About 24 hours after Martinez misplaced a lead in Game 3, Shildt went back to him to hold a 4-4 tie in Game 4. Martinez allowed a leadoff double, steadied himself, and then did what he could not in two previous outings against Atlanta in a National League Division Series: avoid allowing any runs. Martinez retired the final three batters he faced to funnel a 4-4 tie into extra innings, where the Cardinals won 5-4 to force a decisive Game 5 in Atlanta.
Despite being one of the most effective closers in the game during the second half of the season, Martinez had a mercurial finish.