In a classic thriller, Carlos Ruiz busted a full-count, two-out double to hand the Phillies the 4-3 lead and eventual win in 11 innings over the Yankees.
The win capped a spectacular 8-2 road trip by the Fightins’, which ranks among some of the best road swings in franchise history. The game featured some clutch hitting — not just Ruiz, who went 3-for-4 to end up at .302 on the season (and blocked the plate despite Johnny Damon trying to will the ball free in a great out call), but also by Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino in a two-run third. And of course, by Raul Ibanez, who struck an RBI double in the sixth.
Cole Hamels had a solid start, battling with patient Yankee hitters all day for a line of 6 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, 5 K. Chad Durbin and Ryan Madson were masterful once again, with Scott Eyre grabbing an out from Johnny Damon. But once again, Brad Lidge blew the save in the ninth, allowing a tough infield single score form stolen bases and a Melky Cabrera RBI single.
Clay Condrey battled through a potentially harrowing 10th, inducing a double play, intentionally walking Alex Rodriguez and making Ramiro Pena fly out. His 11th? Much easier.
Face it: This was a classic game, ending a classic series between two eerily even teams. This was October baseball, in May.
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