When did Baez even imagine he could pitch like he did last night? 73 pitches, was it? With absolutely no option if he could not pull it off? He was a crazy man. Mayberry gets another key hit with men in scoring position, even if it was early on. (At thet time, no one new what “early on” would come to mean. It was just a super hit.) Rollins’ leather and arm were essential, over and over again. Chooch plays third base. THIRD! Who knew? And nearly kills his damned self running for a pop foul ball! And he is still the guy who comes to the mound from third to give Valdez the book on how to pitch each guy while Sardina listens in! Never ever seen that happen before. I have no way to describe the reaction of the crowd during that last inning. Electric. Was like watching a tidal wave begin to crest over the Reds; a rapt fascination on being able to see how they would be ruined.

And the crowd. After all that time, and all the missed chances, there were still more folks there at the end than some teams play in front of in their FIRST innings at their parks. And singing “High Hopes” had a certain resonance I have missed there lately. The crowd mocked and scorned Rolen, and tortured poor Fisher, chanting his name over and over rhythmically, derisively. Did I hear that he had just been called up that day or something? We ate him alive.

I feel bad for Dom Brown. His pop up with bases loaded and one out is something he will have to live with and make peace with somehow. I am glad for him that he did seriously tag some line drives to center. We thought he had ended the game once until the ball settled into the center fielder’s glove. He just stung that ball. Still. There is that pop up.

An amazing night at the park. Will make it easier to face the pitcher they have to face today.

Good win though. Good for Baez to eat up innings. Marathon games are tough on the team but it sure is nice to have a guy like Lee going this afternoon.