There is nothing new to report
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils had to win today to avoid getting swept for the first time all season. Cliff Lee was okay, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits in 6 innings, but again the Phils bat's struggled. In fact Chris Narveson took a no hitter into the 5th inning, before John Mayberry Jr. broke it up with a double, but they remained scoreless into the 6th inning. That left Lee perilously close to taking his 2nd loss of the season, but Placido Polanco's 3 run shot in the bottom of 6th handed Lee a no decision. Later in the 8th, Shane Victorino launched a solo bomb for a 4-3 lead. Then Jose Contreras retired the Brewers in the 9th, to salvage the 4-3 win and narrowly avoid a sweep.
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers looked to put a strangle hold on their opening round series with the Sabres tonight but Ryan Miller would have none of it. He stopped all 32 of the Flyers in a masteful performance. Brian Boucher just about as good stopping 28 of 29 shots, with the Sabres one score coming on a turnover in front of the net that probably shouldn't have happened. The Flyer's penalty kill was great again, as they stopped all 4 Buffalo power play opportunities including a 5 minute major to start the 3rd period. That major, called in the final seconds of the 3rd period, should have been a 2 minute minor on Mike Richards who was only protecting himself. Unfortunately that was only one of the questionable moves by the officials the cost the Flyers in this one. The Flyers took a lot of cheap shots after the whistle from the Sabres which weren't called and Dan Carcillo was mugged in front of the Sabres net and did nothing in retaliation, yet he was given a penalty leading to a sloppy 4 on 4 instead of a Flyer's power play. So to recap great goaltending + bad officiating = a 1-0 Flyers loss in game 4 and 2-2 series.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
PHILLIES NEWS
It was an ugly Tuesday night for the Phils in more ways than one. Roy Halladay had his first off night of the season allowing 6 runs(only 4 scored while he was still in the game) on 10 hits, while striking out 3 in 6 and 2/3rds innings. The Phils bat's weren't much better as they managed 0 runs and just 2 hits, a bunt single by Jimmy Rollins and a double by Shane Victorino. The bullpen provided the icing on the cake and David Herndon and Mike Zagurski combined to allowed another 3 runs on 3 hits in 7th inning, at which point it was 9-0 Brewers with no sun light on the horizon. After that Danny Baez was at least one bright spot, tossing a pair of scoreless innings to finish the night and a 9-0 loss the Phils will want to forget quickly.
Monday, April 18, 2011
FLYERS NEWS
With the series tied 1-1 it was the win tonight in Buffalo for the Orange and Black and they delivered. In his first start of the playoffs, Brian Boucher was great stopping 35 of 37 shots and getting his team a huge breather, by throwing his helmet away during a late penalty kill in the 3rd period. The Flyer's penalty kill was just as great killing 5 of 6 power plays, including a pivotal 5 on 3 late in the 3rd period with the Flyers up by 1. Up until that point the Flyers spent the night front running. Just under 5 minutes into the 1st period, Jeff Carter finally scored the Flyers first power play goal and his first goal of the playoffs for a 1-0 lead. Later about 3 minutes into the 2nd period Danny Briere scored his 2nd goal of series for a 2-0 lead. Then with about 4 minutes left in the 2nd Mike Richards setup Nikolay Zherdev, subbing for in Andreas Nodl, with a perfect pass for his 1st ever playoff goal and a 3-1 lead. Buffalo managed to sneak in a goal in the final minute of the period to cut it to 3-2, but thanks to the penalty kill it would be their last goal of the night. In the final seconds Kimmo Timonen netted an empty netter to to finally ice the huge 4-2 win for a 2-1 series lead.
PHILLIES NEWS
It was a long and wacky night for the Phils and Brewers in their series opener at the Bank tonight. Joe Blanton provided his best start of the season thus far, allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits while striking out 4 in 7 innings. Unfortunately the Phils only support for Blanton was Ryan Howard's RBI single in the first inning and fielder's choice in the 7th inning. Placido Polanco was then robbed of an RBI single later in that inning that would have given Blanton a chance to get the win. Instead he was forced to settle for a no decision. Just one inning later they fell behind again on another fielder's choice. Then in the 9th Pete Orr ripped a 1 out game tying single and moved to 2nd as Ryan Braun airmailed the throw home, but he was stranded after Shane Victorino struck out, Polanco walked, and Jimmy Rollins popped up. In the extra innings the Phils were unable to come up with anything through 11. From there things got away from them as the Brew Crew scored 3 in the 12th. Finally in the bottom of the 12th, the managed to get the tying run to the plate, but Howard was robbed of a hit, and Ben Francisco flied out to end a tough 6-3 loss.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers continued their series with the Heat tonight as they looked to rebound from a game 1 loss. Unfortunately they went cold from the field in this one and never really had a chance. On the whole they shot just 34% from the field and 65% from the free throw line. They did shoot a decent 42% from beyond the arc which kept them in it early on but that was about as good as it got for them. Defensively, they did a decent job on the big three again, limiting DWade to just 14 points and Lebron to just 10-19 shooting. They still had no answer for Chris Bosh underneath though, as he hit 9-13 for another 21 points. It doesn't really matter how tough you defend if you can't hit shots on the other end of the floor. Thad Young led the way again with 18 and 6 rebounds, Evan Turner chipped in with 15 and 6 rebounds, and finally despite struggling quite a bit, Jrue Holiday was able to add 12. All together it was not nearly as the Heat whipped the Sixers 94-73 for a 2-0 series lead. The Sixers will have to return the favor on their home court.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
PHILLIES NEWS
With yesterday's game rained out the Phils simply had to win today to avoid their first series loss of the season. Cole Hamels obliged, allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits, while striking out 7 in 7 innings of work. Unfortunately, that was only a good enough for no-decision, with the Phils only managing 2 runs of their own on an RBI single by Raul Ibanez and a solo blast by Carlos Ruiz in the 1st inning. Finally in the home half of the 8th , just after Hamels exited for the day, Ruiz came up big again with a sac fly for a 3-2 lead. Jose Contreras had a bit of an adventure in the 9th, but eventually got through it unscathed to finish the 3-2 win that keeps the Phils 2 games up in the NL East.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
FLYERS NEWS
In wild afternoon affair the Flyers evened their series with the Sabres at a game apiece. Sergei Bobrovsky was beaten 3 times on just 7 shots before being yanked in favor of Brian Boucher. In the 1st period alone the two teams exchanged the lead 3 times. First the Flyers led 1-0 on a beautiful goal by Claude Giroux just 4 minutes into the contest. Then after Buffalo tied it with a power play tally, Dan Carcillo knocked in a rebound to put the Flyers back ahead 2-1. Just 5 minutes later the Flyers found themselves behind 3-2. Finally with an assist from Giroux James Van Reimsdyk scored to send the two teams into the intermission tied at 3. From there Boucher stabilized things and shut down the Sabres in the 2nd period while Ville Leino finally scored a power play goal for the Orange and Black and Danny Briere followed with a deflection a couple minutes later for a 5-3 lead through 2 periods. The Orange and Black mainly sat back and protected their lead in the 3rd period and it only almost cost them. About 6 minutes into the period the Sabres cut it to 5-4. Buffalo then had numerous opportunities to put in the equalizer but the Boucher stood just tall enough and the Flyers hung on to win 5-4.
SIXERS NEWS
In their playoff opener against the Heat the Sixers showed the same resiliency they have all season. Unfortunately it wasn't quite enough. They actually stunned everyone by jumping out to an early 14 point lead and holding it into the 2nd quarter. Miami then turned on the switch and rallied all the way back to as much as a 16 point lead of their own. The Sixers did not give up though. They locked up on D in the 3rd quarter as Andre Iguodala held Lebron James to just 1 field goal the entire quarter and after Jrue Holiday hit a couple late threes and Thad Young put in a miracle layup they found themselves down 1 with 2 minutes to play. Sadly they ran out of gas and Miami eventually hung on to win game 1 97-89. There's plenty for the Sixers to hang their heads on though. Iggy's defense and the Sixers D on the whole was outstanding as they held all of the big three under 50% shooting for the game and in fact, Lebron himself had just 4 field goals. The Sixers also outscored the Heat in the paint by 10 and on the break by 7. Most responsible for the points in the paint were Thad Young who had 20 and 11 rebounds, and Elton Brand who had 17 and 7 rebounds. Holiday also had a great first playoff performance with 19, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, and Lou Williams found a way to score 10 on one leg. All in all it was a good start to the playoffs for the Sixers and something they can build on moving forward in the series.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils and Marlins were rained out today so Cole Hamels will make his scheduled start tomorrow instead and the two teams will play a doubleheader later this season to make today's game.
Friday, April 15, 2011
PHILLIES NEWS
Roy Oswalt allowed just 2 runs on 4 hits while striking out 6 through 6 innings, but he was forced to leave before the 7th inning with back spasms and the Phils bullpen could not get through the 7th in a 4-3 loss to the Marlins. The Phils got off to a good start with Raul Ibanez slapping two RBI singles and Ryan Howard launching a sac fly on the way to a 3-1 lead through 6. Unfortunately as mentioned that wasn't enough of a lead for the bullpen to hang on to in the 7th. After falling behind 4-3 through the 7 the Phils were able to put together any type of rally in the final 2 innings. They should be back in business tomorrow with Cole Hamels on the mound.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
PHILLIES NEWS
Cliff Lee one upped Roy Halladay tonight tossing a complete game shutout while allowing just 3 hits and striking out 12 in of the most masterful performances in franchise history. Meanwhile, Carlos Ruiz crushed a solo homer and singled and scored on a fielder's choice, Shane Victorino doubled and scored on an error, and finally ripped a 2 out single for his 1st RBI of the year. All together it was more than enough for a 4-0 win. To date with the win the Phils still have not lost a series this season.
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers began their playoff run tonight with a disappointing effort. Sergei Bobrovsky was great in his first playoff start stopping 24 of 25 shots. The Flyer defense was also pretty good allowing just those 25 shots and only one power play opportunity on which the Sabres failed to score. The problem as had been the case late in the season was the offense. They did get 35 shots on goal but too many of them were from far away. They just didn't get enough shots close in on Ryan Miller and the few times they did get pucks in on him they didn't a good enough job following them up. As a result Miller gobbled up all 35 shots and the Flyers fell in game 1, 1-0.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
PHILLIES NEWS
Roy Halladay got the Phils right back on track tonight with his first complete game of the season thus far. It wasn't easy though. After tossing 8 scoreless innings while striking out 7, he had tough a long 2 run 9th inning, before striking out the side with the tying run on base. While Halladay was mowing them down the Phils scratched out a few runs, on a fielder's choice in the 4th, and another RBI single by Placido Polanco, and via Ryan Howard getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the 5th. All together it was just enough for a 3-2 win.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers came into tonight with a chance to finish over .500 for the first time since 2004. All they had to do was knockoff the lottery bound Pistons at the Wells Fargo center. Unfortunately Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams both sat out again and without them the Sixers didn't quite have enough. Their defensive effort just wasn't good enough as Detroit host 48% from the field and 35% from beyond and were forced into just 11 turnovers. A few more stops and they would have squeeked by with a win but it wasn't to be. Evan Turner had 18, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds, Jrue Holiday had 21 and 7 assists, Andres Nocioni had 18 and Thad Young had 13 to key a strong scoring effort, but it wasn't quite enough. Jason Kapono missed a late trey in the closing seconds that likely would have forced overtime and the Sixers fell 104-100 to finish the year 41-41.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
PHILLIES NEWS
Joe Blanton's struggles continued tonight in Washington as he was touched up for 5 runs on 7 hits in 6 innings. Old friend Jayson Werth was biggest Blanton killer with a double, a homer, an RBI, a stolen base and 2 runs scored. As for the Phils, Ryan Howard's solo shot in the 2nd inning actually gave them an early 1-0 cushion, but Livan Hernandez shut them down from there. They did fight back gamely against the National's bullpen with 2 runs in the 8th on a fielder's choice and a wild pitch, and 1 run on an RBI single by Placido Polanco in the 9th inning, but it was too little too late. In the end despite the comeback effort their first game of the season in Washington turned out to be a 7-4 loss.
Monday, April 11, 2011
SIXERS NEWS
The effort wasn't there for the Sixers tonight as they welcomed Dwight Howard and the Magic to the Wells Fargo center. Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams both sat the night out so the Sixer's chances of winning were slim anyway. Their only chance would have been to outwork the Magic on both sides of the court but they did not. Instead they were out rebounded 56-31 and shot just 42% from the field and 29% from beyond. They did come up with 11 steals and force 16 turnovers to but most came during a late rally that was too little too late. Ultimately, Elton Brand's 22, Jrue Holiday's 15 and 11 assists and Andres Nocioni's 13 were the lone Sixer highlights in a tough 95-85 loss.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
PHILLIES NEWS
Cole Hamels rebounded from his rough first start today in a big way, tossing 7 scoreless innings, while allowing just 4 hits and striking out 8. It was arguably the best start any of the big 4 have had thus far this season and with Derek Lowe on the mound the for Atlanta, it was the start the Phils had to have out of him this afternoon. Anyway while Cole was mowing them down, the Phils scratched out a couple of runs off Lowe. Shane Victorino was responsible for both. In the 4th inning he singled and scored on a fielder's choice. Then in the 6th inning he launched his first homer of the season for a 2-0 lead. Later Jimmy Rollins added some insurance, doubling and scoring in the 9th, and Jose Contreras worked out his 2nd save of the season with a 1-2-3 home half of the 9th, for the 3-0 win. At 7-2 overall now, the Phils already own a 2 game lead in the NL East.
Saturday, April 09, 2011
PHILLIES NEWS
Roy Oswalt shut the Braves down this afternoon, allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits in 6 strong innings. Meanwhile, the Phils bat's exploded again for 10 runs on 15 hits. Ben Francisco started things with an RBI single in the 1st inning. In the 4th inning Brian Schneider slammed a 2 run homer. In the 7th inning Carlos Ruiz crushed a pinch grand slam and Ryan Howard rapped a 2 out RBI double. Finally in the 8th, Ruiz doubled in a run and scored to cap off the 10-2 Phils win. Color the Braves humbled.
FLYERS NEWS
It wasn't pretty but the Flyers finally managed a win to finish their regular season with a division title. Sergei Bobrovsky finished the year in bad way allowing 3 goals on just 10 shots, but Brian Boucher subbed in for him after that and performed well, stopping 25 of 26 shots. Meanwhile, the Orange and Black blitzed the Islanders for 7 scores, including 2 and an assist from Andrej Meszaros and 2 from Scott Hartnell. Still it was a little touch and go for a while with the two teams trading goals for the better part of 2 periods. Finally with about 1:30 left in the 2nd, Scott Hartnell's 2nd goal put the Flyers up to stay 5-4. Andrej Meszaros 2nd goal made it 6-4 about halfway through the 3rd period. Then Daroll Powe added an empty netter to cap off an important 7-4 victory. With the win the Flyers clinch their first Atlantic division title since 2004 and the 2nd seed in Eastern conference. They will play the Sabres in the first round of the playoffs.
Friday, April 08, 2011
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers finally ended their 3 game skid tonight as the last place Raptors visited the Wells Fargo center. It wasn't pretty though. Despite having starting center Andrea Bargnani and starting point guard Jose Calderon both inactive the Raptors were still able to give the Sixers all they could handle. In fact without their top center, they actually out rebounded the Sixers 41-30. Other than that the Sixers were fine defensively, forcing 18 turnovers, and racking up 9 steals and 5 blocks, but they stunk it up a bit offensively shooting just 27% from beyond. As a result Toronto stayed almost neck and neck with them until the closing seconds of the game. In the end though, 22 and 8 rebounds from Elton Brand, 20 from Thad Young, 16 from Andre Iguodala, 13 and 11 assists from Jrue Holiday, and 10 from Jodie Meeks and Evan Turner were enough to hold off Toronto. After Jerryd Bayless missed a trey with 4 seconds left, Holiday drained a couple free throws to close out the 98-93 Sixer victory.
PHILLIES NEWS
Cliff Lee had a first hiccup of the season tonight, as the Braves touched him up for 6 runs on 10 hits in just 3 and 1/3rd innings. Before that the Phils actually led 3-0 , thanks to a sac fly by Ryan Howard, and an RBI single by Ben Francisco in the 1st inning, and a fielder's choice in the 2nd inning. After Lee knocked out they did not score again and eventually lost to Atlanta 6-3.
FLYERS NEWS
With their chances of snagging the top spot in the Eastern conference on the line the Flyers played a solid night of hockey in Buffalo, but it still wasn't good enough to secure a victory. Defensively, they held the Sabres to just 29 shots on goal and 0 for 2 on the power play. Offensively, the Leino, Briere, Hartnell line produced another 4 points(2 goals and 2 assists by Briere and Hartnell), and Kris Versteeg added a shorthanded goal. All together though, it wasn't enough to knock off the Sabres who were bidding to clinch a playoff spot. Briere's goal gave the Flyers a 3-2 lead halfway through the 2nd period and they took that lead into the 3rd period. Then Buffalo inserted Ryan Miller into the game and he shut the Flyers down the rest of the way while added a tying goal with 10 minutes left in the 3rd period, and a winning goal just over a minute into overtime. With the 4-3 loss the Flyers can no longer claim the top spot in the Eastern conference, but they still clinch the Atlantic division and finish as the #2 seed by winning their last game.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
PHILLIES NEWS
Roy Halladay befuddled Met's hitters for 7 innings this afternoon, allowing no runs and 6 hits, while striking out 7. Meanwhile the Phils hitters, embarrassed Met's pitching, racking up another 11 runs on 16 hits. Shane Victorino and Placido Polanco got things started in the 3rd singing with an RBI single and an RBI double respectively. In the 4th inning, Carlos Ruiz singled in 1 run, Wilson Valdez doubled in another, and finally Polanco picked up a 2 out 2 run single for a 6-0 lead. In the 5th, Valdez knocked a 2 out 2 run double, before being thrown out at 3rd while trying to advance. In the 7th Raul Ibanez crushed a 2 run homer for a 10-0 lead. Finally in the 8th inning, a fielder's choice gave the Phils an 11-0 lead. Mercifully, they stopped there and David Herndon finished off the embarrassed Mets and the 11-0 win in the 9th.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
PHILLIES NEWS
Joe Blanton looked to be complete control through 4 innings as he struck out 6 and allowed just 2 runs. Then in the 5th inning the wheels came loose as the Mets exploded for 5 runs on 6 hits. Prior to that and the Mets 2 run 4th, the Phils actually had a 7-0 lead. Shane Victorino tripled and scored and Ryan Howard doubled and scored in the 1st inning. Mike Pelphrey through the ball away on a sacrifice bunt by Blanton and Placido Polanco singled in a 3rd run in the 2nd inning. Finally in the 3rd inning Howard slugged a solo homer, Blanton of all people, rapped a bases loaded single to score 2 more and Polanco followed with another single to make it 7-0. Everyone at the Bank probably though it was over at that point only to be stunned by a Met comeback, but no matter the Phils recovered from their collapse quickly, as Polanco slapped another RBI single, and then scored on an infield single by Howard for 2 more runs in the 5th. Later in the 6th, Ben Francisco crushed a solo homer and the Phils bullpen closed things out from there in a 10-7 victory.
SIXERS NEWS
With the Eastern conference's 6th seed likely on the line the Sixers hosted the New York Knicks at the Wells Fargo center. This was essentially the reverse of their last game, as they played a horrible first half, before a furious 2nd half rally. Elton Brand's 24 and 9 rebounds, and Thad Young's 25 and 7 rebounds keyed the rally. Andre Iguodala's 15, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds, and Jrue Holiday's 11, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds were also huge. Unfortunately with Lou Williams out and Jodie Meeks off his game at 0 for 8 from beyond on the night, the Sixers couldn't hit threes and it cost them late. A Meeks layup completed the rally and gave the Sixers an 88-87 lead with 1:58 left in the 4th. However, Meeks missed a trey after while and Tony Douglas and Carmelo Anthony hit one and the Knicks hung on to win 97-92. The Knicks are 6th in the East by a half game over the Sixers.
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
PHILLIES NEWS
The big 4 finally hit a road block tonight as the Mets touched up Cole Hamels for 6 runs on 7 hits in just 2 and 2/3rds innings. Meanwhile, Chris Young held the Phils to just 1 run(Placido Polanco's RBI double) on 5 hits, while striking out 7. The Phils did rack up another 7 hits and had opportunities for more runs, but couldn't cash in as they fell to the Mets 7-1.
FLYERS NEWS
The Ottawa Senators have been near the bottom of the Eastern conference standings all season. Someone should tell that to the Flyers who were once again embarrassed them in Ottawa. Mike Richards scored a pair of power play goals, 1 early in 1st period and 1 late in the period, to twice give the Flyers a 1 goal lead. Both times however, porous defense gave the lead right back. After falling behind 3-2 with just seconds remaining in the 2nd period the Flyers did not recover, eventually losing 5-2. Not exactly a playoff caliber performance.
SIXERS NEWS
Playing increased minutes in the absence of Lou Williams, Evan Turner had one of his better nights, with 21 and 5 assists, but it wasn't enough tonight in Boston. After Turner the Sixers top scorer was Elton Brand with 12. Jrue Holiday also had 11, while Andre Iguodala and Jodie Meeks each added 10. The Sixers played a great first half but went cold in the 3rd and 4th quarters, finishing just 39% from the field overall, as the Celtics rolled 99-82.
Monday, April 04, 2011
Sunday, April 03, 2011
PHILLIES NEWS
So it came down this. All that stood between the Phils and an historic season opening sweep of the Astros was a confrontation between Roy Oswalt and his old team. Oswalt delivered for most part, allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits while striking out 6 in 6 innings. Meanwhile, the Phils offense stayed hot with another 7 runs on 13 hits. Ryan Howard started things off with a bang with a 3 run jack in the first inning. A couple batters later Ben Francisco added a solo shot and the Phils led 4-0. Howard struck again with an RBI double to make it 5-0 in the 3rd inning. In the 6th inning, Shane Victorino showed he was okay, slapping a pinch RBI single for a 6-1 lead. Micheal Martinez, who started over Victorino in center field, followed with his first career hit to plate another run for a 7-1 lead. The Phils didn't score again but thee 7 runs were more than enough to hold off the Stros 7-3 and complete sweep, their first such sweep since 1899. Only 159 more wins and they'll have the first perfect season in MLB history.
FLYERS NEWS
The late season scoring woes continued for the Flyers this afternoon as the Rangers visited the Wells Fargo center. They managed just 34 shots and 2 goals and went 0 for 4 on the power play. The Orange and Black were also out shot in 2 of 3 periods. Still 32 saves by Sergei Bobrovsky and goals from James Van Reimsdyk and Nikolay Zherdev were just enough for the Flyers to force overtime and then a shootout. In the shootout both Zherdev and Claude Giroux failed to score while Erik Christensen and Wojtek Wolski each beat Bobrovsky as the Flyers fell 3-2. Despite the loss the 1 point the Flyers earned moves them back into a tie with the Capitals atop the Eastern conference.
SIXERS NEWS
After straining his hamstring yesterday in Milwaukee Lou Williams will be sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Saturday, April 02, 2011
PHILLIES NEWS
Cliff Lee made his long awaited to return to the Phils and looked pretty good doing it, allowing just 3 runs on 4 hits, while striking out 11 in 7 innings. Meanwhile, the Phils lineup exploded for 9 runs on 14 hits, with all 8 starters collecting at least 1 hit, and 6 of the 8 knocking in at least 1 run. Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Ben Francisco, and Raul Ibanez, all collected 2 hits, while Placido Polanco racked up 3 hits, and Francisco, Ibanez, and Victorino all had 2 RBIs. Right off the bat in the 1st inning, Howard slapped an RBI single and Ibanez a double for a 2-0 lead. A 2 run single from Victorino made it 4-1 in the 4th. A double from Francisco, a single from Ibanez, and a single from Wilson Valdez made it 7-1 in the 5th. A Carlo Ruiz double made it 8-3 in the 7th. Finally a Francisco single in the 8th made it 9-4 Phillies and was enough to secure the victory and a 2-0 start to the season. The only bad news on the night was that Victorino injured his calf after colliding with Francisco in the 4th inning while tracking a fly ball. On the bright side if he has to go on the DL, that will give John Mayberry Jr, a chance to start some games and show what he can do.
SIXERS NEWS
20 and 12 rebounds from Elton Brand and 15 and 10 assists from Jrue Holiday weren't enough tonight in Milwaukee as the Sixers, playing their 5th game in 7 nights, ran out of gas in a 93-87 OT loss to the Bucks. Thad Young also chipped in with 14 and 6 rebounds, Jodie Meeks had 13 and 5 rebounds, and Spencer Hawes had 12 and 7 rebounds in the losing effort. The Sixers actually came out firing and took a 9 point lead into the half before Milwaukee rallied back to tie things up heading into the 4th quarter. The Sixers had just enough left in the tank to keep things tied throughout the 4th. After Brand sunk a jumper to tie it at 79 with 1:42 to play, the Sixers missed 2 shots to win the game and then Holiday was stripped in the final seconds to force overtime. They just didn't enough left after that to pull it out.
Friday, April 01, 2011
PHILLIES NEWS
Ever since Cliff Lee returned to the Phillies it seems as though today was taking forever to get here. But this afternoon the Phillies opened their 2011 season with Roy Halladay on the mound. Halladay did not disappoint, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 6 in 6 innings. On other hand for most of the day the Phils lineup was a letdown as old friend, Brett Myers held them to just 2 runs on 3 hits through 7. Both runs Myers allowed came in the 7th, on sac fly by Ryan Howard, and a groundball off the bat of Raul Ibanez. In the 8th inning the Phils put another zero on the board. And so they came into the 9th down 4-2 and primed to lose another home/season opener. Not so fast. Jimmy Rollins led off the 9th with a single. Howard followed with another single to put the tying run with nobody out. With 1 out Ben Francisco slapped an RBI single to cut it to 4-3. Carlos Ruiz followed with another single to load the bases for Wilson Valdez. He delivered with the 5th single of the inning to tie things up at 4. Finally John Mayberry Jr, playing in his first opening day, collected the game winning and 6th single of the inning, to cap off probably the most improbable 5-4 opening day win in Phils history.
SIXERS NEWS
With a chance to clinch a playoff spot on the line the Sixers went all in at home against Nets and came away with arguably their easiest win of the season. Thad Young had 22, Elton Brand had 21, Andre Iguodala, had 14, Jrue Holiday had 17, and Lou Williams had 13 as the Sixers rolled over the Nets by 25, 115-90. With the win the Sixers clinch their 3rd playoff berth in 4 years. It remains to be seen though what their seed will be and who they will face in their first round series.
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers came into tonight with a chance to eliminate their nemesis, the New Jersey Devils, from the postseason, but they came up short again. Brian Boucher was okay in net before getting victimized late by a pair of goals that deflected in off skates. James Van Reimsdyk and Jeff Carter both scored for the Orange and Black but that was it despite another 36 shots on goal. Put it all together you've got another disappointing loss, this time 4-2 to the Devils.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
FLYERS NEWS
Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 21 of 22 shots but again it didn't matter as the Flyers failed to make any of their 43 shots on goal or 5 power play opportunitiess count in a 1-0 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers. The Flyers also committed 7 penalties along the way which really kept them from ever sustaining anything offensively. The bottom line though is that they didn't win a game tonight that they should have and now are in serious danger of losing the top spot in the Eastern conference.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers struggled much of the night before rallying late at home against the Rockets. Jrue Holiday was the man with 24 and 12 assists, Thad Young was huge again with 22 and 9 rebounds, Lou Williams was solid with 15 and 5 assists, Spencer Hawes and Jodie Meeks each chipped in with 12 and Andre Iguodala fell just short of triple double with 9, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds. The Sixers outscored Houston 32-27 in the 3rd quarter and 24-15 in the 4th quarter as they rallied ahead and pulled away late to win 108-97. Their magic number to clinch a playoff spot is now 1.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils completed spring training today with a 4-1 loss to the Pirates. Afterwards they announced their final roster to open the season as follows:
starting rotation: Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, Hamels, and Joe Blanton
bullpen: Contreras, Madson, Romero, Baez, Antonio Bastardo, Kyle Kendrick, and David Herndon
catchers: Ruiz and Brian Schneider
infielders: Howard, JRoll, Polanco, Wilson Valdez, Micheal Martinez, and Pete Orr
outfielders: Victorino, Ibanez, Ben Francisco, Ross Gload, and John Mayberry Jr.
starting rotation: Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, Hamels, and Joe Blanton
bullpen: Contreras, Madson, Romero, Baez, Antonio Bastardo, Kyle Kendrick, and David Herndon
catchers: Ruiz and Brian Schneider
infielders: Howard, JRoll, Polanco, Wilson Valdez, Micheal Martinez, and Pete Orr
outfielders: Victorino, Ibanez, Ben Francisco, Ross Gload, and John Mayberry Jr.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
FLYERS NEWS
Desperately in need of a victory the Flyers finally got a few bounces of the puck in their favor tonight in Pittsburgh. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 25 of 27 shots to key the defence while the Briere-Hartnell-Leino line registered points to take of the scoring. First Ville Leino and Scott Hartnell teamed up for a power play to tie things at 2 late in the 2nd period. Then early in the 3rd period Danny Briere twice helped to setup Ville Leino for the Flyer's 4th and 5th goals of the night en route to a big 5-2 win over the Pens.
PHILLIES NEWS
Roy Oswalt allowed 5 runs on 5 hits in 4 innings, but Ben Francisco clubbed his 5th homer of the spring and the Phils defeated the pirates anyway 8-5.
Monday, March 28, 2011
SIXERS NEWS
Fresh off their worst loss of the season the Sixers rebounded with their best win. Thad Young was unstoppable with 21 and 7 rebounds, Andre Iguodala was solid with 19 and 7 rebounds, Spencer Hawes shot 53% from the floor and wound up with 14, Elton Brand was big with 13 and 9 rebounds, Jrue Holiday came up with a few key baskets on the way to 12 and 6 assists, and Lou Williams toughed out 10, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds, as the Sixers stunned the Bulls at Chicago 97-85. Their magic number to clinch a playoff spot is now 2.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
FLYERS NEWS
Brian Boucher stopped 34 of 36 shots but it didn't matter as the Flyers went 0 for 1 on the power play and managed just 1 goal on 27 shots in a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Bruins. Kris Versteeg scored the only goal in the loss. If they hope to finish the season atop the Eastern conference the Orange and Black will to start avoiding losses like these going foward.
SIXERS NEWS
28, 7 assists, and 9 rebounds from Jrue Holiday and 22 from Jodie Meeks weren't enough for the Sixers this afternoon. Neither was a three at the buzzer by Lou Williams, as they blew an early lead and fell to the lowly Kings in overtime 114-111. This is by far their most disappointing loss of the season thus far.
PHILLIES NEWS
Roy Halladay tossed 3 scoreless innings while striking out 3 and Raul Ibanez and Ryan Howard each homered as the Phils knocked off the Braves 6-1.
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