Jerry Lodriguss/Philadelphia Inquirer/MCT/Sipa USA
This Day in Phillies History: October 29
On this day in 2008, the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in the World Series to capture just their second World championship in franchise history.
Game 5 resumed on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Citizens Bank Park in the bottom of the sixth inning with the game tied 2-2.
The pitcher's spot for the Phillies was due up first, and naturally, eventual World Series MVP Cole Hamels couldn't finish what he started two days prior. Geoff Jenkins pinch-hit for Hamels, and got things started with an electric leadoff double.
Jenkins fist pumped at second base, he was fired up. The next batter was Jimmy Rollins, who bunted Jenkins over to third. Then Jayson Werth followed through with a RBI-single to put the Phillies ahead 3-2.
Ryan Madson came on in relief, and Philadelphia's lead was promptly erased after Madson allowed a solo shot to Rocco Baldelli in the seventh.
Madson was lifted for J.C. Romero, who pitched 1.1 scoreless innings that allowed the Phillies to take the lead in the seventh. Pedro Feliz hit a RBI-single that scored Eric Bruntlett, who was pinch-running for Pat Burrell who led off the inning with a stand-up double.
Romero was able to hold the 4-3 lead, and he had Chase Utley to thank for that. In the seventh, Utley faked a throw to first, and then threw home, and Carlos Ruiz was able to tag Jason Bartlett out to end the inning. The "Utley deke," as it's now known, was such a crucial play, as the Philadelphia second baseman's smart defense prevented the tying run from scoring. Had this play not occurred, the Phillies might've not won that night in front of their fans.
In came Brad Lidge in the ninth, who was not only looking to complete his historic perfect season, but to close out the World Series in favor of the Phillies.
45,940 Phillies fans anxiously watched and waved their rally towels from the stands as Lidge entered the game. The first batter Lidge faced was Evan Longoria, who popped out. One out.
The next batter, Dioner Navarro, singled to right field. One on, one out for Ben Zobrist. During Zobrist's at-bat, pinch-runner Fernando Perez stole second base.
Zobrist lined out to right fielder Werth, meaning there was a runner in scoring position for pinch-hitter Eric Hinske, who homered in Game 4. The pressure was on for Lidge, who was only one out away from securing the World Series win.
And in case you don't remember what happened next, I'll let Harry Kalas do the honors:
"The 0-2 pitch...swing and a miss! Struck him out! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of baseball! Brad Lidge does it again and stays perfect for the 2008 season. 48-for-48 in save opportunities..."
The 2008 championship team will live in the hearts and minds of Phillies fans forever, and October 29, 2008 will always remain a special date no matter how much time passes.
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