Phillies edge sloppy Rays for 2-1 lead

Source: Agencies  |   2008-10-27  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

THE Philadelphia Phillies took advantage of some sloppy play in the bottom of the ninth inning to claim a 5-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in a World Series Game 3 that ended in the early hours of yesterday.

Victory in the rain-delayed game gave Philadelphia a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series with Game 4 scheduled for today (Beijing time) in Philadelphia.

After relinquishing a 4-3 lead in the eighth, the Phillies began the winning rally when J.P. Howell hit leadoff man Eric Bruntlett, who took second base on a wild pitch and dashed on to third on a poor throw by catcher Dioner Navarro.

Grant Balfour, who delivered the wild pitch while facing Shane Victorino in relief of Howell, then issued intentional walks to the next two hitters to load the bases with no outs.

Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz hit a slow roller down the third base line and third baseman Evan Longoria was unable to throw Bruntlett out at the plate, ending a three-hour, 41-minute game that began 91 minutes late due to rain.

"We got breaks there in the end and we capitalized on them," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel told reporters. "It might have took a little squib roller down the third base line but it's better to be lucky sometimes than to be good."

J.C. Romero, Philadelphia's fourth reliever following an inspired performance from 45-year-old starter Jamie Moyer, got the win. Howell was charged with the loss.

"It's the kind of World Series that you dream of being in," said Philadelphia slugger Ryan Howard, who along with Chase Utley connected for back-to-back homers to lead off the sixth inning and give the home team a 4-1 lead.

"It's a little nerve-wracking but to come out with a victory like that is great."

After Tampa Bay scratched out two runs on ground ball outs in the seventh, B.J. Upton turned up the tension with a daring display on the bases in the eighth.