As game 4 between the Phillies and Dodgers was coming to the end, it looked like the Dodgers were going to even up the series at 2.
The Phillies had other plans though.
The team that has built its recent success on hope and opportunities, seized the moment once again in game 4.
After getting a relatively easy first out in the bottom of the 9th, the Dodgers were just 2 outs away from a victory. Then, pitcher Jonathan Broxton walked Matt Stairs and hit Carlos Ruiz. Things were unraveling, and the Dodgers needed an out badly. Luckily for them, they were able to get Greg Dobbs to line out to third base for the second out of the inning. Then J-Roll stepped in. After just 3 pitches, Rollins smacked a 2-run double to right field, and the Phillies took the game and the series lead 3-1.
The bottom of the 9th was a typical Phillies inning. They rallied when they needed it most, and one of their leaders, Jimmy Rollins, delivered the clutch hit.
The difference in the outcome was that the Dodgers GAVE the Phillies an opportunity, and the Phillies TOOK it. Had Broxton not given 2 free passes in the 9th, I am not so sure that the Phillies would have been able to get a rally going with just hits.
You cannot put the full blame on Broxton, but you have to wonder why Torre left him in the game after he hit Ruiz. His control was clearly in question, and I think they could have used somebody else on the mound at that point. Of course, hindsight is 20-20, so all you can do is look forward to game 5, and hope this series can continue to produce the excitement that was displayed in game 4. It should be a dandy!
Filed under: MLB
