Sunday, April 27, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils hot streak finally got derailed this afternoon in their last game of a 3 game set with the Pirates in Pittsburgh. Brett Myers got the start and got a bit roughed up allowing 4 runs on 8 hits in just 5 innings of work. Meanwhile the Pirates Paul Maholm limited the Phils to a run on 2 hits as he went the distance for the rare complete game win. Now onto the game. In the bottom of the first inning Nate Mclouth led off the game with a solo homer for a 1-0 Pirates lead. In the bottom of the 4th inning, Adam Laroche singled and scored on a single by Jose Bautista for a 2-0 Pirates lead. In the top of the 5th the Phils finally got on the board, as Pat "the Bat" Burrell doubled and scored on a single by Eric Bruntlett, to cut the lead to 2-1. In the bottom of the inning Mclouth struck again with a two run homer to push the lead to 4-1. Finally, in the bottom of the 6th, Laroche singled and scored again on a fielder's choice to push the lead to 5-1. From there Maholm shut the Phils down all the way to the final out, for a 5-1 Pirates win. So the Phils drop to 14-12 overall, but remain on track for an April above .500.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles concluded their draft today with 8 more picks. Most of the guys they got today will be lucky to make the team, let alone contribute, but they did get some guys who will contribute, and possibly fill some of their needs. So without further adieu let's run through the rest of their picks. In the 3rd round with 80th pick they selected Defensive End Bryan Smith out of 1-AA Mcneese State. Smith like Trent Cole is an undersized but speedy end who likes to rush the passer and simply gives them another option at end, and a sure special teams starter. In the 4th round, with the 109th pick, they selected Pittsburgh offensive lineman Mike McGlynn, with the 117th pick, UTEP free safety Quintin Demps, and with the 131st pick, Wisconsin cornerback Jack Ikegwuono. Mcglynn is a versatile o-lineman who can play at all three positions, tackle,guard, and center, just the kind of guy Andy Reid loves to draft and insurance just in case Max Gean-gilles and Winston Justice don't work out. Demps, is a solid secondary man, who gives the Eagles the depth at safety they needed behind the aging Brian Dawkins. Finally, Ikegwuono is a real gamble considering he'll probably miss this season while recovering from a torn ACL, but if he comes back healthy next season he can become a solid nickel back for the Birds. In the 5th round ,the Eagles did not have any picks. In the 6th round they selected with the 184th pick Cal offensive tackle Mike Gibson, with the 200th pick, linebacker Joe Mays, out of 1-AA North Dakota State, and finally with the 203rd pick linebacker Andy Studebaker out of tiny Divsion III Wheaton. Gibson is simply another versatile o-lineman, and you never have enough those right? Mays, is a small scrappy player, who might be able to make plays at this level, or not who knows. Studebaker, is well um I don't know do you? Finally in the 7th round the with 230th pick the Eagles selected Auburn offensive tackle King Dunlap who with some coaching and a little attitude adjustment, could make the Eagles as a backup or maybe as a special teamer, or not who knows. So that concludes the 2008 NFL draft, any questions?
Saturday, April 26, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
After a heartbreaking highway robbery, er loss to the Canadiens in the first game of their 2nd round playoff series, the Flyers were looking to regroup tonight in game 2 and at least return home for games 3 and 4 with the series tied. Thanks to 34 dazzling saves by Marty Biron, and some timely goals they were able to do just that. Early in the first period of play, R.J Umberger scored for a 1-0 Flyer's lead. A few minutes later Jeff Carter scored on the power play for a 2-0 Flyer's lead. Then late in the period Saku Koivu scored on the power play for the Habs to cut the lead to 2-1. Late in the 2nd period of play, Danny Briere scored for a 3-1 Flyer's lead. Early in the 3rd period of play Andrei Markov scored for the Habs to cut the lead to 3-2. Then late in the period with just over 2 minutes to play, Umberger scored again for a 4-2 Flyers lead. From there Montreal pulled goalie Carey Price in an effort to make another late comeback as they had in game 1, but this time it was to no avail and the Flyer's evetually hung on to win 4-2 and even the series at 1 game a piece. Now the series shifts to the friendly confines of the Wachovia center for a pivotal game 3. May the best team win.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued on their current roll, tonight in the 2nd of a 2 game set with the Pirates in Pittsburgh. Kyle Kendrick got the start and produced his best performance of the season thus far, allowing just 4 runs on 7 hits in 7 innings of work. Meanwhile, the Phils roughed up the Pirates Matt Morris for 6 runs on 6 hits in just an inning and 2/3rds and it simply stood up the rest of the way. Now onto the game. In the top of the first inning, Ryan Howard slugged a 2 run homer, Geoff Jenkins slapped an RBI single, and scored on a single by Eric Bruntlett, and finally Chris Coste was hit by a pitch and scored on an error for a 5-0 Phils lead. In the top of the 2nd inning Geoff Jenkins slapped another RBI single for a 6-0 lead. In the bottom of the 3rd Nate Mclouth hit an RBI single and scored on a double by Freddy Sanchez to cut the lead to 6-2. In the top of the 6th, Jayson Werth doubled in a run and scored on a double by Pedro Feliz to push the lead to 8-2. In the bottom of the 7th Doug Mientkiewicz singled and scored on a fielder's choice to cut the lead to 8-3. In the bottom of 8th Nate Mclouth slammed a solo homer to cut the lead to 8-4. Finally, following the homer by Mclouth, Rudy Seanez, and Ryan Madson combined to close out the Pirates and an 8-4 Phils win. So the Phils move to 14-11 overall and appear well on their way to an April above .500 for the first time in a long time.
EAGLES NEWS
It Was an interesting first day of the draft for the Eagles. There was a lot of speculation over what need they would fill first with the 19th pick of the First round. Surprisingly, instead of filling one of their needs with the pick, they traded it away to Carolina, and found themselves out of the first round for the second year in a row. They then traded down again in the 2nd round before finally selecting Notre Dame Defensive Tackle Trevor Laws with the 47th pick of the second round. Two picks later at #49 the Birds finished off their day by stealing California Wide Reciever DeSean Jackson. Laws is a solid pick who many considered to be a sleeper and possible draft day steal. For the Eagles he'll provide the depth they needed at tackle behind Mike Patterson and Broderick Bunkley, hopefully suring up the Bird's d-line for years to come. Jackson will fill a lingering need the Eagles have had and ignored for years, kick returner/punt returner, and he's got the explosive speed to burn many a special teams unit. Unfortunately, he's a little small at 5-9 and is purportedly not a very good route runner, as he spent his college years simply running past the opposition, but with a little work in the weight room, and on the practice he could also be a solid contributor for the Eagle's offense. In fact, he's already the perfect candidate to run all the reverses and trick plays Andy Reid likes to run, so in that respect he's already improved an Eagles' offense that was seemingly just a playmaker away a year ago from finally making some noise again.
Friday, April 25, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
With their series now tied 1-1, the Sixers returned home to the Wachovia center tonight to face the Pistons in game 3. Back in game 2 the Pistons came out aggressive and never let up throttling the Sixers into submission. Tonight it was a bit of a role reversal. Although it took them 3 quarters to do so, it was the Sixers who eventually put the throttle down and ran away with it while the Pistons could only stand idly by and watch. Offensively, four Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, Samuel Dalembert, Thaddeus Young) with Sammy D's 22 leading the way. Defensively, it was Sammy D leading the way again with 16 rebounds and 2 blocks, as the Sixer's defense had the game of its collective lives, holding Detroit to 40% shooting from the field, out rebounding them 43-34, and forcing them to committ 25 turnovers on a night to remember. In the first quarter of play, it was a tight game and in fact was tied at 20, heading into the 2nd. In the 2nd quarter of play, the Sixers squeaked out to a 4 point lead, their first pre-half lead of the series with the score, 44-40. In the 3rd quarter of play, the Sixers energetic D, shutdown the Pistons, forcing turnover after turnover, en route to racing out to a 24 point lead at one point ,before settling for a 15 point lead, with the score 70-55 heading into the 4th. Finally in the 4th quarter of play the Sixers were simply on cruise control easily disposing of the Pistons by 20, with the final score 95-75. So now the Sixers lead 2 games to 1 and are a home win on Sunday away from taking a commanding lead in the series.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils stayed on a roll today as they traveled to Pittsburgh to play the struggling Pirates. Adam Eaton got the start and had a bit of a rough outing, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits in just 3 and 2/3rds innings of work. Fortunately, the bullpen came up big again in the later innings and the Phils were able to hang on for a big win. Now onto the game. In the top of the first inning Chris Coste slapped a 2 run double for a 2-0 Phils lead. In the top of the 3rd, Jayson Werth crushed a solo homer and Coste knocked in another run with a single, to push the lead to 4-0. In the top of the 4th, Brad Harman, recently recalled from AAA to fill JRoll's spot on roster, smacked an RBI double and scored on a single by Jayson Werth, to push the lead to 6-0 Phils. The Pirates finally got on the board, in the bottom of the inning as Jason Bay homered and Xavier Nady doubled in a run and Doug Mientkiewicz doubled in yet another run to cut the lead to 6-3. In the bottom of the 5th, Ryan Doumit slapped a 2 run single to cut the lead to 6-5 and suddenly it looked like the Phils might blow the lead. Fortunately, from there, Flash Gordon, J.C Romero, and Brad Lidge combined to shut down and close out the Pirates, for a 6-5 win. So the Phils move to 2 games over .500 in April at 13-11.
EAGLES NEWS
The NFL draft begins tomorrow and it will be interesing to see which way the Eagles got with their first round pick. Will they take a wide reciever, will they take a safety, or will they go with the Andy Reid special and take and o-lineman. We'll see tomorrow afternoon.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished off their 2 game set with the Brew Crew today with a bang. The veteran Jamie Moyer got the start and produced his best performance of the season thus far, allowing just 1 run on 8 hits in 6 innings. The bullpen was also clutch again, backing up Moyer, in this a pitcher's duel to the sweet tune of 0 runs on 1 hit in 3 innings of work, and after starting the season a bit shaky it might actually turn out to be a real strength for the Phils. On to the game itself. In the bottom of 3rd, Ryan Braun slapped an RBI single for a 1-0 Brewer lead. In the top of the 6th Jayson Werth banged a solo homer to tie it at 1. In the top of the 8th Pat "the Bat" Burrell slammed a clutch two out bases clearing double, plating Chase Utley and Greg Dobbs, for a 3-1 Phils lead. From there J.C Romero and Brad Lidge combined to put away the Brew Crew in final two innings, but only after Flash Gordon bailed out a tired Moyer in the 7th, getting out of a bases loaded with one out jam to help close out an important 3-1 Phils win, that puts them back above .500 at 12-11 overall. Not too bad if you ask me.
FLYERS NEWS
Tonight, after a thrilling game 7 victory to close out their first round series with the Caps, the Flyers turned right around and began their 2nd round series with the# 1 seed Montreal Canadiens in Montreal. Surprisingly despite obvious stats, that would suggest the Flyers were going to be over matched, they made a game of it and nearly pulled a game 1 miracle. The Flyers played their best defense of the year, allowing the Habs just 34 shots on goal. Sadly, questionable officiating, particularly on late calls that didn't go the Flyer's way, erased all that hard work. Late in the first period of play R.J Umberger and Jim Dowd each scored within a few minutes of each other for a quick 2-0 Flyer's lead. Late in the 2nd period of play, Andrei Kostitsyn scored to cut the lead to 2-1. Then about 6 minutes later Alexei Kovalev scored an apparent shorthanded goal, but with an illegal high stick, that a blind referee missed and just like that it was all tied up at 2. Early in the 3rd period of play game 7 hero, Joffrey Lupul, was it again scoring on the power play for a 3-2 Flyer's lead. Then late in the period with just under 30 seconds to play, Mike Richards got penalized on a questionable tripping call, that appeared to be a flop by Alexie Kovalev. At any rate though , Kovalev made it count as Jeff Carter's stick broke off a faceoff and Kovalev fired the puck in the net pass the broken stick, to tie it up at 3 and send the game into overtime. There, just 48 seconds into the overtime Tom Kostopoulous slapped in a rebound to cap off 4-3 highway robbery, er win by the Habs. So now the Habs lead 1 game to 0 and the Flyers will have to rebound quickly and win game 2.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
Coming into tonight the Phils had won 3 in a row and were above .500 for the first time all season as they traveled to Milwaukee to begin a 2 game set with the Brewers. Unfortunately, this one didn't quite go as well as the last three. Cole Hamels got the start and after a rocky first inning, he settled down and went 7 innings allowing 5 runs on 8 hits, just enough for the Brew Crew to steal victory. In the bottom of the first inning the Brew Crew quickly jumped out to a 3-0 lead as Gabe Kapler slapped an RBI single and Prince Fielder crushed a two run homer. In the top of the 3rd inning Chase Utley banged another homer, his league leading 10th, to cut the lead to 3-1. In the top of the 5th Greg Dobbs slammed a 2 run homer to tie it at 2. In the top of the 6th Pat "the Bat" Burrell sent a solo homer into the seats to put the Phils up 4-3. From there it appeared as if Hamels would steer the Phils to victory, but Charlie Manuel went to the well one many times, as in the bottom of the 8th a tired Hamels served up another two run homer to Fielder and suddenly the Brew Crew led 5-4. Finally, in the 9th, after So Taguchi, had walked, stole second, and advanced to 3rd on an error with just one out, Jayson Werth struck out, and Pedro Feliz grounded out weakly, to bail out Derrick Turnbow and finish off a 5-4 Brewer's win. So the Phils drop to back to .500 at 11-11.
SIXERS NEWS
After beginning their first playoff run in 3 years on Sunday, with a stunning win over the Detroit Pistons, the Sixers came into tonight feeling confident. That confidence may have eroded after tonight. From the onset Detroit came out with an energy they never had on Sunday and never let up. In other words the Sixers never had that chance they had Sunday to rally from behind. All they could do was stand by and watch as Detroit romped to victory. Offensively, it was a struggle for the Sixers as they shot only 39% from the field, although 5 Sixers scored in double figures(Thaddeus Young, Andre Miller, Louis Williams, Reggie Evans, Rodney Carney) with sweet Lou's 17 leading the way. Defensively, it was not a good night for the Sixers, as although they turned the ball over only 10 times, they were out rebounded 42-34 and allowed Detroit to shoot 54.9% from the field, definitely not a recipe for victory. In the first quarter of play, the Pistons jumped out to a quick lead, but somehow the Sixers managed to stay within 7, with score 25-18. In the second quarter of play, the Pistons just kept taking it too the Sixers and by the half they lead by 17, with the score 53-36. In the 3rd quarter of play, the Pistons continued to pull away and led by 22, with the score 84-62 heading into the 4th. Finally, in the 4th quarter of play, the Sixers actually made some inroads, but it was of no use as the Pistons still won going away by 17, with the final score 105-88. So now with the series tied at a game a piece it shifts to the Wachovia center where hopefully the Sixers will regain the momentum they had after game 1.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
It's been a long strange trip so far for the Phils this season, but tonight they finally took a big step forward in the right direction, as they finished off their 2 game set with the Rockies at Coors field. Brett Myers got the start for the Phils, and pitched well for Coors, allowing just 6 runs on 11 hits. Meanwhile ,the Phils still coundn't do to much early on but once again a late rally or a late collapse by Colorado saved them. In the top of the 3rd inning Chase Utely slapped a 2 run double for an early 2-0 Phils lead. The Rockies came right back in the bottom of the inning with an RBI double by Matt Holliday to cut the lead to 2-1. In the top of the 4th, Pat Burrell walked and scored on a bases loaded walk to push the lead to 3-1. In the bottom of the inning Brad Hawpe tripled and scored and Willie Taveras banged an RBI double to knot it up at 3. Then in the bottom of the 5th, Matt Holiday crushed a solo homer to put the Rockies ahead 4-3. In the top of the 7th Jayson Werth crushed a solo homer to knot it up at 4. In the bottom of inning Garret Atkins came right back with a two run homer to put the Rockies back up 6-4. In the top of the 8th Greg Dobbs slapped a clutch two out single to score Pedro Feliz and cut the lead to 6-5. Then in the top of the 9th, Pat Burrell slammed the hit of the game, a bases loaded double, that cleared the bases and put the Phils up for good 8-6. Finally, in the bottom of the 9th Brad Lidge put the Rockies down in order and at long last the Phils could say they were above .500 at 11-10 overall. It's about time.
FLYERS NEWS
From the agony of defeat last night, to the thrill of victory tonight. The Flyers have done a complete emotional 360 as they concluded there series with the Caps tonight. Last night they played hard for 2 periods, but everything fell apart in despair in the 3rd period. Tonight however, they just kept fighting all night long until the outcome was assured. Marty Biron had another solid night saving 39 of the 41 shots he faced. Meanwhile, the Flyers had only 34 shots on goal but they made them count. Early in the first period of play Nicklas Backstrom scored on the Caps power play for a 1-0 Caps lead. Then late in the period Scottie Upshall scored on the Flyer's power play to knot it at 1. Midway through the 2nd period of play, Sami Kapanen scored to put the Flyers up 2-1. Then late in the period, who else, but Alexander Ovechkin scored to tie it at 2. In the 3rd period of play neither team could score and this decisive game 7 when into a thrilling overtime. There, after several good chances to score for both teams, Joffrey Lupul finally knocked one in, 6 minutes into period to cap off a dramatic 3-2 Flyers victory and a 4-3 series win. So the now jubilant Flyers advance to the second round. Who would have thunk it?
Monday, April 21, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
After a crucial win over the Mets last night, the Phils traveled to Colorado to face the Rockies in the first of a 2 game set. Kyle Kendrick got the start and went 5 okay innings allowing 5 runs on 8 hits, but in mile high Colorado, that is usually considered pretty good, especially when your opposition, Mark Redman, doesn't get past the 5th inning either. So basically, it came down to a battle of the bullpens and thankfully the Phils bullpen was a just a bit better, allowing 0 runs and 1 hit in 4 innings, while the Rockies bullpen was well, rocky, allowing 5 runs and 7 hits in their 4 innings. In the bottom of the 2nd inning, Yorvit Torrealba clubbed a 3 run homer for a quick 3-0 Rockies lead. Pat "the Bat" Burrell crushed a 2 run homer in the top of the 4th to cut the lead to 3-2. Garrett Atkins banged a two run homer in the bottom of the 5th, to push the lead back out to 5-2 Rockies. In the top of 6th Jayson Werth rolled a ball into the right field corner and legged out an inside the park homer to cut the lead to 5-3. Then Chase Utley followed Werth with another homer, his league leading 9th of the season, to cut the lead to 5-4. From there it was all Phillies as the bullpen shut down the Rockies. In the top of the 8th, Carlos Ruiz slapped a clutch bases loaded double to put the Phils ahead for the first time 6-5. Finally in the top of the 9th, Jayson Werth lined a double to knock in one run, and T.J Bohn hit another double one out later to score two more runs and put the Rockies away for good 9-5. So once again the Phils get back to .500, who knows if they'll actually get above it this time.
FLYERS NEWS
Things have suddenly gone from exciting and upbeat to depressing in Flyerland. Coming into tonight the Flyer's were leading there first round series with the Caps 3-2 after blowing a chance to close it out Saturday. Surely, though at home in the Wachovia the Orange and Black would have no problem closing it out tonight right? Well, for a while it looked like they were going to. Marty Biron was stopping every shot in sight and the Flyers had an early cushion and all the momentum. However, just when all seemed well, all fell apart. The Caps stormed back and before you knew it the series was 3-3 and on its way back to Washington. Simply an absolutely demoralizing way for the night to end. Early in the first period of play, Mike Richards scored on the power play for a 1-0 Flyer's lead. Early in the second period of play, Danny Briere scored yet another power play goal for a 2-0 lead. Later, about halfway through the period Niklas Backstrom scored to cut the lead to 2-1. Then late in the period Alexander Semin scored to knot it up at 2. The 3rd period of play belonged at last Alexander Ovechkin. All series long the Flyers had kept him in check, but now he finally broke out with two goals, one on the power play, to finish off the Flyers 4-2. So now the Flyers head back to Washington for a decisive game 7. They are going to have to bring their A game if they want to avoid finishing a monumental collapse and survive to the second round.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
After scuffling through losses in the first 2 games of their weekend series with the Mets ,the Phils were desperate for a win tonight, to avoid an embarrassing and demoralizing sweep, that would have put them in a real hole. Fortunately, the Met killer, Adam Eaton, 4-0 all time against the Mets, got the start and lived up to his billing, allowing just 4 runs on 6 hits in 5 innings of work, just good enough to help the Phils scratch out a victory. Meanwhile, it was simply Chase Utley's night as he slammed two homers to help power the Phils to victory. The Phils struck first in the bottom of the first as Utley lined a solo homer to center for a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the 5th, Utley crushed his second homer of the night off the foul pole, with two on, to push the lead to 4-0. In the top of the 6th, the Mets finally put some runs together, as Jose Reyes tripled and scored on a single by Luis Castillo, and Carlos Beltran knocked in a couple more runs with a single and then stole second and scored a single by Ryan Church. So just like that the Mets had tied it up at 4. In the bottom of the 7th, Pedro Feliz finally put the Phils up for good, with a solo homer for a 5-4 lead. From there J.C Romero and Brad Lidge combined to close out the Mets and an important 5-4 Phils win. So the Phils improve to 9-10 overall and for now keep from falling too far behind in the standings and they struggle to get above .500.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers began their playoff run tonight in Detroit at the palace. All signs pointed to an easy opening win and probable series win for the Pistons and little chance of the Sixers winning at all in Detroit. Fortunately, someone forgot to tell the players they were supposed to lose. A furious late rally and an ill-timed lapse in focus for the Pistons later and the Sixers had their upset win in Detroit. Offensively, five Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, Willie Green, Thaddeus Young, Reggie Evans) with Miller's 20 leading the way. Defensively, it was Sammy D leading the way with 10 rebounds and 4 blocks, while Reggie Evans added 14 clutch rebounds of his own, as the Sixers actually outrebounded Detroit 45-43, and held them to just 39% shooting from the field as Detroit went cold in the 4th quarter. In the first quarter of play, the Sixers came out with some energy and took the early lead, but eventually Detroit composed themselves, and led by 5 with the score 27-22 heading into 2nd. In the 2nd quarter of play the Pistons continued to pull away and led by 13, with the score 51-38 at the half. In the 3rd quarter of play the Sixers began their comeback, and by the 4th had cut the lead to 7, with the score 70-63. Still, there seemed to be no way the experienced Pistons would cough up the rest of the lead in the 4th, but a funny thing happened. The Sixers continued their comeback as the shots just stopped falling for the Pistons and suddenly with just over 5 mintues to play the Sixers found themselves ahead 80-79. A clutch tip in by Evans pushed the Sixer lead to its zenith, at 86-82. The teams traded free throws from there, until with about 30 seconds to play, Rasheed Wallace had a golden opportunity to to tie it at 88 with a open layup, but missed hit. Iggy gathered in the rebound, sunk to clutch free throws and the Sixers had themselves a surprising 90-86 victory. So the Sixers lead the series 1 game to 0, as they get ready for game two on Wednesday. I know I can't wait to see it.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The offensive doldrums continued today for the Phils in the 2nd of the 3 game weekend set with the Mets. This time it was Oliver Perez blanking the Phils for 6 innings, just enough for the Mets to wrestle away another ugly win. the veteran Jamie Moyer got the start for the Phils, and pitched well enough to keep the Phils struggling hitters in the game, allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits in 6 innings of work, but it wasn't quite enough. In the top of the first the Mets got off to a quick start as David Wright knocked in two runs with a double. In the top of the 7th Jose Reyes slammed a 2 run homer, which turned out to be the difference in the game. In the bottom of the inning Chase Utley finally put the Phils on the board with a solo homer to cut the lead to 4-1. Then in the bottom of the 8th the Phils had a golden opportunity with the bases loaded and one out, but they could only manage one run, on a bloop single by Carlos Ruiz as Geoff Jenkins and Jayson Werth both struck out to end the inning. Finally in the 9th Billy Wagner came in and closed it out again for a 4-2 Met win. So the Phils drop to 8-10 overall. They'll need a win tomorrow to at least stay near .500 and avoid an ugly sweep at the hands of the hated Mets.
FLYERS NEWS
Coming into tonight the Flyer's had their first chance to closeout a first round victory over the Caps. Sadly, despite a late push they fell short against the desperate Caps. They simply didn't play with the same urgency as the Caps and it cost them. Midway through the first period of play, Niklas Backstrom scored for a 1-0 Caps lead. Early in the 2nd period of play, Sergei Federov made it 2-0 Caps. Then late in the period Vinny Prospal finally put the Flyers on the board, cutting the lead to 2-1. Late in the 3rd period of play, Alexander Semin seemed to put it away for good, scoring on the power play for a 3-1 Caps lead. However, the Flyers weren't ready give in just yet and a minute later Derian Hatcher scored to cut the lead to 3-2. From there the Flyers had there chances, and in the waning moments Danny Briere had a golden opportunity, with a one timer from point black range, but it hit off the stick of a Washington player and went wide and the Flyers finally succumbed. So the Caps get the win and force a game 6 back at the Wachovia center. If the Flyers want to move on to the next round they'll have to close it out here.
Friday, April 18, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils began an important weekend series tonight, welcoming the arch rival New York Mets to the Bank. Tonight, the opener of the 3 game set, presented the ultimate pitching match up with Cole Hamels going for the Phils and Johan Santana going for the Mets. The game lived up to its billing as Hamels allowed just 5 runs on 8 hits in 7 innings of work, while Santana tore up the Phils in 7 innings, allowing just 3 runs on 4 hits. Unfortunately for the Phils, when it finally came time for some offense, the Mets just had a bit more and prevailed. In the top of the first inning David Wright banged an RBI double for a 1-0 Met lead. In the top of the 3rd inning Jose Reyes walked, stole second, and scored on a triple by Wright. The Phils finally got on the board in the bottom of the 7th as Chase Utley crushed a solo homer to cut the lead to 2-1. In the top of the 8th, Ryan Howard bobbled a possible double play ball, allowing one run to score, while Angel Pagan doubled and Matthew Schneider singled for a couple more runs ,as the Mets pushed ahead to a 5-1 lead. The Phils came right back in the bottom of the inning as Greg Dobbs slugged a 3 run homer to cut the lead to 5-4. In the top of the 9th, a sac fly by Carlos Delgado gave the Mets some breathing room with a 6-4 lead. Billy Wagner then closed out the 5-4 Met win in the bottom of the inning, so once again the Phils fail to get above .500, as their record drops to 8-9 overall.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished off their 3 game set with the Astros this afternoon with quite a bang. Brett Myers got the start and produced a better than solid effort allowing just one run on 5 hits in 7 innings of work. Of course, he could have pitched poorly and probably still would have won this one, as the Phils lineup finally came to life pounding the Stros for 10 runs and 16 hits. Basically it was good old fashioned ass whupping that the Phils put on the Stros today. In the bottom of the first, the Phils quickly jumped out to a 3-0 lead as Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell each slapped RBI singles and Geoff Jenkins slammed an RBI double. In the bottom of the 3rd, a Chris Coste RBI double made it 4-0 Phils. The Stros finally got on the board in the top of the 4th, as Miguel Tejada slammed a solo homer. The Phils came right back in the bottom of the inning as Chase Utley crushed a 2 run homer to push the lead to 6-1. In the bottom of the 6th Howard and Burrell banged out back to back homers to push the lead to 8-1. In the bottom of the 8th, Coste slugged a 2 run homer for a 10-1 Phils lead. Finally, after serving up a Carlos Lee solo homer, Clay Condrey closed out the stros to finish a 10-2 Phils win. So once again the Phils improve to .500 at 8-8. Maybe this time they'll finally get above it.
FLYERS NEWS
Leading their first round series with the Caps 2 games to 1, coming into tonight, the Flyers had a golden opportunity to put a commanding stamp on the series. Marty Biron provided another solid effort in goal, saving 38 of the 41 shots he faced including a couple dazzling game saving stops deep into the night as the game wound up in double overtime. For their part the Flyer's did not play their best, but they made the plays when it mattered most, while Washington came up short time and time again, and sometimes in a playoff game that is all that is needed to pull out a win. Just 42 seconds into the first period of play, Jeff Carter put the Flyers up 1-0. A couple minutes later Niklas Backstrom scored on the power play to knot it up at 1. Then late in the period Alexander Semin scored yet another power play goal for a 2-1 Caps lead. Finally Carter netted his second goal a few minutes later to knot it up at 2. Early in the second period of play, Steve Eminger scored for 3-2 Washington lead. In the 3rd period of play, with just under 10 minutes to play, Danny Briere saved the day with a power play goal to knot it up at 3. From there neither team could score again before the end of regulation so the game went into overtime. There, both teams had great chances to score and end the game, but both came up short and the game went into a second overtime. Finally, just under 7 minutes into the second overtime Mike Knuble slapped it into the net, off a rebound and the Flyers had themselves a thrilling 4-3 win. So the Flyers lead the series 3 games to 1 and can move on to the second round with a win in game 5 on Saturday.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
After a dramatic win last night the Phils once again had a chance tonight to get above .500 for the first time all season with a win in the second of their 3 game set with the Astros. Kyle Kendrick got the start and delivered a solid effort, allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits in 7 innings of work. However, just as with Adam Eaton last night, the Phil's offense could do nothing with it as Roy Oswalt held them to a run on 5 hits through 7 innings and this time there would be no 9th inning comeback. In the top of the first inning, ex Phillie Michael Bourn, beat out an infield single, stole second and scored on a double by Carlos Lee. In the bottom of the inning Jayson Werth singled and scored a couple batters later on a single by Ryan Howard. Bourn stuck again in the top of the 5th with a solo homer to put the Stros up 2-1. From there, the two team's pitching staffs took over and kept it 2-1 Stros until the bottom of the 9th. There after two quick outs, Jimmy Rollins(no he's not back yet, just pinch hitting) slapped a pinch single to briefly raise hopes of another Phils comeback, but Greg Dobbs followed Rollins with a strikeout to the end the game in a 2-1 victory for the Astros. So the Phils drop back under .500 again at 7-8. Apparently they are just not meant to be over .500 in April.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers finished the season tonight in Charlotte against the Bobcats. With their playoff seeding already decided there wasn't much for the Sixers to play for, except that a win would give them a .500 record for the first time in 3 years. Sadly it was not to be. Charlotte jumped out to a big lead early, and despite a furious late Sxier's rally, was able to hang on. Offensively, 4 Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Iguodala, Willie Green, Thaddeus Young, Louis Williams) with Green's 27 leading the way. Defensively, it was not a good night for the Sixers as they allowed Charlotte to shoot 57% from the field, never a recipe for victory. In the first quarter of play, the Sixers actually got out to a 4 point lead with the score 25-21. In the second quarter of play the Bobcats asserted themselves and sprinted out to a 10 point lead with the score 61-51 at the half. In the 3rd quarter of play the Sixers were able to cut into the Bobcat's lead and by the 4th it was down to 7 with the score 87-80. Finally in the 4th quarter of play the Sixers were actually able to rally back for a one point lead at one point before the Bobcats finally hung on to win by 6, with the final score 115-109. So the Sixers finish the season at 40-42 and will now prepare for an opening playoff round match up with the Pistons. May the best team win.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
After losing a heartbreaker on Sunday to finish off their weekend series with the Cubs, the Phils welcomed the Houston Astros to the Bank tonight to begin a 3 game set. Adam Eaton got the start and again surprised everyone with another solid effort, allowing just 3 runs on 7 hits in 6 innings of work. Unfortunately, the Phils at least initially could do nothing with itas Shawn Chacon blanked them for 8 innings. However, it would be the Phils this time who would be saved with some late luck and superb bullpen pitching, as Chad Durbin and the veteran Rudy Seanez of all people, blanked the Astros for the game's final two innings, opening the door for a late Phils rally. In the top of the first inning Miguel Tejada slapped a clutch two out single, to plate Lance Berkman for a 1-0 lead. In the top of the 6th a single by Geoff Blum and a sac fly by Hunter Pence produced two more runs for a 3-0 lead. Thanks to the bullpen it stayed that way until the bottom of the 9th as Jose Valverde came into close it out for the Stros. Pinch hitter Chris Snelling(just called up to fill Shane Victorino's roster spot while he nurses his calf injury) lead off the inning by depositing Valverde's first pitch into the seats to cut the lead to 3-1. Chase Utley was then hit by a pitch, and after Ryan Howard struck out, Ted Williams, er Pat Burrell(.349 BA, .791 slugging percentage, 5 HRs, 15 RBIs, 15 hits, .482 OBP), stepped to the plate with a chance to tie the game and did so slamming a 2 run homer to the opposite field. Geoff Jenkins then struck out, but Brad Ausmus forgot to catch the ball, and Jenkins reached first safely on the passed ball. Finally Pedro Feliz rolled a base hit all the way down the left field line and into the corner and Jenkins made like Enos Slaughter in the 1946 world series and raced all the way home from first to finish a thrilling 4-3 Phils win. So again the Phils get back to .500 at 7-7 and hopefully this time they'll finally get above it.
FLYERS NEWS
The Orange and Black are really rolling now. After a crucial victory in game two on Sunday, the Flyer's returned home for game 3 tonight and continued to thrash the Capitals. The defense continued its gritty play, allowing Washington just 19 shots on goal and Marty Biron put forth another solid effort, allowing just 3 goals on those 19 shots. Late in the first period of play Danny Briere put the Flyer's on the board first for a 1-0 lead. Then about a minute later, Eric Fehr briefly tied it at 1 for Washington before Scotty Hartnell, and Sami Kapanen each scored late goals within seconds of each other for a 3-2 Flyer's lead. Early in the second period of play, Mike Green scored on the power play to cut the lead to 3-2. Then late in the period Briere answered with a power play goal of his own to push the lead to 4-2. Late in the 3rd period of play, Brooks Laich scored to cut the lead to 4-3, to briefly reignite Washington's victory hopes, but Mike Richards scored two minutes later to quickly extinguish those hopes and push the lead to 5-3. Mike Knuble then put the nail in the Caps coffin with an empty netter to cap off a 6-3 Flyer's victory with just over a minute to play. So the Flyers take a 2 games to 1 lead in the series and will be in good shape if they win game 4 on Thursday.
Monday, April 14, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
After a dismal 4th quarter in Washington on Saturday, the Sixers returned home tonight for a crucial match up with the Cleveland Cavaliers, a game they needed to win, to at least entertain any hope of finishing as the 6th seed in the East. Early on things didn't look good as the Cavs front ran most of night but a furious late rally nearly saved the Sixers before controversy intervened in the Cavs favor. Offensively, five Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, Willie Green, Louis Williams, Thaddeus Young) with Miller's 26 leading the way. Defensively, it was Sammy D leading the way, with 10 rebounds and and a block, but ultimately it was not until late in the game that the D came to life to fuel a Sixer's comeback. In the first quarter of play the Sixers actually clung to a 3 point lead,with the score 22-19. The King and the Cavs took over in the 2nd quarter sprinting out to a 6 point lead with the score 47-41 at the half. It was more of the same in the 3rd quarter of play as they extended their lead to 8 with the score 67-59 heading into the 4th. There the Cavs actually led by as many as 11 at one point before the Sixers went on a furious comeback to retake the lead, not once, not twice, but three times before a jumper by sweet Lou seemed to cement a glorious 90-89 Sixer's victory with 5 seconds to play. The Cavs had one last chance though and gave the ball to the King. He drove into lane, but Sammy D blocked his shot, and the follow by Devin Brown, was no good and the Sixers had won 90-89! Well not quite. Apparently before time expired a foul was called on Sammy D as Brown rose up for the final shot and replays, much to the chagrin of incredulous Sixer's fans, did indeed show officials calling a foul before time expired and a faint whistle could be heard sounding. So Brown went to the line, and coolly sunk two free throws and the Sixers 91-90. So the Sixers drop to 40-41 overall and with the loss they will indeed be the 7th seed in the East and will face the Detroit Pistons in the 1st round. A tough task indeed.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
After blowing a 2 goal lead in the 3rd period of game 1 of their best of 7 series with the Caps, the Flyers came into game 2 this afternoon desperate for a win to keep hope alive. Thanks to a gritty defensive effort, that included 6 penalty kills, they were able to do just that, evening the series at 1 game a piece. Marty Biron also had the afternoon of his life in goal, saving all 24 shots he faced to lead the Flyers to victory. Early in the first period of play, R.J Umberger scored his first playoff goal for a 1-0 Flyer's lead. Late in the 2nd period of play, Jeff Carter scored for a 2-0 Flyer's lead. From there Biron and the Flyers tough D held the Caps in check, until the final buzzer sounded as neither team scored in the 3rd period. So the Flyers even series at 1 and return to the friendly confines of the Wachovia center on Tuesday for a crucial game 3. I'll tell you though, if they keep playing defense like this they'll win that one too.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished off their 3 game set with the Cubs early this afternoon. Unfortunately, they finished with a whimper instead of a flourish. The veteran Jamie Moyer got the start and pitched fairly well, allowing just 4 runs on 9 hits in 5 innings of work. Meanwhile, the Phils sprayed the ball around for 5 runs on 10 hits and appeared well on their way to victory, before a late defensive gaffe did them in. The Phils struck first in the bottom of the 1st as Jayson Werth(starting in place of Shane Victorino who is now on the 15 day DL) scored on a sac fly by Pat Burrell. The Cubs finally answered back in the top of the 3rd, as 3 straight singles by Henry Blanco, Alphonso Soriano, and Reed Johnson, and a double by Derek Lee led to 3 runs and a 3-1 Cubs' lead. In the bottom of the 5th, Werth struck again with a solo homer to cut the lead to 3-2. In the top of the 6th, Mark Derosa answered Werth with his own solo homer, despite the fact that replays clearly showed it to be a foul ball, as the Umps apparently were only paying attention long enough to toss a livid Charlie Manuel from the game. Then in the bottom of the inning Eric Bruntlett hit a solo homer, Carlos Ruiz, Geoff Jenkins, and Werth each singled, and finally Chase Utley hit a sac fly to push the Phils ahead seemingly for good, 5-4. Then things began to unravel. In the top of the 8th Giovanni Soto singled in a run to tie it at 5, as neither Flash Gordon nor J.C Romero could shut the door on the Cubs. Then came the bottom of the 9th where Ruiz was robbed of a game winning single on a great snare at 1st by Lee. The Collapse became complete in the top of the 10th, as with one out and two on, Carlos Zambrano, yes the pitcher from Friday, came into pinch hit and grounded into what appeared to be a dead double play ball, but Utley's relay to first went into the dirt and Ryan Howard couldn't dig it out, allowing a run to score for a 6-5 Cub's lead. Utley nearly redeemed himself in the bottom of the inning with a two out double, but two batters later Sao Taguchi grounded into the last out to cap off a 6-5 Cubs win. So the once again the Phils fail to get above .500 in April as they drop to 6-7 overall.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued to take it to the Cubs tonight, in the 2nd of their 3 game set. Cole Hamels got the start and was dominant allowing o runs on 1 hit in 7 innings of work. Meanwhile, the Phils weren't so lenient on the Cub's pitching staff scattering 7 runs and 11 hits over their 9 innings. In fact, the only blemish for the Phils on the night came when Shane Victorino went down with a strained calf. Hopefully he won't be out long, but until he returns Sao Taguchi and Jayson Werth will patrol center field, so we'll have to see how that goes. The Phils struck first blood in the bottom of the 2nd inning, as Pedro Feliz slammed a 2 run homer. In the bottom of the 5th the Phils widened the margin and knocked starter Ted Lilly out of the game, as Victorino singled and scored on a wild pitch, Chase Utley doubled, and finally Ryan Howard lofted a 2 run homer to center, for a 5-0 cushion. In the top of the 8th Alphonso Soriano helped the Cubs avoid the shutout by slapping a 2 out RBI single to cut the lead to 5-1. The Phils put it away for good in the bottom of the inning as Carlos Ruiz, singled and scored on a double by Taguchi and Taguchi did likewise on a double by Werth. Then in the 9th, since it was not a save situation Clay Condrey came in and put the Cubs down in order to close out the 7-1 victory. So the Phils improve to 6-6 overall and move to back to .500 for the 3rd time this season.
SIXERS NEWS
The Washington massacre continued tonight as the Sixers traveled to the Nation's capital for a crucial matchup with the Wizards. Unfortunately, the Sixers lost their heads in the 4th quarter, and allowed Washington to emerge victorious. Offensively, five Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, Thaddeus Young, Willie Green, Louis Williams) with Iggy's 22 leading the way. Defensively, Sammy D led the way again with 12 rebounds and a block, but Washington still out muscled the Sixers on the boards 48-36, and shot over 50% from beyond the arc, dooming the Sixers to defeat. In the first quarter of play, the Sixers jumped out to an early 7 point lead with a flurry of fast break points, with the score 30-23. In the second quarter of play, Washington took away the fast break and turned the tables ,taking a 4 point lead with the score 57-53. In the 3rd quarter of play, the Sixers found the fast break again and used it to take a 6 point lead with the score 84-78 heading into the 4th quarter. The 4th quarter however, belonged to Washington as they outscored the Sixers 31-9 and ran away to a 16 point win, with the final score 109-93. So the Sixers drop to 40-40 overall and 2 games behind the 5th place Wizards, significantly reducing their chances of getting that spot they needed. So for now they sit at 7th in the East just a half a game out of 6th, and will likely either finish 6th or stay where they are in 7th.
Friday, April 11, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils returned to the Bank tonight, welcoming in the Chicago Cubs for a weekend series. Brett Myers got the start tonight, and produced his first solid outing of the season, hopefully a harbinger of things to come, allowing just 3 runs on 5 hits in 8 innings of work. Meanwhile, with JRoll still out of the lineup, it was the big bat of Pat "the Bat" Burrell that stepped up for the Phils as he racked up a homer and an RBI double to help power the Phils to victory. In the top of the first, Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez hit back to back 2 out homers and the Cubs led 2-0. The Phils finally answered back in the bottom of the 4th as Pat Burrell slammed a 2 run homer to tie it at 2. In the bottom of the 5th they kept it going as the Flyin Hawaiian, Shane Victorino walked and scored on a clutch 2 out double by "Roy Hobbs", Greg Dobbs for a 3-2 lead. In the top of the 6th the Cubs answered back as Alphonso Soriano banged a solo homer to tie it at 3. Finally, in the bottom of the 6th the Phils pulled away for good, as Burrell crushed an RBI double and then scored on a clutch 2 out single by Carlos Ruiz, to put the Phils up 5-3. From there Myers steered it into the 9th, where after serving up a one out double to Ramirez, Brad Lidge retired the side and the Cubs for his 2nd save and a 5-3 Phils win. So the Phils improve to 5-6 overall thus far.
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers didn't quite start the playoffs the way they wanted to tonight in Washington against the Capitals. For a while everything seemed to be going there way, but alas, it was but another aberration as a 3rd period collapse doomed the Flyer's to defeat. Early in the first period of play, Donald Brashear, yes the former Flyer enforcer, scored for a 1-0 Caps lead. A few minutes later Vinny Prospal answered back for the Flyers, tieing it at one. Early in the 2nd period of play Dan Steckel scored for a 2-1 Caps lead. Later in the period Danny Briere, Prospal and then Briere again scored 3 goals in rapid succession to push the Flyers ahead 4-2 heading into the 3rd period. Early in the 3rd period of play Mike Green scored twice, once on the power play and once at even strength, to knot it up again at 4. Then Ubertalent Alexander Ovechkin made his first appearance of the playoffs, breaking the Flyer's hearts as he scored with just under 5 minutes to play to put the Caps ahead 5-4. From there the Caps played strong D and the Flyers just couldn't find one more goal to force overtime and eventually succumbed to drop game 1 to the Caps 5-4. Now, if they want to maintain any prayer of advancing to the next round the Flyers will have to just shake it off and win game two.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers struggled tonight as they welcomed the desperate Indiana Pacers, two games out of the 8th and final playoff spot in the East with 4 games to play, to the Wachovia center. The Sixer's just didn't look like themselves tonight. They looked like the old Sixers, bereft of confidence and desperately just trying to keep the game close. Their shots didn't fall, the turnovers slipped out of their hands, and Indiana never wavered, dealing the Sixers the tough loss. Offensively, only two Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Miller, Thaddeus Young) with Miller's 23 leading the way. Defensively, Sammy D led the way with 17 rebounds and 2 blocks, but overall it was only a decent night for the Sixer's D, not a great one as they had no answer for the Pacer's Danny Granger who shredded them for 30 points and 12 rebounds. In the first quarter of play the Sixers actually clung to the early one point lead, with the score 18-17. In the second quarter of play the Pacers surged ahead to a 6 point lead, with the score 43-37 at the half. In the 3rd quarter of play the Pacers simply stood pat and took their 6 point lead into the 4th, with the score 67-61. Finally in the 4th quarter the Pacers pulled away for good and eventually won by 9 with the final score 85-76. So the Sixers drop to 40-39 overall, but remain 6th in the East, still 1 game out of 5th.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished off their 3 game set with the Mets tonight in just about the toughest fashion possible. Adam Eaton, who still has not lost to the Mets in his career(only because he got a no-decision tonight) got the start and again pitched well, allowing just 3 runs on 5 hits in 6 innings of work. Unnfortunately, once again the Phil's lineup could do nothing without the reigning MVP setting the table, and nearly wasted another solid outing by Eaton, but in the end it came down to some controversial late inning heroics that just happened to not go the Phils way. In the bottom of the 4th inning Ryan Church slapped a 2 out 2 RBI single for a 2-0 Mets lead. In the bottom of the 6th, Angel Pagan doubled and scored on a single by Carlos Beltran for a 3-0 Met's lead. In the top of the 7th the Phils finally started on the comeback trail, as Pedro Feliz slammed a solo homer just inside the foul pole to cut the lead to 3-1. In the top of the 8th, they made it all the way back as Ryan Howard crushed a solo homer to center, and Sao Taguchi, pinch running for Pat Burrell, scored on a fielder's choice to tie it at 3. From there the bullpens took over the game until with two out in the bottom of the 12th, and the always dangerous Jose Reyes on second after a double, Angel Pagan rolled a single to shallow center and Jayson Werth charged and fired, seemingly cutting down Reyes at the plate perfectly blocked by Chris Coste, but somehow the ump didn't see it that way and called him safe with one of those overly enthusiastic calls that says "I'm not really sure what I saw, so I better sell it". So maybe he was out or maybe he was safe, who knows, but at any rate the Phils drop to 4-6 overall thus far and continue their April struggles.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
Fresh off a rare home loss to the Hawks in their last game, the Sixers welcomed the Detroit Pistons to the Wachovia center tonight. Sure the Pistons are already locked into the second seed in the East but they still brought some high energy into this one and made the Sixers earn it and earn it they did. Offensively, four Sixers scored in the double figures(Andre Iguodala, Samuel Dalembert, Willie Green, Louis Williams) with Iggy's 25 leading the way, including 4 clutch three pointers. Defensively, Sammy D led the way again with 13 rebounds and a block as the Sixer's out rebounded Detroit 43-39 and held them to just 43% shooting from the field, while the Sixer's shot over 50% from the field. In the first quarter of play, the Sixers jumped out to a 4 point lead with the score 29-25. In the 2nd quarter of the play, the Sixers simply stood firm and extended their lead to 6 with the score 58-52. The 3rd quarter of play was more of the same as the Sixers pushed their lead out 8, with the score 81-73 heading into the 4th. Finally in the 4th quarter of play the Sixers actually had the lead out to 14 at one point before Detroit cut it down 5 with just under 3 minutes to play. Fortunately, from there the Sixers regrouped and hung on to win by 7, with the final score 101-84. So the Sixers collect their 40th win of the season to improve to 40-38 overall, but remain 6th in the East, still just a game out of 5th.
PHILLIES NEWS
Coming into tonight the Phils had won 9 in a row against the Mets, but tonight without reigning MVP, Jimmy Rollins(he sat out with his ankle sprain), in the lineup things were different. Kyle Kendrick got the start and was roughed up allowing 7 runs on 4 hits in just 2 and 1/3rd innings of work. Meanwhile, Mike Pelfrey turned in a rare good outing for a NY pitcher allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits in 5 innings of work, as the Phils offense never really got started without their leadoff man. So in the end it was a particularly sloppy and disappointing night for the fightins. In the bottom of the first Jose Reyes walked and scored on a throwing error for a 1-0 Mets lead. In the top of the second Carlos Ruiz slapped an RBI single to tie it at 1. The tie would not last long. In bottom of third it all unraveled for Kendrick and the Phils. A single by Damian Easley, a throwing error by Eric Bruntlett(JRoll's replacement), a double by Angel Pagan, another error by Bruntlett and a wild pitch by Chad Durbin(who had come in to replaced Kendrick) led to 6 runs for the Mets as they jumped out to a 7-1 lead they would not relinquish. The two teams added on some runs later in the game, but it did little to change outcome as the Mets eventually prevailed 8-2. So the Phils drop to 4-5 on the season thus far, hopefully JRoll will be back for tomorrow's game.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils began a 3 game set with the Mets at Shea stadium's home opener this afternoon. Last season after dropping their first series to the Mets, the Phils wound up dominating the season series 12-6 en route to a miracle September run to the division title. Today they simply picked up right where they left off. The veteran Jamie Moyer got the start and did not disappoint allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits in 6 innings of work. Meanwhile the Phils scattered 5 runs and 8 hits over 9 innings, and the bullpen, led by Chad Durbin, J.C Romero, and Flash Gordon, combined for three scoreless innings in relief. So it was a total team effort for the Fightins when they needed it most. In the bottom of the second inning Carlos Delgado started things off with a solo homer. In the bottom of the 4th Carlos Beltran scored on a fielder's choice for a 2-0 lead, but the Mets blew a golden opportunity to do further damage, as the bases had been loaded with nobody out before the fielder's choice. In the top of 7th, as the Mets bullpen took control of the game the Phils finally got on the board in a big way. Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino singled, Chase Utley was hit by pitch for the third time in the game, a Carlos Delgado throwing error allowed JRoll and Victorino to score, and finally a Jayson Werth single, scored Utley, and just like that the Phils had a 3-2 lead they would not relinquish. In the top of the 8th, JRoll slapped an RBI single, and scored on a double by Chase Utley, to extend the Phils lead to 5-2, but not before spraining his ankle, but he's day to day at this point and hopefully okay. Finally in the bottom of the 9th Flash put the Mets down in the order to cap off a 5-2 Phils win. So the Phils even their record at 4-4 and continue their dominance over the Mets. Ya gotta love it.
Monday, April 07, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished off their 4 game set with Cincinnati earlier this afternoon, as Cole Hamels got his second start of the season. Once again he delivered a quality effort, allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits in 7 innings of work, and this time the Phils backed him up with some runs and got him the win. The Phils got off to a quick start in the top of the first as a solo homer by Jimmy Rollins and a 2 run homer by Pat Burrell gave them a 3-0 lead. The Reds answered back in the bottom of the inning as a fielder's choice and a Jeff Kepinger single cut the lead to 3-2. In the top of the 3rd Burrell and Geoff Jenkins crushed back to back homers for a 5-2 Phils lead. From there that lead held up until the bottom of the 9th as new closer Brad Lidge came in to get his first save as a Phil. After two quick outs Lidge loaded the bases. A wild pitch then allowed Paul Bako to score and cut the lead to 5-3. It also allowed Ken Griffey Jr, representing the winning run to move up to second, as in scoring position. Fortunately, after another near wild pitch, Lidge was able buckle down and strike out Javier Valentin to end it in a 5-3 Phils win. So the Phils move to 3-4 on the season thus far and at least for now avoid falling behind as far as they usually do this time year.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
This afternoon in the 3rd of their 4 game set with Cincinnati, Brett Myers got the start for the Phils and struggled allowing 4 runs on 8 hits in just 5 innings of work. Meanwhile, the Red's Edison Volquez dazzled the Phils to the tune of 1 run on 5 hits in the 5 and 1/3rd innings of work. So it was an especially frustrating afternoon for the Phils. The Reds took the early lead in the bottom of the first on a 2 run homer by Ken Griffey Jr. In the bottom of the 3rd Jeff Kepinger slapped a solo homer for a 3-0 Reds lead. In the bottom of the 4th Corey Patterson hit a 2 out double to score Paul Bako for a 4-0 Reds lead. In the top of 5th, the Phils finally got on the board as Carlos Ruiz doubled and scored to cut the lead to 4-1. Just as the Phils seemed to be turning things around, the Reds struck in the bottom of the 6th, where a double by Jeff Kepinger, a single by Adam Dunn, and a fielder's choice, scored 4 runs and pushed the Red's lead to an insurmountable 8-1. Finally, in the top of the 8th Chase Utely doubled and scored a relatively meaningless run , on a single by Pat Burell, that did nothing but reduce the final margin to 8-2 as the Phils went down in order in the 9th. So the Phils drop to 2-4 overall, but considering how bad they've been in April the past couple years that's not too bad at all.
FLYERS NEWS
After clinching a playoff spot in their last game, this afternoon's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the last of the season, was all about playoff positioning for the Orange and Black. With a win they would have the 6th seed in the East, with a loss they would stay as the 8th seed in the East. Thanks to the dazzling play of goalie Marty Biron who compiled 20 saves on his way to his second straight shutout, the Flyers were able to get the win and the all important 6th seed in the East. In the first period of play neither team could light the lamp. Late in the second period of play, Scottie Upshall scored for a 1-0 Flyers lead. Finally, late in the 3rd period of play ,with the desperate Penguins having pulled goalie Marc Andre Fleury to make a final push, Mike Knuble scored on the Pens empty net for a 2-0 Flyers lead with under a minute to play. From there, Biron shut down the Pens the rest of the way to close out the 2-0 Flyer's victory. So the Flyers finish the season as the 6th seed in the East and will start the playoffs in Washington against the Caps. I'll see you there.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
After a solid win yesterday the Phils continued their 4 game set with the Reds early this afternoon. Adam Eaton got his first start of the season and actually pitched pretty well, allowing just 3 runs on 6 hits in 7 and 2/3rds innings of work. Unfortunately, Cincinnati's Aaron Harang was equally up to the task, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits in 7 innings of work, as the Phils wasted the rare solid effort by Eaton. In the bottom of the first inning, Corey Patterson walked, stole second, and scored on a sac fly for a 1-0 Reds lead. In the bottom of the second, Adam Dunn singled and scored on a Scott Hatteberg single for a 2-0 Reds lead. The Phils began to rally back in the top of the 3rd, as Chase Utley slapped a 2 out double to score Shane Victorino and cut the Red's lead to 2-1. In the top of the 6th inning, Pat Burrell crushed a one out double to score Utley with the tying run, but unfortunately, after Geoff Jenkins walked to load the bases the Phils wasted the golden opportunity for more runs, as Greg Dobbs struck out and Chris Coste hit a weak pop up. In the top of the 8th inning Ryan Howard blasted a solo homer, his first of the season, to give the Phils a 3-2 lead. Unfortunately, in the bottom of the inning after two quick outs Corey Patterson struck again off Eaton with a solo homer of his own to tie it at 3 and chase Eaton from the game. Finally, in the bottom of the 9th Chad Durbin struggled to throw strikes and with one out and runners on 2nd and 3rd, Paul Bako dribbled a slow ground ball that Jimmy Rollins couldn't handle, allowing the winning run to score for the Reds, and capping off a 4-3 win. So the Phils drop to 2-3 overall, as the dog days of April continue.
SIXERS NEWS
After clinching a playoff spot last night in Atlanta the Sixers returned home tonight and brought the Hawks with them, to finish off a home and home with them. It's hard enough to win one half of a home and home, but even harder to win both sides of a home and home and the Sixers learned that tonight. Offensively, four Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, Louis Williams, and Rodney Carney) with Iggy's 25 leading the way. Defensively, Sammy D led the way again with 10 rebounds and 2 blocks, but he and the rest of the Sixer's defense were out executed by the Hawks when it counted the most, as Atlanta out rebounding the Sixers 42-33. Ironically though, it was defense that helped the Sixers get back in the game, the few times that they were able to go on scoring runs. There just weren't enough of them. In the first quarter of play, the Hawks jumped out to an early 9 point lead with the score 24-15. In the second quarter of play, the Hawks stood their ground and took an 11 point lead into the half, with the score 55-44. In the 3rd quarter of play, the Hawks continued to front run and extended their lead to 13 with the score, 70-57. Finally in the 4th quarter of play the Sixers made some inroads, but the Hawks had an answer each time the Sixers got close, and eventually held on to win by 7, with the final score 92-85. So the Sixers drop to 39-38 overall, and back into 6th in the Eastern conference, just a game out of 5th.
Friday, April 04, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
After a dramatic win to salvage the final game of their season opening three game series with the Nats the Phils had to have been feeling good about themselves as they traveled to Cincinnati to face the Reds tonight in the first of a 4 game set and they showed it. After a long rain delay at the onset, Kyle Kendrick took the mound for his first start of the season and pitched fairly well allowing 4 runs on 8 hits in 5 innings of work. Meanwhile, the Phils pounded out 8 runs on 10 hits, more than enough for a solid win. In the top of the first inning, Jimmy Rollins singled and scored on a sac fly, and Pat Burrell crushed a 2 out 2 run homer for an early 3-0 Phils lead. In the bottom of the first, Ken Griffey Jr singled in a run to cut the lead to 3-1. JRoll led off again in the top of the 3rd and doubled and scored on a another 2 run homer, this time by Chase Utley, for a 5-1 Phils lead. In the bottom of the 3rd Griffey Jr, knocked in another run with an RBI double and then scored on a fielder's choice, cutting the lead to 5-3. In the top of the 4th, Pedro Feliz walked and scored on a single and a pair of sacrifices for a 6-3 Phils lead. In the bottom of the 4th, Joe Votto singled and scored on a sac fly to cut the lead to 6-4. In the top of the 5th Utley homered again for a 7-4 Phils lead. Finally in the top of the 9th the Phils put it away for good as Sao Taguchi doubled and scored on a single by Shane Victorino for an 8-4 Phils lead. J.C Romero, who along with the rest of the Phils bullpen kept Cincinnati scoreless for the final 4 innings, then put the Reds down in order in the bottom of the 9th and the Phils had won 8-4 to even their record at 2-2. Hey, maybe the Phils won't have such a bad April after all.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers likewise, had their own chance to clinch a playoff spot tonight with a win over the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta. With a few extra passes here and a little extra effort there, the Sixers were able to do just that. Offensively, five Sixers scored in double figures, (Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, Willie Green, Samuel Dalembert, Thaddeus Young), with Iggy's 30 leading the way. Defensively, Sammy D led the way again with 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. In the first quarter of play it was all Sixers as they jumped out to an early 9 point lead, with the score 28-19. In the second quarter of play the Hawks turned things around a bit, cutting the lead to 5, with the score 51-46. In the 3rd quarter of play the Hawks continued their long rally back, cutting the lead to 3 by the start of the 4th, with the score 77-74. Finally, in the 4th quarter of play the Sixers reasserted themselves as Iggy took over the game late and helped the Sixers hold off Atlanta for a solid 5 point win, with the final score 109-104. So the Sixers improve to 39-37 overall, and jump to 5th in the Eastern conference, while clinching their first playoff berth in 3 years. Believe it!
FLYERS NEWS
Despite all of their struggles, and all of their trials and travails, coming into tonight the Flyers actually had a chance to clinch a playoff spot, with win at home over the Devils and a loss by the Carolina Hurricanes(tied a top the southeast division with then 9th place, now 3rd place and division leading Washington). Considering they had lost their last 6 in a row to New Jersey the chances of clinching that spot seemed slim, but the Hockey gods smiled on the Orange and Black tonight and presented them with a rare bit of fortune. Marty Biron got the start in goal and for once outshined, the other Marty, the Devil's Brodeur, saving all 22 shots he faced to help the Flyer's to victory. In the first period of play, R.J Umberger scored an early goal for a 1-0 Flyer's lead. In the second period of play neither team was able to light the lamp. Finally late in the third period of play Scottie Upshall ,and Jeffrey Lupul each scored within seconds of each other to rapidly make it a 3-0 Flyers lead, and knock Brodeur out of the game, with just over 8 minutes to play. From there Biron kept New Jersey from making any sort of comeback and the Flyer's got the win 3-0. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes fell to Florida 4-3, so after 81 games of ups and downs the Flyers finally have their spot in the playoffs, which for now is the 8th seed, but could still be as high the 6th seed. Believe it!
Thursday, April 03, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
Normally this time of the season would be too early for a team to be desperate for a win, but the way the season has started for the Phils the last couple of years, they truly were desperate to win today, salvage a win in the finale of their 3 game set with the Washington Nationals, and hopefully use the win as impetus to avoid another dismal April. On a cold, blustery and wild afternoon the Phils were able to do just that, as for once luck was on their side. The Wily veteran, Jamie Moyer got the start for the Phils this afternoon, and well let's just say he had less than his best allowing 6 runs on 9 hits in just 3 and 2/3rds innings of work. Meanwhile, the Phils offense continued to appear as its anemic snake bitten self with just one run through the first 5 innings(A solo homer for catcher Chris Coste, starting in place of Carlos Ruiz). Thus as the Phils started the bottom of the 6th inning the Nats held a commanding 6-1 lead and yet another season opening sweep loomed only 12 outs away. Thankfully the 6th, proved to be the turning point for the Phils, and perhaps a huge stepping stone to better things to come this season. Up and until now almost all the Phils hits had found the Nat's gloves, but now suddenly they began to find the holes in the infield. Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Pat Burrell, Geoff Jenkins, Pedro Feliz, Chris Coste, Greg Dobbs, and Shane Victorino all singled, and when the dust had finally settled the Phils had pounded out 9 hits and 6 runs in a single inning to go ahead 7-6. Sadly, just as had happened Monday, the Phils bullpen could not hold the lead, as Christian Guzman slapped an infield single on a lucky bounce off of the glove of Jimmy Rollins, to score Ronnie Belliard with the tying run in the top of the 8th. In the bottom of the 8th and the 9th the Phils had their chances to end it, but came up short and the game went into extra innings. After Tom "Flash" Gordon barely got of the 9th inning, Clay Condrey breezed through the 10th inning, setting the stage for another Phils rally in the bottom of the 10th. There they walked away with the win literally. With one out and the bases loaded Jayson Werth stepped up to the plate and worked a walk, forcing in JRoll with the winning run, to cap off an important 8-7 Phils victory. So three games into the season the Phils are 1-2 and for now at least have been able to keep their heads above the April waters.
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