Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils cooled off a bit tonight in the 2nd of a 4 game set with the Diamondbacks. Adam Eaton, got the start and was roughed up, allowing 6 runs on 5 hits in just 4 innings of work. Meanwhile, the Unit, Randy Johnson, toughed out 6 innings, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits. Still, despite being in a hole early, the Phils lived up to their moniker and kept fighting until the bitter end, but came up just short. Now onto game. In the bottom of the first Chris Young doubled and scored for a 1-0 Dbacks lead. In the top of the 3rd Eric Bruntlett slammed a 2 run homer for a 2-1 Phils lead. In the bottom of the 4th, it all fell apart for Eaton, Johnson walked with the bases loaded to force in one run, a fielder's choice grounded into by Young, pushed across another run, and finally a 3 run homer by Stephen Drew cleared the bases, and suddenly Arizona led 6-2. In the top of the 5th, the "Flyin Hawaiian" Shane Victorino walked and scored on a double by Bruntlett, to cut the lead to 6-3. In the top of the 6th, Jayson Werth crushed a solo homer to center, to cut the lead to 6-4. From there the Phils had their chances to pull even, including a last ditch opportunity in the top of the 9th, as the Phils put runners at the corners with two outs for Bruntlett, but slapped a harmlesss flyout and the Dbacks had won 6-4. So the Phils drop to 19-15 overall but remain in first place.
Monday, May 05, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
After a dramatic win yesterday afternoon the Phils kept rollin all the way to Arizona tonight to begin a 4 game set with the Diamondbacks. The veteran Jamie Moyer got the start and produced his best start of the season thus far. allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits in 7 innings of work. Meanwhile the Phils pounded Arizona for 11 runs on 17 hits in a runaway. Now onto the game. In the top of the first inning, "the Flyin Hawaiian" Shane Victorino doubled and scored on a sac fly by Ryan Howard for a 1-0 Phils lead. In the bottom of the 2nd, Stephen Drew slapped a 2 out RBI triple, to knot it up at 1. In the top of the 3rd, Chase Utley doubled, Howard walked, Geoff Jenkins singled to score Utley, Pedro Feliz reached base on a throwing error by Drew and Howard scored, Carlos Ruiz scored Jenkins with a single, and finally Moyer helped himself with a double to score Feliz and the Phils led 5-1. In the top of the 7th, Eric Bruntlett blooped a two out bases loaded and bases clearing triple, and then scored on a single by Howard for a 9-1 Phils lead. In the bottom of the 7th, Chris Snyder slammed a solo homer to cut the lead to 9-2. In the top of the 8th, Feliz doubled and scored on a single by Ruiz for a 10-2 Phils lead. In the top of the 9th, Utley doubled and scored on a fielding error by Mark Reynolds for an 11-2 lead. Finally in the bottom of the 9th, after the Diamondbacks added a couple meaningless runs, Clay Condrey closed it out and the Phils had won easily 11-4. So the Phils improve to 19-14 overall and now lead the NL East by a full game.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
Another game with the Giants another potential pitcher's duel. Oddly, that potential would not be realized on this afternoon in the last of a 3 game set. It was supposed to be a duel for the ages between the two young guns, Cole Hamels and the Giants Tim Lincecum, instead thanks to some clutch hitting by both teams it wound up another late inning thriller, and that's just fine by the Phils thank you. Now onto the game. In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Pat "the Bat" Burrell knocked in a couple runs with a clutch two out double for a 2-0 Phils lead. In the top of the 4th, a pair of two out hits, a single by Jose Castillo and a double by Rich Aurilia, knotted it up at 2. In the bottom of the 5th, "the Flyin Hawaiian" Shane Victorino singled, advanced to third on a throwing error by Castillo, and scored on a wild pitch by Lincecum, and later in the inning Geoff Jenkins added a run with a sac fly for a 4-2 Phils lead. In the top of the 6th, Aurilia slammed a 2 out 2 run homer to tie it up again at 4. In the top of the 8th, Aaron Rowand singled and scored on a triple by Castillo for a 5-4 Giant's lead. In the bottom of the 8th Carlos Ruiz banged a solo homer to tie up again at 5. Finally in the bottom of the 9th, Ryan Howard and Burrell each worked two out walks and Jenkins singled to score Howard with the winning run. So for the 2nd time in 3 days the Phils walk off with a 6-5 win and improve to 18-14 overall. Still all alone in first.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers came into tonight a win in Montreal away from advancing to the conference finals for the first time in 4 years. This, after finishing last season with the worst record in the NHL. A remarkable turn around indeed. Thanks' to the desperation of the Habs to save their season, tonight's game proved to be about 3 times harder to win than the last 3, but eventually the Flyer's indomitable will to win won out. Early in the first period of play, Tomas Plekanec got the Habs off to a roaring start with a power play goal to put them up 1-0. Late in the period R.J Umberger scored to tie it up at 1. Then a few minutes later Alexei Kovalev scored for a 2-1 Habs lead. Midway through the second period Chris Higgins scored for a 3-1 Habs lead and a for a while it appeared that a game 6 would be inevitable. Instead the resilient Flyers roared back, as Mike Richards, Umberger again, and Scotty Hartnell each scored late in the period and suddenly the Flyers were back ahead 4-3 heading into the 3rd. Early in the 3rd period of play, Andrei Kostitysn score to knot it up at 4. Later in the period with just over 3 minutes to play, Scottie Upshall scored for a 5-4 lead. Then in the final minutes of the game, the desperate Habs pulled goalie Carey Price, in favor of the extra attacker, but it was to no avail, as Mike Knuble scored on the empty net with just under a minute to play, to finish off a 6-4 Flyer's win. So the Orange and Black are headed to the Eastern Conference finals, and if they keep playing like this, they might just be headed back to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time since 1997.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils bats finally cooled off a bit tonight in the second of their 3 game set with the Giants. Brett Myers got the start and pitched well, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits in 7 innings of work. However the Giant's Matt Cain was equally up to the task allowing the Phils just 2 runs on 3 hits in 7 innings of work. So the two teams fought into extra innings for the second night in a row, but this time there would be no late inning magic for the Phils. Now onto the game. In the top of the first Fred Lewis walked, stole second, and scored on a single by Randy Winn for a 1-0 Giant's lead. In the bottom of the 4th, Chase Utley homered to tie it at 1. In the top fo the 5th Lewis homered for a 2-1 Giant's lead. In the bottom of the 5th, Geoff Jenkins crushed a solo homer to tie it at 2. From there neither team could score until the game had gone into extra innings. There in the top of the 10th, Bengie Molina lined a one out single to plate Winn for a 3-2 Giants lead. Brian Wilson then closed out the Phils in the bottom of the inning, for a 3-2 Giants victory. So the Phils drop to 17-14 overall, but remain in first.
Friday, May 02, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils stayed hot tonight as they welcomed the San Fransisco Giants and old friend Aaron Rowand to the Bank for a 3 game set. Kyle Kendrick got the start, and produced a solid effort allowing just 3 runs on 8 hits in 6 innings of work. Still a late rally nearly made Rowand the hero against his old team, before some Phils extra inning magic helped them prevail. Now onto the game. In the bottom of the first inning Chase Utley slammed a 2 run homer as the Phils jumped out to a 2-0 lead. In the top of the 4th, Jose Castillo plated Rowand with a two out single to cut the lead to 2-1. In the bottom of the inning ex-Giant Pedro Feliz slapped a 2 run homer for a 4-1 Phils lead. In the top of the 7th, Ray Durham knocked in a couple runs with a bases loaded single and a couple batters later, Eugenio Velez scored on a fielder's choice, and just like that it was all tied up at 4. From there neither team could score in the final innings and the game went into extra innings. There, in the top of the 10th, Rowand nearly became a hero crushing a solo homer to put the Giants up 5-4. Finally in the bottom of the 9th, Utley slinged a one out single to right field, and after Ryan Howard struck out and was ejected, Pat Burrell stepped to the plate with a chance to be a hero. After working the count to 3-0, he got 3 straight fastballs to hit. He just missed crushing the first two , but he was right on the money with the 3rd, depositing it in the seats in left field and setting off the hometown celebration as the Phils walked off with the win 6-5. So the Phils improve to 17-13 overall and remain in first place in the NL East.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished off their 3 game set with the Padres tonight and began the month of May in encouraging fashion. Ex-Padre Adam Eaton got the start against Ex-Phillie Randy Wolf and in the battle of the exes neither came out on top as both allowed 2 runs in 6 innings, Eaton on 5 hits and Wolf on 6 hits. So it came down to a battle of the bullpens and not surprisingly the Phils bullpen prevailed allowing 0 runs on 0 hits in 3 innings, while the Padres bullpen allowed a run on a hit in 2 innings. Now onto the game. For the second night in a row, Adrian Gonzalez got things started by crushing a 2 run homer for a 2-0 Padres lead. In the bottom of the 3rd inning Shane Victorino, back in the lineup at last, doubled and scored on a double by Ryan Howard. Pat "the bat" Burrell then plated Howard with a double of his own to tie it up at 2. In the bottom of the 8th, Howard struck again this time with a towering solo homer to right field for a 3-2 Phils lead. Finally, in the 9th Brad Lidge put the Padres down in order for his 7th save in 7 attempts and a 3-2 Phils win. So the Phils improve to 16-13 overall and don't look now but the Phils are now first in the NL East. That's right folks their magic number is only 133. believe it!
SIXERS NEWS
Well, they fought hard all season and never showed any quit, but coming into tonight down 3-2 and needing a win in game 6 of their playoff series with the Pistons to keep their season alive, the task proved too great. The Pistons came out firing again and never looked back. Offensively, on 3 Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, Louis Williams) with Iggy's 16 leading the way. Defensively, it was another poor night for the Sixers as they allowed Detroit to shoot 58% from the field and 56% from beyond the arc, not the way to extend a series. In the first quarter of play, the Pistons jumped out to a merciless 18 point lead with the score 30-12. In the 2nd quarter of the play, the Sixers made some middling inroads, but still trailed by 18 at the half with the score, 51-33. In the 3rd quarter of play, the Pistons pulled away for good, pushing the lead out to 28 with the score, 79-51 heading into the 4th. In the 4th quarter the Sixers at least finished strong, but sadly still lost by 23, with the final score a disheartening 100-77. So the season is over for the Sixers, but what a season it was. No one thought they would get this far, and whose to say they can't get farther next season. After all this is a young team with a bright future. We just caught our first glimpse of it this season.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
How sweet it is. Coming into their 2nd round series with the heavily favored # 1 seeded Montreal Canadiens, few gave the Flyers any hope of advancing, but now after tonight's game few would bet against them. Marty Biron had another dazzling night with 36 saves out of the 38 shots he faced and the Flyers rode him to the finish. In the first period of play neither team could light the lamp. Midway through the second period of play, R.J Umberger scored on the power play for a 1-0 Flyer's lead. Early in the third period of play, Scotty Hartnell scored for a 2-0 Flyer's lead. Then late in the period Tomas Plekanec and Saku Koivu each scored within seconds of each other and suddenly it was all tied up at 2. A few minutes later, Danny Briere scored on the power play for a 3-2 Flyer's lead. Then the desperate Habs pulled goalie Jaroslav Halak, starting in place of Carey Price, in favor of the extra attacker, a move that worked to net them game 1. This time it back fired as Umberger scored in the empty net with about 2 seconds to play, to cap off a huge 4-2 Flyer's win. So now the Flyer's lead the series 3-1 and can close it out back in Montreal in game 5 and advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time, since 2004. How Sweet would that be.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils ended their April tonight in the second of their 3 game set with the Padres. On his bobblehead night the veteran Jamie Moyer got the start and had an okay night, allowing 4 runs on 9 hits in 5 and 1/3rd innings of work, but he got no help from the Phils offense and couldn't make his night a happy one. Now onto the game. In the top of the first inning Adrian Gonzalez crushed a 2 run homer for a 2-0 Padre's lead. In the bottom inning Chase Utley quickly erased that lead with a 2 run homer of his own, his league leading 11th, to tie it at 2. In the top of the 3rd Kevin Kouzmanoff banged a solo homer for a 3-2 Padre's lead. In the top of the 6th, Josh Bard doubled and scored on a single by ex-Phil Tad Iguchi for a 4-2 Padre's lead. From there, although they had their chances, the Phils could not rally back and eventually Trevor Hoffman put them down in the 9th to finish off a 4-2 Padre's win. So the Phils drop to 15-13 overall, but hey at least they finished above .500 in April. That can only bode well for them as the season progresses.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils stayed hot tonight, as they returned to the bank to face the San Diego Padres in the first of a 3 game set. Tonight's matchup presented an intriguing pitching duel, between Greg Maddux going for his 350th career win, and Phils ace Cole Hamels. Thankfully Hamels ultimately prevailed allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits in 7 and 1/3rd innings of work, while Maddux allowed 3 runs on 8 hits in just 6 and 1/3rd innings of work. Now onto the game. In the bottom of the first inning Eric Bruntlett walked, stole second, and scored on a single by Ryan Howard. In the bottom of the 3rd Jayson Werth tripled and scored on a single by Bruntlett for a 2-0 Phils lead. In the top of the 5th the Padres finally got on the board with a solo homer by Jerry Hairston. In the bottom of the 7th, Carlos Ruiz singled and scored on a sac fly by Werth, for a 3-1 Phils lead. In the top of the 8th, Hairston doubled and scored on a fielder's choice to cut the lead to 3-2. In the bottom of the 8th, the Phils broke it open, as with two outs, Pedro Feliz singled in a run, Carlos Ruiz slammed a 2 run double, and Greg Dobbs slapped an RBI double, for a 7-2 Phils lead. Finally in the top of the 9th, after allowing Hairston to crack a 2 run homer, Ryan Madson closed the door on the Padres to finish off a 7-4 Phils win. So the Phils improve to 15-12 overall and clinch an April above .500 at long last.
SIXERS NEWS
After such a stunningly good start to their series with the Pistons, the tonight's game 5 was hard to bear. From the very beginning Detroit came out with high energy, and never backed down. So basically it was an old fashioned Piston bad boy ass whuppin, in which the Sixers never really had a chance. Offensively, only three Sixers scored in a double figures(Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, Louis Williams) with Iggy's 21 leading. So in Sixer's worst game of the series, Iggy had his best game, just our luck. Defensively, it was not a good night for the Sixer's as they allowed Detroit to shoot 58% from the field and 46% from the beyond the arc, never a recipe for victory. In the first quarter of play, the Pistons jumped out to a 14 point lead, with the score 35-21. In the second quarter of play, the Sixers simply managed to hang around, as the Piston lead was only 12 at the half with the score, 54-42. In the 3rd quarter of play, the Pistons finally pulled away for good, pushing the lead out to 20, with the score 79-59 heading into the 4th. In the 4th quarter of play, the Sixers kept playing hard to their credit, but all it did was reduce the final margin of victory to a more respectable 17, with the Pistons winning easily 98-81. So now the Pistons lead the series for the first time 3-2, and Sixers will to have to go to the palace for a game 7 if they still want to win it, and tomorrow's game 6 back at the Wachovia center, is now a must win elimination game.
Monday, April 28, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
Coming into tonight as they returned to the Wachovia center, the Flyers were looking to take control of their second round series with the Canadiens, after hanging on for a big win in game 2. Thanks to a strong 2nd period and 32 saves by Marty Biron they were able to do just that. In the first period of play, neither team was able to light the lamp, although the Habs had several golden opportunities, with shots clanging off the post, and Biron making glove saves. The second period of play belonged to the Orange and Black. About midway through the period Scottie Upshall scored for a 1-0 Flyer's lead. Then late in the period Mike Richards scored shorthanded for a 2-0 Flyer's lead. Finally a few minutes later , R.J Umberger scored for a 3-0 Flyer's lead. Midway through the 3rd period of play the Habs charged back. Tomas Plekanec and Saku Koivu each scored during a 5 minute power play, courtesy of a bogus boarding call on Derian Hatcher. Fortunately, Biron beared down the rest of the way and somehow kept the Habs scoreless until the end, helping the Flyers to pull out a huge 3-2 win. So the Flyers now lead the series 2-1,and with 17 wins in 20 playoff series when leading 2-1 that certainly bodes well for them.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
After a stunningly easy win in game 3 to grab the series lead at 2 games to 1, the Sixers came into tonight with a chance to go up a commanding 3 games to 1 with a win. Despite a thrilling first half that had the raucous home crowd buzzing, Detroit's grit and experience eventually won out on this night. Offensively, six Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, Thaddeus Young, Samuel Dalembert, Willie Green, Louis Williams) with Young's 15 leading the way. Defensively, Sammy D led the way with 12 rebounds and 2 blocks, but it was a pretty even night defensively between the two teams, and in the end Detroit was just a tick better when it mattered most. In the first quarter of play, the Sixers got off to a quick start, jumping out to a 6 point lead with the score 25-19. In the 2nd quarter of play, the Sixers continued to be more energetic then the Pistons and built themselves a 14 point lead, before finally settling for a 10 point half time lead, with the score 46-36. In the 3rd quarter of play, everything fell apart for the Sixers ,as the Pistons found their game at the right time and stormed back to take an 8 point lead with the score 70-62 heading into the 4th. The 4th quarter of play was more of the same and Pistons eventually won going away by 9, with the final score 93-84. So now the series is tied up again a 2 games a piece and shifts back to the Palace for game 5.
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.
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