(originally posted 8/31/07)
Carlos Ruiz rounded second base, attempting to stretch what would have been an easy stand-up double into a three-base hit. Despite the fact that Ruiz runs well for a catcher, the choice seemed ill-advised, as Mets SS Jose Reyes gathered the throw from the outfield in and fired to third. The throw would have gotten Ruiz, but it hit him, allowing him to make it safely to the base. When push came to shove on Thursday, the Phillies made the plays, and the Mets failed to execute. The Mets were dealt a demoralizing loss and the Phillies had, possibly, the most incredible win in my Phillies-watching history. The Phillies' divisional deficit was reduced to a mere two games with the 11-10 walkoff victory.
After having won the first three games of the series, one by blowout, and two in miraculous fashion, it seemed unlikely that the Phillies could top the magic of the previous three nights. With Mets ace Orlando Hernandez on the mound, bringing his 3.07 ERA and sub-.200 opponent's batting average into Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies should have had their work cut out for them. But, thanks to two-run homers from Ryan Howard (36) and Pat Burrell (23), the Phils knocked Hernandez out of the game early, and jumped to a 5-0 lead. But the Mets came right back, with three runs off Phillies starter Kyle Lohse, and two more off reliever Geoff Geary in the fifth. The Phillies countered immediately, scoring another three runs in the bottom of the inning, and taking the 8-5 lead into the 8th inning.
But the Mets pounced on Phillies reliever Antonio Alfonseca in the 8th. Alfonseca faced five batters in the frame, none of whom he managed to retire. He allowed two hits and three walks, and was charged with four of the five runs scored by the Mets that inning. (The other was charged to J. C. Romero who was removed after facing only two batters, one of whom he walked.) The Mets lead 10-8, going into the bottom of the 8th, and closer Billy Wagner (29 saves, 2.05 ERA) was ready to enter for an unusual (for him) two-inning save. Something he hadn't been asked to do for eight years. But he hadn't pitched for five days, so he was well-rested.
What followed was yet another comeback. Something that has become a trademark of this team. The comeback included another homer by Pat Burrell (24) against his nemesis, Billy the Rat, in the 8th. Tom Gordon held the Mets scoreless in the top of the 9th, and the score was 10-8 Mets, to begin the 9th. I have watched this inning again and again, and it is already one of my favorite Phillies memories. EVER. Jayson Werth (.315 batting average!) singled, and then stole second. AND THEN THIRD! ON CONSECUTIVE WAGNER PITCHES! Tad Iguchi knocked Werth in with a single. Iguchi then stole second base, and Jimmy Rollins was intentionally walked. Chase Utley followed with an RBI single (on Wagner's 45th pitch), scoring Iguchi with the WINNING RUN!!
The team STORMED the field in celebration, with Pat Burrell leading the way, as he did during the game. It was great seeing him show so much emotion today, from leaping in the outfield when CF Aaron Rowand made a great catch, to meeting Iguchi at the plate when he scored the winning run. Burrell had such a trying first half, but he has been, arguably, the best player in MLB in the second half. (As he has alway been one of my favorite players, it is great to see him doing so well, and taking a leadership role on the team.) Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel has made a habit of pulling Burrell out of the game in the 6th or 7th inning, much to my chagrin, throughout the season. But Burrell was kept in the game yesterday, and the Mets paid the price.
This single game demonstrated the resilience the Phillies have displayed all season. Despite all of the injuries that have decimated the roster, the Phillies have managed to stay in the playoff race. Even with a patchwork rotation, and a bullpen of castoffs, they continue to do what it takes to win. Behind the leadership of Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins. And Pat Burrell. I was too young to fully enjoy the great 1980 and 1983 seasons, and circumstances caused me to miss a lot of the remarkable 1993 season. But, after the sweep of the Mets, it looks like the Phillies are destined to be part of another remarkable pennant chase. It's really exciting to be a Phillies fan right now, and I can't wait to enjoy the ride ahead of us.
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