All good things must eventually come to an end, as did the Phils win streak on this night. Things started well enough though. Ryan Howard crushed a 400 ft plus homer to give the Phils a 2-0 lead in the first. From there Kyle Kendrick tossed 6 scoreless innings and things appeared to be rolling towards a 12th straight win. Unfortunately Kyle ran out the of steam in 7th.
In that inning he managed to retired just 1 batter before allowing a run and loading the bases. Chad Durbin tried to bail him out. However, he ended up tacking 3 more runs onto Kyle's final line as well as a run on his own line before finally getting out of the inning. Down 5-2 heading into the bottom of the 7th, the Phils had some run scoring opportunities the rest of the way but couldn't capitalize before succumbing to the Mets 5-2. The Braves won this afternoon so the Phils magic number remains at 2.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
FLYERS NEWS
For the 4th consecutive preseason game the Flyers went into a shootout. Apparently they've forgotten how to win in regulation. Anyway the star on this night was Nicolai Zherdev who scored in regulation and the winner in the shootout. His countryman and rookie goaltender Sergei Bobrosvsky was huge as well, saving all 26 shots he faced, including all 10 in the shootout to preserve a 3-2 win. Daroll Powe scored the game tying goal late in regulation, and Claude Giroux had the Flyers other score in shootout.
Friday, September 24, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
You can't stop a speeding bullet or apparently the Phillies for that matter as the Mets found out the bank tonight. Joe Blanton took to the hill for this one and provided a 4th successive brilliant start, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits while striking out 6 in 7 innings. Shane Victorino and Carlos Ruiz did the rest. He took R.A Dickey deep to lead off the first inning. Then with 2 out in the 2nd he doubled to left to score Wilson Valdez for a 2-0 lead. That might have been all the Phils would need for the win except that Blanton briefly allowed the Mets back in it with a 2 run 4th.
Ruiz came right back in the home half of 4th, somehow looping a single just inside the right field line for a 3-2 lead. Blanton held strong from there with 3 scoreless innings to finish his night. Ryan Madson racked up another hold with a routine 8th inning. In the 9th things got wild for Brad Lidge, with the Mets putting 2 on with 2 out for 32 year old rookie Jesus Feliciano. Fortunately Lidge struck him out easily to preserve the Phils 11th straight win and his 27th save. With Braves losing to the Nationals tonight the Phils move to 7 games up in the NL East and drop their magic number to 2.
Ruiz came right back in the home half of 4th, somehow looping a single just inside the right field line for a 3-2 lead. Blanton held strong from there with 3 scoreless innings to finish his night. Ryan Madson racked up another hold with a routine 8th inning. In the 9th things got wild for Brad Lidge, with the Mets putting 2 on with 2 out for 32 year old rookie Jesus Feliciano. Fortunately Lidge struck him out easily to preserve the Phils 11th straight win and his 27th save. With Braves losing to the Nationals tonight the Phils move to 7 games up in the NL East and drop their magic number to 2.
FLYERS NEWS
For the 3rd consecutive preseason game the Flyers went into a shootout. This time with goals by Claude Giroux and Danny Briere in the shootout, the Orange and Black outlasted the Leafs 4-3. Unfortunately, during the overtime period before the shootout Micheal Leighton strained his back and will need to be evaluated when the Flyers return to Philadelphia. Ultimate the injury to Leighton was only negative for the Flyers on this night. Before the shootout Nikolai Zherdev had a great night with 2 goals off assists from Giroux. Briere also had a goal in regulation. Technically the Flyers also lost the game in overtime, but Toronto's game winning goal was waved off erroneously since the referees it went in off Phil Kessel's hand. Normally it would have been reviewed and called a goal, but there's no review in the preseason. So the Flyers dodged a bullet and took advantage of their good fortune to get the win in the shootout. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers made an interesting traded today, sending Willie Green and Jason Smith to the New Orleans Hornets for veteran forward Darius Songaila and rookie forward Craig Brackins. Songaila is just good a shooter and you can never have too many of those off the bench. Brackins, originally the 1st round pick of the Oklahoma City Thunder out of Iowa State before being traded to New Orleans, is an athletic big man who can score in multiple ways, including running the floor, so he'll fit well in the Sixers up tempo, run first attack. He'll probably also come off the bench. It's hard to say if the Sixers really improved with this trade but they did at least get rid of some of the weak links on the team.
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers continued their preseason tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Just as in their first preseason contest the game went into overtime and finally into a shootout which lasted 11 rounds before Toronto prevailed. The Flyers actually led heading into the 3rd period as Bill Guerin scored an unassisted tally to put the Orange and Black ahead 2-1 late in the 2nd ooperiod. Unfortunately rookie goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who again finished the night in net, this time the entire 3rd period, couldn't quite hold off the 3rd period Leaf onslaught as the Orange and Black were forced to go to overtime with the scored tied at 2. Other than that misfortune it was a very impressive 2nd appearance by Bobrovsky. Before he came into the game, Brian Boucher, started the first 2 periods and looked very good in saving 16 of the 17 shots he faced.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils looked to complete a sweep of the Braves and assert total control over the NL East. Roy Oswalt got the start and was brilliant, tossing 7 scoreless innings on just 1 hit while striking out 8. Atlanta really didn't get any good swings against him and managed a runner in scoring position only once, when Martin Prado slapped a 2 out double to center for the Braves only hit.
The only problem for Oswalt was that the Phils themselves were just as dazzled at the plate as Atlanta with young Braves hurler, Tommy Hanson tossing 6 scoreless innings and allowing just 2 hits. The Phils did have runners in scoring position a few times but were unable to capitalize against Hanson. Finally, in the 8th with Jayson Werth on 1st and Johnny Venters pitching, Raul Ibanez laced a doubled off the line in left to plate the only run of the night. Brad Lidge once again retired the Braves in order in the 9th and the Phils had their sweep. With the win the Phils move 6 games up in the NL East and reduce their magic number to just 4.
The only problem for Oswalt was that the Phils themselves were just as dazzled at the plate as Atlanta with young Braves hurler, Tommy Hanson tossing 6 scoreless innings and allowing just 2 hits. The Phils did have runners in scoring position a few times but were unable to capitalize against Hanson. Finally, in the 8th with Jayson Werth on 1st and Johnny Venters pitching, Raul Ibanez laced a doubled off the line in left to plate the only run of the night. Brad Lidge once again retired the Braves in order in the 9th and the Phils had their sweep. With the win the Phils move 6 games up in the NL East and reduce their magic number to just 4.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
In the second game of their showdown with the Braves, Roy Halladay made sure to keep things on the up and up for the men in red pinstripes. As has been the case of late, he wasn't at his best, but he still managed to limit Atlanta to only 3 runs on 7 hits over 7 strong innings. Meanwhile , the Phils were able to provide at least decent run support for Roy as they faced another rookie on the mound in the Mike Minor. On this night it would Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez whose bats would come up the biggest. With 2 on and 1 out in the 2nd Werth lined a 3 run homer into the seats for a quick 3-0 lead. Later in the 6th Ibanez looped a 2 run double into right field corner to put the Phils ahead to stay 5-2.
The Phils could easily have had more than just 5 runs but squandered several opportunities while leaving 10+ men on base. Still they ultimately got the runs they needed so you can't complain too much. Anyway, given a 5-2 lead, Halladay was looking to 2 more innings and all but rap up the win, but a rough 7th inning did him in. With score 5-3, Ryan Madson took over in the 8th and survived a leadoff single. That left it up to Brad Lidge to wrap up his 25th save and Halladay's 20th win of the season. After allowing a leadoff single himself, Lidge was able to do just that relatively uneventfully with a few more devastating sliders. With his 20th win tonight Halladay becomes the first Phils pitcher since Steve Carlton himself in 1982, to win 20 games in a season. For the Phils the win means a 5 game cushion in the NL East and a magic number reduced to 6. Not bad for a team that at one point was 7 games out of 1st.
The Phils could easily have had more than just 5 runs but squandered several opportunities while leaving 10+ men on base. Still they ultimately got the runs they needed so you can't complain too much. Anyway, given a 5-2 lead, Halladay was looking to 2 more innings and all but rap up the win, but a rough 7th inning did him in. With score 5-3, Ryan Madson took over in the 8th and survived a leadoff single. That left it up to Brad Lidge to wrap up his 25th save and Halladay's 20th win of the season. After allowing a leadoff single himself, Lidge was able to do just that relatively uneventfully with a few more devastating sliders. With his 20th win tonight Halladay becomes the first Phils pitcher since Steve Carlton himself in 1982, to win 20 games in a season. For the Phils the win means a 5 game cushion in the NL East and a magic number reduced to 6. Not bad for a team that at one point was 7 games out of 1st.
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers opened their preseason schedule tonight at home against the New Jersey Devils with a 4-3 shootout win. Darrell Powe and Jeff Carter both scored early in the game while Danny Briere added an unassisted tally in the 3rd period. In his first game of any kind as a Flyer. Jody Shelley got into his first fight and racked up 7 penalty minutes. So he appears to be in midseason form already. Rookie goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who subbed in briefly for Micheal Leighton, looked great saving all 7 shots he faced. All in all it was a good start to the preseason for the Orange and Black.
EAGLES NEWS
It was an interesting day for the Birds. Andy Reid did a 180 and declared Mike Vick the starting QB for Sunday. That's despite the fact that Kevin Kolb is healthy. Other than the QB drama the Eagles made some personnel moves. They signed RB Joique Bell off the Buffalo Bills practice squad and cut WR Hank Baskett. At the same time they also released RB Martell Mallet and S Chip Vaughn from the practice squad.
Monday, September 20, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
In the first of their 3 game showdown with the Braves, Cole Hamels was the star. He went 8 brilliant innings, shrugging off a tight strike zone and a long ball that went foul, to allow just 1 run on 6 hits while striking out 6. Brian Mcann's RBI double in the 2nd inning gave the Braves their only run of the night. The Phils meanwhile, found the going tough as well against young Brandon Beachy in his major league debut. They had a lot of base runners but could never really capitalize on them. Still they did enough to get the Cole the win.
Ryan Howard doubled and scored on a double by Carlos Ruiz in the home of the second. Later in the 5th, Shane Victorino went all the way to 3rd on Jason Heyward's huge error to lead off the inning and eventually scored on a fielder's choice. Chase Utley followed with a single, a steal of second, and an advancement to 3rd on a throwing error by Brian Mcann. 2 walks and a fielder's choice later and Utley had scored for a 3-1 lead. Unfortunately from there with 2 on and only 1 out the Phils could not come up with the hit that would put the game way. In the end it didn't matter as Hamels rolled through the 8th and Brad Lidge retired the side in order in the 9th for his 24th save and the Phils 90th win. They're now 4 games up in the NL East and their magic number is down to 8.
Ryan Howard doubled and scored on a double by Carlos Ruiz in the home of the second. Later in the 5th, Shane Victorino went all the way to 3rd on Jason Heyward's huge error to lead off the inning and eventually scored on a fielder's choice. Chase Utley followed with a single, a steal of second, and an advancement to 3rd on a throwing error by Brian Mcann. 2 walks and a fielder's choice later and Utley had scored for a 3-1 lead. Unfortunately from there with 2 on and only 1 out the Phils could not come up with the hit that would put the game way. In the end it didn't matter as Hamels rolled through the 8th and Brad Lidge retired the side in order in the 9th for his 24th save and the Phils 90th win. They're now 4 games up in the NL East and their magic number is down to 8.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
With their huge 3 game set with the 2nd place Braves looming tomorrow the Phils needed a win today to complete a sweep of the Nationals and cement at least a 3 game lead heading into the season's penultimate series. For a good portion of this afternoon it didn't look like either would come to fruition but that's why you always play 9 innings. Early on the Phils had the lead and the momentum with Joe Blanton allowing just 1 run over the first 5 innings, Brian Schneider doubling for 2 runs in the 4th and Jayson Werth slapping a 2 out RBI single in the 5th.
Joe Blanton got in the jam in the though with 2 on and 2 out for Micheal Morse. He got ahead of Morse and looked to have him struck out, except he didn't get the call on strike 3. One pitch later Morse deposited one over Werth's head and into the seats in the right and just like that Washington was ahead 4-3. The Nats added a run off the Phils bullpen in the 7th and 8th innings to take a 6-3 lead into the 9th. Rookie Drew Storen came in to close it for the Nats and ultimately he just couldn't handle the pressure on this afternoon. Placido Polanco singled, Chase Utley doubled, and Ryan Howard singled to quickly cut the lead to 6-5 and putting the tying run on base with nobody out for Werth. After a long at bat Werth finally connected on a Storen fastball, sending a deep drive to left center, and gone to cap off the 4 run 9th and huge 7-6 Phils win. With Braves winning today as well the Phils remain 3 games up in the NL East and reduce their magic number to 10.
Joe Blanton got in the jam in the though with 2 on and 2 out for Micheal Morse. He got ahead of Morse and looked to have him struck out, except he didn't get the call on strike 3. One pitch later Morse deposited one over Werth's head and into the seats in the right and just like that Washington was ahead 4-3. The Nats added a run off the Phils bullpen in the 7th and 8th innings to take a 6-3 lead into the 9th. Rookie Drew Storen came in to close it for the Nats and ultimately he just couldn't handle the pressure on this afternoon. Placido Polanco singled, Chase Utley doubled, and Ryan Howard singled to quickly cut the lead to 6-5 and putting the tying run on base with nobody out for Werth. After a long at bat Werth finally connected on a Storen fastball, sending a deep drive to left center, and gone to cap off the 4 run 9th and huge 7-6 Phils win. With Braves winning today as well the Phils remain 3 games up in the NL East and reduce their magic number to 10.
EAGLES NEWS
In his first start at QB since returning to the NFL last year, Mike Vick had a big day. He completed 21 of 34 passes for 284 yards and 2 TDs and rushed 7 times for 37 more yards. 4 of Vick's 21 completions went to Desean Jackson for 135 yards and a TD. In addition to Vick, Lesean McCoy had a huge day as well with 16 carries for 120 yards and 3 TDs. Despite all that the Birds still almost lost to the Lions as the defense collapsed late after a strong start.
Vick fired a 45 yd TD pass to Jackson to give the Birds the early 7-0 lead in the 1st quarter, but the Lions came back with 17 unanswered points behind 2 scores by Jahvid Best to take 17-7 midway through the 2nd quarter. Just when it appeared Detroit was poised to take a lead into the half, Vick led to 2 scoring late in the half with Lesean McCoy's 14 yard run and Vick's 9 yd TD putting the Birds back ahead at the half, 21-17. On the only scoring drive of the 3rd quarter McCoy plunged in from 4 yards out for a 28-17 lead. Later with about 6 minutes to play in the 4th quarter McCoy did it again, this time from 46 yards out for a 35-17.
Unfortunately, just when it seemed the Birds had it wrapped the defense broke down and the Eagle's running game consistently failed to time off the clock. Surprisingly Detroit was able to take advantage. Best's 3rd TD of the day, cut it to 35-24. Then Shaun Hill fired a 19 yd TD pass to Calvin Johnson and converting for 2 points , the lead was down to 35-32. Riley Cooper had the ensuing onsides kick in his hands but couldn't hang on and Detroit ending up recovering to give themselves one chance to win or tie. Thankfully at this point the Eagles defense finally woke up again and force a 3 and out to preserve the 35-32 Eagle victory. Since the Cowboys, Giants, and Redskins all lost today the Birds are now actually tied for 1st in the NFC East. As good as Vick was Kevin Kolb will still step back into the starter's role next week and he'll now have tremendous to deliver or end up on the bench.
Vick fired a 45 yd TD pass to Jackson to give the Birds the early 7-0 lead in the 1st quarter, but the Lions came back with 17 unanswered points behind 2 scores by Jahvid Best to take 17-7 midway through the 2nd quarter. Just when it appeared Detroit was poised to take a lead into the half, Vick led to 2 scoring late in the half with Lesean McCoy's 14 yard run and Vick's 9 yd TD putting the Birds back ahead at the half, 21-17. On the only scoring drive of the 3rd quarter McCoy plunged in from 4 yards out for a 28-17 lead. Later with about 6 minutes to play in the 4th quarter McCoy did it again, this time from 46 yards out for a 35-17.
Unfortunately, just when it seemed the Birds had it wrapped the defense broke down and the Eagle's running game consistently failed to time off the clock. Surprisingly Detroit was able to take advantage. Best's 3rd TD of the day, cut it to 35-24. Then Shaun Hill fired a 19 yd TD pass to Calvin Johnson and converting for 2 points , the lead was down to 35-32. Riley Cooper had the ensuing onsides kick in his hands but couldn't hang on and Detroit ending up recovering to give themselves one chance to win or tie. Thankfully at this point the Eagles defense finally woke up again and force a 3 and out to preserve the 35-32 Eagle victory. Since the Cowboys, Giants, and Redskins all lost today the Birds are now actually tied for 1st in the NFC East. As good as Vick was Kevin Kolb will still step back into the starter's role next week and he'll now have tremendous to deliver or end up on the bench.
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