Is it 2007 Again?
The Phillies came back to beat the Mets in 13 innings, 8-7. It kind of felt like 2007, didn't it?
Is it 2007 Again?
Todd Zolecki
Wow.
That felt familiar. Last night's 8-7 victory in 13 innings over the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park felt a lot like 2007. The Mets took a 7-0 lead in the fourth inning, but the Phillies chipped away at it before a few dramatic moments in the ninth and 13th innings won it and moved the Phillies into first place in the National League East.
"It had that feeling like we were going to win it every single inning," Chris Coste said. "We had a pretty good feeling ... an excitement because we put ourselves in position to win the game on many occassions. It was definitely exciting. It probably felt like the Little League World Series players. You forget that you get paid to play the game. It's almost like we felt like little kids with the excitement in kind of playoff-type atmosphere, which is pretty normal when we play the Mets."
Last year when the Phillies played the Mets at the Bank there were dramatic moments: Chase Utley's return from a broken hand Aug. 27, Ryan Howard's game-winning homer in the 10th inning Aug. 28, Marlon Anderson being ruled out for interference to preserve a one-run win Aug. 29 and that unbelievable 11-10 back-and-forth victory on Aug. 30.
Last night's game had similar moments.
- The Mets taking a 7-0 lead in the fourth inning.
- Jimmy Rollins going 5 for 7 with a double, homer, three RBIs and three stolen bases.
- The bullpen finishing the game throwing nine consecutive scoreless innings.
- Charlie Manuel moving Carlos Ruiz to third base for the top of the ninth inning so Eric Bruntlett could hit in the bottom of the ninth. "I started to put Bruntlett in the game and I told Jimy (Williams) that I want to save Bruntlett to hit," Manuel said. "Ruiz has been catching balls at third base and working out there. And actually he was an infielder before they made him a catcher in the minor leagues. At that time I thought what have we got to lose? We needed a run. I wanted to keep Bruntlett back to hit for the pitcher, who had a good chance of hitting."
- Jayson Werth hitting a two-out single up the middle in the ninth and Bruntlett following with a double to right-center field to score Werth to tie it.
- Shane Victorino, who was 0 for 6, hitting a leadoff triple in the 13th.
- The Mets intentionally walking the bases loaded with no outs.
- Brett Myers taking all the way before striking out for the first out in the 13th. "You can follow orders," Manuel told Myers as the returned to the dugout." Yep, there was no way Myers was swinging at any of those pitches. Myers certainly played up to the moment with an exaggerated leg kick and other movements in the batter's box. The way he strutted to the plate you would have thought he was Babe Ruth. "They were saying, 'Let him fake squeeze,'" Manuel said. "I said, 'No, because Victorino might break for the plate.'"
- Coste's game-winning hit to center field to finally win it.
Game time: five hours, 17 minutes.
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Kyle Kendrick was ready to pitch the 14th inning if the game had continued. He threw 40 warm-up pitches in the bullpen, but said he should be fine tonight when he faces Johan Santana.
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It was Coste's first walk-off hit. Ever.
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Jim Salisbury talks about the electricity in the park when the Mets come to town.
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In the Phillies Notebook: could Jamie Moyer be back in 2009, a trade for Mark Kotsay is unlikely and Rollins' practice tee work continues to pay off.
All I got to say is Wow!!! May have been one of the best baseball games I have ever watched. Beef69
My internet was down last night so I couldn't follow the game live (I live in Atlanta) on the Net. So I watched the Cubs game and they showed scores every 30 minutes. 7-0 Mets.....7-5 Mets....then I watched the Clinton speech and then the local ATL news...I saw 7-7 all...I didn't find out they won until this morning. Can I tell you what a spring it put into my step this morning! Deb in Dixie
I guess it's fun to be a sportswriter some days, isn't it Zo? Almost as good a game as the 11-10 game last year. jimmymack- Stunning. Just speechless after that one. No doubt one of, if not THE, greatest game I have ever been at. My wife and 2 daughters were looking at the clock once the Phils got down 7-0. (And it was a very sloooow first 4 innings.) I told 'em that getting down early just sets up a bigger comeback, and that the key was to get to the Mets' bullpen. Pedro, while shutting out the Phils early, had thrown a lot of pitches in the first 4 innings, so I thought that might work against him, and it sure did. That game was pure fun. Now on to tonight. It's Kyle Kendrick's job to go 7 innings tonight and not give up more than 3 runs. The bullpen is gonna be tired, but Lidge will be available, so we need to get to him. GO PHILS!!! bobby
I hate to look at sports from purely an entertainment perspective. I am/was a player, and a coach. It's always all about the sport, the competition.....but last night's game was by far the most entertaining I've seen since the Phils/Cubs 24-23 game in which Schmidy hit 4 HRs when I was a kid....if this team even played with half the fire, talent and determination we saw on display again last night there's no telling how huge our lead would be by now in this mediocre division.....watching the Mets fans dying on every pitch and hit was the sweetest.....ok, Phils, now that you've wet our appetite for winning baseball again in this city and beyond (I'm in FL), do you guys have the cajones to follow thru and win this thing?...and whyd did it take so long? Do you have any idea how many ulcers and migraines you guys have caused across the country? Jimmy, you keep playing like this, the way you're capable of and I'll have your children. Mark1npt- Unbelievable game. This is why we watch baseball. They're on a J-Roll now with the spark plug hitting again. Myers at the plate was like comic relief in the 13th. And let's not forget Condrey's broken bat double in the 5th. s
That was fun. I loved watching the out of town scoreboard. Red Sox-Yankees, normally 5 hour marathons ended, then the midwest games, then all but 1 west coast game ended. This team seems to be gelling and peaking at the right time. A lot like Colorado last season. Joe in Haddonfield- Speaking of broken bats, there must have been 20 last night. I believe Clay Condrey came about 5 feet from taking one in the face on a borken bat hit in the 5th inning or so. Not to get off topic, but if they don't make some changes, it's just a matter of time before a player, fan, coach, or ump is seriously hurt or even killed by a flying shard of hardwood. bobby
WHATA A GREAT GAME!! I must admit I was a bit worried there early in the game when the Mets were giving Moyer a run for his money. Sorry to see him have such a bad game. J-Roll, this is the player we know and love! How about Condrey's double?! Bruntlett's clutch hit?! And of course Coste's winning hit (4-4 off the bench!!!)Gonna be a tough one tonight with Santana on the mound. Let's hope Kendrick and the Phils give him a belated birthday present (his birthday was last night) and that the momentum from last night's game continues. GO PHILS!!! KarenA
I also say have to say, I love the way this team stays in games. Down but never out!! Going to be a tough one tonight. But they have to battle. Have to let Santana throw a lot of pitches. Got to get to the Pig-Pen again. Beef69
btw....2007 again?...I'd prefer that it was 1980 again....who could possibly fathom 2 World Championships in 1 lifetime...in Philly? Mark1npt
Sorry, 1981 here. Was not alive yet. Beef69
Too bad Beef...it was a wild ride thru the season and the playoffs......and it ended with the big prize, a parade.....hope you get to experience one of those. Mark1npt
Bobby, interesting you should bring up the bats. Yesterday a guy named Ward Dill unveiled a new bat he invented. It is called the Radial Bat. It is made from 12 wedges of wood that are combined with adhesive and clamped under pressure. He says it is impossible for this maple bat to shatter. He said his goal was to invent a safer bat (and an alternative to metal bats) that would perform just like a regular bat. Here is a link to the article for anyone interested: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-unbreakablewoodenbat&prov=ap&type=lgns bski
Mark: The final score of that game against the Cubs was 23-22, actually, and it was not the game that Schmidt hit the four HRs. That was a different game (believe it or not... oh how Schmidtty must have loved Wrigley field). Schmidtty was 2-for-4 with 4 walks in the 23-22 game, which was in 1979 (had to be, because Pete Rose had 4 RBI that game). Schmidtty's four HR game in Wrigley was in '76. RollinsWasRight
So, which was better, last night, or that Thursday afternoon, 11-10 game last year? RollinsWasRight
Mark1npt. I hope I do too. I could not even imagine what that would feel like. I got to go to my first Phillies playoff game last year. Lets hope this year I get to go to my first World Series Game. Tickets are in the mail!!! Beef69
By the way, has anyone else noticed how the difference between this team winning and losing seems to be, not pitching, not HRs, not even Jimmy Rollins so much, but moreso just aggressive baserunning? I mean, seriously, Werth scores the tying run from first on what was basically a single? Victorino ignoring baseball fundamentals and risking making the first out at third by legging out that triple? Plus they stole 6 bags last night. This team has been taking the extra base the last few games, and you can see what a difference it makes in the entire offense. Keep running, boys! RollinsWasRight- It was a great game, one of the most exciting games I have ever seen. But, will somebody explain to me why Charlie sent Brett Myers to pinch hit for Seanez if he was not going to swing the bat? Why not leave Seanez in there? In case the team doesn't score send him back to the mound and save Kendrick. He also risked Myers being hit by a pitch. It did not made sense. Maybe I missed something, Zo. Care to explain if I did? Sorry to ruin the excitement. EL Zorro
RollinsWasRight. Have to say it is a toss up. But if I had to pick. That 11-10 Thursday game was better. Cause one reason, I think. Billy Wagner. Beef69- RollinsWasRight. Another observation. The Phillies seem to play better when they are trailing. They take their concentration to another level. When they get good pitching from their own starters (see Cole Hamels record), they struggle offensively. EL Zorro
Two things, One, On the instant replay poll, another logical polling option should be "Would you prefer to have instant replay used at the beginning of next year", or "Should it be high on the agenda for winter meetings" - I can't beleive after all the years of deliberate consideration given to this subject we could be so rash as to engage it with but weeks notice mid season! What's happening next week - is the DH coming to the National League?! Two, This game unavilable in Harrisburg? - My sports bar couldn't get it on local channels, cable or satellite? robinlupe
I agree elzorro it didn't make sense to PH Myers for Seanez. I guess Manuel wanted the Mets to think Myers might swing due to the fact he is a starting pitcher (It could be years since the last time Seanez has hit) but at least he could have sent up a pitcher hitting over .050! Myers is 2 for 45 this season (although he is a better hitter lifetime than that. Anyway.. that was one of the best games I've ever seen and this is my 45th year as a fan. Perhaps the 5th game of the 1980 playoffs was better because it meant so much more but it was great! You can never count this team out. Their problem is their inconsistancies. I hope they get hot and sweep through the playoffs and get to the Show. With their hitting (potentially) and their improved pitching you just never know. GO PHILS!!!!!!!!!!!! James TL
RollinsWasRight (ahem, local sportswriter)...I stand corrected it was the 18-16 game in '76 that Schmitty hit his 4 hr's that was awesome, but the 23-22 game was a doozy also.....last night had "everything but a fight" like Cholly said!...and btw, didn't he do a masterful job of lining up the bench last night? I'm sure he had a lot of help from Jimmy Wiliams but that's why he's the bench coach......Robin, the reason for pushing thru instant replay now is that no one wants to see another blown HR call in THIS postseason......it's too important to let go til next year. How many have we seen blown this year? Too many by my count and I don't get to see every game in every city every night, either.... Mark1npt
RollinsWasRight: First, my vote is for the 11-10 game, but it's close. Second, great point about the base running. I think that is the barometer by which we can measure the team's aggressiveness. No question we play better when we are the aggressor and take it to the other team. It looked like we were doing that all weekend against the Dodgers. The thing is, I couldn't tell how much of it was us being aggressive and how much was the Dodgers laying back. After last night, I'm sure it was all us. bski
James/elzorro, have you ever seen Seanez hit? I did once years ago and I'm still laughing.....Myers was a big fat decoy sent up there to look all menacing and intimidating, and it almost worked with him posturing, swinging hard in his practice swings AND putting pressure on the pitcher to throw strikes...so much of this game at this level is mental AND intimidation of the hitter vs. pitcher, pitcher vs. hitter....lest we forget Myers worked a full count and would have won the game himself with a measely walk? He was never gonna swing but Seanez was never gonna force a walk either. Mark1npt
bski, right on...I was saying it in the last week when Rollins/Victorino, etc in obvious running situations, where they could put pressure on the pitcher and the defense were just standing there.....now we're doing what the best team in the AL, the Angels do, on any given night...they are the best at taking the extra base, forcing the issue on the defense, etc....gotta love this style of play and again I ask you all....where was it the last 2 months? Mark1npt- Mark, have you seen Myers hit? There is not a big difference. So much for intimidating after Myers bailed out of one pitch 10 feet away from him. Too many risks involved in that strategy. Kendrick threw like 40 pitches in the pen. In the other hand, Seanez was fresh. He has not pitch that much lately. What happens tonight if Kendrick can go 4 innings? Go to Seanez for a couple or innings until he comes to bat, and then what? EL Zorro
Anything goes tonight EZ....it won't matter what Kendrick gives us or whether Seanez has to bat or not if this team falls flat on their behinds and goes down meekly to Santana and the chokers.....this team has shown a disturbing tendency this year to be satisfied with a hard fought win to start a series, only to tank the next night...if they truly are back and the real deal, they won't behave that way tonight and they'll finally beat a good pitcher....Santana after all is only 12-7.....somebody has beaten him 7 TIMES this year..... Mark1npt
Mark: Totally agree on the choice of Myers vs. Seanez, and also phenomenally impressed by the masterful job Charlie and Jimy Williams did in managing that game last night. I thought it was borderline brilliance (of course, only because practically every move worked, but that's baseball...)... I also think that another factor in sending Myers up there was that Charlie knew Brett would have fun with it, go way over the top with the acting. You know how much emphasis Charlie puts on keeping the team loose, and that was one EASY spot for everyone to get tight. How would the team play in the 14th if Myers K'd and Coste bounced into a double-play? I think Charlie wanted to keep some smiles on his players' faces...they were having fun, which is the only way to win a game like that. The Mets showed what happens when you get tense in those games... RollinsWasRight
el zorro - who cares if he used Myers or Seanez? He likely was going to go to Kendrick anyway if they didn't score. Seanez stinks! If Kendrick actually pitched last night, they would have used someone else tonight. Gary Varsho
RWRight, you bring up the other issue I was going to discuss...it was masterful psychologically, as well as strategically....this is going to be the game that puts Cholly and this coaching staff on the map around the league with other staffs....he was LaRussa-like, in his planning and execution....and the tension breaker with Myers was one of the classic dugout gags of all time....which is exactly what this team needed.....I don't think the average fan who has never played a meanigful game at any level can grasp what took place last night during that inning or in that dugout...those guys will remember that game for the rest of their lives.....if Cholly lost anybody in that clubhouse at anytime during this season (yes, I mean you Truth, er I mean Jimmy) they are all back on board the train now....that was a real team building experience...something like what John Stevens would have done with his Flyers or Phil Jackson would have done with his Bulls of yesteryear....masterful. Mark1npt
I didn't get a chance to catch the game last night. Does anyone know if video of Myers' at-bat is on the web? VaPhilsPhan
More on Manuel...How about the gamble of holding Bruntlett back so he could use him to pinch hit and then sending Ruiz out to play 3rd?!? I'd say that worked out pretty well, huh? Also, how about finding out that Ruiz has been taking grounders there lately? What's up with that? Is anybody else as surprised as I am?.......Too bad Condrey was out of the game. If he were up instead of Myers, Coste wouldn't even have the chance to be the hero. bski
Also, about Myers' dancing all around during his "pinch hitting" appearance.....I watched the game on SportsNet New York. After the game, the Mets postgame live crew of Yaloff, Mazzili, and Reynolds were not to happy about Myers' antics. Harold Reynolds actually called it bush league. I know it was just sour grapes. I don't care one bit about what they think. I just thought it was funny that, with everything else that went on during the game, they would even bother to comment on that. bski
bski, Ruiz was originally a 2nd baseman, he had a good arm and he couldn't hit back then either so they decided to try him at catcher....didn't know he was taking grounders at 3rd now though...guess they were making plans a few weeks ago, not knowing how long Feliz might be out....and yes it was one of many masterful moves that Cholly made last night. Great that Bruntlett made him look so smart and that Werth continued the recent trend of all out hustle! Mark1npt
bski, people that can't grasp the psychological impact of what Manuel and Myers concocted, would view it as bush league, especially former players who never played for a manager like Manuel...remember Reynolds played his whole career in the AL where a stiff named Hargove who never moved a muscle on his face or in his body during a game was one of the league's most successful managers. Mark1npt
PS...I heard thru the grapevine that Harold Reynolds' whole lawsuit with ESPN was centered around something "bush league" too.....sounds like he should know about "bush league" lol,lol,lol Mark1npt- Varsho, Mark and Rollins, you guys still have a hangover from last ningt's game. It's funny that Charlie complained about Lidge being overused warming up in the pen during the allstar game when he did it to Kendrick last night. If he pitches tonight, by the time he goes to the mound he would have thrown around 80 pitches before Reyes gets in to the box. 40 last night, around the same amount in the bullpen before the game and 20 in the mound before the umpire will say playball. Brilliant! EL Zorro
bski: Met commentators would know all about "bush league" antics... they watch "Hot Dog" Reyes, and "Showboat" Tatis (btw, is he back on the HGH or what???) every night. That is the most classless, inprofessional team in baseball, hands down, for the last three years. They can think whatever they want, but they have NO right to complain about other teams trying to keep it loose and have fun. RollinsWasRight
EZ - you can't compare a relief pitcher, who is used to throwing max about 30 pitches a game, getting up multiple times throughout the course of a night, and throwing over 100 (eauivelant of a full game for a starter) to a guy who is used to throwing over 100 pitches a game, getting up once and throwing 40. Its just not the same. It has a lot to do with conditioning. Gary Varsho
Zorro...Kendrick was our last option last night....and he's a sinkerball pitcher...that kind of pitcher can actually get a little more action and sink on their ball when they get a little tired, much like Myers was getting more bite on his curveball later in the game the other night...he may go further than you think tonight....besides we HAD to win last night with Santana going for the chokers tonight...we may revert to passive amoeba at the dish tonight....no pun intended Mark1npt
Zorro: What else is he supposed to do? Everyone can think what they want, Seanez was never going out for a second inning last night. The guy is 37 or 38, fresh off the DL, has never been a multi-inning pitcher, and the only time I can recall Charlie sending him out for a second inning this year, it ended with Jose Reyes crossing the plate to end the game (by the way, I still contend he was out). I am not thrilled about the notion of Kendrick warming up last night, and then pitching tonight, but what other options are there? Sure, it sounds nice and easy to pitch Cole tonight on three days rest, but it isn't that simple. Do you then have to move Blanton and Myers up? Can Kendrick pitch tomorrow or Friday after having an oh so taxing warm-up in the pen? They don't have a lot of roster flexibility to call up some kid for one game, especially such a big game against Santana... besides, I think this coaching staff is dead set on pitching their 3 best pitchers this weekend in Wrigley... they want Hamels, Myers and Moyer all available for what promises to be a VERY tough 4-game set. They cannot afford to lose 3 out of 4. RollinsWasRight
RWR - your are dead on with the Mets and their BS antics. I almost went through the TV last night after Tatis' home run and his bs dance at home plate. Someone needs to give one of them a shot to the ribs. Not to mention, gone basically unmentioned today (because of the way we wone) is that HR was bs because the ball he hit up the 3rd baseline that hit Beltran was fair and he was OUT! Afful call by the umpire in that situation. That was a game changing play! Gary Varsho- Hamels is in normal rest, because of the off day, I think. I will pitch him tonight if that's the case. I don't want to lose Kendrick or overuse the bullpen today and get somebody hurt and have to call Eaton (Oh, no!) or still rehabbing Benson. We still have Happ, though. EL Zorro
Hamels pitched Saturday. To pitch again Wednesday would only be 3 days rest. They haven't had an off-day since before the Dodgers series. RollinsWasRight
MARK, to borrow a line from TBS....bush league, very funny. RollinsWasRight.....I agree they have no right to complain. Their postgame live is just like ours. The studio guys did break down the game and point out the Mets' failures and all. Like I said, it just struck me as odd that they would spend any time at all talking about it. It's not like that was the key at bat in the game or something and that's why they lost. bski
bski, that's hilarious given Tatis' celebration when he crossed home after his HR. He did this skip thing and put on a bit of a show. The Phils noticed it, b/c Howard did something similar when he crossed the plate after his HR--very unusual for the big man. So I have to LOL at the Mets announcers complaining about "bush league" behavior. danielswolf- bski: Saw the story on the radial bat. Sounds promisig. Let's hope it takes off and solves the problem. It would be nice to see that guy make it big with such a cool idea. Back to the Phils: I woke up in a bit of a haze this morning, vaguely aware that something special had happened last night. Then I looked at my pictures taken at last night's game and it all came back to me. Wish I could post some on here for you all. We had Diamond Club seats (comps) and that makes for great photos. Oh, I also have a hazy recollection that I was raving wildly last week about moving Jimmy down in the order and putting Victorino at leadoff... Nah, must have been a bad dream. bobby
Kotsay went to Boston. I would have like him as a left handed bat off the bench. Plus would have hepled with Jenkins on the DL. Beef69
Everybody wants to go to Boston as they're viewed as a sure thing to get back to the WS by many players....they still refuse to take the Rays (or us) seriously...Bobby/bski re: the radial bat....every design has been tried over the years...radial laminated bamboo bats were sround in the 60's and again in the 80's...modern composite bats were supposed to be the answer but never took off as they "feel" weird in your hands when hitting....I personally don't understood why the old hickory bat , ala' Willie Montanez from the 70's has not resurfaced...it was a hard, resilient wood and I'm not sure Willie ever broke one of his.... Mark1npt- Anyone else up for giving Pat the Bat the night off? He is really pressing and not producing. Put Victorino in the three hole, bat Taguchi eighth. Maybe he can lay down a bunt or two. RAS
Todd.....It's your birthday? Happy Birthday! And since the game ended after midnight, what a great gift! And thanks for the great re-cap! Even though I was at the game, there was soooo much stuff going on, I couldn't keep track! LOL! Totally forgot about Condrey's double! Has ANY Phillies pitcher EVER hit a double? LOL! And when Ruiz was swiched to 3rd, I was like...."What the F***!" But everything sure worked out! Brett's at-bat was one of the funniest things I've ever seen in my life! He should win an Academy Award! LOL! I was at Wed. game when Feliz hit the walk-off HR. At first I thought Costie hit another one. I was sitting right in the corner of right field and didn't see it land on the warning track. The bell started ringing IMMEDIATELY when the ball was hit, so I thought it went over! LOL! I've been to tons of great come-from-behind wins, but this was THE BEST ONE EVER!!!!! With last year's 11-10 win a close second! Norma
Hey-lost in it all becuase we won was that awful call at 3rd base in the third inning when the ball hit Beltran, then went foul. The umps blew that one and Tatis hit his HR on the next pitch or two. By the way, has Tatis started running the bases or is he still standing at home plate admiring his work? KMG
DANIELSWOLF...That's just one more reason why we hate the Mets so much. BOBBY....Glad you checked out the article about the Radial Bat. I don't know if it will be the answer, but indefinitely allowing razor sharp shards and barrels turned into spears flying all over the park certainly isn't. MARK....C'mon, we're talking an MIT grad with years of woodworking experience here. Hopefully he has found a solution. bski
Brett Myers is a crack head! Truth
Truth: Crack heads rarely tote around 35-40 pounds of extra weight. They are usually lacking 35-40 pounds of weight. Is Myers an anti-crackhead? RollinsWasRight
One of the best games played in MLB this year. Period. We have developed a tremendous rivalry against these hated Mets. We play great, well-played games with the Mets. This should spell the beginning of a Phils run. The offense has underachieved so they are due to rip. BoricuaPhilsFan
Great game last night!!! Charlie seemed to push all the right buttons, and most everyone responded. Wouldn't it have been better to have Seanez bat for himself in the 13th? He could have done the same thing as Myers, and he still could have come out and pitch the 14th if necessary, saving some bullpen pitches by Kendrick. Let's hope that doesn't come back to bite us tonight. southpaw57
Don't be surprised if Santana goes out and throws 120+ pitches tonight. Mike H.
As always, count on Truth to bring an insightful, factual, on point comment to the discussion. Off your meds again? jimmymack


