When times get tough leaders emerge and this was the case in the opening game of the Fightin’s three game series against the Padres in San Diego.   Skipper Charlie Manuel challenged his troops to “be men” and push forward else incur the consequences of falling out of the race.  Jamie Moyer seemed to take the challenge personally as he pitched seven brilliant innings shuting out the Padres on only three hits.  He was matched pitch for pitch by fellow veteran Greg Maddux with the exception of one toss.

That errant pitch was hammered by Pat Burrell for his 28th home run of the season and represented the lone score of the game.   The bullpen held the lead for Moyer as Ryan Madson and J.C. Romero each gained Holds and Brad Lidge came on to pitch the ninth and earn his 29th save.  Lidge has been bothered by shoulder stiffness so it was a big plus to see him back out there.

Jimmy Rollins albeit still struggling with the bat showed off his defensive form making a couple brilliant plays at short stop.  He was featured on “Web Gems” on ESPN!  Rollins also took Charlie’s challenge to heart as he is indeed the team leader and as he goes so will the Figthin’s!   Rollins is a multi skilled player and can change the course of the game in many ways, this one he did so with his glove.  

Chatter

The Phillies were coming off a sweep at the hands of the Dodgers so needed a win desperately.  The Dodgers won the fourth game of the series by a count of 3 to 1 as another top notch pitching performance by a Phillie starter was wasted.  Brett Myers tossed seven innings against the Dodgers but with the offense only able to muster two hits he took the hit for another loss.

Rudy Seanez is scheduled to come off the disabled list today, it may not seem he has tremendous impact but folks like him and Clay Condrey by taking thier turn of bullpen innings save the arms of the likes of Madson, Romero and Durbin.  They are indeed key and vital for the home stretch.  Most likely Les Waldron will be optioned back to Triple A today.  The Mets continue to win, they defeated the Pirates 2 to 1 to remain one game ahead of the Fightins in National League East. 

Kyle Kendrick toes the rubber tonight in San Diego, lets hope he gets teh sinker down in the zone and not up like he was in L.A.  Here is also hoping that the FIghtin offense resurfaces!