PHILADELPHIA, June 19 (UPI) -- Rookie Jason Michaels capped a three-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning with an RBI single Wednesday night to lift the Philadelphia Phillies to a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
Philadelphia has one of the worst bullpens in the major leagues and has seen late-inning leads slip away numerous times. But three relievers combined on a solid performance while the Phillies mounted a comeback against Chicago's equally maligned bullpen.
Philadelphia trailed, 3-1 entering its final at bat against White Sox reliever Keith Foulke. Pat Burrell singled with one out and Jeremy Giambi walked before Foulke gave way to Rocky Biddle (1-1).
Mike Lieberthal had a run-scoring single and, after Travis Lee was walked intentionally to load the bases, Tomas Perez singled to plate pinch runner Doug Glanville and forge a 3-3 tie.
Michaels pinch-hit for pitcher Dan Plesac and delivered the game-winning hit, lining a 1-0 pitch over the head of center fielder Kenny Lofton to score Lieberthal.
Plesac (1-0) earned the victory after recording the final out in the top of the ninth. The Phillies bullpen allowed only one hit in the final 1 2/3 innings in relief of starter Vicente Padilla.
