PHILLIES NEWS

The Phils finished off the regular season today against the Marlins, looking to avoid an embarrassing sweep. J.A Happ got the start and was effective allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits, but he was pulled after only a couple innings. Obviously the Phils were still trying to figure out the bullpen for the playoffs, and just wanted to have as many innings as possible to try out some guys. In fact the Phils ended up using 8 pitchers on the day, mostly just to see what they could do. Together they allowed 6 runs on 11 hits, just good enough of an effort to keep the Phils in it. Meanwhile, the Phils lineup for the day was almost totally devoid of regulars, except for Jayson Werth, who was trying to get to 100 RBIs on the season. Despite that, the Phils were able to put together enough offense to stay with the Marlins. With the Phils down 2-0 in the 4th inning, Miguel Cairo lined a solo homer and Ben Francisco slapped an RBI single to tie it up. With the Phils down 5-2 in the 5th, Andy Tracy tripled and scored and Shane Victorino and Greg Dobbs blooped back to back RBI singles to tie it up again. Down 6-5 in the 8th, the Phils came back one more time, with Miguel Cairo tripling and scoring on an error by Dan Uggla. Finally in the bottom of the 10th, with 1 out and a man on 2nd, the 3rd catcher, Paul Hoover, slapped a single off Wes Helms' glove to plate John Mayberry Jr. with the winning run. So it was a thrilling finish to what's been a thrilling regular season and the Phils 93rd win of the season, 1 more than they had last year. Now the hard part begins for Charlie Manuel , picking that playoff roster. It should be interesting to see what the final roster is come game 1 with the Rockies on Wednesday. Can the Phils repeat as World Champs? I am not sure, but I am certainly revved up to find out. Let's Go Phils!