Last night Philadelphia showed some Brotherly Love to a former favorite. Aaron Rowand made his long awaited return to Philadelphia. Known for his hard-nosed play and clubhouse leadership, Rowand was a fan favorite. He almost single-handedly beat the Phillies, but it was Pat Burrell stole the show as the Phillies won in dramatic fashion 6-5 in ten innings.

The Phillies got it going early. With one on in the bottom of the first, Chase Utley took Giants starter Pat Misch deep (his major league-leading 12th home run), giving the Phillies an early 2-0 lead.

When Rowand made his first at-bat of the game in the top of the second, he was treated to a two-minute standing ovation. Not what you’d call stereotypical for Philadelphia sports fans. When a player leaves Philadelphia, they become the enemy and all love is forgotten. Not in the case of Rowand. Although, when he struck out he received a similar ovation as he walked back to the visitors’ dugout.

In the top of the fourth, Rowand’s second at-bat, he made up for his strikeout. With two-outs and the bases empty, Rowand doubled to center. He came around to score on a Jose Castillo single, cutting the Phillies lead to 2-1.

The Phillies answered right back in the bottom half of the inning as Pedro Feliz hit his fourth home run of the season, scoring Burrell, and giving the Phillies a 4-1 lead.

That should have been all the runs the Phillies needed as Kyle Kendrick was dominant. Through the first six innings, Kendrick allowed one run and six hits. He struck out six and walked none. When Kendrick came out to start the seventh he gave up back-to-back singles to Castillo and Emmanuel Burriss. Charlie Manuel came out and promptly pulled Kendrick in favor of Ryan Madson.

Madson has had his struggles this year. He has a 5.02 ERA, and has allowed three home runs in less than 15 innings. He also lost some favor with management when he told the press he feels he’s overused. Well Madson’s struggles continued, and when the inning ended the game was tied at four.

After allowing a single to pinch hitter Eugenio Velez, which loaded the bases, Ray Durham singled, bringing in Castillo and Burriss. Benji Molina tied the game, bringing home Velez on a fielders choice before Rowand struck out (his second of the evening).

The score remained tied until the top of the tenth. JC Romero was brought to start the inning. The lefty workhorse hadn’t allowed a run in any of his 15 appearances this season. His scoreless streak was promptly erased as Rowand (the first batter he faced), deposited the ball in the left field stands, giving the Giants a 5-4 lead.

Entering the bottom of the tenth, it appeared all but over. The Giants brought their closer, Brian Wilson in for the save. Wilson has been tough this season, posting a 2.92 ERA with 9 saves. After striking out Jayson Werth, Utley singled up the middle. Ryan Howard stepped to the plate with a chance to be a hero, and for fans to forget his inning-ending strikeout with runners at the corners in the seventh. Well he did make fans forget about that strikeout, because he struck out again (his 42nd of the season). To heighten the drama, he argued the third strike call, getting himself ejected.

With the game almost out of reach, Burrell stepped to the plate. After his red-hot start, Burrell has cooled off a bit, but wouldn’t be denied.

After working a 3-0 count, Burrell chased a couple pitches, making the count full. Down by one run, with two outs and a full count, a home run ends the game. This is the kind of situation all kids dream about. Burrell lived every childhood fantasy by taking a Wilson into the left field stands, giving the Phillies a 6-5 win.

It was the first walk-off home run Burrell had since April 10, 2002, and the ninth come from behind victory for the Phils this season.