An Exhilarating Finish To The Regular Season

Pinch hitting, Josh Satin was 1-2 with 1 run scored against the Reds.

Batting 5th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 against the Royals.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 0-2 with 2 BBs (1 IBB) against the Angels. Kinsler's Rangers will face Sam Fuld and the Rays in the ALDS on Friday.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-4 with 1 SB (his 33rd) against the Pirates. Jose Reyes got a bunt hit in his 1st AB and then took himself out of the game to preserve his average. Pretty gutless, if you ask me. Although Braun isn't the batting champ, I still think he is a viable MVP candidate. However, If Matt Kemp ends up winning, so be it. He also deserves it. Braun's Brewers will face the Diamondbacks in the NLDS on Saturday.

Pinch hitting, Sam Fuld was 0-0 with 1 BB and 1 RBI against the Yankees. Fuld drove in the 1st run for the Rays in the 8th inning when they were down 7-0 in what turned out to be an amazing comeback. I was upset when Joe Maddon pinch hit for Fuld with Dan Johnson in his next AB with 2 outs in the 9th inning. Ah, yeah, good call, Mr. Maddon. You have to wonder if this will bite the Yankees in the derriere later. They could have used Mo to close out the game. Instead, Joe Girardi elected to go with Cory Wade. Right now, I would say the Rays are a lot more dangerous than the Red Sox.

Batting 5th, Ryan Lavarnway was 0-5 against the Orioles. Pretty big collapse for the Red Sox. Sure could have used Youkilis down the stretch.

Michael Schwimer pitched 2 scoreless innings on 1 hit and 2 Ks against the Braves. Schwimer's Phillies will face the Cardinals in the NLDS on Saturday.