WASHINGTON — As he readied for his deciding role in the last October comeback the Cardinals tried to enact in the nation’s capital, Pete Kozma was downright certain he was going to get a walk. No way would the Nationals let him beat them.
The pitcher’s spot was up next, the game already was tied, and Washington, as it scrambled to avoid botching Game 5 of a 2012 National League Division Series, had two outs and every reason to walk Kozma and force the Cardinals’ closer, Jason Motte, from the game.
Kozma didn’t expect to get any pitches to hit, and when he got two, he fell behind 0-2.