Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils begin their playoff run tomorrow at the Bank against the wild card champion Colorado Rockies. The Rockies are coming in red hot having 14 of their last 15 games to force last night's one game playoff and win the wildcard. So it's going to be an interesting series and I can't wait for it to start.
FLYERS NEWS
last year the Flyers were about as bad as you can get. They finished the season not just with worst record in the Atlantic division, or he Eastern Conference, but in the entire NHL. With some key offseason additions, including defenseman Jason Smith ,who replaces Peter Forsberg as team captain, and Kimmo Timmonen, and winger Daniel Briere, the Flyers should be better this year, after all, how could they possibly be any worse. Anyway on Thursday the Flyers begin the 2007-2008 regular season, in Calgary against the Flames. They finished their preseason a few days ago with a record of 3-5, not bad considering they went winless in the preseason last year. They were able to consistently score goals in the preseason, but they also allowed far to many goals. So while, they'll be able to win the shootouts they couldn't last year, they won't be able to win any of the close ones, unless Martin Biron has a monster year. Thus, although they'll be better, they likely will still be no better than midde of the pack ,struggling to make the playoffs.
Monday, October 01, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils begin their playoff run at the Bank on Wednesday, against either the Padres or the Rockies, who are currently battling in a one game playoff for the wildcard. Either way it will be a tough divison series for the Phils, and All I can say is good luck guys, and let's keep it going.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
How sweet it is. After 14 years of frustration, and 162 games of edge of your seat ups, downs, and all around excitement, the Phils are finally back where they belong. Coming into today's game the Phils needed a win and a loss by the Mets to clinch the NL East division title, and their 1st playoff berth since 1993. The Marlins took care of New York early, as the Mets already trailed 7-0 in the 2nd inning, by the time the Phils took field at the Bank, so they knew by day's end that a win would give them the division. Veteran Jamie Moyer got the start today and delivered 5 and 1/3rd tough innings, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits ,while striking out 6. The Phils meanwhile, got off to a quick a start, as Jimmy Rollins leadoff with a single, stole second, stole 3rd, and scored on a line drive sac fly by Chase Utley, for a 1-0 Phils lead. Later Ryan Howard slapped a 2 run, bases loaded single in the 3rd inning for a 3-0 lead. Then after Washington had cut the lead to 3-1 in the 4th, Rollins came up big again with a 2 out triple(his 20th of the season, making him just the 4th, 20 homer-20 triple -20 double -20 steal guy in MLB history), following a sac fly by Tad Iguchi, to put the Phils up 5-1. Then Ryan Howard put it away for good in the 7th with a towering solo shot, to put the Phils up 6-1. As usual, Tom Gordon ,and J.C Romero combined to get the Phils to the 9th, where it came down to Brett Myers and 3 more outs. First, Dmitri Young struckout, then Austin Kearns flyed out, and finally Willy Mo Pena was called out on strikes, setting off a raucous celebration at the Bank. That's right the Phils, 7 games behind just weeks ago, have come all the way back to win the NL East, clinching their 1st playoff berth in 14 years, and helping the Mets to complete the greatest September collapse in MLB history. Yes, life is beautiful again.
EAGLES NEWS
How Bitter it is. Leave it to that stinkin city up north that never sleeps, to ruin what started out as such a great day. They say Sunday night is football night America, well someone forgot to tell the Eagles that. For a franchise that's suffered a lot of them over the years, this one ranks up there as one of the most embarrassing losses in Eagles history. If not for their final few drives, the Eagles offense would have nothing to show for themselves. As it is they wound up with only 190 yards of total offense, and a measely 3 points, on a 53 yard David Akers field goal. Donovan Mcnabb was sacked a whopping 12 times, and although he hit 15 of 31 passes for 138 yards, the Eagles as a team only gained 76 yards in the air. However, thanks to 114 yards rushing, 103 for Correll Buckhalter, the Eagles did actually pound to 16 1st downs, and won the time of possession battle, with 30 minutes and 26 seconds of possession time. Well, aside from the defense somehow holding New York to 212 yards, and only 16 points, mostly because of Giants mistakes, that's about all of the positives for the Eagles tonight. So what happened, well there were couple things that killed the Eagles. First, injuries hurt the Eagles, as William Thomas, Brian WestBrook, L.J Smith, and Brian Dawkins all sat the night out. Okay, so Dawkins and Smith weren't missed all that much, but other two, well, the Eagles were lost without them. Thomas' replacement, Winston Justice, was overmatched all night long, allowing Osi Umenyiora to sack Mcnabb 6 times. Perhaps, with Thomas in the game, and Westbrook bouncing around all over the field, Mcnabb would have had the time and the target he needed to spread the field against the Giants. 2nd, the Eagles' inability to provide Justice with some help blocking Umenyiora. It was pretty clear even in the 1st half, that Justice, in his first pro start, wouldn't be able to stop Umenyiora on his own, but Andy Reid, was either unwilling, or unable to realize that this was the case. Perhaps, if Justice had a tight-end blocking with them, he could've protected Mcnabb. Finally, Mcnabb's sudden lack of escapability, ruined virtually all of the Eagles' drives. The old elusive Mcnabb, could easily have scrambled away from the Giants pressure and made some things happen, but this Mcnabb jus wasn't fast enough to slip away. Time after time, he stepped up under the pressure, seemingly a tackle from escape, only to slip up at the last moment, for a sack, just before he could fire the ball down field. If only he could've stayed on his feet a little longer, he could've gotten his recievers open down field. This became pretty clear towards the end of the game, as when he finally eluded the rush for the 1st time, he found Reggie Brown wide open in the endzone for a TD. Of course he had stepped over the line of scrimmage just before throwing the ball and the play was called back, kind of microcosm for the entire game, which also featured 15 Eagles penalties for a 132 yards.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils sure know how to make things dramatic. Adam Eaton, got the start today, and well, he was on a short lease, got into jams in each of the first 3 innings, and was lifted from the game early in the 3rd inning, after allowing 1 run on 5 hits. The bullpen did a solid job, allowing just 3 more runs on 6 hits. However, the Phils just couldn't get themselves going. Aaron Rowand and Ryan Howard finally got the Phils on the board with solo homers in the 7th and 8th innings respectively, but it was too little too late. Chad Cordero sent the Phils down in order in the 9th, as they took the tough 4-2 loss, to drop to 88-73 overall. So the Phils are now back in a tie with Mets for 1st in the NL East, and remain 1 game behind the Padres in the wildcard. Thus, life sucks again.
Friday, September 28, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils are a team of destiny now, that is their own destiny, for they now control it after tonight. Cole Hamels got the start tonight as the Phils began their final series of the season, a 3 gamer versus the Nationals at the bank. Hamels rebounded from the early exit in his last start, to go 8 shutout innings, allowing overmatched Washington, just 6 hits, while striking out 13. Meanwhile, the Phils needed 5 innings to get going, but once they did, they never looked back. In the bottom of the 5th, Greg Dobbs singled, Carlos Ruiz, was hit by a pitch, Cole Hamels bunted them over, and the man who would be MVP, Jimmy Rollins, slapped a single to score both. One out later, Chase Utely slammed a double to score Rollins, and finish the scoring in the 5th. Then in the 7th, Ryan Howard crushed a 2 run homer to put it away for good as the Phils led 6-0. Hamels then bowed out after the 8th, and Clay Condrey came in to pitch the 9th, and afer hitting Austin Kearns with a pitch, he retired the side, for a 6-0 Phils win. So the Phils improve to 88-72, and with the Mets losing again, are now 1 game up in the NL East with the 2 to play. Thus, life remains beautiful.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their playoff push today, as they finished off their series with the Braves. Rookie sensation Kyle Kendrick got the start today and as usual he delivered, allowing just 3 runs on 6 hits in 6 strong innings of work. Meanwhile, the Phils used Braves errors to jump out to an early lead in the 1st inning. Jimmy Rollins leadoff with a single and shane Victorino bunted and reached base and Rollins scored on a throwing error by John Smoltz. Chase Utley then reached base and Victorino scored on a throwing error by Mark Texeira. Finally,Ryan Howard stepped up and crushed a 2 run homer, and just like that the Phils lead 4-0. Later in the 3rd inning Pat Burrell slammed a 2 run homer of his own to put the Phils up 6-0. By the time Atlanta finally got on the board against Kendrick, with 3 runs in the 6th, it was too late. Tom Gordon shut them down in the 7th, and J.C Romero did likewise in the 8th. Finally, Brett Myers came in to close it out in the 9th, and after allowing a leadoff homer to Jeff Francoeur, and one out single to Matt Diaz, he retired the side for a 6-4 Phils win. So the Phils improve to 87-72 overall, now tied with the Mets for first in the NL East, and still 1 game behind the Padres in the wildcard. Thus, life remains beautiful.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
It was a big night tonight for the Phils. They had lost 2 in a row coming in , and a 3rd loss might be fatal to their playoff chances. Kyle Lohse got the start tonight, and delivered 7 strong innings of work, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits, while striking out 5. Meanwhile, the Phils jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Jimmy Rollins tripled and scored on a two out single by Ryan Howard in the 1st. Chase Utley was hit by pitch, moved up to second on a fielder's choice, and scored on a Chipper Jones throwing error, and Greg Dobbs slapped a 2 out, 2 run single in the 3rd inning. Finally, with the Phils clinging to a 4-2 lead, Shane Victorino slammed a pinch solo homer to leadoff the 7th inning. Tom Gordon, and J.C Romero combined to blank the Braves in the 8th inning, and Brett Myers closed them out in the 9th for a 5-2 Phils win. So the Phils improve to 86-72 overall, now just 1 game behind the Mets in the NL East, and as of now .5 games behind the Padres(they currently lead the Giants 10-2, in the 7th inning) in the wildcard. Thus, life is beautiful once again.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
It is the time of the season, in which the Phils can no longer afford to lose, and yet today they did just that. Veteran Jamie Moyer got the start today and pitched well, but didn't get the calls from umpire C.B Buckner and wound up walking 3 batters , while allowing 6 runs on 6 hits, in just 5 and 1/3rd innings of work. The Phils meanwhile, used the longball to rally back, as Jimmy Rollins leadoff the bottom of the 1st inning(his 30th of the season, making him the 2nd Phil, after Bobby Abreu, to join the 30 steals-30 homer club), with a solo homer, Ryan Howard crushed a 2 run homer, and Jayson Werth slammed a solo homer in the 4th inning, and Chase Utley slapped a solo shot in the 7th inning. With the homers, the Phils went up momentarily, 5-4, through 5 innings. Then the bullpen collapsed, as Geoff Geary and Tom Gordon both allowed 2 runs, and the Phils fell 10-6, to drop to 85-72 overall, still just 2 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and as of now .5 games behind the Padres(currently they trail San Fran 4-0, in the 7th) in the wildcard. Thus, once again life sucks.
Monday, September 24, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils got the day off today, but tomorrow they return home to the bank to begin a 3 game series with the Braves, followed by another 3 game set at the bank against the Nationals. So what happens in these final 6 games of the season will yet again determine the Phils postseason fate.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
It was a tough day for the Phils. They went in to today's game looking to complete a 4 game sweep of the Nationals but their inability to use key members of their bullpen cost them. Cole Hamels got the start ,and went 5 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 2 hits, while striking out 6. Earlier in the season, Hamels might have stayed in the game longer, but since he's just coming off an injury, Charlie Manuel would not let him play on. Meanwhile, after Pat Burrell had tied it at 1 in the 5th, with a two out single, the Phils took the lead in the 6th, on a one out single by Carlos Ruiz. Unfortunately, the Phils bullpen then had to takeover and they could not hold the lead. Antonio Alfonseca allowed Washington to go ahead 3-2 in he bottom of the 6th, but Geoff Geary and Kyle Lohse(yes that one, the Phils #5 starter) combined to push the game into the 8th, with the Nats still only ahead by 1. However, apparently, neither J.C Romero, nor Tom Gordon, were available to pitch the 8th, so instead little used Kane Davis, came into pitch the 8th, and he couldn't keep the Nats lead at 1, as he allowed 2 runs for a 5-2 Nats lead. Thus, when Aaron Rowand knocked in a run in the top of the 9th, it was meaningless, and the Phils still lost 5-3, to drop to 85-71 overall. The Padres lost today as well, so the Phils remain .5 games behind in the wildcard race, but are now 2.5 games behind the Mets in the NL East. Thus, life sucks once again.
EAGLES NEWS
What a difference a week makes. On Monday, the Eagles offense struggled managing only 4 field goals against the lowly Redskins. Today, was a different story. Mcnabb removed his knee brace, and completed 26-21 passes for 381 yards ,and 4 touchdowns, for a near perfect 158.3 passer rating. Kevin Curtis caught 11 of those passes for 221 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Brian Westbrook was simply untouchable, with 110 rushing yards ,and 2 touchdowns, and 111 receiving yards, for a career high 221 total yards from scrimmage. In all the Eagles racked up 536 yards and 56 points, in a 56-21 blowout over the Detroit Lions. By the way, the Eagles defense, played pretty well too, with 9 sacks, including 3 by Trent Cole, and 2 by Juqua Thomas. Also even without the injured Brian Dawkins, the Eagles safeties together resembled Dawkins by himself, as Sean Considine intercepted a Jon Kitna pass in the endzone at the end of the 1st half, and Quintin Mikell sacked Kitna for a 12 yard loss earlier in the 2nd quarter. So, all in all it was total team effort, and it was exactly what the Eagles needed, as they improve to 1-2 overall.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils did it again. Rookie sensation Kyle Kendrick got the start tonight and as he has all season long, he delivered 6 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits, while striking out 6. Unfortunately, the Phils could manage only 1 run of their own, on a solo homer by Chase Utley in the 1st inning. Thus, the game rolled into extra innings tied at 1, as the Phils bullpen again combined for 3 scoreless innings(7th, 8th, and 9th). Then in the top of the 10th Ryan Howard slapped a single, Jayson Werth worked a bases loaded walk, and Carlos Ruiz slapped another single as the Phils scored 3 runs to go ahead 4-1. In the bottom of the inning, after allowing a leadoff single, Clay Condrey retired the side for a 4-1 Phils win. So the Phils improve to 85-70 overall, still just 1.5 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and as of now 1 game behind the Padres(currently they trail the Rockies 4-2 in the 7th) in the wildcard. Thus, life remains beautiful.
Friday, September 21, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils just keep on rolling. Tonight Adam Eaton took the mound for the Phils ,and after a shaky 1st inning, in which he loaded the bases and allowed a run, he wound up going 5 innings, allowing just 3 runs on 5 hits. The Phils, meanwhile, used the long ball to perfection. Ryan Howard crushed a solo homer in the 1st inning to tie a 1, Pat Burrell slammed a 2 run homer in the 3rd inning to put the Phils up 4-1, and Jimmy Rollins slapped a solo homer(his 29th, and that after collecting his 200th hit of the season, back in the 3rd) in the 5th inning to help put the Phils up for good 6-1. After the Nationals had tacked on a few runs to put some pressure on and cut the lead to 6-3, the Phils bullpen dug in and held on. As usual, J.C Romero, Tom Gordon, and Brett Myers combined to close it out, for a 6-3 Phils win. So the Phils improve to 84-70, now just 1.5 games behind the Padres in the wildcard, and still 1.5 games behind the Mets in the NL East. Thus, life remains beautiful.
EAGLES NEWS
There is nothing new to report, except that L.J Smith recently had surgery on his groin, to help heal the injury that has been nagging him this season. As a result, he won't play in sunday's game at the against the Lions, at the Linc.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
With 10 games to play in the season, the Phils traveled to Washington for a 4 game weekend series with the Nationals. In tonight's game Kyle Lohse got the start, and was roughed up, allowing 6 runs on 6 hits, and issuing 6 walks in just 2 innings of work. Sure, he was out of it tonight, but at least he'll be fresh for his next start. Anyway, the Phils were thus placed in an early hole. Initially, they had taken the lead on a 2 run homer by Ryan Howard in the top of the first, but those 6 runs, instantly put the Phils behind early 6-2. It took them until the 7th inning, but as usual the Phils came to life and fought back. Jayson Werth Crushed a 3 run homer, to cut the lead to 6-5, and then Jimmy Rollins doubled and scored on a fielder's choice as Washington's Ronnie Belliard stupidly attempted to throw Rollins out at home, rather than taking the sure out at first. Then in the 8th, Carlos Ruiz walked, stole second, then scored on yet another 2 out double by Rollins, to put the Phils up 7-6. Somehow, J.C Romero and Tom Gordon got out of the bottom of the 8th, and in came Brett Myers to get the save in the 9th. After allowing a one out single, Myers retired side. So the Phils won 7-6, to improve to 83-70 overall, now just 1.5 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and still 2.5 games behind the Padres in the wildcard. Thus, life is beautiful again.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
It was a tough night for the Phils. Having won 6 in a row coming into tonight, the Phils appeared headed to a 7th in a row, but didn't get it. Veteran Jamie Moyer got the start, and a provided a respectable 6 innings of work while allowing just 1 run on 7 hits. Meanwhile, the Phils scored a run of their own in the 6th inning, on a 2 out RBI double by Pat Burrell, to tie it up at 1. With the teams' respective bullpens throwing heat, the game stayed tied into the 10th inning. The Phils had several opportunities in that stretch but couldn't capitalize on them. Then in the bottom of the 10th, Yadier Malina ended it with a two out RBI single, to give the Cards a 2-1 victory, and the Phils a heartbreaking 2-1 loss, to drop to 82-70 overall, now 2.5 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and as of now 2 games behind the Padres in the wildcard. Thus, once again, life sucks.
EAGLES NEWS
The birds made another roster move today, resigning safety J.R Reed, after having released him a week ago, in favor of Reno Mahe. Also in order to make room for Reed the Eagles released tackle Pat Mccoy. With Brian Dawkins and Sean Conbsidine both tending to injuries, this could turn out to be a smart move by the Eagles, but at the same time, Reed will have to prove himself, so there is no guarantee he will be on the Eagles roster in the long term.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
It was a long night for the Phils last night. It started with Cole Hamels' much awaited return to the starting rotation, and ended 14 innings later with a determined triumph. In the interest of keeping him healthy, Hamels only went 3 innings allowing 3 runs on 5 hits. So it was the Cardinals who lead early 3-1. The Phils finally found their back into it in the 6th inning, as Jayson Werth tripled in a run and scored on a sac fly to tie it up at 3. With the two teams thoroughly exhausting their bullpens, it stayed that way into the top of the 10th inning. There, Pat Burrell slapped a one out single, and was promptly taken out for pinch runner, Micheal Bourn, who later scored on a fielder's choice after the Phils had loaded the bases. Both Werth and Carlos Ruiz had a chance to give the Phils some insurance as the bases remained loaded, but they were retired to end the inning. Thus, Brett Myers had only a 1 run lead to sustain when he entered the game in the bottom of the inning. Unfortunately, he could not hold off the desperate Cardinals, as Aaron Miles bounced a single over the head of Abraham Nunez, and scored on a sac fly to tie it up again at 4, ironically, it was the 1st run the Phils bullpen had given up all day. Somehow, as the Phils squandered more opportunities, Myers and Jose Mesa got through the next 3 innings. Finally, in the 14th the Phils got their lead back. Rod Barajas, the last man on the Phils bench, slapped a two out RBI single to put the Phils up 5-4. Then Werth tripled for the 2nd time on the night, for a couple of insurance runs, and a 7-4 Phils lead. It would be all they would need, as Clay Condrey retired the side in the bottom of the 14th, to give the Phils the win. So the Phils improve to 82-69, now just 1.5 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and still 1.5 games behind the Padres in the wildcard. Thus, life remains beautiful.
Monday, September 17, 2007
EAGLES NEWS
The Birds have had a tough start to their season. Tonight, although they took care of the ball on special teams and played great defense, the Eagles offense struggled to score points and they lost 20-12 to the lowly Redskins who finished last in the NFC East last year. Anyway, after a shaky start Mcnabb warmed up, completing 28 of 46 passes for 240 yards. Brian Westbrook also had a good day, rushing 17 times for 96 yards. Unfortunately, neither Mcnabb nor Westbrook could find a way to put the ball in the endzone, and instead the Eagles uncharacteristically settled for 3 field goals. If they had only scored even one touchdown, The Birds likely would have found a way to win. Now, the reason for this, is the exemplary play of the Eagles defense, which held Washington to just 337 yards and 2 touchdowns. Unfortunately, as well as they played, Washington was able to find just enough holes in it to put points on the board, as Jason Cambpell fired a 16 yard touchdown pass and Clinton Portiz rumbled 6 yards for the 2nd score. So, all in all it was a good effort for the Eagles, but nowhere near good enough for them to win, as they dropped to o-2 overall, now tied with the Giants for dead last in the NFC East. Go figure.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils stayed hot tonight, as they traveled to St.Louis to begin a 3 game set with the Cardinals. Rookie sensation Kyle Kendrick got the start, and as usual toughed out 6 innings of work, while allowing just 3 runs on 7 hits. The Phils meanwhile , used the long ball to explode for 13 runs on 11 hits. Ryan Howard hit a solo homer in the 2nd inning, and a grand slam in the 6th inning, Aaron Rowand hit a 3 run homer in the 4th inning and a solo homerun in the 9th inning, and finally Jimmy Rollins hit a 3 run homer in the 4th inning. Thus, before you knew it, it was 11-0 Phils and St.louis did not know what had hit them. Still, they did not go down quietly. First it was 11-0, then it was 11-3, and then before you knew it the Phils lead had been whittled down to 1, at 12-11. Somehow, Aaron Rowand came to the rescue, snagging a line drive to end the bottom of the 8th inning, and slapping a solo homer to put the Phils up for good, 13-11. The Phils bullpen then just barely got through the last couple innings, and the Phils thus held on to win 13-11, improving to 81-69 overall, now just 2.5 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and still 2.5 games out of first in the wilcard. So life remains beautiful.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils had already swept the Mets twice this season, and today they went for a 3rd sweep. Adam Eaton got the start for the Phils, and didn't do as well as he could have allowing 5 runs on 7 hits. Still, after Eaton left the game, the Phils bullpen rolled through 4 more innings, allowing just 1 more run on 2 hits. Meanwhile, the Mets pitching staff fell apart. 11 walks, and 6 errors allowed the Phils to pound 10 runs on 7 hits. After 5 tight innings the game was tied at 5 heading into the 6th. There Greg Dobbs' pinch hit grand slam, broke the game open and put the Phils ahead for good 10-5. David Wright, hit a solo homer in the 7th, to cut the lead to 10-6, but Tom Gordon and Brett Myers retired the Mets in order in the 8th and 9th innings, for a 10-6 Phils win. So, with 13 games left in the season, the Phils improve to 80-69, now just 3.5 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and still 1.5 games behind the Padres in the wildcard. Thus, life remains beautiful.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles continue their season tomorrow night, when they return home to the Linc for their 1st home game of the season, and renew their longtime rivalry with the Washington Redskins. To win they'll have to play better on the offensive side of the ball, and hold on to the football during punt returns. Of course, with Reno Mahe back on the roster, that second one shouldn't be a problem.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Another game against the Mets, and another come from behind win. Kyle Lohse got the start today and provided the Phils with 5 strong innings, allowing just 3 runs on 7 hits. The Phils bullpen then took over in the 6th and shutdown the Mets the rest of the way. Meanwhile, the Phils put together a late rally. After giving the Phils the early 1-0 lead, with an RBI single in he 1st inning, Aaron Rowand, helped them tie it up again, with a solo homer in the 8th inning. Later, in the inning with two on and two out, Jimmy Rollins stepped to the plate with a chance to put the Phils ahead. He slapped a ball just over the head of centerfielder Carlos Beltran, which scored 2 runs, for a 5-3 Phils lead, and wound up as a standup triple for Rollins. Tom Gordon then retired the Mets in order in the bottom of the inning, and Brett Myers did likewise in the 9th. So the Phils won 5-3, to improve to 79-69 overall, now just 4.5 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and as of now 1 game behind the Padres in the wildcard. Thus, life remains beautiful.
Friday, September 14, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
What a win for the Phils. Tonight the Phils traveled to New York to begin a key 3 game set with the Mets. Jamie Moyer got the start, and gave the phils 7 solid innings, allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits, including a solo homer by David Wright in the 1st inning, while striking out 2. With Tom Glavine on the mound for the Mets, the Phils didn't score much either, as Glavine limited them to 2 runs on 5 hits, including a 2 run homer by Chase Utley in the 6th inning, in 7 and 2/3rds innings of work. Neither team scored in the 9th inning, and the game went into the 10th inning tied at 2. In the top of the 10th, Jayson Werth leadoff with a single. Then Carlos Ruiz reached base safely on a bunt, moving Werth to 2nd. Abraham Nunez dropped another bunt, to move the runners to 2nd and 3rd respectively, but Nunez was thrown out at 1st. Finally, Greg Dobbs launched a sac fly just deep enough to score Werth and put the Phils ahead 3-2. Jimmy Rollins had a chance to give the Phils more, but he lined out to end the inning. Fortunately, Brett Myers came in to pitch the bottom of the inning and retired the Mets in order, for a 3-2 Phils win. So the Phils improve to 78-69, now just 5.5 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and still 1.5 games behind the Padres in the wildcard. Thus, life remains beautiful.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
After getting blown out in their last 2 games, the last thing the Phils wanted to see, was the Rockies jumping out to yet another early lead, but that's exactly what happened. J.D Durbin got the start, and lasted all of one inning, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits, and for that matter 3 walks. Fortunately, just when it appeared things couldn't possibly get any worse, the Phils found a way to rally back. A passed ball, a single by Aaron Rowand, and a double by Wes Helms helped the Phils put 4 runs on the board in the bottom of the 1st, for a 4-3 lead. Chase Utley crushed a 2 run homer, as the Phils scored 4 more in the 4th inning. Then they scratched out 3 in the 5th, on a single, hit by pitch, and a sac fly. Meanwhile, the Phils bullpen combined for 8 innings, while allowing just 1 run on 2 hits. Thus, after tacking on one more run in the 7th, the Phils won easily 12-4, to improve to 77-69, now just 6.5 games behind the Mets in the NL East and 1.5 games behind the Padres in the wildcard. So life is beautiful once again.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
After last night, you would think things couldn't possibly get worse for the Phils, but you'd be wrong. After a fast start, punctuated by a line drive triple play, to end the top of the 1st inning. the Phils loaded the bases right off the bat in the bottom of the inning with nobody out. It was at that moment though, that true shape of tonight's game took hold, as the Phils failed to score even one run off of that bases loaded situation, with Ryan Howard striking out, Aaron Rowand popping up, and Greg Dobbs flying out. From there things only went further down hill. Starter Kyle Kendrick, allowed 7 runs on 4 hits, and then left the game in the 4th inning, with a knee injury, after being struck by a line drive, as if the Phils really needed another pitcher on the DL. Anyway, the Rockies just kept plugging away until it was the 9th inning they were ahead by a whopping score of 12-0. Three weak outs by the Phils later, and they had lost embarrassingly 12-0. The only positive note of the game, is that Micheal Bourn, yes that one, finally returned to the Phils today, coming in as a defensive replacement in the 9th and grounding out in his only at bat in the bottom of the 9th. So the Phils drop to 76-69 overall, now 7 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and 3 games behind the Padres in the wildcard. Thus, life still sucks.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers have made several roster moves the last couple days. They signed 2nd round draft picks Derrick Byars and Herbert Hill to contracts. Also they signed free-agent center Calvin Booth to a contract. Finally, they completed an interesting trade, sending center Steven Hunter and forward Bobby Jones to the Nuggets, for forwards Reggie Evans and Ricky Sanchez. Evans is one of the NBA's premiere rebounders, or at least he was before he went to Denver, but hopefully the change of scenery will revert him back to form.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
In the 2nd game of a 4 game series with the Rockies, the Phils suffered a devastating setback. Adam Eaton got the start tonight and went just 5 innings allowing 4 runs on 6 hits. Kane Davis and Geoff Geary allowed 3 more runs in the 6th inning and suddenly it was 7-0 Rockies. Meanwhile, the Phils were blanked for the 1st 5 innings on just 3 hits by Franklin Morales. By the time the Phils finally got on the board in the 8th inning, with a solo homer by Jimmy Rollins, it was too late, as they still trailed 7-1. Chase Utley scored later in the inning on a throwing error to cut the lead to 7-2, and the Phils then put two men on with two out, for Greg Dobbs, but it wasn't to be. Dobbs grounded out to the end the inning, and so ended the Phils best threat of the night. Matt Holiday then added a solo homer in the 9th for a final score of 8-2 Rockies. So the Phils drop to 76-68 overall, now 2 games behind the Padres in the wildcard, and still 6 games behind the Mets in the NL East. Thus, life sucks once again.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles were apparently as disgusted with the play of their special teams, as the all the fans were, so today the resigned the always reliable Reno Mahe to return punts and apparently kicks as well. This sures up their special teams for now, and should help them win games instead of losing them.
Monday, September 10, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils won tonight in dramatic fashion, 6-5 in 10 innings. Kyle Lohse got the start, and went 6 innings, allowing just 3 runs on 7 hits, while striking out 5. The Phils meanwhile, had scored just one run heading into the 6th inning. There Ryan Howard began the rally with a solo homer, his 38th of the season. Then in the bottom of the 7th, after the Rockies had upped the lead from 3-2, to 5-2, Pat Burrell slammed a clutch two out 3 run homer, to knot it up at 5. The teams respective bullpens took over from there until the bottom of the 10th, where with one one out and Chase Utley aboard first, Howard delivered a a game winning double into the right field corner. So the Phils improve to 76-67 overall, now 1.5 games behind the Padres in the wildcard, and still 6 games behind the Mets in the NL East. Thus, life remains beautiful.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
EAGLES NEWS
This is not the way the Eagles were supposed to start the season. They were supposed to go into Lambeau field and thump the Packers easily. Instead a special teams collapse led to heartbreak. It started badly for the Eagles when, after forcing Green Bay to punt, Greg Lewis, muffed his 1st punt return attempt. Of course, the balled bounced off the hands of several players, and rolled into the endzone where it was recovered by a Packer. Just like that it was 7-0 Green Bay. The Eagles next possession then ended with Donovan Mcnabb throwing a pick in Green Bay territory. That of course, led to a Packers field goal and it was 10-0 Packers. Early in 2nd quarter, Mcnabb finally started hitting his targets, leading the Birds on a 13 play, 62 yard drive, including a 37 yard pass to Kevin Curtis, to set up a David Akers field goal, cutting the lead to 10-3. Later, with about 6 minutes to play in the half, Mcnabb led another long 97 yard drive, punctuated by a 9 yard touchdown pass to 2nd year man Jason Avant, to knot it up at 10. Mid-way through the 3rd quarter, Mcnabb hit a couple big 3rd down completions, on a 59 yard drive, resulting in another Akers field goal to put the Birds up 13-10. The Packers countered with a field goal of their own to tie it at 13. The two teams then traded scoring chances in the 4th quarter, until late in quarter, as the Eagles seemed to catch a break when they forced Green Bay to punt with under 2 minutes to play. Unfortunately, J.R Reed who replaced Lewis, muffed a fair catch, and the Packers recovered inside the Eagles 30 yard line. A few plays later Green Bay kicked another field goal to go ahead 16-13 with 2 seconds to go and that's how it ended, as the Eagles failed to score on the ensuing kickoff. As if this loss weren't enough, Lito "one more for the road" Sheppard went down with an MCL sprain during game and is now day to day. So, just to recap the Eagles, defense played well, allowing just 215 yards of offense and 6 points, while the Eagles offense struggled somewhat, gaining just 283 yards, and scoring only 13 points, and the special teams, other than Akers, was a debacle.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils reeled in the Marlins for the second day in a row, to take their weekend series 2 games to 1. Jamie Moyer got the start and after getting a spectacular catch from Aaron Rowand, for the first out of the game, he cruised through 5 shutout innings. Meanwhile, the Phils jumped out early, with 5 runs in the 1st inning on a double by Rowand, a single by Jayson Werth, and a 2 run homer by Carlos Ruiz, and 2 runs in the 2nd inning on a two run homer by Pat Burrell. Burrell then added an RBI double in the 4th inning, for good measure, and before you knew it the Phils were up 8-0. Then Moyer ran out of gas in the 6th inning, allowing 3 homers, while recording one out, as Florida suddenly closed to within 3, with the score at 8-5. Fortunately, Antonio Alfonseca, Kane Davis, J.C Romero, and Brett Myers combined to shutdown the Marlins for the final 4 innings, as the Phils hung on to win 8-5. So the Phils improve to 75-67, now just 2 games behind the Padres in the wildcard, and still 6 games behind the Mets in the NL East. Still, life remains beautiful.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Today was big for the Phils. Having lost 5 of their last 6, they badly needed a win to stay in the playoff race. In his first start as a Phil, John Ennis lasted only 4 innings, but he allowed just one run on 6 hits. The Phils bullpen was then lights out as Clay Condrey, J.C Romero, Tom Gordon, and Geoff Geary combined for 5 shutout innings. Meanwhile, the Phils offense went off to the tune of 9 runs on 12 hits. In the 4th inning, Greg Dobbs tripled in a run, and scored on a 2 run homer by Chris Coste. In the 6th, Dobbs crushed a solo homer. In the 7th, Shane Victorino singled, stole second, and scored on a single by Chase Utley. Finally, in the 8th, Abraham Nunez doubled in a run, Jayson Werth scored him on a single, and Jimmy Rollins scored Werth, with a towering 2 run homer, his 26th of the season. In the end the Phils rolled to victory, 9-1, to improve to 74-67 overall, still 6 games behind the Mets in the NL East, and 3 behind the Padres in the wildcard. Thus, life is beautful once again.
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