The following will sound like it is dripping in hyperbole, sarcasm and over-exaggeration. But it is not. Every word is stated exactly as it should be.
The Chicago Cubs of Wrigleyville played the worst inning of baseball I have ever seen. I would like to make note that I have coached teams with kids as young as thirteen and they had a few innings that included bunts that turned into error infused triples. This was worse.
The Cubs took a 4-1 lead in the first and, with the wind blowing in similar to this, they seemed to have the game in hand, despite it being early. Then Casey Coleman and his 7.32 ERA took center stage.
It started out so innocently -- singles by Jason Pridie and Ruben Tejada, then an unsuccessful sacrifice bunt by pitcher Dillon Gee. One out. Runners at first and second. No runs in. A ground ball away from the inning being over. It was not meant to be.
Jose Reyes -- single.
Josh Thole -- single. 4-2 Cubs.
Carlos Beltran -- double. 4-4 tie.
Enter Justin Berg.
Four pitches. One walk. Bases loaded.
Four pitches. One walk. One run. 5-4.
Four pitches. One walk. One run. 6-4.
Exit Justin Berg. 12 pitches. Three walks. Two runs. Mike Quade should really win a humanitarian award.
In the bottom of the inning, the Cubs took it on themselves to fight back, going in order on seven pitches. SEVEN PITCHES. When the rapture does come, god will look upon this inning and blame it -- as well as human sin, cruelty and whatnot -- for the end of the world.
Here's to you, Thess 4:17.