Puckett, Gomez, and Game 7

If you are, like me, one for analogies... try this:

Three days ago, the twins started their "playoff series" against the Chicago White Sox. Given the importance of the "series," it was, of course, a 7-game series. By virtue of their 2.5 game lead with just 6 to go, let's say the White Sox were up 3-0. The Twins had their backs against the wall and couldn't lose.

"Game 4," on Tuesday, saw an offensive explosion and a great pitching performance from Scott Baker. Twins win easily, still down 3-1 in the "series."

"Game 5," on Wednesday was a true game 5 nail-biter. The Twins led early and relied on an oft-shaky bullpen to close the deal and keep their hopes alive. The Twins, still down 3-2, were just setting up the "Game 6" drama which I will never, ever, forget.

As you can see in the picture above, we sat lower deck down the third base line, and joined nearly 50,000 other crazy, raving, adrenaline filled fans to cheer on the hometown boys (they're filled to the rafters in the upper deck at the dome!). It's not often that you get to see Game 6 of a playoff series when it's make or break time...

In 1991, a certain Twins' centerfielder who was a barrel of monkeys to watch and full of love for the game, put the Twins on his back for Game 6 of a crucial series when they were also down 3-2. On that night, Kirby Puckett stole the hearts of kids from Burnsville to Bimidji, from Beckett to Brainard -- he made a great catch and hit a homerun to score one of the most dramatic wins in Twins history.

Last night, a different Twins' centerfielder (also a barrel of monkeys to watch and full of love for the game) put the Twins on his back in this "Game 6," and played the game of his life. Go-Go Gomez, a fan favorite, took my breath away and nearly brought tears to my eyes as he flew from first to home in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game. He finished the game with four hits -- including two triples -- and, of course, an unbelieveable catch. What else would you expect from the Twins CF in a crucial game 6?

With their win last night, the Twins have essentially tied the series with the White Sox at 3-3. "Game 7" will be drawn out -- just like it was in 1991. 9 frames will not be enough. We will have to play extra innings (7 or 8 games) to determine the winner of this Game 7. If history tells us anything, though, it's to never count out the Twins.

Last night was a game that will stick with me for as long as I live. To be there, and feel the energy in that dome helps you to realize why they Twins are 52-26 with the "dome-field advantage." I went crazy, I went bonkers, I nearly lost it when Alexi Cassila won it in the 10th. Thanks to the Twins for reminding me why I love them so much.

In the unforgettable words of Jack Buck, "We'll see you tomorrow night!"