The good times kept right rolling for the Phils pitching staff but unfortunately their bats finally ran out of luck. Cole Hamels was brilliant as always, allowing just 1 run on 7 hits while striking out 11 in 7 innings. His only mistake was a leaving a changeup to Jeff Franceour up just enough for Franceour to hammer it into the seats for a 2 out run in the 7th. Unfortunately as it turned out that would be only run either team scored all night long. In fact, Johan Santana actually no hit the Phils into the 5th inning but after that they had opportunities to score and rally for another late win but they let get away.
First, with runners on 1st and 2nd and 2 out in the 6th, Mike Sweeney grounded out to end the threat. Then Jayson Werth led off the 7th with a double but caught trying to move to 3rd on a goundout. Then Ben Francisco reached 2nd on a bunt single by Wilson Valdez, but was stranded when John Mayberry Jr. flied out to end the inning. Finally Jimmy Rollins and Raul Ibanez started the 8th with back to back singles to put runners on 1st and 2nd for Placido Polanco. Somewhat oddly, Charlie decided to bunt Polanco and it backfired as he bunted to 3rd, causing JRoll to get thrown out there. That left runners on 1st and 2nd again for Sweeney, but this time he lined out. Then Werth worked a walk to load the bases for Ross Gload, but he grounded out to end the inning and the threat again. That was about all she wrote as the Phils went on to fall 1-0. It really was just one of those hard luck losses where there's nothing you can do except try to forget and move on. Better luck tomorrow I guess.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Friday, August 06, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils returned to the Bank tonight to begin a long homestand with a key weekend series against the Mets. It just so happens this weekend is Phils alumni weekend as well the alumni festivities got rousing start before the game tonight as Darren "Dutch" Daulton was inducted into the Phils wall of fame. No doubt inspired, the Phils jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the 1st, on a RBI double by Placido Polanco. New York managed to eke out a couple runs over the next few innings to grab a 2-1 lead, but Joe Blanton made sure would they do no more than that. He really was solid for the 2nd time in 3 starts, allowing just those 2 runs on 7 hits, while striking out 4 in 7 strong innings. It didn't look like it would matter though, as John Niece was mowing down the Phils hitters through 7. They just couldn't get anything going against him after that 1st inning because he was just that good.
Fortunately for the Phils, Niece left after the 7th, leaving it up to the Met bullpen to get the final 6 outs and they could not. First up for the Met bullpen was Bobby Parnell. Mike Sweeney singled off him to start the inning, for his first hit as a Phil. Jayson Werth followed with another single to move Sweeney to 3rd. Then Ben Francisco slapped the Phils 3rd successive hit to score Sweeney with the tying run. Next Carlos Ruiz slapped a 4th straight single to score Werth with the go ahead run. Finally, after 4 hits and 0 outs Parnell was lifted from the game in favor of Pedro Feliciano. Wilson Valdez greeted Feliciano with a bunt, that he failed to field, allowing Valdez reach base safely and load the bases. Feliciano then walked Ross Gload to force in another run. He then fell behind Jimmy Rollins before JRoll slapped a single for another run.
Finally after that Raul Ibanez struck out for the 1st out of the inning and that was it for Pedro, who was replaced by Manny Acosta. Acosta didn't do much better. First Polanco lined a sac fly for another run. Then Sweeney collected his 2nd hit of the inning for another run, the Phils 6th of the inning. Jayson Werth then grounded out to end the inning at last, but with a 7-2 lead the Phils already had more than enough of a cushion for victory right? Well J.C Romero almost gave everything back to the Mets in the 9th, allowing a 3 run homer to Mike Hessman, that cut the lead to 7-5. Fortunately, Brad Lidge came in after that and struck out Jesus Feliciano to end it. There's not much better than a comeback win over the hated Mets, except a loss by the Braves on the same night which pulls to within a game of the lead in the NL East. Not a bad place to be.
Fortunately for the Phils, Niece left after the 7th, leaving it up to the Met bullpen to get the final 6 outs and they could not. First up for the Met bullpen was Bobby Parnell. Mike Sweeney singled off him to start the inning, for his first hit as a Phil. Jayson Werth followed with another single to move Sweeney to 3rd. Then Ben Francisco slapped the Phils 3rd successive hit to score Sweeney with the tying run. Next Carlos Ruiz slapped a 4th straight single to score Werth with the go ahead run. Finally, after 4 hits and 0 outs Parnell was lifted from the game in favor of Pedro Feliciano. Wilson Valdez greeted Feliciano with a bunt, that he failed to field, allowing Valdez reach base safely and load the bases. Feliciano then walked Ross Gload to force in another run. He then fell behind Jimmy Rollins before JRoll slapped a single for another run.
Finally after that Raul Ibanez struck out for the 1st out of the inning and that was it for Pedro, who was replaced by Manny Acosta. Acosta didn't do much better. First Polanco lined a sac fly for another run. Then Sweeney collected his 2nd hit of the inning for another run, the Phils 6th of the inning. Jayson Werth then grounded out to end the inning at last, but with a 7-2 lead the Phils already had more than enough of a cushion for victory right? Well J.C Romero almost gave everything back to the Mets in the 9th, allowing a 3 run homer to Mike Hessman, that cut the lead to 7-5. Fortunately, Brad Lidge came in after that and struck out Jesus Feliciano to end it. There's not much better than a comeback win over the hated Mets, except a loss by the Braves on the same night which pulls to within a game of the lead in the NL East. Not a bad place to be.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils went for the sweep of the Marlins tonight as Roy Oswalt took the mound for his 2nd start as a Phil. Oswalt was great this time around allowing just 2 runs on 3 hits while striking out 5 in 6 and 1/3rd innings. Unfortunately the Phils failed to support him at all. In fact, both team were still scoreless heading into 7th. There, Carlos Ruiz finally gave the Phils a lead with a 2 run double, buut it was short-lived. Neither J.C Romero nor Jose Contreras could hold of the Fish as they rallied for 4 runs and a 4-2 lead through 7. After that neither team could come up with anything in the 8th, setting the stage for a wild 9th. In the Phils 9th, Hanley Ramirez committed a throwing error to start the inning and the Phils capitalized by putting together a 2 run rally to knot it up at 4.
They actually had runners at the corners with 2 nobody out and the scored tied at 4 at one point, but Raul Ibanez was cut down at 3rd on a fielders's choice and Jayson Werth got picked off, while Dominic Brown was thrown out stealing. In the home half of the 9th Ramirez reached base and got in scoring position but he was not able to score, largely because a line drive by Gaby Sanchez was ruled foul although it appeared it might have been fare. Saved by the umpire, Ryan Madson recovered to get Sanchez and eventually retire the side. Finally in the top of the 10th, Carlos Ruiz jacked a solo homer for a 5-4 lead. Brad Lidge then held off the Fish in the bottom of the inning for the important win. With the win the Phils remain 2 games back in the NL East and move to within 1.5 games of the NL wildcard. They also to move to 12 games over .500 for the first time all season. So things are looking up for the banged up the Phils and they just need to keep it going.
They actually had runners at the corners with 2 nobody out and the scored tied at 4 at one point, but Raul Ibanez was cut down at 3rd on a fielders's choice and Jayson Werth got picked off, while Dominic Brown was thrown out stealing. In the home half of the 9th Ramirez reached base and got in scoring position but he was not able to score, largely because a line drive by Gaby Sanchez was ruled foul although it appeared it might have been fare. Saved by the umpire, Ryan Madson recovered to get Sanchez and eventually retire the side. Finally in the top of the 10th, Carlos Ruiz jacked a solo homer for a 5-4 lead. Brad Lidge then held off the Fish in the bottom of the inning for the important win. With the win the Phils remain 2 games back in the NL East and move to within 1.5 games of the NL wildcard. They also to move to 12 games over .500 for the first time all season. So things are looking up for the banged up the Phils and they just need to keep it going.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
Before the game tonight the Phils acquired veteran 1B Mike Sweeney from the Mariners for a player to be named or cash. At 37 years old, Sweeney is a bit of a gamble, but he was once star for the Kansas City Royals and Phils hope he'll be able to conjure up some of that old magic while helping to fill in for Ryan Howard and later a right handed bat off the bench. If he can do so he'll be very valuable bat down stretch.
For tonight anyway, the Phils didn't seem to need Sweeney's services. Kyle Kendrick was great, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits in 6 strong innings. Meanwhile, the Marlins committed more errors in the field and Phils continued to rack up clutch hits. In the 1st inning, Ross Gload and Dominic Brown collected back to back 2 out RBI singles for a quick 2-0 lead. In the 5th, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, and Raul Ibanez all singled in succession to start the inning and plate 1 run and Brown slapped a sac fly for a 4-0 lead. In the 6th, after Florida had cut it to 4-2 and was within a diving grab by JRoll of tying it, Kendrick ,himself, doubled and scored on an Ibanez sac fly for a 5-2 lead.
Later in the 9th, the Phils added a couple more runs on an error by Dan Uggla and an RBI single by Carlos Ruiz. Meanwhile, Jose Contreras and Ryan Madson tossed scoreless innings in the 7th and 8th. That, left Brad Lidge to nurse a 7-2 lead in the 9th. Normally Lidge struggles in non save situations like these but tonight there were no problems at all as he retired Ronny Paulino, Donny Murphy, and Hanley Ramirez in order to close out the 7-2 win. So the Phils now have now won 3 in a row and reside at 11 games over .500 for the first time in sometime. Unfortunately, the Atlanta Braves crushed the Mets tonight and remain 2 games ahead of the Phils.
For tonight anyway, the Phils didn't seem to need Sweeney's services. Kyle Kendrick was great, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits in 6 strong innings. Meanwhile, the Marlins committed more errors in the field and Phils continued to rack up clutch hits. In the 1st inning, Ross Gload and Dominic Brown collected back to back 2 out RBI singles for a quick 2-0 lead. In the 5th, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, and Raul Ibanez all singled in succession to start the inning and plate 1 run and Brown slapped a sac fly for a 4-0 lead. In the 6th, after Florida had cut it to 4-2 and was within a diving grab by JRoll of tying it, Kendrick ,himself, doubled and scored on an Ibanez sac fly for a 5-2 lead.
Later in the 9th, the Phils added a couple more runs on an error by Dan Uggla and an RBI single by Carlos Ruiz. Meanwhile, Jose Contreras and Ryan Madson tossed scoreless innings in the 7th and 8th. That, left Brad Lidge to nurse a 7-2 lead in the 9th. Normally Lidge struggles in non save situations like these but tonight there were no problems at all as he retired Ronny Paulino, Donny Murphy, and Hanley Ramirez in order to close out the 7-2 win. So the Phils now have now won 3 in a row and reside at 11 games over .500 for the first time in sometime. Unfortunately, the Atlanta Braves crushed the Mets tonight and remain 2 games ahead of the Phils.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils were dealt a huge blow before their game in Miami tonight when it was announced Ryan Howard would be placed on the DL. John Mayberry Jr. was called up to take his roster spot but it's going to be a long two weeks without Howard. The Phils will just have to hope their pitching holds up during that time. For tonight at least, it did. Roy Halladay was electric allowing just 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 9 in 7 strong innings. Most of the Marlin's hitters really had no prayer against him and only Dan Uggla's solo homer in the 2nd prevented Halladay from keeping the Fish off the board all together.
While Halladay shut down the Fish his battery mate, Carlos Ruiz led the way for the Phils offense, going for 4 for 5 with 2 RBIs. In the top of the 2nd, he followed a solo homer by Ben Francisco with one of his own for a 2-0 lead. In the 4th he doubled and scored on a 2 out 2 run single by Halladay himself for a 4-1 lead. In the 5th his 2 out single scored Raul Ibanez from 3rd for a 5-1 lead. Finally in the 7th he grounded a ball to the right to successfully move Placido Polanco to 3rd, and Ben Francisco to 2nd. That setup Wilson Valdez's 1 out RBI infield single for a 6-1 lead. That was more enough for Chad Durbin who relieved Halladay in the 8th and tossed 2 scoreless innings to close out the Fish 6-1. With the Braves losing tonight the Phils pull back within 2 games in the NL East and hopefully without Howard, they'll be able to at least hang around in that position.
While Halladay shut down the Fish his battery mate, Carlos Ruiz led the way for the Phils offense, going for 4 for 5 with 2 RBIs. In the top of the 2nd, he followed a solo homer by Ben Francisco with one of his own for a 2-0 lead. In the 4th he doubled and scored on a 2 out 2 run single by Halladay himself for a 4-1 lead. In the 5th his 2 out single scored Raul Ibanez from 3rd for a 5-1 lead. Finally in the 7th he grounded a ball to the right to successfully move Placido Polanco to 3rd, and Ben Francisco to 2nd. That setup Wilson Valdez's 1 out RBI infield single for a 6-1 lead. That was more enough for Chad Durbin who relieved Halladay in the 8th and tossed 2 scoreless innings to close out the Fish 6-1. With the Braves losing tonight the Phils pull back within 2 games in the NL East and hopefully without Howard, they'll be able to at least hang around in that position.
EAGLES NEWS
Jeremy Maclin hyperextended his during practice and could be out several weeks. Once again the injury occurred on a play in which there was no contact.
Monday, August 02, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
No decision has been made on Ryan Howard at this point. He will be seen by a doctor in Philly tomorrow and then a decision will be made on whether or not he should go on the DL. The sprain is on his back leg which is what he uses to generate all his power so how long he is out comes down to how much pain he can withstand while at the plate.
Sunday, August 01, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The injury bug continued to hit the Phils hard this afternoon in Washington. In the 1st inning Ryan Howard sprained his ankle while trying to get back to 2nd on a pick off attempt, and had to be helped off the field. Apparently he isn't going to go on the DL and the sprain isn't too serious so hopefully he'll be back in a week or less. Anyway back to today despite losing Howard, the Phils managed to score a couple runs in the 1st for an early 2-0 lead. Meanwhile, Cole Hamels looked great through the first few innings and it seemed the 2 runs would be enough for him. Unfortunately, 2 mistakes, to Ryan Zimmerman in the 4th and Adam Dunn in the 6th cost him and the Phils dearly and they found themselves down 4-2 through 6. They didn't go away though. In the top of the 7th, an RBI double by Placido Polanco and a fielder's choice tied it up at 4. Then Cole Hamels finished his day with a scoreless 7th. So in all, he allowed just 4 runs on 6 hits, while striking out 10 in a solid 7 innings.
After the 7th J.C Romero and Ryan Madson combined for scoreless 8th and 9th innings. The Phils also couldn't push a run across in the 8th or 9th so the game went into extra innings. Washington almost won it in the 10th with Nyjer Morgan on 3rd with 2 out and Adam Dunn at the plate, but Jose Contreras retired Dunn to keep the game alive. Finally with 2 out in the top of the 11th Polanco broke the tie with an RBI single and scored on a double by Jayson Werth for a 6-4 lead. In came Brad Lidge again for the save and this time, unlike last night, he had his control and managed to a 1-2-3 inning to close out the 6-4 win. So the Phils at least salvage a win in Washington and thanks to another Braves loss they're back within 2.5 games of the lead in the NL East. You just wonder how many more injuries they can survive.
After the 7th J.C Romero and Ryan Madson combined for scoreless 8th and 9th innings. The Phils also couldn't push a run across in the 8th or 9th so the game went into extra innings. Washington almost won it in the 10th with Nyjer Morgan on 3rd with 2 out and Adam Dunn at the plate, but Jose Contreras retired Dunn to keep the game alive. Finally with 2 out in the top of the 11th Polanco broke the tie with an RBI single and scored on a double by Jayson Werth for a 6-4 lead. In came Brad Lidge again for the save and this time, unlike last night, he had his control and managed to a 1-2-3 inning to close out the 6-4 win. So the Phils at least salvage a win in Washington and thanks to another Braves loss they're back within 2.5 games of the lead in the NL East. You just wonder how many more injuries they can survive.
EAGLES NEWS
The injuries are beginning to mount for the Birds now too. A.Q Shipley, Max-Jean Gilles, Mike Bell, and Asante Samuel all the left the field in Lehigh today with injuries. That, after Desean Jackson and Stewart Bradley both did the same yesterday. Other than Bell, none of the injuries are all that serious but all occurred during afternoon practice which is light and non-contact. How can so many players get injured during a non-contact practice? It boggles the mind.
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