2012 Top Moment #4: Drama-Filled Sweep of Brewers
Posted by Amanda Orr, Sat, December 15, 2012 02:46 PM | Comments: 4
Posts, Top 10 Moments of 2012
In late July, the Phillies found themselves significantly under the .500 mark. Fans were starting to become uninterested as the team performed well under their expectations. In general, it wasn’t a pleasant time for Phillies fans, as the Phillies eventually decided to become sellers at the trade deadline.
But there was a series that brought hope: July 24-26 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Phillies were able to sweep the Brew Crew, but it was more than a sweep. Every game was full of excitement, leading fans to wonder if the Phillies would be a second-half team once again.
The drama began in the ninth inning on July 23. The Phillies were down 6-3 with Francisco Rodriguez on the mound. Ryan Howard started the rally with a two-run single. Carlos Ruiz tied the game with a single of his own, and Ty Wigginton’s sacrifice fly brought home the winning run. Just when all thought the Phillies were dead, they came alive with a four-run ninth inning. The late-inning madness would not stop there.
In the second game of the series, the Phillies trailed 6-1 entering the bottom of the eighth. A six run inning was captivated by an Erik Kratz home run, Carlos Ruiz double, and Hunter Pence go-ahead bloop single. At the time, Erik Kratz was on fire, and had several huge hits during the series.
The final game of the series was arguably the best of them all. The Phillies had an early lead, but lost it in the later innings, highlighting the year’s bullpen issues. Tied at five, the game headed into extra innings. The Brewers quickly regained the lead in the tenth, but the Phillies didn’t give up. Ruiz’s sacrifice fly evened the score. Last but not least, Jimmy Rollins singled for the walk-off victory, completing the sweep.
The Phillies won every game in the series by a score of 7-6. It was the fourth straight game in which the Phillies won in their final at-bat. Before this series, the Phillies hadn’t had too many walk-off wins. This series certainly changed that. The Comeback Kids were back in town.
The July Brewers series did not lack late-inning excitement. In my opinion, walk-off wins stick out more than most other victories, possibly because of the intensity and drama. This series brought back memories of some thrilling walk-off wins in recent history. It also brought back faith in Phillies baseball.
Posts: 3 turn2
I’d prefer that they make a trade for Ben Zobrist than sign either Swisher or Ross. Ross doesn’t get on base, which is the last thing this line-up needs. Zobrist had 97 BBs (.377 OBP) last year and 20 homers, plus has more speed than both of them. In CBP, he could might hit 25+ HRs, especially if they let him focus on 1 position. But they also have the option to put him at 2nd base if Utley goes on the DL. Not bad for a guy that would only cost them 5.5 mil this year as opposed to paying $12-15 mil per year for Swisher.
Posted: 04:39 PM on December 15, 2012
Posts: 0 CS
I watched probably 90% of the season, and this was by far one of the best parts of the season.
Posted: 07:48 PM on December 15, 2012
Posts: 3479 Lefty
Good choice for top moments. I almost can’t believe that was the one week this summer I was out of town, and missed the whole series! Maybe I should go away more often?
Posted: 07:51 PM on December 15, 2012
Posts: 0 Manny
This series was incredible. Wondering what the other top 3 moments are,since to me this was the highlight of an otherwise frustrating season!
Posted: 07:31 PM on December 16, 2012