2014 Topps Allen & Ginter #270 Ryan Howard

Phillies 2, Astros 1 (15 Innings)
Game 113 - Tuesday Night, August 5th in Philadelphia
Record - 50-63, 5th Place, 11 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies prevailed in the 15th inning, winning 2-1 on Ryan Howard's walk-off single.

What It Means:  Howard, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins set a Major League record in this game by starting their 887th regular season game together.  That broke the record of a first base, second base and shortstop trio previously held by the Dodgers' Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes and Bill Russell.

2013 Grandstand Reading
Fightin Phils #9

What Happened:  Howard accounted for both runs in this game, homering in the second and driving home the winning run in the 15th.  Kyle Kendrick (7 innings, 1 run on 5 hits) and the Phillies bullpen (8 scoreless innings) did a fantastic job from the mound.  Antonio Bastardo was particularly effective, striking out six in his two scoreless innings of work.

Featured Cards:  I wanted to feature a Howard card, but I also wanted to feature a card of pitcher Hector Neris.  Neris made his Major League debut in this game, pitching a scoreless 15th inning.  He notched his first victory thanks to Howard's heroics.

Field Report:  And we were there!  Well, we were there until the 11th inning, and then we called it a night.  Let the record show that the last three games I've attended with my oldest son Doug have gone 14 innings, 10 innings and 15 innings.  I'm starting to think it's him.

The Phils are now an even 4-4 in games I've attended this year.

Lots of empty blue seats at the ballpark