Top Moment #21: Oswalt Ignores Stop Sign, Runs to Win
Roy Oswalt heeded none of those calls and it made for a magical moment on the basepaths during Game 2 of the NLCS.
Oswalt blew through the stop sign from Sam Perlozzo on a single up the middle by Placido Polanco in the seventh inning, shocking all 46,099 in attendance. The Phillies third ace turned faces from this to this in just 180 feet, beating the throw from Giants centerfielder Andres Torres.
“When I got halfway, I saw the stop sign,” Oswalt said. “I said, ‘It’s too late now, no turning back.'” His slide into home plate caused an eruption and put the Phillies ahead 3-1, which would turn into 6-1 a few batters later on a three-run double by Jimmy Rollins.
J-Roll, who began the playoffs 1-for-16, snapped out of it in a big way. But that momentum swing was due to the all-around play of Oswalt.
Somehow, the baserunning blunder by Oswalt will overshadow an incredible performance on the mound. Roy Deuce struck out nine (a playoff career high) over eight innings, while allowing three hits and three walks. Cody Ross was responsible for the lone Giants tally on – yes – a home run.
It was yet another stellar display of pitching artistry on the mound during the Phillies postseason. And, it came one night after Roy Halladay was unable to start the Phillies off with a victory. Even though they did not fulfill the ultimate goal of a world championship, Oswalt and his cohorts at least made the playoffs a memorable one.
(Photo: Washington Times)
