Sometimes people wonder whether playoff experience makes that much of a difference. This game was an argument for those who think it does.
Going into the bottom of the 5th, the Reds led the two-time defending NL champions 4-0. At this point, according to Fangraphs, the Reds had about a 70-percent chance of going back to Cincinnati with the series all tied up. Instead, here is what happened.
1. In the bottom of the 5th, with a man on first and one out, Shane Victorino reached on an error by the second baseman. Placido Palanco reached on an error by the third baseman. With the bases loaded, Chase Utley singled in two runs. Cincinnati 4, Philadelphia 2.
2. In the top of the 6th, the Reds had a man on first with two outs. He got picked off to end the inning.
3. In the bottom of the 6th, the Phillies got a run courtesy of a walk, a hit batsman, another hit batsman, and another walk. Cincinnati 4, Philadelphia 3
4. In the bottom of the 7th, Chase Utley was hit by a pitch. Ryan Howard struck out. Jayson Werth hit a tricky grounder to third. Instead of taking the sure out at first, the third baseman tried to force Utley at second. Utley beat the throw, leaving men on first and second. Jimmy Rollins hit a sinking line drive to right field -- and the Reds' right fielder completely misjudged the ball. Utley and Werth scored, Rollins ran to first. When the ball finally came back to the infield, the second baseman made yet another error. Rollins ran to second. He advanced to third on another single and scored on a fielders' choice. Philadelphia 6, Cincinnati 4
5. In the bottom of the 8th, Utley singled, stole second, and came home on another single. Philadelphia 7, Cincinnati 4. So long, thanks for playing.
It was honestly one of the most embarrassing performances in post-season baseball history, and it is a shame that it will probably be how most people remember the 2010 Reds.
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