David Freese all but single-handedly won the game for St. Louis. (Wikimedia Commons)

St. Louis, however, had other ideas. 

Led by the batting power of David Freese, the Cards topped Philadelphia 5-3 and forced a Game 5.

The Diamondbacks decided Wednesday that they’re not ready to throw in the towel either. A couple of grand slam and some extra-base hits later, Arizona had locked up a trip to Milwaukee, to face the Brewers for their own Game 5 finale.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. St. Louis Cardinals

FURRY FRIENDS: A squirrel showed up for the game for the second day in a row. No telling whether it was same one, but tonight’s little guy crossed home plate just as Philadelphia’s Roy Oswalt threw out a pitch. Some St. Louis fans are said to be claiming the squirrel as their new unofficial mascot.

FREESE TAG: Third baseman Freese, who came to the plate tonight at 2-13 for the series, homered and doubled tonight—driving in four of the five runs scored by his team.

SLUMPING STAR: In 15 at-bats, Ryan Howard has just two hits. He struck out three times Wednesday, marking his 10th such postseason game (most all time). 

PLAY OF THE GAME: Albert Pujols showed he’s more than just a hitting machine, hopping off his post at first to toss out Chase Utley at third on a Hunter Pence grounder. He effectively prevented a Phillies’ tie in the process.

QUOTE OF THE GAME: “Being from the South, and being a squirrel hunter…if I had a gun out there, I might have done something,” Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

INVEST IN GOLD: Paul Goldschmidt followed up the grand slam he hit in Game 3 by reaching base, well, almost every way possible. The rookie singled twice, was walked, stole second, and was hit by a pitch.

UNSUNG HERO: Pinch hitter Collin Cowgill drove in a two-run single in the third, pushing the D’Backs surmountable two-run lead to a daunting 7-3. 

GRAND NIGHT FOR SLAMMING: Ryan Roberts hit a grand slam in the first, making the Diamondbacks only the second team in history with back-to-back grand slams in a playoff series. 

BLINK AND YOU MISSED IT: Roberts' fans came to Chase field armed with "Tatman" signs to support the well-inked third baseman.

HISTORY REPEATING: Chris Young became the first Diamondback to hit more than one homer in a postseason game, with two on the night.

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