America's Pastime - Philadelphia Phillies Win a World Series Title in Game 5
by John Seo
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Update on enduring rain, wind and cold temperature the Philadelphia Phillies triumph over the Tampa Bay Rays to win game 5 of the World Series, Wednesday. Amid postponement, mohawks and questionable calls by the umpires, it was a hallmark World Series. The Major League Baseball (MLB) game's official final score was 4-3 and the series was won 4-1. The Fall Classic this October was a grueling battle between the traditional power style of the Phillies and the unusual strategy of the Rays. This is the second time the Phillies have won the World Series in their 126 year history, the other time was in 1980. Game 5 was a three day wait for fans as the game was suspended (adjourned) due to rainouts Monday and Tuesday. Some notable Phillies include World Series MVP, pitcher Cole Hamels, second base Chase Utley, Pitcher Brad Lidge, Eric Bruntlett, third base Pedro Feliz, outfielder Geoff Jenkins, outfielder So Taguchi and general manager Charlie Manuel. Charlie Manuel told the crowd: "This is for Philadelphia. Who's the world Champion(s) now?"
There may be "only one October," but there have been October classics (The Series) since 1903. The New York Yankees were a notable no-show in this years playoffs, having won 26 World Series Championships, possibly due to the loss of manager Joe Torre while the Chicago Cubs have only won the World Series once, in 1908. The skill level and statistical game theory have improved dramatically throughout the years. Major League Baseball has seen steroid crisis, boycott, strike and even an earthquake in 1989.
Home field advantage goes to the team whose league, American League or National League, who wins the All-Star game. Due to a 15 inning struggle, the longest MLB All-Star game in history, between American and National teams, where the Texas Rangers' Michael Young batted in the winning run for the American League giving the Tampa Bay Rays home field advantage.
The Major League Philadelphia Phillies from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania despite having the most losses of any major league team in history opened the season strong. The Phillies had the best on the road record in the National League at 44-37.
Game 5 Update
The game started On Monday, October 27, 2008 and lasted until Wednesday, October 29 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies scored two runs in the first inning for the third consecutive game when Shane Victorino and Pedro Feliz batted in Jayson Werth and Pat Burrell respectively. The Rays answered back in the fourth inning with a Carlos Pena double. Carlos Pena also tied it up in the sixth inning when B.J. Upton scored from second base. The game was then postponed, the first game to be postponed in Major League Baseball history.
The resumed game started with the Phillies up to bat in the bottom of the sixth. Geoff Jenkins pinch hit a lead off double. He was advanced by a sacrifice bunt by Rollins. Jason Werth batted Jenkins in to take a 3-2 lead over the Rays. Then, Rays' Rocco Baldelli tied the game again with a solo home run. The winning run was hit in by Eric Bruntlett getting Pedro Feliz home. Brad Lidge finished off the Rays batting lineup and the Phillies won the game and The Series 4-3.
Game 4 Update
This landslide victory ended 10-2 in favor of the Phillies. Again the Philadelphia takes an early 1-0 lead in the first inning. They scored again in the third inning due to a fielding error. The Rays answered back when Carl Crawford hit a solo home run in the top of the fourth inning. But the Phillies wouldn't let the home run go unanswered. Ryan Howard hit a dinger three run home run in the bottom bringing the score to 5-1 Phillies. Surprisingly, Pitcher Joe Blanton extended the Phillies lead with a home run. Jayson Werth hit a two run home run in the eighth inning. Later that same inning Ryan Howard hit his second home run increasing the lead to 10-2. The Phillies pitchers were able to prevent the Rays from getting any more runs.
Game 3 Update
The third game of the 2008 World Series was delayed for one hour 31 minutes due to rain. Notable players included Carl Crawford's stolen third base. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley hit back to back home runs. The game was eventually won by a walk off infield single by the Phillies. Phillies win 2-1.
Game 2 Update
The second game of "The Series" was played at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida October 23, 2008. The Tampa Bay Rays got off to an early lead when Akinori Iwamura and B.J. Upton scored on consecutive ground outs by Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria. In the second inning Upton singles scoring Dioner Navarro. The Rays widened their lead in the fourth when Cliff Floyd got home by a Jason Bartlett sacrifice bunt. The Phillies tried to make a comeback with an eighth inning Eric Bruntlett home run, and a run scored in the ninth inning. Final score, 4-2 Tampa Bay Rays.
Game 1 Update
This is the start of the 2008 World Series Championship. An early Philadelphia Phillies lead by Chase Utley and Jayson Werth has put the Phillies on top 2-0. In the fourth inning both teams scored when Carlos Ruiz batted Victorino in and a solo home run by Carl Crawford put the Rays back in the game. If each World Series game is this close we are in for a real competition.