This could be the end of a long and lovely season. Or it could be the end of 17 years without a home playoff win or an NLCS appearance. There's nothing like a final series game to throw everything into stark contrast. It's going to be emotional.

If 167 games is all we get, then I've enjoyed spending this season with you. If it's not, I've still enjoyed spending the season with you. Either way, nothing is erased that came before.

In a roundabout and frustrating way, the Reds and Giants have only confirmed what we figured was true going in: these two teams are a pretty good match. It could have happened by trading wins. Or by a series of close games that broke evenly. Instead, it happened in this jarring and backwards way. But we got to the same place we thought we might.

In a series of Biggest Moments for various players, this would be the biggest start of young Mat Latos' career. Bigger than the previous Biggest Appearance that came just a few days a go.

Go Reds! They're my favorite team. As you know.

REDS LINEUP

Brandon Phillips (R) 2B
Zack Cozart (R) SS
Joey Votto (L) 1B
Ryan Ludwick (R) LF
Jay Bruce (L) RF
Scott Rolen (R) 3B
Ryan Hanigan (R) C
Drew Stubbs (R) CF
Mat Latos (R) P

REDS BENCH

Dioner Navarro (S) C
Todd Frazier (R) 3B
Miguel Cairo (R) IF
Wilson Valdez (R) SS
Chris Heisey (R) OF
Xavier Paul (L) OF

GIANTS LINEUP

I don't care.