Wednesday, November 12, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
After their 3rd consecutive loss last night the Sixers traveled to Toronto looking to avenge their opening night loss to the Raptors and find some answers. They were able to do so and more. At last Elton Brand seemed to find his place in the Sixer's offense draining mid range jumpers for a game high 25 points, when he wasn't running floor and playing defense with 3 blocks, a steal, and 8 rebounds. It wasn't just Brand who made the difference tonight though. Willie Green with 17 points and 9 assists and the rookie Maurice Speights with 12 and 7 rebounds help to ignite a solid night for the Sixer bench. Andre Iguodala nearly amassed another triple double with 18 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds, and the other Andre, Andre Miller chipped in with 18 points. As a team the Sixers appeared significantly improved as well on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they shot 53% from the field, 54% from beyond the arc with 6 threes, and ripped off 30 assists to just 13 turnovers. Defensively they may have shown their most improvement, with 6 blocks, 8 steals, and the usual glass ruling 40 rebounds. In short they looked like the team everyone expected them to be this season and the team we ought to see from now on, if they expect to go anywhere this season. Getting back to the game, the Sixers actually jumped out early for once sprinting to a 13 point lead after a quarter of play with the score 26-13. In the 2nd quarter Toronto woke up, perhaps too late, rallying to cut the lead to 6 by the half with the score 51-45. In the 3rd quarter the Sixers held firm to the lead, staying ahead by 7, with the score 78-71. In the 4th quarter they did likewise, eventually hanging on to win by 10 with the final score 106-96. So the Sixers improve to 3-5 overall which is okay for the moment, but they're going to have figure out a way to keep it up for once, and it will be interesting to see if they can.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Orange and Black finally ended their losing streak tonight against their perennial cure all, the New York Islanders, well at least for about the last 10 years or so. Anyway once again Marty Biron paved the way to victory with 35 saves out of the 36 shots he faced. Perhaps if he was that good every night, or maybe if his defense made it so he wouldn't have to be so good every night this team wouldn't go on losing streaks. It is fortunate though that they ended this one before long. Anyway getting back to the game, as usual the Flyers got off to a slow start, but thanks to Marty it didn't matter tonight. Danny Briere finally scored the first goal of the night over halfway through the 2nd period for a 1-0 lead. About halfway through the 3rd period Mike Richards made it 2-0. Finally with just under 4 minutes to play the Isles got on board as Trent Hunter scored to cut it to 2-1. The Isles then elected to go with the empty net in hopes a forging a tie but Kimmo Timonen made sure that would happen, scoring on the empty net with 4 seconds remaining to finish off the 3-1 Flyer's victory. So the Flyers improve to 5-6-3 for 13 points overall.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers welcomed the Utah Jazz to the Wachovia center tonight. Riding a 2 game losing streak, they were looking to right the ship. Instead, the same problems that have plagued them all year, cost them tonight. They shot just 38% from the field, they tossed away 16 turnovers, and the bench produced just 12 points. More and more it seems they are becoming less of a team and more of a group of individuals just going out and trying to get theirs every night. In fact they had almost as many assists tonight(17) as they had turnovers. It also seems that they don't who they are. Either they run the floor, or they play a halfcourt offense and give the ball Elton Brand to make something happen. Sooner or later they are going to have pick one and stick with it because the more they try to do both the worse things get. Getting to the game now, the first half belonged to Utah as they took a 12 point lead into the half with the score 49-37. The Sixers rallied in the 3rd quarter and actually went up by 4 heading into the 4th quarter with the score 67-63. Finally in the 4th quarter Utah dominated again and wound up winning by 13, with the final score 93-80. Yes that's right the Sixers had just 13 points in the 4th quarter while Utah had 30. Now you know what separates a good team like Utah from a bad team like the Sixers who drop to 2-5 overall.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sunday, November 09, 2008
EAGLES NEWS
Coming into tonight's showdown with the New York Giants at the Linc the Birds had a golden opportunity to pull themselves to within a game of the first place Giants and suddenly make the NFC East division race wide open. Thanks to some key Giant's turnovers they nearly did so, but once again a late short yardage situation did them in. Donovan Mcnabb did not have his best night completing 17 of 36 passes for a scant 194 yards and 3 TDs and one int, but the defense picked him up time and time again, forcing 2 turnovers, and limiting the Giants to just 6 points on the Eagles 2 turnovers. However, the Giants run game which amassed over 200 yards on the night, proved to be the difference. The Eagles meanwhile rushed for just 106 yards, and Mcnabb was actually the leading rusher with 35 yards. Early on it looked like it might be a big night for the Eagles, as Mike Patterson intercepted Eli Manning on the 2nd play of the game, to set up a 9 yd TD run by Desean Jackson and a 7-0 Birds lead. The Giants then went on a long drive capped off by a 7 td pass from Manning to Plaxico Burress to knot it up at 7. Quintin Demps fumbled the ensuing kickoff deep in Eagles' territory, but the Eagles defense managed to force a John Carney field goal for a 10-7 Giant's lead. Another long drive to start the 2nd quarter and another Manning TD pass this one a 1 yd pass to Kevin Boss made it 17-7. On the next Giants possession Brandon Jacobs fumbled the ball away deep in Eagles territory, setting up a 10 yd td pass from Mcnabb to Jason Avant to cut it to 17-14. Mcnabb was intercepted on the next Eagles possession but again the Eagles defense forced a John Carney field goal for a 20-14 lead. Mcnabb then used the rest of the half to put the Eagles in range for a David Akers field goal to cut the halftime lead to 20-17. The Eagles came out firing to start the 2nd half as Mcnabb led a long drive, capped off by a 7 yd td pass to Hank Baskett for a 24-20 Eagles lead. The Giants answered with another long drive that ended with a 3 yd Jacobs td run, after an illegal forward pass penalty on Manning was overturned, to put the Giants up 27-24. Early in the 4th quarter Carney finished off another long drive with a field goal to mak it 30-24 Gmen. A long punt return by Domenik Hixon then set up a 3 yd td plunge by Jacobs for a 36-24 lead. The ensuing Eagles drive showcased Mcnabb at his best as on 4th goal from the 2 after a 10 play drive, he hit Kevin Curtis with a 2 yd td pass to cut it to 36-31 and renew hope. After an Eagles defensive stand Mcnabb and offense got it back for one last chance, and managed to drive to about midfield , but there Brian Westbrook came up short and on 3rd and 1 and then on 4th and 1, turning the ball over on downs. The Giants then converted on 4th and inches with 15 seconds left and ran out the clock for the 36-31 win. So the Eagles drop to 5-4 overall and back into a last place tie with the Cowboys. It is going to be tough now for them to reach the playoffs.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers continued streaking in the wrong direction tonight with their 3rd straight loss as they welcomed the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Wachovia center. Marty Biron had a solid night saving 20 of the 22 shots he faced but he was out done by Tampa goalie Mike Smith who saved 35 of the 36 shots he faced to shut down the Flyers. That was basically the difference in this low scoring affair. Late in the first period Danny Briere, finally back from an injury, scored for a 1-0 Flyer's lead. About midway through the 2nd period Jussi Jokinen scored to knot it up at 1. Then late in the period on again off again ex Flyer Vinny Prospal score to push Tampa ahead 2-1. From there neither team could score again until the end of regulation so Tampa got the win and Flyers drop to 4-6-3 overall. What a team.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Thursday, November 06, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Orange and Black have started a new streak. Unfortunately it is a losing streak which continued tonight in Ottawa against the Senators. The Flyers were o for 3 on the power play and had just 18 shots on goal, as the Ottawa defense stymied them tonight. Antero Niittymaki had a solid night in goal saving 21 of the 24 shots he faced but it was for naught. Midway through the first period Anton Volchenkov put the Senators up 1-0. A few minutes later Danny Heatley made it 2-0. A little less then midway through the 2nd period Arron Asham scored to cut it to 2-1. That would be as close as the Flyers would get. A few minutes later Jesse Winchester made it 3-1. Finally Chris Neil scored on the Flyers empty net late in the 3rd period to provide the final tally of 4-1. So the Flyers drop to 4-5-3 overall and remain stuck on 11 points overall.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers played their first nationally televised game of the season tonight in Orlando against the Magic. Unfortunately the bad Sixer team showed up again tonight and their national showcase turned into a nightmare. Once again only four Sixers socred in double figures. Thaddeus Young lead the way 19, Sammy Dalembert added 10 and 14 rebounds, Andre Iguodala put up 16, and Andre Miller dropped 15. While they didn't make as many mistakes tonight as in their last game, the shooting was still terrible at 37% from the field. As a result the Sixers fell into another early hole from which they never escaped. After a quarter play the Magic led by 14 with the score 30-16. By the half the Sixers had cut the lead to 11, with the score 54-43. After 3 quarters of play the Sixers had cut the lead to 9 with the score 75-66. Finally in the 4th quarter the Sixer comeback stalled as they could only trade baskets, and Orlando eventually hung on to win by 10 with the final score 98-88. So the Sixers drop to 2-4 overall and appear headed in the wrong direction
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
Apparently the word consistency is not in the Sixer's vocabulary. Once again they had a chance tonight to string together consecutive wins for the first time all season as they traveled to Miami to face the improved Heat, once again they failed to do so. As good as the offense was in their last game, it was as bad tonight as the Sixers shot just 37% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc. They also had 8 shots blocked and turned the ball over 25 times. Good teams don't make mistakes like that and that's why they can win even when their shooting goes off a bit. Watching the Sixers tonight you would have to conclude that the Sixers are not a good team, but to do so you would have to ignore the 125 points they put up just a few nights ago against Sacramento and the clinic they put on against the Knicks for their first win a week ago. So which is the real Sixer team, the one that blew out New York and Sacramento, or the one that got blown out tonight against Miami and blew a 23 point lead to Hawks, well only time will tell. As for tonight only 4 Sixers scored in double figures. Thaddeus Young led the way with 19, Elton Brand added 12 and 12 rebounds, Andre Miller put up 11, and Lou Williams dropped 16, but it all went for naught. Miami took control early on racing to a 7 point lead after a quarter of play with the score 24-17. By the half the Heat were at full throttle leading by 21, with the score 59-38. Finally in the 3rd quarter the Sixers mounted a comeback but could get no closer than 9 points and by the end of 3 quarters they still trailed by 12, with the score 75-63. Finally in the 4th quarter Dwyane Wade and Micheal Beasely teamed up to put it out of reach as the Heat eventually won going away by 23, with the final score 106-83. So the Sixers drop to 2-3 overall and again will have fight their way back to .500.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
After blowing a 23 point lead to the Hawks the Sixers returned home tonight looking to bounce back against the winless Sacramento Kings. From the beginning the Sixers offense was hot and they never let up with 8 Sixers scoring in double figures(Thaddeus Young 18, Elton Brand 15, Andre Iguodala 10, Andre Miller 12, Lou Williams 17, Willie Green 16, Kareem Rush 10, and Donyell Marshall 12). They also shot 59 % from the field and an amazing for them, 76% from beyond the arc, drilling 10 three pointers. Defensively, they were adequate ruling the boards 34-28, but ultimately the D wasn't needed on this night. After one quarter of play the Sixers were already up by 12 with the score 35-23. By the half thanks to consecutive baskets by Lou Williams in the final seconds the lead was up to 20 with the score 68-48. In the 3rd the Kings continued to be over matched as the lead increased to 28, with the score 93-65. Finally in the 4th quarter the domination became complete as the Sixers eventually went on to win going away by 34 with the final score 125-91. So the Sixers pull back even again at 2-2 overall and now they will have to figure out a way to come up with this kind of play more consistently.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
EAGLES NEWS
The Birds kept on rolling today with a solid if not spectacular victory over the injury depleted Seattle Seahawks in Seattle. Despite a slow start Donovan Mcnabb still completed 28 of 43 passes for 349 yards and 2 TDs. Most of those yards went to Brent Celek, playing in place of the once again injured L.J Smith, who hauled in 6 passes for 131 yards. So it was a solid evening for the Eagle offense that is just finally starting to get healthy, although they still seemed to settle for field goals far too often. However, it was the defense that really earned the glory on this day, sacking Seneca Wallace 4 times and holding him to just 169 yds passing and one embarrassing 90 yard TD. From that point on though Seattle would not score again and at one point punted on 11 consecutive possessions, including 7 three and outs. So yes the Eagles defense appears ready for primetime. Early on due to the aforementioned embarrassment Seattle actually led 7-0 after one quarter of play. In the 2nd quarter the Birds finally got going. First with just over 6 and half minutes to play in the half Mcnabb hit Reggie Brown for a 22 yd TD pass to tie it at 7. Then with just under a minute to play in the half Mcnabb capped off another long drive with a 1 yd TD pass to Todd Heremans, yes Heremans the offensive lineman of all people for a 14-7 halftime lead. From there it became the David Akers show, as he drilled 2 field goals in 3rd quarter and 2 more in the 4th quarter to finish off a 26-7 Eagles victory. So the Birds move to 5-3 overall and past the sinking Cowboys to 3rd in the NFC East, and just a half a game out of the last NFC wild card spot. So the stage is set for next weeks sunday night showdown, a statement the Eagles will have to make as they welcome the New York Giants to Linc.
FLYERS NEWS
All good things must come to an end, and so the Flyers winning streak did so today as they welcomed the Edmonton Oilers to the Wachovia center. Marty Biron's hot streak likewise came to an end as he saved just 23 of the 28 shots he faced. Edmonton jumped out early in the first two periods and the Flyers could not find a way to pull a comeback. About midway through the first period Erik Cole scored for a 1-0 Oiler lead. Mike Knuble answered a minute later to knot it up at 1. Ales Hemsky followed a couple minutes later for a 2-1 Oiler lead. Hemsky scored again early in the 2nd period for a 3-1 lead. A few minutes later Braydon Coburn cut it to 3-2. A couple minutes later Sheldon Souray made it 4-2 Oilers. Then Dustin Penner added another a minute later for a 5-2 lead. With just under 2 minutes left in the period Jeff Carter slapped one in to cut it to 5-3. Then just 20 seconds into the 3rd period Simon Gagne cut the lead to 5-4 and the stage was set for the Flyers to complete another comeback and extend their winning streak, but try as they might they could not get the equalizer and the Oilers held on to win 5-4. So the Flyers drop to 4-4-3 overall and remain with 11 points overall.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
Coming off their first win of the season last night the Sixers were looking to keep it going tonight as they traveled to Atlanta for a match up with the Hawks. Elton Brand had another solid game with 17 points and 16 rebounds, as all 5 Sixers starters scored in double figures, with 22 for Thaddeus Young, 12 and 11 rebounds for Samuel Dalembert, 16 for Andre Iguodala, and 11 for Andre Miller. Unfortunately, the Sixer bench supplied just 10 points all together, and that may have been the difference in this one. Another factor was Joe Johnson who went off for 35 points to lead all scorers and frustrate the Sixer's otherwise solid D. So while the Sixers jumped out to an early16 point, 34-18 lead after a quarter of play it would not last. At one point in the 2nd quarter the Sixer lead actually got as high as 23 but by the half the Hawks had rallied to within 13 with the score 57-44. In the 3rd quarter Atlanta continued to chip away and by the beginning of the 4th quarter the lead was down to 9 with the score 75-66. Finally in the 4th quarter the Hawks completed their comeback taking a 90-88 lead with just under 2 minutes to play and eventually holding on for a 96-88 victory. So the Sixers drop to 1-2 overall. They'll just have to shake this one off and figure out away to move forward.
Friday, October 31, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
After a disappointing start to their season Elton Brand and the Sixers rebounded nicely tonight as they welcomed the Knicks to the Wachovia center. All it took was a few more touches for Brand and the Sixers offense was off and running as Elton ripped off 24 points and 14 rebounds, Thaddeus Young added 13, Andre Miller dropped 20, and off the bench Willie Green added 18 and Lou Williams 15. Overall the Sixers shot 59 % from the field while holding the Knicks to just over 32 %. Basically the Sixers jumped out to an early 31-24 lead after a quarter of play and never looked back. At the half the lead was up to 12 with the score 60-48. By the end of the 3rd quarter it had ballooned to 19 with the score 91-72. Finally in the 4th quarter with mostly backups in the game for the Sixers they finished it off going away by 29, with the final score 116-87. So the Sixers improve to 1-1 overall in convincing fashion and seem well on their way to a great season. They'll simply have to continue to come together as a team as they did tonight.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers kept on rolling tonight as they welcomed the New York Islanders to the wachovia center. Marty Biron got the start in the net and continued his great play of late saving 34 of the 36 shots he faced. Unfortunately after whupping the Thrashers 7-0 the Orange and Black had a bit of a scoring let down tonight with just two goals, both in the first period, so only the play of Biron saved them tonight. Midway through the 1st period Mike Knuble made it 1-0. A few minutes later Bill Guerin knotted it up at 1. Then late in the period Jeff Carter put the Flyers back up 2-1. Midway through the 3rd period Andy Hilbert tied it up again at 2. From there neither team could score for the remainder of regulation so the game went into overtime. There just over 4 and a half minutes in Carter slapped in his second goal of the night off a perfect pass from Mike Richards to seal the 3-2 Flyers win. So the Flyers move to 4-3-3 overall for a total of 11 points.
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.
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