This Braves’ comeback was season’s greatest miracle of all
Rick Ankiel knew as soon as he connected with Ramon Ramirez' fastball in the 11th that the ball was gone.
SAN FRANCISCO – One night after swinging and missing at everything except humiliation, the Braves fielded another lineup Friday night with seemingly too many malnourished batting averages.
Believing is commendable. But at some point, doesn’t the reality of a lineup card including consecutive averages of .260, .269, .255, .250, .250 and .232 crush hopes, egos and craniums?
Maybe not.
There is no way to explain what happened in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, at least no way that doesn’t involve crystals or chanting or Santeria. Seemingly flat-lined in the game and the series, the Braves rallied from a 4-0 deficit with one run in the sixth inning and three in the eighth. Then they won it 5-4 in the 11th on a solo home run — by Rick Ankiel.
After what happened against Tim Lincecum in game one of the NLDS — 14 strikeouts, two hits, three base runners — postseason Fantasyland appeared to be over. But even Disney writers couldn’t have scripted this.
A Brooks Conrad grand slam in a seven-run ninth inning just became the second most improbable story of this season. Will the stories ever end?
“They’re all the same story,” Jason Heyward said. “One crazy story.”
The NLDS is now tied at one win each, with the series shifting back to Turner Field for the next two games. For the first 14 innings of this series, just getting to Game 4 looked like a fantasy.
♦ Rick Ankiel, he of the .232 average, homers in the 10th off Ramon Ramirez.
♦ Troy Glaus, shot knees and all, was inserted into the game at third base in the 10th. He later admitted he couldn’t ever recall being inserted into the game late as a defensive replacement. We saw why. With bad knees, he stumbled and crumbled to the ground when attempting to field a leadoff bunt by Edgar Renteria. Later in the inning, the Giants had the bases loaded with one out but Buster Posey sent a sharp grounder to Glaus to start a 5-4-3 double play.
(Glaus didn’t throw home for the force out. Better to have more drama.)
♦ The winning pitcher? Kyle Farnsworth, who has been dreadful for the Braves since coming off with Ankiel in a late-season deal with Kansas City. He was in the game only because of Billy Wagner suffered an oblique strain (and unfortunately his season and career may be over).
Ankiel. Glaus. Farnsworth.
Folks, you just can’t make this stuff up.
Anybody got the lottery numbers for this week?
When the Giants’ Pat Burrell crushed a three-run homer off of Braves starter Tommy Hanson in the first inning, the initial thought was, “Good night.”
When Giants pitcher Matt Cain singled in a run in the second inning to make it 4-0, the scariest statistic of the postseason was that a San Francisco pitcher had one more RBI than anybody on the Braves’ roster.
Through 14 innings of this series, the Braves had not scored a run, had only six hits and struck out 20 times. Then, it was as if there was some collision of planets.
In the sixth, Derrek Lee singled to left, advanced to second on a fielding error by Burrell and scored on a single by Brian McCann. The 4-1 deficit still seemed insurmountable. But aesthetically, at least things looked better.
Then in the eighth, the ever-present, blindsiding Braves’ mojo struck again.
Lee and McCann singled off reliever Sergio Romo. Giants manager Bruce Boche surprisingly decided to bring in closer Brian Wilson, hoping he would get the final six outs, or at least end the Braves’ rally. The move backfired. Melky Cabrera reached base on third baseman Pablo Sandoval’s throwing error, Lee scoring to make it 4-2.
No. Really? They were going to do this again?
Yes. Really. Conrad sacrificed and advanced both runners into scoring position. Alex Gonzalez, who also had been struggling offensively for several weeks, followed with a two-run double to left, tying the game at 4-4.
It was so quiet at AT&T Park, you could hear a pennant drop.
The inning ended there but the Braves showed something that they hadn’t to that point of the series: life.
The next four Braves relievers shut down the Giants, striking out eight in five shutout innings. But the fantasy appeared certain to crumble in the 10th.
With the Braves about out of bodies, Glaus entered the game in the third. Renteria, the ex-Brave, immediately laid down a bunt. Glaus had no chance. Andres Torres sacrificed Renteria to second. The worst part of the play for the Braves was an injury to Wagner, who appeared to pull a muscle in his side and was helped off the field.
In came Farnsworth. He hit second baseman Freddy Sanchez on the hand. Then he walked Aubrey Huff, loading the bases with one out. Game over? Not quite. Buster Posey grounded to Glaus, who risked a the game-winning run scoring by deciding to throw to second. No problem. He started a 5-4-3 double play.
The skies opened. Again.
In the 11th with one out, Ankiel crushed Ramirez’ pitch out of the stadium and into the Bay. He knew immediately, raising his hands in the air.
Farnsworth closed it out in the bottom of the inning.
Don’t try to explain it. Just go with it.
Somehow, they’re still alive. The season’s greatest miracle of all.
♦
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304 comments Add your comment
papadawg
October 9th, 2010
9:54 am
Just keep making me eat my words, oh me of little faith. Go Braves
William
October 9th, 2010
9:56 am
Just a quick note to say I’m happy about the outcome of last night’s game with the Giants but to also add that I’m a fan of Rick Ankiel. He has struggled at times this season but his hustle and attitude are extremely admirable. He gives his all in every situation.
There are others who have the same attributes on the Braves’ team but I couldn’t behappier for Rick to hit the game-winning home run last night. Good things seem to always happen to those who give 100% effort.
Lake Burton
October 9th, 2010
9:57 am
Great column Jeff! One of your best. Classic line in “Could hear a pennant drop.” Keep up the good work.
Love the Braves in NC
October 9th, 2010
9:59 am
Excellent article, Jeff…very well written. I am a die-hard Braves fan and could kick myself for falling asleep in the 7th. But what a way to wake up!
Brookhaven Braves Fan
October 9th, 2010
10:05 am
Good article. Captures the feeling of the game nicely. After all the injuries the Braves have had to endure this year, losing Wags was the last straw. It’s getting to the point where we could field an impressive team just using the people we lost on the IR list. Hard to believe this is the same Braves team that appeared headed to the division title in August.
David
October 9th, 2010
10:06 am
This is why you start Troy at third and leave Conrad on the bench. EXPERIENCE over EXPERIMENT. This is not the time to experiment. An experienced third baseman makes that throw to second for the DP every time because he knows he can get them out.
We need to start a twitter trend, people. #STARTTROYGLAUS
GhostMatheson
October 9th, 2010
10:07 am
WOW! what an incredible win. I’m so glad I stayed up to see the finish. It was unbelievable. The Giants have just awakened a sleeping giant in the atlanta braves. What will happen to the phillies if the Braves suddenly get smoking hot all of a sudden. It will be GAME OVER and as I predicted earlier, BOBBY COX will ride off into the sunset or onto that baseball diamond in the sky as he watches his team win the second world series under his zany guidance.
THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE WILL BE BROKEN THIS YEAR
October 9th, 2010
10:07 am
BOOBY PLEASE GET THROWN OUT AGAIN!
jc_atl
October 9th, 2010
10:08 am
Can’t believe I watched the whole thing – GO BRAVES!
THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE WILL BE BROKEN THIS YEAR
October 9th, 2010
10:09 am
HERE COME THE BANDWAGON JEFF!
WHERE HAVE YOU FAIRWEATHERED FANS BEEN?
Lobosolo
October 9th, 2010
10:11 am
Jeff, you’re such a bandwagon kind of guy ( and still as bad a sportswriter as you were 10 years ago) just like the rest of the jerks on here who change their opinions with every at-bat or pitch… The constant whiners and yourself should have your own blog and have at it with each other, and leave the cheering to the real fans and the writing to Dave O’Brien… You and these poseurs just plain don’t deserve to follow these remarkable Braves…
David
October 9th, 2010
10:11 am
#STARTTROYGLAUS
THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE WILL BE BROKEN THIS YEAR
October 9th, 2010
10:12 am
NOW WE NEED MY MAIN MAN HEYWARD TO COME THRU!
GO BRAVES!
THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE WILL BE BROKEN THIS YEAR
October 9th, 2010
10:14 am
I SAID START TROY GLAUS FOR THE REST OF THE SERIES AT 3RD BASE!
BUT WATCH BOOBY DO SOMETHING STUPID,REMEMBER THE AST MANAGER PUT TROY AT 3RD,BOOBY WAS IN THE LOCKER ROOM!
papadawg
October 9th, 2010
10:14 am
Ok I’m done, I’m not watching the game until the 8th ining
K Brave
October 9th, 2010
10:14 am
Curse of David Justice, if you knew anything at all about baseball, you would know that it is a tribute to Bobby Cox that this under-manned team has made it this far. The type of grit, determination and heart this team continues to show, that sort of thing starts at the top. It doesn’t just happen.
Also Ashley
October 9th, 2010
10:15 am
Great writing, Jeff!
K Brave
October 9th, 2010
10:17 am
And again, if you knew anything at all you would know BOBBY WAS CALLING THE SHOTS FROM THE TUNNEL. And he got tossed on purpose, reference gme one and that same boneheaded ump that made the call at second. Last night he was at first. You don’t get out much, do you?
dave cullen
October 9th, 2010
10:19 am
Long time Braves fan, but after Hanson threw a first pitch fastball to Burrell (3-0) I said what the H—–! Never watched a full inning of the game after that, and only found out in the AM that I had missed so many fireworks. Congrats!!! Really stinks about Wagner though. Who throws in Game 4??
ShempHoward
October 9th, 2010
10:19 am
Did ya’ll see Santa Glaus’s DOUBLE PLAY? Thank you Troy or I should say thank you Santa for the greatest christmas present ever given!
Ted M
October 9th, 2010
10:20 am
Sunday’s lineup should be the same except w/Diaz in LF.
McLouth came though with a pinch hit way ta go but I still can’t believe some people think he is better than Ankiel.
Dontavius Supremo
October 9th, 2010
10:21 am
When I’m wrong, I’m wrong. It won’t be “3 and out.” But, I am still not optimistic. Maybe I’m a fatalist at heart? GO BRAVES!!!
Ted M
October 9th, 2010
10:23 am
Did anyone hear how far Ankiel’s homer was? I’m guessing 475 ft.
THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE WILL BE BROKEN THIS YEAR
October 9th, 2010
10:23 am
BOOBY GOT TOSSED IN THE 2ND AND THE BRAVES WON IN THE 11TH!
Top Recruit
October 9th, 2010
10:26 am
Was that fun to watch! Great plays and clutch hitting. This is what playoff baseball is all about. Why you buy a ticket and get your butt in the stands!
Braves you have a look right now. The dugout was in everyplay. Every player was in every at bat, swing of the bat, ptich, and play. Damn was that great to watch and be a part of .
Play with confidence Braves!
Ted M
October 9th, 2010
10:26 am
So Beachy is starting Monday night (according to ESPN). I guess that’s the best move.
Hunter the Umpire
October 9th, 2010
10:28 am
We the umpires do not make mistakes,we thought we did one time,mistaken thought! You know it all sport fans need to worry about your sorry teams not the umpires because we are perfect!
THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE WILL BE BROKEN THIS YEAR
October 9th, 2010
10:29 am
K-BRAVE IM THE ONE THAT’S BEEN SAYING THAT WE ARE GOING TO WIN THE WORLD SERIES,BOOBY COACHING IS MOST OF THE TIME STUPID,WATCH AND SEE BOOBY CONTINUE TO SIT TROY GLAUS ON THE BENCH INSTEAD OF PUTTING HIM AT 3RD BASE!
I’VE BEEN SAYIING FOR WEEKS THAT WE WILL WIN THE 2010 WORLD SERIES TITLE!
bruce mac
October 9th, 2010
10:29 am
I am telling you those obnoxious Giant fans jinxed Posey and their team with that classless chant about Heyward. I feel a bomb coming from Mr. Heyward Sunday just to finish the job. Never ever ever mess with the baseball Gods. Cheer your team and leave it at that.
F Troop
October 9th, 2010
10:31 am
An unreal game. The only way you could not like that game is if you don’t like baseball. The Braves? Continue to pray for them. That’s the only way they’re getting this thing done, cause it just doesn’t make sense on paper. The numbers, the bodies, the look – just isn’t adding up. But whaddya know. Tied 1-1 coming home. PRAY!!!!!
Ted M
October 9th, 2010
10:33 am
I feel a bomb coming from Heyward too.
Dawgcatcher
October 9th, 2010
10:34 am
i. It was a goodbye blast from Bobby Cox, combined with the spirit of the legs of Sid Breem, the spirit of the miraculous hit of Francisco Cabrera and the unbelievable homerun spirit of David Justice in game 6 of the 1995 World Series( with the teams tied 0-0 in the 9th.) GO BRAVES may the dawgs rest in peace
MarkRicht
October 9th, 2010
10:37 am
Whatever they are smoking, I need for my dead dawgs
Francisco Cabrera
October 9th, 2010
10:39 am
I can’t believe they haven’t called me and Sid Breem back for the playoffs
Sports Blog Atlanta
October 9th, 2010
10:41 am
Why is it a surprise that Wilson came in for a two inning save? He had twelve of them this season! The surprise is that Wilson had 48 saves this season. He has one pitch and he throws it in one location (fastball away). A patient team – like the one the Braves can be – should expose him easily.
drowningboy
October 9th, 2010
10:42 am
Gnats are toast. See why:
http://slumwords.wordpress.com/2010/10/09/put-the-pom-poms-away-the-partys-over/
Connie Holcombe
October 9th, 2010
10:50 am
Jeff, your article said it all just as I was feeling when watching it!! Who knew and what a great game for sure! Now lets hope they can carry the magic home for a some wins. Great job and Go Braves!
EricT
October 9th, 2010
10:51 am
Hey guys don’t forget about Clutch Conrad’s bunt to move the guys over in the eighth inning! That was huge!
GO BRAVES! Lets WIN the WORLD SERIES for BOBBY!
Flatsdawg1
October 9th, 2010
10:51 am
I think this is the best win EVER for the franchise. It says, we can win against anyone, anytime, no matter who’s playing or not playing.They totally deflated the Giants in this game. We have the momentum now. Congrats on an unbelievable win. I haven’t felt like this since Sid Bream slid into home plate.
EricT
October 9th, 2010
10:53 am
Oh yeah like some one else said PRAY!
htownbravesfan
October 9th, 2010
10:53 am
As much as I loved Glaus’ play last night, the Braves cannot take a chance on playing him at third base and give a struggling Giants offense a weak point to attack (they could bunt us silly). Conrad looks shaky in the field, and his pitch selection is highly questionable at the plate. With a lefty going for the Giants tomorrow, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Hernandez at third or second. Finally, there’s no way Melky Cabrera should see the field in a starting capacity again. His bat looks as slow as he is fat. How on earth did this guy hit twenty plus home runs last year? Short porch or not in Yankee Stadium down the lines, you still have to pull the ball to hit it out!
Ted M
October 9th, 2010
10:54 am
Come on Reds, at least win 2 at home.
htownbravesfan
October 9th, 2010
10:59 am
By the way, people can rag on the game of baseball all they want, but there is absolutely NOTHING better than playoff baseball. For a fan the tension on every pitch is unreal. The Super Bowl, March Madness, The Masters, and any other you can think of do not match the intensity of October.
Ted M
October 9th, 2010
11:00 am
Melky hit 13 last year and that was because of new Yankee stadium. Everybody was hitting them out.
ijudgenot
October 9th, 2010
11:01 am
Great come back by the Braves.
Did everyone catch the confirmation by the dugout announcer that it was Cox who was behind the Escobar trade and not Wren. He said Cox did not think Escobar was a right fit for the clubhouse. We all thought that but were not sure. Escobar has a ton of talent but he wanted out of Atlanta and let his play reflect that. Whether it was Cox’s subborness or his immaturrity it was time for a change.
SaganRand
October 9th, 2010
11:04 am
Phillies fan here: can you all feel it, way down low in your gut? That feeling, that ‘knowing’, no matter what you do to scratch out a win or two against an inferior overrated west div team, eventually your old friends will be rested and waiting for you at Citizens Bank Park. Lol, enjoy your silly little endeavors against the feared Giants and we’ll see you in a week or so when you finish up with them.
P Rose
October 9th, 2010
11:11 am
“It was so quiet at AT&T Park, you could hear a pennant drop.” Best line ever, Schultz!
double
October 9th, 2010
11:13 am
Just proud Glaus could hobble for the failed out, with the bunt,then begin and be part of a great play outs.
Seriously??
October 9th, 2010
11:16 am
A miracle?? Baseball teams come back from 4 runs down all the time. It’s a bit over dramatic, don’t you think?
Ted M
October 9th, 2010
11:20 am
Holy Cow – The Reds made 4 errors yesterday. Is it possible someone is worse with the glove then the Braves?