2012 Top Moment #7: Howard Comes Up Clutch in New York

On September 19, the Phillies were in the middle of a big series against the New York Mets.  They were four games out of the Wild Card, so the postseason was still within reach at the time.

After Cole Hamels tossed a quality start and the bullpen pitched two stellar innings, the Phillies still found themselves trailing 2-1 with two outs in the top of the ninth inning.  One swing of the bat changed the game, and created a top moment for the season.

Chase Utley drew a huge two-out walk, leaving the game in the hands of a struggling Ryan Howard.  Mets pitcher Josh Edgin appeared to have the advantage in the matchup, especially since Howard had been in an 0-for-18 slump against lefties.

With the count at 0-1, Howard crushed a fastball deep into the right field seats. There was no doubt about it.  The Phillies took a 3-2 lead, and Jonathan Papelbon was able to close it out.

After the big blast, Phillies Nation commenter The Original Chuck P commented:

“Can we PLEASE give the man his due? You take the strikeouts, you take the ugly at bats against lefties because he is the only guy on this team that can strike fear in the opponent. He can change the game with one swing and he DRIVES IN RUNS.”

Indeed, Howard changed the game with one swing on September 19.  It was a huge win that temporarily kept the Phillies’ postseason hopes alive.