Last week a missed 44-yard-field goal on the game’s final play was the only reason that the Vikings left undefeated- this weekend they weren’t so lucky. The Steelers handed the Vikings their first loss of the season Sunday afternoon on the Heinz Field.
Every game is important, but if you look at Minnesota’s season from the big picture — and so far that’s 6-1, with your one loss being on the home field of the super bowl champions things aren’t so bad.
That’s probably why the Vikings fans didn’t seem to be too distraught after the loss…or it could be because those who have been loyal Minnesota fans have been conditioned for these losses.
Yankees vs. Phillies. Game 1 of the World Series starts October 28th. Read about the Yankees series victory over the Angels from TSN.ca:
NEW YORK - They dashed from the dugout and in from the outfield, swarming Alex Rodriguez in a sea of pinstripes only steps from his spot at third base.
“I couldn’t be more excited,” he said. “I feel like a 10-year-old kid.”
Making it to the World Series for the first time after all those misses will do that to you.
The New York Yankees, baseball’s biggest spenders, finally cashed in with their first pennant in six years Sunday night, beating the Los Angeles Angels 5-2 in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series behind the savvy pitching of that old October pro, Andy Pettitte.
Next up, New York hosts defending champion Philadelphia in the World Series opener Wednesday night. Cliff Lee is expected to face ALCS MVP CC Sabathia in an enticing pitching matchup between former Cleveland teammates — and the past two AL Cy Young Award winners.
Ridiculed in the past for his October flops, the three-time MVP played a huge role in helping his team advance through the playoffs, batting .438 with five home runs and 12 RBIs. Thriving under late-inning pressure this time around, the slugger earned his first trip to the Fall Classic during a 16-year career in which he’s accomplished almost everything else.
“That’s what you play for,” Rodriguez said. “In order to win a World Series, you have to get there first.”
Cameras flashed in the stands throughout the ninth inning as the crowd roared louder and louder with each pitch.
After Mariano Rivera fanned pinch-hitter Gary Matthews Jr. for the final out at one minute past midnight, Mark Teixeira, Derek Jeter and most Yankees rushed to mob a jubilant Rodriguez near third base.
Rivera received a huge hug from catcher Jorge Posada in front of the mound. Then, Rodriguez and the Yankees partied with beer and bubbly in their swanky, high-tech clubhouse.
“I feared that I wouldn’t be able to contribute, so I had a lot of limitations,” Rodriguez said about his previous playoff failures. “The whole year for me was about trusting my teammates and being one of the guys.”