#19---PHI @ FLA, 9/24/2003

For much of 2003 and 2004 (and for 2008-) I used an Excel version of my usual scoresheet, which is on display here. Otherwise, the scoring remains very much the same, as it will through 2005.

Much more fun is examining the game through the scoresheet. This late-season game between the Phillies and the eventual world champion Marlins had serious playoff implications (Florida held a one game lead over Philly for the wildcard), and matched two young righties: Brett Myers and Josh Beckett. Florida got the better of it, touching up Myers for five runs and leading 6-0 entering the eighth inning. Through the first seven, Beckett had a two-hitter, with two walks and seven Ks. But Philadelphia was not conceding, as the first four batters in the inning knocked out hits and knocked Beckett from the box. Michael Tejera could not stop the bleeding, and Chad Fox was summoned with runners at first and second and still nobody out. A wild pitch put the tying run in scoring position, but Fox coaxed a sac fly and got another fly before walking Jimmy Rollins. He managed to strike Chase Utley out to wriggle out of the jam with the lead intact 6-5. Ugueth Urbina had a 1-2-3 ninth and Florida moved closer to the playoff berth.