What's more exciting than a game winning balk?

Oh just about ANYTHING including a poetry reading.

I guess the Giants need all the offensive help they can get... and if they can score the only run of the game because the Twins pitcher twitched, then more power to them.

Maybe the Giants can get a run tomorrow after the pitcher threw the ball!

Should you REALLY have a big celebration after a walk off balk?

Seriously Braves... I know it was an extra inning win. I know it is always great to win.

But when you win on a vague technicality, shouldn't the celebration be a bit muted? Or a bit like "Oh boy we got away with one."

Like if a cop let you go on a speeding ticket or you realize that the cashier gave you too much change back.

I mean if you win on an error, at least the ball was put in play.
If you walk off with a walk, a good batter's eye was used.
Even a hit by pitch to end the game means good crowding of the plate.

But a pitcher twitches and you act like Chipper Jones launched an upper deck shot?

It doesn't sit well with me.

Brad Lidge found a new way to blow a save

I've seen many blown saves in my day.
And many of them have been by Brad Lidge... but tonight's was a doozy, even by his breath taking standards.

The Phillies can beat the Padres and gain a game on the Giants and pick up a game on Atlanta. Oswalt was on fire... so naturally the ball was handed to Lidge.

And the inning went as expected... lead off single, runners moved up...

Then came the back to back whammies.
With 2 outs and a 1 run lead in the bottom of the 9th and an 0-2 count he HIT Ryan Ludwick to load the bases.

That's awful. But I saw Calvin Schraldi hit Brian Downing with an 0-2 pitch with the bases loaded and a 1 run lead in the bottom of the 9th to tie a PLAYOFF game in 1986.

So Brad Lidge would have to raise his game to impress me with a blown save tonight.

Ohh he was up to the task.
With the bases loaded, a 1 run lead, 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th and an 0-2 count to Chase Headley... HE BALKS IN THE TYING RUN!

I've never seen that in a game between two playoff contenders.

Literally saying "We're going to win the game... eh, let's keep playing."

So with a day game after a night game, the Phillies have to go deep into their pen in an extra innings game and the wonderful pitching duel between Roy Oswalt and Mat Latos is in the garbage.

All because Brad Lidge BALKED in the tying run.




Oh man... Brad Lidge's deal with Satan is getting worse and worse.

Not exactly a dramatic opening

I'm sure when the Mets dreamed of opening their new park, they had many scenarios in their mind for a memorable first game.

How low would "Losing on a Balk" rank?

I suppose it is better than say a race riot.

My friend Poppi Kramer was there. I hope she didn't pay too much for her tickets. I have a feeling she won't be saying "Man... that Balk was Amazin'!"