Sunday, September 02, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Tough way to finish a series for the Phils. Coming into this 3 game set with the Marlins, the Phils had won 6 in a row and were just 2 games behind the Mets in the NL East. Now, after today the Phils have lost two in a row and are now 4 behind the Mets. Things started well, as the Phils took an early 5-0 lead, on a single by Ryan Howard, and doubles by Jayson Werth and Aaron Rowand in the 3rd inning, and a solo homer by pitcher Adam Eaton in the 4h inning. Meanwhile, Eaton had tossed 3 scoreless innings to start the game and appeared to be ready to roll to victory. Then in the 4th inning it all began to fall apart. There, Miguel Cabrera slugged a solo homer and Cody Ross banged a two run shot, to cut the lead to 5-3. Those two homers, were unfortunately, just the begginning as Florida wound up with 5 homers on the day, the last of which by Dan Uggla put the Marlins ahead to stay 7-5. The Phils had one last chance in the bottom of the 9th inning, and actually scored a run on a single and an error to cut the lead to 7-6. Then they loaded the bases with two outs for Jimmy Rollins. Alas, after working the count to 3-1, Rollins slapped a flyball to centerfield, but right to Florida's Alejandro de Aza to end it in a 7-6 win for Florida. So the Phils drop to 72-64, now 4 games behind the Mets, but still 3 behind in the wildcard. Thus, life still sucks.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Tough night tonight for the Phils. J.D Durbin got the start and he and the phils were both given a dose of reality after 6 straight victories. Durbin was rocked for 7 runs on 5 hits in the first inning, while failing to record an out. Before the Phils, even knew what hit them they were behind 7-0. Although Clay Condrey came into retire the side and kept the Marlins off the board for the next two innings, it was too late. A solo homer by Jimmy Rollins in the first inning, and Another solo homer by Aaron Rowand, and consecutive singles by Chris Coste and Rollins, in the 2nd inning, briefly got the Phils back in it at 7-4. Then Florida added 2 in the 5th, for a 9-4 lead. The Phils answered with 2 in the 8th, on a fielder's choice, and a single by Rollins, to cut the lead to 9-6. Then in the 8th Florida tacked on 3 more, as Cody Ross crushed a two run homer, and that 12-6 lead was at last too much for the Phils to overcome, as they went down in order in the 9th. So ,the Phils drop to 72-63, now 3 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and still 3 behind in the wildcard. Thus, life sucks again.
Friday, August 31, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Another series, another opening win for the Phils tonight, as they began a 3 game series down in Florida, against the Marlins. Kyle Kendrick got the start, and was impressive going 7 solid innings, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits, while striking out 4. The Phils offense meanwhile, used Marlins errors and timely hitting to take an early 6-0 lead. Jimmy Rollins doubled and scored in the 1st inning. Singles by Carlos Ruiz and Rollins, a hit by pitch, and a sac fly by Pat Burrell plated 4 runs in the 2nd. Finally, a single by Jayson Werth, scored a run in the 3rd. The Phils wound up tacking on 3 more runs late in the game, and recently recalled from triple A, Kane Davis pitched two scoreless innings, while allowing just 3 hits, to finish the game in a 9-2 Phils victory. So the Phils improve to 72-62, but with the Mets winning tonight, they remain 2 games behind in the NL East and 3 back in the wildcard. Still, life remains beautiful.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
What a day for the Phils. They went from the highest of highs, to the lowest of lows, and all the way back up to the greatest high of them all. Early on the Phils appeared to be cruising, as Ryan Howard slammed a two run homer in the 1st, and was followed in the 3rd by a Pat Burrell two run homer and an Aaron Rowand solo shot, for an early 5-0 Phils lead. The Mets battled back with 3 in the 4th and 2 in the 5th as Kyle Lohse was roughed up for 3 runs on 5 hits in just 3 and 2/3rds innings of work and Geoff Geary was plunked for 2 runs on 3 hits in 1 and 1/3rd innings.
The Phils went back up 8-5 in the bottom of the 5th on a pair of bases loaded singles. The Mets banged back ahead in the 8th, roughing up J.C Romero and Antonio Alfonseca for 5 runs and a 10 - 8 lead. Pat Burrell slugged his 2nd homer to cut the lead to 10-9 in bottom of the 8th. Then in the 9th, Tad Iguchi singled in Jayson Werth to tie it at 10 with one out and up stepped Chase Utley. 8 pitches later Utley slapped a single to score Iguchi for a thrilling 11-10 phils victory and completion of the sweep. So the Phils have now improved to 71-62 overall, just 2 games behind the Mets in the NL East and as usual 2.5 behind the Padres who currently trail the Diamondbacks 7-0 in the 7th inning. Thus, life remains beautiful.
The Phils went back up 8-5 in the bottom of the 5th on a pair of bases loaded singles. The Mets banged back ahead in the 8th, roughing up J.C Romero and Antonio Alfonseca for 5 runs and a 10 - 8 lead. Pat Burrell slugged his 2nd homer to cut the lead to 10-9 in bottom of the 8th. Then in the 9th, Tad Iguchi singled in Jayson Werth to tie it at 10 with one out and up stepped Chase Utley. 8 pitches later Utley slapped a single to score Iguchi for a thrilling 11-10 phils victory and completion of the sweep. So the Phils have now improved to 71-62 overall, just 2 games behind the Mets in the NL East and as usual 2.5 behind the Padres who currently trail the Diamondbacks 7-0 in the 7th inning. Thus, life remains beautiful.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles lost their final preseason game to the Jets tonight 13-11. There is not much to say except that Kevin Kolb had another solid outing throwing for over 200 yards and a touchdown. The starters didn't play a whole lot. Other Notables include running back Tony Hunt who rushed for 49 yards on 12 carries, Defensive tackle Monte Reagor who had 3 solo tackles, Wide Reciever Jason Avant, who made a great 3rd down reception in the 3rd quarter, and unfortunately backup Quarterback A.J Feeley who broke his hand. The only other thing talk about is that the final cuts to the Eagles roster have been made. They include draft picks, Rashad Barksdale, C.J Gaddis, and Nate Ilaoa, kick returner/receiver Jeremy Bloom, and punter Dirk Johnson, who will be replaced by former Australian rules football player, Sav Rocca.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils kept the good times rolling tonight against the Mets. Early on it looked like it was going to be a shootout, as David Wright hit a solo homer in the top of the 1st and Pat Burrell and Jimmy Rollins countered with solo shots of their own in the bottom of the inning for a 2-1 lead. In the end though, both Jamie Moyer for the Phils and Oliver Perez for the Mets settled down the rest of the way with each allowing only one more run, For his part, Moyer wound up providing the Phils with 6 solid innings allowing just 2 runs on 8 hits while striking out 4. Perez meanwhile, came unglued in the 5th inning, loading the bases with nobody out. Burrell then nearly crushed a gamebreaking grand slam, but it died on the warning track and went for a sac fly instead to put the Phils ahead 3-2. Behind sparkling defense, J.C Romero and Tom Gordon blanked the Mets in the 7th and 8th innings. Then in the 9th Brett Myers ran into a little trouble, allowing runners on the corners with just one out. Fortunately, at that point Shawn Green hit a little dribbler towards second for one out, and former phil, Marlon Anderson momentarily forgot he wasn't with the Phils anymore, as he needlessly barreled into second baseman Tad Iguchi (Utley got the night off), drawing an interference call and automatic 3rd out to end the game in a phils win. So the Phils improve to 70-62, now just 3 games behind the Mets and as usual 2.5 games behind the wild card leading Padres, who currently are tied with the Diamondbacks 1-1 in the 4th inning. Thus, life remains beautiful.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Tonight's game was a a good old fashioned pitcher's duel from start to finish. Fresh off the DL for the Phils, Adam Eaton, went 5 and 2/3rds innings allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits. Meanwhile for the Mets, Tom Glavine went 7 shutout innings allowing just 8 hits. Carlos Delgado, crushed a 2 run homer in the 2nd inning for a 2-0 Mets lead and that was all the scoring until the 8th inning. There ,the Phils came alive just in the nick of time. Jimmy Rollins led off the inning with a solo homer to cut the lead to 2-1. Then Pat Burrell worked a walk, and was promptly replaced by pinch runner Shane Victorino. Victorino stole second, then moved up to 3rd on a throwing error by catcher Paul Lo Duca. Aaron Rowand followed with a swinging bunt to score Victorino and just like that it was all tied up at 2. With Geoff Geary, J.C Romero, and Brett Myers combining out of the bullpen to blanks the Mets through the top of the 10th inning, all the Phils needed was one swing to win it. They got it with one on and nobody out in the bottom of the inning, as Ryan Howard slammed his 35th homer of the year to win it 4-2. So the Phils improve to 69-62 overall, now just 4 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and currently 2.5 behind the Padres who lead the Diamondbacks 2-1 in the 4th inning. Thus, life remains beautiful.
Monday, August 27, 2007
PHILLES NEWS
Big night tonight for the Phils as they opened a 4 game series with the NL East leading Mets. Fortunately, team leader and MVP candidate Chase Utley returned to the lineup and didn't disappoint, going 3 for 5 with an RBI double and a solo homer. Tad Iguchi and Pat Burrell each crushed two run homers, Jayson Werth racked up 4 hits and an RBI, and Chris Coste added an RBI double ,as the Phils crushed 9 runs on 18 hits off the Mets. Meanwhile, in another spot start(Hamels remains on the DL until the weekend), J.D Durbin was impressive going 6 and 1/3rd innings while allowing just 2 runs on 2 hits. Antonio Alfonseca, J.C Romero, Tom Gordon, and Clay Condrey then combined out of the bullpen for 3 and 2/3rds innings of shutout ball to close out a key 9-2 victory. So the Phils improve to 68-62 overall, now just 5 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and as of now 2.5 games behind the Padres(currently they are locked in a scoreless tie with the Diamondbacks through 4 innings) in the wildcard. Thus, life remains beautiful.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
EAGLES NEWS
There is much to talk about after the Eagles 3 preseason game. Some of it is bad and some is good. Sure, the Eagles lost 27-13, but as usual that doesn't matter. The Eagles first string allowed an alarming 297 yards, but only 13 points due to forcing some key turnovers. The First String Eagles offense struggled scoring only 3 points, as Donovan Mcnabb completed 5-11 passes but for only 60 yards. As for the backups, Correll Buckhalter looked good rushing for 43 yards on just 10 carries. Also Kevin Kolb was impressive throwing for 264 yards and a touchdown and as usual it could have been better had he not been playing with the 3rd and 4th string offenses. Okay so maybe there wasn't that much talk about after all, but hey gimme a break a little busy now with other things, but I think this is enough don't you.
PHILLIES NEWS
Today was without a doubt the biggest game of the season for the Phils. Lose, and they would fall to 5 games back in the wildcard and face long odds to make the playoffs, but win and they would be right back in it at 3 games back. Thanks to an offensive explosion through the first 5 innings. All told, the Phils racked up 14 runs on 17 hits in those 5 innings. Ryan Howard, and Chris Coste each crushed 3 run homers, Jayson Werth racked 5 hits and 4 RBIs, Aaron Rowand pounded 3 hits and 2 RBIs, and Pat Burell collected a hit and an RBI. By the time the 6th inning began the Phils led 14-1. They never looked as rookie sensation Kyle Kendrick went 6 solid innings allowing just 1 run on 6 hits. Then in 7th, in his Phils debut, John Ennis came in and wound up pitching the final 3 innings in 1 run, 4 hit fashion, as the Phils won going away 14-2 to improve to 67-62 overall. The win boosts them as mentioned, to within 3 games of the Padres in the wildcard, and 6 games of the Mets in the NL East. Thus, life is beautiful again.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils remained in their funk today. This time though, it wasn't the starting pitching that faltered for the Phils, but rather it was bullpen that gave the game away. Kyle Lohse held up his end, allowing just one run on 4 hits in a solid 6 and 2/3rd innings of work. The Phils offense seemed to do enough as well, as Pat Burell hit a solo homer in the 1st inning(his 20th), and Jayson Werth doubled in a run in the 4th to give Lohse a 2-1 lead. Though poised for victory, a two out walk in the 7th inning, was enough to end the night for Lohse. J.C Romero then came into get the last out of the inning, and did so sending the Phils to 8th with the 2-1 lead still intact. It was at this point that it all fell apart for the Phils. Tom Gordon Served up a solo homer to Milton Bradley for a 2-2 tie in the top of the 8th. Then in the 9th Brett Myers served up two more solo homers, to Kevin Kouzmanoff, and Termel Sledge, and suddenly the Padres were ahead 4-2. Jimmy Rollins leadoff the Phils 9th, with a double and then scored on a two out single by Ryan Howard, to cut the lead to 4-3. Unfortunately, Aaron Rowand struckout on 3 pitches, and the Phils had lost again 4-3. So the Phils are now just 66-62, overall, which puts them now 7 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and 4 games behind the Padres in the wildcard. The fact is the Phils need to get healthy in a hurry, if they are to make a final playoff push, and until then life will continue suck as it does now.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles play their 3rd and most important preseason game tomorrow night, as it is likely the only one in which the Eagles starters will play into the 3rd quarter.
Friday, August 24, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Heartbreak continues for the Phils. Rather than opening their series with the wild card leading Padres tonight with a bang, they opened it with a thud. Early on things looked good. Sure, Jamie Moyer allowed 2 runs right off the bat on a two run homer by Adrian Gonzalez, but the Phils came right back with 2 in the bottom of the 1st, on a double by Ryan Howard, and a single by Aaron Rowand. Then in 3rd inning, Tad Iguchi singled, stole second, and scored on a fielder's choice to put the Phils up 3-2. Sadly, it would be their last lead of the night. In the bottom of the 4th, with one out and Carlos Ruiz on first base, Abraham Nunez hit what appeared to be a harmless double play groundball at SS Khalil Greene. Greene then flipped it to 2nd baseman Marcus Giles to get Ruiz, but before Giles could throw to first, Ruiz slid into his legs and took him out, allowing Nunez beat his throw. Apparently, Giles took the takeout slide personally, and began a heated argument with Ruiz, that cleared both benches without incident. Unfortunately, that confrontation fired up the wrong team as San Diego exploded for 12 more runs and 20 hits the rest of the night, inluding 8 runs on 10 hits off Moyer in a dismal 4 and 2/3rds innings. The Phils on the other hand never scored again, losing 14-3 to drop to 65-61 overall, now 3 games behind the padres in the wildcard ,and 6 behind the Mets in the NL East. Life thus, still sucks.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Once again without Cole Hamels or Adam Eaton(he's out with shoulder problems) in the rotation , the Phils were forced to look elsewhere to fill the 5th spot in the rotation, recalling Fabio Castro from triple A. If you remember, Castro started the season as the Phils middle reliever, but struggled so much they sent him back down to triple A, where he's been until now. Today he was much better than he had been back then. As usual, he had a little trouble finding the strikezone, but still managed to hold the Dodgers to 1 run on 2 hits, while striking out 4 in 5 innings of work. Unfortunately, the Phils offense was unable to support him, scoring just one run of their own on a double by Pat Burrell, among just 4 hits off Dodger starter Chad Billingsley. The Phils bullpen then could not keep it close, as J.C Romero allowed a run on 2 hits in the 7th inning, and Tom Gordon was pasted for 3 runs on 2 hits in 8th inning while failing to record an out. This inning became particularly crushing as the phils were only trailing 2-1 at the time and Tad Iguchi later hit a solo homer in the bottom of the inning which would have tied it, had Gordon been able to hold the Dodgers in check. In the end Dodger closer, Takashi Saito, proved too strong for the Phils in the 9th and they lost 5-2, to drop to 65-60, still 5 games behind the Mets in the NL East, but now 2 games behind the Padres in the wildcard. Thus, life still sucks.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
With Cole Hamels sidelined by an elbow strain(don't worry it's not serious and he'll only miss 2 starts) the Phils looked to, guess who? J.D Durbin to take the mound tonight. Unfortunately without their ace, neither Durbin nor the Phils were any match for the Dodgers.
Durbin just didn't have it tonight, as in 6 innings of work he allowed 5 runs on 7 hits, including a 2-run homer by Andre Ethier. Still, when Durbin left the game the Phils only trailed 5-1 and thus still had at least a chance to win, but the Phils bullpen could not provide any relief on this night. Jose Mesa was tagged for 5 runs on 2 hits to start the 7th inning and after recording just one out, Clay Condrey had to come in and bail him out. However, Condrey too could not stop the Dodgers, as he allowed 5 runs on 9 hits in the final two innings. By the time the dust finally cleared the Phils had fallen hard 15-3, to drop to 66-59 overall, still 5 games behind the Mets in the NL East, but now 1 game behind the Padres(who beat the Mets) in the wildcard race. So once again life sucks. Anyway, in other injury news the 'Flyin Hawaiian" Shane Victorino returned to the Phils starting lineup today, and went 0 for 4 at the plate, but played well in the field. So even with the loss the Phils at least have something positive to dwell on.
Durbin just didn't have it tonight, as in 6 innings of work he allowed 5 runs on 7 hits, including a 2-run homer by Andre Ethier. Still, when Durbin left the game the Phils only trailed 5-1 and thus still had at least a chance to win, but the Phils bullpen could not provide any relief on this night. Jose Mesa was tagged for 5 runs on 2 hits to start the 7th inning and after recording just one out, Clay Condrey had to come in and bail him out. However, Condrey too could not stop the Dodgers, as he allowed 5 runs on 9 hits in the final two innings. By the time the dust finally cleared the Phils had fallen hard 15-3, to drop to 66-59 overall, still 5 games behind the Mets in the NL East, but now 1 game behind the Padres(who beat the Mets) in the wildcard race. So once again life sucks. Anyway, in other injury news the 'Flyin Hawaiian" Shane Victorino returned to the Phils starting lineup today, and went 0 for 4 at the plate, but played well in the field. So even with the loss the Phils at least have something positive to dwell on.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils began a key 10 game homestand, by opening a 3 game series with the L.A Dodgers. Kyle Kendrick took the mound for the Phils to oppose the Dodger's Brett Tomko. As usual Kendrick offered another solid performance. He started a little a rough, spotting the Dodgers a 3-0 lead on a double by Andre Ethier, and a single by Luis Gonalez in the 1st inning, and a solo homer Russel Martin in the 2nd inning. Still, Kendrick beared down after the 2nd inning and allowed just one more run(a solo homer by James Loney) in 6 and 2/3rds innings of work. Fortunately, for the Phils they were facing in the ,2-11 Tomko, the one guy who could blow a 3-0 lead all on his own. Carlos Ruiz doubled in a run, then scored on a sac fly to cut the lead to 3-2 in the 3rd inning. Then in the 4th, Aaron Rowand crushed a two run homer to put the Phils ahead 4-3. Finally, in the 5th, Kendrick singled and scored after Pat Burrell worked a bases loaded walked to push the Phils lead to 5-3. Of course, Loney's homer cut the lead to 5-4 in the 7th and chased Kendrick from the game, but together, J.C Romero, Tom "Flash" Gordon, and Brett Myers were too strong for the struggling Dodger's offense to handle and the Phils hung on to win 5-4. With the Padres losing today, the Phils move back into a tie for first in the wildcard race, but the Mets won today, so the Phils remain 5 games back in the NL East. Still, life is beautiful once again.
EAGLES NEWS
In a fairly stunning move the Eagles announced today that they have released veteran middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. At 30 years old and admittedly heading towards the twilight of his career, after having a bit of an off-season last year, Trotter claims that he is okay with the move and understands why it has to happen. Sure, losing Trotter makes the Eagles linebacking core less experienced, and a little lacking in locker room leadership, but it doesn't necessarily make it less talented. After all, they just added Takeo Spikes in the off-season and Trotter's replacement Omar Gaither looked pretty good late last season while starting at weak side linebacker(Spikes will be there this-season). Strong-side linebacker Chris Gocong, is a bit of question mark, considering he spent all of his rookie season last year on the injured list, but his size, 6-2, 263 pounds is a perfect fit, so he could be pretty good. Still, you'd think the Eagles would have given the Trotter-Spikes combo a chance, at least for one season, but this is just what they do. The Eagles are notorious for releasing their stars(well, except for that Dawkins guy, apparently he's pretty good) once reach their thirties, like Jermaine Mayberry, Hugh Douglas, Troy Vincent, and Bobby Tayloy to name of few. Each time, the released players proved to be past their prime, while the Eagles continued to thrive and win with young replacements. There's no reason to think that this Gaither-Trotter, switcheroo won't workout just as well.
Monday, August 20, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils got the day off today, but tomorrow they return home to begin a key 10 game homestand, featuring 3 games against the wildcard leading padres, and 4 games against the NL East leading Mets. In other news Chase Utley, has been cleared to take part in batting practice, and to throw balls in fielding practice, without a cast on his injured right hand, meaning he could be back in the lineup within a week. Also Shane Victorino is one rehab start away from returning to the Phils, while young reliever Mike Zagurski was recently placed on the DL after straining his hamstring in saturday's night game. Yoel Hernandez (remember him) was recalled from Triple A to fill Zagurski's roster spot. So the Phils could be getting healthier very soon, and at the right time, as they begin to play their most important games of the season. All I can say is good luck fellas.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
For the second game in a row the Phils took an early 4-0 lead. This time it was a leadoff homerun by Jimmy Rollins and a 3 run homer by Russell Branyan in the 6th inning that put the Phils ahead. Unlike yesterday, it was not the starter that gave the lead away. In fact, Kyle Lohse cruised through the first 6 innings in shutout fashion striking out 7 along the way. Unfortunately, he ran out of gas with two out in the 7th inning, allowing a bases loaded double to former Phils farmhand, Matt Kata. The double cut the lead to 4-3 and ended Lohse's night. Lohse was then replaced by the normally reliable, J.C Romero. Romero was anything but as he allowed another run to tie it at 4. Finally, Antonio Alfonseca came in to replace a flustered Romero, but he too could not stop the Pirates, at least not until they had scored 3 more runs for a 7-4 lead. Pittsburgh tacked on another run in the 8th, for an 8-4 lead, and that was about all she wrote, as the Phils went down in order in the 9th. So the Phils drop to 65-58, now 5 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and 1 game behind the Padres in the wild card race. Life thus, still sucks.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils were looking to continue their 2nd half playoff push today, as they jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, with 4 runs in the 1st inning on an RBI single by Ryan Howard, and a 3 run homer by Jayson Werth. Unfortunately, Jamie Moyer just didn't have it today, as he allowed Pittsburgh to come right back with 4 runs of their own in the bottom of the 1st. Pat Burrell slugged a 2 run homer in the 2nd inning to put the Phils back ahead 6-4, but again Moyer couldn't hold the lead. In all Moyer allowed 8 runs on 9 hits while striking out 4. Those 8 runs would be all the Pirates would need as the Phils never scored again after the 2nd inning. The Pirates eventually tacked on 3 late runs to win easily 11-6. So the Phils lost to drop to 65-57 and 4 games back in the NL East as the Mets won today. However, the Padres lost today as well, so the Phils remain tied for the lead in the wildcard. Still, life sucks again anyway.
Friday, August 17, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their road trip by beginning a 3 game series in Pittsburgh with the Pirates tonight. From the beginning it was a slugfest, with the Phils blitzing the Pirates pitchers for 11 runs on 16 hits, punctuated by an Aaron Rowand 3 run homer in the 5th, followed by a Pat Burrell two run homer in the 6th inning. Jimmy Rollins also had a big night with 3 hits, 3 runs scored, and an RBI. Likewise for Tad Iguchi with 2 hits, 2 runs scored, and 2 RBIs, and Chris Coste with 1 run scored, 3 hits, and 2 RBIs. Meanwhile J.D Durbin, pitching in place of injured Adam Eaton(that's right another injured pitcher), gave the Phils 6 solid innings while allowing just 3 runs on 4 hits and striking out 3. Unfortunately, at that point with the Phils comfortably ahead 9 -3, little used relievers Clay Condrey, Jose Mesa, and Mike Zagurski(yes he's back to fill Eaton's roster spot), came in to close it out, and well, they didn't. In all Pittsburgh racked up 5 runs on 6 hits off the Phils bullpen, but a further 2 runs for the Phils in the top of 9th, were just enough to allow them to hang on for an 11-8 victory. So the Phils improved to 65-56, but with the Mets winning tonight as well, the Phils remain 3 games back in the NL East. However, the Padres lost tonight, so the Phils move into a tie with San Diego for the wild card. Thus life remains beautiful.
EAGLES NEWS
Preseason game number 2 took the place for the Birds tonight, and with Donovan Mcnabb back under center, if for only one quarter, the Eagles romped to a 27-10 victory. As usual though, that doesn't really matter, so let's talk about what does. For the offense, Mcnabb looked great, completing 6 of 9 passes for 138 yards. Backups A.J Feeley and Kevin Kolb looked good too, as each completed over 50% of their passes for a combined 151 yards. Finally rookie running back Tony Hunt had big night with 2 touchdowns on bruising short yardage goal line runs, just want the Eagles are looking to get out of him. The Eagles defense looked just as good, particularly the secondary where Sheldon Brown returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown, and rookie Rashad Barksdale halled in an interception of his own. The line was also far better tonight than they had been against Baltimore, with Trent Cole recording a couple sacks, Victor Abiamiri recording a sack and 2 tackles, and another solid night of rushing the quartterback for Broderick Bunkley. So all in all it was a pretty good night for the Eagles.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils came into tonight needing a win to take their series from the Nats. As usual it was a close game that came down to the very end. This time with their ace, Cole Hamels on the mound, the Phils prevailed. Carlos Ruiz slammed a 2 run homer in the 2nd inning, for an early 2-0 Phils lead. Meanwhile, Hamels shutout the Nats for the first 6 and 2/3rd innings, allowing just 4 hits while striking out 6. After allowing a leadoff double to Austin Kearns, and a 2 out bunt single to Nook Logan, in the 7th inning, Hamels needed Antonio Alfonseca to come in and strike out Felipe Lopez to end the inning and keep Washington off the board through 7. By the time the Nats finally scored a couple runs off Tom "Flash" Gordon in the bottom of the 8th, it was too late, as the Phils had already scored two more to go ahead 4-0, as Jimmy Rollins walked and scored on a fielder's choice in the 7th, and Jayson Werth doubled and scored on a double by Greg Dobbs in the 8th. Thus, the Nats still trailed by 2, and Brett Myers made sure they didn't get those 2 runs in 9th, retiring Nook Logan, Robert Fick, and Felipe Lopez in order. So the Phils won 4-2, and improved to 64-56, just 3 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and still 1 behind the Padres in the wildcard. Life is thus beautiful again.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
After tasting the thrill of victory last night, the Phils tasted the agony of defeat tonight. Rookie sensation Kyle Kendrick provided the Phils with another stellar performance, going 5 and 2/3rd innings while allowing just 4 runs on 7 hits. Unfortunately, the Nationals Wade Redding was just a little bit better going 6 innings ,while allowing just 2 runs on 3 hits including a solo homer by Jayson Werth. The Phils only other run came in the 7th inning on a single by Chris Coste. The Phils actually could have had much more than one run though, as they had loaded the bases with nobody out. Coste's single just moved every runner up a base, so the bases remained loaded with no one out. Last night's hero ,Russell Branyan, then came into pinch hit and struck out. Next up was Jimmy Rollins and he too struck out. Finally Tad Iguchi came up as the Phils last chance to keep the inning going. Unfortunately, all he could do was slap a weak ground ball back up the middle, which was gobbled up SS Felipe Lopez for the final out of the inning. The Bullpens then dominated the rest of the way, and the Phils wound up losing 4-2. The Mets won today dropping the Phils to 4 games back in the NL East, but the Padres lost, so the Phils remain only 1 game back in the wildcard. Still, life sucks again.
EAGLES NEWS
This is just a little injury update. First of all, Jerome Mcdougle's strained biceps turned out to be torn biceps upon further review, meaning that Mcdougle is likely out for the season now. Also Shawn Andrews ankle injury(if you noticed, he didn't play in monday's preseason game either) was evaluated and he remains day to day at this point, but he and the Eagles refuse to say whether he'll be ready to start the season, and that doesn't bode so well for him. We'll just have to wait and see what happens with him.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
As mentioned, the Phils began a 3 game series with the Nationals tonight. Shawn Hill took the mound for the Nats, while the Phils countered with Kyle Lohse. Together Lohse, and Hill combined for 6 shutout innings to open the game. While Hill left the game after the 6th, Lohse stayed in to pitch the 7th and wound up giving up 2 runs on a 2 out pinch double by Tony Batista. Antonio Alfonseca then came in and bailed him out, by inducing a Felipe Lopez ground out to end the inning. The Phils finally got on the board in the 8th inning. A one out single by Carlos Ruiz scored Jayson Werth to cut the lead to 2-1. Then in his first at bat as a Phil, after being recently acquired off waivers, Russel Branyan slugged a 2 run homer to put the Phils up 3-2. With Tom Gordon, and Brett Myers pitching lights out the rest of the way, that was just enough for a 3-2 Phils victory. Unfortunately, the Mets and Padres both won today as well, so the Phils remain 3 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and 1 game behind the Padres in the wildcard. Still, life remains beautiful.
Monday, August 13, 2007
EAGLES NEWS
Well, training camp is finally over for the Eagles now, as tonight they began their preseason schedule, with the proverbial trip to Baltimore to face the Ravens. The Game wound up pretty one-sided, well for a preseason game anyway, as the Ravens won 29-3. Of course since it's the preseason that score means nothing. As far as how the Eagles looked on the night, there's not much to talk about. Donovan Mcnabb sat the night out, and not surprisingly the Eagles first string offense failed to score, but there were some bright spots among the backups. Rookie tight end Brent Celek led all Eagle recievers on the night, with 5 catches for 59 yards, including a 30 yard reception that set up the Eagles only score of the game(obviously a field goal by David Akers). Also rookie Quarterback Kevin Kolb looked pretty good, completing 11 of 20 passes for 70 yards and 0 scores. Perhaps if he had been playing with the 2nd string offense, and not the 3rd and 4th string offenses, those numbers would have been better, as he was victimized by several dropped passes and a fumble. As for the defense the only bright spot was Broderick Bunkley, the Eagles 2006 1st round draft pick. Bunkley demonstrated the massive impact he can have on a game, by blowing up a couple running plays in the backfield, batting down a 3rd down pass, and putting constant pressure on the Quarterback. He just might be that premiere the pass-rusher and run stuffer, the Eagles thought they were getting when they drafted him last year, after all. Finally, the Eagles also suffered a few injuries during the game. Ryan Moats fractured his ankle, Jerome Mcdougle strained his biceps, and Lajuan Ramsey sprained his ankle. Moats is probably out for the season, but with Tony Hunt, Correll Buckhalter, and Brian Westbrook, the Eagles should be fine without him. Mcdougle and Ramsey on the other hand are day to day, and will probably still be ready to start the season.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils had the day off today. Apparently the train to Washington takes a day now. Anyway, needless to say the Phils begin a 3 game series with the Nationals tomorrow. You'd think it would be an easy series for the Phils, but over the last few years the freakishly large confines of RFK stadium have been a real house of horrors for the Phils. So, if they can just take 2 of 3 from the Nationals it will be a major accomplishment for them.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils concluded their 3 games series with the Braves today, with a nationally televised prime time affair. It was a great game, with a playoff-like atmosphere that showed up right from the beginning. In the top of the first inning Chipper Jones slapped a 2 run single for a 2-0 Braves lead. The Phils came back with a run in the bottom of inning on a single by Jayson Werth. Unfortunately ,Pat Burrell was gunned down by Jeff Francoeur, while trying to score a 2nd run. After that both starters, Jamie Moyer for the Phils and Buddy Carlyle for the Braves, beared down and stopped the scoring until the 5th inning. The Phils actually could have scored in the 4th inning as well, but Werth was gunned down by Francoeur while trying to score from 2nd on another single, this time by Abraham Nunez. That set the stage for the 5th inning, where with 2 on and 1 out, Ryan Howard crushed a 3 run homer to put the Phils up 4-2. Atlanta cut the lead to 4-3 in the 7th on a double by Martin Prado, but the Phils came right back again in the bottom of inning, with a run of their own, as Jimmy Rollins tripled and scored on a sac fly by Pat Burrell, to put the Phils up 5-3. With Moyer pitching into 7th, and the bullpen piecing together outs that lead stood up the rest of the way for a 5-3 Philss victory. So, the Phils improve to 62-55, but remain 3 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and 1 game behind the Padres in the wildcard race. Still, life is beautiful once again.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Adam Eaton reverted to his old inconsistent self on this Saturday night. On the night he lasted just 3 innings, allowing 6 runs on 8 hits, including homers by Jeff Francoeur and Kelly Johnson, for an early 6-1 Atlanta lead. The Phils mounted a comeback with 3 runs in the 5th inning, on a bases loaded double by Tad Iguchi and a single by Pat Burrell. The Phils then could have had more, since Burrell's single put runners on 1st and 3rd with nobody out, but Aaron Rowand and Ryan Howard struck out, and Greg Dobbs grounded out weakly to end the inning. Rowand redeemed himself with a solo homer in the 8th inning, but unfortunately the Braves had already pushed across another run as well in the top of the inning to up the lead to 7-4. Chris Coste doubled to leadoff the 9th, but Wes Helms, Jimmy Rollins, and Tad Iguchi all went down in order to end the game in a 7-5 Braves victory. So the Phils drop to 61-55, 3 games behind the Mets who also lost today, and 1 game behind San Diego ,which lost today as well, for the wildcard. Still, life sucks again.
Friday, August 10, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Today the Phils began an important 3 game weekend series with the Atlanta Braves. Cole Hamels took the mound for the Phils and disaster nearly struck in the 1st inning. Matt Diaz cranked a one out solo homer, and doubles by Chipper Jones, and Brian Mcann to 3 more runs for an early 4-0 Braves lead. Fortunately, Hamels got the pitcher, Chuck James, to fly out to end the inning. The Phils then came right back to score 4 of their own in the bottom of the inning on a double by Pat Burrell, sac fly by Ryan Howard, and a 2 run homer by Wes Helms. Granted a reprieve, Hamels responded by blanking the Braves for the next 6 innings. Just long enough for the Phils to punch across the go ahead run in the bottom of the 7th, as Jayson Werth singled and scored to put the Phils up 5-4. Thanks to the flawless performance of Eduardo Romero, Antonio Alfonseca, and Tom "Flash" Gordon that lead stood up the rest of the way for a key Phils victory. With the Mets having lost today, the Phils move to within 3 games of first in the NL East. Thus, life is beautiful once again.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Another start, another stellar performance by rookie sensation Kyle Kendrick. As usual, Kendrick went 7 innings, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits. Unfortunately, this time it didn't translate into a win for the Phils. While Kendrick allowed just 2 runs, the Phils could only muster 2 of their own on a double by Greg Dobbs in the 6th inning. It stayed that way until the 9th inning, as Brett Myers came in to make a rare appearance in a tie game. This apparently, threw off Myers ,as he allowed 2 runs to score on consecutive force outs, to put Florida ahead 4-2. Jayson Werth led off the bottom of the 9th with walk, but perhaps attempting to tie the game with one swing, Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste, and Jimmy Rollins all lined out weakly to end the game. So the Phils failed to finish the sweep of the Marlins, but the Mets and Padres both lost today, and the Phils thus, remain 4 games back in the NL East, and 1 game out of the wildcard. Still, life sucks again because the Phils could be 3 games back in the NL East and leading the wildcard.
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