FLYERS NEWS

Canadiens 3 Flyers 1

It Was Over When.....

Chris Higgins fired the Canadiens 3rd and final goal of the night into the Flyers empty net with 25 seconds left in the game, nullifying the Flyers virtually game ending 2 minute power play.

The Game Puck Goes To.....

The Canadiens penalty killing unit which killed off all 8 of the Flyer's power play chances. Thus far, the Canadiens have the best penalty killing unit in the NHL and they showed why tonight.

The Stat of the Game Is.....

0, as in 0 for 8 on the power play for the Flyers. When you get 8 power plays you have to be able to get at least 1 goal out of them and the Flyers just didn't so they lost.

The Bottom Line Is.....

Yes the Flyers are now just 1 and 3, but it's still early in the season and in the NHL every team has as good a chance to make playoffs as any of them do. Even the Flyers at 1 and 3, and with just 3 points on the season, would actually make playoffs as the 7th seed in the East if the season were to end now. Basically what I am saying is don't worry about the Flyers. They'll get it going soon enough.

PHILLIES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

FLYERS NEWS

Flyers 4 Rangers 2

It Was Over When.....

The Flyers scored their 3rd goal of the 2nd period to take a 4-1 lead, which the Rangers would never overcome.

The Game Puck Goes To.....

The Dynamic duo, Simon Gagne and Peter Forsberg who combined for 4 points on the night, Forsberg with 3 on a goal and 2 assists and Gagne with 1 on his 3rd goal of the year.

The Stat of The Game is.....

1, as in 1 for 8 on the power play for the Rangers. Often NHL games are won and lost on whether or not you can score on the power play, and usually when you are as ineffective on the power play as the Rangers were tonight, you do what they did, lose.

The Bottom Line is.....

This was a good way for the Flyers to get their 1st win of the year. It's always nice to beat a team which is an arch rival of yours, and doubly nice when it's your 1st win of the year. If your the Flyers this is one of those moments during the season where you can really build some momemtum. I mean it's not like the Flyers have really played all that poorly this season, it's just that until now they had nothing to show for it. Hopefully, with this win they can really build some confidence and start playing the way they are capable of.

PHILLIES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

PHILLIES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

Eagles 38 Cowboys 24

It Was Over When......

Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard intercepted a Drew Bledsoe pass in the endzone on 2nd and goal from the 3 with 16 seconds left in the game and raced 102 yards the other way for a score and an Eagles victory.

The Game Ball Goes To......

You guessed it, Lito Sheppard, who after missing the 1st 4 weeks of the season came back strong today, intercepting Drew Bledsoe twice late in the 4th quarter, both times deep in Eagles territory just as the Cowboys seemed primed to score.

The Stat of the Game is......

3, as in 3 points scored by the Cowboys offense in the 2nd half. After racking up 21 points and over 200 yards of offense in the 1st half the Cowboys managed just 3 points in the 2nd half while the Eagles racked up 21 points of their own. Another contributing stat is 21, as in just 21 yards receiving for Terrell Owens. This game was billed by many as T.O versus the Eagles and if that's really what it was then I'd say the Eagles won that one.

The Bottom Line is......

This was a huge win for the birds. Before today they had lost 7 consecutive games to divisional opponents, but this 1 game changes all that. With this win the Eagles have now proven to themselves and to their critics that they can still win the big ones and still deserve to be mentioned among the NFC's elite. I mean when you win a back and forth game like this in the fashion the Eagles did, you start to think that maybe this is your year and that good things are going to happen to you. Hopefully good things will continue to happen to the Eagles for the rest of the season.

PHILLIES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

FLYERS NEWS

Rangers 5 Flyers 4 - final in a shootout

It Was Over When.....

Marcel Hossa, the Ranger's 13th shooter of the shootout finally got the puck past Flyer's goalie Antero Nittymaki, to score the game winning goal. Both the Flyers and Rangers had unsuccessfully sent out 12 shooters each, before Hossa finally scored to end the marathon.

The Game Puck Goes To......

Who else, Hossa who as I said scored the game winning goal to end a marathon 13 round shoot out.

The Stat of The Game Is.....

Well, in keeping with our theme from the other night, it's 0 as in 0 goals in 13 shootout rounds for the Flyers. Like I said before, while the Flyers failed to score in the shootout, the Rangers got just that 1 goal from Hossa in their 13 shootout rounds, and that was enough to give them the win.

The Bottom Line Is......

After an embarassing 4-0 loss to the Penguins in their season opener, this was a good rebound for the Flyers. Yes, they lost, but they scored 4 goals, including 2 by Simon Gagne, and 1 by Peter Forsberg. Thus they showed that their offense is just fine, which to me means that they will be okay overall. Now, because of their shaky defense it may take a little while for the Flyers to really get going this season, but I think once they do their offense should be able to carry them to any wins they might need. Basically the Flyers are still meshing together right now and are slowly getting untracked for the season, and that's why they are currently winless, but I think they will be okay, so there is no need to worry just yet.

PHILLIES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

PHILLIES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

FLYERS NEWS

Penguins 4 Flyers 0

It Was Over When.....

Well, let's just say it was over after the 1st period because at that point the Flyers were behind 2-0 and judging by that which I am about to mention, there was no way they were going to be able to overcome that.

The Game Ball, er Puck Goes To.....

Penguins goalie Marc Andre Fleury who shutout Flyers, saving 40 count em, 4o shots on goal. It seemed like every other minute the Flyers had a scoring chance, but each time Fleury made the save. It was simply his night.

The Stat of The Game Is.....

Well, in keeping with our theme for tonight, 0 as in 0 yes that's 0 power play goals in an overwhelming 11 power play chances for the Flyers. Once, again it was just Fleury's night and the Flyers could not figure him out.

The Bottom Line Is.....

Obviously a 4-0 loss, to the reigning worst team in the Eastern Conference, is no the way you want to start your regular season, but that's exactly what the Flyers did tonight. Hopefully, all they will need to get back on track is a little time to mesh together. Otherwise if they keep playing like this that worst team in the conference title will be theirs before long. Anyway, Its still early in the season and you know what they say it's not how you start it's how you finish and hopefully the Flyers will finish strong from now on.

PHILLIES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

FLYERS NEWS

Well, the Flyers begin their regular season tomorrow, so tonight as promised I will give you a quick summary of their preseason. 1st of all their record for the preseason was only 1-5-1 as in 1 win, 5 losses, and 1 tie. Now I know that may seem pretty bad, but it's the preseason so it really doesn't mean anything. Anyway despite their lowly record the Flyers had plenty of positives during the preseason. Peter Forsberg led the team with 6 points, on 1 goal and 5 assists and Simon Gagne led the team in goals with 3. Geoff Sanderson, Mike Richards, and Jeff Carter all chipped in with 2 goals each as well. Thus it's pretty obvious the Flyers can still score goals with the best of them. The real problem and the big reason they were only 1-5-1 was there defense, which had trouble holding leads and took way to many penalties, but then again so does everyone else during the preseason. Now as far as injuries are concerned the Flyers really didn't have any. Goalie Antero Nittymaki injured his hip and was initially expected to undergo surgery and be out for over a month, but instead he flew to Nashville, underwent a cortizone shot and suddenly there he was on the ice yesterday practicing with the rest of his teammates. BY all reports he should be ready to play by Saturday. Their only other injury was to defenseman Lars Johnson who will only be out a couple weeks with a high ankle sprain. Basically the Flyers had no serious injuries during the preseason. As for their chances this season, there has not been much buzz in the media about this team but maybe that's a good thing. After all it's always easier to fly under the radar then it is to be the center of attention. Anyway Like I said, the offense is rock solid and should continue to be, but it's the defense and goaltending that will determine the Flyers fate this season. If the defense can somehow rise above it's usual mediocrity and if either Nittymaki or Robert Esche can establish themselves legitimately as the number 1 goalie then the Flyers could surprise a couple teams and go deep into the playoffs, otherwise they will be where they normally are, out in the 1st round of the playoffs. Well, until tomorrow here's to another exciting season of Flyers hockey.

PHILLIES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

PHILLIES NEWS

This is Just a brief report on the Phillies coaching staff for next season, I know this season just ended, but it's never too early to look ahead. The Phils announced today that Manager Charlie Manuel will be back next season, as will hitting coach Milt Thompson, catching instructor Mitch Billmeyer, and bullpen coach Ramon Henderson. However, 1st base coach Marc Bombard, 3rd base coach Bill Dancy, and bench coach Gary Varsho will not be back next season, so it should be interesting to see who the Phils bring in to replace those 3. Well, happy trails everyone.

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

Eagles 31 Packers 9

It Was Over When......

Donovan Mcnabb scored his 2nd rushing touchdown of the night to give the Eagles a 31-9 lead which they would never relinquish. I would have said it was over earlier, but you never know with the Eagles these days.

The Game Ball Goes To......

Quarterback Donovan Mcnabb who completed 16 of his 3o passes for 288 yards and 2 touchdowns, and rushed for 2 touchdowns as well. Thus, he had a part in all 4 of the Eagles touchdowns on the night.

The Stat of The Game Is......

o, as o points of any kind in the 2nd half for the Packers. The Packers actually led 9-7 at halftime, but by the time the 4th quarter started the Eagles had scored 17 unanswered points, en route to 24 unanswered, for a 24-9 lead.

The Bottom Line is......

This was another nice win for the Birds, but like last week against the 49ers, this was a game the Eagles were expected to win. Also they didn't play as well as they could have. They should have had at least 17 points at the half, but Correll Buckhalter fumbled the ball away at the goal line twice and the Eagles as whole played pretty sloppy at times. Still, a win is a win, so I am happy the Eagles won and I give them credit for playing a great 2nd half. Now that they have won this one the real fun can begin, yes that's right T.O and the Cowboys are coming to town on sunday. If the Eagles really want to be back on top of the NFC east, they will have to win this one, and prove that they can still win the big ones.

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

PHILLIES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

PHILLIES NEWS

Marlins 3 Phillies 2

It Was Over When......

Jason Wood singled with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 11th inning to score Alfredo Almezaga with the winning run.

The Game Ball Goes to......

Who else, Jason Wood who hit the game winning single in the bottom of the 11th inning.

The Stat of The Game Is......

2, as in 2 errors made by the phils while the Marlins did not make any. Specifically, it was the 2nd error that really killed the Phils. Jason Wood's game winning single wasn't really a single until utility shortstop Danny Sandoval booted it off his glove, allowing it to trickle into the outfield.

The Bottom Line Is......

After 162 games, 58 homers by Ryan Howard, and a heroic 2nd half playoff push, it has all come to an end for the Phils, as this was their last game of the season. It's a little depressing that the Phils ended it with a loss, but hey it didn't really mean anything anyway as the Phils were eliminated from playoff contention yesterday. Well, it's been a long strange trip of a season, I am sad it's over and until next season happy trails everyone.

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

PHILLIES NEWS

Phillies 4 Marlins 3

It Was Over When......

Shane Victorino tracked down Dan Uggla's deep fly ball to center field, for the final out of the game. At first it looked like Victorino might not get to it, but as he has ever since he became the Phils full time center fielder, he turned on the jets and just got under the ball in time to make the catch.

The Game Ball Goes to......

The Phils bullpen which pitched 7 and 2/3rds scoreless innings, allowing just 6 hits, while striking out 6 and issuing just 1 walk. The Marlins scored 3 runs in the 1st 2 innings, but the bullpen came in in the 3rd inning and they never scored again.

The Stat of The Game is......

0, as in o runs scored by the 2 teams after the 3rd inning. The Phils and Marlins combined for 7 runs in the 1st 3 innings, but both failed to push anymore runs across the plate for the final 6 innings. Thus, the team who was leading after the 3rd inning, the Phils at 4-3, got the win.

The Bottom Line is......

This was another must win game for the Phils and once again they got it, but unfortunately it was too little too late for the Phils, as both the Dodgers and the Padres also won today, meaning that the Phils after their all they have been through this season, will not be a part of the postseason for the 13th season in a row. I guess I should probably be depressed right now, but you know what, I am proud of how the Phils played this year, especially during this exciting 2nd half of the season and I am really looking forward to next season. Well, happy trails everyone.

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

PHILLIES NEWS

Phillies 14 Marlins 2

It Was Over When......

The Phils scored 3 runs in the 3rd inning to take a 4-1 lead which they never relinquish, as they scored 10, yes 10 runs over the next 3 innings.

The Game Ball Goes To......

The Phillies offense which racked up 14 runs on 18 hits. Jimmy Rollins had 2 hits, an RBI, and 3 runs scored. Shane Victorino had 5, yes 5 hits including 2 doubles, and scored and knocked in 3 runs. Pat Burrell, had 3 hits, including 2 homers, and knocked in and scored 4 runs. Lastly, Chris Coste who caught the 14 inning marathon Wednesday, and played last night, somehow still found the energy to collect 2 hits and 2 RBIs tonight.

The Stat Game Is......

2, as in just 2 runs scored by the Marlins all night. They Scored the 1st run of the game in the bottom of the 1st inning, and then did not score again until the bottom of the 8th inning.

The Bottom Line Is......

This was a must win for the Phils and they got it easily. Unfortunately the Dodgers won again last night so the Phils are still 2 back now with just 2 to play. Also, just to make things more interesting the Padres lost last night, so they and the Dodgers are tied for 1st in the NL west and are both 2 games up on the Phils in the wildcard. All of which means, that in order for the Phils to make the playoffs they have to win their last 2, and either the Dodgers or the Padres have to lose their last 2. If they lose it's over, but if they win, there's still a chance and that's good enough for me to stick with them until the bitter end. Well, happy trails everyone.

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

PHILLIES NEWS

Nationals 3 Phillies 1

It Was Over When......

The Phillies fell behind 3-1 in the 6th inning. The Phils, were just off all night and this deficit late in the game never allowed them to get on.

The Game Ball Goes To......

The Nationals pitching staff which held the Phils to just 1 run on 5 hits, and Brian Schneider who continues to kill the Phillies, this time with 2 hits and 2 RBIs.

The Stat of The Game is......

4:30, as in a 4 and 1/2 hour rain delay at the onset of the game. Instead, of coming out fired up at 7:00 and ready to get a win, the Phils were forced to come out over 4 hours later at 11:30, and the lull that this put over them, physically and mentally never wore off.

The Bottom Line is......

This loss was a real killer for the Phillies, as it put them 2 games behind the Dodgers for the wildcard with just 3 games to play. If they want to make the playoffs now, they are going to have to sweep the Marlins in their final series of the year and get a whole lot of help from the San Francisco Giants, who will be playing the Dodgers this weekend. Well, happy trails everyone.

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

PHILLIES NEWS

Phillies 8 Nationals 7

It Was Over When......

Well, it like they say, it ain't over till it's over and this one wasn't over until it was over, basically when Chase Utley picked up that ground ball off the bat of Matthew Schneider and started that game ending double play.

The Game Ball Goes to......

Jimmy Rollins, whose 2 out RBI double in the top of the 14th inning scored 2 runs to give the Phils an 8-6 lead which they would never relinquish. Also I want to give a special game ball to all those loyal Phils fans who hung around the stadium in Washington until the end. Thank's for the support guys.

The Stat of The Game is.......

Well, this was just one of those game where in the end the only stat that really matters is the one on the scoreboard, so the stat of the game is 8, as in 8 runs for the Phils to 7 for the Nationals.

The Bottom Line is.......

This was a big, big , big win for the Phils. If they had lost they would be 2.0 games back with 4 to play ,a seemingly insurmountable whole. Thus, with the win they remain 1.0 game behind the Dodgers with 4 to play and still have as much a chance as anyone to win the wildcard. Well, happy trails everyone.

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

PHILLIES NEWS

Nationals 4 Phillies 3

It Was Over When......

Chase Utley's homerun in the 2nd inning was called foul, despite the fact that instant replays clearly showed it glancing off the foul pole. They might not have looked it at the time, but after seeing the replay for themselves the Phils knew they had been robbed, and after Ryan Zimmerman doubled in 2 runs to give the Nationals a 3-2 lead in the 3rd inning just minutes later it was clear that they felt that their fate had been sealed. Basically, they never got over the anger of Utley being robbed of a homer.

The Game Ball Goes To.......

Nationals 3rd baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who knocked in 3 of the Nationals 4 runs, had 3 hits, and scored a run. There has been a lot of talk lately that Zimmerman should be named NL rookie of the year, and now we all know why.

The Stat of the Game is......

11 , as in 11 consecutive at bats between Utley's phantom homer in the 2nd inning and his RBI single in the 9th inning in which the Phillies failed to get a hit with runners in scoring position, and 3 out of 14 as in the Phils went just 3 out 14 with runners in scoring position on the night and left a whopping 5 runners in scoring position with 2 out. Incredibly the phils had 13 hits on the night and yet scored only 3 runs. I mean, having a lot of runners on base is nice, but only if you can get them to cross the plate.

The Bottom Line Is......

This loss is an even tougher one to swallow for the Phils than last night's was. To make matters worse the Dodgers were playing tonight too and they won, so the Phils now trail them by 1.0 game in the wildcard with 5 games to play. If they still want to make playoffs, they may well have to win all of those final 5 games and that might just be to much to ask at this point. Well, happy trails everyone.

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

PHILLIES NEWS

Astros 5 Phillies 4

It Was Over When......

The Astros scored 3 runs in the top of the 7th inning to take a 5-4 lead. Not only did this inning suck all of the emotion out of a sold out Citizens Bank Park, but it exhausted the Phillies as well, as Mike Lamb capped off the inning with an 11 pitch at-bat(including 5 consecutive foul balls) against Geoff Geary, that ended with Lamb blooping a single off the glove of Chase Utley, to score the eventual winning run.

The Game Ball Goes To......

The Astros bullpen, which despite obvious exhaustion from last night's game with the Cardinals, managed 5 and 2/3rds innings, while allowing just 4 runs. Obviously, those are not great numbers, but good enough to get the Astros the win.

The Stat of The Game Is.......

0, as in o runs and o hits following Jimmy Rollins 2 run homer in the 6th inning. Over the last 3 innings of the game the Phils offense did not record a run or even a hit, while the Astros had 3 runs and 4 hits. Basically, that was difference in tonight's game. I mean if the Phils had recorded even 1 hit in those final 3 innings, they might have been able to forge a tie late in the game and steal it extra innings, but they weren't able to and lost.

The Bottom Line is.......

This was a tough loss for the Phils to swallow, but hey they are still tied with the idle Dodgers for the wildcard lead, so there is no reason to panic just yet. Ultimately, the Phils are just going to have to bear down now and take care of business over the final 6 games of the season if they want to beat out the Dodgers for the wildcard. So may the best team win the wildcard and happy trails everyone.

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

I am going to write this a little differently then I usually do, but I hope you all still like it.

Eagles 38 Niners 24

It Was Over When.......

Mike Patterson scooped up a fumble by 49ers running back Frank Gore on the Eagles 1 yard line and raced, er, trudged a record 98 yards for a touchdown and a 31-3 Eagles lead with just over 6:00 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter. Thus, producing a 14 point swing, from which the 49ers would never recover.

The Game Ball Goes to.......

The Eagles offense which amassed over 400 yards for the 2nd week in a row. Donovan Mcnabb hit 18 of his 33 passes for 296 yards and 2 touchdowns. Brian WestBrook carried the ball 8 times for 117 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 71 yard touchdown run, and he caught 4 passes for 47 yards and another score. Reggie Brown, playing in the absence of Donte Stallworth, caught 5 passes for 106 yards, including a 50 yard reception off a flea flicker on the 1st play of the game.

The stat of the Game Was.......

52, as in 52 rushing yards for 49ers running back Frank Gore. If the 49ers had been able to win today, it was Gore who was supposed to have been the difference. However, despite 16 carries, including 3 at the Eagles 1 yard line, Gore managed just those 52 yards and never got in the endzone for a score.

The Bottom Line is.......

After that which shall not be mentioned happened last week, this was a nice bounce back win for the birds, but what does it really prove about them. Ultimately the Niners like the Texans in week 1 are just another one of those teams on the schedule, that you look at and say okay the Eagles should beat them. If they really want to prove that they are back among the elite teams in the NFC they are going to have to beat someone that isn't supposed to be an easy win, namely someone else in their division. They will get their chance on October 8th when T.O and the Cowboys come to town, but until then the Eagles will just have to be content with another easy date on schedule, this time next Monday night against the struggling Packers who are currently 1-2, after barely hanging on to defeat the equally woeful Detroit Lions earlier today.

PHILLIES NEWS

For a little while it looked like today would not be a good one for the Phils. The Marlins jumped on Jamie Moyer for 4-0 runs in the 1st inning, quickly quieting a sellout crowd at Citizens Bank Park. From there, Moyer could have folded and allowed the Marlins an ever bigger lead, but the wiley veteran hung tough and kept the Marlins scoreless for the next 4 innings as the Phils stormed back. In the 3rd inning the Phils scored an incredible 7 runs on a pair of 2-run homers by Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley(# 30 for Utley), and 3 run homer by Chris Coste. Ahead 4-0 after the 1st inning, the Marlins suddenly found themselves behind 7-4 following the 3rd inning and didn't know what had hit them. Meanwhile, the Phils just kept plugging away adding a run in the 5th inning and another in the 6th via Chase Utley's 2nd homer of the day, to go up 9-5 through 6 innings. Then Following a short rain delay, they were able to add yet another run in the 7th inning on a solo homer by Pat Burrell, to take a 10-5 lead. From there the Phils bullpen was able to close things out once again, despite giving up 2 more runs, as the Phils got the win 10-7. Thus, the Phils are still leading the wildcard race and they are still only leading by 0.5 games because the Dodgers also won today. Well, happy trails everyone.

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

PHILLIES NEWS

The Phils just continued their playoff push today with their 4th win in a row and 7th out of their last 8. Jon Lieber went 7 solid innings, allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits, while striking out 6. Offensively the Phils jumped out early with 4 runs in the 1st 3 innings, to take a 4-0 lead. The Marlins fought back to cut the lead to 4-2 in the top of the 6th inning, but the Phils just kept at them, taking a 6-2 lead in the bottom of the inning, as Jimmy Rollins hit his 23rd homer of the year. The Marlins fought back again to cut the lead to 6-4 in the top of the 8th inning, but the Phils again answered with 2 in the bottom of the inning to take an 8-4 lead into the 9th. There, Flash Gordon, nearly coughed up the lead, allowing consecutive homers to start inning, but he bared down and secured a big 8-6 win for the Phils. In all, this was a total team effort for the Phils, as Carlos Ruiz and Jeff Conine, both knocked in 3 runs and Chase Utley and Shane Victorino both had 4 hits and 3 runs scored. Any way you look at it this was a good day for the Phils. Anyway, well I was going to say with the win the Phils moved back into a tie with the Dodgers for the wildcard lead, but as I was writing this the Dodgers finished their game and they lost! Yes, that's right that means that the Phils are now all alone in 1st place in the wildcard race 0.5 games up on the Dodgers. YEAAAAAAAHHHH! oh sorry I got carried away there. Well, happy trails everyone.

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

PHILLIES NEWS

The Good times just keep on rolling for the Phils. Tonight in front of a sellout crown the Phils earned their 3rd win in a row, with a 5-2 thumping of the Marlins. Cole Hamels dazzled the fish for 6 and 2/3rds innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits, while striking out 10. Meanwhile, the Phils offense jumped on the Marlins early and took a 4-0 lead through 3 innings, on an RBI single by Chase Utley in the 1st inning and a 3 run homer by Ryan Howard in the 3rd inning(that's 58 now). The Phils would later manufacture an extra run in the 6th inning to bolster their lead to 5-1 and from there the Phils bullpen closed things out, allowing just 1 more run on 3 hits, as Tom Gordon earned his 33rd save of the year. Now at the moment, with the win the Phils have once again locked themselves in a tie for the wild card lead with the Dodgers. However, the Dodgers are playing right now and if they win the Phils would drop to 0.5 games behind them for the wildcard lead, otherwise if they lose the Phils will move into 1st in the wildcard race 0.5 games up on the Dodgers. Of course right now the Dodgers are locked in a scoreless tie with the Diamondbacks in the top of the 6th inning, so who knows what the Wildcard situation will be like come tomorrow, but when I know you'll know, so don't worry about it. Well, happy trails everyone.

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

PHILLIES NEWS

The Phils actually got an off day today and of course it's there last off day of the regular season. Tomorrow they continue their final homestand of the year, with the 1st of 3 games in another crucial weekend series against the Florida Marlins. Hopefully they will be take care of them and increase their standing in the wildcard race. Speaking of the wildcard, the Phils are currently tied for 1st in the wildcard with the Dodgers. Yes, that's right they have finally reached the top of mountain, however they may not be there for long. The Dodgers are playing today(they are tied with the Pirates at 2 in the bottom of the 5th inning) and if they were to win the Phils would drop to 0.5 games behind them in the wildcard. Otherwise, if they were to lose the Phils would be all alone in 1st place in the wildcard at 0.5 games up. Now of course the Padres are playing tonight as well, and they also lost yesterday, but because of the things mentioned above, they remained 0.5 games up on the Dodgers in the NL west. Right now they are leading the Diamondbacks 3-1 in the 6 innings, and if they win they would have no real bearing on the wildcard race, as they would stay in 1st in the NL west. However, if they were to lose and the Dodgers were to win, they would drop back into a 1st place tie with the Phils in the wildcard race. So Anyway, go Pirates and go Diamondbacks, and happy trails everyone.

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

PHILLIES NEWS

Another big win for the Phils tonight, due to good starting pitching, and timely hitting. Brett Myers went the distance for the Phils allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits, while striking out a career best 12. Although it took them awhile to get going, as the Phils went scoreless for the 1st 3 innings and actually fell behind 1-0 after the top of the 4th, once the Phils offense got going it never stopped. They answered Cubs 1st run with 2 in the bottom of the inning, then tacked on an extra run almost every inning afterward, with 1 in the 5th inning, 2 in the 6th inning on a homer by Chase Utley(his career high 29th), and 1 more in the 7th inning on a homer by Pat Burrell. By the time the Cubs finally scored another run in the top of the 8th inning it was already 6-1 Phils and the game was out of their reach. After allowing a hit and a walk to start the 9th inning Myers induced a groundout and then struck out the side, earning his 1st complete game of the year and a huge 6-2 win for the Phils. Now at the moment, with the win the Phils have to moved to within .5 games of the Dodgers for 1st in the wildcard. Right now, the Dodgers are trailing the Pirates 2-0 in the top of the 4th inning, and if they lose the Phils will move into a tie for the wildcard, otherwise if they win the Phils will remain 1 game behind them in the wildcard. However the Padres are playing right now as well, and they are trailing the Diamondbacks 3-1 in the bottom of the 4th inning, and if they were to lose, and the Dodgers were to win, the Dodgers would move back into 1st place in the NL west and the Padres would drop to 1st in the wildcard just .5 games ahead of the Phils. Either way the worst the Phils can be at the end of the night is 1.0 game back, so I would say they are in good shape. Well, happy trails everyone.

FLYERS NEWS

The Flyers started their preseason today. Now since it is only 7 games long and almost none of the games are televised, I am not going to talk to much about the Flyer's preseason games, but I will give you quick a summary of their preseason when it is over, just so you know where the Flyers are before they start the season. Anyway, just in case you're reading this to find out if they won or not, I will tell you that they lost to the Penguins 5-4, but it's the preseason so who cares.

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

PHILLIES NEWS

After an embarrassing 11-6 loss to the Cubs last tonight, the Phils really needed to bounce back and beat them tonight and you know what, they did. Jamie Moyer did what Jon Lieber couldn't last night and shutdown the Cubs, allowing just 1 run over 7 innings while scattering 6 hits. Still, even with Moyer dazzling the Cubs, the Phils needed a little luck to get the win. After going scoreless for the 1st 4 innings of the game, the Phils somehow managed a 2 out rally in the 5th inning scoring 3 runs on a double by David Dellucci, and a 2 RBI single by Abraham Nunez. The Cubs answered back with their previously mentioned 1 run, in the 6th inning cutting lead to 3-1 and temporarily putting the outcome in doubt. Fortunately Jimmy Rollins gave the Phils some insurance with a solo homer in the 8th inning to push lead to 4-1. From there the Phils bullpen, which had been roughed up last night, closed the door tonight as Flash Gordon closed it out in top of the 9th inning for his 32nd save of the year and a 4-1 Phils win. Anyway with the win the Phils at least keep pace with Padres, who currently lead the wild card(the Dodgers pulled a manning last night a came back to beat them in extra innings, thus they moved back into 1st place in the NL West, and the Padres dropped back to 1st place in the wild card). The Phils came into the night 1.5 games behind the Padres and with the win moved to within 1.0, but right now the Padres are leading the Diamondbacks 5-1 in the bottom of the 6th inning, so it looks like the Phils are going to stay at 1.0 game back of whoever is leading the wildcard race after tonight(the Dodgers are currently trailing the Pirates 2-1 in their game, and if they were to lose the Padres would jump back into 1st in the NL West, and the Dodgers would fall back to 1st in the wildcard, 1.0 up on the Phils). Well now that I got all that cleared up, happy trails everyone.

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

PHILLIES NEWS

If you looked at the schedule tonight, you probably thought, "sweet we're playing the Cubs tonight, the Phils are gonna win easy". Well, apparently someone forgot to tell the Cubs that they have worst record in the NL and that they were supposed to lose, or maybe someone just forgot to tell the Phils they were supposed to win. Needless to say, after a solid road trip in which they went 7-3, the Phils didn't quite play there best ball today. Jon Lieber, who had been virtually lights out lately, looked like someone had turned the lights out on him, as he lasted just 2 and 1/3rd innings and allowed 5 runs on 5 hits, 3 on a homer by Aramis Ramirez. Things didn't get much better for the Phils after Lieber left, as Eude Brito tossed up another 3 run homer to Aramis Ramirez, and suddenly after only 3 and 1/2 innings it was 8-0 Cubs and things looked bleak. In the bottom of the 4th, the Phils raised hopes of comeback, with 6 runs on a 2 run single by Christ Coste and a grand slam by Jose Hernandez, cutting the lead to 2 at 8-6. Unfortunately the Cubs weren't finished yet and wound up scoring 5 more runs to bury the Phils by a final score of 11-6. Basically, this was just an off night for the Phils, but hopefully they will be able to bounce back tomorrow with a win. Anyway, at the moment the Phils are 1.5 games behind the Dodgers for the wild card lead, but currently the Dodgers are tied with the Padres at 4 in the bottom of the 7th inning. If the Dodgers lose the Phils will be back to within 1.0 game of the wildcard lead otherwise they will drop to 1.5 games back, so go Padres. Well, happy trails everyone.

FLYERS NEWS

The Flyers officially ended their off-season wheeling and dealing today, by resigning head coach Ken Hitchcock to a new 3 year deal through 2008-2009. Hitchcock led the Flyers to the conference finals in 2004 and won the stanley cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999, so it should come as no surprise that the Flyers resigned him and I think it's a good move on their part. Hopefully, he can still figure out a way to get the Flyers deep into the playoffs again.

EAGLES NEWS

If you thought yesterday's lost was bad than wait to you here this one. If you watched the excruciating overtime period of yesterday's game then you probably saw Jevon Kearse injure his knee and get carted off the field. Well, today the x-rays came back and the prognosis is not good to say the least. Kearse sprained not, 1, not 2, but 3 ligaments in his left knee and is out, that's right out for the remainder of the season, and probably won't be able to comeback until next year. All of which means that Trent Cole, yes that Trent Cole who got flagged for a late hit, will replace Kearse in the starting lineup and Jerome Mcdougle who was inactive the past 2 weeks will fill Cole's spot in the Eagles d-line rotation. Let's just hope that the Eagles d-line is as deep as everyone thinks it is.

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

EAGLES NEWS

Ummm, you know what I don't know what to say. I mean the Eagles dominated the Giants in every facet of the game and led 24-7 heading into the 4th quarter, and yet still wound up losing in overtime 30-24. I mean if you can't protect a 17 point in the 4th quarter at your home stadium, then what can you do. It's just inexcusable that Eagles lost this game. I mean it's not even that they lost the game, it's that they gave it away with some really sloppy play in the 4th quarter. Yes, it's still early in the season, but this is still a hard pill to swallow regardless. Think about it, if the Eagles had won they would be 2-0 and all alone a top the NFC East, while the Giants would be in a huge hole at 0-2 and all alone in last place. Instead, the Eagles lost and are now tied with the Giants for 1st at 1-1. Yes, it's true that the Eagles upcoming schedule is somewhat soft other than an OCT 8th meeting with the Cowboys, and that there is still a possibility that the Eagles can get off to a fast 6-1 start, but this one was important. It was supposed to reestablish the Eagles as the beasts of the East, but instead all it did was establish that the Eagles aren't quite all the way back yet. With this loss the Eagles have now dropped 7 consecutive games to divisional opponents. If they want to turn things around and make playoffs this season, or get back to the top of the divison, they are going to have to figure out a way to beat somebody in their division. Now, normally I would talk about the stats, but I don't even want to do that, because after what happened in this game they really don't matter. I mean the Eagles had over 400 yards of offense and sacked Eli Manning 9 times, and still lost so you tell me if the stats mattered today. As for why I think the Eagles lost today, well I am not sure I even know why. All I know is that they missed opportunities early in the game, which allowed the Giants to hang around, and they played just a horrible 4th quarter, losing fumbles, not getting 1st downs when they needed them, and taking stupid penalties at inopportune times. If that's not a good enough explanation for why they lost, then I don't know what is. Anyway, I just hope the Eagles can rebound with a win next week, because if they don't they will be in big trouble.

PHILLIES NEWS

The Phils are just plain hot right now. I mean they are burning up with 5 wins out of their last 6 and 3 in a row with today's win. That's right the Phils finally got their sweep today with a 6-4 win over the Astros. Randy Wolf went 5 and 2/3rds innings and allowed just 3 runs on 5 hits, while the Phils offense hit 4 homers , 2 by Mike Lieberthal who just returned from the DL and 1 each by Ryan Howard(that's 57 now) and Jimmy Rollins. 3 of the 4 homers came in the 1st 4 innings as the Phils built an early 5-0 lead and never looked back. Wolf nearly coughed it up, as all 3 runs he allowed came in the 6th inning, cutting the lead to 5-3. Fortunately, Lieberthal hit his 2nd homer in the 8th inning to put the phils up 6-3 and put it way for good. Reliever Geoff Geary did give up a 4th run in the bottom of the 8th inning, but it didn't matter as Flash Gordon came on in the 9th inning and got the save. All, in all this was another good day for the Phils, and I really like the way they are playing right now. I mean it's beginning to look more and more like the Phils are going to push their way into the playoffs, but only time will tell. Anyway, the Padres also played today and they defeated the Dodgers 2-1. However, with that win the Padres moved in to 1st place in the NL west and the Dodgers dropped to 1st place in the wild card race, just 1 game ahead of the Phils, so things are really getting exciting now. Well, happy trails everyone.

FLYERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report

SIXERS NEWS

There is nothing new to report