Bad Beats
by Ben Burns
Supposedly, it’s not over until it’s over.
But, in reality, we all know that sometimes it’s over before it’s over.
That brings us to the question of the day: When is it safe to say it’s over?
When is it safe to turn the channel and chalk up a win?
For instance, in football, being able to survive three scores and still cover in the fourth quarter feels pretty secure.
In hoops, being up seven with under a minute to go means you can withstand a couple of desperation 3-pointers and still win.
What about in hockey? Is a two-goal lead with a minute left safe?
And, what about baseball? Do you feel safe seven runs in the seventh?
With last week as proof, the answer to both is no.
Let’s start on the ice, where the college boys played for it all Saturday.
Miami of Ohio, looking for its first team title in any sport, broke a 1-1 tie with favored Boston on a pair of goals in the third period.
The RedHawks held onto a 3-1 lead with just a minute left. Their fans were chanting, “Yes, we can! Yes, we can!”
No, they couldn’t.
Boston scored two goals in the final minute, including the tying tally with just 17.8 seconds to play.
The Terriers, who were -245, finished the dramatic comeback with a deflected goal 11:47 into overtime.
Boston’s last-minute rally not only cost Miami (OH) backers, but also cost anyone who had under 5.5.
The miracle comebacks/bad beats weren’t limited to the ice. Just ask anyone who had the Braves against the Phillies Wednesday.
Leading 10-3 in the seventh, the Braves turned it over to the their bullpen. Big mistake.
Four Braves relievers combined to surrender eight runs on three hits, five walks and a hit batter.
The Braves walked in four runs, including three consecutively, allowing the Phillies to take the lead.
Blaine Boyer, who took the loss, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that it was “the worst inning I’ve seen.” Manager Bobby Cox added, “All hell broke loose.”
The Phillies, who were small favorites, eventually pulled out a 12-11 win, breaking the hearts of Braves backers everywhere.
So maybe it really isn’t over until it’s over.
David Payne writes for Vegas Expert Ben Burns.