With one last diving slider from Brad Lidge, the Curse of Billy Penn was officially broken.
It took almost 48 hours, but the Philadelphia Phillies finally closed out the 2008 World Series by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in what became the longest baseball game in major league history.
Phillies third baseman Pedro Feliz’s single to center at the bottom of the seventh inning became the difference in a tight ballgame that was rain delayed since Monday night. The hit scored utilityman Eric Bruntlett, who was pinch-running for Pat Burrell.
But the Rays threatened in the ninth. Catcher Dioner Navarro singled and pinch runner Fernando Perez stole second base. With the season on the line, Rays pinch hitter Eric Hinske struck out swinging to end the game.
With a final score of 4-3, the Phillies defeated the Rays to claim their second title in 125 years, sending a sold-out Citizens Bank Park into a wild frenzy.
