Big screen, small setback

IT WAS A great night for baseball in Philadelphia, even when the baseball wasn't so great for the home team playing under a Pacific sunset 3,000 miles away.

More than 300 fans gathered under the October moonlight at the Grand Plaza at Penn's Landing for a Phillies rally and to watch the ballclub take on the L.A. Dodgers in Game Three of their best-of-seven National League championship series.

And even though the Phightins fell behind early due to Jamie Moyer's erratic pitching, many fans still held out hope for the home team and praised them for getting this far.

"The game's not over," said Moorestown's Ricky McEnroe, who took the drive across the Delware with three buddies who were now seated close to the massive 17-x-24-foot LED screen erected for the occasion. "We're going to definitely win two of three in L.A., even if we lose this game."

Indeed, fans of all ages came to the rally, which featured the Phillie Phanatic leading a "Beat L.A.!!" charge along with several WIP radio personalities. Couples and whole families brought out coolers and lawn chairs to enjoy the game under a full moon on a clear, brisk fall night.

"Even if the Phillies lose this game, you can't help but be proud of the team for taking things this far," said Stephanie Wright, of Roxborough, who was wearing a Chase Utley woven jersey. "You have to be so proud of the team for picking up the city, and for the city providing a wonderful way to watch the game."

It was actually the Phillies' idea to have this rally and broadcast, explained Laurie Curtin Heinerichs, spokeswoman for the Penn's Landing Corporation.

"The Phillies came to us and said they wanted to find a public location to host a rally and celebration since the game wasn't home," Heinerichs said. "They wanted to find a spot in the city that was centrally located, and we snapped at the opportunity.

"It's great to get involved with city pride."

That the weather was beautiful and that the team has captured the city's heart in its run through the playoffs has made working with the Phillies a breeze, Heinerichs said.

"I think the beautiful weather this weekend allowed a great opportunity for fans to come together with other fans and share in this wonderful, exciting experience," Heinerichs said. "It's a great plaza, with a picturesque view."

The view was less ideal for the fans enduring the Dodgers taking a 6-1 lead into the fourth inning, and one fan couldn't help but cast Moyer as the villian.

"Our pitching staff is great, outside of Moyer," said fan Luther McManus, who wore a Mike Schmidt shirt and noted that Moyer also lost Game Three of the division series against the Milwaukee Brewers. "Moyer is a nice guy, but that slow fastball won't cut it in the playoffs."

Maybe not, but McManus and the other faithful couldn't argue with the view. *