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Astros overcome Braves in 18, clinches series
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-10-10 09:59
HOUSTON, Oct 9 (Reuters) - The Houston Astros won the longest playoff game in
major league history on Sunday, beating the Atlanta Braves 7-6 after 18 innings
to clinch their second successive National League Division Series (NLDS).
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| Houston Astros infielder Chris Burke (L) is doused with champagne
by team mate Willy Taveras in the locker room after Burke hit a solo
homerun in the 18th inning to defeat the Atlanta Braves 7-6 in Game 4 of
the National League Division Series in Houston, Texas, October 9, 2005.
[Reuters] | Utilityman Chris Burke cracked a solo
homer to end the marathon contest and hand the Astros a 3-1 victory in the
best-of-five series.
"Big moments like this always go too fast," Burke said following the shot off
relief pitcher Joey Devine that sent the packed Minute Maid Park crowd into a
frenzy after nearly six hours of action as the teams played the equivalent of
two full games.
The 25-year-old Burke crossed the plate into a sea of jubilant team mates as
confetti flittered onto the field and was quick to acknowledge the homer as the
most important hit of his career.
"This is about as good as it gets," said Burke, who would not have been able
to perform his heroic act had catcher Brad Ausmus not hit a home run off Braves
closer Jeff Farnsworth to tie the game at 6-6 with two outs in the bottom of the
ninth.
Roger Clemens, the loser in Game Two in Atlanta, earned the win with three
scoreless innings of rare relief pitching.
"I don't know if I've seen anything like this," the 43-year-old Clemens said.
"I've had a lot of wonderful playoff games, a lot of wonderful World Series
and this game here was incredible."
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