PHILLIES NEWS

With 10 games to play in the season, the Phils traveled to Washington for a 4 game weekend series with the Nationals. In tonight's game Kyle Lohse got the start, and was roughed up, allowing 6 runs on 6 hits, and issuing 6 walks in just 2 innings of work. Sure, he was out of it tonight, but at least he'll be fresh for his next start. Anyway, the Phils were thus placed in an early hole. Initially, they had taken the lead on a 2 run homer by Ryan Howard in the top of the first, but those 6 runs, instantly put the Phils behind early 6-2. It took them until the 7th inning, but as usual the Phils came to life and fought back. Jayson Werth Crushed a 3 run homer, to cut the lead to 6-5, and then Jimmy Rollins doubled and scored on a fielder's choice as Washington's Ronnie Belliard stupidly attempted to throw Rollins out at home, rather than taking the sure out at first. Then in the 8th, Carlos Ruiz walked, stole second, then scored on yet another 2 out double by Rollins, to put the Phils up 7-6. Somehow, J.C Romero and Tom Gordon got out of the bottom of the 8th, and in came Brett Myers to get the save in the 9th. After allowing a one out single, Myers retired side. So the Phils won 7-6, to improve to 83-70 overall, now just 1.5 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and still 2.5 games behind the Padres in the wildcard. Thus, life is beautiful again.