Cards 5, Astros 4

Amazing.

I'm not sure if there is anything else that needs to be said about tonight's game. Pujols ninth-inning, 2-out homerun - only one out away from elimination - was one of the greatest homeruns in baseball playoff history. I'd been waiting all series for Pujols to make his mark and he chose the perfect time. This more than makes up for relatively low-key stats this post-season from Pujols. Earlier in the game, the Cards squandered several scoring opportunities and it looked like it might be a repeat performance of Game 4. The ninth was perfect: a two-out single from Eckstein, who's scrappy play this series has been one of the bright spots for the Cardinals. Give him a lifetime contract!! Then a walk from Edmonds. Edmonds redeemed himself here by simply playing smart and not trying to get a big hit. After getting ejected last night, Edmonds showed real poise in making Lidge throw strikes. And then Pujols......

Now the series heads back to St. Louis with the Astros leading 3-2. Oswalt is scheduled to pitch against Mulder on Wednesday night. Busch Stadium will be electrified. The fans might be edgy though, considering this could be the last game in Busch, so this could add a weird element to the home-field advantage.