Wednesday, October 29, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Wait is over. After 25 years and 100 seasons of frustration and heartbreak Philadelphia has its championship. That's right the Phillies are the 2008 world series champions. Believe it! Tonight the Phils and Rays finally completed game 5 of the world series which started way back on monday night. Then Cole Hamels got the start on a soggy night and went 6 strong innings allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits. Unfortunately thanks to an unprecedented rainout it all went for naught and it came down a 3.5 inning free for all tonight. Back on Monday "the Flyin Hawaiian" Shane Victorino got it all started with a 2 run single in the bottom of the 1st for a 2-0 lead. In the top of the 4th Evan Longoria singled in a run to cut it to 2-1. In the top of the 6th in a torrential down pour Carlos Pena singled in a run to tie it at 2 and send the game into a 46 hour rain delay. Tonight Geoff Jenkins got it started in the bottom of the 6th, doubling and scoring on a single blooped by Jayson Werth over the head of 2nd baseman Akinori Iwamora for a 3-2 lead. In the top of the 7th Rocco Baldelli lined a solo homer to tie it up again at 3. In the bottom of the 8th, "the Bat" Pat Burrell led off with a double and was replaced in favor of pinch runner Eric Bruntlett, leading to an RBI single by Pedro Feliz to put the Phils back ahead 4-3. From there, J.C Romero got through the 8th inning thanks to a perfectly timed double play and in came Brad Lidge to close it out in the 9th. Evan Longoria popped up to leadoff the inning, Dioner Navarro then broke his bat and singled. He was lifted in favor of pinch runner Fernando Perez who promptly stole second, uh oh. Fortunately Ben Zobrist then lined one right into Werth's glove and pinch hitter Eric Hinske struck out to ignite the celebration. So the Phils are World Champions baby! It doesn't get much better than this. Go Phils!
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers began a new exciting season of basketball tonight at the Wachovia center against the Toronto Raptors. New Sixer Elton Brand had a good night with 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Andre Miller chipped in with 15, Andre Iguodala dropped 13 and Lou Williams added 16 off the bench. Unfortunately it was not enough, as the Raptor defense held the Sixers to under 40% shooting and just 84 points to send the Sixers to a season opening loss. Early on the Sixers looked good leading 21-18 after the first quarter. The Raptors D took over from there and by the half they had pushed ahead 51-45. After 3 quarters they had pushed their lead to 74-65. Finally in the 4th quarter the Sixers could only trade baskets with the Raptors, and it was not enough to avoid a 95-84 loss. So the Sixers drop to 0-1 to begin the season, but don't worry there will be brighter days ahead.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
What a difference a win makes. After enjoying their first 2 wins of the season over the weekend the Flyers, who couldn't buy a win during an 0-6 start, suddenly can't lose. Of course it helps when your opponent is as bad as the Atlanta Thrashers. Still ,the Flyers performance tonight was awe inspiring and although probably more a function of the totally inept Thrasher defense than anything, it was perhaps an indicator of what this team is capable of. After Marty Biron led the Flyers to their first two wins he strangely got night off tonight, in favor Antero Niittymaki and boy did it payoff, as Niittymaki shutout the Thrashers on just 24 shots. Meanwhile, Simon Gagne, Joffrey Lupul, and Mike Knuble each scored two goals on the night and the Flyers went 3 for 5 on the power play for their best goal scoring effort of the season thus far. Lupul got it started early in the first period for a 1-0 lead. Early in the 2nd period Knuble made it 2-0. Then with just seconds left in the period Gagne made it 3-0. Early in the 3rd, Lupul and Knuble traded goals to make it 5-0. Midway through the period Gagne scored to make it 6-0. Finally with the just over 3 minutes to play Glen Metropolit made 7-0 Flyers and mercifully, that's how ended. So the Flyers move to 3-3-3 overall for a total of 9 points which isn't bad at all this early in the season.
PHILLIES NEWS
Well game 5 remains suspended and will apparently resume tomorrow night at 8:30 with the score still locked at 2-2. Hopefully it won't take more than 3.5 innings remaining for the Phils to come out on top
Monday, October 27, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
Well tonight was supposed to be the night when 25 years of unfullfilled dreams finally came true. Unfortunately mother nature had other ideas and the game was suspended in the bottom of the 6th inning with the score tied at 2 thanks to a 2 run single by Shane victorino and RBI singles by Eva sorry Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena. It will either be resumed tomorrow night at 8 or wednesday night at 8 so until then stay tuned for a full report whenever the game is finally over.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils and Rays faced off in game 4 of the world series tonight. After a dramatic win in game 3 the Phils had a chance to take a hold of the series with a win. They looked to Joe Blanton on this night to keep the momentum going and he did just that tossing 6 brilliant innings, allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits and striking out 7. Meanwhile, the Phils jumped out early with some of their first hits with runners in scoring position of the series leading to 6 runs through the first 5 innings. In the bottom of the 1st, Jimmy Rollins doubled and scored on a bases loaded walk for a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the 3rd Pedro Feliz singled in a run for a 2-0 lead. In the top of the 4th Carl Crawford slammed a solo homer to cut it to 2-1. In the bottom of the 4th, Ryan Howard crushed a 3 run homer for a 5-1 lead. In the top of the 5th Eric Hinske slugged a pinch solo homer to cut it to 5-2. In the bottom of the 5th, Blanton himself slapped a homer, the first of his career, for a 6-2 lead. In the bottom of the 8th Jayson Werth slung one 2 run homer into the seats for an 8-2 lead and a few batters later Howard followed by launching his 2nd homer of the night into orbit for a 10-2 lead. From there J.C Romero closed it out in the 9th for 10-2 win and a 3-1 series lead. So the Phils now stand just one win from a world title.
EAGLES NEWS
Coming off a bye week the Birds were 9-0 under Andy Reid coming into today. So it was even money they would make it an even 10-0 today against the Falcons. Thanks to some solid defense, some of the old Mcnabb magic with the legs, and the return of Brian Westbrook to the starting lineup they were able to do just that. After a slow start Donovan Mcnabb wound up completing 19 of 34 passes for 253 yards while rushing 6 times for 25 yards and a TD. Westbrook was equally effective with 22 carries for 167 yards and 2 TDs, and 6 catches for 42 yards. Meanwhile the Bird's defense was solid limiting Micheal ,the Burner, Turner to just 58 rushing yards on 17 carries and intercepting Matt Ryan twice. Early on Atlanta actually had the lead as Ryan hooked up with Roddy White on a 55 yard TD pass for a 7-0 lead late in the 2nd quarter. Mcnabb answered a few minutes later capping off a long drive with a 3 yard QB draw to tie it at 7. Then after a defensive stop with just seconds left in the first half Mcnabb hit Desean Jackson for a 20 yd gain to set up a David Akers field goal for a 10-7 lead. Early in the 3rd quarter another long Eagles drive ended with a 16 yard Westbrook TD run for a 17-7 lead. The Birds had a chance to put it away late in the 4th quarter but couldn't push across the goal line and had to settle for another Aker's field goal and a 20-7 lead with just under 6 minutes left. Ryan answered with a long Falcons drive and another TD pass to Roddy White to cut the lead to 20-14. After the Birds failed to run out the clock on the ensuing drive, Adam Jennings muffed the resulting punt or at least the officials though he did, and although replays clearly showed he never touched the ball there was nothing Atlanta could do about it, as they were without a timeout and there were just over 2 minutes to play. So the Birds got the huge break and the ball and took advantage of it as Westbrook danced 39 yards for another TD, to finish off the 27-14 win. So the Eagles move to 4-3 overall and although they remain last in the division they are still right there now in the early stages of the race to the NFC playoffs.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils and Rays played game 3 of the world series tonight. With the series tied at a game apiece it was a veritable must win, for the Phils if they wanted to stay in control of the series. Jamie Moyer got the start and tossed 6 and 1/3rd brilliant innings, allowing just 3 runs on 5 hits. After that all heck broke loose with an ump blowing a call, 2 errors, a wild pitch, and an infield single by a catcher, just the sort of stuff that would normally mean bad news for the Phils, except this time it went in their favor. In the bottom of the 1st, Jimmy Rollins singled and scored on a fielder's choice for a 1-0 lead. In the top of the 2nd, Carl Crawford doubled and scored on sac fly to knot it up at 1. In the bottom of the 2nd, Carlos Ruiz slammed a solo homer for a 2-1 lead. In the bottom of the 6th, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard crushed back to back solo homers for a 4-1 lead. In the top of the 7th, Crawford attempted to bunt for hit but Moyer made an incredible diving play to get him by a stride, except the ump didn't see it that way and called Crawford safe. Dioner Navarro then doubled, and 2 fielder's choices later the Rays had 2 runs to cut the lead to 4-3. In the top of the 8th, B.J Upton singled, stole second, stole third, and then scored on a throwing error by Ruiz to tie it up at 4. The stage was set for a monumental heartbreak, but J.C Romero retired the Rays in order in the top of the 9th. Then in the bottom of the inning, Eric Bruntlett lead off with a walk, moved to 2nd on a wild pitch, and then moved to 3rd on a throwing error by Navarro, all in the space of a few seconds and suddenly the winning run was 90 feet away. After the Rays walked the bases loaded, Ruiz got a chance to redeem himself and did so slapping a dribbler just inside the 3rd base line, just slow enough for Bruntlett to score the winning run in a wild 5-4 thriller. So the Phils lead the series 2-1 and stand just 2 wins from a world title.
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers welcomed the Devils to the Wachovia center this afternoon to finish a home and home. After eeking out their first win of the season yesterday they were looking to make it two in a row. Marty Biron had another solid outing with 29 saves out of the 31 shots he faced. In fact if not for Biron this might have been another loss in the books for the Orange and Black, but he kept them in it until the end. Midway through the 1st period Mike Knuble scored for a 1-0 Flyer's lead. Just 27 seconds into the 2nd period Zach Parisse tied it at 1. Midway through the 2nd, Scott Hartnell put the Flyers back up 2-1. Finally late in the period Brian Gionta tied it up again. From there neither team could score for the remainder of regulation and the game went into overtime. There just under 4 minutes in, Jeff Carter slapped one in to finish a thrilling 3-2 Flyer win. So the Flyers move 2-3-3 overall for a total of 7 points, just 2 points out of the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern conference, which means nothing this time of year except that the Flyers might just be okay after all.
Friday, October 24, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
Well the miracle has happened, the Flyers have actually won a game this season and in New Jersey against the Devils no less. Marty Biron finally seemed to regain form shutting out the Devils in the final two periods. Meanwhile, Mike Richards racked up 4 assists as 6 different Flyers scored goals on the night. Now that's what I call teamwork. Early on though things didn't look so great. Just 47 seconds into the game Travis Zajac blasted one in for a 1-0 Devils lead. Jeff Carter tied it up a minute later. Then midway through the period Mike Knuble scored for a 2-1 Flyer's lead. However, the Devils fired back with a pair of goals late in the period from ex-Flyer Dainus Zubrus, and Zach Parise for a 3-2 lead. Midway through the 2nd period Simon Gagne tied it up again and then late in the period Scott Hartnell put the Flyers up 4-3. Midway through the 3rd period Joffrey Lupul made it 5-3. Finally with a couple minutes to play Hartnell scored again to finish off the 6-3 victory. So the Flyers move to 1-3-3 overall for a total of 5 points which moves them from dead last in the NHL to next to dead last in the NHL. Go Flyers!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils and Rays went toe to toe tonight in game 2 of the world series. Brett Myers got the start and pitched okay allowing 4 runs on 7 hits in 7 innings of work, just enough to keep the Phils in it throughout. So they would need a late rally to pull this one out. Now onto the game. In the bottom of the 1st, a couple of fielder's choices allowed the Rays to push across 2 runs for a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the 2nd, B.J Upton singled in a run for a 3-0 lead. In the bottom of the 4th, Cliff Floyd singled and scored on a squeeze bunt for a 4-0 lead. Eric Bruntlett finally put the Phils on the board in the top of the 8th with a solo homer to cut the lead to 4-1. In the top of the 9th, Jayson Werth singled in a run with one out to cut the lead 4-2 and bring the tying run to the plate but Chase Utley and Ryan Howard went down in order to finish it. So the series is tied 1-1 as it shifts to the Bank for the next 3 games. If they hop to maintain control of the series when the get here the Phils will have to remember how knock in a run as they are now just 1 for 28 in the series with the runners in scoring position.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
Tonight after a long layoff the Phils returned to action against the Tampa Rays in game 1 of the World Series. Cole Hamels got the start and delivered yet another clutch performance allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits in 7 strong innings of work. Meanwhile, the Phils jumped out early with 3 runs in the first 4 innings and a 3-0 lead. So it would come down to the bullpen to hold the lead yet again. Now onto the game. In the top of the 1st Chase Utley slammed a 2 run homer for a 2-0 lead. In the top of the 4th, Shane Victorino singled and scored on a pair of fielder's choices for a 3-0 lead. In the bottom of the 4th Carlos Crawford slugged a solo homer to cut the lead to 3-1. In the bottom of the 5th, Jason Bartlett worked a 2 out walk, stole second, and scored on a double by Akinori Iwamura to cut the lead to 3-2. From there Hamels stabilized, then Ryan Madson pitched a perfect 8th and Brad Lidge tossed a perfect 9th inning to close out the key 3-2 Phils win. So the Phils now stand 3 wins from a world title, but they will not be easy.
FLYERS NEWS
Well, it's official the Flyers stink again, or at least it sure seems like they do. Tonight they returned home the wachovia center to faceoff with Sharks in the second game of a home and home. Marty Biron got the start in goal looking to get back on track. Instead he gave up 2 quick goals and removed from the game in favor of Antero Niittymaki who allowed 4 more goals but somehow that was good enough to keep the Flyers in it, largely due to Scotty Hartnell who had 3 points, Joffrey Lupul, Mike Richards, and Scottie Upshall who each had 2 points. In the end their scoring would not be enough. In the first period Jeff Carter opened the scoring for a 1-0 lead. Midway through period Joe Pavelski and Ryan Clowe scored within minutes of each other to put the Sharks up 2-1. Richards knotted it at 2 a few minutes later. A few minutes later Patrick Marleau made it 3-2 Sharks . Upshall answered to tie it at 3. Finally Devin Setoguchi put the Sharks up 4-3. In the 2nd period Lupul tied it up again early. Then Dan Boyle put the Sharks back up 5-4 late. In the 3rd period Marleau quickly made it 6-4 Sharks. A minute later Lupul cut it to 6-5. Finally with just under 3 minutes to play Danny Briere tied it up again at 6. Neither team could score throughout the rest of regulation or in overtime so it came down to a shootout. There Richards and Briere each missed their shots, while Pavelski and ex-Flyer Jeremy Roenick each scored on ther attempts to close out a 7-6 Shark's victory. So the Flyers drop to 0-3-3 overall for a total of 3 points.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
Well, it's official Phils fans, after a gut-wrenching game 7 tonight the Tampa Bay Rays are the American league champions. So game 1 of the world series on Wednesday will be at Tropicana field in Tampa. It should be a good series and may the best team win.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
Well another game, another disheartening loss for the Flyers tonight in San Jose against the Sharks. This time they lead the Sharks 3-1 late in the 2nd period and could not hold it. Antero Niittymaki got another start and saved 40 shots out of the whopping 45 he faced. In fact the Flyers had just 17 shots on goal and were lucky to have any kind of lead at all late in the 2nd period, largely due to the brilliant play of Niittymaki. Danny Briere scored late in the first period for a 1-0 lead. Just seconds into the 2nd period Braydon Coburn scored for a 2-0 lead. Christian Erhoff answered a minute late for San Jose cutting the lead to 2-1. A few minutes later Jeff Carter scored for a 3-1 lead. Then with just over a minute left in the period Jonathan Cheecho scored to cut the lead to 3-2. Early in the 3rd period Joe Pavelski scored to knot it up at 3. Halfway through the period Briere scored his 2nd goal of the night for a 4-3 lead. Then with about 5 minutes to play Devin Setoguchi scored to knot it up again at 4. From there neither team could score again in regulation so the game went into overtime. There, just over a minute in ,Dan Boyle broke the Flyer's hearts scoring for the 5-4 Shark's victory. So the Flyers drop to 0-5 overall, okay officially 0-3-2, meaning 3 regulation losses and 2 overtime losses, for a whopping total of 2 points out of possible 10, tied for dead last in the NHL. Seriously,guys can't we do a little bit better.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
After an 0-3 start to the season the Flyers traveled to Colorado to faceoff with the Avalanche tonight, looking to right the ship. The Avalanche jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back , even when the Flyers cut it briefly to 3-2, winning easily 5-2. Once again it was the depleted Flyers' defense that could not get it done, allotting Colorado 34 shots on goal and a whopping 11 power play chances, three of which resulted in Avalanche goals. Meanwhile, there wasn't much offense for the Flyer's tonight either with just 18 shots on goal and 2 scores. So overall it was another bad night for the Orange and Black. Halfway through the first period Brett Clark scored for a 1-0 Avalanche lead. Late in the period Marek Svatos made it 2-0. Early in the 2nd period Simon Gagne scored to cut the lead to 2-1. Milan Hejduk answered a minute later to make it 3-1. Three minutes later Mike Richards slapped one home to cut the lead to 3-2. Finally late in the period Cody McCormick scored for a 4-2 lead. Finally late in the 3rd period Paul Stastny scored to put it away for good at 5-2. So the Flyers drop to 0-4 overall, but on the plus side things can't possibly get any worse right? right?
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.
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