The bases are loaded in the bottom of the ninth when Chase Utley steps to the plate. The 11-year veteran works a full count against Eury De La Rosa as a lively crowd of 32,619 anticipates the pay-off pitch is on its way. It’s a dream scenario for the batter.
Utley just stands there and watches. His knees buckle ever so slightly at the sight of De La Rosa’s hook as it passes. There’s a moment where every man, woman, and child at Citizens Bank Park holds their breath – everyone except Utley.
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Ball four. The Phillies defeat the Diamondbacks 4-3.
No, it's not the most exciting finish in baseball, although you wouldn’t know it by Cody Asche’s face as the rookie crossed home to score the game-winning run. After all, it was the 23-year-old’s pinch-hit single that got the Phils’ rally started, helping a club that seemed completely rudderless only a week ago pick up its third consecutive walk-off victory, fourth in the last six days.
And if you’ve been on the internet long enough, you know what a walk-off walk means. #shrimp
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If you do have any questions about the above video, this is a good place to start.
Quick game summary: Domonic Brown lost a fly ball in the twilight during the fourth inning, aiding Arizona as they jumped out to a 3-1 lead on Cole Hamels. Cole was able to keep his composure though and make it through seven strong, while battery mate Carlos Ruiz evened things up in the sixth with a two-run double. B.J. Rosenberg and Jonathan Papelbon managed to keep the score tied, setting up the seemingly inevitable ninth.
Darin Ruf also homered in the second frame. The solo blast gives him 10 for the year, seven in the month of August alone.
In addition to all the comeback/walk-offs of late, the Fightins have won five of their last six overall. We don’t want to make too much of it with the season well out of hand, yet it’s worth pointing out that this has been the best week of baseball the Phillies have played in over a month, perhaps longer. Draw your own conclusions... but obviously it was the retro uniforms on Friday.
>> BOX SCORE [MLB]