Williams was up for the challenge on this night. Like Lieber, he continued to breeze through the game.
Rob called in the middle of the 6th to let me know that a seat had opened up in the row behind them. I told him that I would move after the home 6th. I wanted to see if Lieber was able to get by the 6th before leaving. I didn’t know what to do.
In the bottom of the 6th, Rollins was at it again. He beat the speedy Brandon Phillips by a step. Jason LaRue and Williams followed in order to end the inning.
The doofus behind me finally realized that Lieber was throwing a no-hitter. As pathetic as I am, I had been counting since the first out.
I tried to call Rob to let him know that I didn’t feel comfortable changing seats. I didn’t want to jinx anything. Unfortunately, Rob was unable to hear me over the blaring of "YMCA" (teams just don’t play that song often enough, do they?). Unable to get my message through to Rob and even though I’m superstitious, I thought to myself, "Screw it; Jon Lieber is not going to be affected by me changing seats."
(I believe in stupid superstitious rituals. I stood up for the entire second half and both overtimes of the 2002 NCAA Football championship, too nervous and afraid to sit down). For some reason, I went against the better judgment of my neurotic instincts and moved.
I stood behind Rob’s section as I watched the top of the 7th. Williams looked like he was going to cruise through the inning until Quinton McCracken dropped a routine Ryan Howard fly ball. That would have ended the inning. Third baseman David Bell was up next and proved that giving away outs will always come back and haunt you. Bell hit an RBI double to give the Phils a 1-0 lead. My hopes were coming true. Now I just needed Lieber to retire nine more batters. Not only was a no-hitter was just at stake now, but Lieber was on line for a perfect game!
In the bottom of the 7th, I quickly made my way to my new seat and readied myself for Lieber’s final push. Lieber sent down McCracken and Felipe “Flip” Lopez in four pitches. This was beautiful. With the slumping Adam Dunn up, I was already counting him as an out. I shouldn’t have. Even with the infield shift, Dunn was able to single up the middle. Dunn had about three feet to work with and the ball somehow, someway found the outfield, just past the outstretched Rollins’. That was Dunn’s first single in the month of May and only his 12th of the year.
Article comments
1 - Justene
See now, I thought I was the only one who started rooting for a nohitter at the first out.
2 - Matthew T. Sussman
Funny, I thought it was already jinxed when his uniform said "PHILLIES"
3 - Reid Smith
Are you nuts? What were you thinking? I can't even allow myself to move when I'm watching a no-no at home. In the 3rd innings. Thanks a lot, man.
-Reid
4 - M.D. Sandwasher
Reid-
I will live with this moment of shame for the rest of my life. I wish I had a reasonable excuse.
5 - Yeags
My girlfriend and I saw Kevin Millwood's no hitter in the last year of Veteran's Stadium. It is a moment I shall never forget.
I mention this because in the 4th inning she spilled nacho cheese all over herself (the nachos were purchased in the second inning... I'd say before the 5th inning, at which point the game is official, it is okay to move, but Reid suggests 3 is the max). She did not move because she knew she could not screw with the no-no.
I point this out because even the casual fan, who you mock for showing up to get their figurines, has more sense. Shame on you. ;P
6 - Phillip Winn
It was the power of the bobble-head. Dunn was fated. Go easy on yourself.
7 - M.D. Sandwasher
Thanks for the encouragement Phillip. I'm greatly appreciative.
I hope I was not the sole reason for the end of the no-hitter. It's just hard to think positive at a time like this.
By the way, I really enjoyed listening to your podcasts.
8 - Matthew T. Sussman
Congratulations, I chose this story as an editor's pick of the week.
Now you are entitled a pick of your own from all stories published May 24-30. E-mail Lisa McKay (address is on the editor's pick page) with your pick by next Tuesday.
Again, congratulations.
--Suss
9 - tom
Don't worry Uncle Charlie has ruined more Phillies games than you can count....