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Phillies win World Series after 2-day delay
2008-10-30
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Phillies have won the World Series, capturing the decisive fifth game 4-3 over Tampa Bay in a clinching game that took two days to complete following Monday night's rain delay. Pedro Feliz drove in the winning run for the Phils in the bottom of the seventh inning. Phillies relievers J.C. Romero and closer Brad Lidge pitched scoreless ball from there. When Lidge struck out Eric Hinske in the ninth to end it, the Phillies began celebrating their second World Series title in team history, and first since 1980. Lidge successfully closed all 41 save opportunities in the regular season and all seven such tries in the postseason, including two in the World Series. While getting a champagne shower in the Phils delirious clubhouse, Lidge said his perfection is "shared with everybody else in here." The championship also ends 25 years of sports frustration in the City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia's last major sports crown was won by the 76ers, who won the NBA title in 1983. Southpaw pitcher Cole Hamels was named World Series MVP. Hamels was 1-0 in the World Series with a 2.77 earned-run average that included six strong innings Monday night when Game 5 started before being delayed by rain and cold. Hamels made five postseason starts and went 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA in a dazzling display of pressure pitching. Lidge won an automobile, which he says he'll give to his wife. The Phillies clinched the series on her 30th birthday.
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