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The Big Play X-Ray

Ryan Howard (left) is congratulated after scoring go-ahead run in ninth.

by Bob Vetrone Jr

Posted: October 13, 2009

THE PLAY: If Ryan Howard's big hits were sand pepples, you could fill all the Jersey beaches. But none was bigger than the ninth-inning double he delivered in last night's NLDS Game 4.

THE SETUP: Clinging to a slim 2-1 lead on a pair of solo home runs, the Phillies saw it all unravel when the Rockies struck out for three in the bottom of the eighth inning. After pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs struck out, Jimmy Rollins beat out a hit to short right, but was erased when Shane Victorino hit into a fielder's choice. Chase Utley then worked a walk (the Big Play X-Ray Runner-up) to bring Howard to the plate.

THE PLAY: Howard took a ball low and outside from Rockies closer Huston Street before fouling one into the crowd down the third-base line. He took another ball (this one high & outside) before going down and getting a low fastball and drilling it into right field. The bounced before reaching the fence and died on the carom, allowing Utley (on Victorino's heels because Shane had missed the bag initially rounding third base) to score to tie the game.

THE STATS: Howard hit just .222 (16-72) with 26 RBI with two outs and runners in scoring position during the regular season.

RYAN HOWARD (on TBS): "Chase worked a great AB and got me a shot up there and I just got a good pitch to hit."