Giants leading 11-1 in the bottom of the 7th.

[Mr.Bill]

San Diego has pulled Machado and Tatis from the game. Their season is over, barring a miracle. Giants will take the division, leading the Dodgers by one game. And to think 10 years ago I was one of those guys who thought Baseball was boring because with 162 games, any one game is not that important. Turns out they all are.

It's gonna be party time in San Francisco tonight. If I was a bartender there I would be stocking the place well right now.

[Auggie]

1. Matches their 2010 season for awesomeness

(imho)

Not in wins or domination but because it was a team effort and totally unexpected.

[Mr.Bill]

2. In any pro sport I've always said it's a matter

of a group of people getting together and all saying, Let's Do This! It doesn't just happen on the field, it has to happen in the clubhouse, too. These guys have that more than anyone else right now.

These guys want this, and they all want it bad.

[Auggie]

4. Yep. Joan Ryan (formerly of the S.F. Chronicle) wrote a book on team chemistry, BTW ...

and makes a great argument why it's imperative. Haven't read it yet (it's on my wish list) but the reviews have been excellent.

Intangibles: Unlocking the Science and Soul of Team Chemistry

From Amazon:

Does team chemistry actually exist? Is there scientific or mathematical proof? Is team chemistry as real and relevant as on-base percentages and wins above replacement?

In Joan Ryan's groundbreaking book we discover that the answer to all of the above is a resounding yes. As Ryan puts it, team chemistry, or the combination of biological and social forces that boosts selfless effort among more players over more days of a season, is what drives sports teams toward a common goal, encouraging the players to be the best versions of themselves. These are the elements of teams that make them "click," the ones that foster trust and respect, and push players to exceed their own potential when they work well together.

Team chemistry alone won't win a World Series, but talent alone won't win it, either. And by interviewing more than 100 players, coaches, managers, and statisticians, as well as over five years of extensive research in neuroscience, biology, physiology, and psychology, Ryan proves that the social and emotional state of a team does affect performance. Grit, passion, selflessness, and effort matter -- but never underestimate the power of chemistry.

Giants have run a pretty tight ship since Bonds left: i.e., few prima donnas and douchebags. Credit Larry Baer (it filters down from top IMO), Brian Sabean, Bruce Boche, and now Farhan Zaidi and Gabe Kapler. I'm going to guess a few veteran players (Posey, Crawford, Solano, Belt, Longoria) have a hand in it as well.

[Duncan Grant]

3. And former KC Royal, Eric Hosmer was the last out of the game/regular season.

I felt kinda bad for Hosmer. That 2014 loss must have crossed his mind at least once this afternoon. Arcane baseball moments are the best. (Go, Giants!)