Ryan Howard decided to wake up just in time to bring the Philadelphia Phillies within a game of their first World Series title since 1980.
The big league leader in longballs and RBIs helped bury the Tampa Bay Rays Sunday night by driving in five runs, scoring two himself, and walking once. This, after shelling out just 4 RBIs all month.
Right-fielder Jayson Werth also went yard while Pat Burrell walked home the first run on five pitches.
Speaking of Rays starter Andy Sonnanstine, his off-speed pitches were totally mangled. The right-hander needed 89 to fight through the first four innings and ended up surrendering five runs on six hits with three walks.
Phils righty Joe Blanton became the first hurler in 34 years to hit a bomb in the World Series, out-shining his six-plus inning, four-hit, seven-strikeout performance. Carl Crawford and pinch-hitter Eric Hinske were the only two to score, managing a solo shot each off the Tennessee farm boy.
The middle of Tampa’s lineup -- Carlos Peña and garbage man Evan Longoria -- have combined to go 0-for-29 with 15 strikeouts for the Series... at least they're consistent. And with 25 playoff homers, the heroes of St. Pete trail only the 2002 San Francisco Giants (27) for most in one postseason.
Scott Kazmir will try to help the Rays rally from a 3-1 series deficit Monday night against ace Cole Hamels -- aiming to become the first pitcher in the history of ever to win five playoff starts in a single season -- in a rematch between the Game One starters. Good news for Philadelphians: of the 42 teams to take 3-1 World Series leads, 36 have gone on to win it all.
[Phillies Nation] | [Fanhouse] | [Full Count Pitch]
3 comments:
GO RAYS!
It's about time Howard, as you say, woke up. Where's he been?!?!
It's about time Howard, as you say, woke up. Where's he been?!?!
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