The Phils finished their series with the Dodgers tonight, as they looked to earn a series split. Antonio Bastardo got his 2nd career start and pitched well again allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits in 5 strong innings of work. Meanwhile the Phils blasted 3 homers to carry Bastardo to his 2nd win in as many starts. In the top of the 2nd Pedro Feliz sac flyed in a run for a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the 4th Matt Kemp singled in a run to knot it up at 1. In the top of the 5th Carlos Ruiz and "the Flyin Hawaiian"each colleted an RBI single for a 3-1 lead. In the bottom of the 6th Casey Blake doubled and scored on a fielder's choice to cut it to 3-2. In the top of the 7th Ruiz and Victorino struck again, as Ruiz slugged a 2 run homer and Victorino lined out a solo shot for a 6-2 lead. In the top of the 8th Ryan Howard further added the Dodger misery, crushing a solo homer for a 7-2 lead. From there Chan Ho Park retired the side in the 8th and Ryan Madson did likewise in the 9th to close out the 7-2 win. So the Phils got their split and still have not lost a series on the road thus far this season. That's pretty impressive when you consider how much Jimmy Rollins has struggled so far this season, but tonight however Rollins finally seemed to find himself, going 2 for 4, with a run scored. That's good news for the Phils already potent lineup which has much more success when JRoll gets on base and scores then we he doesn't. Anyway so the Phils move to 33-22 overall and remain 3 games up in the NL East.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with the Dodgers this afternoon looking rebound from a heartbreaking loss last night. Joe Blanton got the start and provided another solid outing from a Phils starter, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits in 6 strong innings. However, the Phils again could not get much going offensivvely, and actually failed to score a run while Blanton was still in the game. So heading into the top of the 7th, the Dodgers were still leading 1-0, courtesy of a solo shot by Andre Ethier in the bottom of the 1st. The Phils finally got on the board in the 7th though as Matt Stairs slapped a 2 out 2 run double to rally the Phils ahead 2-1. From there it once again came down to Brad Lidge in the 9th. This time he got one out, and then two strikes on Rafeal Furcal, before Furcal suprised everyone by golfing out a solo homer to knot it up at 2 and send the game into extra innings. While, the Phils never had any baserunners in the extra frames the Dodgers had an opportunity with runners on 2nd and 3rd and 2 out, but Chad Durbin struck out Matt Kemp to keep the game alive. After retiring the next 5 batters, Durbin ran out of luck with 2 out in the top of the 12th as Andre Ethier slammed a game winning solo homer for the 3-2 Dodger win. So once again it was a heartbreaking day for the Phils, and they will need to rebound tomorrow to avoid losing their first series on the road this season. I don't know what it is about the Dodgers but the Phils just can't hit off them this season. Also I don't know what is wrong with Brad Lidge but he is running out of time to figure it out, with this his 7th blown save today. It may soon be time to move Ryan Madson into the closer's role, now that J.C Romero is available as the setup guy. Anyway so the Phils drop to 32-22 overall but remain 3 games up in the NL East as the Mets lost today as well.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Friday, June 05, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with the Dodgers tonight. Jamie Moyer got the start and went 7 strong innings allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits. Unfortunately, the Phils wasted Moyer's best outing of the season, by supplying him with just 3 runs of support. Thus, the door was open for the Dodgers to rally late. In the top of the 3rd Jayson Werth singled and scored on a fielder's choice for a 1-0 lead. In the top of the 4th Chase Utley slapped a 2 run double for a 3-0 lead. In the bottom of the 4th Juan Pierre was hit by a pitch, stole second and later scored on a fielder's choice to cut it to 3-1. In the bottom of the 7th James Loney singled in a run to cut it to 3-2. In the bottom of the 8th the Dodgers then had the tying run in scoring position with 2 outs, but J.C Romero managed strike out Pierre to get out of the jam. Finally it came down to Brad Lidge in the 9th and after he retired the first 2 batters it looked like the Phils were headed to victory. Three times at that point he got within a strike of closing out the win, 3 times the Dodgers denied him. First Casey Blake blooped a single. Then Loney worked a walk and Russell Martin hit into what appeared to be a game ending groundout, but normally shorthanded Pedro Feliz booted the ball and then threw wildly to first pulling Ryan Howard off the bag. That loaded the bases for Andre Eithier, hitless on the night, but of course he promptly slapped a game winning double and the Phils had lost 4-3. Chalk this one up to bad luck, the absence of Shane Victorino(the game winning double wizzed by, short and slow footed Eric Bruntlett playing in right, had the taller, faster Jayson Werth, still in center in place of Victorino, been there instead, he might have been able to catch it) , and just another night in which the Phils couldn't consistently get runners home, stranding 10 on base. Jimmy Rollins is in fact 0 for his last 10 now, and will to have wake up before long and start hitting again if the Phils are to keep up this hot streak they're on right now. Anyway so the Phils drop to 32-21 overall and just 3 games up in the NL East.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils traveled to L.A tonight to begin a series with the Dodgers. Hollywood himself, Cole Hamels got the start and was brilliant tossing a complete game shutout on just 5 hits. Incredibly and thanks in large part to the defense behind him, Hamels needed just 97 pitches to complete the game. Meanwhile, the Phils eked out a few runs for the win. In the top of the 4th Ryan Howard sac flyed in a run for a 1-0 lead. In the top of the 6th Raul Ibanez slapped an RBI double for a 2-0 lead. In the top of the 7th Jayson Werth slapped an RBI single for a 3-0 lead. From there Hamels closed out the 3-0 win. So once again the Phils did little wrong tonight, and there's not much to talk about. It was great to see Hamels go deep into a game again, as it was questionable he would still be able to do so after all the innings he threw last season. Clearly he is up for the task. Anyway so the Phils move to 32-20 overall and 4 games up in the NL East. In others not so good news, Shane Victorino strained his left hip in yesterday's game and could miss some time. He will be examined by a doctor, and hopefully they'll figure out it is not too serious. Until Jayson Werth will start in center and there will probably be rotating starters in right field. It would seem though after tonight that the Phils can win without him.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils completed their series with the Padres tonight. J.A Happ got the start and produced a brilliant outing with 7 shutout innings on just 4 hits. Meanwhile, the Phils touched up Chris Young for 3 runs on 5 hits in just 6 innings of work, to help Happ earn the win. In other words it was another easy night for the Phils. In the top of the 1st, Ryan Howard crushed a 2 run homer to dead center for a 2-0 lead. In the top of the 4th Pedro Feliz sac flyed in a run for a 3-0 lead. In the top of the 7th Jayson Werth singled in a run and then scored on a fielder's choice for a 5-0 lead. From there J.C Romero, finally done serving his 50 game suspension, made his first appearance of the season allowing a run on a single by David Eckstein before retiring the side in the 8th. He then got the first out in the 9th before Ryan Madson came in to close out the 5-1 win. So the Phils just keep on rolling. Romero looked fairly decent tonight, for a guy who missed the first 50 games of the season. Also Happ is looking much better than I thought he would and I'm thinking he'll keep it up. Here's hoping the Phils keep up this win streak as well because this has been fun to watch. Anyway so the Phils move to 31-20 overall, 2nd best record in the Majors, behind the next team on the schedule, the L.A Dodgers, and good enough for a 3 game lead in the NL East.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with the Padres tonight. Antonio Bastardo, making his major league debut, got the start and shined, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits in 6 impressive innings. Meanwhile the Phils tagged Jake Peavy with 4 runs on 3 hits in just 1 inning of work, on their way to racking up 10 runs on 11 hits, unbelievable totals at cavernous Petco Park. Needless to say it was a pretty easy night for the Phils. In the top of the 1st, Ryan Howard doubled in 2 runs and scored on a double by Raul Ibanez, who then scored on a sac fly by Greg Dobbs for a 4-0 lead. In the top of the 3rd, Ibanez slammed a 2 run homer for a 6-0 lead. In the top of the 4th the "Flyin Hawaiian", Shane Victorino tripled and scored on a fielder's choice for a 7-0 lead. In the top of the 5th Dobbs slugged a solo homer for an 8-0 lead. Finally in the bottom of the 6th Adrian Gonzalez put the Padres on the board with a solo shot to cut it to 8-1. In the top of the 7th Ibanez crushed another 2 run homer for a 10-1 lead. Chan Ho Park relieved Bastardo in the bottom of the inning and ran into some trouble, allowing 4 runs on a single by Edgar Gonzalez, a bases loaded walk to Adrian Gonzalez, and a single by Chase Headley to cut it to 10-5. Fortunately, Chad Durbin took over from there and got within one out of closing out the 10-5 win, before Ryan Madson was forced to come in and get the final out with the bases loaded. All I can say about the Phils at this point is wow. They are 18-6 on the road and I just can't figure it out. How do they keep playing so well on the road? I keep waiting for them to start to cool off on the road, and it just hasn't happened yet. Hopefully it will never happen this season. Anyway so the Phils are now 30-20 overall and lead the NL East by 2.5 games.
Monday, June 01, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils traveled out to San Diego tonight to begin a series with the Padres. Joe Blanton got the start and delivered another solid outing allowing just 3 runs on 6 hits in 7 strong innings of work. Meanwhile, the Phils collected 5 runs on 2 hits, just enough run support to boost Blanton to the win. In the bottom of the 2nd Jerry Hairston singled and scored on a fielder's choice for a 1-0 lead. In the top of the 3rd back to back singles by "the Flyin Hawaiian", Shane Victorino and Chase Utley, produced 2 runs for a 2-1 lead. In the top of the 5th Chase Utley golfed out a solo homer down the line and Ryan Howard made it back to back homers, crushing a solo homer to dead center field, for a 4-1 lead. In the bottom of the 6th the Padres answered with back to back homers of their own, by Adrian Gonzalez and Haurston, cutting the lead to 4-3. In the top of the 8th Greg Dobbs slapped a pinch double and scored on a double by Victorino for a 5-3 lead. From there Scott Eyre retired the Padres in the 8th inning and Brad Lidge came in to get the save in the 9th to close out the 5-3 Phils win. So overall it was just another solid, "get the job done" night for the Phils which leaves me nothing else to talk about regarding the game. There also isn't any other news to talk about either. All I can say is that it has been impressive the way the Phils have been playing lately. Anyway so the Phils move to 29-20 overall with the win and now reside 1.5 games clear in the NL East.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished their series with the Nationals this afternoon. Jamie Moyer got the start once again going for career win No. 250. This time at last thanks to improved control and a good bullpen behind him he got it. Of course the fact that the Phils were playing the Nationals also probably had something to do it. Anyway Moyer allowed just 1 run on 3 hits in 6 strong innings in getting the win. The Phils meanwhile, didn't offer him much run support but it was enough to give him a lead he would not relinquish. In the bottom of the 1st Chase Utley doubled in a run for a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the 2nd Chris Coste launched a solo homer for a 2-0 lead. In the top of the 4th Josh Willingham slammed a solo homer to cut it to 2-1. In the bottom of the 4th Raul Ibanez tripled and scored on a fielder's choice for a 3-1 lead. In the top of the 7th Willingham slugged another homer to cut it to 3-2. In the bottom of the 7th Ryan Howard tripled to knock in a run for a 4-2 lead. From there Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge got through the 8th and 9th innings as usual to close out the 4-2 win. On the whole it was a good night for Phils in all areas the so there's really nothing extra about the game to talk about. However, it seems the Phils have made a decision on the Brett Myers situation, calling up Antonio Bastardo, who's been tearing up AAA, to replace him for now. Beyond a few starts from Bastardo, if he does not pitch well the Phils may have to consider acquiring an established pitcher through free agency or a trade. It would probably take a lot of prospects for them to do so, but Jake Peavy, Roy Oswalt, and others are there for the taking if the Phils are interested. Personally I think they need to give Bastardo a chance to show his stuff first. If he pitches well enough, then there's no reason make a trade or sign a free agent. If he falters however I am afraid they'll have no choice but to acquire a better pitcher. Hopefully he'll pitch well. Anyway so the Phils move to 28-20 overall with the win today and remain 1st in the NL East by half a game over the Mets.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles hired former Cowboys defensive coordinator coach Brian Stewart today, presumably to replace Jim Johnson if his current health issues cause him to miss the season. At this point Stewart has no role for the Birds. He is however a good coach and it is a smart move for the Eagles to hire him.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with the Nationals tonight. Cole Hamels got the start and he wasn't quite Hollywood on this night, allowing 6 runs on 8 hits while striking out 7 in 6 innings. However, thanks to 3 scoreless innings out of the bullpen and a 2 homer 5 RBI night by Ryan Howard, Hamels' outing was just good enough to earn him the win. The Phils actually fell behind early as Will Nieves lined a 2 run double and Anderson Hernandez added an RBI single in the top of the 2nd for a 3-0 lead. In the bottom of the 2nd Howard crushed a solo homer to cut it to 3-1. Then in the bottom of the 3rd Jimmy Rollins singled in one run and Howard annihilated a grand slam to the 3rd deck in right field, only about the 3rd homer that has ever been hit there, for a 6-3 lead. In the top of the 4th Aberto Gonzalez tripled in a run to cut it to 6-4. In the bottom of the 4th Hamels himself slapped an RBI double for a 7-4 lead. In the top of the 6th Ronnie Belliard lined a 2 run homer off Hamels just before he could finish his last inning, cutting the lead to 7-6. In the bottom of the 6th with the bases loaded, Howard hit what appeared to be an inning ending groundout, but Gonzalez booted it allowing 2 runs to score for a 9-6 lead. From there Scott Eyre and Clay Condrey combined for a scoreless 7th, Ryan Madson rolled through the 8th, and Brad Lidge got another easy save in the 9th, thanks to a spectacular double play in which a diving Rollins flipped the ball to Chase Utley who barehanded it, tagged 2nd ,and fired to Howard at first for the 2nd out. With 9 runs on 10 hits, the Phils did a much better job with runners on base tonight just as I thought they would. As for Hamels, while it wasn't his best effort, it appeared that just he got a little fatigued. In fact he threw 106 pitches overall, mostly because his location was just a little off tonight. That is really a rare occasion for Hamels to be missing his locations and he knows how to adjust to ensure it won't happen again so I wouldn't worry to much. The important thing is that he got the 9-6 win, which moves the Phils to 27-20 overall and back into 1st place in the NL East by a half a game over the Mets
Friday, May 29, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils welcomed the Washington Nationals to the Bank tonight to begin a weekend series. J.A Happ got his second start of the season and looked sharp again, allowing just 3 runs on 3 hits in 5 and 1/3rd innings. Unfortunately, he didn't get much run support as the Phils left more than 13 runners on base, collecting 16 hits and 24 total bases, but only 5 runs. Fortunately, 5 was just enough to hold off the Nationals, currently the team with the worst record in the majors. In the top of the 2nd Josh Willingham slugged a solo homer for a 1-0 Nats lead. In the bottom of the inning, Carlos Ruiz doubled in a run tie it at 1. In the bottom of the 3rd, the Nats misplayed, not one, not two, but 3 balls in the outfield, resulting in a 2 run single by Raul Ibanez, and an RBI triple by Pedro Feliz for a 4-1 lead. In the bottom of the 4th, Jimmy Rollins doubled and scored on a fielder's choice for a 5-1 lead. In the top of the 6th the Nats rallied back with 3 runs on a double by Josh Bard, a single by Anderson Hernandez and a throwing error by Jayson Werth to cut the lead to 5-4. The Phils then had several chances from there to blow the game open, but just couldn't get that one hit they needed to knock in a few runs. Fortunately the phils bullpen from the 7th on shut down the Nats the rest of the way as Brad Lidge collected the save in the 9th with a rare, this season anyway, 1-2-3 inning. Basically the Phils took care of business tonight against an inferior Nationals team. Still, I would like to have seen them score a few more runs. You really can't leave so many people on base all the time. Truthfully though this is the first time I can recall them leaving that many people on base this season. Therefore I wouldn't worry too much about it just yet. They'll just have to make sure it doesn't continue. Anyway so the Phils improve to 26-20 overall but remain a half a game behind the Mets in the NL East.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers made it official today at last, announcing Eddie Jordan as the team's new head coach. Frankly he was the best coach available and fits their current system fairly well. Also he had a prior relationship with GM Ed Stefanski in as an assitant coach in New Jersey, while Stefanksi was the Nets GM So it's no suprise he got the job. As a disciple of the princetion offense where motion and passing in the half court is key and at least in Jordan's scheme the fast break is still a weapon , he would seem to be a good candidate to figure out a way to incorporate Elton Brand into the Sixer's offense when he returns next season. Overall Jordan has a 230-288 record as head coach mostly with the Wizards, whom he guided to playoffs 4 times in 5 seasons, grooming Antawn Jamison, Gilbert "Agent Zero" Arenas, and Caron Butler, into all-stars along the way. Thus, Jordan could very well help the Sixers improve greatly next season, but of course only time will tell if he is the right choice. I think he is though.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The MRI on Brett Myer's hip today revealed a fraying and a possible tearing in the labrum of his hip. That is bad news, because that is the same injury for which Chase Utley and A-Rod needed surgery. If Myers needs surgery he like the other two could have miss up to 3 months to recover. That would be a huge blow to a Phils rotation that was just finally beginning to come together. Myers will be seeking a second opinion tomorrow and perhaps it will turn out that the injury isn't quite that serious and that he can play through it. If he does have to miss 3 months the Phils will have a decision to make about replacing him. Either Chan Ho Park can move from the bullpen back to the rotation or the Phils can call someone up from AAA, say perhaps Kyle Kendrick who was in the rotation the last two seasons or some other prospect.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished their series with the Marlins tonight. Brett Myers got the start and pitched well for 5 innings, allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits. Then in the 6th he was touched up for a further 3 runs on 3 hits before leaving with just 2 outs in the inning with soreness in his hip(He'll have an MRI tomorrow). That 6th inning was basically the difference, as the phils again put up little offense, with just 2 runs on 8 hits. In the top of the 4th Dan Uggla slammed a solo homer for a 1-0 lead. In the top of the 5th Wes Helms sac flyed in a run for a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the 5th Carlos Ruiz got the Phils on the board with a solo shot to cut the lead to 2-1. In the top of the 6th Uggla doubled in a run and Cody Ross slugged a 2 run homer for a 5-1 lead. In the top of the 8th Matt Stairs uncorked a pinch solo homer to cut the lead to 5-2. The Phils then put two on with one out for Chase Utley but he flyed out, and then with two out Ryan Howard struck out chasing a high fastball. In the top of the 9th Ronny Paulino singled in a run for a 6-2 lead. Finally in the bottom of the inning the Phils had another opportunity loading the bases with 2 out for Jimmy Rollins, but he flyed out as well for the 6-2 Marlin's win. So the Phils lose yet another series at the Bank and drop to 9-14 at the Bank thus far this season. Meanwhile they are an incredible 16-6 overall on the road. What gives? How can you go to new Yankee stadium and win 2 of 3 then come home and lose 2 of 3. In fact so far this season the Phils have just one series at home, against the lowly Nationals. I just don't understand why they can't win at home, but whatever it is that's causing them to stink at home, they better figure it out because you can only go 10 games over .500 on road for so long. Anyway so the phils drop to 25-20 overall and now down to 2nd in the NL East a half a game behind the Mets.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with the Marlins tonight. Joe Blanton got the start and was brilliant tossing 7 shutout innings while allowing just 5 hits and striking out a career best 11. Meanwhile, the Phils managed to collect 5 runs on 10 hits, with a bases loaded walk, a sac fly by Raul Ibanez and a single by Pedro Feliz in the bottom of the 1st, a double by Shane Victorino in the bottom of the 6th and a double by Feliz in the bottom of the 7th for a 5-0 lead. From there Ryan Madson pitched a perfect 8th and then Chad Durbin came in to pitch the 9th. There things got a little interesting. Durbin managed to retire just one batter before loading the bases. Next Scott Eyre induced a groundball but Ryan Howard fielded the ball and committed his first error of the season thus far, allowing 2 runs to score to cut the lead to 5-2. That Forced Brad Lidge to come in for the save, and he too loaded the bases, walking the first batter he faced. Fortunately, he settled in from there, inducing a groundout and then striking out Wes Helms to at last close out the 5-3 win. After tonight I would say that Joe Blanton is back. With Brett Meyers, Cole Hamels, and Jamie Moyer pitching well, and J.A Happ looking like a good fit as the 5th starter I think the Phils rotation is back in business. As for the bullpen it was a bit shaky tonight but there's nothing to worry about. J.C Romero will be back from his suspension next week and other than tonight they've been pretty good without him. So the Phils move to 25-19 overall and remain a half a game up on the Mets for 1st in the NL East.
Monday, May 25, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils returned to the Bank tonight to begin a series with the Marlins. Jamie Moyer got the start once again looking for win No. 250. He pitched fairly well, allowing just 4 runs on 7 hits in 6 solid innings. Once again it wasn't good enough as ex-Phil Wes Helms collected 3 hits and knocked in 4 runs to thwart Moyer. All in all it was just another one of those off nights for the Phils lineup resulting in a loss. In fact so far this season in games like this when the Phils score 3 runs or less they are 0-14 which obviously points to the fact that the starting pitching just hasn't been that great just yet, although it does seem to be getting better. On this night Ryan Howard was responsible for all 3 runs. In the bottom of the 1st he crushed a 2 run homer for a 2-0 lead. In the top of the 4th Helms answered with a 3 run homer to put the Fish up 3-2 and then Ronnie Paulino, whom the Phils cut in spring training, slapped an RBI single in the top of the 6th to make it 4-2. In the bottom of the 6th Howard answered with a solo homer to cut it to 4-3. From there Chan Ho Park pitched the final 3 innings in relief allowing just one run on a single by Helms for a 5-3 lead. Despite Park's performance the Phils just couldn't get anything going in those final innings and eventually lost 5-3. So the Phils drop to to 24-19 overall, but remain a half a game up in the NL East. Now just to go back to that 0-14 thing, that can't continue for the rest of the season. You just can't expect to score a boatload of runs every night. On other the hand the Phils rotation does seem to be on the upswing at this point so I don't think that will continue for the rest of the season. Eventually the Phils will win some close low scoring games.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished their series with the Yankees this afternoon. Cole Hamels got the start and out dueled Yankee ace C.C Sabathia, allowing just 2 runs on 8 hits in 6 strong innings of work, while Sabathia allowed 3 runs on 9 hits in 8 innings. Thus, it came down to Brad Lidge in the 9th once again and again he blew the save, but this time it didn't cost the Phils the game. That was thanks in large part to Carlos Ruiz who had the game of his life, racking up 3 hits, an RBI, a stolen base, and 2 putouts of runners trying to steal 2nd. In the top of the 3rd Ruiz collected his first hit and scored on a double by Jimmy Rollins who then scored on a singly by "the Flyin Hawaiian" Shane Victorino, for a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the inning Johny Damon doubled in a run to cut it to 2-1. In the top of the 6th Victorino singled and scored on a double by Raul Ibanez. In the bottom of the inning Mark Teixeira slugged a solo homer to cut it to 3-2. It stayed that way until Brad Lidge allowed back to back singles to leadoff the bottom of the 9th, allowing Melky Cabrera to single in the tying run and send the game into extras. From there Clay Condrey toughed out two scoreless innings in the 10th and 11th innings and then Ruiz struck again in the 11th. With 2 out and Chase Utley on second, Ruiz ripped a double just inside the line to score Utley for a 4-3 lead. As mentioned Clay Condrey struck out the side in the bottom of the inning and the Phils had the 4-3 win and series. Okay so Lidge blew another save, but at least this time he kept the game tied and that is progress in my book. Also it is great to see Ruiz hitting like this, not just today but the entire series. It is quite a luxury to get 3 hits a night from the guy batting 8th in the lineup, and if that continues then no one will be able to slow down this lineup for the rest of the season. Anyway so with the win today the Phils move to 24-18 overall and back to 1.5 games up in the NL East.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with the Yankees this afternoon. J.A Happ got his first start of the season and delivered 6 strong innings, allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits. Meanwhile, the Phils touched up Andy Pettitte for 4 runs on 5 hits, but he went an inning longer than Happ, keeping the game close for the potent Yankee lineup. So it came down to the bullpen to hold on for the win, just as they had done all last season. Brad Lidge though has not been mr.Automatic thus far this season and he wasn't again today, leading to another Yankee 9th inning comeback. Before that though the Phils played a great game. In the top of the 2nd Raul Ibanez slammed his league leading 17th homer for a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the inning Robinson Cano doubled and scored on a fielder's choice to knot it up at 1. In the top of the 5th, in his major league debut, AAA call up John Mayberry Jr(Miguel Cairo just wasn't getting it done as the Phils top righthanded option off the bench) slugged a 3 run homer for a 4-1 lead. In the botttom of the 6th, Happ made his only real mistake of the day, serving up a solo homer to Derek Jeter, cutting the lead to 4-2. It was still 4-2 heading into the 9th, and after Lidge struck out Mark Teixeira for the first out, with only one on, victory seemed assured right? wrong. Alex Rodriguez crushed a 2 run homer 6 pitches later to tie it at 4 and then Cano singled, stole second, and scored on a single by Melky Cabrera for the 5-4 Yankee win and Lidge's 3rd blown save of the season. Now many will say it is time dismiss Lidge and move Ryan Madson to the closer's spot. First of all I don't think there is enough depth in the Phils bullpen to do that right now. A little over a week from now when J.C Romero returns from his suspension and can be a steady setup guy for Madson, it would be feasible to move Ryan to the closer spot, but right now I think it would be tough to do so. Secondly, I think it is too early to dismiss Lidge as the closer. He's really not that far off. The slider has been just fine, ie; the strikeout of Teixeira, and he pitched well his last 4 outings or so coming into today. Also he's not the first pitcher to get hit around at new Yankee stadium, I mean that A-Rod homer was off the end of the bat and probably would have been an out at the Bank. The only problem he's had this season is locating his fastball at times. I think if he can just figure it out with his fastball he'll be fine. On the other hand if he blows anymore saves like this, and doesn't start to show any improvement before long, the Phils may have no choice but to move Madson into the closer's spot. Anyway the Phils drop to 23-18 overall and now lead the Mets in the NL East by just a half a game.
Friday, May 22, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
After taking two of three from the Reds the Phils traveled to the bronx tonight for an interleague matchup with the Yankees at new Yankee stadium. Coming in the Yankees had won 9 in a row, and looked unstoppable. Brett Myers cooled them down though, allowing just 3 runs on 8 hits in 8 brilliant innings. Meanwhile the Phils racked up double digits in hits again with 14, while scoring 7. So in all it was just another walk in the park for the Phils tonight. In the top of the 1st, Jimmy Rollins led off with a solo homer for a 1-0 lead. In the top of the 2nd Carlos Ruiz lined a 2 run homer into the seats for a 3-0 lead. In the top of the 5th Jayson Werth absolutely crushed another 2 run homer for a 5-0 lead. In the bottom of the 6th A-Rod put the Yanks on the board with a solo shot to cut it to 5-1. In the top of the 7th Raul IBanez socked another solo homer for a 6-1 lead. In the top of the 8th Chase Utley singled in a run for a 7-1 lead. In the bottom of the 8th Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira each slammed a solo homers to cut it to 7-3. From there Ryan Madson came on in the 9th to close out the 7-3 Phils win. So all told that's 7 more homers at new yankee stadium. I mean there have been almost 80 homers hit at new yankee stadium so far and that's just ridiculous. Not even the Bank or Coor's field launches that many bombs. Hopefully the Phils will be able to use the homer party to their advantage, but the pitching will have to pick up where Myers left off with J.A Happ tomorrow and Hamels on sunday. I would think both are capable of performances like Myer's tonight and I hope they give them, because many pundits picked the Yankees to win this interleague tilt and I want to see us prove them wrong. Anyway the Phils move to 23-17 overall now and remain 1.5 games up in the NL East.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils completed their series with the Reds this afternoon. Joe Blanton got the start for the Phils and as advertised he was shaky. He looked good for 4 innings before running into trouble in the 5th inning. Somehow he managed to escape the 5th with the lead and thanks to a Phils offensive barrage the rest of the way, that was enough to earn him the win, just his second of the season thus far. The Reds simply couldn't stop the Phils tonight. In fact the Phils scored off the first 5 the pitchers the Reds brought in the game, before David Weathers became the lone member of the Red's pitching staff to silence the Phil's bats on the night in the 9th inning. In the top of the 1st Jimmy Rollins singled and scored on a fielder's choice for a 1-0 lead. In the top of the 2nd Chase Utley singled in a couple runs and scored on a double by Raul Ibanez for a 4-0 lead. In the top of the 3rd Greg Dobbs slammed a solo homer for a 5-0 lead. In the top of the 4th Utley slugged a solo homer for a 6-0 lead. Finally in the bottom of the 5th the Reds got to Blanton, as 2 runs scored on a single by Willie Taveras and a fielder's choice, before Brandon Phillips crushed a 3 run homer to cut the lead to 6-5. Blanton then induced a groundout though, to get out of the inning with the Phils still ahead. The bats took it from there. In the top of the 6th Utley sac flyed in a run for a 7-5 lead. In the top of the 7th Ryan Howard tatooed a solo homer, and Pedro Feliz socked a pinch 2 run double and scored on a single by JRoll for an 11-5 lead. In the top of the 8th Ibanez lined out another homer for a 12-5 lead and that proved to be the final score. So again Blanton was saved by the bats, but he can't expect that every night, he's going to have to pitch better. Let's forget out Blanton for a second though and talk about Ibanez. Are you kidding me? 35 years old and he nows leads the NL in homers with 15, RBIs with 40 and is 6th in BA. at .349. 35 year olds aren't supposed to be this good, but I'm glad he is. You have wonder though whether this will last all season, but why not, no one deserves it more than RAUUUUUUULLLLLLLLLLL! Anyway so the Phils are now 22-17 overall and lead the NL East by 1.5 games over the idle Mets.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with the Reds tonight as Jamie Moyer again went for his 250th win. This time he pitched well at least, allowing just 3 runs on 9 hits in 6 strong innings. Unfortunately Aaron Harang was just a bit better allowing just 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 9 through7 innings. The Phils simply couldn't figure him out and then ex-Phillie Arthur Rhodes and Francisco Cordero were lights out in the 8th and 9th innings, so you probably know how this one went. In the bottom of the 1st, Brandon Philips singled in a run for a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the 2nd Bret Hanigan lined a solo homer into the bleachers for a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the 3rd Jay Bruce blooped a single to right to knock in another run for a 3-0 lead. In the top of the 4th Raul Ibanez slugged a solo homer to cut it to 3-1. In the bottom of the 7th Phillips tripled in 2 more runs for a 5-1 lead. From there as mentioned the Reds bullpen took over and the Phils fell 5-1, snapping their 5 game winning streak. Fortunately the Mets blew it again out in L.A, so the Phils at 21-17 now, remain in first in the NL East by a full game. Much has been said about the struggles of Moyer in his last few games, but I think after tonight he's going to be okay. Now if Joe Blanton, who starts tomorrow night, could only get himself back in gear, the Phils might have something because honestly I think the only thing that has held them back so far is the rotation.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils traveled to Cincinnati to begin a series with the Reds tonight. With Cole Hamels and Johny Cueto scheduled to be on the mound, the stage was set for a classic pitcher's duel. In the end it was not a classic duel, but a good pitching matchup nonetheless. Thankfully for the Phils, Hamels out dueled Cueto, allowing just 3 runs on 5 hits while striking out 7 in 6 strong innings. Meanwhile, Cueto lasted a inning longer than Hamels, but allowed 4 runs on 7 hits. So Hamels did just enough to get the game to the bullpen with the Phils ahead. As you might expect, although still not quite an automatic check in the win column, getting the game to the bullpen with a lead was adequate on this night to secure a 5th straight win for the Phils. It wasn't all about the pitching though. Ryan Howard got the Phils off to a resounding start crushing a solo homer in the top of the 2nd for a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the 4th Jay Bruce matched Howard with a solo shot of his own to knot it at 1. In the top of the 5th a double by Jimmy Rollins, a single by Chase Utley, and a sac fly by Raul Ibanez plated 3 runs for a 4-1 lead. In the bottom of the 6th Jerry Hairston lined a solo shot into the seats and Brandon Philips tripled and scored to cut the lead to 4-3. From there Clay Condrey and the "the Bridge to Lidge" Ryan Madson kept the Phils ahead into the 9th. Brad Lidge then had another 9th inning adventure, allowing 2 on with one out before regrouping to retire the side and close out the 4-3 Phils win. Since the Mets blew another lead tonight against the Dodgers, the Phils at 21-16 overall, now lead the NL East by a full game. In other news the Phils finally pulled the plug, at least for now, on Chan Ho Park as the 5th starter in the rotation. Instead at this time Park will go back to the bullpen as the Phils long reliever, while J.A Happ assumes the 5th spot in the rotation for now. Park had been a picture of inconsistency thus far this season, terrible in his first few starts, than solid for a couple starts, only to come back and pitch terrible on Sunday. Happ on the other hand has consistently pitched well every time he has come out of the bullpen. Hopefully he will bring that consistency with him as the Phils 5th starter, because the Phils really need another reliable arm in the rotation, especially with Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton each struggling thus far this season.
Monday, May 18, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
No game today, as the Phils are headed out to Cincinnati to begin a series with the Reds tomorrow.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils completed their weekend series with the Nats this afternoon looking for the sweep. Chan Ho Park got the start but was roughed up allowing 5 runs on 5 hits in just an inning and a 3rd. Fortunately from there, the bullpen held the Nats in check and Phils were able to rally from behind late to steal another one from Washington. In the top of the 1st Jayson Werth singled in one run and the "Flyin Hawaiian" Shanve Victorino doubled in 2 more for a 3-0 lead. In the bottom of the 1st, Elijah Dukes and Adam Dunn each doubled in one run and a wild pitch by Park led to a 3rd run and a 3-3 tie. In the bottom of the 2nd, Dunn worked a bases load walk and Willie Harris was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, for 2 more runs and a 5-3 lead. In the top of the 4th Jimmy Rollins singled in one run and Chase Utley doubled in a 2nd run to knot it up at 5. In the bottom of the 6th Ryan Zimmerman sac flied in another run to put the Nats up 6-5. In the top of the 8th an error by Jese Colome caused two runs to score and Eric Bruntlett slapped a pinch double for a 3rd run and an 8-6 lead.Finally in the bottom of the 9th Brad Lidge came in and racked up yet another save to close out the 8-6 win. So the Phils move to 20-16 overall and now just .5 games behind the Mets in the NL East.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
Thanks to the aforementioned rainout the last time they were in Washington the Phils had to play two today in Washington. In the first game this afternoon Brett Myers got the start and had a good day allowing just 2 runs on 3 hits while striking out 8 in 7 strong innings. Meanwhile the Phils racked up 14 hits and again just enough runs to hold off the Nats. In the top of the 1st, Raul Ibanez slammed a solo homer for a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the 1st Ryan Zimmerman slugged a solo homer to knot it up at 1. In the top of the 2nd Jayson Werth lined a solo homer into the seats for a 2-1 lead. In the top of the 3rd Ibanez crushed a 3 run homer for a 5-1 lead. In the bottom of the 4th Josh Willingham slapped a solo homer to cut it to 5-2. In the top of the 5th Werth singled in a run for a 6-2 lead. In the top of the 8th Jimmy Rollins and "the Flyin Hawaiian" , Shane Victorino each singled in a run for an 8-2 lead. In the bottom of the 8th Ryan Madson allowed 3 runs on a double by Cristian Guzman, a sac fly by Nick Johnson, and a single by Zimmerman to cut the lead to 8-5. Fortunately, Brad Lidge bared down in the 9th and retired the side without allowing a run for the first time in a while, to close out the 8-5 win. In the 2nd game AAA call up Andrew Carpenter got the start(because he threw 2 innings last night, J.A Happ could not make the start freshly and anyone else would have been out of their usual schedule) and did just enough to help the Phils win, allowing 5 runs on 8 hits in 4 and 1/3rd innings. Meanwhile the Phils racked up another 9 hits and just enough runs to hold off the Nats in a rain shortened affair. In the bottom of the 1st, the nerves got to Carpenter as he allowed Johnson to single in a run for a 1-0 lead. In the top of the 3rd, after Carpenter had settled down for a bit, Chase Utley doubled in one run and Ryan Howard crushed a 2 run homer to dead center for a 3-1 lead. In the bottom of the 4th Will Nieves singled in a run to cut it to 3-2. In the top of the 5th Ibanez slammed another 3 run homer and Carlos Ruiz later worked a bases loaded walk for a 7-2 lead. Carpenter finally ran into trouble again in the 5th, as Willie Harris singled in a couple runs and Ronnie Belliard tripled to score Harris and cut the lead to 7-5. Fortunately Clay Condrey came in for Carpenter and managed to get out of the inning. Then in the top of the 6th after the Phils had loaded the bases, and were probably about to blow the game open anyway, the rains came, halting play. Ninety minutes later the game was called sealing a rain-shortened 7-5 Phils win. So the Phils move to 19-16 overall and pull to within 1.5 games of the Mets.
Friday, May 15, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
After dropping 2 of 3 to the Dodgers the Phils hopped on the train and traveled down to Washington to begin a weekend series with the lowly Nationals. The last time the Phils were in Washington they lost Harry Kalas and had a game get rained out, so they were hoping for sunnier skys this time around. Other then a blown save by Brad Lidge it was a nice night for the Phils. Joe Blanton provided a decent outing allowing 4 runs on 5 hits while striking out 5 in 5 innings. Meanwhile the Phils racked up 12 hits and enough runs to take a lead into the 9th, which as mentioned Lidge couldn't hold but he managed to keep it tied and J.A Happ, tomorrow night's starter, took care of the rest. In the top of the 2nd Carlos Ruiz singled in a run for a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the 4th, Ryan Zimmerman singled in one run, Anderson Hernandez worked a bases loaded walk for another run, and Will Nieves slapped a bases loaded single for 2 more runs and 4-1 lead. In the top of the 6th Pedro Feliz singled in one run and Carlos Ruiz singled in another run to cut it to 4-3. In the top of the 7th Ryan Howard crushed a 3 run homer for a 6-4 lead. In the bottom of the 9th with 2 on and 2 out Lidge surrendered a double to Willie Harris to tie it at 6, then struck out Austin Kearns to send the game into extra innings. In the top of the 12th the Phils finally retook the lead, after Happ struck out the side in the 11th. First Kip Wells walked the bases loaded. Then Raul Ibanez singled for 2 runs, Jayson Werth stole 3rd and scored on an error, and Pedro Feliz doubled to score Ibanez, for his 4th hit of the night and a 10-6 lead. Happ then had an adventure in the bottom of the 12th. hitting one batter, and walking another, before getting Josh Bard to fly out for the 10-6 win. So the Phils move back over .500 at 17-16 overall but remain 2 games behind the Mets.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished their series with the Dodgers this afternoon. Cole Hamels got the start and pitched well as usual, allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits while striking out 9 in 7 strong innings. However, Chad Billingsley actually outdid Hamels, allowing just 1 run on 3 hits while striking out 9 in 7 strong innings. Thus, the Phils would need some more late game heroics to pull this one out. In the bottom of the 1st, Jimmy Rollins doubled and scored on a sac fly by Ryan Howard for a 1-0 lead. In the top of the 3rd Casey Blake doubled and scored on an error by JRoll to knot it up at1. In the top of the 7th James Loney slugged a solo homer for a 2-1 lead. In the top of the 9th Matt Kemp tripled and scored on a sac fly by Blake for a 3-1 lead. In the bottom of the 9th, Carlos Ruiz slapped a 2 out 2 run double to tie it up at 3. In the top of the 10th after retiring the first 2 batters easily, Chad Durbin issued walk, a Russell Martin double, a walk, and a Kemp double, for 2 more 2 out runs and a 5-3 Dodger lead. Finally in the bottom of the 10th, with two out and Chase Utley on 2nd Howard had a chance to tie it up again with one swing, but he struck out chasing a breaking ball down and inside. So the Phils drop 2 of 3 to the Dodgers and fall back to .500 at 16-16 overall, now 2 games behind the 1st place Mets.
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