The Phils just kept on rolling, that is JRolling, tonight. Joe Blanton got the start and was solid, allowing just 2 runs on 8 hits while striking out 7 in 6 and 1/3rd innings. With my Matt Cain on the mound for the Giants that performance by Blanton might not sound like it was enough, but it was and then some, thanks in large part to Jimmy Rollins. Rollins came within a double of hitting for the cycle and was responsible for 4 of the Phils 5 runs off Cain. He tripled and scored on a fielder's choice in the 3rd. Then in the 4th he slammed a 3 run homer, his first since that walkoff bomb in July, and before you knew it was 5-1 Phils and Cain didn't know what hit him.
The Phils were done just yet though. After surviving a scare in the top of 7th, with a clutch inning ending double play, the Phils tacked on in the home half of the inning. With 2 out Chase Utley doubled, Raul Ibanez tripled ,and Jayson Werth doubled for 2 runs and a 7-2 lead. Then in the 8th with 2 out Dominic Brown crushed a 450 ft homer to the 3rd deck in right to give the Phils an 8-2 lead and turn the lights out on San Francisco. Jose Contreras retired the side in order in the 9th and the Phils, now at 68-51 overall had themselves 2 game lead in the wild card race. Unfortunately the Braves won again and remain 2.5 games ahead of the Phils in the NL East.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles have completed training camp. They next play Friday night against the Cincinnati Bengals which should be an interesting reunion between the Eagles and Terrell Owens. As usual in that game the starters will play the first half. So it will be Kevin Kolb's first extended game time as the official #1 QB for the Birds. Should be interesting to watch at least for a half.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
In the first game of their showdown for wild card supremacy Roy Oswalt and Phils trumped Barry Zito and the Giants. In the first inning Pat Burrell crushed a 2 run homer off his old team, but from there Oswalt settled down, allowing just 1 run on 3 hits over the next 6 innings while striking out 7. Meanwhile, a 2 run single by Jimmy Rollins in the 5th and a 2 run double by Shane Victorino in the 6th put the Phils up 4-2 through 6 and then 4-3 through 7. After that Ryan Madson got another scare in the top of the 8th , with a runner on 2nd and 2 out, but he managed to get out of it while preserving the 4-3 lead.
From there just as it seemed certain Brad Lidge would have to come out for another save, San Francisco imploded in the home half of the 8th. The Phils quickly loaded the bases to start the inning before Carlos doubled for 2 more runs. Later with one out JRoll singled in a 3rd run. Then pitcher Ramon Ramirez committed a balk, allowing a 4th run to score in the inning. Finally he got Chase Utley(yes he's back from the DL) to slap a screaming groundout that Mike Fontenot couldn't handle and then threw it away to allow a 5th run to score in the inning. Finally after that Placido Polanco flied out and Chase Utley was thrown out trying to tag up to end the inning with the Phils up 9-3. Fortunatey, Chad Durbin followed with a scoreless 9th to close out the 9-3 win and the Phils new 1 game wi,ldcard lead. Not a bad place to be as they continue to get healthier.
From there just as it seemed certain Brad Lidge would have to come out for another save, San Francisco imploded in the home half of the 8th. The Phils quickly loaded the bases to start the inning before Carlos doubled for 2 more runs. Later with one out JRoll singled in a 3rd run. Then pitcher Ramon Ramirez committed a balk, allowing a 4th run to score in the inning. Finally he got Chase Utley(yes he's back from the DL) to slap a screaming groundout that Mike Fontenot couldn't handle and then threw it away to allow a 5th run to score in the inning. Finally after that Placido Polanco flied out and Chase Utley was thrown out trying to tag up to end the inning with the Phils up 9-3. Fortunatey, Chad Durbin followed with a scoreless 9th to close out the 9-3 win and the Phils new 1 game wi,ldcard lead. Not a bad place to be as they continue to get healthier.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
On a wet rainy night in New York at cavernous Citi Field pitching and speed keyed the Phils attack. Kyle Kendrick provided most of the pitching with a stellar 6 and 2/3rd's innings in which he allowed just 1 run on 6 hits while striking out 4 and walking only 1. The 1 batter he walked also happened to be the last batter he faced in the 7th inning before exiting the contest in favor of Chad Durbin. By then the speed provided by Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino had given the Phils a 3 -1 lead. First in the 3rd inning, JRoll singled, stole second and 3rd and then scored on a double by Victorino. Next in the 5th Victorino singled, stole second, and scored on a single by Placido Polanco.
Although Jayson Werth would later leg out triple and a 3rd run in the 6th, those 2 runs would be all the Phils needed. Durbin faced just one batter in the 7th, Jeff Francoeur, who crushed a ball to center field that would have tied the game anywhere else, instead in the caverns at Citi Victorino was able to run under and catch it to end the 7th. In the 8th Ryan Madson walked David Wright with 2 out but followed with a strikeout of Carlos Beltran to end the 8th. Finally in the 9th Brad Lidge retired the side in order for his 16th save and the 3-1 Phils win. With the win the Phils remain 2 games out in the NL East and move into a tie for 1st place in the wild card race with the San Francisco Giants who come to town on Tuesday. It should be a great series.
Although Jayson Werth would later leg out triple and a 3rd run in the 6th, those 2 runs would be all the Phils needed. Durbin faced just one batter in the 7th, Jeff Francoeur, who crushed a ball to center field that would have tied the game anywhere else, instead in the caverns at Citi Victorino was able to run under and catch it to end the 7th. In the 8th Ryan Madson walked David Wright with 2 out but followed with a strikeout of Carlos Beltran to end the 8th. Finally in the 9th Brad Lidge retired the side in order for his 16th save and the 3-1 Phils win. With the win the Phils remain 2 games out in the NL East and move into a tie for 1st place in the wild card race with the San Francisco Giants who come to town on Tuesday. It should be a great series.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
After 4 straight shutouts at Citi Field it was up to Roy Halladay to exact revenge on the Mets. He did and then some, tossing 8 scoreless innings on just 4 hits while striking out 7. He did allow a leadoff triple to Jose Reyes in the 4th but managed to pitch around it with back to back strikeouts to Carlos Beltran and David Wright to finish the inning. Later Angel Pagan singled and reached 2nd on an error with 2 out in the 6th. Again Halladay gout out of it, forcing Wright into a ground out.
As for the Phils, 3 straight 2 out singles in the 3rd produced their only earned run. However, Met's errors by Ruben Tejada in the 5th and Wright in the 6th handed the Phils 3 unearned runs for a 4-0 lead through 8. If those runs hadn't been handed to the Phils Halladay might have needed to go the distance. Instead with a cushy 4-0 lead Charlie Manuel opted to send in Ryan Madson in the 9th and it almost cost him. 2 singles, 2 strikeouts, and a hit batsmen later, and the bases were loaded for Josh Tole. Fortunately, after a long at bat Madson struck out Thole close out the 4-0 win. With the win the Phils move to 2 back in the NL East and remain 1 back in the wild card.
As for the Phils, 3 straight 2 out singles in the 3rd produced their only earned run. However, Met's errors by Ruben Tejada in the 5th and Wright in the 6th handed the Phils 3 unearned runs for a 4-0 lead through 8. If those runs hadn't been handed to the Phils Halladay might have needed to go the distance. Instead with a cushy 4-0 lead Charlie Manuel opted to send in Ryan Madson in the 9th and it almost cost him. 2 singles, 2 strikeouts, and a hit batsmen later, and the bases were loaded for Josh Tole. Fortunately, after a long at bat Madson struck out Thole close out the 4-0 win. With the win the Phils move to 2 back in the NL East and remain 1 back in the wild card.
Friday, August 13, 2010
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles opened their preseason tonight at the Linc with a 28-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, thanks David Akers 36 yard field goal with 9 minutes to play. Overall it was positive night for the young Eagles roster. The starters were sharp on both sides of the ball. Kevin Kolb completed 6 of 11 passes for 95 yards, including 3 of over 20 yards, 2 to Desean Jackson and one to Jeremy Maclin. Unfortunately he couldn't get the Birds into the end zone as they settled for 2 Aker's field goals. Jackson was pretty much unstoppable with those 2 catches and 64 yards recievingi overall, as well as 17 rushing yards on an end around Defensively, the starters produced 2 3 and outs while yielding just 10 yards, but no one really stood out. It was just a good team effort.
There were good moments out of the backups as well, mostly on offense. Martell Mallet, the reigning Canadian league rookie of the year, and pretty much the last running back on the Eagles' depth chart had a good night, with 15 rushes for 60 yards and a TD. Chad Hall, on the bottom of the depth chart at WR, excelled over the field, with a 22 run, a 55 yard reception from 3rd string QB Mike Kafka, 3 kickoff returns for 33 yards, and 2 punt returns for 14 yards. Mike Vick, was Mike Vick completing 11 of 17 passes, for 119 yards, including a 44 yard completion to Riley Cooper and 6 rushes for 50 yards and a TD. He also turned the ball over twice and will have to work on that. Riley Cooper was Vick's favorite target with 61 receiving yards.
Defensively, Trevar Lindley nearly had an interception and looked pretty good in coverage. Daneil Teo Neisheim seemed to be in there helping on every tackle. Kurt Coleman looked good on special teams and during one of his few moments in coverage, put a big hit on WR Mike Sims-Walker. Other than that it wasn't great for the backup defense. Joselio Hanson, Dmitri Patterson and Eddie Pope were all beaten badly for long touchdown passes, so its a good thing they aren't starting I guess.
There were good moments out of the backups as well, mostly on offense. Martell Mallet, the reigning Canadian league rookie of the year, and pretty much the last running back on the Eagles' depth chart had a good night, with 15 rushes for 60 yards and a TD. Chad Hall, on the bottom of the depth chart at WR, excelled over the field, with a 22 run, a 55 yard reception from 3rd string QB Mike Kafka, 3 kickoff returns for 33 yards, and 2 punt returns for 14 yards. Mike Vick, was Mike Vick completing 11 of 17 passes, for 119 yards, including a 44 yard completion to Riley Cooper and 6 rushes for 50 yards and a TD. He also turned the ball over twice and will have to work on that. Riley Cooper was Vick's favorite target with 61 receiving yards.
Defensively, Trevar Lindley nearly had an interception and looked pretty good in coverage. Daneil Teo Neisheim seemed to be in there helping on every tackle. Kurt Coleman looked good on special teams and during one of his few moments in coverage, put a big hit on WR Mike Sims-Walker. Other than that it wasn't great for the backup defense. Joselio Hanson, Dmitri Patterson and Eddie Pope were all beaten badly for long touchdown passes, so its a good thing they aren't starting I guess.
PHILLIES NEWS
Nothing, absolutely nothing. That's what the Phils lineup gave Cole Hamels tonight. For the 2nd successive start against the Mets Hamels was brilliant, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 8. Unfortunately for the 2nd successive time he also got zero run support. In fact, Hamels himself had the Phils only hit of the night, as R.A Dickey shut them down. If not for Hamels' hit Dickey would have had the Mets first ever no hitter. Instead Hamels got the hit in the 6th inning and Dickey settled for a complete game 1 hit shutout with 7 strikeouts.
The sad thing is the Phils never really even threatened Dickey. Wilson Valdez did work a walk in the 3rd inning, but Hamels flied out trying bunt him over and Jimmy Rollins popped up to the end the inning. Late in the 6th, after Hamels singled, JRoll hit into a fielder's choice and then watched Placido Polanco fly out to end the inning. That was it really. The Phils just couldn't figure Dickey out in this one and with that they suffered their 4th straight shutout at Citi Field, that's 36 straight innings without a run. That's pretty tough to do anywhere and makes you wonder what's going on at Citi Field. Still, it's only 1 game and the Phils are perfectly capable of winning the series.
The sad thing is the Phils never really even threatened Dickey. Wilson Valdez did work a walk in the 3rd inning, but Hamels flied out trying bunt him over and Jimmy Rollins popped up to the end the inning. Late in the 6th, after Hamels singled, JRoll hit into a fielder's choice and then watched Placido Polanco fly out to end the inning. That was it really. The Phils just couldn't figure Dickey out in this one and with that they suffered their 4th straight shutout at Citi Field, that's 36 straight innings without a run. That's pretty tough to do anywhere and makes you wonder what's going on at Citi Field. Still, it's only 1 game and the Phils are perfectly capable of winning the series.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
It was an important night for the Phils in more ways than one. Shane Victorino returned from the DL and worked a walk in a pinch hit appearance. It was confirmed that Ross Gload won't go on the DL and instead is day to day with his groin strain. He could be ready to at least pinch hit again by next Wednesday. Finally the Braves had the night off as they tried to stomach the news that Chipper Jones is out of the season with a torn ACL. At any rate with Atlanta idle a Phils win in this one would cut Atlanta's division lead to just 2.
early on it didn't look like the Phils would be improving their standing any time soon as Joe Blanton was roughed up right off the bat for 3 runs in the 1st. Fortunately, he recovered enough to go another 4 and 2/3rds innings while allowing just 4 runs on 8 hits. Basically he did just enough to allow the Phils to hang in there through 6. Hang in there they did and then some. First, a fielder's choice in the 2nd and an RBI single by Carlos Ruiz in the 4th helped the Phils cut the lead to 3-2. It didn't stay that close for long though as the Dodgers eventually added another run off Blanton. Then the Phils bullpen struggled through the 7th and 8th innings allowing a combined 5 runs for a stunning 9-2 Dodger lead.
The Phils had every right to give up at that point, down 9-2 heading into the 9th, but they just would not as the Dodger bullpen had some struggles of its own. First in the 8th, Jayson Werth slapped a 2 run single, Ben Francisco doubled to score him and later with one out Wilson Valdez singled to score Francisco and just like that it was a ballgame again with the score 9-6 Dodgers. A couple batters later Raul Ibanez actually came to the plate as the tying run but he grounded into an inning ending double play to give the Dodgers a brief reprieve. That is, until Jonathan Broxton, twice killed by the Phils in the postseason, was forced to come in for the save in 9th. He struggled just as much as the rest of the Dodger bullpen.
First he Placido Polanco with a pitched ball to leadoff the inning. Then after a long at bat he issued a walk to Mike Sweeney to bring Jayson Werth to plate again as the tying run. Werth too walked to load the bases for Francisco the potential winning run. Francisco ripped a groundball right at 3B Casey Blake for a potential rally killing double play but Blake missed it, instead watching it going straight through his legs as 2 runs scored to cut it to 9-8. That left runners on 1st and 2nd and still nobody out for Carlos Ruiz. 3 pitches later Ruiz laced a double off the top of the wall in left center, scoring Werth from 2nd easily to tie it at 9 and shockingly Francisco, who was right on Werth's heels, scored from 1st as well to win it 10-9. Heck even I was shocked that they won. So you can imagine what the Dodgers were feeling as they walked off the field. Anyway, with the win the Phils pull to within 2 games in the NL East and remain 1 game out in the wildcard.
early on it didn't look like the Phils would be improving their standing any time soon as Joe Blanton was roughed up right off the bat for 3 runs in the 1st. Fortunately, he recovered enough to go another 4 and 2/3rds innings while allowing just 4 runs on 8 hits. Basically he did just enough to allow the Phils to hang in there through 6. Hang in there they did and then some. First, a fielder's choice in the 2nd and an RBI single by Carlos Ruiz in the 4th helped the Phils cut the lead to 3-2. It didn't stay that close for long though as the Dodgers eventually added another run off Blanton. Then the Phils bullpen struggled through the 7th and 8th innings allowing a combined 5 runs for a stunning 9-2 Dodger lead.
The Phils had every right to give up at that point, down 9-2 heading into the 9th, but they just would not as the Dodger bullpen had some struggles of its own. First in the 8th, Jayson Werth slapped a 2 run single, Ben Francisco doubled to score him and later with one out Wilson Valdez singled to score Francisco and just like that it was a ballgame again with the score 9-6 Dodgers. A couple batters later Raul Ibanez actually came to the plate as the tying run but he grounded into an inning ending double play to give the Dodgers a brief reprieve. That is, until Jonathan Broxton, twice killed by the Phils in the postseason, was forced to come in for the save in 9th. He struggled just as much as the rest of the Dodger bullpen.
First he Placido Polanco with a pitched ball to leadoff the inning. Then after a long at bat he issued a walk to Mike Sweeney to bring Jayson Werth to plate again as the tying run. Werth too walked to load the bases for Francisco the potential winning run. Francisco ripped a groundball right at 3B Casey Blake for a potential rally killing double play but Blake missed it, instead watching it going straight through his legs as 2 runs scored to cut it to 9-8. That left runners on 1st and 2nd and still nobody out for Carlos Ruiz. 3 pitches later Ruiz laced a double off the top of the wall in left center, scoring Werth from 2nd easily to tie it at 9 and shockingly Francisco, who was right on Werth's heels, scored from 1st as well to win it 10-9. Heck even I was shocked that they won. So you can imagine what the Dodgers were feeling as they walked off the field. Anyway, with the win the Phils pull to within 2 games in the NL East and remain 1 game out in the wildcard.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles begin their preseason tomorrow night against the Jacksonville Jaguars. As usual in the preseason opener the starters will play only the 1st quarter. That's doesn't leave much time to get a look at Kevin Kolb in his first game as the Birds starting QB.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
Watching players in red stripes get helped off the field has been an all too common occurrence at Phils games this year. Unfortunately it reoccured tonight as Ross Gload pulled up lame coming into 2nd, after ripping a double to leadoff the 6th inning. Gload was later diagnosed with a strained groin which means he'll probably go on the DL. That also means Mike Sweeney is effectively the Phils 1st baseman until Ryan Howard likely comes off the DL as scheduled. The Phils could also bring Cody Ransom back up from AAA if they so choose to at least be Sweeney's backup. In any case it's just frustrating to be talking about another injured player. I mean if even your bench players can't avoid the injury bug you know you've got problems.
Anyway back to the game tonight, it was pretty much the Roy Oswalt. He was on right from beginning and when Oswalt he is extremely difficult to beat. He went 7 scoreless innings while allowing just 5 hits and striking out 5 to all but thwart any Dodger hopes of victory. However, the Phils struggled with leaving runners on base again, managing just 2 runs on a fielders choice in the 4th and a double by Raul Ibanez in the 6th, just after Gload limped off the field. So the Dodgers were able to hang around and Oswalt's potential first win as a Phil was again taken out of his hands. Fortunately Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge for 2 solid scoreless innings to finish an important 2-0 win. With the win they remain 2.5 games back in the NL East and move to only 1 game back in the wild card. That's not a bad place to be in considering all the injuries they've suffered.
Anyway back to the game tonight, it was pretty much the Roy Oswalt. He was on right from beginning and when Oswalt he is extremely difficult to beat. He went 7 scoreless innings while allowing just 5 hits and striking out 5 to all but thwart any Dodger hopes of victory. However, the Phils struggled with leaving runners on base again, managing just 2 runs on a fielders choice in the 4th and a double by Raul Ibanez in the 6th, just after Gload limped off the field. So the Dodgers were able to hang around and Oswalt's potential first win as a Phil was again taken out of his hands. Fortunately Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge for 2 solid scoreless innings to finish an important 2-0 win. With the win they remain 2.5 games back in the NL East and move to only 1 game back in the wild card. That's not a bad place to be in considering all the injuries they've suffered.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers have hired Rod Thorn as team president. Previously Thorn was team president of the New Jersey Nets alongside Ed Stefanski as GM for 6 seasons before big Ed came here. Thorn on the other hand had retained his post through last season but with new Russian owner, Mikhail Prokhorov, taking over the Nets Thorn decided to step down and now here he is with the Sixers. Oddly enough earlier this year the Nets actually hired ex Sixers GM Billy King to replace Thorn. So what goes around comes around I guess. Anyway I'm not sure how much bringing in Thorn will help the Sixers, but I guess we'll see.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
It was long nite tonight for the Phils as they hooked up with Dodgers in an NLCS rematch. Kyle Kendrick got the start but was touched up for 6 runs on 8 hits in just 3 and 1/3rd innings. He had been pitching so well but tonight just wasn't his night. Likewise, with all those runs for the opposition in the early going the Phils were put in a hole they would never be able to climb out of so it wasn't their night either. To their credit the Phils did try to battle back with runs in the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th innings. It was all to no avail though.
They got 1 run in the 4th on a sac fly by Dominic Brown, 3 in the 5th on a fielders' choice and a 2 run homer by Ross Gload, 1 in the 6th on a solo homer by Brown(his 1st major league homer) and 2 in the 7th on a 2 run single by Matt Kemp. Unfortunately each time the Phils scored the Dodgers seemed to add to their tally as well. Thus, despite scoring 8 runs from the 4th to the 7th innings the Phils still found themselves down 15 - 7 heading into the 9th. Let's just say it really wasn't a good night for the Phils pitching staff. Thanks to a 2 out single by Brown in the 9th the Phils were able to score a couple more runs to cut the lead to 15-9 but that was as close as they would get on this dreadful night as they took the loss, 15-9.
Sometimes it just isn't you're night and you've got to forget about it and move on. This was one of those times. When you're hanging in their 2.5 games back in the NL East and 1.5 games back in the wildcard one really can't afford to dwell too much on such one-sided affairs as tonight's game. So just pretend tonight never happened and you'll feel a whole lot better. I know I do.
They got 1 run in the 4th on a sac fly by Dominic Brown, 3 in the 5th on a fielders' choice and a 2 run homer by Ross Gload, 1 in the 6th on a solo homer by Brown(his 1st major league homer) and 2 in the 7th on a 2 run single by Matt Kemp. Unfortunately each time the Phils scored the Dodgers seemed to add to their tally as well. Thus, despite scoring 8 runs from the 4th to the 7th innings the Phils still found themselves down 15 - 7 heading into the 9th. Let's just say it really wasn't a good night for the Phils pitching staff. Thanks to a 2 out single by Brown in the 9th the Phils were able to score a couple more runs to cut the lead to 15-9 but that was as close as they would get on this dreadful night as they took the loss, 15-9.
Sometimes it just isn't you're night and you've got to forget about it and move on. This was one of those times. When you're hanging in their 2.5 games back in the NL East and 1.5 games back in the wildcard one really can't afford to dwell too much on such one-sided affairs as tonight's game. So just pretend tonight never happened and you'll feel a whole lot better. I know I do.
Monday, August 09, 2010
FLYERS NEWS
Riley Cote has announced his retirement and will be an assistant coach for the Phantoms next season. Cote wasn't going to play for the Flyers next season and there didn't seem to be much interest in him from other teams so this is probably a smart move. He is a class act and it is nice to see that he'll be sticking around the organization.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their rise in the standings this afternoon but it wasn't easy. After falling behind 2-0 after 1, the Phils rallied back for 6 runs over the next 2 innings, all of Mets starter, R.A Dickey. In the 2nd Jayson Werth golfed out a solo homer to center as Carlos Beltran drifted into the wall trying to track it down. In the 3rd, Jimmy Rollins doubled and scored on a single by Ross Gload, Raul Ibanez crushed a 3 run homer to almost the same spot as Werth's homer, and Werth doubled and scored on a single by Brian Schneider. So just like that the Phils led 6-2, Dickey's afternoon was over, and Roy Halladay seemed all but assured of his 14th win.
Not so fast. Halladay didn't quite have his best stuff on the day and seemed to tire early, from about the 6th inning on in the sunday heat. To their credit the Mets kept after him and were able to hang around, while the Phils basically shut it down following their 5 run 3rd. They got 1 run in the 6th to cut it to 6-3 and 2 in the 7th to cut it to 6-5. In fact Beltran came to the plate in that inning with 2 on and 2 out and a chance to put the Mets ahead. With what little he had left, Halladay managed to strike him out, his 10th of the day and preserve the 6-5 lead through 7. He deserves some serious credit for going 7 without his best stuff. Anyway from there Ryan Madson pitched a perfect 8th. Then after allowing a leadoff hit Brad Lidge retired the side in the 9th for his 5th straight save. With the win the Phils remain 2 games back in the NL East, but move to within .5 games of the top of the wild card standings.
Not so fast. Halladay didn't quite have his best stuff on the day and seemed to tire early, from about the 6th inning on in the sunday heat. To their credit the Mets kept after him and were able to hang around, while the Phils basically shut it down following their 5 run 3rd. They got 1 run in the 6th to cut it to 6-3 and 2 in the 7th to cut it to 6-5. In fact Beltran came to the plate in that inning with 2 on and 2 out and a chance to put the Mets ahead. With what little he had left, Halladay managed to strike him out, his 10th of the day and preserve the 6-5 lead through 7. He deserves some serious credit for going 7 without his best stuff. Anyway from there Ryan Madson pitched a perfect 8th. Then after allowing a leadoff hit Brad Lidge retired the side in the 9th for his 5th straight save. With the win the Phils remain 2 games back in the NL East, but move to within .5 games of the top of the wild card standings.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The good times kept right rolling for the Phils pitching staff but unfortunately their bats finally ran out of luck. Cole Hamels was brilliant as always, allowing just 1 run on 7 hits while striking out 11 in 7 innings. His only mistake was a leaving a changeup to Jeff Franceour up just enough for Franceour to hammer it into the seats for a 2 out run in the 7th. Unfortunately as it turned out that would be only run either team scored all night long. In fact, Johan Santana actually no hit the Phils into the 5th inning but after that they had opportunities to score and rally for another late win but they let get away.
First, with runners on 1st and 2nd and 2 out in the 6th, Mike Sweeney grounded out to end the threat. Then Jayson Werth led off the 7th with a double but caught trying to move to 3rd on a goundout. Then Ben Francisco reached 2nd on a bunt single by Wilson Valdez, but was stranded when John Mayberry Jr. flied out to end the inning. Finally Jimmy Rollins and Raul Ibanez started the 8th with back to back singles to put runners on 1st and 2nd for Placido Polanco. Somewhat oddly, Charlie decided to bunt Polanco and it backfired as he bunted to 3rd, causing JRoll to get thrown out there. That left runners on 1st and 2nd again for Sweeney, but this time he lined out. Then Werth worked a walk to load the bases for Ross Gload, but he grounded out to end the inning and the threat again. That was about all she wrote as the Phils went on to fall 1-0. It really was just one of those hard luck losses where there's nothing you can do except try to forget and move on. Better luck tomorrow I guess.
First, with runners on 1st and 2nd and 2 out in the 6th, Mike Sweeney grounded out to end the threat. Then Jayson Werth led off the 7th with a double but caught trying to move to 3rd on a goundout. Then Ben Francisco reached 2nd on a bunt single by Wilson Valdez, but was stranded when John Mayberry Jr. flied out to end the inning. Finally Jimmy Rollins and Raul Ibanez started the 8th with back to back singles to put runners on 1st and 2nd for Placido Polanco. Somewhat oddly, Charlie decided to bunt Polanco and it backfired as he bunted to 3rd, causing JRoll to get thrown out there. That left runners on 1st and 2nd again for Sweeney, but this time he lined out. Then Werth worked a walk to load the bases for Ross Gload, but he grounded out to end the inning and the threat again. That was about all she wrote as the Phils went on to fall 1-0. It really was just one of those hard luck losses where there's nothing you can do except try to forget and move on. Better luck tomorrow I guess.
Friday, August 06, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils returned to the Bank tonight to begin a long homestand with a key weekend series against the Mets. It just so happens this weekend is Phils alumni weekend as well the alumni festivities got rousing start before the game tonight as Darren "Dutch" Daulton was inducted into the Phils wall of fame. No doubt inspired, the Phils jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the 1st, on a RBI double by Placido Polanco. New York managed to eke out a couple runs over the next few innings to grab a 2-1 lead, but Joe Blanton made sure would they do no more than that. He really was solid for the 2nd time in 3 starts, allowing just those 2 runs on 7 hits, while striking out 4 in 7 strong innings. It didn't look like it would matter though, as John Niece was mowing down the Phils hitters through 7. They just couldn't get anything going against him after that 1st inning because he was just that good.
Fortunately for the Phils, Niece left after the 7th, leaving it up to the Met bullpen to get the final 6 outs and they could not. First up for the Met bullpen was Bobby Parnell. Mike Sweeney singled off him to start the inning, for his first hit as a Phil. Jayson Werth followed with another single to move Sweeney to 3rd. Then Ben Francisco slapped the Phils 3rd successive hit to score Sweeney with the tying run. Next Carlos Ruiz slapped a 4th straight single to score Werth with the go ahead run. Finally, after 4 hits and 0 outs Parnell was lifted from the game in favor of Pedro Feliciano. Wilson Valdez greeted Feliciano with a bunt, that he failed to field, allowing Valdez reach base safely and load the bases. Feliciano then walked Ross Gload to force in another run. He then fell behind Jimmy Rollins before JRoll slapped a single for another run.
Finally after that Raul Ibanez struck out for the 1st out of the inning and that was it for Pedro, who was replaced by Manny Acosta. Acosta didn't do much better. First Polanco lined a sac fly for another run. Then Sweeney collected his 2nd hit of the inning for another run, the Phils 6th of the inning. Jayson Werth then grounded out to end the inning at last, but with a 7-2 lead the Phils already had more than enough of a cushion for victory right? Well J.C Romero almost gave everything back to the Mets in the 9th, allowing a 3 run homer to Mike Hessman, that cut the lead to 7-5. Fortunately, Brad Lidge came in after that and struck out Jesus Feliciano to end it. There's not much better than a comeback win over the hated Mets, except a loss by the Braves on the same night which pulls to within a game of the lead in the NL East. Not a bad place to be.
Fortunately for the Phils, Niece left after the 7th, leaving it up to the Met bullpen to get the final 6 outs and they could not. First up for the Met bullpen was Bobby Parnell. Mike Sweeney singled off him to start the inning, for his first hit as a Phil. Jayson Werth followed with another single to move Sweeney to 3rd. Then Ben Francisco slapped the Phils 3rd successive hit to score Sweeney with the tying run. Next Carlos Ruiz slapped a 4th straight single to score Werth with the go ahead run. Finally, after 4 hits and 0 outs Parnell was lifted from the game in favor of Pedro Feliciano. Wilson Valdez greeted Feliciano with a bunt, that he failed to field, allowing Valdez reach base safely and load the bases. Feliciano then walked Ross Gload to force in another run. He then fell behind Jimmy Rollins before JRoll slapped a single for another run.
Finally after that Raul Ibanez struck out for the 1st out of the inning and that was it for Pedro, who was replaced by Manny Acosta. Acosta didn't do much better. First Polanco lined a sac fly for another run. Then Sweeney collected his 2nd hit of the inning for another run, the Phils 6th of the inning. Jayson Werth then grounded out to end the inning at last, but with a 7-2 lead the Phils already had more than enough of a cushion for victory right? Well J.C Romero almost gave everything back to the Mets in the 9th, allowing a 3 run homer to Mike Hessman, that cut the lead to 7-5. Fortunately, Brad Lidge came in after that and struck out Jesus Feliciano to end it. There's not much better than a comeback win over the hated Mets, except a loss by the Braves on the same night which pulls to within a game of the lead in the NL East. Not a bad place to be.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils went for the sweep of the Marlins tonight as Roy Oswalt took the mound for his 2nd start as a Phil. Oswalt was great this time around allowing just 2 runs on 3 hits while striking out 5 in 6 and 1/3rd innings. Unfortunately the Phils failed to support him at all. In fact, both team were still scoreless heading into 7th. There, Carlos Ruiz finally gave the Phils a lead with a 2 run double, buut it was short-lived. Neither J.C Romero nor Jose Contreras could hold of the Fish as they rallied for 4 runs and a 4-2 lead through 7. After that neither team could come up with anything in the 8th, setting the stage for a wild 9th. In the Phils 9th, Hanley Ramirez committed a throwing error to start the inning and the Phils capitalized by putting together a 2 run rally to knot it up at 4.
They actually had runners at the corners with 2 nobody out and the scored tied at 4 at one point, but Raul Ibanez was cut down at 3rd on a fielders's choice and Jayson Werth got picked off, while Dominic Brown was thrown out stealing. In the home half of the 9th Ramirez reached base and got in scoring position but he was not able to score, largely because a line drive by Gaby Sanchez was ruled foul although it appeared it might have been fare. Saved by the umpire, Ryan Madson recovered to get Sanchez and eventually retire the side. Finally in the top of the 10th, Carlos Ruiz jacked a solo homer for a 5-4 lead. Brad Lidge then held off the Fish in the bottom of the inning for the important win. With the win the Phils remain 2 games back in the NL East and move to within 1.5 games of the NL wildcard. They also to move to 12 games over .500 for the first time all season. So things are looking up for the banged up the Phils and they just need to keep it going.
They actually had runners at the corners with 2 nobody out and the scored tied at 4 at one point, but Raul Ibanez was cut down at 3rd on a fielders's choice and Jayson Werth got picked off, while Dominic Brown was thrown out stealing. In the home half of the 9th Ramirez reached base and got in scoring position but he was not able to score, largely because a line drive by Gaby Sanchez was ruled foul although it appeared it might have been fare. Saved by the umpire, Ryan Madson recovered to get Sanchez and eventually retire the side. Finally in the top of the 10th, Carlos Ruiz jacked a solo homer for a 5-4 lead. Brad Lidge then held off the Fish in the bottom of the inning for the important win. With the win the Phils remain 2 games back in the NL East and move to within 1.5 games of the NL wildcard. They also to move to 12 games over .500 for the first time all season. So things are looking up for the banged up the Phils and they just need to keep it going.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
Before the game tonight the Phils acquired veteran 1B Mike Sweeney from the Mariners for a player to be named or cash. At 37 years old, Sweeney is a bit of a gamble, but he was once star for the Kansas City Royals and Phils hope he'll be able to conjure up some of that old magic while helping to fill in for Ryan Howard and later a right handed bat off the bench. If he can do so he'll be very valuable bat down stretch.
For tonight anyway, the Phils didn't seem to need Sweeney's services. Kyle Kendrick was great, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits in 6 strong innings. Meanwhile, the Marlins committed more errors in the field and Phils continued to rack up clutch hits. In the 1st inning, Ross Gload and Dominic Brown collected back to back 2 out RBI singles for a quick 2-0 lead. In the 5th, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, and Raul Ibanez all singled in succession to start the inning and plate 1 run and Brown slapped a sac fly for a 4-0 lead. In the 6th, after Florida had cut it to 4-2 and was within a diving grab by JRoll of tying it, Kendrick ,himself, doubled and scored on an Ibanez sac fly for a 5-2 lead.
Later in the 9th, the Phils added a couple more runs on an error by Dan Uggla and an RBI single by Carlos Ruiz. Meanwhile, Jose Contreras and Ryan Madson tossed scoreless innings in the 7th and 8th. That, left Brad Lidge to nurse a 7-2 lead in the 9th. Normally Lidge struggles in non save situations like these but tonight there were no problems at all as he retired Ronny Paulino, Donny Murphy, and Hanley Ramirez in order to close out the 7-2 win. So the Phils now have now won 3 in a row and reside at 11 games over .500 for the first time in sometime. Unfortunately, the Atlanta Braves crushed the Mets tonight and remain 2 games ahead of the Phils.
For tonight anyway, the Phils didn't seem to need Sweeney's services. Kyle Kendrick was great, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits in 6 strong innings. Meanwhile, the Marlins committed more errors in the field and Phils continued to rack up clutch hits. In the 1st inning, Ross Gload and Dominic Brown collected back to back 2 out RBI singles for a quick 2-0 lead. In the 5th, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, and Raul Ibanez all singled in succession to start the inning and plate 1 run and Brown slapped a sac fly for a 4-0 lead. In the 6th, after Florida had cut it to 4-2 and was within a diving grab by JRoll of tying it, Kendrick ,himself, doubled and scored on an Ibanez sac fly for a 5-2 lead.
Later in the 9th, the Phils added a couple more runs on an error by Dan Uggla and an RBI single by Carlos Ruiz. Meanwhile, Jose Contreras and Ryan Madson tossed scoreless innings in the 7th and 8th. That, left Brad Lidge to nurse a 7-2 lead in the 9th. Normally Lidge struggles in non save situations like these but tonight there were no problems at all as he retired Ronny Paulino, Donny Murphy, and Hanley Ramirez in order to close out the 7-2 win. So the Phils now have now won 3 in a row and reside at 11 games over .500 for the first time in sometime. Unfortunately, the Atlanta Braves crushed the Mets tonight and remain 2 games ahead of the Phils.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils were dealt a huge blow before their game in Miami tonight when it was announced Ryan Howard would be placed on the DL. John Mayberry Jr. was called up to take his roster spot but it's going to be a long two weeks without Howard. The Phils will just have to hope their pitching holds up during that time. For tonight at least, it did. Roy Halladay was electric allowing just 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 9 in 7 strong innings. Most of the Marlin's hitters really had no prayer against him and only Dan Uggla's solo homer in the 2nd prevented Halladay from keeping the Fish off the board all together.
While Halladay shut down the Fish his battery mate, Carlos Ruiz led the way for the Phils offense, going for 4 for 5 with 2 RBIs. In the top of the 2nd, he followed a solo homer by Ben Francisco with one of his own for a 2-0 lead. In the 4th he doubled and scored on a 2 out 2 run single by Halladay himself for a 4-1 lead. In the 5th his 2 out single scored Raul Ibanez from 3rd for a 5-1 lead. Finally in the 7th he grounded a ball to the right to successfully move Placido Polanco to 3rd, and Ben Francisco to 2nd. That setup Wilson Valdez's 1 out RBI infield single for a 6-1 lead. That was more enough for Chad Durbin who relieved Halladay in the 8th and tossed 2 scoreless innings to close out the Fish 6-1. With the Braves losing tonight the Phils pull back within 2 games in the NL East and hopefully without Howard, they'll be able to at least hang around in that position.
While Halladay shut down the Fish his battery mate, Carlos Ruiz led the way for the Phils offense, going for 4 for 5 with 2 RBIs. In the top of the 2nd, he followed a solo homer by Ben Francisco with one of his own for a 2-0 lead. In the 4th he doubled and scored on a 2 out 2 run single by Halladay himself for a 4-1 lead. In the 5th his 2 out single scored Raul Ibanez from 3rd for a 5-1 lead. Finally in the 7th he grounded a ball to the right to successfully move Placido Polanco to 3rd, and Ben Francisco to 2nd. That setup Wilson Valdez's 1 out RBI infield single for a 6-1 lead. That was more enough for Chad Durbin who relieved Halladay in the 8th and tossed 2 scoreless innings to close out the Fish 6-1. With the Braves losing tonight the Phils pull back within 2 games in the NL East and hopefully without Howard, they'll be able to at least hang around in that position.
EAGLES NEWS
Jeremy Maclin hyperextended his during practice and could be out several weeks. Once again the injury occurred on a play in which there was no contact.
Monday, August 02, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
No decision has been made on Ryan Howard at this point. He will be seen by a doctor in Philly tomorrow and then a decision will be made on whether or not he should go on the DL. The sprain is on his back leg which is what he uses to generate all his power so how long he is out comes down to how much pain he can withstand while at the plate.
Sunday, August 01, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The injury bug continued to hit the Phils hard this afternoon in Washington. In the 1st inning Ryan Howard sprained his ankle while trying to get back to 2nd on a pick off attempt, and had to be helped off the field. Apparently he isn't going to go on the DL and the sprain isn't too serious so hopefully he'll be back in a week or less. Anyway back to today despite losing Howard, the Phils managed to score a couple runs in the 1st for an early 2-0 lead. Meanwhile, Cole Hamels looked great through the first few innings and it seemed the 2 runs would be enough for him. Unfortunately, 2 mistakes, to Ryan Zimmerman in the 4th and Adam Dunn in the 6th cost him and the Phils dearly and they found themselves down 4-2 through 6. They didn't go away though. In the top of the 7th, an RBI double by Placido Polanco and a fielder's choice tied it up at 4. Then Cole Hamels finished his day with a scoreless 7th. So in all, he allowed just 4 runs on 6 hits, while striking out 10 in a solid 7 innings.
After the 7th J.C Romero and Ryan Madson combined for scoreless 8th and 9th innings. The Phils also couldn't push a run across in the 8th or 9th so the game went into extra innings. Washington almost won it in the 10th with Nyjer Morgan on 3rd with 2 out and Adam Dunn at the plate, but Jose Contreras retired Dunn to keep the game alive. Finally with 2 out in the top of the 11th Polanco broke the tie with an RBI single and scored on a double by Jayson Werth for a 6-4 lead. In came Brad Lidge again for the save and this time, unlike last night, he had his control and managed to a 1-2-3 inning to close out the 6-4 win. So the Phils at least salvage a win in Washington and thanks to another Braves loss they're back within 2.5 games of the lead in the NL East. You just wonder how many more injuries they can survive.
After the 7th J.C Romero and Ryan Madson combined for scoreless 8th and 9th innings. The Phils also couldn't push a run across in the 8th or 9th so the game went into extra innings. Washington almost won it in the 10th with Nyjer Morgan on 3rd with 2 out and Adam Dunn at the plate, but Jose Contreras retired Dunn to keep the game alive. Finally with 2 out in the top of the 11th Polanco broke the tie with an RBI single and scored on a double by Jayson Werth for a 6-4 lead. In came Brad Lidge again for the save and this time, unlike last night, he had his control and managed to a 1-2-3 inning to close out the 6-4 win. So the Phils at least salvage a win in Washington and thanks to another Braves loss they're back within 2.5 games of the lead in the NL East. You just wonder how many more injuries they can survive.
EAGLES NEWS
The injuries are beginning to mount for the Birds now too. A.Q Shipley, Max-Jean Gilles, Mike Bell, and Asante Samuel all the left the field in Lehigh today with injuries. That, after Desean Jackson and Stewart Bradley both did the same yesterday. Other than Bell, none of the injuries are all that serious but all occurred during afternoon practice which is light and non-contact. How can so many players get injured during a non-contact practice? It boggles the mind.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils played a much better game tonight in Washington and yet frustratingly they still found themselves with the short end of the stick. Joe Blanton was good enough, allowing just 4 runs on 9 hits, while striking out 8 in 6 innings. 3 of the 4 runs came in the 1st inning but he settled down after that throwing 4 scoreless innings before allowing that 1 run in the 6th. Thanks to that performance, the Phils were stay within striking distance of the Nats despite getting off to a slow start. It was until 4th innings, when Wilson Valdez slapped a 2 out RBI single, that the Phils finally got on the board. Later, Carlos Ruiz slugged a solo homer to cut the lead to 3-2.
By the 7th, it was 4-2 Nats but the Phils still wouldn't go away. With 1 on and 1 out Raul Ibanez crushed a 2 run homer to tie it at 4. Then Jayson Werth and Ross Gload each singled to put runners on the corners, but neither Dominic Brown nor Carlos Ruiz could bring them home. So it stayed 4-2 heading into the 9th. In the top of the 9th, with Werth at 3rd and 2 out Ruiz ripped an RBI single to seemingly complete the comeback and lift the Phils to a 5-4 win. Unfortunately in reality it wasn't to be for the Phils on this night. Brad Lidge managed to get one out in the 9th. before walking 2 batters and serving up a game winning 3 run homer to Ryan Zimmeran for a stunning 7-5 win. So the Phils have dropped 2 in a row to the Nats, but with the Braves losing tonight as well the Phils remain 3.5 games back in the NL East so they're okay for now.
By the 7th, it was 4-2 Nats but the Phils still wouldn't go away. With 1 on and 1 out Raul Ibanez crushed a 2 run homer to tie it at 4. Then Jayson Werth and Ross Gload each singled to put runners on the corners, but neither Dominic Brown nor Carlos Ruiz could bring them home. So it stayed 4-2 heading into the 9th. In the top of the 9th, with Werth at 3rd and 2 out Ruiz ripped an RBI single to seemingly complete the comeback and lift the Phils to a 5-4 win. Unfortunately in reality it wasn't to be for the Phils on this night. Brad Lidge managed to get one out in the 9th. before walking 2 batters and serving up a game winning 3 run homer to Ryan Zimmeran for a stunning 7-5 win. So the Phils have dropped 2 in a row to the Nats, but with the Braves losing tonight as well the Phils remain 3.5 games back in the NL East so they're okay for now.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles signed free agent WR Kelley Washington to a one year deal. The Eagles are already stocked at WR so bringing in Washington is more of an insurance thing than anything else. If the guys the Eagles already have don't pan out, Washington will be there to pick up the slack.
Friday, July 30, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils winning streak finally came to an end tonight as Roy Oswalt made his Phillies' debut. Oswalt was not quite what the Phils expected tonight, as he allowed 5 runs on 7 hits over 6 innings of work. It wasn't all bad for Oswalt, he did have some good moments including a great reflex catch on a ball hit right back to him. It also wasn't all Oswalt's falt as the Phillies played poorly behind him. If they had played even solid defense he probably would have given up only 3 runs instead of 5. Unfortunately, they didn't play very good defense in committing 2 errors, Oswalt did allow 5 runs , and that's just the way it goes sometimes.
Meanwhile, Craig Stammen had electric stuff for the Nationals in holding the Phils to just 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 5 in 6 and 1/3rd innings. He simply had good velocity on his pitches and kept them away from the middle of the plate, and seemed to throw everything right into umpire, Dana Demuth's curious strike zone. The Phils simply couldn't figure him out enough to do anything. They did have a few scoring opportunities early on with runners on base in the 1st and 4th innings but came up empty. Jayson Werth's solo shot finally got the Phils on the board in the 7th but it was too little too late. They never scored again and the bullpen surrendered another 3 runs as the Phils fell hard 8-1. While it is hard to fathom why they played so poorly and now at 56-47, trail by 3.5 games in the NL East. It is not hard to still see them taking care of Washington the next 2 days and at least winning this series. Anything less would be a waste against a poor team like the Nats.
Meanwhile, Craig Stammen had electric stuff for the Nationals in holding the Phils to just 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 5 in 6 and 1/3rd innings. He simply had good velocity on his pitches and kept them away from the middle of the plate, and seemed to throw everything right into umpire, Dana Demuth's curious strike zone. The Phils simply couldn't figure him out enough to do anything. They did have a few scoring opportunities early on with runners on base in the 1st and 4th innings but came up empty. Jayson Werth's solo shot finally got the Phils on the board in the 7th but it was too little too late. They never scored again and the bullpen surrendered another 3 runs as the Phils fell hard 8-1. While it is hard to fathom why they played so poorly and now at 56-47, trail by 3.5 games in the NL East. It is not hard to still see them taking care of Washington the next 2 days and at least winning this series. Anything less would be a waste against a poor team like the Nats.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles traded Joe Mays today to the Broncos for RB J.J Arrington. Mays was probably not going to make the team this year with new draft picks. Arrington on other hand has an outside shot at making the team but is more than likely just insurance in case either Mike Bell, Charles Scott, or Eldra Buckley don't pan out as backups. Lesean McCoy isn't going anywhere.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils made big waves today as it was announced not long before tonight's game that they had acquired Roy Oswalt in exchange for J.A Happ, minor league outfielder Anthony Gose, and minor league SS Jonathan Villar. Meanwhile the Phils tonight came into the game looking to finish a sweep of the Dbacks and pickup their 8th straight win. Kyle Kendrick did his best to ensure that would happen, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 5. It was just good enough of an outing to allow the Phils to take an early 2-0 lead on an RBI double by Carlos Ruiz in the 5th, and a 2 run homer by Raul Ibanez in the 6th. Kendrick was finally chased from the game with just 1 out in the 7th, after allowing a homer and a single. Fortunately, Chad Durbin successfully finished the 7th on a miracle double play ball and Ryan Madson rolled through the 8th, to keep the Phils ahead 2-1 going into the 9th.
There Madson allowed a leadoff double to Justin Upton and Upton later scored to tie it up at 2 before J.C Romero managed to get out of the inning with another miracle double play ball. From there Brad Lidge retired the Dbacks in order in the 10th before Ryan Howard struck out to strand the bases loaded in the home half of the inning. Next Jose Contreras pitched a scoreless 11th, setting the stage for another Phils rally. With one out in the home half of the inning Cody Ransom worked a walk. Ruiz followed with a single to put runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out for Wilson Valdez. A couple pitches later Valdez delivered a single up the middle to score Ransom with the winning run after the throw home hit the pitcher's mound. So it wasn't pretty but the Phils do get there 8th straight win and with another Braves loss tonight,they pull to within 2.5 games in the NL East. As for Oswalt he makes his Phils debut tomorrow in Washington so the winning streak could be extended for another night and that deficit could be cut in half before long.
There Madson allowed a leadoff double to Justin Upton and Upton later scored to tie it up at 2 before J.C Romero managed to get out of the inning with another miracle double play ball. From there Brad Lidge retired the Dbacks in order in the 10th before Ryan Howard struck out to strand the bases loaded in the home half of the inning. Next Jose Contreras pitched a scoreless 11th, setting the stage for another Phils rally. With one out in the home half of the inning Cody Ransom worked a walk. Ruiz followed with a single to put runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out for Wilson Valdez. A couple pitches later Valdez delivered a single up the middle to score Ransom with the winning run after the throw home hit the pitcher's mound. So it wasn't pretty but the Phils do get there 8th straight win and with another Braves loss tonight,they pull to within 2.5 games in the NL East. As for Oswalt he makes his Phils debut tomorrow in Washington so the winning streak could be extended for another night and that deficit could be cut in half before long.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles and 1st round pick Brandon Graham have agreed to a 5 year deal. He'll join the Birds training camp tomorrow. So with that the Birds have now signed all of their draft picks. Now we'll just have to wait and see how things pan out on the field.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
Not long before the game tonight Shane Victorino was placed on the DL. In his place Dominic Brown was called up from AAA Lehigh. Wasting no time the Phils inserted him into the starting lineup tonight for the 1st game of his major league and boy was it a memorable one. In his first at bat Brown ripped an RBI double off the wall in right. He later scored on a fielder's choice to give the Phils an early 2-0 lead. In his 3rd at bat Brown singled to left field and then scored from 1st on a 2 run double by Carlos Ruiz for a 4-0 lead. Then a couple batters later Placido Polanco singled to score Ruiz for a 5-0 lead. Finally in the 7th Brown slapped a sac fly to score one run. Then Ruiz doubled again for a 2nd run and a 7-0 lead.
All told on the night Brown went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored during one of best opening acts for a Phils prospect in some. As immpressive as Brown was, Roy Halladay might have been even more impressive. He pitched his 8th complete game of the season while allowing just 1 run on 6 hits and striking out 9. He was just too much for Arizona to handle with the speed and location of his pitches so precise. Moreover, he also had a chance to pitch with a lead for once and it helped. So with the combined efforts of Halladay and Brown the Phils rolled to a 7-1 win, their 7th in a row and enough to keep them with 3.5 games of 1st in the NL East. If they wish to pull even closer they'll have to keep up what they've been doing for a long while. Go Phils!
All told on the night Brown went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored during one of best opening acts for a Phils prospect in some. As immpressive as Brown was, Roy Halladay might have been even more impressive. He pitched his 8th complete game of the season while allowing just 1 run on 6 hits and striking out 9. He was just too much for Arizona to handle with the speed and location of his pitches so precise. Moreover, he also had a chance to pitch with a lead for once and it helped. So with the combined efforts of Halladay and Brown the Phils rolled to a 7-1 win, their 7th in a row and enough to keep them with 3.5 games of 1st in the NL East. If they wish to pull even closer they'll have to keep up what they've been doing for a long while. Go Phils!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils extended their winning streak to 6 tonight with a win over the lowly Arizona Diamondbacks. Cole Hamels provided a solid start allowing just 3 runs on 6 hits while striking out 8 over 5 innings. That was enough for the Phils to take an early 4-3 lead through 5 on an RBI single by Ryan Howard, a bases loaded walk, and a 2 run homer by Jayson Werth. Arizona rallied ahead briefly 5-4 in the top of the 6th, before the Phils came back with 3 runs in the home half of the 6th, on an RBI single by Raul Ibanez and a 2 run blast by Howard.
Later in the 7th, Cody Ransom launched another 2 run shot to push the Phils to 9-5 and that was about all she wrote. Jose Contreras pitched a scoreless 8th inning and Ryan Madson tossed a perfect 9th to close out the 9-5 win. So the Phils have now won 6 in a row and coupled with another Braves loss tonight, they move back to within 3.5 games of 1st in the NL East. In more sombering Jimmy Rollins did play tonight as he is day to day with a foot bruise. Also Shane Victorino tweaked his oblique tonight while catching a fly ball and could end up on the DL. Hopefully, JRoll and Victorino will both be ok because I would hate to see the Phils lose another winning streak to injuries.
Later in the 7th, Cody Ransom launched another 2 run shot to push the Phils to 9-5 and that was about all she wrote. Jose Contreras pitched a scoreless 8th inning and Ryan Madson tossed a perfect 9th to close out the 9-5 win. So the Phils have now won 6 in a row and coupled with another Braves loss tonight, they move back to within 3.5 games of 1st in the NL East. In more sombering Jimmy Rollins did play tonight as he is day to day with a foot bruise. Also Shane Victorino tweaked his oblique tonight while catching a fly ball and could end up on the DL. Hopefully, JRoll and Victorino will both be ok because I would hate to see the Phils lose another winning streak to injuries.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles and 2nd round pick, S Nate Allenn, agreed to a 4 year deal today. That leaves Brandon Graham as the only draft pick the Eagles have not signed yet. While Allen now will not miss training camp at all, Graham is not expected to sign in time for camp.
Monday, July 26, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
Joe Blanton squared off against Jason Hammell this afternoon as the Phils looked to complete a 4 game sweep of the Rockies. Blanton did his part. He was touched up for a couple of runs in the first inning but tossed 5 scoreless innings from there. All told on the day he allowed just 2 runs on 6 hits which is a solid effort out of a pitcher who has been having an up and down year. After Blanton surrendered the 2-0 advantage at the onset, the Phils came right back, with some help from the Rockies, to take a 3-2 lead. Brian Schneider ripped a 1 out 2 run triple and Jason Giambi, somewhat uncharacteristically, committed back to back errors for the 3 runs.
Later, right after Blanton finished his night, the Phils extended their lead to 5-2 with back to back RBI singles by Placido Polanco and Raul Ibanez. That at least seemed like a safe enough lead for the Phils bullpen to hang on to. J.C Romero and Chad Durbin did infact kept it to 5-2 heading into the 9th with scoreless frames in the 7th and 8th innings. Finally in the 9th it was once again time for Brad Lige to finish off the night. Once again he almost didn't. Seth Smith slammed a 2 run, 2 out homer to cut it to 5-4. Then a walk and a single later and Jason Giambi was at the plate with a chance to put C0lorado back ahead with one swing. Lidge wisely walked Giambo and then finally ended the proceedings by getting Ryan Spillborghs to ground out. So the Phils have their 5th win in a r0w and now pull within 4,5 games of 1st in the NL East. Not bad, considering all they have gone through this season thus far.
Later, right after Blanton finished his night, the Phils extended their lead to 5-2 with back to back RBI singles by Placido Polanco and Raul Ibanez. That at least seemed like a safe enough lead for the Phils bullpen to hang on to. J.C Romero and Chad Durbin did infact kept it to 5-2 heading into the 9th with scoreless frames in the 7th and 8th innings. Finally in the 9th it was once again time for Brad Lige to finish off the night. Once again he almost didn't. Seth Smith slammed a 2 run, 2 out homer to cut it to 5-4. Then a walk and a single later and Jason Giambi was at the plate with a chance to put C0lorado back ahead with one swing. Lidge wisely walked Giambo and then finally ended the proceedings by getting Ryan Spillborghs to ground out. So the Phils have their 5th win in a r0w and now pull within 4,5 games of 1st in the NL East. Not bad, considering all they have gone through this season thus far.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
After going down with an elbow strain back in April J.A Happ finally returned to the Phils this afternoon. He wasn't quite the same old J.A, but he fought through the rust to go 5 innings, while allowing just 3 runs on 4 hits and striking out 4. Following the 5th inning a rain delay ended Happ's night with the Phils trailing 3-2. Back in 2nd inning Ben Francisco crushed a 2 run homer to put the Phils up 2-1, but Ryan Spillborghs came back with a 2 run homer in the 4th to put Colorado up 3-2. Thanks to scoreless innings from Chad Durbin in the 6th, and Ryan Madson in the 7th, it stayed 3-2 into the home half of the 7th.
In that inning, Wilson Valdez led off with a pinch double and Jimmy Rollins followed with a pinch single to knot it up at 3. On the play Carlos Gonzalez committed an error allowing JRoll to move up to 2nd. He then stole 3rd and scored on a wild pitch by Rafeal Betancourt for a 4-3. Neither team scored in the 8th so it was up to Brad Lidge to preserve the 1 run lead in the 9th. After a strikeout, a walk and another strikeout to start the inning, Melvin Mora single and Jason Giambi walked to load the bases with 2 out. Fortunately, Lidge stayed cool and managed to strike out Ian Stewart to end it at last. So the Phils have 4 straight wins now and with a loss today by the Braves they're now back within 5 games of the top of the NL East. Considering everything they've been through this season that's not a bad place to be.
In that inning, Wilson Valdez led off with a pinch double and Jimmy Rollins followed with a pinch single to knot it up at 3. On the play Carlos Gonzalez committed an error allowing JRoll to move up to 2nd. He then stole 3rd and scored on a wild pitch by Rafeal Betancourt for a 4-3. Neither team scored in the 8th so it was up to Brad Lidge to preserve the 1 run lead in the 9th. After a strikeout, a walk and another strikeout to start the inning, Melvin Mora single and Jason Giambi walked to load the bases with 2 out. Fortunately, Lidge stayed cool and managed to strike out Ian Stewart to end it at last. So the Phils have 4 straight wins now and with a loss today by the Braves they're now back within 5 games of the top of the NL East. Considering everything they've been through this season that's not a bad place to be.
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