The city of Philadelphia and areas around it including South Jersey were poised for a tremendous celebration last night….one they have waited decades for. The Phillies took a 3-1 series lead into Game #5 of the World Series last night and with their ace Cole Hamels on the mound and an early 2-0 lead over visiting Tampa Bay the outcome seemed all but certain. Only Mother Nature could rain on a victory parade which was already planned for Wednesday…and she did.
The rains came and the euphoria of early evening began to change as the night wore on. By the time the 6th inning started the weather was simply awful and things got worse for the rain-drenched faithful that remained in their seats when the Rays tied the game. After the final out in the top of the 6th the umpires finally halted the game and ordered the tarp put on an infield which had already started to turn into mud. There would be no champagne corks popped on this night as for the first time in World Series history a game had been suspended. It will resume tonight (maybe) at 8:29 with the Phillies batting in the bottom of the 6th. However the forecast calls for a 40% chance of showers, heavy winds and 40 degree temperatures at game time…not exactly ideal for baseball.
Considering this city and its fans have not had a major sports championship of any kind in 25 years you’ll understand why they are wondering if the sports gods are not looking to spoil a party which seemed inevitable. Phillies fans always think of the glass as half-empty and now they are wondering if there’s anything in the glass, one which they planned on filling with champagne. If and when the game does resume it will become a battle of the bullpens and while Philly’s has been superb what if the Rays are able to win Game #5 and send the series back to Florida.
You see the Phillies are not just battling another team but years of falling short and disappointing a generation of fans who badly need that ultimate moment when they can finally call themselves champions. Was last night’s rain divine intervention or did it just prolong the wait for a city, team and fans poised for a great party? Stay tuned for further developments.
The rains came and the euphoria of early evening began to change as the night wore on. By the time the 6th inning started the weather was simply awful and things got worse for the rain-drenched faithful that remained in their seats when the Rays tied the game. After the final out in the top of the 6th the umpires finally halted the game and ordered the tarp put on an infield which had already started to turn into mud. There would be no champagne corks popped on this night as for the first time in World Series history a game had been suspended. It will resume tonight (maybe) at 8:29 with the Phillies batting in the bottom of the 6th. However the forecast calls for a 40% chance of showers, heavy winds and 40 degree temperatures at game time…not exactly ideal for baseball.
Considering this city and its fans have not had a major sports championship of any kind in 25 years you’ll understand why they are wondering if the sports gods are not looking to spoil a party which seemed inevitable. Phillies fans always think of the glass as half-empty and now they are wondering if there’s anything in the glass, one which they planned on filling with champagne. If and when the game does resume it will become a battle of the bullpens and while Philly’s has been superb what if the Rays are able to win Game #5 and send the series back to Florida.
You see the Phillies are not just battling another team but years of falling short and disappointing a generation of fans who badly need that ultimate moment when they can finally call themselves champions. Was last night’s rain divine intervention or did it just prolong the wait for a city, team and fans poised for a great party? Stay tuned for further developments.
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