Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Joe “Heavy B” Blanton was not to be outdone in Game Four of the World Series. After giving up a solo home run to Tampa Bay Rays pinch-hitter Eric Hinske in the fifth inning, he returned the favor by hitting his own solo shot in the bottom of the same inning.
Blanton was just the 15th pitcher to hit a home run in the World Series—1974 was the last time.
“I guess I just stuck to my same approach to hitting since I got here,” Blanton explained as he spoke about his home run. “Close my eyes and swing hard in case, you know, something good happens. You know, it’s better to be lucky than good, I guess.”
Oh Joe, it’s not about luck at this point. This is the World Series, and the best team will win.
The Phillies are now up 3-1 after the 10-2 lopsided victory over the Rays.
Blanton set the tone early with a three-up, three-down first inning. In the bottom of the inning, a questionable decision by Rays’ starter Andy Sonnanstine to not throw to second base for an easy double play, combined with a botched call by third-base umpire Tim Welke, led to a bases-loaded walk that scored the Phillies’ Jimmy Rollins.
Replays showed that Rays' third baseman Evan Longoria tagged Rollins. Fans were treated to a giggle-inducing freeze frame of Longoria’s glove resting on Rollins backside just for good measure.
It’s a bit disturbing, witnessing all the incorrect calls during the biggest series of the year. The wealth is spread all around the umpiring team and, in Game Four, the call was the first mistake that benefited the Phils. Of course, fans want a fair game, but once the error didn’t hurt the Phillies, Philadelphia fans were able to throw their hands up and say, “Finally!”
In the end, the missed call would not have made a difference, as the Rays lost by eight runs.
Even with the barrage of hits, Phillies left fielder Pat Burrell has yet to break out of his World Series slump. It's actually extremely pleasing to see Burrell regularly occupying the top step of the dugout, ready to congratulate teammates on a job well done. However, fans are wondering when "The Bat" is going to show up.
While Burrell is still MIA, it’s a relief to see the Phillies' bats awaken. Ryan Howard and Rollins, the notable slumping players, performed well tonight. They went 3-for-4 and 3-for-5, respectively.
Howard put an exclamation point on his declaration that he was back (stated in Game Three with a home run) by going yard twice and earning five RBI. The first baseman credits his success in Game Four to staying calm and focused.
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2 months ago
God bless The Phillies.
WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP HERE WE COME
Parade down Broad Street.
You hear that Cowbell ray's
IT's ALL OVER
IT'S ALL OVER
80 and 08'
It's in the numbers
It's in the numbers
Oh my god
oh my god
Were gonna win
LET's GO PHILLIES
LET's GO PHILLIES
I'm so excited i cant breathe.
from 2 months ago
I share your excitement!
2 months ago
I'm going tonight. I am so nervous my hands and legs can not stay still.
from 2 months ago
Have fun! I'm so jealous.
2 months ago
Thanks...I will. I'll also get as much video and pcitures as I can so you can get a feel of what it was like.
from 2 months ago
Again, so incredibly jealous.
2 months ago
If it's any consolation, the wait is torture for me.
from 2 months ago
Umm, yeah. Not much consoling happening with that remark, haha. :)
2 months ago
http://phillysoulfan.com/
Click on the Phillies Logo to see video from when we clinched the divsion. That should wet your appetite.
Also, there is a tab to a Phillies Picture Gallery. Feel free to check that out as well.
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