Tonight's games

"Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it!" If you believe that famous quote, then you'd better not take the Houston Astros tonight in Game 6 of the NLCS. The Astros entered the 9th inning of Game 5 leading the Cardinals 4-2 with the knowledge that they were 84-1 this year when leading after the 8th inning. You all know what happened, as with two outs, two strikes and no one on for the Cardinals, it all fell apart for Houston. This was the fifth game in Astros history in which a victory would have sent them off to the World Series. They have led in every one of those games -- three times by two runs or more in the eighth inning or beyond -- and lost ALL FIVE! It marked just the THIRD time in MLB postseason history in which a team was one strike away from clinching a series and LOST.

Interestingly enough, the other two times both occurred in 1986. The infamous "Donnie Moore game" in Game 5 of the ALCS, when the Red Sox beat the Angels and the even more infamous "Bill Buckner game", when the Mets came back to beat the Red Sox in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. The Angels lost that Game 5 at home and then went to Boston and lost Games 6 and 7 by the combined score of 18-5. As for the Red Sox, they went on to lose Game 7 of the 1986 World Series to the Mets, 8-5! Will Houston suffer the same fate? Tonight's NLCS Game 6 features a pitching rematch of Game 2, as Roy Oswalt meets Mark Mulder.

Both pitched well in that game, as the Astros won 4-1. The Cardinals opened a $1.55-favorite with the total set at 7 1/2. One last thought. For those who think that the Astros can't lose three straight games with Pettitte, Oswalt and Clemens on the mound, think again. It's happened TWICE since the All Star break, including in St. Louis from July 15-17! Your move!