Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Boston collapses, Rays clinch AL Wild Card

Mere moments after Jonathan Papelbon allowed a walk off win to the Orioles, Evan Longoria hit a walk off solo shot to send the Rays back into the playoffs. Boston led 3-2 into the bottom of the 9th at Camden Yards until Papelbon let up a walk off single as the Orioles beat Boston, 4-3. Minutes later, Longoria sent a solo shot into the bleachers to cap off a huge come from behind victory for Tampa Bay. The Rays managed to tie a 7 run deficit against the Yankees in the 8th and 9th innings and eventually won in Tropicana in the bottom of the 12th.

St. Louis Cardinals clinch NL Wild Card

Chris Carpenter threw a two hitter as the Cardinals beat the Astros 8-0. A few hours later, rookie closer Craig Kimbrel blew a save for the Atlanta Braves and Phillie won in extra innings. The Braves collapsed after an 8 1/2 game lead for the wild card spot on Aug 25, but they kept losing and the Cardinals squeaked in on the last few days of the season to clinch. St. Louis will travel to Philadelphia and the winner will play either Arizona or Milwaukee.