It was a moment you will remember for the rest of your life. You can probably recall Sidney Crosby’s “Golden Goal” for team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics and possibly the Toronto Maple Leafs epic game seven collapses against the Boston Bruins in 2013. Documentaries are already scripted on what occurred in the seventh inning Wednesday evening at the Rogers Centre.
Jose Bautista arguably solidified himself as one of the greatest Blue Jays of all time, next to Joe Carter and Robbie Alomar.
Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin made a crucial mistake in the top of the seventh inning. What was supposed to be a routine throwback to the pitcher turned into bedlam. The ball hit Rangers player Shin-Soo Choo’s bat, ricocheting onto the field and allowing the game-leading run to cross home plate.
The Blue Jays’ resilience was present in the bottom of the seventh inning. After a game-tying hit and back-to-back-to-back errors by Texas infielders, Bautista stepped up to home plate eager to take the lead.
At this moment, the students in the packed UTM Blind Duck Pub crowded together in front of the 40-inch TV, holding their breath.
With one swing of the bat, Jose Bautista created a roar in the pub louder than recent pub nights. Students jumped out of their seats, hugged random people, and smiled with clenched fists when Bautista flipped his bat and ran around the bases, ultimately clinching the ALDS playoff series, which was in serious jeopardy a few nights prior.
On Tuesday and Wednesday at 3 p.m. this week, the Blind Duck Pub will undoubtedly play the Blue Jays games as they look to get even with the Kansas City Royals. After experiencing the attention the pub drew last week, the staff needs to be working those beer taps and frying pans like never before if they expect to keep the long line moving.
Down two games to none, the Blue Jays left the cold Kauffman Stadium and headed to Toronto’s indoor Rogers Centre. The Jays won three out of four games the last time Kansas came to Toronto, averaging six runs. The Jays lost two games to the Royals over the weekend. If the Jays pull off a victory on Monday, expect another intense battle Tuesday afternoon when R.A. Dickey takes the mound.
Come 45 minutes early if you want to grab a good seat in front of the flat-screen that illuminates the hopes and joy our country deserves. Come together with friends and blow off some steam with loud cheers, good food, and a beverage or two.
