Recap: Philadelphia vs. Tampa Bay
Sports Network | October 26, 2008
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The Phillies haven't been able to hit with runners in scoring position for this entire World Series, but in the ninth inning of Game 3, Eric Bruntlett scored on a Carlos Ruiz slow dribbler to give Philadelphia a 5-4 win in a wild early-morning finish.
J.P. Howell hit Bruntlett with a pitch leading off. Bruntlett then went to second when Grant Balfour uncorked a wild pitch, and advanced to third when catcher Dioner Navarro's return throw went into center field. Shane Victorino and pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs were intentionally walked before Ruiz hit a slow bouncer toward third, tight to the line. Evan Longoria charged and sent an underhand scoop while falling down, but the ball sailed over Navarro's head.
The hit made the Phillies 2-for-33 with runners in scoring position, but they still grabbed a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
First pitch was officially at 10:06 p.m. (et), 1 1/2 hours after the original time, marking the latest start time in World Series history because of a lengthy rain delay. The teams played until nearly 2 a.m. (et).
Ruiz, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard all homered for the Phillies, while J.C. Romero (1-0) threw 1 1/3 innings to get the win.
Howell (0-1) threw one inning and was tagged with the loss.
Gabe Gross drove in two runs for the Rays.
