South Philly Review

Phillies fans erupted into cheers at McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon Monday night when Chase Utley launched two home runs to tie Reggie Jackson at five for the most in one World Series. It was a heady moment that came on the heels of Yankee starter A.J. Burnett being taken out of Game 5 after pitching just two innings. Fans held their breath and waved their rally towels overhead as closer Ryan Madson tried to save the day -- which he did -- and take the series back to Yankee Stadium for a Phillies must-win Game 6, which started after press time.

"Next stop the Bronx," a Phils fan yelled as the subway departed Pattison Station, 3600 S. Broad St., on the Broad Street Line Monday night.

The focus earlier this week had shifted to what needed to happen rather than what had happened that put the team down 3-2 at press time.

"They need to concentrate themselves primarily with pitching. Their relief core is either tired or in need of some rejuvenation," Aaron Ufberg, of Wynnewood, said after Monday night's victory. "Offensively, the Phillies could win the ball game."

"They got to get on top early, be confident, play like champs," Tim Johnson, of Clarion and Dickinson streets, added.

Even before the game started, fans were preparing for a return trip to the Bronx, where Games 1 and 2 were held. Passionate and ready to defend their Phils or Yanks to the death, the Series has been relatively quiet with each group of fans confident in their squads and happy to be able to hit the Series so close to their home stadiums.

Sending mix messages with his Yankees cap and Ryan Howard jersey, Milton Bugg, of Phoenix, Ariz., is actually a Cleveland Indians fan, but is sticking with the American League team this time out.

"I'm rooting for the Phillies tonight, but only to force a Game 6 or 7," he said prior to Game 5, adding his ride that night was from Phils fan and friend Chris Aszmus of Lancaster.

"He had a Yankees jersey and I told him I would not bring him in the stadium," Aszmus said of the $135 Howard jersey that was purchased just before the game.

Neighborhood children were able to go door-to-door Halloween before the rain set in, but the downpour delayed Game 3 by about 80 minutes. Fans who stuck it out were not in for a treat as the Phils fell to the Yankees, 8-5. No matter where they were, the loss stung and it was a chance for rival fans to get a dig in.

Regina Rahill and boyfriend Steve Miller attended the final Spectrum show in their Phillies gear only to learn they were seated next to Yankees fans.

"They were so rude to us," Rahill said as the two hung out at McFadden's between switching places with Miller's sister and brother-in-law every couple of innings to see Game 5.

The couple didn't even realize they were near Yankee supporters until the guy next to her nudged her during the Pearl Jam concert to rub in that the Phillies were trailing in Game 3.

"He shows me the score on his BlackBerry," she said with a hint of shock and annoyance.

The following night, fans were in good spirits when the Eagles crushed division rival -- and New York team -- the Giants. Some attended both games and, even at Lincoln Financial Field, there were Yankees fans to contend with, Eagles season ticket-holder Cary Beavers said.

"An annoying amount," the Willow Grove resident said when asked how many New York jerseys were on hand. "Well, one would be an annoying amount."

Friend Tom Holtz predicted the World Series would head to seven games, hoping the Phillies' hitters would be more patient at the plate.