T-Plush Becomes T-Clutch: Morgan Sends Milwaukee To The NLCS

Nyjer Morgan did it again for Milwaukee, delivering an RBI single in the 10th inning to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-2 Friday in Game 5 and send the Brewers to the NL championship series.

Morgan grounded a ball up the middle as Diamondbacks closer J.J. Putz tried to stop it with his leg. Carlos Gomez sailed across home plate as a wild throw home went high, and Morgan was mobbed by his teammates near the mound after Milwaukee's first victory in a postseason series since the Brewers won the AL pennant in 1982.

Arizona did all it could to extend its surprising season. Center fielder Chris Young made an astounding catch in the sixth and the Diamondbacks had one last comeback left in the ninth.

Willie Bloomquist drove in the tying run with a safety squeeze, but the Diamondbacks were unable to forge ahead against closer John Axford. Axford ended the regular season with 43 straight saves, and saved Game 1 of the series. He had not blown a save chance since April 18 at Philadelphia. Axford got the win despite a rough outing, while Putz took the loss.

Morgan was a critical addition for the Brewers this year and had several clutch hits, winning fans along the way with his oversized personality that includes a wildman alter-ego he calls "Tony Plush." But he wasn't having a particularly productive series until his big moment in Game 5.