PHILLIES NEWS

It started just like their last game. This time, instead of Tom Glavine it was the Astros Roy Oswalt who struggled through the first inning, allowing 3 runs on 2 infield hits and 3 walks, all with two outs in the inning. Unfortunaltely for the Phils Oswalt settled in and ptiched 5 innings for the win, as supposed Phils ace Brett Myers failed to deliver for the 2nd time in as many games. Myers lasted only 3 and 1/3rd innings, allowing 7 runs including a grand slam to Carlos Lee, just after the Phils had gone ahead 3-0, and 3 run homer by Morgan Ensberg. Lee wound up with two more homers on the day and helped to thwart any Phils comeback attempts, as the Astro hung on to win 9-6. The Phils had their chances to get back in the game, but poor situational hiiting and bad base running erased all of them. Still, the biggest problem for the Phils right now are the continued struggles of Chase Utley(.220 BA) and Ryan Howard (.243 BA). Until those guys get going this team will continue to struggle as it is now at just 2-8.