Presented by the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
The Phillies didn’t want the smoke last night, dropping a 4–1 decision to the Mets to extend their All-Star break lull. Despite surrendering three home runs, Aaron Nola pitched better than the final line might suggest. The Phillies will look to regroup tonight as they continue their series against the Mets at Citizens Bank Park. July 17 has produced a few memorable moments in Phillies history, including a marathon game, Aaron Rowand joining Joe DiMaggio in the record books, and the arrival of a key piece of the 2008 World Series championship team.
Let’s Play Some Ball
On this day in 1918, the Phillies traveled to Chicago to take on the Cubs. Little did they know, their stay would last a little longer than expected. The Cubs scored in the bottom of the first inning before the Phillies answered in the fourth. From there, the game remained deadlocked at 1–1 for the next 17 innings. Finally, in the bottom of the 21st, the Cubs walked it to win it 2-1. The 21-inning marathon remains the longest game, by innings, in Phillies franchise history. Even more remarkable, both starting pitchers—Milt Watson for the Phillies and Lefty Tyler for the Cubs—went the distance.
3 Runs on No Hits?
On this day in 1992, the Phillies defeated the Dodgers 11–3 at Veterans Stadium. Dave Hollins led the offense, going 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. Darren Daulton also homered, while John Kruk drove in three runs. Curt Schilling was dominant on the mound, tossing a complete-game victory. The strangest inning of the night came in the bottom of the sixth. The Phillies sent nine batters to the plate and scored three runs without recording a hit. Three walks and three Dodgers errors opened the door, turning a scoreless inning at the plate into an unlikely rally.
Hello Joe
On this day in 2007, the Phillies were back facing the Dodgers, this time in Los Angeles. Ryan Howard powered the offense with two home runs, while Pat Burrell and Aaron Rowand also went deep in the Phillies’ victory. Rowand enjoyed one of the best games of his career, going 4-for-5 with a home run and three doubles. Remarkably, he had posted the exact same stat line just three days earlier against the Cardinals. In doing so, Rowand joined Joe DiMaggio as the only players in Major League history to record two four-extra-base-hit games within a single week. Four-extra-base-hit games are among baseball’s rarest feats. Only four other players—including Phillies legend Chuck Klein—have recorded two such games in the same season.
Welcome Home Joe
On this day in 2008, the Phillies acquired starting pitcher Joe Blanton from the Athletics in exchange for three prospects. Blanton, who had started Opening Day for Oakland, stepped into the Phillies’ rotation and effectively replaced the struggling Adam Eaton. Blanton proved to be a key addition down the stretch, going 4–0 with a 4.20 ERA in 13 regular-season starts before posting a 2–0 record during the postseason. While he contributed in several big moments on the mound, he’s best remembered for helping his own cause with a memorable home run in Game 4 of the 2008 World Series. Blanton provided steady innings throughout his time in Philadelphia and became the dependable fifth starter behind the club’s famed “Four Aces” rotation.
Trivia – Since 1960, which pitchers have hit homers in the World Series? (Answer Below)
Trivia Answer – Bob Gibson (1967 & 1968), Mickey Lolich (1968), Dave McNalley (1969 & 1970), Ken Holtzman (1974), and Joe Blanton (2008)
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