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Moyer pitches Phillies to first NL East title since 1993

Sep 30, 2007 - 11:41 PM By Vince DiGregorio PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- A 44-year-old Philadelphia-area native helped the Phillies clinch their first division title in 14 years. A collapse by the New York Mets didn't hurt.

Jamie Moyer tossed 5 1/3 effective innings and Ryan Howard homered and drove in three runs as the Phillies defeated the Washington Nationals, 6-1, in the regular season finale.

The victory, coupled with the New York Mets' 8-1 loss to the Florida Marlins that became final in the ninth-inning here, gave the Phillies their first National League East Division title since the NL pennant-winning season in 1993.

Jimmy Rollins continued his MVP-caliber season with two runs and a triple - his 20th of the season - for Philadelphia, which celebrated around the pitcher's mound after Brett Myers struck out Wily Mo Pena looking for the final out. Myers tossed his glove skyward and players, coaches and manager Charlie Manuel were all soon gathered around the mound area.

"I tried to compose myself when the fans were cheering in the (top) of the ninth at the Mets' score," Myers said afterward in a champagne-soaked clubhouse.

Rollins didn't take the bait when asked by a reporter if the Phillies were the team to beat in the playoffs after saying they were the team to beat during spring training.

"You all have to stay tuned for that," said Rollins, smiling. "Anything could happen. We're not done yet.

"I prayed about this a lot. I didn't want to have to play in a city and never win (a championship). I've always been a winner growing up."

Howard said that he would gladly relinquish his MVP title to Rollins.

"Jimmy was the catalyst," Howard said. "He's been the one constant on this team. He's meant so much to this team. He stepped up in the leadership role."

As far back as seven games on September 12, the Phillies (89-73) won 13 of their last 17 while the Mets (88-74) dropped 12 of their last 17.

"It felt so good (after the final out) just to be able to make (the playoffs) with everything that's gone on this year," Howard said. "People doubted us, counted us out. Now, we're here. We're gonna celebrate right now."

The turning point Sunday came in the sixth inning with Philadelphia clinging to a 3-1 lead. Moyer left the game with runners on first and second and one out for Tom Gordon, who got Austin Kearns to ground into an inning-ending double play.

The Phillies then tacked on two runs in their half of the frame when Tadahito Iguchi hit a pinch-hit sacrifice fly and Rollins hit his RBI triple to make it, 5-1.

Moyer (14-12), from the Philadelphia suburb of Souderton, allowed only one run - unearned - on five hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

"For it to happen here in Philadelphia is phenomenal," Moyer said. "To have the opportunity to get into the playoffs again is great. It just shows what this team is about.

"I just take pride in just being able to wear a uniform. At the age of 44, I feel good. I try not to take it for granted. It was exciting for me. I really felt rejuvenated when I came over here last year."

Moyer recalled skipping school to attend the Phillies lone world championship parade in 1980.

"It's amazing how life comes full circle," Moyer said. "I remember 1980 like it was yesterday. That Phillies team was incredible. I can't believe so much time has flown by since then. To still be playing at my age and playing at a high level is something I can't really describe."

Howard added his 47th home run, a solo shot reaching the second deck, in the seventh inning. It was the fourth consecutive game in which Howard has homered.

"Just trying to finish off the season in good fashion," said Howard, who finished with three hits. "It was a big team effort today. I just tried to play my part."

Before the first pitch was even thrown, the sellout crowd of 44,865 was stoked to a fever pitch as Florida's seven-run first inning was posted on the scoreboard.

"We had to stay focused on our game," Howard said. "You couldn't ask for a better atmosphere. The fans were obviously watching (the Mets) score. Every time the Marlins scored, they let us know."

Washington had a scoring opportunity in the first when Ronnie Belliard doubled with one out, but Moyer retired the next two batters to end the threat.

Shane Victorino gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the first, but Rollins ended up manufacturing the run. Rollins led off with a single, stole second and one out later, stole third before scoring.

Washington starter Jason Bergmann got himself into trouble in the third inning. After Carlos Ruiz led off with a double and Moyer struck out, the righthander walked Rollins on four pitches and hit Victorino with a pitch to load the bases.

Bergmann got Chase Utley to pop out, but Howard lined a two-run single to right to make it a 3-0 game.

"I was kind of pulling off the ball a little bit and I just tried to stay back a little bit more," Howard said. "I was lucky enough to get something where I could get a little hook on it."

Bergmann (6-6) left the game after the third inning, allowing three runs on three hits with a walk, two strikeouts and a hit batter.

The Nationals got on the board in the fourth with an unearned run. Belliard reached on Greg Dobbs' throwing error to start the frame and came around to score on a single by Kearns two outs later.

"I told the guys before the game (that) this is what you play for," Nationals manager Manny Acta said. "This is what you aim for, to play in this type of situation."