Thursday, August 09, 2007
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
After lasting just 2 innings before being hit in the arm with a line drive, in his first start for the Phils, Kyle Lohse fared much better this time around in his first home start. Lohse went 6 and 1/3rd innings, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits, and even driving in a run himself with an RBI single in the 3rd inning. The Phils meanwhile, spread 6 runs throughout the 1st 6 innings, with the big blow being a 2 run homer by Aaron Rowand in the 6th. At the time of Rowand's blast the Phils lead only by a score of 4-3. afterwards they went up for good 6-4. Antonio Alfonseca bailed Lohse out in the 7th, Tom Gordon tossed a scoreless 8th, and Brett Myers struck out the side in the 9th for a solid 6-4 Phils win. So the Phils have now improved to 60-53 and moved to within 1 game of the wildcard, but remain 4 games behind the Mets for first in the NL East. Thus, life remains beautiful.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
As previously noted the Phils began a 3 game series with the Marlins today. Hanley Ramirez lead off the game with a solo homer to put Florida ahead 1-0. It would be their only lead of the game as Jamie Moyer went 6 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits, while striking out 5. J.D Durbin then tossed the final 3 innings in shutout fashion, allowing just 3 hits and striking out 2. The Phils offense meanwhile, went on a rampage with 11 runs on 9 hits. Florida starter, Rick Vandenhurk got the worst of it, allowing 5 runs on 6 hits, mostly in the 3rd inning where he issued a walk, 2 balks and hit a batter with a pitched ball. The Marlins pitching didn't get much better after Vandenkurk left the game, as Ryan Howard and Aaron Rowand hit back to back homers in the 4th inning, and Howard hit another solo homer in the 6th inning. By the time the onslaught was over the Phils had won easily 11-1 to improve to 59-53. The Met lost today, so the Phils move within 4 games of them, but remain in 3rd place, .5 games behind the Braves for second. Still, life remains beautiful.
Monday, August 06, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils got the day off today, but tomorrow they begin a homestand with a 3 game series against the struggling divisional rival Florida Marlins, losers of 10 of their last 14 games. You'd think that would bode well for the Phils, but you never know, so just keep your fingers crossed that it does.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils were 1 strike away from losing to the Brewers today and completing a humiliating 3 game sweep. Adam Eaton had been touched up for 6 runs on 9 hits in only 4 and 2/3rd innings of work and the Phils had been held to just 1 run on 6 hits through 8 innings. Heading into the 9th, the Phils trailed 6-1 and appeared to be dead in the water, but then Wes Helms reached on an error and Jayson Werth crushed a homer, and suddenly the lead was down to 6-3. Still, when the next 2 batters, Chris Coste and Carlos Ruiz, hit weak flyouts all hope seemed lost yet again, but the Phils didn't give up. Jimmy Rollins worked a walk, then after falling behind two strikes to none Tad Iguchi slapped a single. Pat Burrell worked another walk to load the bases, and Ryan Howard got plunked to force in another run, cutting the lead to 6-4. Next Mr.clutch, Aaron Rowand punched a ground ball to 3rd baseman Ryan Braun who booted it, allowing Iguchi and pinch runner, Chris Roberson to score and tie the game at 6. Just Like that, the Phils had stunned Milwaukee with 5 runs in the 9th inning and they weren't done yet. In the 11th inning a 2 out double by Wes Helms put the Phils ahead 8-6 and an adventurous save by Jose Mesa in bottom of the inning closed it out. So the Phils won dramatically, 8-6, to improve to 58-53. However ,the Mets, behind Tom Glavine's 300th, won today as well, so the Phils remain 5 games behind them. Still, life is beautiful again.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
This one makes two tough losses for the Phils in a row. Initially, through the 1st 5 and 1/2 innings it was all Phils as Cole Hamels was dealing a 1 run, 2 hit gem. The Phils offense meanwhile, was racking up the long balls. With Ryan Howard, and Greg Dobbs hitting solo homers, and Pat Burrell hitting a 2 run homer the Phils raced out to a 5-1 lead. Then in the bottom of the 6th Milwaukee began their comeback with 3 runs to cut the Phils lead to 5-4. Hamels then got through the 7th, but Tom Gordon, inserted in the 8th inning to set up Brett Myers for the save, wasn't so lucky. He allowed a 2 out, 2 run homer to Prince Fielder and just like that the Brew Crew was ahead 6-5. Unfortunately, for the Phils that was just about all she wrote, as they went down in order in the 9th. Thus, the Phils drop to 57-53 overall, but remain 5 games behind the Mets who lost today as well. So life still sucks, any questions?
Friday, August 03, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Rookie sensation Kyle Kendrick took the mound today for the Phils to start their 3 game weekend series with the Brewers. Kendrick was good as always, going 7 innings while allowing just 2 runs on 8 hits. Unfortunately, the Brewers Giovanni Gallardo was spectacular going 6 and 2/rds innings while allowing just 1 run on 4 hits, including a solo homer by Pat Burrell and striking out 7. The two bullpens proved to be lights out as well, as both teams went scoreless the rest of the way and Milwaukee won by a final score of 2-1, a rarity for them in such a close game in which they failed to homer. The Phils thus drop to 57-51 and with Mets winning today, they are now 5 games behind in 2nd place in the NL East. They are however, just 1.5 games out 1st place in the wild card race, but regardless life still sucks again. Better luck next time fellas.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
If you thought the Phillies injury parade was finally over, you were wrong. Exactly 1 inning into his Phillies career, pitcher Kyle Lohse was hit in the right forearm with a line drive and suffered a contusion. He left after the inning was over, having allowed 1 run on 2 hits, and was replaced by J.D Durbin, who before the acquisition of Lohse, was scheduled to start today's game anyway and wouldn't you know it, after all was said and done he walked away the winning pitcher on the day. Using a little luck, and some timely hitting the Phils built an early 7-1 lead, on a 2 out double by Ryan Howard in the 1st, a solo homer by Pat Burrell, bases loaded single by Jayson Werth, and a sac fly by Tad Iguchi in the 2nd, and finally a single by Chris Coste and a 2 out double by Jayson Werth in the 3rd inning. After J.D Durbin got through the 4th inning with the Phils still ahead 7-4, the rest of the Phils bullpen nearly gave it away, as Chicago cut the lead to 7-6 heading into the 9th. Fortunately, doubles from Carlos Ruiz and Jayson Werth in the top of the inning helped the Phils push the lead back to 3 and Brett Myers tossed a 1-2-3 9th inning for a 10- 6 Phils win to split the series with Cubs. So the Phils improve to 57-51, but remain tied for second place in the NL East with the Braves, 4 games behind the Mets who won again today. Still, life is beautiful again.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
In an effort to rectify what went wrong in last night's game, Chris Roberson was moved into the lead off spot for tonight's game. Unfortunately, instead of going 4 for 4 again, he went 0 for 5 and the Phils lost again. Despite the 0 for 5 tag, Roberson did manage to reach base in the first inning via an error, as the Phils loaded the bases with nobody out. However, just as in the 9th inning last night, Ryan Howard and Aaron Rowand both went down swinging. Then after a long at bat that allowed Roberson to score on a wild pitch, and Pat Burrell to reach on a walk, Carlos Ruiz popped out to end the inning. The Cubs meanwhile, roughed up Jamie Moyer in the early going, using a 2 out single by Matt Murton in the first inning, a 1 out single by the pitcher, Rich Hill in the second, and consecutive two out hits by Ronny Cedeno and Jacque Jones in the 3rd inning, to build a 4-1 lead. Still, Moyer settled down, pitching 5 solid innings of 4 run, 9 hit ball, and the Phils rallied back to tie it in that same 5th inning, on a single by Jimmy Rollins, a double by Ryan Howard, and a solo homer by Aaron Rowand. After that the bullpens of the two teams dueled, racking up strikeout after strikeout until the 9th inning where it all fell apart. First, in the top of the inning, the Phils loaded the bases with two outs and appeared primed to push ahead and set up Brett Myers to get the save in the bottom of the inning. However, Carlos Ruiz grounded out weakly to end the inning and instead Myers was forced to pitch in a tie game, which apparently threw him off completely as he loaded the bases with nobody out and threw 2 wild pitches, allowing Matt Murton to scamper home with the winning run. Thus, the Cubs won 5-4 and the Phils dropped to 56-51, which puts them back in 3rd place, 5 games behind the Mets and 1 behind the Braves, who both won tonight. So, accordingly life still sucks.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Before the game even started the Phils had to make a number of personnel moves just to prepare for it. With Shane Victorino and Micheal Bourn both placed on the 15 day DL, Jayson Werth was activated from the DL and Chris Roberson was recalled from triple A Ottawa. Since Werth couldn't rejoin the Phils until tomorrow, Roberson got the start in right field in place of Victorino. Also with the acquisition of Kyle Lohse from the Reds in a trade for minor league pitcher Matt Maloney, Clay Condrey was sent back down to triple A to make room for him. Finally, Ryan Madson also went on the DL a couple days ago, so the Phils sent a minor league position player to Seattle in exchange for young reliever Julio Mateo. For some reason, instead of adding Mateo to the roster in place of Madson, the Phils optioned him to triple A, apparently to be called up later. Anyway, getting to the game the Phils were forced to piece together their lineup tonight in a way they normally would not have. Greg Dobbs, who got the start at 3rd, was forced to lead off in place of either Victorino or Bourn, while Roberson was fit into the bottom of the lineup. While, Roberson went 4 for 4, he was hitting in front of the pitcher, so he failed to score any runs, and the Phils could manage only 3 runs all night, including a solo homer by Pat Burrell. The homer briefly put the Phils ahead 3-2, but Adam Eaton ran out of gas in the 6th inning, allowing 3 runs to put Chicago ahead for good 5-3. The Cubs eventually tacked on two more runs to put the Phils behind 7-3 heading into the 9th. There, they put runners on 2nd and 3rd with only one out, but Ryan Howard and Aaron Rowand both went down swinging, denying Pat Burrell the chance to tie it with another homer, as the Phils lost 7-3. The Phils thus, drop to 56-50, and as of now the Mets game has not been decided, but whether NY wins or not the Phils will remain in second place, either 3 or 4 games back. Life accordingly, sucks again.
Monday, July 30, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils didn't so much win tonight's game as much as they survived it. Thanks to a 3 run homer by Aaron Rowand in the 3rd inning, and a solo homer by Tadahito Iguchi in the 5th inning the Phil built up an early 4-0 lead through the 5th inning. That Lead then stood up for the rest of the game, as Cole Hamels tossed 8 brilliant innings, allowing just one run on 3 hits, while striking out 8. A 1-2-3 9th inning from Brett Myers then ended it in a 4-1 Phils victory. Unfortunately, the win came at the expense of Shane Victorino and Micheal Bourn who both left the game early with leg injuries, forcing Gregg Dobbs into emergency duty in right field. Now Dobbs could wind up starting tomorrow, but it would be better if one of the two could find a way to be available for tomorrow's game. Anyway, with the win the Phils improve to 56-49, a season best 7 games over .500. Also they gained a 1/2 game on the idle Mets and Diamondbacks, to move to within 3 games of first place in the NL East and within 1 game of first in the wild card race. Thus, life remains beautiful, and yet a bit painful as well.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued on their roll today as rookie sensation Kyle Kendrick provided yet another sterling performance. Kendrick went 7 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits, while striking out 4. Meanwhile, Jimmy Rollins sparked the Phils offense to 5 runs on 8 hits. His single in the 1st inning, moved Tadahito Iguchi over to 3rd, allowing him to score on a wild pitch moments later. Then in the 3rd inning Rollins singled and scored on a double by Aaron Rowand. Finally, in the 5th Rollins tripled and scored on a sac fly by Ryan Howard. Although those 3 runs alone, would be all the Phils would need, they managed to load the bases in the 8th inning and tacked on two more runs on a two out pinch single by Chris Coste. From there, the Phils bullpen took over, as Ryan Madson, Antonio Alfonseca, and Jose Mesa combined for 2 more shutout innings on just 1 hit. So the Phils won 5-1 to complete a 3 game sweep of the Pirates and a 5-1 homestand. Unfortunately, the Mets and Braves both won today as well, so the Phils remain in 2nd place, 3.5 games behind the Mets. Life still remains beautiful though.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils just keep rolling on all cylinders even with Chase Utley on the bench. After tossing a complete game shutout in his last start, J.D Durbin was roughed up a little tonight, but he was good enough. He kept the Phils in it early, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits, while striking out 4, in 5 innings of work. After the top of the 5th, the Phils only trailed 5-2, but it still appeared Durbin probably wouldn't get the win. 8 Phils runs in the bottom of the 5th later, and the win was his. The 8 run inning is the Phils best of the season and it was truly an inning for the history books. Shane Victorino leadoff the inning with a double. Jimmy Rollins followed that up with a perfect bunt single which just seemed to hang inside the line forever as the Pirates attempted to let it go foul. Ryan Howard then walked to load the bases and Pat Burrell made it back to back walks to force in a run. Wes Helms then reached base on an error which allowed another run to score. New second baseman, Tadahito Iguchi then hit a sac fly to score a 3rd run. Next Chris Coste crushed a 3 run homer to put the Phils ahead 8-5 and seemingly stop the Phils momentum. However, after a Rod Barajas strikeout, Micheal Bourn singled up the middle, Shane Victorino walked, and Jimmy Rollins tripled to score both. Ryan Howard then worked another walk, giving Pat Burrell a chance to push across yet even more runs but he struck out to finally end the inning. In all, the Phils had scored 8 runs on a walk, error, sac fly, homer, and triple. Pretty unique wouldn't you say? Anyway the 10 -5 lead the Phils now had would be all the Phils bullpen would need, as Jose Mesa, Tom Gordon(no he's still not quite ready to be the closer again), Ryan Madson, and Brett Myers(yes he's back, just not full-time yet) combined for 4 shutout innings to put Pittsburgh away by a final score of surprise! 10-5. So the Phils improve to 54-49, and remain in second place, but are now just 3.5 games behind the first place Mets who lost the 2nd game of their split doubleheader with the Nationals today. Life thus, remains beautiful.
Friday, July 27, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Tonight the Phils were without both Chase Utley ,who broke his hand yesterday, and Aaron Rowand who apparently tweaked his shoulder while playing with his kids this morning (don't worry he'll reportedly be back tomorrow). Considering that Utley and Rowand are the Phils top 2 hitters the odds were stacked against them to open their weekend series with the Pirates with a victory. Apparently the oddsmakers didn't factor in Micheal Bourn. Starting in centerfield for the injured Rowand, and batting leadoff, Bourn went on a tear, going 4 for 4 and while stealing a base and scoring 2 runs. Although, he didn't knock in any runs his continued presence on the base paths was a big reason that Pat Burrell racked up a double and a homer, and 3 RBIs, and Greg Dobbs racked up a 2 RBI single in the 1st inning, among others. In all the Phils pounded out 8 runs on 11 hits. Meanwhile, the trusty left arm of Jamie Moyer guided the Phils through 7 innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits, while striking out 4. Nature then intervened, sending the game into a rain delay, just as the 8th inning got under the way. As it turned out, the rain delay never ceased and the game was called, but since it went more than 5 innings, it goes into the books as a win for the Phils, and a complete game for Moyer, who was still in there ready to pitch the 8th as the rains came. So the Chaseless Phils improve to 53-49, and with the Braves and Mets losing tonight the Phils move into 2nd place, just 4 games behind the Mets for first. Also on a side note the Phils have acquired a 2nd baseman to fill in for Utley. They got Tadahito iguchi from the White Sox, for pitching prospect Micheal Dubee(yes, the son of Phils pitching coach Rich Dubee). Iguchi was a key member of the 2005 world champion White Sox and having jacked 18 homers last season he's still good enough to help the Phils. Thus, life is beautiful again.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles opened their training camp today with rookies and selected veterans reporting. The first practice will be held tomorrow and the full team will report on Monday. All I can say is E,A,G,L,E,S Eagles!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Despite another stellar performance by Adam Eaton, the Phils lost a tough one today in the final game of their series with the Nationals. Eaton went 6 and 1/3rd innings, allowing just 2 runs on 8 hits(well actually, 4 runs, but two were scored after he left the game by runners he allowed on base). Meanwhile, the Phils built up an early lead on an RBI single by Chase Utley in the 1st inning, a 2 run homer by Ryan Howard in the 3rd inning, and a bases loaded single by Pat Burrell in the 5th inning. In all, they roughed up rookie starter John Lannan, for 5 runs on 6 hits, taking a 5-2 lead into the 7th inning. Unfortunately, the Nationals scored twice in that inning to cut the lead to 5-4. Then in the 8th, rookie reliever Mike Zagurski made a two out mistake, serving up a 3 run homer to the Nationals backup catcher ,Jesus Flores, and well, that was difference as it put the Nationals ahead 7-5. The Phils rallied in the 9th, putting runners on 2nd and 3rd with only one out, but Chris Coste and Abraham Nunez both grounded out weakly and Phils got only one run out of it, falling 7-6. After the game the Phils got more bad news, as Chase Utley who was hit by a pitch in the 5th inning, revealed that he had broken his hand. He was placed on the 15 day DL and is out indefinitely, although he insists he'll be back this season. So the Phils drop to 52-49 and are now without their leader, which almost spells certain doom for their playoff hopes. However, the Mets and the Braves both lost today as well, so far now the Phils remain okay at 5 games back in 3rd place, but who knows how long that will last. Thus, life sucks once again.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
On Cole Hamels bobble head day, Hamels was nearly the star of the show. Well, at least for 7 innings he was, as he allowed just 2 runs on 6 hits while striking out 6. The Phils meanwhile, loaded the bases in the 3rd inning and scored 3 runs on a Pat Burrell Walk, and a single by Wes Helms. Aaron Rowand then hit yet another RBI double in the 5th inning and Hamels thus, exited the game with a 4-2 lead. That lead stood until the top of 9th inning, where after getting a quick out, Antonio Alfonseca destructed, allowing 1 run and 2 hits, before Charlie Manuel yanked him from the game. Mike Zagurski replaced Alfonseca and gave up 2 more runs before getting the 2nd out of the inning. Finally Jose Mesa came in to replace Zagurski and ended the inning, but now Washington was ahead 5-4 and all seemed lost. In the bottom of the inning Carlos Ruiz and Greg Dobbs were retired easily, leaving it all up to Jimmy Rollins to keep the game alive. He did that and then some, lining a ball deep into the leftfield gap, where lefttfielder Ryan Church had it, then lost it when centerfielder Ryan Langerhans ran into his glove and knocked it lose, allowing Rollins to race into 3rd standing up. Church's throw was then muffed by SS Felipe Lopez, allowing Rollins to score and tie the game at 5, as catcher Brian Schneider failed to handle Lopez's relay through. After another 4 and 1/2 innings of dueling bullpens, and the Phils failing to capitalize on golden opportunities, Ryan Howard finally ended the marathon. In the bottom of the 14th inning with Chase Utley on first and nobody out, Howard crushed a homer off the second deck in rightfield for a 7-5 Phils victory. So the Phils improve to 52-48 with their 5th win in a row, but the Mets won today as well, so the Phils remain 5 games back. Life remains beautiful though.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles and top draft pick Kevin Kolb agreed to a 4 year 4.32 million deal. With Kolb signed the Eagles now have all of their draft picks under contract as they head into training camp on Friday. In other words, other than getting through training camp and the preseason there's really nothing left for the Eagles to do this off-season.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
For the second time in a row rookie sensation Kyle Kendrick failed get through the 5th inning, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits in 5 and 2/3rds innings of work. This time however, with his opponent Jason Bergman failing to get out of the 3rd inning, it was more than enough for victory. Aaron Rowand doubled and scored in the 2nd inning and Jimmy Rollins hit a solo homer in the 3rd inning to put the Phils up early, 2-0. A 3 run 4th inning helped put the Nationals ahead 3-2. Aaron Rowand doubled and scored again in the 6th inning t0 tie it at 3. Then, in the 8th with two out, Rowand came up big again. slamming a solo homer to put the Phils up 4-3. Antonio Alfonseca came in and closed it out in the 9th and just like that the Phils had won their 4th in a row 4-3. With the win the Phils improved to 51-48, but they remain 5 games back in 3rd place, as the Mets won today as well. The Braves-Giants game has not yet been decided as of now, but even if Atlanta were to lose the Phils would still be .5 games behind them for 2nd place in the NL East. Still, life remains beautiful either way.
Monday, July 23, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils got the day off today so that they could fly home for San Diego, and begin a 7 game homestand tomorrow. Brett Myers recently made a successful rehab start, and could be back with the Phils by Thursday.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils came into today looking to win their 3rd in a row and take a series from the Padres. With Jake Peavy, the league ERA. leader, on the mound for the Padres, winning figured to be a stern test. Apparently, no one told the Phils or young starter J.D Durbin that they weren't supposed to win. Durbin, was lights out all day, tossing a complete game shutout of Padres, on just 5 hits. Peavy on the other hand wasn't so lucky. He lasted just 6 innings, allowing 4 runs on 9 hits. Jimmy Rollins, alone, homered in the 3rd inning and tripled and scored in the 5th inning to account for 2 of those 4 runs. Still, when Peavy left the game it was only 4-0 Phils, so the Pads still had a chance to steal victory. The red hot Phillies offense made sure that chance didn't last very long. Just like last night in the 9th inning, they put together a long rally in the 8th inning to put it away for good. Micheal Bourn tripled to leadoff the inning and scored on a fielder's choice. With two outs, Jimmy Rollins walked, J.D Durbin doubled, Shane Victorino doubled to score both, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard both walked to load the bases, and finally Aaron Rowand singled with the bases loaded to score two more runs. Just like that the Phils were up 9-0 and the stage was set for Durbin to complete the shutout, which he did of course in the top of the 9th. So the Phils improve to 50-48, but remain in 3rd place, 5 games behind the 1st place Mets who also won today. Still, life remains beautiful.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
With the Mets having lost earlier in the day, the Phils really needed another win tonight, to pull back to within 5 games of first in the NL East. Jamie Moyer toughed out 6 and 2/3rd innings, allowing just 4 runs on 8 hits, while striking out 6. Meanwhile, David Wells was lit up for 7 runs on 7 hits. Ryan Howard, alone, accounted for 5 of them with a 3 run homer in the 1st inning, a solo shot in the 4th inning and an RBI single in the 5th inning. Wes Helms also followed Howard's solo homer a couple batters later with a 2 run homer. By the time Wells left the game the Phils were up 7-1 and appeared headed to victory, but someone didn't tell Milton Bradley that the game was over. Bradley tripled and scored in the 5th, then hit a 2 run homer in the 7th and suddenly the lead was down to 7-4. Fortunately, the Phils weren't done yet either. The Bullpen shutout San Diego through the 8th inning, and the Phils came up with a final rally in the top of the 9th to put it away for good. Aaron Rowand singled in a one out run, Greg Dobbs hit a pinch bases loaded single to plate 2 more runs, and Carlos Ruiz doubled to clear the bases. By the time the smoke finally cleared the Phils were up laughingly 12-4 and not surprisingly that's how it ended. So the Phils are back over .500 again at 49-48 and as noted are back to within 5 games of the first place Mets. Thus, life remains beautiful.
Friday, July 20, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
After a tough 1-0 loss last night the Phils really needed this one and with former Padre Adam Eaton on the mound they got it. Eaton went 5 and 2/3rd innings allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits, while striking out 6. Of course for the offensively inept Padres 2 runs and 7 hits seems like 10 runs and 12 hits. In other words the Phils realized early on that they were going to have to get their own offense going if they were to win this one. From start to finish, that's exactly what they did. Shane Victorino singled, stole second, and scored in the 1st inning. Chase Utley walked and scored on a double by Aaron Rowand, Ryan Howard scored on a fielder's choice, and Rowand scored on a single by Eaton, the pitcher, who helped himself out. Chase Utley crushed a two out two run homer to dead center field in the 7th inning. Finally in the 8th inning, Micheal Bourn replaced Pat Burrell as a pinch runner, and scored on a single by Jimmy Rollins. In all the Phils put up 7 runs on 11 hits. Meanwhile, the Phils bullpen had quite an adventure, pitching into not one, not two, not three, but four jams, in 4 consecutive innings. Even the closer, Antonio Alfonseca, put two on with two out in the 9th. Fortunately, with a little, okay, a lot of luck they managed to pitch out of every single one of them, as Alfonseca got his 7th save of the season, and the Phils won 7-3, to get back to .500 again at 48-48. Unfortunately the Mets won today as well, so the Phils remain 6 games out of first, but life is still beautiful again anyway.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers finished summer league play with yet another win, but once again no one cares. Anyway Louis Williams led the way with 28 points, while Louis Amundson chipped in with 14. In all the Sixers went 8-2 in summer league(3-2 in Vegas, 5-0 in Utah's rocky mountain revue). Louis Williams led the Sixers with 24 points per game, and Louis Amundson chipped with 15 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Coincidentally both Williams and Amundson are up for league MVP for their efforts during the Rocky Mountain Revue.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
With Cole Hamels pitching tonight in his hometown of San Diego it was sure bet he would have a good night. Unfortunately, Padres' ace Chris Young was just a little bit better. While Hamels went 7 solid innings, allowing just 1 run on 2 hits while striking out 3, Young went 7 masterful innings blanking the Phils on 3 hits, while striking out 6. Even when he got into a jam Young was a step ahead of the Phils, as he pitched around Ryan Howard each time, and forced out Aaron Rowand to end each inning. The Padres league best bullpen then kept the Phils scoreless the rest of the way as they fell in frustrating fashion 1-0. The Phils did actually have one last chance in the 9th inning after Rowand walked and Pat Burrell singled to put the tying run on second with one out. In the end, legendary Padres closer Trevor Hoffman proved to be too much as he fooled Greg Dobbs and Carlos Ruiz into game-ending strikeouts. So the Phils now drop back under .500 at 47-48 and are now back to 6 games behind the first place Mets who defeated the Dodgers tonight. Thus, life still sucks.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished their 3 game series today with Dodgers with a chance to take the series with a win. With Kyle Kendrick(the Phils are 5-1 in games he starts) on the mound that seemed a virtual lock. For once though Kendrick got roughed up, as he went only 5 and 1/3rd innings ,while allowing 5 runs on 7 hits for his first career loss. Despite the efforts of Ryan Howard, who homered and scored 3 runs and Pat Burrell who collected 2 hits and an RBI the Phils fell 5-4. with 3 runs in the first 3 innings the Phils led early 3-1, but a 4th inning Dodger rally, put up them up 4-3. The Phils tied it at 4 in the 5th, then fell behind again 5-4 in the 6th. In the end in the final 4 innings the talented Dodger bullpen proved too overpowering for the Phils who collected only 1 hit and o runs after the 6th inning. They did however have one final chance in the top of 9th. Greg Dobbs singled with one out and then was replaced by pinch runner Micheal Bourn, who promptly stole second to put the tying run only 180 feet away from home with just one out. Unfortunately Jimmy Rollins flied out, and Shane "the flyin Hawaiian" Victorino grounded out on the first pitch he saw to end the game. So the Phils drop back to .500 at 47-47, but once the Braves and Mets both lost and the Phils did not lose any ground in the NL East. Life still sucks though.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
After consecutive blowout losses the Phils really needed a win today to turn things around. With young J.D Durbin on the mound, that seemed like it would be quite an ominous task for the Phils tonight, but they made it look easy. On the night every Phillies starter had at least one hit, and even Durbin collected the first 3 hits of his career. In all, the Phils clobbered the Dodgers for 15 runs on 26 hits. For a while, it seemed as if every other Dodger pitch wound up a Phils hit, as Chase Utley collected 3 hits and 3 RBIs, Ryan Howard homered twice, and knocked in 4 runs, Aaron Rowand collected 5 hits, including a solo homer, and pushed across 2 runs, Shane Victorino collected 5 hits, 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored, Jimmy Rollins collected 3 hits and 2 runs scored, Pat Burrell, collected 2 hits, including a solo homer(the 200th of his career), and 1 RBI, and finally Wes Helms collected a hit and 2 RBIs. In fact, the only Phils in the lineup, aside from the pitcher, who failed to knock in a run were Jimmy Rollins and catcher Chris Coste, but even Coste had a hit and a run scored. As for the pitching, it was Durbin's night, as he went 6 innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits for his 1st career win in 3 starts. On another positive pitching note Tom "Flash" Gordon finally returned to action (he rejoined the team yesterday, but didn't get in the game) and pitched a scoreless 9th inning while allowing just one hit. Now, that doesn't necessarily mean that he's locked and loaded and ready to be the Phils closer again (he'll have actually save a game first), but it's a start. So, the Phils are back over .500 again at 47-46, but remain in 3rd place, 5 games behind the Mets who also won tonight. Still, life is beautiful again.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers continued summer league play today with yet another win, but once again who cares. Anyway, Louis Williams led the way again with 24 points, Thaddeus Young dropped in 18 points, and Jason Smith chipped in with 13. Unfortunately Smith also sprained his ankle and left the game early. Fortunately, MRIs on the ankle came back negative, so although he will miss the rest of summer league play, he will likely still be ready for the regular season in November.
Monday, July 16, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
After finally realizing the 10,000th loss in franchise history, the Phils traveled to L.A today to begin a 3 game set with the Dodgers, currently 1st in the NL West. As if the jet lag the team was probably suffering from wasn't enough, they were also faced with having to go up against the NL's winningest pitcher thus far this season, in 10-1 Brad Penny. Anyway, if the Phils were suffering from jet lag they didn't show it early on. Jimmy Rollins leadoff the game with a walk, then stole 2nd. advanced to 3rd on a rare throwing error by Russell Martin, and finally scored on a single by Chase Utley. Unfortunately, after that the jet lag set in and 10 hits and 10 runs off Jamie Moyer later, the Dodgers were up 10-1 through 6 innings. For once the Phils bullpen actually didn't allow anymore runs the rest of the way, but it was too little too late. Just Like last night the Phils scored a couple meaningless runs, this time in the 8th inning on a double by Chase Utley, and a two out single by Aaron Rowand, to make the final score a slightly less laughable 10-3. So the Phils are back down to .500 again at 46-46, but fortunately the Braves and Mets both lost tonight as well. Thus, the Phils didn't lose any ground in the NL East, but life still sucks again anyway.
SIXERS NEWS
Another summer league game and another win for the Sixers, but once again no one cares. Anyway Louis Williams led the way with 31 points, Bobby Jones put 15 points, Louis Amundson dropped in 14 points, and Jason Smith chipped in with 11.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Well this is it Phils fans, the big one, number 10,000, that's loss number 10,000 to you neophytes out there and you know what, were all damn proud of it. Well, okay maybe not management, but anyway the Phils picked one hell of a loss for number 10,000. Adam Eaton got the start tonight, and was racked for 6 runs on 10 hits. He didn't even get out of the 5th inning, as the Cards homered off of him twice, with Albert Pujols launching one to dead center field and Chris Duncan lining one to left field. Still, at that point it was only 6-0 Cards, so the Phils still had a chance. However, they loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning and failed to get runs off it. Then after Jose Mesa kept St.Louis off the board in the 6th, Brian Sanches came into relieve him in the 7th and it all got away from the Phils. The Cards hit not one, not two, but three homers off Sanches in the 7th, with Albert Pujols, Adam Kennedy, and Juan Encarnacion all hitting solo shots for a 9-0 Cards lead. Ryan Ludwick then led off the 8th with another solo shot off Sanches, who was still in the game for some reason, and suddenly it was a 10-0 Cards lead. The Phils wound up scoring a couple meaningless runs in the 9th, on a solo homer by Micheal Bourn (the first of his career) and a double by Chase Utley, to make the final score 10-2. So the Phils drop to 46-45, and back to 5 games behind the Mets for first in the NL East. Thus, life sucks again.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers continued summer league play today by routing the Utah Jazz, but once again who cares. Anyway, John Cox(some guard from the d-league), led the way with 20 points, while 1st round pick Jason Smith scored 19. Also Louis Amundson put a double, double, with 15 points and 15 rebound, Bobby Jones dropped 14, Derrick Byars put up 13 and Herbert Hill chipped in with an even 10 points.
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