The Cards are beating the Nats, 2 to 1 in the 9th thanks to a Pujol's solo shot in the 8th. So in the top of the 9th LaRussa puts his showstopper (
) Isringhausen in. He walks Daryle Ward, he walks Soriano, he walks Jose Vidro. So the bases are loaded for my friend, and the friend of any Reds fan, Nick Johnson. What does he do? He swings at the very first pitch and hits a nibbler to Izzy. Game over. Thanks Nicholas, on behalf of the Cincinnati Reds and their fans. You were smart enough to realize that, after walking Vidro on four straight fastballs out of the zone, Izzy was preparing to throw a meatball first pitch.