PHILLIES NEWS

As I mentioned before Brett Myers made his first home start today since, you know what. As expected Myers got a bit of a mixed reception from the fans during pregame announcements, but by the end of night as he walked off the mound, that mixed reception was replaced by an ovation of cheers, despite the fact that he and the Phillies were trailing 2-1 and the Braves were threatening for more. For nearly the entire night, from start to finish tonight's (Sunday) game was dominated by brilliant pitching and defense. The Phillies struck 1st with a run in the second inning and the Braves answered back in the 4th inning with a solo homer by Edgar Renteria, tying the score at 1. From then on however, it was all pitching and defense. For the next 4 innings both Myers and Braves starter Horatio Ramirez put up matching zeros. At this point both pitchers had gone 8 innings, and given up just 1 run, Myers on 3 hits and Ramirez on 10 hits. It seemed likely that both teams would turn to their bullpens for the 9th inning, but for some inexplicable reason, Charlie Manuel decided to send Myers out for the 9th, even though it was clear in the 8th inning that he was tiring. As most pitchers do when they are tired Myers was unable to retire a batter. He walked lead off man Marcus Giles, than served up an RBI double to Edgar Renteria, ending his night. The normally reliable Tom Gordon entered the game in relief of Myers, but he could provide no relief, as he served up a 3 run-homer to Jeff Francoeur before he could get out of the inning. Down, 5-1 in the bottom of the 9th inning the Phillies could do no damage against newly acquired Braves closer Bob Wickman, who set them down in order. Now, 1st of all Brett Myers probably never should have pitched in the 9th inning, but that is besides the point, because he should have entered the 9th inning with the lead. There is no reason why Phillies did not score more than 1 run tonight. I mean, the numbers don't lie. In every inning from the 2nd until the 8th the Phils recorded a hit, yet came up with nothing to show for it but that one run. That is simply unacceptable, especially when you consider the fact that they out hit the Braves 11-5. I don't know about you but I don't understand how you can out hit a team that convincingly and still lose to them 5-1. In closing three cheers to Brett Myers, and a loud boo to the Phillies offense for letting him down. Well, happy trails everyone.