PHILLIES NEWS

The Phils continued their series with the Marlins tonight. Cole Hamels got the start and pitched okay, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits, but apparently he was on a short leash, as he was pulled after only 3 innings of work. The bullpen performed admirably from there allowing just 1 run in the final 6 innings, capped off by a great 1-2-3 inning by Brad Lidge. Unfortunately even with their full comment of starters in the lineup the Phils couldn't come up with much offense. They racked up just 6 hits on the night, and up until the 8th inning, only 1 run on another titanic solo blast by Ryan Howard. Coming into the 8th inning the Phils trailed 4-1 and looked down and out for another night. Then Jayson Werth lined out a 2 run homer to cut it to 4-3 and restore hope of a Phils win. However, the Phils never managed to get another baserunner from there and the rare good performance by Brad Lidge went for naught in a 4-3 loss. Lidge usually struggles in non save situations so it was great to see him pitch so well. I don't know if this means he's on the right track again, but I hope it does, because a sharp Lidge would be a big help for the Phils in the playoffs. Charlie does really want more than a couple lefties on his playoff roster as the Phils activated Antonio Bastardo, who had been on the DL since mid summer, to pitch an inning in relief today. He actually looked pretty good so who knows maybe he'll somehow wind up on the playoff roster. I don't know why the Marlins' pitching staff has given the Phils so much trouble lately , but I wish it would stop because they can't afford to go into the playoffs with the bats struggling so much. Anyway so the Phils drop to 92-69 overall, but clinch homefield for their NLDS, as the Cardinals lost again today as well. The Dodgers won, which means they have clinched the NL West finally, and homefield advantage throughout the NL playoffs. They will play the Cardinals in the NLDS, while the Phils draw the wild card winning Rockies with a chance to avenge that 2007 series.