The Phillies first win of the 2008 season came on a walk off walk. The first win of 2009 didn't come on a walk of walk, however walks were a big factor. Clay Condrey won the first game in '08, and he did it again it '09.
At about 2:45 PM, the red carpet was rolled out onto the field and the players started being called one by one to receive the World Championship rings. Pat Burrell, and even Adam Eaton returned to get their rings. Burrell recieved the loudest ovation of any of the World Champs; Eaton quite the opposite as he was showered with boos as he waved to the crowd.
A little after 3:15, Joe Blanton struck out the first two batters to start the game. However, the Braves took an early 2-0 lead on Brian McCann's home run.
The Phillies tied it up in the second when Raul Ibanez hit a two-run home run, his first hit as a Phillie.
However, the Braves offense rocked Blanton, putting up a 5 spot in the 3rd inning. Blanton lasted just four innings and allowed 7 earned runs on 9 hits and two walks. The Braves would eventually have a 10-3 lead.
It looked as if the Braves had the game and the sweep in the books. The Braves decided turn to the bullpen and take out stater Javier Vazquez, who pitched 6 innings and allowed 3 earned runs.
With one out in the seventh inning, Chase Utley blooped a single, and the rest was downhill for the Braves. Ryan Howard was hit by a pitch, then Jayson Werth drew a walk. Ibanez and Pedro Feliz followed with singles and all of a sudden it was a 10-4 game with just one out and the bases loaded.
The hero of the NLCS, Matt Stairs was due up. He admitted he always has one thing on his mind: home run. But Stairs was patient at the plate and drew a bases loaded walk. Then, Chris Coste and Jimmy Rollins followed with bases loaded walks of their own.
After another pitching change, Shane Victorino, who led off the inning, slapped a single to right field to score a run. Utley then drew a walk to tie the game. The Phillies effectively took one base at a time. Howard softly grounded out, however, the go ahead run scored. It was Howard's 500th career RBI.
Eric Bruntlett's sacrifice fly in the 8th innings gave the Phillies a 12-10 lead.
The Phillies batted around and put up an eight spot in the 7th inning. Between the Braves relief pitchers, O'Flarerty, Peter Moylan, Boyer, and Jorge Campillo, they walked 6 batters and gave up nine earned runs. The Braves pitchers couldn't come close to the strike zone and coughed up the lead.
To the Phillies credit, they were patient at the plate and earned their first win of the season.
Brad Lidge came in for the ninth, and despite a solo home run to Matt Diaz, he earned his first save of the season, continuing his streak.
The Phillies have done it in many times in the past and they did it again. A come from behind 12-11 win.
Blog of Note: Phillies Phanatics has a roundtable discussion with some Phillies bloggers. I answered some of Shay's questions, so make sure you check it out.
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