By Larry Fine
PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Chase Utley's power hitting played a key role in helping the Phillies stave off World Series elimination on Monday, and Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel was at the front of the queue heaping praise on the infielder.
Utley blasted two homers to produce four runs as the Phillies beat the Yankees 8-6 and ensured the best-of-seven World Series would return to the Big Apple with New York holding a 3-2 lead.
"I used to say Kirby Puckett was my favorite player," Manuel said about the Hall of Fame outfielder, who played for the Minnesota Twins.
"The only thing Kirby might have on Chase is he's a more flamboyant because he smiles a lot and Chase is a little bit different."
The two round-trippers by Utley, who hit 31 homers in the regular season, gave him five in this Fall Classic to match the World Series record total slugged by Reggie Jackson for the Yankees in 1977.
PLEASURE TO MANAGE
"Sometimes I don't even like to talk about him because he don't want me to," Manuel told reporters about the reticent second baseman.
"Actually he don't like for you to say a whole lot of things about him. But he's one of the most prepared, one of the most dedicated. He has the most desire and passion to play the game that I've ever been around.
"He's quiet and he goes about his business in a real good way. Chase Utley is a pleasure to be around and he's a pleasure to manage."
After New York grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, Utley smacked a three-run homer in the bottom of the frame to put Philadelphia ahead.
Utley connected again for a solo homer in the seventh to provide a cushion that came in handy when the Yankees rallied in the last two innings.
"It was a group effort and we're still fighting," Utley said. "The bottom line is to win the game, however you need to do it. Whether it's hitting, pitching, defense. It doesn't really matter who steps up, it's just a matter of when and how."
Manuel was rooting for Utley to keep getting big hits.
"Chase, when he gets hot, definitely he can get hot and stay hot for a month or two," he said. "Knock on wood."
(Editing by John O'Brien)
