Veteran  Jamie Moyer took the mound for the Phillies in the second game of the series versus the Nationals.  Moyer was staked to a two run lead in the first inning as Pat Burrell knocked in Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino whom had both singled.   The Nationals put three on the board in their half of the inning as Moyer gave up two home runs.

No more scoring occured till the fifth when the fightins erupted for five runs.  Highlights of the inning were home runs by Chase Utley and Shane Victorino.  The Phillies added another in the seventh as Victorino hit his second homer of the game.  Moyer was lifted after six very professional frames as Ryan Madson came in.  Madson was touched for two runs by the Nationals to tighten the score to 8 to 5.  Chad Durbin pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

Brad Lidge came on for the ninth as the game was in a save situation.  It was the fifth consecutive game for a Lidge appearance.  Lidge has experienced tendinitis in his elbow since the all-star game so consecutive appearances like this may be of concern later on.   Ryan Langerhans touched him for a leadoff double but he retired the next three batters to earn his 26th save as has converted every opportunity. 

The Mets lost so the Phillies move back into sole possession of first place in National League East.  The win was credited to Moyer, his tenth of the season and the 240th of his career.  The ageless one has been very good this year especially since the all-star break.

Chatter

Rumors are rampant that Manny is  headed to the Marlins with the Pirates included in three team trade where Jason Bay would end up in Boston and Jeremy Hermedia would become a Pirate.  Albeit the Phillies do not have a position open for Manny it would be hard to swallow seeing him go to a division rival.  Pat Burrell’s numbers this year align to Manny but Ramirez is a hall of famer, tough to pass on that kind of talent regardless of whether how enigmatic he may be!  The Phillies seem to be concentrating on adding bullpen depth but it does seem more and more possible that they make no moves at all before the deadline passes.  I do not think we have enough to truly be a championship contender but surely hope that I am wrong!