We didn't have to wait long for some superb drama in the National League Wild Card Game.
In the top of the first inning, Braves starter Kris Medlen -- so brilliant since joining the rotation in August -- struck out the first two Cardinals he faced, plunked Matt Holliday, and retired Allen Craig on a ground-out. Kyle Lohse pitched just as impressively in the bottom of the first.
But in the top of the second, Yadier Molina drove the third pitch to deep right field, taking Jason Heyward back, back, back until ...
Making the degree of difficulty even greater, this game's late-afternoon start time left right field bathed in bright sunshine. At least Heyward had his sunglasses deployed, and it didn't hurt that he stands 6-feet-6, either.
With Molina (barely) out, Medlen struck out David Freese and Daniel Descalso on a grounder to first base, leaving the game scoreless heading into the bottom of the second. Thanks to Jason Heyward.