The sharp crack of the bat silenced the crowd. With two outs, bases loaded, and the game tied, the Mets' Asdrubal Cabrera smacked a line drive to left. Leftfielder Cody Asche ran, then slid. When he popped up, ball in his glove, the crowd erupted.
In the field and at the plate, Asche set the example, leading the Phillies as they beat the Mets, 4-2, Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park. Asche finished the night 1 for 3 with an RBI and a walk.
It was Ryan Howard, of all people - the 36-year-old slugger who was batting .