Philadelphia Phillies: Top-10 moments from 2008 World Championship run

Carlos Ruiz game three walk off

In game three of the World Series after a two-hour rain delay, the Phillies jumped to a 4-1 lead. That lead was quickly squandered when the Phillies saw the Rays come back and tie the game at four apiece.

To start the bottom of the ninth, the Phillies sent Eric Bruntlett to the plate to square off against JP Howell. A pitch then hit Bruntlett and sent him to first. The Rays then brought in Grant Balfour to face Victorino.

Victorino squared to bunt, but the pitch was way low and inside and got by Dioner Navarro but bounced back to the catcher who then launched his throw into center field, moving the winning run 90-feet away. The Rays then proceeded to walk Victorino and Greg Dobbs to load the bases intentionally.

Rays manager Joe Maddon then got a little creative, bringing his infield in and having five guys play in the diamond to prevent the ball from getting past them. To try and win the game, Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz stepped to the plate with the opportunity to be the hero.

With the bases load, Ruiz worked the count to 2-2. Balfour then threw a 95 mile per hour fastball up in the zone that Ruiz hit about 45 feet up the third base line. Rays’ third baseman Evan Longoria had a chance on a tough play, but airmailed the throw way over the catcher’s head, scoring Bruntlett, giving the Phillies a 5-4 lead and putting them up 2-1 in the series.