Yardwork: Matt Holliday Evicts Moth From Ear, and Angel Pagan Really Had to Go

Phils 10, Mets 0 — Cliff Lee was unsurprisingly dominant but the real story in this one was Angel Pagan’s uncontrollable need to poop in the top of the fifth inning and in turn, nearly missing his at-bat: “I told the trainer, I have to go to the bathroom. When you’re up fourth in the inning and you have to do that, it’s just not fun. When I finished, I looked at the TV, and I see Nick Evans, 3-2.” He made it to the plate and grounded out on the first pitch he saw. I’m guessing problematic gas persisted even after going to the bathroom and he needed to sit down immediately. Terry Collins was not pleased with any of this, so he removed Pagan from the game. Only the Mets can get crapped on and still find an additional way to bring poop into the storyline.

Braves 3, Cubs 0 — Jar Jar Jurrjens is back! The Braves “ace” somehow gave up eight hits and walked five batters but still managed to go 6 1-3 shutout innings. Cy Young numbers for sure.

Tigers 5, Rays 2 — Justin Verlander pitched seven innings of three-hit ball, allowing one run and striking out eight. He’s the best pitcher in baseball right now and it’s acceptable to admit that even if you’re a Phillies fan. Tigers or Rangers in the first round of the playoffs? As a Yankees fan, I’ll take a bye. Someone get Bird Selig on the horn so we can make this happen.

Nats 4, D-Backs 1 — Is the fairytale season coming to an end for Arizona much like it did for the Pirates a month ago? They have lost six straight games. While still in first place and the wheels still attached to the vehicle, they’re definitely driving with three flats and barely any gas. And that’s exactly what we want. An NL postseason without Timmy Lincecum wouldn’t be nearly as fun, and I say that from both a baseball standpoint as much as I say it from a fashion one.

Rangers 4, Red Sox 0 — So, a Rangers-Tigers ALCS? What a dream match-up for baseball fans who do not care for the sizzle factor.

[Photo via StlToday]