PHILLIES NEWS

If last night was frustrating then today was just down right ugly. Not only were the Phils once again unable to take advantage of their opportunities, they really never got any opportunities. Basically, the Phils offense just couldn't get anything done today as Marlins starter Dontrelle Willis blanked them for the entire game on just 3 hits. Phils starter Cole Hamels meanwhile, lasted just 4 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits and walking 5. Yes, the Phils bullpen performed admirably and kept things close, giving up just 1 run in their 5 innings of work, but it didn't matter as the Marlins prevailed 3-0 anyway. I'd like to talk about it some more but that's really all there is too it. The Phils just ran into a buzzsaw today in Willis and never really had a chance. Anyway, for what it's worth the Phils ,at 72-71, are now tied with the Marlins for 3rd in the wild card race. At the moment they trail the Padres by 2 games, but if the Padres lose again tonight, the Phils will still be 1.5 games back. However if the Padres win they will fall to 2.5 games back. Now, I would love to tell whether the Padres won or lost, but as I write this the Padres and the San Francisco Giants are locked in a scoreless in the 2nd inning so I will have to update you on the situation tomorrow. Well, happy trails everyone.