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05/05/2004 Archived Entry: "Phillies Journal - 2004"
Phillies Journal - 2004
by Max Blue
http://maxblue3.tripod.com/darkblue
PHILLIES HIT FOUR – LOSE
Coming into the game the Cardinals’ 40 homeruns in 23 games led the majors. In this game they hit none. The Phillies hit four to increase their total to 30 but still lost the game. In the fifth inning with two out and none on they tied the game at five with back-to-back-to-back homers by Abreu (his second of the game), Thome, and Burrell off Chris Carpenter. The tie didn’t last long. In Bowa’s book Brett Myers had to pitch six innings never mind that it was obvious he couldn’t. He went five and two thirds giving up the go ahead run. The Phillies couldn’t crack St. Louis relief pitching and lost 6-5. They made it interesting in the ninth. Cardinal’s closer Jason Isringhausen knew if he got the first three men out he would not have to face Abreu and Thome. He fanned Tomas Perez, walked Marlon Byrd, and gave up a single to Placido Polanco. He went to 3-0 on Abreu. Pitching coach Dave Duncan came to the mound with a serious message: “Walk this guy and I’ll kill you.” Abreu fanned on three high fastballs. Cardinal’s manager Tony LaRussa had a simple message: “I will not let Jim Thome beat me.” Thome was intentionally walked to load the bases and put the winning run in scoring position. The book says you shouldn’t do that. Bleep the book. The count went 2-2 on Pat Burrell, Isringhausen throwing all fastballs in the mid 90s. Burrell was getting some good swings. He fouled off a couple. Catcher Matheny thought it was time for a curve. Isringhausen didn’t agree. If Burrell had not swung at the high and inside fastball the wild pitch that clanked off Matheny’s glove would have tied the game. But he did swing. The ball bounced off the low brick wall behind homeplate (Wrigley Field East?} where Matheny retrieved it and fired a seed to Albert Pujols who stretched to catch the ball in the instant before Burrell’s foot hit the bag.
I know it sounds a bit lame
But four long balls should win the game.
If anyone thinks
That Brett Myers stinks
It would be hard to deny their claim.
Tuesday May 4, 2004. Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia.
St. Louis – 6, Philadelphia – 5.
