Inspired by the article recounting the game, I have conceived my own short story on the ending of this game in the form of a Greek epic. Full disclosure: I have never taken a creative writing class.
After watching our hero, Joe Ryan, fight with the determination of Achilles through six innings, is finally retired to the bench while our glorious heroes fight on. The team, inspired by his gritty performance, fight back to take the lead through an infield single, a booming double, and a sacrifice fly. Shelton spins his Bullpen Wheel of Regrets, and it comes up Rogers. Rogers gets into trouble and Orze is brought in and quickly gives up the lead. Now our heroes are down 4-7 with only 9 outs to go.
Shelton sends the Cardinals his version of the Trojan horse, the Bullpen Wheel of Regrets to the Cardinals dugout. The Cardinals, surprised by the sudden receipt of the gift, spin the wheel, and it came up Stanek out to the mound to face our motley crew of heroes. The most unlikely of heroes in 2026, Kody Clemens, greets Stanek with a 3-run home run to tie the game! Shelton goes with his trusty pitcher Gomez to get the eighth. He wasn't up to the task and gives up the lead. The Cardinals didn't re-spin the Bullpen Wheel of Regrets and leaves Stanek in the game. Our heroes send up the forlorn candidates in Lewis and Lee, which both hit booming home runs to reclaim the lead. Finally, Morris comes in and completes the improbable comeback in a game which will go down in the annals of the 2026 season as one of the greatest games!
Epilogue: All I wanted out of this is to use my coined term for the Twins bullpen: Bullpen Wheel of Regrets. Thank you taking the time to read my saga. 🙂