The Phillies came into this weekend’s three game series with Florida staggering a bit with a record of 6 wins and 8 losses coming off two straight series losses at home. The offense was stagnant till the friday night ninth inning wakeup call where they scored seven runs. On Saturday night they faced another of the Marlin’s young stud starters in Chris Volstad. Volstad threw seven strong innings and left with a 4 to 3 lead. The Marlin bullpen, however, once again blew the game as the Phillies tied the game in the ninth and won it in the tenth ! Big late game hits were delivered by Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Matt Stairs and Raul Ibanez. Ibanez is a true pro hitter and continues to be impressive in his game approach and delivery. Chan Ho Park belted a solo home run early in the game and actually threw a nice game going seven innings while allowing four runs.
Ryan Madson picked up the win in relief and Brad Lidge earned his fourth save of the season albeit a bit shakey in the outing.
On Sunday afternoon Jamie Moyer continued his dazzlement of the youthful Marlins as he tossed six innings to earn his third win of the young season. The Phillies jumped on Florida starter Graham Taylor and knocked him out in the fourth inning. Shane Victorino had a big offensive day out of the leadoff spot driving in four runs with two hits. Ryan Howard had a two hit ballgame and Pedro Feliz had three hits in the game. Chad Durbin and J.A. Happ finished up behind Moyer to close out the victory.
With the sweep the Phillies increased the early season record to 9 and 8. Florida has lost six straight and is now 11 and 7.
Chatter
It is true that the Marlins have great young starting pitching but they are lacking in the little things of the game, baserunning, fielding and common baseball sense are all things they severely lack in. It is a reflection of having a young team that learns the trade in the major leagues rather than at the minor league level. It is why, in my opinion, they will not win over the long haul of the season.
Kudo’s to my son, Nolan, for completing his college baseball career this weekend. He set a school record with 19 appearances this season as a pitcher including throwing in three consecutive games this weekend. His final college game was an eight inning effort as a starter on Saturday, this after throwing two and 1/3 innings on Friday and 1/3 of an inning in game 1 of a doubleheader on Saturday. He is a tough minded young man, not afraid of any situation or obstacle and always the ultimate team player………. as his dad I am indeed very proud. Good job Nolan !
