With their backs against the wall again the Flyers took the ice at the Wachovia center for game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals. It turned out to be yet another classic game but again it probably didn't have to be. The Flyers seem to prefer things to be gut wrenching and dramatic though so I guess it was pretty fitting night. Anyway they came out with a lot of energy right out of the gate but Chicago withstood it. That is until Marian Hossa slashed Aaron Asham. About a minute later the Flyers capitalized on the power play with Scott Hartnell making a tremendous back pass to Danny Briere for the score. Chicago got a power play before the end of the 1st period as well but the Flyers killed it off and went into the 2nd period leading 1-0.
Thanks to a stupid roughing penalty by Dustin Byfuglien the Flyers were on the power play again to start the 2nd period but they couldn't take advantage and then Chicago surged right off the penalty kill and into the Flyer's zone where Duncan Keith took a shot that deflected off Jeff Carter and in for the 1-1 tie. 7 minutes later the Orange and Black got their 3rd power play and made the most of it with Scott Hartnell slapping one in, that required video review to be counted. The two teams played on for almost 2 minutes before a stoppage finally allowed officials to review the goal, kind of an odd circumstance but the Flyers will take it. The Flyers had a few golden opportunities after that to go up 3-1 but they couldn't take advantage. Somehow or other there ended up being a faceoff in the Flyers' zone which Chicago won for about the first time all period long and Brent Sopel slapped in right off the faceoff past a surprised Leighton. So the game went into the 3rd tied at 2.
Just 2 and a half minutes into the 3rd the Flyers turned it over in the Chicago zone leading to a breakaway for Patrick Zane who ripped a wrister past a helpless Leighton for a 3-2 Chicago lead, causing the Wachovia center to fall silent for about a minute. I'll admit I even thought it was over, but Ville Leino who helped cause the breakaway had other ideas. Less than a minute later he rumbled into the Chicago zone, fed Claude Giroux a beautiful pass and slapped in the rebound off Giroux's shot past a sprawling Anti Niemi for a 3-3 tie. Despite the best efforts of both teams it stayed that way for the remainder of regulation and into OT. There it was Chicago who got off to the quick start but the Flyer's withstood the charge and then appeared to win it as Simon Gagne scored his first goal of the series with a wicked slap shot. Instead replays showed the puck never crossed the goal line. So played but only for another few moments before Briere and Matt Carle setup Giroux for the easy game winner. So Chicago's series lead is cut to 2-1 and the Flyer's fans can breath a sigh of relief until Friday anyway.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
When they desperately needed him to Kyle Kendrick had a superb afternoon, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 4 in 7 good innings. Unfortunately the Phils wasted his tremendous effort with another below average day at the plate. In 8 innings Derek Lowe struck them out 7 times while allowing just 1 run on 6 hits, an RBI single by Jayson Werth, pretty important considering how much he's been struggling. So Kendrick was struck with the no decision and the game went into the 8th tied at 1.
There Jose Contreras was brought in perhaps for a rare 2 innings outing but it didn't work out. With 2 out he allowed an RBI single by Omar Infante and then was removed in favor of J.C Romero. Romero finished off the 8th and kept Atlanta scoreless the rest of the way but it didn't matter. The Phils were not able to score in the 9th as the ex-Phil Billy Wagner put them away. So Brave complete a sweep of the Phils and move to 2.5 games up in the NL East. The Phils will now head home to host the NL West leading San Diego Padres for the weekend. Hopefully the home crowd will help them get out of there funk.
There Jose Contreras was brought in perhaps for a rare 2 innings outing but it didn't work out. With 2 out he allowed an RBI single by Omar Infante and then was removed in favor of J.C Romero. Romero finished off the 8th and kept Atlanta scoreless the rest of the way but it didn't matter. The Phils were not able to score in the 9th as the ex-Phil Billy Wagner put them away. So Brave complete a sweep of the Phils and move to 2.5 games up in the NL East. The Phils will now head home to host the NL West leading San Diego Padres for the weekend. Hopefully the home crowd will help them get out of there funk.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
Another night another less than desirable outcome for the Phils as they fell to Atlanta 7-3. Yes the lineup the struggled again but it was more than just that. First Cole Hamels allowed 3 runs on 2 hits in just 2/3rds of an inning before a torrential down pour halted the game for an hour and 40 minutes. Hamels could maybe have continued but Charlie Manuel decided not to chance it leaving the bullpen to pitch 7 and 1/3rd innings while allowing a further 4 runs and using up everyone except Brad Lidge who obviously wasn't available after pitching on Monday. That means other than Lidge no one else is really available to come out of the pen tomorrow unless absolutely necessary. So the good Kyle Kendrick, you know the one that only allows a couple of runs and goes deep into the game, better show up tomorrow.
Second, the defense struggled again with another 2 errors, by Juan Castro, and shockingly Jayson Werth, that led to runs. Otherwise the Phils might have been within striking distance when they loaded the bases with 2 out in the 9th for Ryan Howard and he could have just slapped a game tying single or a bases clearing go ahead double. Instead the Phils were down 7-3 at the time and Ryan was forced to swing for the fences so as to forge a tie, causing him to get off balance and rollover into a game ending ground out.
Finally, the lineup did struggle again but there were some positives. They manage to score 3 runs for the 2nd night in a row which is a big step in then right direction. Ryan Howard slammed a 2 run homer in the 6th, the Phils first homer in 68 innings. Hopefully that will awaken the Phils power bats. The Phils did rack up 10 hits, their highest total in quite some time, and everyone in the lineup hit safely except Shane Victorino and Juan Castro. Werth, Howard, Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, and all had a hit each which could be a huge sign that they're beginning to come out of the slump. Wilson Valdez and Carlos Ruiz each collected 2 hits tonight and continue to be the catalysts for this offense as they work to right themselves. They are clearly headed back in the right direction finally and it can't be too much longer until they are totally out of it. It is however, going to take continued hard work and perseverance for that to happen. So let's keep at it boys. I still believe. Go Phils!
Second, the defense struggled again with another 2 errors, by Juan Castro, and shockingly Jayson Werth, that led to runs. Otherwise the Phils might have been within striking distance when they loaded the bases with 2 out in the 9th for Ryan Howard and he could have just slapped a game tying single or a bases clearing go ahead double. Instead the Phils were down 7-3 at the time and Ryan was forced to swing for the fences so as to forge a tie, causing him to get off balance and rollover into a game ending ground out.
Finally, the lineup did struggle again but there were some positives. They manage to score 3 runs for the 2nd night in a row which is a big step in then right direction. Ryan Howard slammed a 2 run homer in the 6th, the Phils first homer in 68 innings. Hopefully that will awaken the Phils power bats. The Phils did rack up 10 hits, their highest total in quite some time, and everyone in the lineup hit safely except Shane Victorino and Juan Castro. Werth, Howard, Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, and all had a hit each which could be a huge sign that they're beginning to come out of the slump. Wilson Valdez and Carlos Ruiz each collected 2 hits tonight and continue to be the catalysts for this offense as they work to right themselves. They are clearly headed back in the right direction finally and it can't be too much longer until they are totally out of it. It is however, going to take continued hard work and perseverance for that to happen. So let's keep at it boys. I still believe. Go Phils!
EAGLES NEWS
After missing most of the last 3 seasons with injuries Marlon Jackson seemed healthy this off season as the Birds signed him to a contract. Going into mini camp earlier this month he was inserted as the starter at free safety with the rookie and heir apparent Nate Allen backing him up. Unfortunately another injury has taken a season from him. He ruptured his right Achilles tendon during practice today and is likely out for the season. When the Eagles picked him up most thought he would probably end up getting hurt again and they were right. There's no way to know how much better the Birds would have been at safety this season with Jackson so losing him is not big blow. It might turn out to be pretty important though as it means that Allen, the Birds future at free safety, is now likely to be their present. Hopefully he's up for the task. If not former draft pick Quintin Demps will have another opportunity to prove himself to be something more than the injury prone bust he's been so far.
Monday, May 31, 2010
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers took the ice for game 2 of the Stanley Cup finals tonight as they looked to even the playing field and steal away the home advantage from Chicago. Unlike game 1 this was more of a defensive tilt with both teams holding their own and remiaining scoreless through much of the 1st period. One bad half hour just before the 2nd permission was all it took for another Stanley Cup final game to slip away from the Orange and Black. With about 3 minutes left in the period Chicago threw a puck on net that Leighton stopped easily and then Lukas Krajicek should have been able to clear it away but it slapped it in the wrong direction right at Marian Hossa who deposited it past Leighton for a 1-0 lead.
Less than 30 minutes later the Flyers turned the puck over just outside their zone and ex- Flyer Ben Eager rumbled back into the zone with it and fired a wicked wrister high to Leighton's glove side. Leighton was just a hare late reacting to it as it wizzed by and into the net for a 2-0 lead. All hope seemed lost for the Flyers at that point but as usual they did not give up. They came out firing in the 3rd period and pretty much took over the game the remainder of the night. Unfortunately it turned out to be a little bit too late. Simon Gagne did score a power play goal 5 minutes into the period to cut it to 2-1 but that was it. Despite all their momentum and a plethora of great chances the rest of the way the Orange and Black couldn't push across the equalizer and eventually succumbed 2-1.
So the Flyers are 2-0 down in the series and you would love to say that's it's over and they can't come back. However, after rallying from 3-0 down in the conference semis it is clear nothing is impossible for this team. So don't give up them just yet. They simply have to protect the home ice and they'll be right back in the series. As hot as a Chicago has been it would be interesting to see how they would react if they were to suddenly drop 2 in a row and find themselves in a 2-2 series. Let's do it boys!
Less than 30 minutes later the Flyers turned the puck over just outside their zone and ex- Flyer Ben Eager rumbled back into the zone with it and fired a wicked wrister high to Leighton's glove side. Leighton was just a hare late reacting to it as it wizzed by and into the net for a 2-0 lead. All hope seemed lost for the Flyers at that point but as usual they did not give up. They came out firing in the 3rd period and pretty much took over the game the remainder of the night. Unfortunately it turned out to be a little bit too late. Simon Gagne did score a power play goal 5 minutes into the period to cut it to 2-1 but that was it. Despite all their momentum and a plethora of great chances the rest of the way the Orange and Black couldn't push across the equalizer and eventually succumbed 2-1.
So the Flyers are 2-0 down in the series and you would love to say that's it's over and they can't come back. However, after rallying from 3-0 down in the conference semis it is clear nothing is impossible for this team. So don't give up them just yet. They simply have to protect the home ice and they'll be right back in the series. As hot as a Chicago has been it would be interesting to see how they would react if they were to suddenly drop 2 in a row and find themselves in a 2-2 series. Let's do it boys!
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils traveled to Atlanta this afternoon to begin a 3 game set with Braves. Coming into the afternoon the Braves trailed the Phils in the NL East by only .5 games. So with an Atlanta win the Phils would fall out of first for just the 2nd time all season. This usually the time when this team responds by playing their best and fending off the challenge, but with their recent struggles you couldn't really expect that today. Indeed, rather than playing their best the Phils actually played arguably their worst game of the season in more ways than 1.
Defensively Ross Gload and Ryan Howard each committed errors that led to runs. Pitching wise Joe Blanton was hurt by the errors and rocked for 6 runs on 8 hits in just 6 innings. Later Chad Durbin ruined the Phils last chance to comeback in this one, by serving up a 3 run homer. Brad Lidge was the lone bright spot with a scoreless 8th inning, which hopefully means he's healthy and ready to rock again. Finally the lineup struggled yet again but not as much as they had. 4 straight 2 out doubles by Raul Ibanez, Carlos Ruiz, Wilson Valdez, Ben Francisco , at least allowed them to put up 3 runs. So if nothing the bottom of the Phils order can hit again now and maybe that will inspire the top of half the lineup to get it in gear.
Ant any rate while the Phils were struggling Atlanta racked up 9 runs and Tommy Hanson tossed 6 scoreless innings en route to an easy 9 -3 Braves win. So the Phils drop to 28-22 overall and out of the 1st place in NL East. Hopefully they won't be out of first for long.
Defensively Ross Gload and Ryan Howard each committed errors that led to runs. Pitching wise Joe Blanton was hurt by the errors and rocked for 6 runs on 8 hits in just 6 innings. Later Chad Durbin ruined the Phils last chance to comeback in this one, by serving up a 3 run homer. Brad Lidge was the lone bright spot with a scoreless 8th inning, which hopefully means he's healthy and ready to rock again. Finally the lineup struggled yet again but not as much as they had. 4 straight 2 out doubles by Raul Ibanez, Carlos Ruiz, Wilson Valdez, Ben Francisco , at least allowed them to put up 3 runs. So if nothing the bottom of the Phils order can hit again now and maybe that will inspire the top of half the lineup to get it in gear.
Ant any rate while the Phils were struggling Atlanta racked up 9 runs and Tommy Hanson tossed 6 scoreless innings en route to an easy 9 -3 Braves win. So the Phils drop to 28-22 overall and out of the 1st place in NL East. Hopefully they won't be out of first for long.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
Fresh off a perfect Saturday night the Phils looked to finish off a sweep of the Marlins this afternoon. The ageless one, Jamie Moyer did everything he could to make that happen allowing just 1 run on 4 hits in 6 strong innings. Unfortunately the Phils could give him no support. They had runners in scoring position in the 1st and 3rd innings but came up empty both times. In the 1st Jayson Werth struck out with runners on first and second, to end the threat. In the 3rd Wilson Valdez struck out, Chase Utley grounded out and Werth struck out again to strand Shane Victorino after a leadoff double. So despite his valiant effort Moyer left after the 6th with the Phils behind 1-0.
David Herndon took it from there tossing a couple scoreless innings to finish the day for the Phils pitching staff. Meanwhile the Phils had a runners at the corners in the 8th inning with 2 out for Werth and he struck out again, this time looking, to end threat. They didn't threaten in the 9th and Florida walked off having salvaged a 1-0 win. It is the 5th time in the last 8 games that the Phils have been shutout and I don't know what to say about it. At least in their last few games they were racking up hits, with about 7 per game. Today they had just 4, 3 off of starter Anibal Sanchez who on any other day might have been tagged for a few runs. I still believe the Phils will get out of this eventually. They are just too good not to. I just hope it isn't too late when they do.
David Herndon took it from there tossing a couple scoreless innings to finish the day for the Phils pitching staff. Meanwhile the Phils had a runners at the corners in the 8th inning with 2 out for Werth and he struck out again, this time looking, to end threat. They didn't threaten in the 9th and Florida walked off having salvaged a 1-0 win. It is the 5th time in the last 8 games that the Phils have been shutout and I don't know what to say about it. At least in their last few games they were racking up hits, with about 7 per game. Today they had just 4, 3 off of starter Anibal Sanchez who on any other day might have been tagged for a few runs. I still believe the Phils will get out of this eventually. They are just too good not to. I just hope it isn't too late when they do.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
Perfection. That's what was on display for the Phils and Roy Halladay tonight. As the man widely considered the best pitcher in baseball it has come to be expected that Halladay will pitch a gem every time he takes the mound, but this so much than that. It was clinic in every sense of the word. Never has a pitcher in a Phillies uniform been in more command of his pitches than Halladay was tonight. You could have tied the smallest of strings into knot, placed it over the outside corner of the plate and he would have hit it. The Marlins never new what hit them and really had no chance against him. They spent pretty much the whole night guessing what he was going to throw next and failing miserably.
The Phils didn't do much better against Josh Johnson. Sure they managed 7 hits, but only a misplayed fly ball by Cameron Maybin averted another shutout, as Wilson Valdez scored from 1st and Chase Utley wound up on 3rd on the error. The Marlins weren't so lucky. 27 of them came to plate against Halladay and 27 were retired. Juan Castro, playing at 3rd in place of Placido Polanco, gloved the final out, spun, and threw to first to complete the 20th perfect game in MLB history and 2nd in Phillies history after Jim Bunning on father's day in 1964. Yep that's what went on in Miami tonight. Perfection.
The Phils didn't do much better against Josh Johnson. Sure they managed 7 hits, but only a misplayed fly ball by Cameron Maybin averted another shutout, as Wilson Valdez scored from 1st and Chase Utley wound up on 3rd on the error. The Marlins weren't so lucky. 27 of them came to plate against Halladay and 27 were retired. Juan Castro, playing at 3rd in place of Placido Polanco, gloved the final out, spun, and threw to first to complete the 20th perfect game in MLB history and 2nd in Phillies history after Jim Bunning on father's day in 1964. Yep that's what went on in Miami tonight. Perfection.
FLYERS NEWS
The night all Flyers' fans have been waiting for finally came tonight as the Puck was dropped for game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals and what a game it was. Thanks to a complete lack of goaltending and defense on both sides the two teams combined for a near record 11 goals. Neither team was ever really able to find their footing defensively. At the same time neither team was ever really able to string enough positive plays together to truly take control of the game. Sure it made for an exciting night with a goal seemingly every 5 minutes but it's probably not the way either team envisioned the night going and not the way either team woud like the series to continue. If nothing else though the game did prove one thing. The Flyers can play with these Chicago Blackhawks.
Anyway early on the Flyers struck first blood with Ville Leino scoring off an assist from Danny Briere 6 minutes into the contest. Just a minute later Troy Brouwer tied it at 1. 4 minutes after that Dave Bolland broke away shorthanded, after Braydon Coburn lost it at the blueline, and scored on a helpless Micheal Leighton for a 2-1 lead. 5 minutes later Scott Hartnell scored the Flyers only power play tally of the night to knot it up at 2, off another Briere assist. A few minutes later in the final seconds of the period Briere finally scored himself to put the Orange and Black up 3-2. A little over a minute into the 3rd ex-Flyer Patrick Sharp tied it up again at 3. About 6 minutes later after Chicago lost the puck in their own zone, Blair Betts rumbled in and fired one by Anti Niemi for a 4-3 lead. Unfortunately it would be the Flyer's last lead of the night. A couple minutes later Kris Versteeg tied it up at 4.
6 minutes after that Brouwer scored again for a 5-4 Hawks' lead. A few minutes later Aaron Asham grabbed another Blackhawk turnover and scored to knot it up at 5. Incredibly it was 8 minutes into the 3rd period before anyone scored again. By then Brian Boucher had replaced Leighton in net and he was totally fooled by Thomas Kopecky for a 6-5 Blackhawk lead. From there the Flyers had a couple of good chances to tie it up again but they could not as Chicago finally tightened up a bit defensively, just enough to hang on for the 6-5 win. So the Flyers trail in the finals 1-0 but it's only 1 game and now that it is clear we can score against the Hawks, we simply have to tighten up defensively and the cup is ours.
Anyway early on the Flyers struck first blood with Ville Leino scoring off an assist from Danny Briere 6 minutes into the contest. Just a minute later Troy Brouwer tied it at 1. 4 minutes after that Dave Bolland broke away shorthanded, after Braydon Coburn lost it at the blueline, and scored on a helpless Micheal Leighton for a 2-1 lead. 5 minutes later Scott Hartnell scored the Flyers only power play tally of the night to knot it up at 2, off another Briere assist. A few minutes later in the final seconds of the period Briere finally scored himself to put the Orange and Black up 3-2. A little over a minute into the 3rd ex-Flyer Patrick Sharp tied it up again at 3. About 6 minutes later after Chicago lost the puck in their own zone, Blair Betts rumbled in and fired one by Anti Niemi for a 4-3 lead. Unfortunately it would be the Flyer's last lead of the night. A couple minutes later Kris Versteeg tied it up at 4.
6 minutes after that Brouwer scored again for a 5-4 Hawks' lead. A few minutes later Aaron Asham grabbed another Blackhawk turnover and scored to knot it up at 5. Incredibly it was 8 minutes into the 3rd period before anyone scored again. By then Brian Boucher had replaced Leighton in net and he was totally fooled by Thomas Kopecky for a 6-5 Blackhawk lead. From there the Flyers had a couple of good chances to tie it up again but they could not as Chicago finally tightened up a bit defensively, just enough to hang on for the 6-5 win. So the Flyers trail in the finals 1-0 but it's only 1 game and now that it is clear we can score against the Hawks, we simply have to tighten up defensively and the cup is ours.
Friday, May 28, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
Its over. It's finally over. After 3 excruciating nights in New York and another 3 innings in Florida tonight the Phils finally scored a run when Raul Ibanez ,of all people, slapped an RBI triple in the 4th inning. At the time all it did was the cut the Marlins lead to 2-1 but it fell like so much more. The Phils weren't finished either. In the 5th, Chase Utley walked, stole second, and scored on a single by Ryan Howard. In the 7th the Phils executed a double steal, with Shane Victorino stealing 3rd and Wilson Valdez stealing 2nd. Then Utley hit a sharp grounder to deep second, allowing Victorino to score for a 3-2 lead, the Phils first lead who knows how long.
It was thanks to Kyle Kendrick's 6 strong innings while allowing 0 earned runs, 2 unearned on his own throwing error in the 3rd, that Phils were able to take that lead. After 3 more scoreless innins out of the Phils bullpen that lead turned into an important 3-2 win, ending the Phils 5 game losing streak. It didn't come easily though. Chad Durbin and Danys Baez had a pretty easy of time of it in the 7th and 8th, but the Fish really gave Jose Contreras a run of it in the 9th. He managed to strike out Hanley Ramirez to start inning, but Jorge Cantu and Dan Uggla followed with singles to put 2 on with one out. First Cody Ross had a chance to drive them in but Contreras froze him on a splitter for out number 2. Then ex-Phil Ronnie Paulino got his chance but Contreras got him to pop up to Victorino for the final out. So Jose got his 3rd save, the Phils got their 27th win and the City of Philadelphia got to breath a huge sigh of relief.
It was thanks to Kyle Kendrick's 6 strong innings while allowing 0 earned runs, 2 unearned on his own throwing error in the 3rd, that Phils were able to take that lead. After 3 more scoreless innins out of the Phils bullpen that lead turned into an important 3-2 win, ending the Phils 5 game losing streak. It didn't come easily though. Chad Durbin and Danys Baez had a pretty easy of time of it in the 7th and 8th, but the Fish really gave Jose Contreras a run of it in the 9th. He managed to strike out Hanley Ramirez to start inning, but Jorge Cantu and Dan Uggla followed with singles to put 2 on with one out. First Cody Ross had a chance to drive them in but Contreras froze him on a splitter for out number 2. Then ex-Phil Ronnie Paulino got his chance but Contreras got him to pop up to Victorino for the final out. So Jose got his 3rd save, the Phils got their 27th win and the City of Philadelphia got to breath a huge sigh of relief.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
This was it. This is the game that will be remembered later this season if the Phils go on to more greatness. This is game that will be remembered years from now the next time it happens. Yes it happened. For the 3rd night in the row the Phils failed to score a run and thus completed their series with the Mets without having scored a single run. If he were still alive, his whiteness, Richie Ashburn, would have something like 'You've got to be kidding me', like he did the last time this happened to the Wheeze Kids back in 1983. Of course that team went on to the world series. So there's still hope for this year's group. After all it wasn't the Met's great pitching that caused this, but rather the Phils beating themselves and a plethora of bad luck. It just seems like everything they hit hard these days winds up in someone's glove instead of going for a hit.
The funny thing is that much of these offensive struggles for the Phils have come at the expense of some great pitching performances. On this it was Cole Hamels who did everything in his power to avert a sweep. He went 6 and 1/3rd innings allowing just 3 runs on 9 hits while striking out 3. His line actually should have been even better but again bad luck intervened in the 6th inning. First Placido Polanco booted a potential inning ending double play ball. Then Cole sawed off Jose Reyes but could only watch as a double, that literally stayed fair only because Reyes broke his bat, looped into right for 2 runs. That coupled with an RBI double in the 1st inning by Jason Bay was all the Mets needed to scratch out a 3-0 win.
After suffering their 4th shutout in their last 5 games the Phils are going to have to completely erase everything that has happened this past week and move on. They just can't afford to dwell on all they head down to Florida for the weekend for a meeting with Marlins. The Phils scoreless streak needs to end there or they're going to be in big trouble. For right now at 26- 20 overall they remain in 1st place, 1.5 games up on the Atlanta Braves and if nothing else they can at least feel good about that.
The funny thing is that much of these offensive struggles for the Phils have come at the expense of some great pitching performances. On this it was Cole Hamels who did everything in his power to avert a sweep. He went 6 and 1/3rd innings allowing just 3 runs on 9 hits while striking out 3. His line actually should have been even better but again bad luck intervened in the 6th inning. First Placido Polanco booted a potential inning ending double play ball. Then Cole sawed off Jose Reyes but could only watch as a double, that literally stayed fair only because Reyes broke his bat, looped into right for 2 runs. That coupled with an RBI double in the 1st inning by Jason Bay was all the Mets needed to scratch out a 3-0 win.
After suffering their 4th shutout in their last 5 games the Phils are going to have to completely erase everything that has happened this past week and move on. They just can't afford to dwell on all they head down to Florida for the weekend for a meeting with Marlins. The Phils scoreless streak needs to end there or they're going to be in big trouble. For right now at 26- 20 overall they remain in 1st place, 1.5 games up on the Atlanta Braves and if nothing else they can at least feel good about that.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils recent struggles at the plate continued for another night. They racked up 7 hits and again had runner's in scoring position a few times but were never able to cash in. Hikenori Takahashi who went 6 scoreless, combined with Jenry Meija, Ryota Igarashi, and Fernando Nieve to handle the Phils their 3rd shutout in their last 4 games. That's first time that has happened to the Phils since 1990 and for a lineup that boasts the talent they do it is a bit embarrassing. However, it is also not all that surprising. The 3 shutouts came against 2 knuckleballers, and lefthander Takahashi, both pitching types against which the current Phils lineup has been historically unsuccessful. Also the lineup hasn't quite been solidly in place since Jimmy Rollins went back on the DL. Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, and Carlos Ruiz have all been in and out the lineup lately and Carlos is apparently experiencing shoulder pain again.
The Phils starting pitching which had been rolling along as of late, as dipped a bit in these few games as well. Joe Blanton had a little trouble with is command in this one, as he allowed 5 runs on 6 hits in just 5 and 1/3rd innings, basically his worst outing of the season thus far. Fortunately, the bullpen, really the only bright spot at the moment, picked him up with 2 and 2/3rd's scoreless innings. More than good enough to keep the Phils in it, but they just couldn't figure out a way to score so it didn't matter anyway. Still that is at least something to build on and with everything this team has done over the past 3 years it is hard to believe that this isn't just another slump they can get out of with a little renewed focus and effort. Considering they haven't been swept in this series thus far this season and Mike Pelfrey, whom the Phils bludgeoned into submission the last time they faced him, will take the mound for the Mets , tomorrow could well be the day the Phils start to get out of this. Otherwise their 2.5 game lead in the NL East won't last much longer.
The Phils starting pitching which had been rolling along as of late, as dipped a bit in these few games as well. Joe Blanton had a little trouble with is command in this one, as he allowed 5 runs on 6 hits in just 5 and 1/3rd innings, basically his worst outing of the season thus far. Fortunately, the bullpen, really the only bright spot at the moment, picked him up with 2 and 2/3rd's scoreless innings. More than good enough to keep the Phils in it, but they just couldn't figure out a way to score so it didn't matter anyway. Still that is at least something to build on and with everything this team has done over the past 3 years it is hard to believe that this isn't just another slump they can get out of with a little renewed focus and effort. Considering they haven't been swept in this series thus far this season and Mike Pelfrey, whom the Phils bludgeoned into submission the last time they faced him, will take the mound for the Mets , tomorrow could well be the day the Phils start to get out of this. Otherwise their 2.5 game lead in the NL East won't last much longer.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils' lineup has really been struggling as of late. Tonight against the Mets in NY, was unfortunately no exception. Facing a knuckleballer, R.A Dickey, for the 2nd game in a row the Phils again could not get off the mat. They racked up 9 hits, 7 off Dickey, and had runner's in scoring position multiple times, but went just 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position and could not push across any runs. In all Dickey tossed 6 scoreless innings while striking out 7 and Raul Valdez went the final 3 innings scoreless while striking out 3, to hand the Phils their 2nd shutout in their last 3 games. Offensively things just can't any worse for the Phils.
Pitching wise things seem to be okay though. Jamie Moyer went another solid 5 innings allowing just 4 runs on 7 hits. David Herndon was solid in the next 2 innings allowing just 1 run on 2 hits. Finally ,Nelson Figueroa, who hadn't pitched in quite a while, got roughed up a bit allowing 3 runs on 4 hits in the 9th to make the final score 8-0. Really though it wasn't that lopsided of a game the Phils just had some bad luck and could easily have scored 7 or 8 runs themselves with a little more timely hitting. It was just another one of those nights to forget where nothing went their way. In fact I don't even want to think about it anymore so I'll stop here. Let's get them tomorrow boys.
Pitching wise things seem to be okay though. Jamie Moyer went another solid 5 innings allowing just 4 runs on 7 hits. David Herndon was solid in the next 2 innings allowing just 1 run on 2 hits. Finally ,Nelson Figueroa, who hadn't pitched in quite a while, got roughed up a bit allowing 3 runs on 4 hits in the 9th to make the final score 8-0. Really though it wasn't that lopsided of a game the Phils just had some bad luck and could easily have scored 7 or 8 runs themselves with a little more timely hitting. It was just another one of those nights to forget where nothing went their way. In fact I don't even want to think about it anymore so I'll stop here. Let's get them tomorrow boys.
Monday, May 24, 2010
FLYERS NEWS
It was a night to remember for the Orange and Black on this Monday. 13 years ago the Flyers made their last trip to the Stanley Cup Finals and now they're finally back. It wasn't easy though. Having already comeback from 3-1 and 3-2 down to win their two previous series and riding a 6-0 record this postseason in elimination games, the Habs weren't bothered by the 3-1 deficit they brought into tonight and they gave the Orange and Black all they could handle. In fact Montreal claimed the early 1-0 lead just 59 seconds into the 1st period. Only a few minutes later the Habs got a power play and a golden opportunity to extend their lead to 2-0. They couldn't take advantage though.
Instead Mike Richards cleared the puck down the ice, chased it over the blue line, collided with Jaroslav Halak, somehow maintained control of the puck as he fell to the ice and got himself up in time to slap it into the now empty net for the 1-1 tie. It was without doubt one of the most electrifying one man efforts you'll ever see and it ignited the Orange and Black. Just 3 minutes into the 2nd period Aaron Asham scored for a 2-1 lead. A minute later Jeff Carter registered his 1st goal since returning from the DL, to push the lead to 3-1. Thanks to Micheal Leighton and the superb defense and penalty killing in front of him it looked like that would be enough. Then Scott Gomez scored early in the 3rd to cut it to 3-2 and suddenly things were interesting again
From there on out Montreal desperately threw everything they had at Leighton to get that equalizing score, but he didn't budge, saving 25 of the 27 shots he faced. Try as they might Montreal just couldn't get it by him. Finally with less than 30 seconds to play, another stellar Richard' s effort led to an empty netter by Carter for a 4-2 lead and that about sealed the deal at last as the Orange and Black skated away with the 4-2 win and the Eastern conference title. All the members of the team are to be commended for their efforts thus far in this postseason. Never have I season a Flyer's team play with more heart than this one and never has it been more satisfying to watch them win. Here's hoping there's still 4 more satisfying nights to go.
Instead Mike Richards cleared the puck down the ice, chased it over the blue line, collided with Jaroslav Halak, somehow maintained control of the puck as he fell to the ice and got himself up in time to slap it into the now empty net for the 1-1 tie. It was without doubt one of the most electrifying one man efforts you'll ever see and it ignited the Orange and Black. Just 3 minutes into the 2nd period Aaron Asham scored for a 2-1 lead. A minute later Jeff Carter registered his 1st goal since returning from the DL, to push the lead to 3-1. Thanks to Micheal Leighton and the superb defense and penalty killing in front of him it looked like that would be enough. Then Scott Gomez scored early in the 3rd to cut it to 3-2 and suddenly things were interesting again
From there on out Montreal desperately threw everything they had at Leighton to get that equalizing score, but he didn't budge, saving 25 of the 27 shots he faced. Try as they might Montreal just couldn't get it by him. Finally with less than 30 seconds to play, another stellar Richard' s effort led to an empty netter by Carter for a 4-2 lead and that about sealed the deal at last as the Orange and Black skated away with the 4-2 win and the Eastern conference title. All the members of the team are to be commended for their efforts thus far in this postseason. Never have I season a Flyer's team play with more heart than this one and never has it been more satisfying to watch them win. Here's hoping there's still 4 more satisfying nights to go.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
After registering just 1 hit last night the Phils were glad to face anyone other than Dice K as they took the field today in the rubber match of their series with Red Sox. Unfortunately, the man they got to face today was knuckle baller Tim Wakefield and he like Dice K was on his game. They hit a lot of balls hard just like last night, but a hard hit 65 mph knuckle ball is like a popped up 95 mph heater. Thus, there were a lot of long loud outs for the Phils as they scuffled through another 8 scoreless innings. Meanwhile Roy Halladay got roughed for pretty much the first time this season, allowing 7 runs on 8 hits in just 5 and 2/3rd's innings. It wasn't all his fault as the Phils committed two major blunders in the field contributing to 3 of the 7 runs, but it also wasn't Hallday's best night either. He allowed a homerun and walked 2 batters while only striking out 1, giving him more walks than strikeouts in game for the first time all season.
Ultimately though, I wouldn't blame Roy as much as the defense. If not for those errors the Phils might have actually had a chance in this one. In fact they did rally for 3 runs in the 9th, on Raul Ibanez' s RBI double and Ross Gload's 2 run homer, but it was too little too late. Maybe if those errors had not occured and Gload's homer had cut the lead to 5-3 instead of 8-3 then they would have been able to continue the rally long enough to win, but instead Shane Victorino popped up to end the disappointing 8-3 loss. Now this game might have given you reason to panic but I am still not tworried. The Phils have never been great in interleague play. The past 2 seasons combined they had just 2 wins in interleague play and yet they still advanced back to the world series. Why should this season be any different. Moreover, the Red Sox have historically had Halladay's number. In his career Roy is just 14-15 with a 4,40 ERA against the Red Sox so what happened today is nothing new. That said, the Phils are currently 26-17 overall and remain 3.5 games up in the NL East.
Ultimately though, I wouldn't blame Roy as much as the defense. If not for those errors the Phils might have actually had a chance in this one. In fact they did rally for 3 runs in the 9th, on Raul Ibanez' s RBI double and Ross Gload's 2 run homer, but it was too little too late. Maybe if those errors had not occured and Gload's homer had cut the lead to 5-3 instead of 8-3 then they would have been able to continue the rally long enough to win, but instead Shane Victorino popped up to end the disappointing 8-3 loss. Now this game might have given you reason to panic but I am still not tworried. The Phils have never been great in interleague play. The past 2 seasons combined they had just 2 wins in interleague play and yet they still advanced back to the world series. Why should this season be any different. Moreover, the Red Sox have historically had Halladay's number. In his career Roy is just 14-15 with a 4,40 ERA against the Red Sox so what happened today is nothing new. That said, the Phils are currently 26-17 overall and remain 3.5 games up in the NL East.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
FLYERS NEWS
The Orange and Black got demolished in game 3 of the Eastern conference finals so aided by the returns of Jeff Carter and Ian Laperriere to the lineup, they came into game 4 this afternoon determined not to let that happen again. For Peter Laviolette improving from one game to the next usually means toughening up defensively. Boy did they do that today. From beginning to end they smothered the Habs, holding them to just 17 shots on goal. In the 2nd period alone Montreal had just 1 shot on goal. In the 3rd period when you would figure the Habs to be desperate and come out firing they still could only get 9 shots on goal. When they did get anything through the Flyer's defense Micheal Leighton was there to stop it every time as he recorded his 3rd shutout of the series. As defense goes it just doesn't get any better than what the Flyers did today. If they can play D like that for the remainder of playoffs they might just sip from Lord Stanley's Cup, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. There's still another game to win in this series.
As tough as they have been this postseason it's hard to see Montreal having much will left for game 5 of this series but who knows. The Orange and Black will just have to be sure to continue this effort and sit back like Boston in the last round. Anyway back to this game in case you were wondering about the Flyers scoring in this one, it went through the defense also. First Kimmo Timonen hit Claude Giroux as he rumbled into the zone and around the Montreal defense before beating Jaroslav Halak to his left for a 1-0 lead. 10 minutes later Chris Pronger found Ville Leino in about the same position and he too beat Halak to left before crashing into the net for a 2-0 lead. Finally late in the 3rd Giroux scored again on the Habs emtpy net to finish off the 3-0 win. So the Orange and Black are totally healthy now and one game from the finals. I don't think there is a much better position to be in. Go Flyers!
As tough as they have been this postseason it's hard to see Montreal having much will left for game 5 of this series but who knows. The Orange and Black will just have to be sure to continue this effort and sit back like Boston in the last round. Anyway back to this game in case you were wondering about the Flyers scoring in this one, it went through the defense also. First Kimmo Timonen hit Claude Giroux as he rumbled into the zone and around the Montreal defense before beating Jaroslav Halak to his left for a 1-0 lead. 10 minutes later Chris Pronger found Ville Leino in about the same position and he too beat Halak to left before crashing into the net for a 2-0 lead. Finally late in the 3rd Giroux scored again on the Habs emtpy net to finish off the 3-0 win. So the Orange and Black are totally healthy now and one game from the finals. I don't think there is a much better position to be in. Go Flyers!
PHILLIES NEWS
Good pitching always beats good hitting. That was the case tonight between the Red Sox and the Phillies. Daisuke Matsuzaka cooked up a good one for the Sox taking a no hitter into the 8th inning. Then Juan Castro blooped a single, the Phils only hit of the night, to break it up. Still Matzusaka managed to finish off the 8th to complete his day with 8 scoreless innings on just that one hit, while striking out 5. Meanwhile, Kyle Kendrick reverted back his bad form again allowing 5 runs on 8 hits in just 4 and 2/3rd's innings. After that the Phils bullpen pitched a solid 4 and 1/3rd scoreless to finish the night but it didn't matter. Dice K matched them all the way and did not allow the Phils to mount any rallies, before Dan Bard finished things in the 9th for the 5-0 Red Sox win.
Although the Phils only had 1 hit on the night, they did draw 4 walks and runners in scoring position a couple times, so you can't say they didn't try. They hit a lot of balls hard but they just happened to find a Red Sox every time. There's really nothing the Phils could have done about that. Sometimes it just isn't your night. Regardless of the loss, the Phils are still 26-16 overall and 3.5 games up in the NL East. As long they win tomorrow they'll still win the series and that's really all that matters. Well, that and getting Jimmy Rollins healthy again as he returned to the DL today for another two weeks or perhaps less. Here's hoping for less because the more of JRoll the Phils have the less of these games there will be.
Although the Phils only had 1 hit on the night, they did draw 4 walks and runners in scoring position a couple times, so you can't say they didn't try. They hit a lot of balls hard but they just happened to find a Red Sox every time. There's really nothing the Phils could have done about that. Sometimes it just isn't your night. Regardless of the loss, the Phils are still 26-16 overall and 3.5 games up in the NL East. As long they win tomorrow they'll still win the series and that's really all that matters. Well, that and getting Jimmy Rollins healthy again as he returned to the DL today for another two weeks or perhaps less. Here's hoping for less because the more of JRoll the Phils have the less of these games there will be.
Friday, May 21, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils began inter league play today with the start of weekend set against the Boston Red Sox. Boston has had rough season thus far and tonight the Phils took advantage of all of Boston's problems. John Lackey, with his ERA over 5, has been a bust as free agent pickup for the Sox this season and the Phils rocked him for 4 runs on 6 hits in just 5 innings. The Red Sox bullpen has not been great this season either, even Jonathan Papelbon has even ERA over 3, and the Phils beat up on them for another run and 3 hits. Finally the Red Sox lineup this season has been hampered by injuries and age and tonight they struggled again thanks to Cole Hamels who went 7 innings while allowing 1 run on 3 hits and striking out 8. They nearly rallied to tie it in the 9th, as David Ortiz hit a long drive to center with the bases loaded, but where that drive would have been a game tying grand slam even 2 seasons ago, it was little more than a long loud final out that died on the warning track in this one.
So the Phils hung on for the 5-1 win. The run came on a leadoff solo shot in the 4th and an RBI single in the 6th by Ryan Howard, a 2 run upper deck bomb in the 5th by Jayson Werth and an RBI single in the 4th by Shane Victorino. David Herndon pitched a gem of a scoreless 8th inning, but it was Danys Baez and J.C Romero who nearly combined to blow it in the 9th. Baez got the first out but then allowed the next 2 batters to reach base, leading Charlie to replace him with Romero. Romero retired the first batter he faced also but then plunked Adrian Beltre to load the bases for pinch hitter, who fortunately flied out to end it. Ultimately it was positive night for the Phils, well except for one play. After singling with one out in the bottom of the 6th, Jimmy Rollings pulled up lame again, apparently re-injuring his calf, and had to be replaced by pinch runner Raul Castro. He is now day to day with a mild calf strain. Hopefully he won't too much more time but who knows. Anway at this point the Phils are 26-15 overall, 4.5 games up in the NL East.
So the Phils hung on for the 5-1 win. The run came on a leadoff solo shot in the 4th and an RBI single in the 6th by Ryan Howard, a 2 run upper deck bomb in the 5th by Jayson Werth and an RBI single in the 4th by Shane Victorino. David Herndon pitched a gem of a scoreless 8th inning, but it was Danys Baez and J.C Romero who nearly combined to blow it in the 9th. Baez got the first out but then allowed the next 2 batters to reach base, leading Charlie to replace him with Romero. Romero retired the first batter he faced also but then plunked Adrian Beltre to load the bases for pinch hitter, who fortunately flied out to end it. Ultimately it was positive night for the Phils, well except for one play. After singling with one out in the bottom of the 6th, Jimmy Rollings pulled up lame again, apparently re-injuring his calf, and had to be replaced by pinch runner Raul Castro. He is now day to day with a mild calf strain. Hopefully he won't too much more time but who knows. Anway at this point the Phils are 26-15 overall, 4.5 games up in the NL East.
SIXERS NEWS
It's official former Sixer's all star, Doug Collins, has been named the team's new head coach. He has had mixed results in his coaching career thus far which spans from being Micheal Jordan's first coach with the Bulls to being the Washington Wizards last coach before Eddie Jordan. One thing is clear though. He is a disciplinarian who preaches defense, which is the perfect persona for a team trying to bring along some young players. The Sixers appeared undisciplined and disinterested for much of last season. That should happen again this year under Collins. He's really the guy the Sixer's wanted last season before they settled with Eddie Jordan for one year. They actually gave Collins a 4 year contract so clearly they intend to use him more as a driving force to turn around the franchise than they ever did with Jordan. Personally I like Doug Collins and I always thought he got a raw deal in Washington. After all it wasn't until his last season that they finally gave him some talent to work with. For my money it was Collins who turned that team around not Jordan. Eddie just managed not to screw up too much what Collins had built in taking the team to the playoffs 3 of the next 4 years or so.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils met the Cubs this afternoon to finish off their brief series as the Phils looked to end their recent losing skid. Joe Blanton got the start and pitched well allowing just 3 runs on 5 hits in 7 innings. His one mistake came in the 7th inning when Derek Lee took him deep. Other than that he was solid around. The Phils meanwhile finally managed to scratch together some runs. Chase Utley slammed a solo shot in the 1st inning, and Jimmy Rollins lined out a 3 run homer, his first homer since returning from the DL, in the 6th inning. Together they had the Phils up 4-1 early on. Then Blanton gave a couple back in the 7th to cut the lead to 4-3.
Then in the 8th Kosuke Fukudome drove a game tying solo homer into the seats off Antonio Bastardo and suddenly the Phils were in danger of a 3rd straight loss. Enter Raul Ibanez. After the homer Danys Baez bailed out Bastardo and got out of the inning with the score still tied at 4. Then in the bottom of the 8th with 2 on and 2 out Ibanez doubled to score Chase Utley for a 5-4 lead. Finally in the 9th, after allowing 2 on and nobody out, Jose Contreras retired the side to preserve the 5-4 Phils win. It wasn't a perfect night for the Phils by any stretch but they'll take it. As of now they are 25-15 overall and back to 4 games up in the NL East. Not too shabby if you ask me.
Then in the 8th Kosuke Fukudome drove a game tying solo homer into the seats off Antonio Bastardo and suddenly the Phils were in danger of a 3rd straight loss. Enter Raul Ibanez. After the homer Danys Baez bailed out Bastardo and got out of the inning with the score still tied at 4. Then in the bottom of the 8th with 2 on and 2 out Ibanez doubled to score Chase Utley for a 5-4 lead. Finally in the 9th, after allowing 2 on and nobody out, Jose Contreras retired the side to preserve the 5-4 Phils win. It wasn't a perfect night for the Phils by any stretch but they'll take it. As of now they are 25-15 overall and back to 4 games up in the NL East. Not too shabby if you ask me.
FLYERS NEWS
Coming into tonight the Flyers were looking for their 7th straight win of this postseason and Micheal Leighton's 3rd straight shutout. Unfortunately they seemed to run out of gas in this one as they compiled their worst effort of the postseason thus far. It was just total domination by the Habs. They were more desperate of the two teams and they acted like it. They had the normally rock solid Flyer's defense on its heels all night, racking up 38 shots on goal and 5 scores. The Orange and Black also helped out Montreal's cause by committing 6 penalties while Montreal committed just 3 penalties but probably should have been called for more.
Whatever the reason for their poor play the Flyers were never really in this one. Just 10 minutes into the contest Montreal was already leading 2-0 and they never looked back. It was 4-0 by the time the Orange and Black finally got on the board mid 3rd period with Simon Gagne scoring again. It was too little too late as Montreal later added a power play goal en route to a 5-1 win. Still the Flyers continue to lead the series 2 games to 1 and there's no need to panic just now. If they lose game 4 then you can panic.
Whatever the reason for their poor play the Flyers were never really in this one. Just 10 minutes into the contest Montreal was already leading 2-0 and they never looked back. It was 4-0 by the time the Orange and Black finally got on the board mid 3rd period with Simon Gagne scoring again. It was too little too late as Montreal later added a power play goal en route to a 5-1 win. Still the Flyers continue to lead the series 2 games to 1 and there's no need to panic just now. If they lose game 4 then you can panic.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
After managing just 1 run on 6 hits last night, the Phils were looking to turn things around tonight against the Chicago Cubs. Unfortunately, it was just more of the same futility as they managed just 1 run on 5 hits. Once again they could have had more but after Placido Polanco scored their 1st run on a fielder's choice in the 8th inning, Jayson Werth was robbed of a game tying single by Chicago's rookie sensation SS Starlin Castro. The Phils then put 2 on with 1 out in the 9th, but Ross Gload and Shane Victorino each struck out to finish a disappointing 4-1 loss.
Like last night the loss came at the expense of another great performance by a Phils' starter. This time it was Jamie Moyer allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits in 7 innings only to take the loss. To add insult to injury both runs Moyer allowed came on balls that deflected off the glove of Polanco. An inch or to the left he would have had them and perhaps the Phils win this one 1-0. It just wasn't the Phils night tonight but now that it is warm out again they should be able to turn it on again tomorrow. For now they drop to 24-15 overall but remain 3 games up in the NL East.
Like last night the loss came at the expense of another great performance by a Phils' starter. This time it was Jamie Moyer allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits in 7 innings only to take the loss. To add insult to injury both runs Moyer allowed came on balls that deflected off the glove of Polanco. An inch or to the left he would have had them and perhaps the Phils win this one 1-0. It just wasn't the Phils night tonight but now that it is warm out again they should be able to turn it on again tomorrow. For now they drop to 24-15 overall but remain 3 games up in the NL East.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
FLYERS NEWS
Coming into the Eastern conference finals Montreal's Jaroslav Halak was statistically the best goalie in the playoffs. That's probably not the case anymore. No, after Micheal Leighton recorded his 2nd straight shutout tonight you could probably call him the best goalie in the playoffs at this point. Montreal put two more shots on goal tonight than they had in game 1 but the results were no different. Leighton saved them all again and appeared unfazed in doing so. It's always nice to have a goalie at this point in the playoffs who feels at home on the ice.
While Leighton shut down the Habs the Orange and Black continued to treat Halak rudely. They got traffic in front of him over and over again as in game 1 and it worked for another 3 goals. Four minutes into the 1st period Danny Briere scored on the power play for a 1-0 lead. With about 5 minutes to play in the 2nd period Simon Gagne lit the lamp, again on the power play, for a 2-0 lead. Finally, about midway through the 3rd period Ville Leino scored through traffic for a 3-0 lead. Thanks to Leighton as mentioned that's how it ended. So the Flyers now lead the Eastern conference finals 2-0 as the series shifts to Montreal for the next 2 games. Hopefully they'll keep it up.
While Leighton shut down the Habs the Orange and Black continued to treat Halak rudely. They got traffic in front of him over and over again as in game 1 and it worked for another 3 goals. Four minutes into the 1st period Danny Briere scored on the power play for a 1-0 lead. With about 5 minutes to play in the 2nd period Simon Gagne lit the lamp, again on the power play, for a 2-0 lead. Finally, about midway through the 3rd period Ville Leino scored through traffic for a 3-0 lead. Thanks to Leighton as mentioned that's how it ended. So the Flyers now lead the Eastern conference finals 2-0 as the series shifts to Montreal for the next 2 games. Hopefully they'll keep it up.
PHILLIES NEWS
Cold, wet, and dreary, that's a perfect description of the condition at the Bank last night. That's also good description of the Phils lineup last night. Just one day after racking up 12 runs on 13 hits, the Phils were reduced just 1 run on 6 hits in this one. They could have had more but Jayson Werth was thrown out trying to score from 2nd in the 5th inning, when he probably should have been held up, and Ben Francisco grounded out with the bases loaded in the 6th inning. The Phils lone run came just before Werth was thrown out, as Ryan Howard scored on Raul Castro's single.
Perhaps if Werth had been held up the Phils would have put up a few more runs in that 5th inning and we would talking about a win right now instead of a loss. At any rate thank's to the Phils futility a brilliant effort by Roy Halladay ,on his own bobblehead night, was wasted. He pitched a complete game while allowing just 2 runs on 9 hits and striking out 6. It is just too bad the Phils couldn't give him any support as they drop to 24-14 overall but remain 4 games up in the NL East. Tomorrow is another day and there was nothing in this loss to suggest that reign a top the division will end at any time soon so Let's go Phils!
Perhaps if Werth had been held up the Phils would have put up a few more runs in that 5th inning and we would talking about a win right now instead of a loss. At any rate thank's to the Phils futility a brilliant effort by Roy Halladay ,on his own bobblehead night, was wasted. He pitched a complete game while allowing just 2 runs on 9 hits and striking out 6. It is just too bad the Phils couldn't give him any support as they drop to 24-14 overall but remain 4 games up in the NL East. Tomorrow is another day and there was nothing in this loss to suggest that reign a top the division will end at any time soon so Let's go Phils!
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers got a huge break tonight at the NBA draft lottery when they were given the 2nd pick in the draft. That means they can take Ohio State star Evan Turner who is a possible future NBA superstar in the making. He is exactly what the Sixers need at shooting guard, someone who can score and play defense, and with him in the fold the Sixers would be just a big man away from turning themselves into contenders in the Eastern conference again. I just hope they don't something stupid and trade their pick.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles signed undrafted rookie defensive tackle Boo Robinson to a three-year contract today. He played his college ball at Wake Forest where he amassed 12.5 sacks and 145 tackles over 4 seasons. I am not sure how he'll help the Eagles though.
Monday, May 17, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils returned to the Bank tonight to begin a short series with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jimmy Rollins and Carlos Ruiz each returned to the lineup tonight while Chase Utley got the day off. With Shane Victorino still red hot and in the leadoff spot that made for an interesting night as JRoll jumped down to the #3 hole in place of Utley. It didn't faze him or the team at all though. Kyle Kendrick tossed 8 superb innings, allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits. Meanwhile the Phils racked up another 12 runs on 13 hits to blast past the Pirates. In the 1st JRoll plated a run with a fielder's choice. In the 3rd Ryan Howard slapped a 2 run single and Werth crushed a 3 run homer. In the 6th, Raul Ibanez singled and scored on an error. In the 7th JRoll doubled and scored on a Werth double. Finally in the 8th Ryan Howard tatooed a grand slam to cement a 12-2 Phils lead.
From there Antonio Bastardo put Pittsburgh out of its misery with a 1-2-3 9th to secur the 12-2 Phils win. All in all it as a great night for Kyle Kendrick with his 8 strong innings. It was also a successful return for JRoll with 2 hits and 2 runs scored and Ruiz with a hit and a run scored. It's great to have them both back ad it seems almost as if they never left. With Florida losing tonight, the Phils at 24-13 overall, now claim a 5 game lead in the NL East and show no signs of looking back any time soon. They don't need to because it is all straight ahead for the Phils right now and I am just enjoying it
From there Antonio Bastardo put Pittsburgh out of its misery with a 1-2-3 9th to secur the 12-2 Phils win. All in all it as a great night for Kyle Kendrick with his 8 strong innings. It was also a successful return for JRoll with 2 hits and 2 runs scored and Ruiz with a hit and a run scored. It's great to have them both back ad it seems almost as if they never left. With Florida losing tonight, the Phils at 24-13 overall, now claim a 5 game lead in the NL East and show no signs of looking back any time soon. They don't need to because it is all straight ahead for the Phils right now and I am just enjoying it
Sunday, May 16, 2010
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers and Canadiens met at the Wachovia center tonight to begin arguably the most improbable Eastern conference final series in history. On this night it would be the Orange and Black making history with a shockingly lopsided game 1 victory. 3:35 into the contest Braydon Coburn gave the Flyers a 1-0 lead off the power play, for his first ever playoff goal. The two teams tightened up defensively after that and it stayed 1-0 heading into the 2nd period. Have owned the 2nd period so far this postseason and tonight was no exception. Just 30 seconds into the period James Van Reimsdyk jammed one in to make 2-0. 4 minutes later and just after the Orange and Black's 2nd power play came to an end, Danny Briere wired one through traffic and into the back of net for a 3-0 lead. Five minutes later on their 3rd power play of the night, Simon Gagne drove to the net and slapped one in through traffic for a 4-0 lead.
That spelled the end of the night for Jaroslav Halak who came into the night as the best goaltender in the playoffs thus far. Instead, Carey Price took his place for the rest of the night but he had no better luck against the surging Flyers. Halfway through the 3rd Scott Hartnell wired another one in through traffic for a 5-0 lead. A minute later Claude Giroux authored a beautiful give and go off an odd man rush and put away a 6th score for the Orange and Black. That finally halted the Flyer's assault as they were content to coast the rest of the way and watch Micheal Leighton finish off his first playoff shutout with 28 saves. It really was a perfect night for the Orange and Black. They really couldn't have played any better. On other hand Montreal couldn't have played any worse and you can't expect them to play that poorly again in game 2, especially not Halak. So the Flyers will have to continue to bring the intensity to the ice that they brought tonight if they are to win this series and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. That's a long way off though. Right now they just need to focus on game 2.
That spelled the end of the night for Jaroslav Halak who came into the night as the best goaltender in the playoffs thus far. Instead, Carey Price took his place for the rest of the night but he had no better luck against the surging Flyers. Halfway through the 3rd Scott Hartnell wired another one in through traffic for a 5-0 lead. A minute later Claude Giroux authored a beautiful give and go off an odd man rush and put away a 6th score for the Orange and Black. That finally halted the Flyer's assault as they were content to coast the rest of the way and watch Micheal Leighton finish off his first playoff shutout with 28 saves. It really was a perfect night for the Orange and Black. They really couldn't have played any better. On other hand Montreal couldn't have played any worse and you can't expect them to play that poorly again in game 2, especially not Halak. So the Flyers will have to continue to bring the intensity to the ice that they brought tonight if they are to win this series and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. That's a long way off though. Right now they just need to focus on game 2.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished up their series with the Brewers tonight. Cole Hamels got the start and was solid allowing just 2 runs, both on solo homers, and 6 hits over 6 and 2/3rd innings of work. Milwaukee probably should have had more than those 2 runs but for whatever reason they just can't hit at home this season. The Phils took advantage of the Brew Crew's futility to jump out to an early 3-0 lead scoring a run in each of the 1st 3 innings. In the 1st Shane Victorino singled, stole second, moved to 3rd on an error, and finally scored on a double by Placido Polanco. In the 2nd Hamels himself slapped a 1 out RBI double. Finally in the 3rd, Wilson Valdez smacked a ground rule double to score Jayson Werth from 2nd.
So the Phils took a 3-2 lead into the 7th inning. Cole and Chad Durbin combined to get through that inning with the lead intact. Then a 2 out strikeout and wild pitch allowed the Phils to steal a run and a 4-2 lead in the 8th. Danys Baez came into pitch the 8th and promptly allowed back to back singles to start the inning. Just when it looked like the Phils were in trouble their defense stepped up big time. First Chase Utley and Wilson Valdez teamed up for a spectacular double play. Then Valdez back handed from deep short and gunned down Corey Hart to finish the inning. From there J.C Romero was solid in a scoreless 9th to finish the night and the series sweep of the Brewers. The Phils are now 10 games over .500 at 23-13 overall and 4 games up in the NL East, and this all while they still await the return of J.A Happ to the rotation and Jimmy Rollins to the lineup. Imagine how good they could be when those two are back and healthy
So the Phils took a 3-2 lead into the 7th inning. Cole and Chad Durbin combined to get through that inning with the lead intact. Then a 2 out strikeout and wild pitch allowed the Phils to steal a run and a 4-2 lead in the 8th. Danys Baez came into pitch the 8th and promptly allowed back to back singles to start the inning. Just when it looked like the Phils were in trouble their defense stepped up big time. First Chase Utley and Wilson Valdez teamed up for a spectacular double play. Then Valdez back handed from deep short and gunned down Corey Hart to finish the inning. From there J.C Romero was solid in a scoreless 9th to finish the night and the series sweep of the Brewers. The Phils are now 10 games over .500 at 23-13 overall and 4 games up in the NL East, and this all while they still await the return of J.A Happ to the rotation and Jimmy Rollins to the lineup. Imagine how good they could be when those two are back and healthy
Saturday, May 15, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with the Brewers this afternoon. Joe Blanton got the start and put forth another above average effort allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits through the 1st 6 innings. Once again he seemed to run out of gas in the 7th, allowing a 3 run homer by Corey Hart, before finishing the inning and his day having allowed 5 runs on 6 hits. Hart's blast not withstanding, it was still a solid day for Blanton. That's mostly because the Phils racked up 10 runs on 17 hits so all they needed out of Joe was 6 or 7 innings while allowing 4 or 5 runss. A single by Shane Victorino and a double by Chase Utley produced 2 runs in the 2nd. Victorino bashed a 2 run homer in the 6th. Finally in the 7th Victorino and Paul each slapped RBI doubles, Placido Polanco blooped an RBI single and Utley hit a deep sac fly for another 5 runs and at the time a 9-2 lead
Then Hart's homer cut it to 9-5, making things interesting, that is until a fielder's choice in the in 8th pushed the lead back up to 10-5. Unfortunately, after Chad Durbin tossed a scoreless 8th inning David Hernon was unable to close it out in 9th, forcing Jose Contreras into the game to earn his 1st career save. It wasn't easy though. Herndon left him with 2 runners in scoring position and only 1 out. From there Contreras walked the bases loaded before striking out the side to preserve the 10-6 win. So the Phils take the series over the Brewers and move to 22-13 overall, now 3 games up in the NL East.
Then Hart's homer cut it to 9-5, making things interesting, that is until a fielder's choice in the in 8th pushed the lead back up to 10-5. Unfortunately, after Chad Durbin tossed a scoreless 8th inning David Hernon was unable to close it out in 9th, forcing Jose Contreras into the game to earn his 1st career save. It wasn't easy though. Herndon left him with 2 runners in scoring position and only 1 out. From there Contreras walked the bases loaded before striking out the side to preserve the 10-6 win. So the Phils take the series over the Brewers and move to 22-13 overall, now 3 games up in the NL East.
Friday, May 14, 2010
FLYERS NEWS
It wasn't long ago that the Flyers were down 3-0 to the Bruins in their conference semifinal series. Most though the season was over after that, that they Orange and Black were playing on borrowed time, everyone that is except the players and coach Lavoliette themselves. So tonight they met with Bruins for game 7 of their series, looking to finish off the most improbable comeback in franchise history. First they would have to make yet another improbable comeback. Early on the Flyers looked like they meant business and were really taking it to the Bruins. All it took was misguided penalty by Scott Hartnell to turn the tables and allot Boston with a 1-0 lead just 5 minutes into the game. Less than 4 minutes later after Danny Briere took another ill advised penalty Boston made it 2-0. Then with about 6 minutes left in the 1st period Milan Lucic broke away on a 3 on 1 and flipped one by Micheal Leighton for a 3-0 lead.
So that was it right, It had been a great comeback by the Flyers, but they weren't going to be able to finish it off. Not so fast. Lavoliette quickly called a timeout after that to calm down the troops and boy did it work. Boston had multiple chances in the remainder of the period to make it 4-0 but Leighton stood tall. Then with a little less than 3 minutes in the period James Van Reimsdyk scored his first ever playoff goal, a softie through Tuuka Rask's legs to make it 3-1, and the rest as they say is history. A little over 5 minutes into the 2nd period Chris Pronger sent a pass the length of the ice to Hartnell who managed to get it to the net and then put it away off a second rebound to cut the lead to 3-2. 2 minutes later Danny Briere rumbled the length of the ice wrapped around the goal and somehow flipped one behind Rask and into the side of the net to tie it up at 3. It stayed 3-3 heading into the 3rd and all the way to about 7 minutes remaining in game as Leighton continued to hold off every Boston charge.
Finally at that point the Flyers got just their 3rd power play of the night, as Boston was caught with too many men on the ice. The Flyers took advantage a little over a minute later with Simon Gagne jabbing in a bouncing puck for a 4-3 lead, the Flyer's first of the night. Leighton made sure it held up the rest of the way as he finished off a solid 22 save night. So the Flyers got the 4-3 win and danced into history as just the 4th team overall(baseball/basketball/hockey) to successfully rally from 3-0 down to win a series, and just the 3rd NHL team to do so and now they'll host the Eastern conference finals. I just can't believe this team. They have injuries, a different goalie every month, and one deficit after another, yet nothing seems faze them. Now that they've come from 3-0 down who's gonna stop them now?
So that was it right, It had been a great comeback by the Flyers, but they weren't going to be able to finish it off. Not so fast. Lavoliette quickly called a timeout after that to calm down the troops and boy did it work. Boston had multiple chances in the remainder of the period to make it 4-0 but Leighton stood tall. Then with a little less than 3 minutes in the period James Van Reimsdyk scored his first ever playoff goal, a softie through Tuuka Rask's legs to make it 3-1, and the rest as they say is history. A little over 5 minutes into the 2nd period Chris Pronger sent a pass the length of the ice to Hartnell who managed to get it to the net and then put it away off a second rebound to cut the lead to 3-2. 2 minutes later Danny Briere rumbled the length of the ice wrapped around the goal and somehow flipped one behind Rask and into the side of the net to tie it up at 3. It stayed 3-3 heading into the 3rd and all the way to about 7 minutes remaining in game as Leighton continued to hold off every Boston charge.
Finally at that point the Flyers got just their 3rd power play of the night, as Boston was caught with too many men on the ice. The Flyers took advantage a little over a minute later with Simon Gagne jabbing in a bouncing puck for a 4-3 lead, the Flyer's first of the night. Leighton made sure it held up the rest of the way as he finished off a solid 22 save night. So the Flyers got the 4-3 win and danced into history as just the 4th team overall(baseball/basketball/hockey) to successfully rally from 3-0 down to win a series, and just the 3rd NHL team to do so and now they'll host the Eastern conference finals. I just can't believe this team. They have injuries, a different goalie every month, and one deficit after another, yet nothing seems faze them. Now that they've come from 3-0 down who's gonna stop them now?
PHILLIES NEWS
Fresh off a rain shortened series in Colorado the Phils traveled to Milwaukee tonight to begin a weekend series with the Brewers. While Jamie Moyer turned back the clock in with a complete game shutout in his last start both teams did so tonight as they donned their uniforms from the 70s, with the Phils in their old blue and maroon road jerseys. Although he goes back about as far as those unis Moyer continued to look under his age in this one going another 6 strong while allowing just 3 runs on 5 hits. Meanwhile Ryan Howard bashed a 2 run homer in the 1st, Raul Ibanez slapped an RBI double in the 2nd and a solo shot in 4th, Shane Victorino tripled in 2 runs in 4th, and singled in a run in the 6th, and finally Placido Polanco hit a sac fly in the 6th, to pace the Phils to an 8-3 lead. After that Jamie ran out of gas in the 7th, allowing Milwaukee to cut the score to 8-5 and briefly get back into it, but the Phils bullpen hung tough from there.
David Herndon closed out the 7th for Jamie. Danys Baez pitched into and out of trouble in the 8th inning. Finally, after Chase Utley hit one of those 'How did he do that' solo homers in the top of the inning to push the lead to 9-5, Jose Contreras closed it out but only after allowing a 1 out single and making things interesting. Fortunately Wilson Valdez made a great leaping catch a line drive to finish the night. Still, it was another job well done for Contreras. It's the 5th win of the season already for the ageless Moyer and who knows how many more there will be. With Brian Schneider and Carlos Ruiz both nursing injuries Paul Hoover got the start at catcher and proved to be a worthy replacement, reaching base twice with a single and a walk and calmly working through the night with the Phils pitching staff. He's actually a 33 year old veteran and this is his 7th time being up in the big leagues so he should be quite capable of holding down the fort for a while. It was still nice to see him play so well though. Anyway the Phils are now 21-13 overall and remain 1st in the NL East, 1.5 games up on the Nationals.
David Herndon closed out the 7th for Jamie. Danys Baez pitched into and out of trouble in the 8th inning. Finally, after Chase Utley hit one of those 'How did he do that' solo homers in the top of the inning to push the lead to 9-5, Jose Contreras closed it out but only after allowing a 1 out single and making things interesting. Fortunately Wilson Valdez made a great leaping catch a line drive to finish the night. Still, it was another job well done for Contreras. It's the 5th win of the season already for the ageless Moyer and who knows how many more there will be. With Brian Schneider and Carlos Ruiz both nursing injuries Paul Hoover got the start at catcher and proved to be a worthy replacement, reaching base twice with a single and a walk and calmly working through the night with the Phils pitching staff. He's actually a 33 year old veteran and this is his 7th time being up in the big leagues so he should be quite capable of holding down the fort for a while. It was still nice to see him play so well though. Anyway the Phils are now 21-13 overall and remain 1st in the NL East, 1.5 games up on the Nationals.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers and Bruins met at the Wachovia center tonight for game 6 of their conference semifinal series. With a win the Flyers would complete their improbable turn around from 3-0 to 3-3 and force a game 7. In their history the Orange and Black had never even gotten this far, back to 3-2, when trailing 3-0 in a series. So just playing tonight was special for them but they didn't allow themselves to get caught up in moment. Once again Boston did not perform up to same standard they set for themselves early in this series, mostly thanks to the Flyer's swarming defense. Even when they were able to control the puck in the Flyer's zone for a while, Boston couldn't get off quality shots. Of the 31 shots they did get off, 30 were swallowed by Micheal Leighton who spent the night looking surprisingly calm and confident in his first ever playoff start.
While the Flyer's defense continued to frustrate Boston, Mike Richards and Danny Briere took care of business on the other side of the ice. Early in the 1st period Richards slapped in a rebound for a 1-0 lead. Late in the 2nd period Briere broke into the Boston zone on his own lost the puck for a moment, had it bounce fortuitously right back to him, and then quickly lifted over Tuuka Rask for a 2-0 lead. Later with Milan Lucic poking one in with a minute to play, Briere's score turned out to be the game winner. So there will be a game 7 and once again I can't wait to see it. In other news the Montreal Canadien's completed another shocker tonight knocking off the defending stanley cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins in game 7 of their conference semifinal series. That means if the Orange and Black win game 7 on Friday they will host the Eastern conference finals which would incredible. Go Flyers!
While the Flyer's defense continued to frustrate Boston, Mike Richards and Danny Briere took care of business on the other side of the ice. Early in the 1st period Richards slapped in a rebound for a 1-0 lead. Late in the 2nd period Briere broke into the Boston zone on his own lost the puck for a moment, had it bounce fortuitously right back to him, and then quickly lifted over Tuuka Rask for a 2-0 lead. Later with Milan Lucic poking one in with a minute to play, Briere's score turned out to be the game winner. So there will be a game 7 and once again I can't wait to see it. In other news the Montreal Canadien's completed another shocker tonight knocking off the defending stanley cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins in game 7 of their conference semifinal series. That means if the Orange and Black win game 7 on Friday they will host the Eastern conference finals which would incredible. Go Flyers!
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with the Rockies tonight. They were supposed to play a day night doubleheader, but game 2 of the doubleheader was rained out and postponed indefinitely. In game 1 Roy Halladay got his first start in his home state of Colorado and unfortunately it wasn't one of his best. He didn't pitch that poorly, he just wasn't at his best, allowing 3 runs on 10 hits in just 6 and 1/3rd innings. He was probably a little nervous pitching in his home state and also Coors field of making great pitchers like Halladay look average. The Phils also didn't give him much support with Jayson Werth's RBI double in the 4th inning, and Chase Utley's RBI single and Raul Ibanez's sac fly in the 5th inning, producing the Phils only runs of the night. Still that was enough to allow the Phils to take a 3-1 lead into the 7th inning, before the Rockies scratched out a couple of runs to tie it up and chase Halladay from the game.
So it became a battle of the bullpens the rest of the way. J.C Romero finished off the 7th with 2 quick flyouts. Then Danys Baez tossed a scoreless 8th and Chad Durbin got through a scoreless 9th inning. Durbin then came back for the 10th and wasn't as lucky. On the first pitch he threw in the inning Miguel Olivo smacked a solo shot to lift the Rockies to the 4-3 win. So ultimately it was just one of those nights where it didn't quite go the Phils way. However, the Phils also lost more than the game tonight as Carlos Ruiz went down with a knee injury, but tests showed it was not a serious injury. So hopefully he won't be out long if at all. At any rate right now the Phils sit at 20-13 overall and remain 1st in the NL East by a couple games.
So it became a battle of the bullpens the rest of the way. J.C Romero finished off the 7th with 2 quick flyouts. Then Danys Baez tossed a scoreless 8th and Chad Durbin got through a scoreless 9th inning. Durbin then came back for the 10th and wasn't as lucky. On the first pitch he threw in the inning Miguel Olivo smacked a solo shot to lift the Rockies to the 4-3 win. So ultimately it was just one of those nights where it didn't quite go the Phils way. However, the Phils also lost more than the game tonight as Carlos Ruiz went down with a knee injury, but tests showed it was not a serious injury. So hopefully he won't be out long if at all. At any rate right now the Phils sit at 20-13 overall and remain 1st in the NL East by a couple games.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils were supposed to continue their series with Rockies tonight with Colorado native, Roy Halladay, making his first start in his home town. Unfortunately the night washed out. So tomorrow the Phils will play 2 games in a night time doubleheader with game 1 at about 3 and game 2 around 8:30 or so. It should be a wild night.
Monday, May 10, 2010
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers and Bruins met for game 5 of their conference semifinal series tonight. Once again the Orange and Black had to win to keep their season alive and boy did they. I mean what a difference a Gagne makes, as Simon led the charge in his 2nd game back from injury. Boston again had awful night and just look like a different team right now, nothing like the team that went ahead 3-0 in this series and suddenly very vulnerable to blowing this series all together. I don't know what has happened to them but I am glad it did because we actually have a chance now. You just can't be much more dominant than the Flyers were tonight out shooting the Bruins 31-23 and totally shutting down all their scoring chances. Boston also got undisciplined for one night at least, committing 8 penalties and even with their playoff best penalty kill that isn't a smart thing to do.
Early on things didn't look so promising for the Orange and Black. Ville Leino did score early in the 1st period for a 1-0 lead, but just 4 minutes into the 2nd period Brian Boucher went down with a knee injury which will sideline him likely for the remainder of the postseason. That left Micheal Leighton, fresh off the DL and having not played in a month, to protect the goal for the rest of the night. Usually rusty goalies don't do so well in the postseason, but as they had in the regular season , the Flyers played well in front of him and he responded saving all 14 shots he faced. Meanwhile, Scott Hartnell actually scored a goal midway through the 2nd and then Gagne singlehandedly put Boston away with a power play goal late in the 2nd and a breakaway early in the 3rd period to ice a 4-0 win. So there will be a game 6 back at the Wachovia center on Wednesday and I can't wait. You gotta believe.
Early on things didn't look so promising for the Orange and Black. Ville Leino did score early in the 1st period for a 1-0 lead, but just 4 minutes into the 2nd period Brian Boucher went down with a knee injury which will sideline him likely for the remainder of the postseason. That left Micheal Leighton, fresh off the DL and having not played in a month, to protect the goal for the rest of the night. Usually rusty goalies don't do so well in the postseason, but as they had in the regular season , the Flyers played well in front of him and he responded saving all 14 shots he faced. Meanwhile, Scott Hartnell actually scored a goal midway through the 2nd and then Gagne singlehandedly put Boston away with a power play goal late in the 2nd and a breakaway early in the 3rd period to ice a 4-0 win. So there will be a game 6 back at the Wachovia center on Wednesday and I can't wait. You gotta believe.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils traveled out to Colorado tonight to begin a series with the Rockies. Kyle Kendrick got the start and after helping to shutout the Cardinals in his last outing he reverted back to form tonight. He allowed 4 runs on 8 hits in 6 innings, twice coughing a Phils' lead. If nothing else he did at least hang in there and get through 6 to give the Phils a chance at the win and as it turned out that was all they needed tonight. The Phils had the lead early with Shane Victorino triplig and scoring on a sac fly. Then Kendrick gave it up as the Phils fell behind 2-1. In the 5th inning a fielder's choice and an error allowed the Phils to to jump back ahead 3-2 but again Kendrick couldn't hold it as the Rockies came right back to take a 4-3 lead.
The Phils took the lead again in the 6th with a solo shot by Carlos Ruiz and wild pitch for a 5-4 lead. Once again the Phils, this time J.C Romero in relief of Kendrick, could not hold the lead as the Rockies rallied back to tie it at 5. After Danys Baez survived a jam in the 8th inning, the Phils finally pushed ahead for good in the 9th, with Ruiz slapping a 2 out RBI single and Ross Gload striking the big blow, with a pinch 3 run home to put the Phils up 9-5. From there Jose Contreras continued his impressive play out of the bullpen and closed it out with a 1-2-3 inning. So the Phils move to 20-12 overall and now have won 9 of their last 12 as they remain 1st in the NL East, 2 games up on the Washington Nationals now.
The Phils took the lead again in the 6th with a solo shot by Carlos Ruiz and wild pitch for a 5-4 lead. Once again the Phils, this time J.C Romero in relief of Kendrick, could not hold the lead as the Rockies rallied back to tie it at 5. After Danys Baez survived a jam in the 8th inning, the Phils finally pushed ahead for good in the 9th, with Ruiz slapping a 2 out RBI single and Ross Gload striking the big blow, with a pinch 3 run home to put the Phils up 9-5. From there Jose Contreras continued his impressive play out of the bullpen and closed it out with a 1-2-3 inning. So the Phils move to 20-12 overall and now have won 9 of their last 12 as they remain 1st in the NL East, 2 games up on the Washington Nationals now.
Sunday, May 09, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finished their series with the Braves this afternoon. Cole Hamels got the start and after a brilliant outing against the Cardinals in his last game he was uneven today. He struck out 5, but walked 4 and allowed 3 runs on 8 hits in just 5 innings. It should really have been worse than just 3 runs on 8 hits and the fact that it wasn't shows how much the Brave's lineup continues to struggle and perhaps that Hamels' maturity level has risen since last season. There were several times during his outing today, where Cole could have folded and given more runs, but he didn't. Instead he kept battling and managed just enough to give the team a chance to win. Meanwhile, the Phils scratched out 4 runs in the early going, with a hit batsmen and a sac fly for a couple runs in the 1st inning, and solo homers by Placido Polanco in the 2nd inning and Jayson Werth in the 3rd inning.
After that Shane Victorino eventually tacked on another run for the Phils with a solo shot in the 7th. So inning when Hamels surrendered the 3 runs in the 5th inning he did not surrender the lead. Nor did Chad Durbin who tossed 2 scoreless innings(6th and 7th), Jose Contreras who tossed a scoreless 8th inning or Brad Lidge who got his first save since last season with a 1-2-3 9th to finish the important 5-3 win. With the win the Phils move to 19-12 overall, good enough for 1st in the NL East, 2 games up on the NY Mets. You just have to wonder about Cole Hamels at this point? The one that went 8 scoreless against the Cardinals, or the one who could barely get out of the 5th inning today. I still think it's the former and hopefully, sooner or later, he'll figure out a way to be the former more consistently.
After that Shane Victorino eventually tacked on another run for the Phils with a solo shot in the 7th. So inning when Hamels surrendered the 3 runs in the 5th inning he did not surrender the lead. Nor did Chad Durbin who tossed 2 scoreless innings(6th and 7th), Jose Contreras who tossed a scoreless 8th inning or Brad Lidge who got his first save since last season with a 1-2-3 9th to finish the important 5-3 win. With the win the Phils move to 19-12 overall, good enough for 1st in the NL East, 2 games up on the NY Mets. You just have to wonder about Cole Hamels at this point? The one that went 8 scoreless against the Cardinals, or the one who could barely get out of the 5th inning today. I still think it's the former and hopefully, sooner or later, he'll figure out a way to be the former more consistently.
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