Wednesday, October 15, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils faced off with the Dodgers in game 5 of the NLCS tonight, looking to clinch a spot in the world series. Cole Hamels got the start and delivered again allowing just one run on 5 hits in 7 strong innings of work. Meanwhile, a mixture of timely hitting and Dodger miscues helped the Phils put up 5 runs through the first 5 innings and so it would come down to the bullpen to close it out. Now onto game. In the top of the first Jimmy Rollins led off with a solo homer for a 1-0 lead. In the top of the 3rd, Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell each singled in a run for a 3-0 lead. In the top of the 5th Rafeal Furcal committed 2 key errors leading to 2 more Phils runs and a 5-0 lead. In the bottom of the 6th, Manny Ramirez slammed a solo homer to cut the lead to 5-1. From there Ryan Madson tossed a scoreless 8th, and Brad Lidge closed out the Dodgers on one hit in the 9th to finish off the 5-1 win and the Phils first NL Pennant since 1993. How sweet it is. Next up a date with either the red hot young Tampa Bay Rays or the laboring defending champion Boston Red Sox in the world series. may the best team win.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Orange and Black remained winless as they headed to Pittsburgh to faceoff with the Penguins. Antero Niittymaki got the call in net this time around, after Marty Biron lost the Flyers first two of the season, and delivered a stellar performance with 25 saves on 27 shots in regulation. However, despite his performance and dramatic goals by Simon Gagne and Jeff Carter late in the 2nd period to tie it up at 2, it not would be enough to avoid an embarrassing 0-3 start. Brooks Orpik and Mike Zigormanik each scored with about 5 minutes left in the 2nd period for a 2-0 Pens lead. Then with less than a minute left, Gagne and Carter each scored to tie it up at 2. It stayed that way until the game had dragged into overtime. There with about 10 seconds left Kevin Letang scored on a semi break away through the depleted Flyer's D for a heartbreaking 3-2 Pens victory. So the Flyers drop to 0-3 overall and have far more questions for themselves than answers at this point, but hopefully they'll figure something out soon.
Monday, October 13, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
What a night it was for the Phils as they faced off with the Dodgers in L.A in game 4 of the NLCS. Joe Blanton got the huge start and pitched okay allowing 3 runs on 7 hits in 5 innings of work, enough to at least keep the Phils in it as they scored 2 runs in those 5 innings. Now onto the game. In the top of the 1st, Chase Utley doubled in one run and Jayson Werth scored on a fielder's choice for a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the 1st , James Loney doubled in a run to cut the lead to 2-1. In the bottom of the 5th, Manny Ramirez doubled in a run and Andre Eithier scored a 2nd run on a fielder's choice for a 3-2 Dodger lead. In the top of the 6th, a Chan Ho Park wild pitch allowed Ryan Howard to score and tie it up at 3. In the bottom of the 6th, Casey Blake slammed a solo homer and Juan Pierre doubled and scored on a throwing error by Ryan Howard for a 5-3 Dodger lead and all seemed lost until Chase Utley turned a brilliant unassisted line drive double play to end the inning and prevent further damage. Then in the top of the 8th some late inning magic saved the Phils. First "the Flyin Hawaiian" Shane Victorino slugged a game tying 2 run homer, then Matt Stairs absolutely clobbered a pinch 2 run homer a couple batters later for a sudden and stunning 7-5 Phils lead. From there J.C Romero got Andre Eithier to hit into a double play, and Brad Lidge forced Loney to fly out with two on to finish the 8th, and then retired the Dodgers in order to close out the dramatic 7-5 victory. So the Phils now lead the series 3-1 and stand just one win away from the World Series.
FLYERS NEWS
The Orange and Black continued their season tonight at the Wachovia center against the Canadiens. After a tough loss to the Rangers saturday they were still looking for their first win of the season. Early on it looked like they would get it but the injury depleted D could not close the door and Montreal rallied for a 5-3 victory, despite 22 saves by Marty Biron and a 2 point night for Mike Richards. Richards and Jeff Carter each scored goals within minutes of each other late in the 2nd period for a 2-0 lead. Andrei Kostitsyn slipped one in in the final seconds of the period to cut the lead to 2-1. Then Sergei Begin and Simon Gagne traded scores early in the 3rd for a 3-2 lead. From there it was all Canadiens as Robert Lang, Mike Komisarek, and Roman Hamrlik each scored down the stretch for the 5-3 win. So the Flyers drop to 0-2 overall. Sure it's still early in the season but this isn't the way you want a start season, especially not after reaching the Eastern Conference finals last season. They will have to pick it up and soon.
EAGLES NEWS
The Birds recieved a big hand from the Browns tonight as they dumped the Giants 35-14. So New York drops to 4-1 and suddenly the Eagles are just a game and a half out of the top spot in the NFC East s don't go anywhere just yet Birds fans.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
EAGLES NEWS
Coming into this afternoon in San Francisco the Birds were 2-3 and had to have a win, even this early in the season, to keep their playoff hopes alive. Early on things looked good as Mcnabb and offense seemed to fire on all cylinders in jumping out to a 17-6 lead. Then just before the half David Akers had a field goal blocked and returned for a TD to pull the Niners within 17-16 at the half. The momentum of that play carried over early into the 2nd half as the Niners pushed ahead. Fortunately the Birds woke up just in time and thanks to a stout 4th quarter defense that forced 3 turnovers they eventually rallied to a big 40-26 win. Offensively Correll BuckHalter had a big day in place of the injured Brian Westbrook, rushing 18 times for 93 yards and a TD, and catching 7 balls for 85 yards. Rookie sensation Desean Jackson had another strong day with 6 catches for 98 yards and Donovan Mcnabb was solid completing 23 of 36 passes for 280 yards and 2 TDs. The Defense meanwhile actually struggled much of the day, but made it happen when it counted in the 4th quarter, intercepting J.T Sullivan twice and forcing him to fumble. So it was a good day for the whole team to gain some confidence going forward. The Niners had the early 3-0 lead on a Joe Nedney field goal. The Eagles answered with a long Quintin Demps kickoff return and short drive finished by a 1 yard Buckhalter TD plunge for a 7-3 lead. Late in the first quarter Nedney drilled another field goal to cut the lead to 7-6. Late in the 2nd quarter Mcnabb finished a long drive by butting the biscuit in the Baskett with a 2 yard TD pass to Hank Baskett for a 14-6 lead. David Akers drilled a field goal a minute later for a 17-6 lead. Nedney hit his 3rd field goal with 30 seconds left in the half to cut the lead to 17-9. As time expired in the half Akers attempted a 54 yard field goal that was blocked and returned 41 yards for a TD by Donald Strickland to cut the lead to 17-16. Early in the 3rd quarter Frank Gore finished a long Niner drive with a 6 yd TD run for a 23-17 Niner lead. Late in the quarter Nedney hit his 4th field goal of the day for a 26-17 lead and all appeared lost. However, the 4th quarter belonged to the Birds. Early in the quarter, Mcnabb fired a 2yd TD pass to L.J Smith to cut the lead to 26-24. In final 6 minutes Akers drilled 3 field goals to push the Eagles ahead 33-26. Then with 38 seconds to play Juqua Parker intercepted Sullivan and scampered 55 yards for a TD and a 40-26 lead and that's the way it ended. So the Eagles move to 3-3 overall and with losses today by the Cowboys and Redskins who drop to 4-2 and even the Bears who drop to 3-3, the Birds are right back in it, but they'll have to keep winning.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued the NLCS with the Dodgers tonight in game 3. Jamie Moyer got the start and was roughed up badly allowing 6 runs on 6 hits in just 1 and 1/3rd innings of work. So the Phils would have to mount a comeback to win this one. Now onto the game. In the bottom of the 1st, Manny Ramirez singled in one run, Casey Blake singled in a 2nd run, and Blake Dewitt slapped a 2 out bases clearing double for a 5-0 Dodger lead. In the top of the 2nd, Pedro Feliz singled in a run to cut the lead to 5-1. In the bottom of the 2nd, the Dodgers cmae right back as Rafeal Furcal slammed a solo homer for a 6-1 lead. In the bottom of the 4th, Nomar Garciapparra singled in a run for a 7-1 lead. In the top of the 7th, "the Bat" Pat Burrell singled in a run to cut the lead to 7-2, but the Phils wasted a golden opportunity to get back in the game leaving 2 runners on base. From there the Dodger bullpen closed out the 7-2 win. So the Phils series lead is cut to 2-1 as the Phils remain without a win in L.A this season. Still, all they need is one win out of their next two and they can close it out at home in game 6.
FLYERS NEWS
The Orange and Black got their season underway tonight against the Rangers at the Wachovia center. The Rangers, already having played and won 3 games this season, before even taking the ice, came in with a full head of steam. They scored 3 goals in 4 minutes in the middle of the 1st period and never looked back, eventually hanging on for a 4-3 win despite a furios Flyer's comeback. So it was not a good start to the season for a Flyer's team with high hopes. They went 0 for 6 on the power play and the usually steady Marty Biron allowed all 4 Ranger's goals on just 14 shots. Just 4:12 into the 1st period Nikolai Zherdev put the Rangers up 1-0. A minute later Zherdev assisted on a Blair Betts goal for a 2-0 lead. Then Betts assisted on a Fredrik Sojstrom goal for a 3-0 lead just 8 and 1/2 minutes into the game. Finally Micheal Rozsival scored late in the period for a 4-0 lead. Scotty Hartnell scored early in the 2nd period to cut the lead 4-1 and Simon Gagne scored late in the period to cut the lead to 4-2. Early in the 3rd period, the captain, Mike Richards scored as Danny Briere collected his 2nd assist to cut the lead to 4-3. Unfortunately the Flyers could not get the equalizer and so our now 0-1 to start the season. Of course there are still 81 games left, so there is nothing to worry about for now.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued the NLCS with the Dodgers tonight in game 2. Brett Myers got the start and pitched fairly well, allowing 5 runs on 6 hits in 5 innings of work, but he was more impressive at the plate going 3 for 3 with 3 RBIs becoming the first pitcher in NLCS history with a 3 hit game. The Phils meanwhile did most of their damage early. After took the early 1-0 lead in the 2nd on a fielder's choice, the Phils came back in the bottom of the inning as Carlos Ruiz doubled in a run, and Brett Myers and "the Flyin Hawaiian" Shane Victorino each followed with RBI singles for 1 and 2 runs respectively and a 4-1 lead. In the top of 3rd inning James Loney singled in a run to cut the lead to 4-2. In the bottom of the 3rd, the Phils answered again as Myers singled in 2 runs, and Victorino tripled for 2 more and 8-2 lead. In the top of the 4th, Manny Ramirez slammed a 3 run homer to cut the lead to 8-5. From a great leaping catch by Victorino and lights out pitching out of Chad Durbin, J.C Romero, and Ryan Madson, bridged the gap to Brad Lidge who closed out the 8-5 win for a 2-0 series lead. So the Phils head to L.A for game 3 Sunday looking to take command of the series, needing just 2 wins to advance to the world series.
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers open an exciting new season of hockey tomorrow night. Their preseasom went much like their regular season, as they started at 3-0 and then lost 3 in a row to finish at 3-3 overall. new captain Mike Richards was the star with 5 goals in the 6 games while Simon Gagne, finally healthy it seems, and Joffrey Lupul each had 2. The goaltending of Marty Biron, Antero Niittymaki, and recent draft pick Jean Sebastian Aubin who pitched a shutout, was equally impressive. So it seems the Flyers are in good hands for the upcoming season and capable of another deep playoff run.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
Tonight the Phils began the NLCS with the Dodgers at the bank. Cole Hamels got the crucial game 1 start and did not dissapoint allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits in 7 strong innings work. Meanwhile, the Phils started slow as usual with 0 runs in the first 5 innings as the always tough Derek Lowe mowed them down. So they would need to find that one big inning a little later in this one, if they were to pull it out. Now onto the game. In the top of the 1st, Manny Ramirez doubled in a run after coming within inches of a homer for a 1-0 Dodger lead. In the top of the 4th Blake Dewitt sac flyed in a run for a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the 6th, the Phils finally got to Lowe as Chase Utley slammed a 2 run homer and "the Bat" Pat Burrell ripped a solo shot for a stunning and sudden 3-2 Phils lead. From there Ryan Madson turned away the Dodgers in the 8th and Brad Lidge closed them out in order in the 9th for the 3-2 game 1 victory. So the Phils lead the series 1-0 but there's still a long away to go before they can even think about winning it.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Monday, October 06, 2008
EAGLES NEWS
As if yesterday's loss wasn't already bad enough, more bad news has come to the Birds today, as MRI results revealed that Brian Westbrook fractured two of his ribs in yesterday's game. With a bad ankle already, that likely means he will miss next week's game, but there is still the possibility that he'll tough it out at 50% or so, and maybe get used as a decoy. At any rate the Birds will have to start to adjust to life without Westbrook ,at least not a healthy Westbrook, for a while.
PHILLIES NEWS
There is nothing new to report, which is good because that means the team is healthy and ready to go for Thursday.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles faced off with the Redskins at the Linc this afternoon. At 2-2, and last in the NFC East this was almost a must win for the Birds and early on they played liked it. In fact in the space of a minute with about 7 left in the 1st quarter, the Birds quickly jumped to a 14-0 lead and all signs pointed to lights out for the Skins, but it was not to be. Washington was not fazed by the early deficit and slowly but the shortly they wore down the Birds, amassing over 200 yards on the ground, while keeping the Birds to just one first down in the second half until midway through the 4th quarter. Basically the Skins won the battle on both sides of the line, for much the game, and Birds really never executed with any sort of precision after going up 14-0. Sadly, this is how they have performed all season long except week 1, with quick starts, lax until it is almost too late and then either they pull it out at the end or they don't. Frankly that's just not good enough and I am sure Andy Reid knows it. Hopefully he'll he do something about it, before it is too late, although it may be already. Anyway, let's move on to a quick run down of the game. With about 8 minutes to play in the first quarter Brian WestBrook ran it in from 9 yards out for a 7-0 lead. Then about a minute later Desean Jackson returned a punt 68 yds for a TD and a 14-0 lead. In the 2nd quarter, 3 Shaun Suisham field goals, including one that probably shouldn't have happened, made it a close 14-9 at the half. With 8 minutes to play in the 3rd quarter, Anton Randle El fired an 18 yard TD pass to Chris Cooley on a fake, for a 16-14 Skins lead. About a minute into the 1st quarter Clinton Portis capped off a long Skins drive with a 4 yd TD run for a 23-14 lead. The Eagles answered with a long drive of their own, but had to settle for a David Aker's field goal ,after Westbrook was stuffed on 3rd and inches from the 3 yard line, to cut the lead to 23-17. Unfortunately, the Birds never got a chance to drive for the lead, as the Skins ran out the clock from there, with a few inexplicable 3rd down escapes. So the Birds are now 2-3 overall and last in the NFC East. With the Redskins and Cowboys now at 4-1 and the Giants at 4-0, the Birds have a lot of work to do if they still hope to make the playoffs.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with Brewers this afternoon, once again looking to close it out. This time Joe Blanton got the start, and pitched well allowing just 1 run on 5 hits in 6 innings of work. Meanwhile, the Phils launched some balls into orbit with 3 homers in the first 3 innings. So the bullpen would have to hold another lead. Now onto the game. In the top of the 1st, Jimmy Rollins led off with a solo shot for a 1-0 Phil's lead. In the top of the 3rd, "the Bat", Pat Burrell slammed a 3 run homer, and Jayson Werth followed with a solo shot for a 5-0 lead. In the bottom of the 7th, Prince Fielder crushed a solo homer to cut the lead to 5-1. In the top of the 8th, Burrell did it again with a solo shot for a 6-1 lead. In the bottom of the 8th, Ryan Braun singled in a run to cut the lead to 6-2. Finally in the bottom of the 9th, Brad Lidge came in and closed out the Brew Crew for the 6-2 series clinching win. So the Phils advance to their first NLCS in 15 years, where they will face, guess who, the L.A Dodgers, the last team to beat the Phils in the NLCS, in 1977 and 1978, before the Wheeze Kids got revenge in the 1983 NLCS. Hopefully this series which starts Thursday at the Bank, will be more like the forgotten glory of 83, then the heartbreak of 77 and 78.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their NLDS with the Brewers tonight looking for the sweep. Jamie Moyer got the start but was roughed up a bit, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits in just 4 innings of work so the Phils immediately found themselves in a hole and would need a late rally to pull this one out. Now on to the game. In the bottom of the 1st, Prince Fielder sac flyed in one run and J.J Hardy singled in a second run for a 2-0 Brewer's lead. In the bottom of the 5th, Ryan Braun sac flyed in a run for a 3-0 lead. In the top of the 6th, Jayson Werth tripled and scored on a fielder's choice to cut the lead to 3-1. In the bottom of the 7th, Jason Kendall singled in a run for a 4-1 lead. Finally, in the top of the 9th, the Phils put the tying run aboard, loading the bases, but an interference call on the "Flyin Hawaiian",Shane Victorino, after Pedro Feliz hit into a double play, wiped out a run and the Phils momentum, as Carlos Ruiz grounded out to end it. So the Brewers cut the Phils lead to 2 games to 1, but the Phils still only need one win in game 4 tomorrow afternoon to advance to the NLCS, which they would host, since the Dodgers bumped off the Cubs earlier today.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Thursday, October 02, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their NLDS with the Brewers tonight. Brett Myers got the start and bested Brewer's ace C.C Sabathia allowing just 2 runs on 2 hits in 7 strong innings. Meanwhile, the Phils had another big inning, this time the second inning with 5 runs. So the bullpen would have to hold another lead. Now onto the game. In the top of the 1st, J.J Hardy walked with the bases loaded for a 1-0 Brewer's lead. In the bottom of the 2nd, Pedro Feliz doubled in a run, Brett Myers worked a 2 out walk dramatically, fouling off several pitches, Jimmy Rollins followed with another walk and Shane Victorino crushed the big blow, a grand slam for a 5-1 Phil's lead. In the top of the 7th, the Brewers began to mount a comeback as Hardy doubled and scored on a fielder's choice to cut the lead to 5-2. They would not get any closer, as Ryan Madson and J.C Romero held them in check in the 8th, and Brad Lidge came in for the save in the 9th, this time retiring Milwaukee in order. So the Phils now lead the series 2-0 and stand one win away from their first NLCS in 15 years. How sweet would that be?
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils and Brewers met for game 1 of their best of 5 NLDS series this afternoon at the Bank. Not surprisingly Cole Hamels got the start for the Phils and tossed an 8 inning gem, allowing o runs on 2 hits. Meanwhile, the Phils pushed across 3 early runs for a quick lead. So the bullpen would have to close it out as usual. Now onto the game. In the bottom of the 3rd, Chase Utley slapped a 2 out 2 run double, and the "Flyin Hawaiian" Shane Victorino walked with the bases loaded for a 3-0 lead. Finally, in the top of the 9th, Brad Lidge came in to close it out and made it exciting for a while. A Ryan Braun double and subsequent error cut the lead to 3-1. Then after Prince Fielder struck out for the 3rd time, J.J Hardy walked and moved up to second on a wild pitch to put runners on 2nd and 3rd for Corey Hart. Fortunately, Lidge struck him out as well to end the 3-1 Phils win. So the Phils go up 1-0 in the series and considering 24 of 28 division series have been won by the winner of game 1, they're in pretty good shape heading into game 2 tomorrow between Brett Myers and C.C Sabathia.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils begin their playoff march tomorrow afternoon at the Bank, and since there's only one October! they better make it count
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
EAGLES NEWS
After a tough win over the Steelers last week the Birds came into tonight needing a win to join the rest of the NFC East at 3-1. It was another smash mouth game like last week, only this time Kyle Orton and the Bears were able to move the ball around a bit, at least for a half. It wasn't pretty as the Bears turned it over 4 times and both teams squandered key opportunities but eventually after a defensive stand on 4th and goal from inside the one the Bears hung on for a 24-20 win, their 2nd successive sunday night win. Apparently they don't know how to win during the day. In all Mcnabb had a solid night throwing for 262 yards and a td, but he got little help from a Westbrookless running game, as Correll Buckhalter rushed for just 66 yards on 16 carries, often forcing the Eagles to settle for field goals where they needed TDs. In fact, if not for 3 2nd half Bear's turnovers this one might have been a runaway. On their first drive of the Game the Bears drove down into Eagles territory, where Orton hit Greg Olson with a 19 yd TD pass for a 7-0 lead. Mcnabb answered a few minutes later with a 22yd TD pass to Desean Jackson. Early in the 2nd quarter following a muffed punt by Jackson, Orton hit Marty Booker with a 24 yard TD pass for a 14-7 lead. The Eagles answered capping off a long drive with a 1 yd Buckhalter TD run. Just before the half Orton hit Devin Hester for a 20 yd TD pass and a 21-14 halftime. In the 2nd half it was all about the Eagles' defense, but the offense could not take advantage of numerous turnovers, settling for David Aker's field goals late in the 3rd quarter and early in the 4th to cut the lead to 21-20. The Bears finally raked in a 2nd half score with just over 10 minutes to play, as Robbie Gould drilled a field goal for a 24-20 lead. Finally with about 3 minutes to play the Eagles had the ball 3 times from the 1 and inside the Bears 1 yard line, but Buckhalter and Hunt could not punch it in and took possession with under 3 minutes to play and ran the clock down to 31 seconds. At that point the Eagles had one final opportunity to march 60+ yards for the winning score, but after a complete pass to Reggie Brown, he failed to get out of bounds, and the Birds were unable to spike it before time ran out. So the Birds drop to 2-2 overall and into last place in the NFC East. Hopefully they won't stay there long.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished off the regular season and their series with the Nationals this afternoon. Having already clinched the division yesterday, today's game was a comfortable meaningless affair. Kyle Kendrick got the start for the first time in a while, and was rocked a bit, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits in just 4 innings of work. Meanwhile, the Phils mostly reserve bats jumped out early with 4 runs in those 4 innings and thus would need the bullpen, virtually all underused middle relievers for today, to hold the lead. Now onto the game. In bottom of the 1st, Eric Bruntlett singled and scored on a wild pitch for a 1-0 lead. In the top of the 3rd, Luke Montz slammed his first major league homer to knot it up at 1. In the top of the 4th, Kory Casto doubled in a run and scored on a single by Alberto Gonzalez for a 3-1 Nat's lead. In bottom of the 4th, Tad Iguchi slapped a 2 run single and scored on a double by Bruntlett for a 4-3 lead. In the bottom of the 6th, So Taguchi tripled in a run for a 5-3 lead. In the top of the 8th, Lou Marson slugged a 2 run homer, the first of his major league career, and Matt Stairs followed him with a solo shot for an 8-3 lead. Finally, in the top of the 9th after allowing a couple baserunners, Clay Condrey closed out the Nats for the 8-3 win. So the Phils finish the season at 92-70 overall and now it's onto the playoffs and a date with the wild card champion Milwaukee Brewers.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
After an easy win last night, the Phils came into this afternoon in the 2nd game of their series with Washington, knowing a win and only a win would clinch their 2nd consecutive division title. Fortunately, the wily veteran Jamie Moyer took the mound with a chance to win the clincher just as he had a year ago. He did not disappoint, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits in 6 strong innings of work. Meanwhile, the Phils put up 3 runs in those 6 innings. So it would be up to the bullpen to preserve the win one more time. Now onto the game. In the bottom of the 4th, sac flys by Pat Burrell and Carlos Ruiz pushed across 2 runs for a 2-0 lead. In the top of the 5th, Angel Hernandez doubled in a run to cut the lead to 2-1. In the bottom of the 5th, Jayson Werth slammed a solo homer for a 3-1 lead. In the top of the 8th, Lastings Milledge sac flyed in a run to cut the lead to 3-2. In the bottom of the 8th, Pedro Feliz doubled in a run for a 4-2 lead. Finally in the top of the 9th, Brad Lidge came in to get the save one last time. It wasn't easy. After striking out Emile Bonifacio to start the inning, the next 4 batters, singled, walked, singled and singled to cut the lead to 4-3, loading the bases with one out for Ryan Zimmeran. Zimmeran smacked a screaming liner that for a moment looked as if it would tie the game or put the Nats ahead, handing Lidge his first blown save of the season. Instead, Jimmy Rollins made a sliding stab of the ball, flipped it to Chase Utley for one out, and Utley then relayed to Ryan Howard to complete the double play and the celebration ensued. Only this time it was a bit more subdued than last year, for this time the Phils are not just happy to be in the playoffs, they want to go deep into October. Hopefully this time they will go all the way.
Friday, September 26, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
After dropping 2 out of three to the Braves in a disappointing series, the Phils welcomed the Washington Nationals into town tonight, for a 3 game set, their last of the regular season. Joe Blanton got the start and pitched well, allowing just 4 runs on 5 hits in 6 strong innings of work. Meanwhile, the Phils bat's jumped out early with 7 runs in the first 2 innings. So it would be up to the bullpen to hold the lead and close out this one. Now onto the game. In the bottom of the 1st, Mr.September, Ryan Howard slammed a 3 run homer for a 3-0 lead. In the top of the 2nd, Lou Montz singled in a run to cut the lead to 3-1. In the bottom of the 2nd, Chase Utley slapped a bases clearing 3 run double, and Howard doubled to score him for a 7-1 lead. In the top of the 5th, Emil Bonifacio sac flyed in a run, and Cristian Guzman singled in a run to cut the lead to 7-3. In the top of the 6th, Kevin Casto slugged a solo homer to cut the lead to 7-4. In the bottom of the 7th, Utley singled, stole second, and eventually scored on a passed ball for an 8-4 lead. Finally in the top of the 9th, in a non save situation Brad Lidge came in and retired the Nats in order to finish off the 8-4 win. So the Phils move to 90-70 overall, now 2 games up on the Mets in the NL East with 2 games to play. A win tomorrow or a Met's loss clinches the division for the Phils.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished their series with the Braves tonight. Brett Myers got the start and was rocked again, allowing 6 runs on 10 hits in just 4 and 1/3rd innings of work. Meanwhile, the Phils tried to hang tough early with 3 runs through 4 innings, but they would need a late rally to pull this one out. In the top of the 1st, Kelly Johnson and Kasey Kotchman each singled in a run for a 2-0 Braves lead. In the bottom of the 2nd, Pedro Feliz singled in a run to cut the lead to 2-1. In the top of the 3rd, Brian Mcann doubled and scored on a fielder's choice for a 3-1 lead. In the bottom of the 3rd, Chase Utley slammed a solo homer to cut the lead to 3-2. In the bottom of the 4th, Ryan Howard slugged a solo homer to knot it up at 3. In the top of the 5th, Brian Mcann doubled in another run and scored on an error, Brandon Jones singled in a run, and Chipper Jones crushed a 3 run homer for a 9-3 lead. In the top of the 8th, Martin Prado singled in a run for a 10-3 lead. In the bottom of the 8th, "the Bat" Pat Burrell walked and scored on a passed ball to cut the lead to 10-4. Finally in the bottom of the 9th, the Phils went down in order to finish off the 10-4 loss. So the Phils drop to 89-70 overall still 1.5 games up on the Mets in the NL East with 3 games to play.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with the Braves tonight, as they looked to continue their winning ways against Atlanta this season. Cole Hamels got the start and produced another fantastic outing, allowing just 3 runs on 8 hits in 7 solid innings of work. Unfortunately, he received little support from his teammates. So the Phils would need a late rally to pull this one out. Now onto the game. In the top of the first, Kelly Johnson singled in a run for a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the 2nd, Pedro Feliz singled in a run to knot it up at 1. In the top of the 3rd, Kelly Johnson singled and scored on an error for a 2-1 lead. In the top of the 6th, Casey Kotchman slugged a solo homer for a 3-1 lead. In the bottom of the 6th, "the bat" Pat Burrell doubled in a run to cut the lead to 3-2. From there, the Phils kept it to a one run lead, but eventually succumbed in the 9th to Mike Gonzalez to close out the 3-2 loss. So the Phil drop to 89-69 overall, now 1.5 games up on the Mets in the NL East.
Monday, September 22, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
After a solid series win over the Marlins the Phils returned to the bank tonight to begin a 3 game set with the Braves. J.A Happ got the start and pitched well, allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits in 6 and 2/3rd's innings of work. Meanwhile, the Phils jumped out early with a pair of runs in the first 2 innings. So again they would need the bullpen to hold the lead. Now onto the game. In the bottom of the 1st, Chase Utley doubled in a run for a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the 2nd, Shane Victorino singled, moved to 2nd on a hit and run, moved to 3rd on an error and scored on another error for a 2-0 lead. In the top of the 6th Kelly Johnson slammed a 2 run homer to knot it up at 2. In the bottom of the 8th, Greg Dobbs led off with a pinch single, and was replaced by pinch runner Greg Golson(a late season call up from the minors) who went 1st to 3rd on an error and then going on contact scored from there on a groundout for a 3-2 Phil's lead. Then with 2 out in the inning, "the Bat" Pat Burrell slugged a 3 run homer for a 6-2 Phils lead. Finally in the top of the 9th, Ryan Madson retired the Braves after allowing a couple baserunners, to close out the 6-2 Phil's win. So the Phils move to 89-68 overall, now 2.5 games up on the Mets in the NL East with just 5 games to play
Sunday, September 21, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished their series with the Marlins this afternoon. The veteran Jamie Moyer got the start and pitched well, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits in 6 innings of work. Meanwhile the Phils jumped out early with 3 runs in the first 5 innings, so it would come down to the bullpen to hold this one. Now onto the game. In the top of the 3rd, Chase utley slammed a 2 run homer for a 2-0 lead. In the top of the 4th, Jimmy Rollins singled in a run for a 3-0 lead. In the bottom of the 6th, Alfredo Amezaga singled in a run to cut the lead to 3-1. In the bottom of the 7th, Josh Willingham singled in a run to cut the lead to 3-2. In the top of the 8th, Pedro Feliz slammed a 2 run homer for a 5-2 lead. Finally in the bottom of the 9th Brad Lidge came in and retired the marlins after allowing a couple of base runners, to close out the 5-3 win. So the Phils move to 88-68 overall and now lead the NL East by 1.5 games.
EAGLES NEWS
After a tough loss in a Monday night thriller with Dallas, the Birds returned to the Linc this afternoon for a showdown with the cross state rival Pittsburgh Steelers. While last week it was the offense that led the way, it was the defense that took center stage today. Ben Roethlisberger never knew what hit him, as he was sacked 8 times and threw for just 131 yards and 0 tds. Willie Parker was equally stymied rushing for just 20 yards on 13 carries. In fact the Steelers were held without a single TD for the day meanwhile, Mcnabb and Birds managed to tough out one td and thus the win 15-6. The Steelers actually had the early 3-0 lead on a Jeff Reed field goal. Midway through the 2nd quarter, Correll Buckhalter(Brian Westbrook injured his ankle earlier in the game) received a 20 yd td pass from Mcnabb for a 7-3 lead. From there the two teams traded field goals until the Eagles had their win. So the Eagles move to 2-1 overall and prove that their defense can be just as good as the offense and that they will be tough to beat the rest of the season.
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