Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils returned home to the Bank today to begin a 3 game set with the division rival Braves. Kyle Kendrick got the start tonight and delivered another solid performance, allowing just 3 runs on 6 hits in 6 innings of work. Meanwhile, Jayson Werth got a rare start in centerfield and made the most of it knocking in 4 runs on 3 hits to carry the Phils to a big win. In the top of the first Chipper Jones knocked in one run with a single, and Jeff Franceour knocked in two more with another single for a 3-0 Braves lead. In the bottom of the 4th, you guessed it, Werth delivered a one out, 2 run single to cut the lead to 3-2. In the bottom of the 5th, Ryan Howard singled in a run, and scored on a, yes you guessed it, single by Werth, for a 4-3 Phils lead. In the bottom of the 7th, yes you guessed it, Werth blooped a 2 out single to score Eric Bruntlett(he pinch it for Pat Burrell), for a 5-3 Phils lead. Finally, in the top of the 9th, after allowing Brian Mcann to slam a 2 out RBI double to cut the lead to 5-4, Brad Lidge closed it out for a 5-4 Phils win. So the Phils improve to 22-18 overall, not bad huh?
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers are really in for it now. After dropping the first two games of their series with the Pens, the Orange and Black desperately needed a win tonight back home at the Wachovia center in game 3. Sadly they didn't get it as the Pens simply outplayed them. Early in the first period of play Ryan Whitney scored on the power play for a 1-0 Pens lead. A couple minutes later Marian Hossa scored for a 2-0 Pens lead and you could hear the groans from here. Fortunately, R.J Umberger scored late in the period to cut the lead to 2-1 and briefly restore hope. Neither team could light the lamp in the second period of play. About midway through the 3rd period of play Ryan Malone scored off another errant pass off the stick of Steve Downie, for a 3-1 Pens lead. Finally, late in the period, as if that weren't bad enough, Marty Biron was pulled from in front of the net for the extra attacker and no sooner had that happened when Hossa scored again on the empty net to cap off a demoralizing 4-1 Pens win. So now Flyers trail 3-0 in the series, and must do what only two teams have ever done if they still hope to advance.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers came into tonight looking to rebound after a tough mistake filled loss in the first game of their series with the Pens. Just like Friday night they kept it close for most of the night, but ultimately a late turnover by Steve Downie in the Flyer's own zone led to their downfall, and helped the Pens pull out another one. Late in the first period of play Sid the Kid scored a lucky goal for a 1-0 Pens lead. Early in the 2nd period of play Jeff Carter scored on the power play to tie it at 1. Then late in the period Marian Hossa scored on the power play for the Pens for a 2-1 lead and Mike Richards scored shorthanded on the next Pens power play to tie it up again at 2. Midway through the 3rd period of play, Downie turned it over in the Flyers zone, and Max Talbot scored off a perfect pass for a 3-2 Pens lead. From there the Flyers fought hard to tie up again and pulled Marty Biron from in front of the net, in the favor of the extra attacker, with about a minute to play, but no sooner had they done so, when Jordan Staal scored on the empty net to cap off a 4-2 Pens win. So now the Flyer's trail 2-0 as they head back to the Wachovia center for game 3, where are Andy Delmore and Keith Primeau when you need them.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished off their 3 game set with the Giants this afternoon and dropped another tough one to lose the series. Adam Eaton got the start and pitched well, allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits in 5 innings of work, but the bullpen couldn't quite hold the lead for him. Now onto the game. In the bottom of the 2nd, Bengie Molina singled and scored for a 1-0 Giants lead. In the top of 4th, Eaton walked with the bases loaded to force in a run and knot it at 1. In the bottom of the inning Molina doubled and scored on a fielder's choice for a 2-1 lead. In the top of the 5th, Ryan Howard hit a rare triple to knock in one run, and then scored on a sac fly by "the Bat" Pat Burrell for a 3-2 Phils lead. That lead held up until the bottom of the 7th, where John Holm slammed a 2 out 2 run homer off J.C Romero for a 4-3 Giants lead. From there the Phils had their chances to pull even or take the lead but came up short and in the 9th with one on and out, JRoll grounded into a double play to cap off the 4-3 loss. So the Phils drop to 21-18 overall, not the best way unwind on a Sunday afternoon.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their 3 game set with the Giants this afternoon. Jamie Moyer got the start and after posting his best effort of the season in his last start, he provided by far his worst effort this afternoon, as he was touched up for 6 runs on 9 hits in just 4 innings of work. Meanwhile, the Phils were veritably held in check by Tim Lincecum, posting just 2 runs through 8 innings and this time there would be no late heroics. Now onto the game. In the top of the 2nd, Ryan Howard crushed a solo homer for a 1-0 Phils lead. In the bottom of the inning, ex-Phil Aaron Rowand tagged his former mates with a solo homer and Jose Castillo doubled and scored on a single by Lincecum of all people, to put the Giants up 2-1. In the bottom of the 3rd, Randy Winn singled and scored on a sac fly and Danny Ortmeier socked a 2 out double for 2 more runs as the Giants went up 5-1. In the bottom of the 4th Winn slammed a solo homer for a 6-1 lead. In the bottom of the 5th, Castillo singled and scored on an error by Chris Coste for a 7-1 lead. Finally in the bottom of the 6th, Omar Vizquel singled and scored on a single by Castillo for an 8-1 lead. In the 8th the Phils tacked on a run, as Coste banged out a solo homer to cut the lead to 8-2, but it was to no avail and the Phils eventually lost to drop to 21-17 overall, but hey you can't win em all right?
Friday, May 09, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils traveled to San Francisco tonight to begin a 3 game set and thankfully they brought the reigning MVP with them. That's right folks, JRoll's back and rolling to the tune of 3 hits and 3 RBIs. Just what the doctor ordered. Meanwhile, Cole Hamels got the start and toughed out 7 innings, allowing just 4 runs on 6 hits, and avoiding the loss column again, as the Phils pulled out some late inning heroics. Now onto the game. In the top of the second, Carlos Ruiz slapped a two out single to score Pat Burrell for a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the 3rd Fred Lewis smacked a 2 out single to tie it at 1. In the bottom of the 4th, a two out single by Eugenio Velez, scored one run, and a triple that followed by Emmanuel Burriss scored two more for a 4-1 Giants lead. JRoll answered in the top of the 5th with a two run homer to cut the lead to 4-3. In the top of the 6th, Pedro Feliz banged a 2 out double to tie it at 4. In the top of the 8th, Burrell walked and was replaced on the base paths by So Taguchi, who later scored on a fielder's choice gone wrong, as a throw home pulled Bengie Molina off the bag. Then Greg Dobbs slapped a pinch single for another run, JRoll followed with an RBI double and before you knew it the Phils were up 7-4. From there, Flash Gordon survived an adventurous 8th, and Brad Lidge closed it out in the 9th, for a 7-4 Phils win. So the Phils improve to 21-16 overall, but remain just out of first, at least for another day.
FLYERS NEWS
After about a week layoff, the Flyers finally began their Eastern Conference finals series with the cross state Pittsburh Penguins. Sadly in the ultimate battle for PA the Pens drew first blood. The Flyers simply couldn't keep up with them on this night and just didn't play very well together, hopefully game 2 will be better. Early in the first period of play Petr Sykora got things started for a 1-0 Pens lead and things just got wild from there. A couple minutes later Mike Richards scored to tie it and then scored again four minutes later to put the Orange and Black up 2-1. Sid the Kid, answered a couple minutes later to knot it at two. Finally with just seconds left in the period, Evgeni Malkin scored to put the Pens up 3-2. Early in the 2nd period of play Malkin scored again for a 4-2 Pens lead. From there the two teams finally seemed to wake up and ramped it up on defense, with big hit after another. So it stayed 4-2 Pens the rest of the way, and now the Flyers will have to shake off the rust sunday night, and get a win to avoid falling behind 2-0, although considering what happened the last time these two teams met in the playoffs that might just be right where the Flyers want them.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished off their 4 game set with the Dbacks today with a whimper instead of a bang. They simply ran into a buzz saw in Dbacks' ace Brandon Webb who went the distance allowing just 3 runs on 6 hits. Meanwhile Brett Myers got the start for the Phils and was roughed up allowing 7 runs on 9 hits. So it was simply the Dbacks' night. Now onto the game. In the top of the first the "Flyin Hawaiian" Shane Victorino singled and scored on a sac fly by Chase Utley. In the bottom of the inning Chris Young crushed a 2 run homer for a 2-1 Dback lead. In the bottom of the 4th Chris Snyder slapped a 2 run double, Chris Burke knocked in another run with a single and finally Snyder scored on a sac fly by Auggie Ojeda for a 6-1 Dback lead. In the bottom of the 5th Stephen Drew tripled and scored on a single by Mark Reynolds for a 7-1 Dback lead. In the bottom of the 7th, Justin Upton crushed a solo homer for an 8-1 Dback lead. Finally in the top of the 9th, the Phils tried to mount another late rally, as Victorino singled and scored on a single by Eric Bruntlett, who scored on a single by Ryan Howard, but it was to no avail as the Phils eventually fell to Arizona 8-3. So the Phils drop to 20-16 overall and finally relinquish first place in the NL East at least for one day.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
After a tough loss last night, the Phils rebounded tonight in the 3rd of their 4 game set with the Dbacks. Kyle Kendrick got the start and pitched well allowing just 3 runs on 10 hits in 6 innings of work. Meanwhile, after a rough start to the game, 2 hits in the first 6 innings, the Phils pulled another late rally to save Kendrick from the loss column. Now onto the game. In the top of the first Auggie Ojeda singled and scored on a single by Stephen Drew. In the top of the 3rd Carlos Ruiz singled and scored on a base hit by the "Flyin Hawaiian" Shane Victorino to knot it up at 1. In the bottom of the 5th, Chris Young crushed a solo homer and Ojeda tripled and scored on a fielder's choice for a 3-1 Dback's lead. In the top of the 7th Pedro Feliz slammed a 2 run homer to bring the Phils back and knot it up at 3. In the bottom of the 7th, Eric Byrnes singled and scored on a double by Conor Jackson for a 4-3 Dback's lead. In the bottom of the 8th, Victorino reached base on strikeout and a passed ball, then scored on a double by Eric Bruntlett, and Bruntlett scored on a single by Chase Utley, and suddenly the Phils were back ahead 5-4. From there Tom "Flash" Gordon and Brad Lidge closed out the Dbacks and a 5-4 Phils win. So the Phils improve to 20-15 overall and remain in first.
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.
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