Phillies end 28-year drought

Source: Agencies  |   2008-10-31  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

THE Philadelphia Phillies ended their long wait for a World Series title with a short burst of baseball on Wednesday as they clinched the crown by completing a rain-suspended 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Phillies captured their first Fall Classic title since 1980 in a unique, three-inning finish as they resumed Game 5, suspended in the middle of the sixth on Monday with the score tied 2-2.

The victory gave the Phillies a 4-1 triumph in the best-of-seven series and ended a dream season for the Rays, who rebounded from the worst record in the majors last season.

"I always thought we could win the World Series," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said after the game. "I knew we could beat anybody in our league."

Pedro Feliz drove in the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh, and reliever Brad Lidge struck out pinch-hitter Eric Hinske for the final out in the ninth, setting off a wild celebration as fireworks exploded over Citizens Bank Park.

Philadelphia starting pitcher Cole Hamels, who won the opening game of the series, was named Most Valuable Player.

After both teams scored in their first time at-bat once the game re-started following a delay of 46 hours, the Phillies took a decisive lead when Feliz singled through a drawn-in infield to cash in a lead-off double by Pat Burrell.

The Fall Classic finish came in bizarre fashion after the first suspended game in 104 World Series. That game produced controversy over whether it should have started at all because of Monday's weather forecast, and whether it should have been halted earlier.

There was nothing unusual with the way the Phillies finally claimed the title, however, as Lidge capped a perfect season in closing games with 48 saves in 48 chances.

The triumph was especially sweet for Phillies' pitcher Jamie Moyer, 45, a Pennsylvania native who skipped school in 1980 to attend the last Phillies' title celebration as a fan.