It's worth wondering what happened in that alternate reality where Sam Holbrook didn't call Rickie Weeks out trying to beat a double play. The score would have been 7-3, with Jerry Hairston coming up with runners on first and third. It probably wouldn't have made a difference. But it could have.

What we do know is that the Cardinals turned this one into a laugher in the seventh inning, scoring two three four runs off the Milwaukee bullpen. With one out, Albert Pujols, feeling merciful, hit a measly double down the right-field line. But then everything fell apart. Miller Park started smelling like cheap cologne because it was singles night all up in the place.

pause until laughter subsides

Five straight singles after Pujols's double brought the score to 11-2, and barring a miracle comeback that will come up in every playoff series for the next 94 years, it looks like the Cardinals will head to St. Louis with the series tied 1-1. 

An unfortunate casualty:

If he pitches shutout ball over his next 58 playoff appearances, he'll still have an ugly postseason ERA.