GaryMrMets
05-27-2004, 02:04 PM
http://www.courierpostonline.com/news/sports/s052704d.htm
Phillies pick each other up in victory
By EDWARD de la FUENTE
Gannett News Service
NEW YORK
Thursday, May 27, 2004
It's unlikely the Phillies sang "Kumbaya" on the bus ride home, but they were in that kind of mood leaving Shea Stadium Wednesday night.
Their 7-4 victory over the New York Mets salvaged a two-game series split and was gained as a result of players picking up teammates.
The Phillies' offense helped out starting pitcher Brett Myers with a six-run outburst in the seventh inning, snapping a string of offensive futility. Jim Thome, unable to help the team for five games while he nursed hand injuries, delivered the go-ahead hit. Reliever Rheal Cormier bailed out second baseman Chase Utley, recording a big third out in the eighth inning two batters after Utley's error sustained a Mets rally.
The Mets also aided their cause, making a pair of crucial errors during the Phils' rally from a 3-0 deficit.
"That was a good win," Thome said. "It's nice leaving here with a split instead of losing two games. This game is about picking each other up, and we did that."
The Phillies (25-19) kept pace with Florida for first place in the NL East as they head back to Citizens Bank Park for a seven-game homestand.
They almost trudged back home with consecutive shutouts for the first time since Sept. 11-12, 1999. Instead, they put together a dizzying six-run seventh inning, roughing up four relievers after Mets right-hander Matt Ginter tossed six shutout innings.
They took advantage of two Mets miscues, including a throwing error by first baseman Mike Piazza on a potential double-play ball that led to the tying run scoring. Thome's double down the right-field line snapped a 3-all tie.
"They gave us a couple of opportunities with their mistakes, and we put together some good at-bats after they did that," Phillies manager Larry Bowa said.
Myers, vying for his fourth straight victory, left the game after 5 2/3 innings and consecutive walks, the last of which forced in a run.
Reliever Roberto Hernandez also issued a bases-loaded walk.
"The bullpen and the offense picked me up," Myers said.
"They did a great job. I was a little erratic, but the one thing I could do was keep the team in the game."
The Phillies still had to survive a Mets rally in the eighth. With two outs and a pair of runners on base, Cormier induced a ground ball from Cliff Floyd that Utley booted, loading the bases. Cormier then threw four straight balls to Piazza, forcing in a run.
Cormier then struck out pinch-hitter Todd Zeile, recording the third out on his second chance.
"With Piazza coming up, you're just like, `Oh no,' " Cormier said. "I know Chase felt bad about the play. You just try to pick him up."
Phillies pick each other up in victory
By EDWARD de la FUENTE
Gannett News Service
NEW YORK
Thursday, May 27, 2004
It's unlikely the Phillies sang "Kumbaya" on the bus ride home, but they were in that kind of mood leaving Shea Stadium Wednesday night.
Their 7-4 victory over the New York Mets salvaged a two-game series split and was gained as a result of players picking up teammates.
The Phillies' offense helped out starting pitcher Brett Myers with a six-run outburst in the seventh inning, snapping a string of offensive futility. Jim Thome, unable to help the team for five games while he nursed hand injuries, delivered the go-ahead hit. Reliever Rheal Cormier bailed out second baseman Chase Utley, recording a big third out in the eighth inning two batters after Utley's error sustained a Mets rally.
The Mets also aided their cause, making a pair of crucial errors during the Phils' rally from a 3-0 deficit.
"That was a good win," Thome said. "It's nice leaving here with a split instead of losing two games. This game is about picking each other up, and we did that."
The Phillies (25-19) kept pace with Florida for first place in the NL East as they head back to Citizens Bank Park for a seven-game homestand.
They almost trudged back home with consecutive shutouts for the first time since Sept. 11-12, 1999. Instead, they put together a dizzying six-run seventh inning, roughing up four relievers after Mets right-hander Matt Ginter tossed six shutout innings.
They took advantage of two Mets miscues, including a throwing error by first baseman Mike Piazza on a potential double-play ball that led to the tying run scoring. Thome's double down the right-field line snapped a 3-all tie.
"They gave us a couple of opportunities with their mistakes, and we put together some good at-bats after they did that," Phillies manager Larry Bowa said.
Myers, vying for his fourth straight victory, left the game after 5 2/3 innings and consecutive walks, the last of which forced in a run.
Reliever Roberto Hernandez also issued a bases-loaded walk.
"The bullpen and the offense picked me up," Myers said.
"They did a great job. I was a little erratic, but the one thing I could do was keep the team in the game."
The Phillies still had to survive a Mets rally in the eighth. With two outs and a pair of runners on base, Cormier induced a ground ball from Cliff Floyd that Utley booted, loading the bases. Cormier then threw four straight balls to Piazza, forcing in a run.
Cormier then struck out pinch-hitter Todd Zeile, recording the third out on his second chance.
"With Piazza coming up, you're just like, `Oh no,' " Cormier said. "I know Chase felt bad about the play. You just try to pick him up."