Top Moment No. 13: Jayson Werth Steals Home
In the first meeting between the Phillies and Dodgers since the 2008 NLDS, the story focused on whether or not this would be Chan Ho Park’s last start. Rocking an even 6.00 ERA, Chopper had a tendency of coughing up a handful of runs in the first couple innings. In fact, Park would make just one more start five days later before being relegated to the bullpen – where he proved to be much more effective.
Park looked to be right on track as a Juan Pierre lead-off double led to a run before Jimmy Rollins even saw his first pitch. Well actually, Shane Victorino was leading off for the Phillies with JRoll in the five hole as reward for an 0-for-13 slump. This meant that Chase Utley moved up to second followed by Jayson Werth in the third spot.
With the Dodgers up 2-1 in the fourth, Werth snagged the first of four bases he would swipe on the evening on a double steal with Ryan Howard of all people. They both scored along with JRoll in the inning to give the Phils a 4-2 lead – one that Park settled down and protected.
The Phillies received some insurance in dramatic fashion in the seventh inning. After a single and steal of second base, Werth advanced further on another double steal this time with Jimmy Rollins. Standing on third with Pedro Feliz at the plate, Jayson noticed that the Dodgers’ catcher Russel Martin had not so much as glanced down the third-base line. Taking advantage of the absent-mindedness, Werth fled for home after the fifth pitch to the absolute shock of Feliz, Manager Charlie Manuel, the 45,191 in attendance and thousands more watching at home. By the time Dodgers’ pitcher Ronald Belisario got the ball back to Martin, Werth’s slender left leg was already sliding over home plate leaving us all with our mouths on the floor.
Whether you were trying to figure out what just happened, or screaming “waaaaaahahaaa” in pleasure of sticking it to that smug Russell Martin, Werth provided a Phillies moment we won’t soon forget. Nor will the record books as he joined Sherry Magee and Garry Maddox as the only Phillies to steal four bases in a game. Pete Rose was the last one to steal three bases in an inning back in 1980.
After the crowd at Citizens Bank Park thanked Werth with standing ovation, they eventually witnessed the Phillies hold on for a solid 5-3 win.
