Phillies rally for 3 in 9th to beat Astros

By Rob Maaddi

Associated Press

Published: Friday, April 1 2011 2:05 p.m. MDT

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Grounds crew workers walk off the field after removing standing-water from the tarp before the opening day baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros, Friday, April 1, 2011, in Philadelphia.

Matt Slocum, Associated Press

Summary

Pinch-hitter John Mayberry Jr. lined an RBI single off closer Brandon Lyon that capped a three-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning Friday and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Houston Astros 5-4.

PHILADELPHIA — Pinch-hitter John Mayberry Jr. lined an RBI single off closer Brandon Lyon that capped a three-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning Friday and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Houston Astros 5-4.

On a day where Brett Myers nearly stuck it to his old team by outdueling Roy Halladay, the Phillies had some comeback drama on opening day.

Trailing 4-2 to start the ninth, the Phillies got going when Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard singled off Lyon. An out later, Rollins stole third and Ben Francisco lined an RBI single. Carlos Ruiz followed with a single and Wilson Valdez hit a tying single that loaded the bases.

Mayberry then sent a shot over drawn-in center fielder Michael Bourn, kicking off a celebration after he touched first base.

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