The Phils kept it going against the Padres this afternoon. Joe Blanton cooked up a good one allowing just 1 run on 6 hits while striking out 3. Like Roy Oswalt yesterday He had some great defense behind him. Placido Polanco made a great diving stop to save a run in the 3rd inning. Later Shane Victorino gunned down Nick Hundley at the plate to preserve a 1-1 tie. If not for Victorino it might have been a different day for Big Joe instead the throw kept him in line for the win.
Before the throw it was Victorino who had knocked in the Phils first 1 run with a one out single. Later it was Victorino that put the Phils back in front 2-1 with a 1 out triple. He then scored on as Mike Sweeney beat out a double play to push the lead to 3-1. That was all the Phils bullpen would need. Jose Contreras tossed a scoreless, Ryan Madson matched Contreras in the 8th, and Brad Lidge rebounded from yesterday's balk to rack up his 18th save. So the Phils move to 72-57 overall, 1.5 games up in the wild card race and 2 games back in the division.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
After being swept in 4 games by the lowly Astros there was nowhere to go but up for the Phils as they began a west coast swing in San Diego. Roy Oswalt got the start and was brilliant allowing just 1 run on 5 hits, while striking out 6. The most young Padre's batting order really appeared over matched against him for a good portion of the night. He also had some good defense behind him with Ryan Howard starting a double play to end the 4th and Jayson making a great running catch in deep right to rob Adrian Gonzalez of extra bases. Meanwhile, Jimmy Rollins provided most of the Phils offense. In the 3rd he singled and scored on a single by Chase Utley for a 1-0 lead. Later in the 8th Raul Ibanez broke his bat and singled to score Chase for a 2-1 lead.
After Oswalt got through the 8th, Charlie decided to pinch hit Dominic Brown for him in the 9th, in an effort to get some extra runs but it didn't work out. So it was up to Brad Lidge to close out the 2-1 in the 9th. He was 1 strike from doing so with the bases loaded when he had a little trouble gripping the ball and was forced to abort his wind up, resulting in the rare game tying balk. Fortunately Chase Headley grounded out on the next pitch to the end the inning. From there it went all the way to the top of the 12th before Jimmy ledoff with a double. Placido Polanco followed with a single to score JRoll with the go ahead run. On the play JRoll was actually beaten by the throw home but somehow managed to contort himself in such a way to avoid the tag or Yorvit Torrealba and touch home safely. Chad Durbin struck out the side in home of the 12th to finish his 2nd straight scoreless inning and 3-2 win. With the win the Phils are once again all alone in the 1st in the wild card race and move to within 2 games of the lead in the NL East.
After Oswalt got through the 8th, Charlie decided to pinch hit Dominic Brown for him in the 9th, in an effort to get some extra runs but it didn't work out. So it was up to Brad Lidge to close out the 2-1 in the 9th. He was 1 strike from doing so with the bases loaded when he had a little trouble gripping the ball and was forced to abort his wind up, resulting in the rare game tying balk. Fortunately Chase Headley grounded out on the next pitch to the end the inning. From there it went all the way to the top of the 12th before Jimmy ledoff with a double. Placido Polanco followed with a single to score JRoll with the go ahead run. On the play JRoll was actually beaten by the throw home but somehow managed to contort himself in such a way to avoid the tag or Yorvit Torrealba and touch home safely. Chad Durbin struck out the side in home of the 12th to finish his 2nd straight scoreless inning and 3-2 win. With the win the Phils are once again all alone in the 1st in the wild card race and move to within 2 games of the lead in the NL East.
EAGLES NEWS
In their 3rd preseason game the Eagles 1st string offense took one step forward and 2 steps back. Lesean McCoy score their first TD of the preseason of with 18 yard run but other than that it was a struggle. Desean Jackson was knocked out on the first play of the game with a neck strain. Kevin Kolb struggled behind an offensive line, particularly the running back, that could pick up a blitz to save their lives. He had his moments, but while mostly running for his life Kolb passed for only 103 yards and 0 TDs. In all the Eagles number one offense amassed just 171 yards and 13 points against a Chiefs team that all of 4 games last year. So it wasn't exactly the best way to finish the preseason. As for backups their one shining moment came late in the 4th quarter fired an 18 yd TD pass to Riley Cooper for the winning score as the Birds improved to 2-1 in the preseason with a 20-17 win.
There were far more positives for the 1st team defense which forced 4 turnovers and pressured Matt Cassel all night long including a sack by Akeem Jordan. Brandon Graham and Ernie Sims each had 4 tackles to lead the team. Trevor Lindley, playing with the starters for the first time, also had a key interception. After the starters left only the scrubs still trying to make the team, played the rest of the way. Kurt Coleman made a couple tackles and looked good again but other than that they didn't do much except keep KC out of the endzone. So anyway the defense looks ready for the season to start but offense still needs some work. It's a good thing there is still a week of preseason left. Of course Kevin Kolb wasn't expected to play next week but maybe now he will a little.
There were far more positives for the 1st team defense which forced 4 turnovers and pressured Matt Cassel all night long including a sack by Akeem Jordan. Brandon Graham and Ernie Sims each had 4 tackles to lead the team. Trevor Lindley, playing with the starters for the first time, also had a key interception. After the starters left only the scrubs still trying to make the team, played the rest of the way. Kurt Coleman made a couple tackles and looked good again but other than that they didn't do much except keep KC out of the endzone. So anyway the defense looks ready for the season to start but offense still needs some work. It's a good thing there is still a week of preseason left. Of course Kevin Kolb wasn't expected to play next week but maybe now he will a little.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
On a day in which the Phils celebrated Roy Halladay's perfect game earlier this season, They remained most imperfect. Kyle Kendrick managed to last 6 innings but was touched up for 4 runs on 9 hits. Meanwhile, the Phils offensive futility continued as they managed just 1 run on 5 hits off Houston's ace Wandy Rodriguez. Still through 6 it was only 4-1 Astros and the Phils still at least had a chance to win. Then J.C Romero came in to pitch the 7th and allowed another run on 2 hits to make it 5-1 Astros and that just about put it out of reach for the struggling Phils offense.
Another Scoreless inning from Rodriguez and a scoreless 8th from Jeff Fulchino and the Phils were down to their final 3 outs with the score still 5-1. In the 9th Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth were retired in order and things didn't look so good. Then Shane Victorino and Raul Ibanez collected back to back singles to keep the game alive for pinch hitter Carlos Ruiz. It just wasn't to be for the Phils on this afternoon though, as Ruiz flied out to end it. So shockingly the Astros completed a 4 game sweep of the Phils and its back to drawing board for the men in red pinstripes as they drop back into a tie for the wildcard lead and 3 games out in the NL East.
Another Scoreless inning from Rodriguez and a scoreless 8th from Jeff Fulchino and the Phils were down to their final 3 outs with the score still 5-1. In the 9th Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth were retired in order and things didn't look so good. Then Shane Victorino and Raul Ibanez collected back to back singles to keep the game alive for pinch hitter Carlos Ruiz. It just wasn't to be for the Phils on this afternoon though, as Ruiz flied out to end it. So shockingly the Astros completed a 4 game sweep of the Phils and its back to drawing board for the men in red pinstripes as they drop back into a tie for the wildcard lead and 3 games out in the NL East.
EAGLES NEWS
The Birds will play their 3rd preseason game tomorrow night. With the starters going for 3 quarters it will be an important experience for the young guys on the team.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils have really had a hard playing the Astros the last couple years, but surely Roy Halladay could stem the tide tonight and avoid a 3rd straight loss to Houston. Well not quite. He provided another quality start, allowing just 3 runs on 6 hits, while striking out 6 over 7 innings. Once again it just wasn't enough. Jayson Werth slammed a solo homer in the 5th, and Placido Polanco slapped an RBI double to score Halladay himself, but that was it.
The Phils did have a couple opportunities to rally back but couldn't take advantage. In the 7th runners were stranded on the corners with 2 out and Jimmy Rollins at the plate, when Ben Francisco was picked off 3rd base. Later with 2 out in the 9th a pinch single by Ryan Howard set the stage for Dominic Brown to slam a pinch walkoff homer but he struck out to end other frustrating loss to the Astros, this 3-2. Better luck tomorrow I guess.
The Phils did have a couple opportunities to rally back but couldn't take advantage. In the 7th runners were stranded on the corners with 2 out and Jimmy Rollins at the plate, when Ben Francisco was picked off 3rd base. Later with 2 out in the 9th a pinch single by Ryan Howard set the stage for Dominic Brown to slam a pinch walkoff homer but he struck out to end other frustrating loss to the Astros, this 3-2. Better luck tomorrow I guess.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils have been struggling to score runs for Cole Hamels lately, wasting one great effort after another. Sadly, tonight was no different. Cole tossed 7 strong innings, allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits while striking out 8. However, the Phils could only come up with Raul Ibanez' RBI double in the 6th. With 2 outs in the 9th, Hamels was still in line for another 1 run loss. Then Jimmy Rollins slammed a game tying homer to touch off a long, wild night.Both teams used up all of their position players, and the game had dragged all the way to the bottom of the 14th before the Phils finally got the winning run in scoring position.
There, with runner's on 2nd and 3rd and 2 out Ryan Howard locked in a battle with Mark Melancon and lost. Twice during the at bat, including strike 3, he attempted to check his swing but upon appeal to the 3rd base umpire he was called for swinging. The first time didn't bother him so much, but that 3rd strike set him off the deep end. After running towards the umpire and arguing, he was tossed from the game. With no one left on the bench, the Phils were forced to move Ibanez, the only guy left on the field with experience at 1st base, from left field to 1st base, and Roy Oswalt, yes Roy Oswalt the pitcher, came in to play left.
The Phils managed to survive with their emergency fielders for 1 inning but it came back to bite them in the 16th. First in the top of the inning, two attempts at an inning ending double play failed with no Howard to finish it off and Houston took advantage for 2 runs and a 4-2 lead. Then in the home half of the 16th it was Oswalt and not Howard who came to the plate representing the winning run with 2 on and 2 out. Fittingly he grounded out to end it. So ending another frustrating 4-2 loss.
There, with runner's on 2nd and 3rd and 2 out Ryan Howard locked in a battle with Mark Melancon and lost. Twice during the at bat, including strike 3, he attempted to check his swing but upon appeal to the 3rd base umpire he was called for swinging. The first time didn't bother him so much, but that 3rd strike set him off the deep end. After running towards the umpire and arguing, he was tossed from the game. With no one left on the bench, the Phils were forced to move Ibanez, the only guy left on the field with experience at 1st base, from left field to 1st base, and Roy Oswalt, yes Roy Oswalt the pitcher, came in to play left.
The Phils managed to survive with their emergency fielders for 1 inning but it came back to bite them in the 16th. First in the top of the inning, two attempts at an inning ending double play failed with no Howard to finish it off and Houston took advantage for 2 runs and a 4-2 lead. Then in the home half of the 16th it was Oswalt and not Howard who came to the plate representing the winning run with 2 on and 2 out. Fittingly he grounded out to end it. So ending another frustrating 4-2 loss.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles have moved Brandon Graham up to the first string defense. Previously he split time between the 1st and 2nd string defenses, but now he'll play primarily with the 1st string defense. He just been too impressive to waist on the bench at all.
Monday, August 23, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
Coming into tonight, the start of a 4 game set with the lowly Houston Astros, the Phils had to feel good about themselves and their chances of improving their playoff positioning. Joe Blanton made them feel even better with 7 strong innings in which he allowed just 1 run on 6 hits while striking out 9. In short it was his best performance of the season by a wide margin. Surely, against the Astros it would be enough to win right? ex Phil Brett Myers didn't make it easy with 7 strong of his own, but thanks to Carlos Ruiz solo homer and Chase Utley's RBI single in the 3rd inning the Phils were able to take a 2-1lead and keep it through 7.
So up to that point it looked like Blanton's performance would be enough. Unfortunately, a dose of bad luck took the win away from Big Joe. With 1 on and nobody out in the 8th, ex Phil Micheal Bourn attempted to bunt for a hit. Ryan Howard was able to field it quickly and tag Bourn, or at least he thought he did. The umpire didn't see it that way and called Bourn safe, claiming he had eluded the tag. Replays were inconclusive as to whether Ryan tagged him or not but they did appear to show Bourn illegally going outside of the baseline to avoid the tag, but the ump didn't agree with that either. Given a gift, with 2 runners on and nobody out, Houston took advantage to the tune of 2 runs and a 3-2 lead.
From there the Phils had a couple opportunities to steal back victory but they came up short. First in the 8th, Raul Ibanez flied out with Jayson Werth on 1st. Then with 2 out and Ben Francisco on 2nd Jimmy Rollins flied out to end the disappointing 3-2 loss. Even more disappointing was that the Braves lost tonight as well so the Phils could have gained ground with a win, but oh well, better luck tomorrow I guess.
So up to that point it looked like Blanton's performance would be enough. Unfortunately, a dose of bad luck took the win away from Big Joe. With 1 on and nobody out in the 8th, ex Phil Micheal Bourn attempted to bunt for a hit. Ryan Howard was able to field it quickly and tag Bourn, or at least he thought he did. The umpire didn't see it that way and called Bourn safe, claiming he had eluded the tag. Replays were inconclusive as to whether Ryan tagged him or not but they did appear to show Bourn illegally going outside of the baseline to avoid the tag, but the ump didn't agree with that either. Given a gift, with 2 runners on and nobody out, Houston took advantage to the tune of 2 runs and a 3-2 lead.
From there the Phils had a couple opportunities to steal back victory but they came up short. First in the 8th, Raul Ibanez flied out with Jayson Werth on 1st. Then with 2 out and Ben Francisco on 2nd Jimmy Rollins flied out to end the disappointing 3-2 loss. Even more disappointing was that the Braves lost tonight as well so the Phils could have gained ground with a win, but oh well, better luck tomorrow I guess.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
For some teams, even in the thick of a playoff race, an 8-1 loss might hang with them for a while. The Phillies aren't most teams. Roy Oswalt kicked up good this rain soaked afternoon, tossing 7 scoreless innings , while allowing just 5 hits and striking out 8. He was really a totally different on this day, from that one that made his Phils debut in Washington and the Nats never stood a chance. Owing to the weather conditions, the Phils didn't exactly tear it up in support of Oswalt but they did enough, with 6 runs on 12 hits, to help Roy to the win.
Jimmy Rollins got things started right away, doubling and scoring in the first. Oswalt himself, and Placido Polanco combined singles for a 2nd run in the 3rd inning. Later Wilson Valdez ripped a 2 out 2 run single in the 6th, after Carlos Ruiz had been intentionally walked. Finally after a brief rain delay, Raul Ibanez crushed a 2 run homer in the 7th to all but put the Nats away. From there, Ryan Madson threw a scoreless 8th, and J.C Romero pitched an impressive scoreless 9th to nail the 6-0 win. With the Giants losing again, the Phils with their 70th win of the season, now lead the wild card by 2 games but remain 2.5 back in the NL East.
Jimmy Rollins got things started right away, doubling and scoring in the first. Oswalt himself, and Placido Polanco combined singles for a 2nd run in the 3rd inning. Later Wilson Valdez ripped a 2 out 2 run single in the 6th, after Carlos Ruiz had been intentionally walked. Finally after a brief rain delay, Raul Ibanez crushed a 2 run homer in the 7th to all but put the Nats away. From there, Ryan Madson threw a scoreless 8th, and J.C Romero pitched an impressive scoreless 9th to nail the 6-0 win. With the Giants losing again, the Phils with their 70th win of the season, now lead the wild card by 2 games but remain 2.5 back in the NL East.
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