baseball player.  He has transformed from a Mendoza-type hitter into a legitamite threat with a knack for clutch home runs and hits.  That three run homer he hit last night was a bomb, he turned on 95 mph high and inside and blasted it into the bleachers.  It seems like he's going to get on base every time he comes up and it makes no sense if you've watched him play all season.

Talking about guys turning it up right now, Ryan Howard is another who is absolutely locked in at the plate.  He's taking pitches, working counts, and punishing baseballs.  Broxton may have his number, but he's dominating anybody else.  Tack on Raul's three run home run and it was a tour de force offensively.

I know you Mets fans loved it when Shane Victorino was jarring with Russell Martin and tried to intentionally run into another fielder when in a rundown.  When he does stuff like that, I get so happy because I can hear Mets fans cursing and yelling at their tv in angst... that makes me smile.

You can't write a recap without talking bullpen and wouldn't you know that Brad Lidge picked up another save.  Not only that, it was pretty low intensity compared to some of the other three-walk or two men on jams he's gotten himself into.  Ryan Madson didn't look so good, but his play just follows no pattern so he'll probably strike out the side tonight.  And Chan Ho Park was dominant in his inning.  The guy has become a great bullpen guy this year and the beard is only icing on the cake

Weird start time today at 4, but that just means you have to go to the bar in the day time.