On the first day after clinching the NL Central, Lou Piniella gave nearly all the regulars a day off. Kosuke Fukudome led off and played right field. He was the only opening day starter in the lineup today. We all know that he is currently considered a starter. The starting lineup included four guys who didn't get called up until the rosters expanded.
Much like Friday's loss, when these guys played a significant role, they got some timely hits and drove in runs. Felix Pie had two hits and scored twice while Casey McGehee had two hits and two runs driven in. Micah Hoffpauir had a double and an rbi as well.
Ryan Dempster earned his seventeenth win of the season in five easy innings. No walks, six hits, and only one run allowed. He only threw 67 pitches before turning things over to the bullpen.
Win #94 puts this team in second place, behind only the 1984 team with 86 wins, in season win totals since 1945. That team had 98 wins. Those are the only two numbers we are playing for in our last seven regular season games. 3-4 gives us 97 and puts us above the 1984 team. 4-3 ties us with the 1945 team while 5-2 gets us the most wins since the 1935 team.
Realistically, the fans care about those, but the team is in preparation mode for the playoffs. Players will be rested, the rotation will be adjusted to favor the playoff match ups. Playing the two teams fighting for the wild card won't bode well for racking up a 5-1 record. I'll take 97 wins for the most in my lifetime, and then prepare for the pennant for the first time in my life.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
9/21/08 vs. Cardinals; W 5-1; (94-60)
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2 comments:
Considering how hung over he HAD to have been, that may have been Demp's most impressive showing. We need one more win. All we need to do is beat the Mets ONCE and we clinch the top record in the league.
There are seven games left. Your goal of three wins is easily attainable, especially with the Mets and Brewers doing everything they can to avoid the playoffs.
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