Casilla in tears after not being called upon in NLDS loss

Despite it being an even year, the San Francisco Giants will not be winning a World Series after they were eliminated from the postseason on Tuesday thanks to a monumental comeback by the Chicago Cubs.

The Giants' bullpen let them down in the ninth inning after starter Matt Moore threw eight spectacular innings. Derek Law, Javier Lopez, Sergio Romo, Will Smith, and Hunter Strickland combined to cough up the game during a four-run ninth for the Cubs, which eventually ended their season.

One Giants reliever took it harder than any of the five who entered the contest Tuesday, however. Former closer Santiago Casilla, who lost his job in September, was not called upon during the heated ninth. After the game, he burst into tears in frustration.

"I never had that moment before during five years here," he explained to Carl Steward of The Mercury News. "I had a little struggle. But everybody (in the bullpen) has had their bad moments. I think they forgot all the great moments I've had here. I've pitched a lot in the playoffs and done my job. I know I am a good pitcher."

After blowing nine saves during the regular season, Casilla was only asked to work 2/3 of an inning during one postseason appearance, but was sure he would get into the game Tuesday. He was stunned when he didn't even get a call to warm up.

"Never," he said. "I'm a pitcher. I'm part of the bullpen. I know I have had some bad moments in September and during the season, but I have good numbers in the playoffs and I know I can pitch in that situation. I know I can pitch in the big leagues."

The contest may have been the last of Casilla's career in San Francisco, as the 36-year-old owner of three World Series rings and 127 career saves is a free agent.