The offensive drought ended in the Phillies first at bat as team leader Jimmy Rollins led off the home first with a triple to deep right.  Shane Victorino then plated Rollins with a double to right field.  Ryan Howard capped the first inning scoring with an RBI single to score Victorino.

Brett Myers made that lead stand up thru seven frames as he limited the Bucs to four hits.  The only run he allowed came in the fourth frame.  Nate McClouth doubled to right field to score Doug Meintkiewcz.   The Phillies scored their third run of the game in the home seventh as Rollins again tripled to right field, his fourth hit of the game!  Victorino again knocked in his top of the order partner with a single to left field this time.  When these two are making things happen the Fightins are tough to beat!  The leadoff tandem had six hits in the game between them.

Myers pitched into the eighth inning and recorded two outs but was touched for a double by Chris Gomez and was lifted in favor of J.C. Romero who came in to end the inning.  Myers was not happy about being lifted and voiced his opinion openly on the mound to the skipper Charlie Manuel.  Manuel confronted Myers in the dugout and the TV cameras caught the brief nose to nose “discussion”.   Myers is a competitor but Skipper Manuel has proven he is in control of this ship and will take no guff from his players.  As you might tell I am a Charlie Manuel fan and incidents like this are why.  He handled it promptly and put it to rest.  In my opinion he is an excellent manager simply by the way he handles his people.  Players are not encumbered on this team but there is one boss and he will not be shown up!

Jayson Werth led off the bottom of the eighth with a triple off the right field wall.  Greg Dobbs singled him in for the fourth run of the game.  Dobbs was two for three in game, he was lifted for pinch hitter Eric Bruntlett who stayed in the game to play third base in the ninth.

Chad Durbin pitched the ninth inning as Brad Lidge was given the night off.  Durbin gave up a run but was able to finish and earn the first save of his career.   I know from experience that closing a game is a bit harder than pitching the set up innings!  Good job Chad in ultimately coming thru!

Chatter

The team officially retired number 36 in honor of Robin Roberts before the game.  Roberts is a Hall of Famer and was the ace of the 1950 Whiz kids that went to the World Series.   Jamie Moyer takes the hill tommorrow, the 46 year old plans on being back with the team next season to honor his contract, in fact when asked by a reporter he stated he would not rule out playing till 50!  John Russell, the Pirates skipper, who caught Moyer when they were teammates in Texas thinks he possibly could !

Game two of the Florida series pitted Kyle Kendrick against the Fish.  Kendrick was staked to an early lead in this one as the Fightins scored one in the first and two in the second.  Chase Utley had the initial key blow, a double to plate the first run while an Eric Bruntlett double in the second plated Geoff Jenkins who had reached on an error, Kendrick then knocked in Buntlett to help his own cause.

 Ryan Howard smashed his 32^nd home run of the season in the Phillies third at bat to make the score 4-0.  Kyle Kendrick pitched six shutout innings to hold the lead, the twenty three year old right hander pitched out of a few jams en route to the quality start as he had his sinker working really well and got great defensive support from his infield.  He did walk five batters but the stellar fielding in particular by third basemen Bruntlett and short stop Jimmy Rollins preserved his shut out performance.

 Mike Cervenak got his first major league hit and RBI in the bottom of the sixth as he pinch hit for Kendrick to knock in Eric Bruntlett to make the score 5 zip.  Chad Durbin pitched scoreless seventh and eighth frames after manager Charlie Manuel had purposely given him the night off last evening.  Durbin has been excellent in his role this year but had pitched in five of the last six games for the Fightins, coupled with the Monday off day it gave Durbin a much needed and earned two day rest. 

 Ryan Madson pitched a perfect ninth inning to complete the shutout.  Madson only needed six pitches to finish the innings, all of the pitches he threw were strikes!  Kyle Kendrick upped his record to 10 and 5.  Since his recall from the minors mid season last year he is 20 and 9!

  Chatter

 The Phillies had minor league pitching coordinator Gorman Heimueller on hand at the University of Miami to watch former Phil Freddie Garcia work out on Tuesday but it seems unlikely they would have a genuine interest in re-signing him.  It was reported as more of a cover your bases excursion, apparently fifteen teams watched Garcia throw!  A true indication of how thin pitching is when a guy coming off Tommy John surgery gains that sort of attention deep into August just for a workout!   The more realistic candidate as a potential Phillies signing is left handed reliever Scott Eyre who has cleared waivers after being designated by the Cubs.  Eyre has been on the D.L twice this year and has not pitched well this season albeit he has done so each of the past two seasons…….. us lefties never seem to die and Mr. Eyre most likely will get another look somewhere!

  I was somewhat impressed by Les Walrond’s outing.  He showed a low 90’s fastball and a decent curve ball and cutter, his problem was that he started to nibble after striking out the first batter he faced last night and ended up walking the bases full before giving up a jam shot that scored two.  I think he is worth another look, I remember back to the 70’s an at that time journey man pitcher named Dave Stewart that wore a Phillie uniform early in his career and was given up on…….. he went on to be a stud in Oakland!  Not saying that Waldron is of that ilk but lefties that can throw in the nineties are not readily available!  Tom Gordon had his first rehab appearance in Clearwater earlier this week and threw again this evening but was removed with elbow discomfort; hopes were he might rejoin the bullpen before the end of the month but he will come back to Philly to be examined by the team physician and go from there.   Pedro Feliz is scheduled to come off the DL on Saturday but is still battling lower back issues and most likely will not be reactivated on schedule. 

Joe Blanton made his third start since being acquired from the Oakland A’s for the Fightins, this time against the St. Louis Cardinals, in Busch Stadium, St. Louis.  BLanton was very effective thru seven frames as he held the Redbirds to only one run on four hits.  He had a shutout thru six innings but Ryan Ludwick, who is on a tear, tagged him for a long home run in the seventh.

Blanton was staked to a two run lead early in the game as Greg Dobbs hit a solo home run in the third inning and Ryan Howard slammed his 31st home run of the season in the fourth inning.  Braden Looper pitched six very good innings for St. Louis as he only gave up three hits but two were the long balls. 

Eric Bruntlett was picked off first base by Cards catcher Yadier Molina in the eighth frame, Molina has a cannon and it marked the 45th time in his career that he has picked a runner off first!  The Molina brothers are surely very good defensive catchers, ( older brother Benji catches for the San Francisco Giants and younger brother Jose catches for the New York Yankees).

J.C. Romero and Chad Durbin pitched the eighth inning, Romero was touched for a single before getting a strikeout.  He was pulled in favor of Durbin with right handed hitters coming up for the Cards.  Durbin came in a coaxed a double play ground ball from Joe Mather to end the inning.  He threw nothing but sliders to Mather as the young man looks like a dead red fast ball hitter.  The double play was key as it left Albert Pujols standing in the on deck circle!

Brad Lidge pitched the ninth inning and earned his 27th save of the year.  He struck out two batters in the inning.  The Phillies are 49 and 0 when leading after eight innings this year.  Lidge is perfect in save chances this year.  Big win for the Fightins as they struggled offensively but the pitching came thru big time!

Chatter

Rudy Seanez was put on the disabled list prior to the Cardinal series and left hander Les Waldron was recalled from Triple A Lehigh Valley.  Waldron has previous big league experience with the Cubs and Royals, seventeen games in total, most recently with Chicago in 2006.  Despite a right handed starter on the hill for the Cards skipper Charlie Manuel chose to play Jayson Werth in right field rather than left handed swinger Geoff Jenkins.   It is not a pure platoon and many times Charlie seems to play a hunch as to whom starts or even pinch hits in situations.  He catches alot of flak when it doesn’t work but few accolades when it does! 

Kyle Kendrick took the hill for the Fightins in the last game of the three game series against the Nationals in Washington.  Kendrick was staked to an early three run lead as Jayson Werth belted his 15th home run of the season to lead off the second inning.  Eric Bruntlett then singled as did Carlos Ruiz.   Bruntlett scored on a ground out by Jimmy Rollins and Ruiz scored on a error by the Nats Ryan Zimmerman.

The Nationals scored single runs in the third and fourth frames to tighten the score.  Jimmy Rollins belted a two run home run in the fourth frame to widen the gap once again. The Phillies put the game away with three more runs in the sixth highlighted by RBI singles for Ryan Howard and  Pat Burrell.

Kendrick pitched six and 2/3 innings before yielding  to Clay Condrey.  Condrey completed the inning and pitched the eighth, Rudy Seanez started the ninth frame but relinquished two runs and was pulled in favor of Chad Durbin who finished the game by getting the final out.   Nationals Park marked the 47th park that Seanez has pitched in during his journeyman career.

The Mets were idle so with the win the Phillies expanded their lead in the division to one full game.  The Marlins pounded the Rockies so they remain one and 1/2 games off the pace.

 Chatter

The trade deadline came and went with no activity for the Phillies.  Manny was indeed dealt by Boston but to the Dodgers.  The Phillies have yet to play the Dodgers this season and have eight games left with L.A. so they will have to deal with Ramirez for a good portion of their remaining games.  I assume that J.A. Happ will see innings out of the pen and provides insurance if one of the starters stumbles.   Adam Eaton pitched at Single A Lakewood and did not have a great line score as he only lasted thru four innings.  He may indeed be the most expensive minor leaguer in history !   The Phillies will keep their eyes open for waiver wire deals, remember that two years ago Jamie Moyer was acquired via that path.

When Cole Hamels takes the hill for the Phillies one usually expects a quality start.  This one appeared to be no different thru three frames as Hamels allowed no Brave runs to score.  The Phillies spotted their ace to a three run lead when they scored twice in the second inning as Chris Coste singled with two outs to score Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell.  Howard had reached on a walk and Burrell had followed with a double.    The third run scored in the third inning as Shane Victorino tripled and Chase Utley scored him on a sacrifice fly.

Things got ugly for Hamels however in the fourth inning as the Braves plated nine runs!  Included in the inning were errors by Hamels and Utley that in effect made only four of the runs earned but Hamels was hit hard as he allowed five hits in the inning including a three run home run by Mark Teixeira.  Hamels was far from “ace like” in this one as he was chased after three and two thirds innings.

The FIghtins were true to their name however as they did not hang their heads and call it in.  They put up a seven spot in the fifth inning to regain the lead.  The Phillies brought ten batters to the plate in the inning.  Key blows in the inning were two out hits by Chris Coste and Greg Dobbs.  Coste delivered a single to right to score Ryan Howard and keep the inning alive.  Dobbs then smoked a three run home run to put the Phillies ahead by one!  This team has not shown any dog in them and the innning was a true reflection of team character!

The Phillies bullpen dominated their part of the contest.  Atlanta was held scoreless by Rudy Seanez, Adam Eaton, Ryan Madson, Chad Durbin, J.C. Romero and Brad Lidge.  Eaton was credited with the win while Madson, Durbin and Romero all earned holds.  Lidge earned his 23rd save and set a new team record by converting 23 consecutive save opportunities breaking the old mark set by Billy Wagner when he was a Phillie. 

Chatter

Eric Bruntlett started the game at third as Pedro Feliz again sat out with back pain.  Greg Dobbs got his 20th pinch hit of the season, a game winner at that.  Dobbs has been excellent all year at hitting in the pinch.   In order for Hamels to be a real staff ace he cannott implode in games like this one, he has dominated the Braves thus far this season but lost his composure in this one as he even errored on a throw himself trying to force a play.  I think he is an extreme talent but is still young and we fans must be patient with his continued development.   Joe Blanton takes his second turn in the rotation tommorrow in the series finale.

Jamie Moyer pitched exceptional but Oliver Perez was better as the Mets won the series finale 3 to 1 and took over sole possession of first place in the National League Eastern Division.    Perez rang up 12 strikeouts in 7 and 2/3 innings before yielding to the bullpen.   Moyer went seven innings allowing only two hits while striking out six.

The Mets took an early lead in the game as David Wright singled to score Jose (Hot Dog) Reyes in the third inning.  That lead held till the Phillies at bat in the seventh frame when Jayson Werth blasted a center field home run off of Perez to tie the game.

The Phillies had the bases loaded with two outs in the top half of the eighth when Perez was lifted in favor of Aaron Heilmann.  Jayson Werth was the hitter, rather than use a left handed pinch hitter such as Gregg Dobbs, ( 19 pinch hits lead the majors), or Jimmy Rollins the skipper chose to let Werth hit. He promptly skied the first pitch to center field for the last out.  Critics would summize that Charlie blew the game by not making the textbook move especially in light that Heilmann is far less effective against left handers.   Perhaps indeed the pinch hitter should have been used but Manuel played a hunch that Werth would come thru.   It is amazing how Northeast corridor fans love to excentuate the negative, this is the same manager the team had when they were 10 games over .500!  Talk shows will buzz with how Charlie’s lack of a move blew the game but the fact of the matter is that a manager is only as good as his players, if Werth comes thru no one would comment.

J.C. Romero took over mound chores for the Phillies in the eighth and gave up two runs as Carlos Delgado doubled to score teammates David Wright and Robinson Cancel.  Billy Wagner pitched the ninth to earn his 26th save.

Chatter

Jimmy Rollins was benched as he arrived late for the game.  It marks the second time this year Rollins has been disciplined by Manager Charlie Manuel for breaking the two main team rules, always hustle and be on time.  Rollins disagreed with Manuel that he deserved the disciplinary action this time.  Eric Bruntlett replaced Rollins in the lineup and had three hits in the game.   The Phillies offense has been sporadic this season to say the least, they are amongst league leaders in home runs and runs scored but discounting isolated high run games, ( they scored 20 in one against St. Louis), they have lacked consistency.  When a pitcher only allows two hits thru seven innings you must find a way to win!

No time to panic though, the team must regroup and win upcoming series with Atlanta at home and Washington on the road. 

Game two of the Arizona series was played as a late afternoon contest so that it could be carried as a regional broadcast on FOX Sports.  Adam Eaton toed the rubber for the Fightins against the Big Unit Randy Johnson.

 The Snakes bit first by scoring two runs in their first at bat as Chad Tracey and Mark Reynolds collected RBI’s.  The Phillies tied the game in the third frame as Shane Victorino blasted a two run home run to the left field seats.

 Things exploded in the fourth inning as Eaton ran into a bout of wildness after two outs. Alex Romero lined a single and Robby Hammock then walked.  Eaton went to 3-2 on mound opponent Randy Johnson before hanging a slider that Johnson smoked down the left field line to score both runners.  Stephen Drew then walked and Conor Jackson lined a double to left scoring Johnson.  Orlando Hudson was issued an intentional walk and then Eaton was lifted in favor of RJ Swindle. It marked the second consecutive short outing for Eaton. Tracey produced two more runs on a broken bat single to center field. Mark Reynolds then blasted a three run home run as Arizona’s tenth hitter in the frame to make the score 10 to 2!  All tolled the D-Backs sent 12 hitters to the plate as they took the eight run lead.

 The Phillies scored two runs in the fifth inning highlighted by Shane Victorino’s second home run of the game.  No more scores occurred and the game ended 10 to 4. 

 Chatter

 Philly fans have lost their patience with Adam Eaton.  Eaton was given a large contract before last season as a free agent acquisition.  He has yet to produce in the blue collar town and has been a consistent target of the “Boo Birds”.  RJ Swindle has been mediocre since getting the call from Triple A.  The soft tossing lefty must be perfect in pitch placement or is subject to being blasted by major league hitters. With the stretch drive looming the Phillies are in need of a steady starter in the rotation along with someone who can pitch at the top.  Perhaps the steady starter is Eaton but he has not shown results thus far.   Eric Bruntlett got the start at second base as manager Charlie Manual gave All-Star Chase Utley the day off against Johnson.

The Philadelphia Phillies scored a run in the top of the ninth inning to beat the Washington Natonals 1-0 on Tuesday night.  Pitch hitter Greg Dobbs singled in Eric Bruntlett for the run in the ninth inning.

Starting pitcher Cole Hamels pitched seven innings while only giving up four hits in the game. Hamels got the no decision since there was no run support early in the game.  Tom Gordon picked up the win as he pitched the eighth inning.  Gordon is now 4-2 on the season.  Brad Lidge picked up the save which was his 11th of the season.

The Phillies struggled at the plate as they eight hits in the game but never got the big hit they needed until the ninth inning.  If the Phillies want to really contend in the division for the entire year, they are going to have to get those runs in early in the game.

Phillies Blog

The Philadelphia Phillies were blow out on Thursday afternoon by the Arizona Diamondbacks.  The Phillies lost 8-3 and dropped two of three games on the road to the Diamondbacks.

The Phillies were only able to manage six hits in the game and two runs.  Chase Utley, Eric Bruntlett, and Ryan Howard all had one rbi each for the Phillies.  The middle of the order absolutely sucked it up against the Diamondbacks as the the 3-8 hitters did not have one hit the entire game.

Brett Myers took the loss for the Phillies as he gave up nine hits and seven runs through five innings.  Clay Condrey pitched the final three innings of the game and allowed one run as well.

The Phillies are now 20-16 on the season.  Phillies Blog

Eric Bruntlett and Chase Utley rallied the Philadelphia Phillies to a 5-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday night.  Bruntlett doubled in the tying run and Utley’s single brought home what turned out to be the game winner as the Diamondbacks twice blew late-inning leads.

Pedro Feliz had a two run home run in the game to lead the Phillies with two rbi in the game.  Shane Victorino, Bruntlett, and Utley all had one rbi in the game.

J.C. Romero improved to 3-0 on the season as he picked up the win in relief.  Kyle Kendrick started the game for the phillies and pitched six innings while allowing ten hits and three runs.  Brad Lidge picked up his eighth save of the season as he closed out the Diamondbacks in the ninth inning.

Phillies Blog