Game of the Week - September 4

This series is probably the Phillies' best shot at catching the surprising New York Mets. The Phillies lost the first game last night in excruciating fashion -- they led in the 9th inning but allowed four runs to lose the game.

Veteran Jim Lonborg (12-8) will start for the Phillies. The Mets will counter with youngster Craig Swan (9-5).

With two out in the top of the first inning, Mike Schmidt blasted a solo home run to deep left field to give the Phillies an early 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the third inning  Dave Kingman and  Ed Kranepool both singled. After Ron Staiger flied out, John "Bad Dude" Stearns hit a home run to put the Mets ahead 3-1.

The score remained unchanged until the top of the 8th inning. With two out, Schmidt hit his second solo homer of the game to make the score 3-2.

Felix Millan led off the bottom of the 8th with a walk. John  Milner doubled to put runners on second and  third. Kingman was intentionally walked. Tug McGraw came in to face the left-handed Kranepool. Kranepool walked, forcing in Millan with the fourth New York run.

The Phillies had a last-ditch effort to tie the game in the top of the 9th inning. Jay Johnstone doubled to center and went to third on a balk by Swan. Bob Boone walked. Larry Bowa hit a grounder that scored Johnstone. Bowa was left on base as pinch hitter Tim McCarver grounded out to end the game.

Swan earned the win and improved to 10-5. Lonborg (12-10) took the loss. The Phillies are now 8 1/2 games behind the Mets.