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Phillies Edge Rays 5-4 to Take Lead in Series

By the Associated Press

Posted Oct 26, 2008 1:16 AM CDT
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(AP) – It took a while, but the Phillies finally beat Tampa Bay in the wee hours to take a 2-1 lead in the World Series. Carlos Ruiz hit an infield single—a trickler down the third-base line—with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth as Philly outlasted the Rays, 5-4. The game didn't begin until 10:06pm because of a rain delay, and it didn't end until 1:47am. Ruiz, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard homered for the Phils.

Rays reliever JP Howell hit Eric Bruntlett with a pitch to start the ninth. Enter Grant Balfour, who threw a wild pitch that caromed off the backstop to catcher Dioner Navarro, whose throw trying to get Bruntlett skipped into center field. With Bruntlett on third, the Rays issued two intentional walks. Ruiz followed with a nubber down the line. Third-baseman Evan Longoria dove for the ball, then rushed an underhanded flip home that sailed over Navarro's head. Game over.

Philadelphia Phillies' Eric Bruntlett runs past a diving Tampa Bay Rays' Evan Longoria to score the winning run from third.
Philadelphia Phillies' Eric Bruntlett runs past a diving Tampa Bay Rays' Evan Longoria to score the winning run from third.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Philadelphia Phillies' Carlos Ruiz, second left, is congratulated by his teammates after his RBI single scoring Eric Bruntlett for the winning run.
Philadelphia Phillies' Carlos Ruiz, second left, is congratulated by his teammates after his RBI single scoring Eric Bruntlett for the winning run.   (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Philadelphia Phillies' Jamie Moyer reacts after Tampa Bay Rays' Evan Longoria flies out to deep left to end the sixth inning.
Philadelphia Phillies' Jamie Moyer reacts after Tampa Bay Rays' Evan Longoria flies out to deep left to end the sixth inning.   (Julie Jacobson)
Philadelphia Phillies' Carlos Ruiz connects on a solo home run off Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Matt Garza during the second inning of Game 3.
Philadelphia Phillies' Carlos Ruiz connects on a solo home run off Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Matt Garza during the second inning of Game 3.   (Charles Krupa)
Philadelphia Phillies' Carlos Ruiz points up to the sky as he crosses home after hitting a home run during the second inning.
Philadelphia Phillies' Carlos Ruiz points up to the sky as he crosses home after hitting a home run during the second inning.   (Julie Jacobson)
Philadelphia Phillies' J.C. Romero reacts after getting Tampa Bay Rays' Jason Bartlett to ground out during the ninth inning of Game 3.
Philadelphia Phillies' J.C. Romero reacts after getting Tampa Bay Rays' Jason Bartlett to ground out during the ninth inning of Game 3.   (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Philadelphia Phillies' J.C. Romero reacts after getting Tampa Bay's Jason Bartlett to ground out during the ninth inning.
Philadelphia Phillies' J.C. Romero reacts after getting Tampa Bay's Jason Bartlett to ground out during the ninth inning.   (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Phillies celebrate.
The Phillies celebrate.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
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MLB • Philadelphia Phillies • Tampa Bay Rays • 2008 World Series

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