World Series, Game 4

It's Always 'Sonny' In Philadelphia ... not tonight: 10-2 Phillies and one win from a championship

Because you need it, and because I am there for you

End of eight, 10-2 Phillies

Athens is sacked, regroup on the plains of Marathon!

End of seven, 6-2 Phillies

Quiet.

End of six, 6-2 Phillies

Nothing new to see here

End of five, 6-2 Phillies

Eric Hinske pinch-hit for Andy Sonnanstine and homered. ... Then Blanton homered. He now has more hits and homers than Longoria and Pena combined.

End of four, 5-1 Phillies

Carl Crawford inched the Rays closer, but another Iwamura error started the dominos tumbling on a bust-out three-run inning powered by a three-run Ryan Howard homer. The trendline that matters: the Rays' core hitters are doing nothing, the Phillies' are coming alive.

End of three, 1-0 Phillies

Andy Sonnanstine has more hits in the World Series than Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena combined. Iwamura made an error? Things do not look good for the Rays.

End of three, 1-0 Phillies

Andy Sonnanstine has more hits in the World Series than Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena combined.

End of two, 1-0 Phillies

Sonnanstine has settled in, but Rays hitters are looking frustrated. Yes, that's Joe Blanton.

End of one, 1-0 Phillies

That certainly could have been worse for the Rays. They seemed to get jobbed by crew chief Tim Welke on the Longoria tag at third base, but the Phils got burned for one that cost a run last night. Biggest of all was Sonnanstine settling late in the inning.

The Kids are Alright?

It's going to be an interesting day here off of Broad Street. The Eagles are finishing a beating of the Falcons across the street from Citizens Bank Park, The Who will play a concert tonight around the other corner at the Wachovia Center, and there's supposedly a World Series game at 8 p.m.

Little more than 12 hours from a tough Game 3 loss to the Phillies, the Rays are down 2-1 in the series and in a virtual must-win tonight against Joe Blanton. They face ace Cole Hamels tomorrow and won't want to do that with their season one loss from ending.

Dead Men Eating

The Ruby Tuesday's on Bartram Ave. by the airport seems to be the hangout for Rays fans who've air-dropped in for this part of the series. I don't think the proximity to the airport is an accident. Anyway, two guys decked out in their Rays logo apparel were enjoying a last meal, um, brunch of strawberry daiquiris and creamed spinach dip and chips this morning before the game. I truly hope they don't go looking for a daiquiri stand here.

Rays manager Joe Maddon, a Pennsylvanian, talked about how he liked exchanging barbs with Phillies fans last night, particularly one he caught drinking Coors Light instead if Schmidt's or Rolling Rock. He said his grand daughter had been pelted with mustard packets, however, and that was over the line.

"If you want to be vociferous with us, I am fine with that," he said. "If you want to have arguments about the Coors Light versus Rolling Rock, I'm good with that, but leave the families alone."

Comments

[Brian J]

Helene, I agree. All and all there is way to much negativity around this series; we need to lighten up, and so do the guys. Find a Rays fan and high five them, a friend and hug them. This has been great, and to make ourselves miserable over a magical season is silly.

[Helene]

What upsets me even more than listening to our very own version of the Pink Hat Brigade are the insinuations that The Rays have "overachieved" or "don't deserve to be here." What crap. Yes, when a team plays poorly, they must expect to take their lumps from sports writers, etc. I get that. But I don't remember anyone implying after one of their many postseason chokes that the Cubs "overachieved" during the regular season. Or that the Cardinals "didn't deserve to be there" after getting their butts whipped four straight games by the Red Sox in 2004. And so and so forth. Rays had 97 wins (and of course, more in the postseason), for crying out loud. 97 wins!! Rays are a great team that (SO FAR), is playing tepidly in the World Series. It's happened. Multiple times in the history of baseball, in fact. Sheesh. Go ahead and criticize (not going to say it's undeserved), but don't be ridiculous.

[Brian J]

I think I will post mindless stats and sign it as an anonymous post.

[Sean Hannity]

One game at a time, no doubt the Sox are ten times the team the Phils are...

[Philly Power]

Real ballpark? You don't even have real fans in that airport hangar you call a stadium. You could not even draw 2 million to your stadium. In the year you have had, after years of losing, your attendance rank was 12th out of 14 AL parks. The Nationals in the NL lost 99 games and drew 2.3 million. Phillies ranked 4th in NL, 3.4 million.

You manufature runs no problem. Its not authentic when you try to manufacture a loyal fan base, silly cowbells and mohawks.

Sorry, it ends tonight!

[Al]

It is the Rays destiny to win this series. Jesus is a Rays fan tonight.

[9equals8.com]

Jimbo - no need to concede defeat just yet ("it's just Philly's turn to win, and that's OK - one team has to lose, after all"). If the Rays can find a way to win tonight, the whole series changes and the Rays can make a run. Must find a way to play Rays Ball tonight (no more swinging for the fences, defensive errors, etc. stuff). Good pitching, defense and timely hitting.

LET'S GO RAYS!!!

[Jimbo]

You know, the people who claim to be "true Rays fans" that are now saying "I knew they'd choke" deserve to have their vocal cords ripped out! How dare anyone chastise this team for the accomplishments they have made this year!

Perspective, people: on March 31, wouldn't you be the happiest person in the world if you were told your team, your newly-christened "Tampa Bay Rays", were going to the World Series? "No way!" you'd say, "Impossible! They'll never beat the Yankees or the Red Sox!"

Well, guess what? Not only did they break .500 (sorry...shatter .500), but they defeated the defending World Champions 10 times in the regular season and 4 times at Fenway! The Yankees were a non-factor this year, yet the Red Sox fought long and hard at the end, until we beat them here at the Trop. But, of course, people got greedy and wanted it all, forgetting that our only goal out of the gate was to finish 3rd in the division and above .500, something that hasn't been done by this club before.

Shame on you for wanting their heads on a platter! You are no better than the Pink Hat Brigade from Boston! They worked their tails off and did something only one other team after World War II has done in ANY of the 4 Major Sports: go from the worst record in their sport to the championship game in one year's time!

The 1991 Atlanta Braves were the only other team in any sport to do it since the 30s, and the first ever in baseball. They lost to the Twins 4 games to 3, yet they were a mainstay in the playoffs for 15 years, winning either the division, or the wild card, until 2005. So, to say this was a "one-hit wonder" of a team is preposterous. History shows evidence to the contrary. And I guarantee you the Braves had the same talk around them in 1991, yet after 5 WS appearances and one win (in 1995) from 1991-2005 (the years they were in the playoffs), I think they've pretty much ended all that "flash in the pan" talk in ATL.

So, you don't get to see this year's trophy in the Trop's rotunda. Get over it! We've earned the respect of every single team in MLB, and the Rays are no longer the doormats; it's just Philly's turn to win, and that's OK - one team has to lose, after all. Both the Phils and the Rays are built to compete for years to come, and I can see other Philly/Rays matchups in the WS in the not-so-distant future.

If you really want off the bandwagon now, I suggest you don't come back whining that "you're a die-hard" when they win their own WS in the coming years!

[Brian J]

Of course I want them to win tonight, and then two in St. Pete. But what I want more than anything is too watch them play the way they have all year. Where did all of this sadness and angst come from. Come on Jonny Gomes, get these guys right!

[Irma]

Here we go again!!!! It is not over yet!! Don't you know???? Think positive...and it will happen. Don't give up on your Rays!!! Like I said....at least they made it to the World Series! Poor Phillies have not seen a Series since 1993!..and they couldn't win that one either!! How old a team they are???? So SHUT UP!!!!! It is not over until the overweight lady sings!!!! GO RAYS!!!!!!

[MikeD]

Huh - kismet or something - just as I was writing the above, about the ticket email, it arrived in my inbox. Denied for game 6, but there's always game 7, for me and for the Rays. Go RAYS! Rays in 7, at home!

[MikeD]

I'm one of those "until the last strike of the last out" people, so I'm not counting the Rays out by any means. A little discouraged, sure, but it isn't time to write them off or start hating on them. There have been so many remarkable moments this season - I still get a little choked up watching the season highlights reel they play at the Trop, and the future looks really bright for the Rays. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm still looking for that game 6 and 7 ticket sale email.

[9equals8.com]

Don't you love the morons that have to hate so much? Why don't you talk about your team instead of spewing hate. Hey, Jeff, the Red Sox lost, so go home. Hey Phillies fans, congrats on a great series so far. Don't count your chickens just yet - there is still a Game 5 to play. All other haters, go home. The Rays have yet to write the final chapter of this great story.

[9equals8.com]

To all the fat ladies that are trying to sing on this board, it ain't over just yet. The Rays are a no-quit team and they are going to bring it back home tonight. They've got nothing to lose tonight and all the pressure is on Cole. As with the ALCS, it's never easy to win a championship. Rays will find a way! GO RAYS!

[Jeff Sports Vortex]

Did I tell ya...cmon did I tell ya. And I told you, if you disliked us Sox fans..I knew you would despise Philly fans. I've read a couple of post abput how boring this series is and how it isn't fun...hahahah of course it isn't. you are losing. The Phils have done EXACTLY as I predicted they would...shut your offense down. Congrats to the Phils...I more to go..

[The Magnetism of Robin Zander]

BRANT: I'll give you the series in two words: Overmatched and Overrated. And, of course, it's entirely likely the Rays will never see anothe World Series. Ask the Cubs how easy it is to get there. Boston and NY will have tons of cash to spend. And did anyone else notice that the only two people
Garza called after the Game 7 win against Boston were is girlfriend and his AGENT!! Matty is already scouting for real estate elsewhere - L.A. maybe? Face it folks, we snuck up on the AL East. It won't happen again. We competed this year because NYY got hit with the perfect storm of injuries and an aging lineup and Boston was a copule timely hits from beating us.

I hope you've all enjoyed the run. If you're, say, 20, you'll be 45 before you experience this again. I dare say we don't make another playoff appearance before the team moves to another city.

Goodbye 2008 season; goodbye Trop; goodbye team. It's been fun.

[Don't Count Your Chickens]

Dear Philly Fan,

It's real easy for you tonight, ahead 3-1 in the World Series. Your pitchers look like world beaters, your bats are finally coming alive and you're only one win away from winning the World Series.

As high as you are right now, think about how crappy it will feel tomorrow night when the Rays beat your ace in your crib and bring the series back to Tropicana Field. A place where you actually have to hit the ball good to get out of the park... a place where the Rays have dominated all season... a place where other team's dreams go to die.

Feel good tonight, because you still have to win one more game. Nothing's done, yet!

Signed,
The Rays Republic

[Albert]

The Rays have forgotten what got them there. They are swinging for the fence. It's time to remind them what their Little League coaches taught them: Relax, swing level, and "Hit it where they ain't."

[ML]

I'm not a Philly native, but I spend my college years there, and have been to quite a few Phillies games.

"Joe the Plumber" is more belligerent and obnoxious than any Phillies fan I've ever met. Both groups of fans have reason to be proud of their teams (I'd been rooting for the Rays from midseason up until they ran into the Phils, and they're a fantastic young team), so resorting to the "my city is better than yours" argument is just ridiculous.

Besides, anybody who's spend any time in Philly knows how great the culture is - particularly the food. It's more than just cheesesteaks, you know!

[Geoff]

I love the Tampa Bay area, but please don't tell me that Tampa Bay has better culture. I visited Tampa Bay 2-3 times a year for the first 18 years of my life.

Yes you have a Salvador Dali museum.

There is no reason for either side to disparage either area. There are plenty of connections between the two areas without feeding the trolls.

[Brian J]

I will be there next May. Again.

[A fan]

After 4 games this is one boring WS. No drama, no nuthin.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Ken]

"Rays in 7."

Only two runs off their #4 starter and Cole Hamels at home in Game 5? Please - they're done, son.

[World Champion Phillies]

Great game!! One of the teams looks like a champion and the other chumps. I was actually thinking the Phils would win in six. I had a ticket and airfare to fly down to Tampa and watch the Phils win....Guess I was wrong...Phils in five!!

[Philly Power]

maybe not 7

[BRANT]

All right, been hammering out copy. Can someone sum up the last hour of so of bloggishness in 10 words or less?

[A fan]

The bandwagon is about to break and axle. In May they will play the KC Royals on a Tuesday night and there will still be 9k in the building.

[TXDave]

Rays in 7.

[Brian J]

Patrick, you are lame and reductionist. But, if it lifts your life a little, go on a fan blog and make fun of a currently irrelevant fact. One day you will grow up and realize that life is complex and nuanced.

[Patrick]

Rays+ 2007 Rockies. No one will care by May

[Joe Plumber]

Its not going to be tonight. Ciao

[Patrick]

Brian,
Am I wrong? No i am not

[Joe Plumber]

We need just one in Philly. We can win at the Trop. Go Rays.

[Simon in Indy]

As much as I want this to happen for the Rays, unless something dramatic happens the next two innings I think they've probably come as far as they can this year. Still, I'll be rooting for them until the very last out of the series.

[MSE69]

Trolling another teams site is lame. Im outta here. You got a helluva team and the series aint over until the sun rises on a Camden tire fire.

*Bonus points for Joe the Plumbers awkward lefty, political rants.

[Brian J]

Patrick, you're an idiot.

[Sim]

The Rays only need to win 1 game in Philly. Rays fans need to keep the good mojo alive. We aren't done in this series by a longshot.

[RA]

You guys have fun, I have to go to work in the morning and don't feel like staying up till 12 to see the end of this. Guess I'll read about it in the Times tomorrow.

Play nice...unlike the Rays...another error.

[Philly Power]

Crazy talk here. I still don't think game/series over. Take care guys.

[PHILLIES RULE]

JOE PLUMBER SHOULD GO PAY HIS CHILD SUPPORT!!

YOUR RATS I MEAN RAYS ARE DONE

[PHILLIES RULE!!]

YOU GUYS GIVE UP ON UR TEAM LIKE U GAVE UP 2000 ELECTION.

TAMPA IS HAIR CLUB FOR MEN CAPITAL OF WORLD!

[Joe Plumber]

Wait the phone is ringing, Rick Santorium, your favorite son seems to be wanting genocide. I ordered a cheesburger who ordered genocide? As for the history, cracked the bell, lost the foothold to the british and tanked your economy 40 years ago to the erode the base for your "working city". Ye who cast the first stone....

[RA]

For some reason, my last post went on as anon. The reason you saw that is because brokers put down seat deposits by the 100's to get first crack on the tickets. So when they went on sale, they got them instead of some of us that have followed the team all year.

Anon, I go to about 10 a year. Geez, whose panties got bunched up on a little jab? I saw your fans on tv, most of them still had the tags on the Rays gear that they purchased that day.

[Patrick]

MSE69 boy did you call it. it is shameful how well the rays played this year and a week keft in the season they still could not fill the place up 1/2 way. Can you imagine that happening in any other city except maybe Atlanta. Pure apathy.

[Philly Power]

Here that? Rich in American History!!!

[Joe Plumber]

As for baseball, we have as much history as Philly in 1/50th the time. Go rays and go St. Pete. We love it here and you love it there. We just want the trophy you can keep the chilly attitudes we enjoy the bright side of life.

Greg...I am registered Democrat but think both parties stink. Guess that blows your theory.

[Joe Plumber]

Nothing like waking in the morning to the beautiful tire fire splashed sunrise over Camden NJ. Hands down the best view in the world.

MSE...how many Phillies games have you been to in the past 4 years? Personally, I go to between 20-30 Rays games a year. What say you?

As far as the bashing, we were kidding around until some of you got your panties in a wad. Go back and read what was posted.