The Comeback Cardinals

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My birthday was on Friday. My only birthday wish? Outside of winning the Powerball was a St. Louis Cardinals win.
Oct 12, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter (29) has champagne poured on him after game five of the 2012 NLDS against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. The Cardinals defeated the Nationals 9 – 7. Image Credit: Joy R. Absalon-US PRESSWIRE
It happened. I don’t know how it happened but it did. Unlike the Reds, who were unable to rally back in Cincy against the Giants, the Cardinals managed to come back from being down by 6 runs to winning the game 9-7.

It’s unbelieveable. It’s like Game 6 of the 2011 World Series all over again. Down to the last strike with two consecutive batters, the Cardinals drew 2 consecutive walks to extend the inning.

As John Vuch, the Cardinals farm director, commented on Friday night, “Well, that was a fairly entertaining evening – who knows what lies ahead for the next few weeks, it’s going to take 27 outs (and not 26 outs and two strikes) to beat us…”

Pinch me. I think I’m still dreaming that this happened. I was away from social media on Friday night but I imagine the Facebook newsfeed and Twitter feeds were exploding.

That’s the thing with October. One doesn’t know what would happen.

Rafael Furcal started the season at short stop. Heck, Ryan Jackson was ahead of Pete Kozma in the depth chart for Memphis and yet Kozma was the one to save the season. Is it possible that Kozma is the short stop of the future? Maybe. Time will tell.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Bernie Miklasz has an epic column with quotes from players and coaches prior to their afternoon workout at AT&T Park in San Francisco.

The Cardinals had in Chris Carpenter what the Cincinnati Reds simply did not have: a leader that truly inspired a comeback and kept his teammates believing that they could win the game. Two days later, on the night of Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, it is still being felt.

But for now? Just enjoy the ride. I know I am.