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Jimmy Rollins in the last few games has not been able to jump start the offense, seems to be lunging again a bit.  In this one he struck out in his first two at bats however the Phillies did manage to score first thanks to the hapless fielding of the Marlins.   In the top of the third Carlos Ruiz reached on a throwing error by  third baseman Jorge Cantu, he advanced all the way to third as Phils starting pitcher Joe Blanton laid down a sacrifice bunt but Florida starter Anibal Sanchez threw the ball away allowing Blanton to reach.  Chase Utley then singled home Ruiz.

Blanton could not hold the lead however as Florida plated two in the bottom of the third as catcher John Baker belted a double to drive in both runs.   Shane Victorino tied the game in the top of the fourth by belting a solo home run, his 14th dinger of the season.   The Phillies re-took the lead in the sixth as Greg Dobbs singled to drive in Ryan Howard who had walked to lead off the inning.  The Phillies proceeded to load the bases and  Tadahito Iguchi pinch hit for Joe Blanton but flew out to right field on the first pitch.  Blanton did a credible job in this one as he struck out nine and only allowed three hits with two walks.  He had much better command than in prior starts and had some real pop on the heater.

The relief firm of Chad Durbin, J.C. Romero and Ryan Madson came on to pitch scoreless sixth, seventh and eighth frames albeit each was nerve wrecking especially the eighth when the Marlins put two runners on with no outs but Madson wiggled out of it with the help of a couple close calls by home plate umpire C.B. Buckner, one on a play at the plate where Gregg Dobbs threw out the runner, the call could have went either way truly and the other on a pitch that appeared to hit Cody Ross on the hand but Buckner instead ruled it hit the knob of the bat!   To Madson’s credit he did then go on to strike Ross out but the Fightins gotta fix the setup spot over the winter else they are  gonna give fans like me a heart attack !

Greg Dobbs led off the ninth with a double off the right field wall, Carlos Ruiz then sacrfice bunted pinch runner Greg Golson to third but the Phils could not score as Matt Stairs struck out and Jimmy Rollins was out trying to bunt for a hit.  J-Roll took the collar in this one.

Brad Lidge came on for the ninth and struck out the side to earn his 39th save in 39 tries despite walking the leadoff hitter.   HUGE HUGE HUGE win for this team !    Milwaukee, New York and Houston all lost so the Phillies go back into first in the N.L. East but are also now 3 games up on the wild card with seven left to play………….. HUGE HUGE HUGE Win boys !!!!!!!!!

Chatter

Word is that big Joe Blanton has been suffering from biceps tendinitis since a start he made in Los Angeles back in July,  it explains the lack of control and velocity he has had since coming to the Phillies. To his credit he has never refused to take the ball and goes out and battles each time.   In last nights game the Florida manager went to the umpires and required that Brett Myers put on a long sleeve shirt to cover his tatoo stating it was distracting, this after Phils skipper Charlie Manuel made the umpires enforce that the Marlins base coaches stay within the coaching boxes, little bit of tit for tat going on !

Much bigger crowd for this game, there was a concert and fireworks display after the game.  Albeit the crowds are generally small for Marlin home games Phillies Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas  did note during the game broadcast that they are usually very loud and supportive of the home team.

Carlos Ruiz played a heady game in this one doing the little things that often go unnoticed.  He picked off a runner at first base in the sixth, blocked the plate on a bang banger in the eighth, put down a perfect sac bunt in the ninth, blocked numerous pitches in the dirt including a nasty skidding fastball in the seventh and generally kept the calm on the field in numerous mound conferences.  The little catcher has taken a beating this year from fans and media as he has struggled most of the year offensively so he should get kudos for when he has a good game like this one !

The Brewers sure are trying to punt that wildcard spot as they lost again today 4 to 3 against the Reds, they looked lifeless on the bench and had their ace going today C.C. Sabbathia……………… maybe the big fella should come to Philly next year for more support eh!   Never too early for Hot Stove talk !!!!

By the way it is ok by me if both the Mets and Phils make the playoffs, don’t like the Mets but do respect them and their fans as they live and die for their team on a daily basis just like most of us Philly folks do for the Fightins, northeast fans are very passionate!  …………… of course I hope they are the wild card and we win the division !

Did I mention this was a HUGE win !!!!! 

The Phillies jumped out early once agan by scoring in their first at bat.  They were helped immensely by the achilles heal of the Marlins, defense!  Mike Jacobs butchered a ground ball hit by Ryan Howard that allowed Chase Utley to score the first run.  Utley had reached on a walk and advanced on Jayson Werth’s single.  Werth scored the second run of the game on a wild pitch by Florida starter Josh Johnson, Werth had went to third on the error by Jacobs. 

Florida bounced right back in the bottom of the first to score five runs as the first five batters all got hits including a two run home run by Dan Uggla.  Greg Dobbs homered to lead off the second inning marking the first dinger that Florida starter  Josh Johnson has given to a lefty hitter all season.   Chris Coste then singled and advanced to second on a sac bunt by Brett Myers.  Florida made yet another fielding mistake as Jimmy Rollins singled to right field and Cody Ross overthrew the cutoff man allowing Rollins to advance to second base.  Coste then scored on a sacrifice fly to right field by Chase Utley.   After only one and one half innings of play nine runs had scored as the Marlins led 5 to 4 !

The Big Man Ryan Howard put the Phillies back on top in the fifth inning as he belted a two run home run to right field to score Chase Utley in front of him.  Howard battled in a classic at bat by working the count to 3-2 and fouling off numerous pitches before belting the blast!  Brett Myers struggled again in the home fifth as Florida bounced back to regain the lead.  Myers could not record an out in the inning and left with the bases loaded after allowing two runs to score.  Rudy Seanez came in as first relief and got tagged for a three run home run by Alfredo Amezaga after getting two outs.  Score at the end of five was 11-6 Marlins.  Florida added two more in the sixth off of Les Walrond to add insult to injury.    The Phillies offense though does not understand the word quit and  scored two off Florida reliever Andrew Miller in the seventh and eighth innings including a solo home run by Shane Victorino.   That forced the Marlins to lift Miller in favor of another reliever Logan Kensing who got two outs in the eighth  but allowed two runners and was then pulled in favor of ex Phil Arthur Rhodes who came on to get out of the inning with no further damage.  Kyle Kendrick got an inning of work in the eighth and got lit up by Jorge Cantu for a long solo home run.

Final Score :  Florida 14 Phillies 8   Have to come back and get ‘em tommorrow boys!  The only saving grace was that Milwaukee also got smoked by Cincy and at the time I filed this summary the Mets bullpen was trying their damdest to blow another one in Atlanta ! 

Chatter

The stands were pretty empty in Florida for the game, never quite understood how the Marlins maintain a presence in the Miami area as they usually put a decent product on the field but have historically never really drawn.  Similiar situation in Tampa Bay where the Rays are argueably the most talented young team in baseball but very rarely sell out the park.  With the lack of support the Marlins management is forced to sell off players that reach arbitration simply because they cannott afford to keep them. 

I don’t know if folks notice but Brett Myers starts every game now by standing behind the mound looking at Jimmy Rollins and mimicking the celebration hand signal that Jose Reyes does when he scores for the Mets.  Myers follows the signal with a smirk and  another signal of throwing his hand up in the air as if to say “Yeh Right!” ……….. that is at least what I think it is anyway.  It didn’t bring us any luck tonight though.

Good starts in games usually help relax things a bit.  The Phillies got off to a good start again in this one as Jayson Werth hit a double off the center field wall to plate Chase Utley with the games first run.  Werth advanced to third when the Atlanta centefielder bobbled the ball.  Ryan Howard then drove Werth home with a sacrifice fly to left field.  This gave Cole Hamels a two run lead before even throwing a pitch!   Atlanta answered back in the bottom of the first however as Brian McCann doubled off the wall to score Chipper Jones who had walked.   Casey Kotchman tied the game in the second inning with a solo home run. 

Pat Burrell hit a two run bomb in the sixth inning that scored Jayson Werth ahead of him.  Werth had reached on an error.   Cole Hamels struggled with his control but managed to pitch six innings and left the game with a two run lead.  Hamels was high with most of his pitches but was able to make key pitches when he needed them, it was a gutty effort by the young ace.

Ryan Madson pitched the seventh inning and some shaky fielding allowed Atlanta to score an unearned run.  Both Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins committed errors that gave the Braves five outs in the inning.  Rollins error was actually a fly ball that Pat Burrell should have called him off on but did not, Rollins went deep into left field and attempted an over the should catch that fell out of his glove.   Howard’s error was later changed by the official scorer to a hit for Kelly Johnson, it extended Johnson’s hitting streak to 16 games but it was a pretty weak change of heart to be honest! Howard botched an easy ground ball and Johnson should have been out.

J.C. Romero pitched a scoreless eighth inning for the Phillies.  Brad Lidge pitched a perfect ninth inning to close the game striking out two batters.  He earned his 38th save in 38 tries.  The Phillies improved to 78 and 0 when leading after eight innings.  They swept all nine games played in Atlanta this year, first time Braves were swept at home by Phils since 1909!

Chatter

Chipper Jones and Brian McCann are really the only two hitters in the Atlanta lineup that scare anybody at the moment.  It is a far cry from the Braves heydays when they dominated the division.  Despite being in a deep slump Pat Burrell remained in the lineup,  I think one of the things players appreciate most about skipper Charlie Manuel is the fact that he shows confidence in guys both when they are going good or bad.  That trust paid off as Burrell blasted career home run # 250 in the sixth inning.  Earlier in the year Ryan Howard could not hit dirt and now he is on an MVP pace, baseball messes with ya that way !

The Brewers lost earlier in the day to the Cubs, good and bad news for the Fightins.  Good that Milwaukee lost but bad that the Cubs magic number is down to 2 to clinch the central division.  The Cubs play the Mets next and one has to wonder if they rest a few folks after they clinch. 

Question to Ponder

Atlanta’s John Smoltz is a free agent next season, what about Mr. Smoltz in Phillies pinstripes in 2009 ?

Rookie J.A. Happ took the starting assignment on the hilll for the Fightins and his teammates staked him to a four run lead before he even threw a pitch!  Ryan Howard continued his torrid hitting as he singled to knock in a run, Jayson Werth and Carlos Ruiz also singled to collect RBI’s, Ruiz had a key two out two run stroke.

Happ pitched six solid shutout innings for the Fightins allowing only three hits.  Geoff Jenkins pinch hit for him in the seventh.  Happ’s performance was much more than expected as the young lefty came up big to fill the fifth starter’s hole, it most likely will earn him another shot next week!

The Phillies added a run in the eighth as Braves second basemen Kelly Johnson had a brain cramp on a dead double play ball with runners on first and third as he forgot the outs, looked home and was then forced to go to first.  He was obviously very embarrassed afterwards! 

Chad Durbin pitched a scoreless seventh with little trouble but after getting two outs in the eighth ran into some trouble as two runners reached base.  Skipper Manuel went to the pen once more bringing lefty J.C. Romero in and he got Brian McCann on a pop out to end the inning with no damage done.    Matt Stairs hit a pinch hit home run in the ninth inning, his first as a Phillie, to lead off the inning.   Clay Condrey pitched the ninth to close out the game and gave up a run.  Final count: Phillies 6, Braves 1

 Chatter

Right, wrong or indifferent it is undeniable that skipper Charlie Manuel has been the calm throughout all occassions this season.  When the Fightins were down by four earlier in August Charlie remained confident that his team would prevail, in fact was almost “chatty” during his after game press conference which is a task he does not seem to enjoy.  He displays the kind of confidence that makes guys want to play for him,  talk shows and fans can question all they want in game moves but this guy is a proven winner and in my mind is a keeper.  He is very much like Coach Andy Reid of the Eagles in his calm and somewhat “in your face” media nature of display that it is his way or the highway!   If the Phillies make the playoffs he deserves alot of credit and it is not despite of him as some might say!   Bobby Cox has managed forever in Atlanta with that positive attitude approach and as we know has been very successful.

The Mets lost my favorite hot dog Fernando Tatis for the season when he dislocated his shoulder diving for a ball in the outfield.  I do not wish injury or hurt to anyone so hope that he recovers quickly and is back to “skipping” on the plate when he scores next season!

Shane Victorino must truly love playing in Atlanta.  He had three hits last night and followed that up with another three hits tonight.  In the previous six games at Atlanta Victorino has had multi hit games in four of them!  He gave us a scare in his third at bat when the ball hit his thumb while attempting to bunt, he did not come out of the game but did seem to favor it in his swing in the fourth at bat.

The Phillies marched into Atlanta tied for the wild card lead and only 1/2 game behind the division leading Mets, they also entered the contest with a perfect 6 and 0 record in Atlanta thus far this season.  That being said you knew it wasn’t going to be easy in this one as nothing has this season.

Veteran Jamie Moyer started for the Fightins in this one and albeit he struggled with command did manage to go 5 and 2/3 innings.  Moyer was tagged for six hits and six runs and left the game trailing.  Ryan Howard provided the big offensive push for the Fightins as he had four hits in the game including a triple in the seventh and a home run in the eighth.  Howard had three RBI’S in the game.  Jayson Werth and Carlos Ruiz also homered in the contest.  Ryan Madson was huge in this one as pitched perfect seventh and eighth innings to shut down the Braves who had erupted for four to take the lead in the sixth inning.  Jimmy Rollins had two hits in the game and Shane Victorino had a three hit game.  Howard’s home run came in the top of the eighth and  gave the Phils a one run lead to protect.

Brad Lidge earned his 37th save in 37 tries albeit it was not an easy one as he walked the bases loaded before striking out the last hitter!  Phillies took over first place with the win!

Chatter

The Mets were shutout in Washington and lost 1 to 0.  At least they can’t blame that one on the bullpen!  J.A. Happ will start tommorrow night in the fifth starters spot.  He was given the nod over veteran Adam Eaton and struggling Kyle Kendrick.   Scott Eyre has voiced a wish to resign with the Phils next season, Eyre is a free agent at end of season, he has been very effective since coming over from the Cubs and in my opinion should be welcomed back.  Moyer did not have location in this one but remember that he threw on three days rest last start and on four days in this one, during the summer the team has tried to give him extra rest if possible.  He is a pro though and will not turn away the assignment !  

If Phillies win the division Ryan Howard  is gonna be the MVP again !  He can’t be denied if he keeps up this pace !

Jimmy Rollins started this one off hot as he doubled in his first at bat, advanced to third on a single by Jayson Werth and scored on a double play ground out by Chase Utley.   The Phillies scored three more in the second as starting pitcher Brett Myers came thru with a two out single to score Pat Burrell who had led off the inning with a walk.  J-Roll stayed hot in his second at bat as after Chris Coste, ( on with an intentional walk), and Myers had advanced on a wild pitch Rollins singled to center field to plate both runners.   Pat Burrell smoked a long solo home run to the upper deck in  left field in the fourth to make it  5-0.  Shane Victorino doubled and then a HBP to Coste and walks to Rollins and Jayson Werth forced in another run and Brewer starter Jeff Suppan was done for the evening after only going 3 and 2/3 innings!  The score at the end of four was 6 -0 Phillies.

The Brewers scored a run in the seventh on a Prince Fielder solo home run.  It was only the second hit allowed by Brett Myers in the game !  Myers was outstanding and on three days rest!  He pitched a complete game two hitter !  The man is full of energy and propelled the team to win in this one!

Big offensive game for J-Roll as he was on base all five plate appearances with two hits and three walks.  Shane Victorino also had a big game as he had three hits in the contest. 

Chatter

The Phillies will definitely need a fifth starter on either Tuesday or Wednesday.  With the rainout this past Friday forcing Joe Blanton to throw on Sunday the only pitchers amongst the first four capable of throwing Tuesday and Wednesday are  Jamie Moyer and  Cole Hamels, both would have to go on three days rest…………. while possible it is not likely they will ask Hamels to throw on that short a rest.  J.A. Happ or Adam Eaton will likely get a start in one of the two initial games of the Braves series.

Shout out to Catherine Hildwine who won the $100 McDonalds giveaway for the game when Pat the Bat smoked a home run in the fourth……….. good job Cath bringing the team good luck in this one!  There was a major league game in Milwaukee tonight even though the Brewers were in Philly!  In a rarity the Houston Astros “hosted”  the Chicago Cubs at Miller Park as Houston is still in recovery from the hit of Hurricane Isaac.

On an unusually hot day in September, ( heat index over 100!), things started lethargic for the FIghtins.  Starting pitcher Joe Blanton was tagged for a two run home run in the Brewers first at bat by Ray Durham to put the Phils immediately in a hole.  Blanton’s woes with the Phillies have been caused by his lack of demand on his pitches and he hung a curve ball to Durham that the hitter actually seemed to double clutch on before swinging!    The Phillies got one back in the fourth inning as Chase Utley doubled, went to third on a single by Ryan Howard and scored on a double play ground out by Pat Burrell.   Milwaukee made it a two run game again in the top of the fifth as Mike Cameron smoked a Blanton changeup into the rarified air of the left field upper deck!

Ryan Howard tied the game in the home sixth by belting his 44th home run of the season over the left field wall to score Chase Utley in front of him.   Dave Bush did a nice job for Milwaukee as he went six innings and only gave up five hits.  Bush is a local Philly boy as he grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs,  likewise Joe Blanton pitched effectively for the Fightins as he was pulled in the offensive seventh in favor of pinch hitter Matt Stairs.  

Ryan Madson got the first two outs in the eighth before skipper Charlie Manuel went to lefty Scott Eyre to turn switch hitter Ray Durham into a right hander.  Eyre did the job by striking out Durham who was left in for the at bat despite only hittiing .219 against lefthanders this season.  Milwaukee had Ricky Weeks and Bill Hall available on the bench, not our worry though!

Jayson Werth led off the eighth with a single off of righthander Guiellermo Mota  which prompted a pitching change by Milwaukee, they brought lefthander Brian Shouse in to presumably face Utley and Howard……… but in a surprise move our three hole hitter Chase Utley sacrificed Werth to second with a bunt!   Ryan Howard was then intentionally walked with first base open  but the Brewers still  kept Shouse in to face right hand hitter  Pat Burrell rather than go to righty Eric Gagne.   Burrell singled to left field to score Werth with the go ahead run on a very close play at the plate!  Shane Victorino then belted a three run home run to put the Phils up by four !   Pedro Feliz then singled.   All of this happened against Shouse, he did not retire a hitter as finally Brewer skipper Ned Yost came and got him…………. if Milwaukee sports talk shows are anything like Philly’s  then Mr. Yost’s ears will be burning off as the second guessers will be out in full force!

Brad Lidge recorded the final two outs in the ninth after Scott Eyre got the first one.  Charlie is taking no chances down the stretch and is using Lidge even in four run lead non save closeouts.  The Phillies increased thier record to 67 and 0 when leading after eight.  Lidge should be fine for tonight’s game as he only threw seven pitches to get the last two outs!

Chatter

The team seemed flat once again at the start, perhaps due to the weather or the lack of a capacity crowd.  J-Roll struck out to begin the game and as he goes so does this crew.  Blanton had to be considered a disappointment thus far in the way he had pitched, he too often was getting behind hitters and then was hit hard, even the outs he got seemed to be struggles.  By pitching seven in this one he did his job and saved burning the pen for the game tonight, alot of between game work with pitching coach Rich Dubee has been going on to help the big fella find a consistent release point on his pitches.    Corey Hart lost a ball in the sun in the bottom of the fifth but stayed with it and made a last minute dive to record the catch.   The game tonight has tremendous importance as it will swing the wild card race in a distinctive path forward.  Tuesday offers another challenge for the starting pitching staff as it is a situation for the fifth spot in the rotation, if that spot is skipped Jamie Moyer would have to pitch on three days rest again.  Who do you give the chance to ?  J.A. Happ who got hit around behind Kyle Kendrick last week, Kendrick who is in a deep slump or do you ask veteran Adam Eaton to earn that big paycheck ?    I don’t believe I am saying this but Eaton may be the best option if Moyer cannott go !  Stay tuned.

Chase Utley broke his own team record for getting hit by a pitch in the sixth inning when he took one in the shoulder.  It marked the 26th time Chase has taken one for the team this season!

The Phillies have fared relatively well whenever they have been featured on Fox TV’s regional telecasts as today’s game was. Jimmy Rollins started the game off right for the Fightins as he led off with a single and scored on a double to right by Chase Utley. Jayson Werth scored Utley with a single and then scored himself as Shane Victorino knocked him in with a single. The Phillies added two more in the second as Ryan Howard plated both Rollins and Utley with a single. Both Rollins and Utley had collected thier second hits of the game to lead off the inning.

The Brewers scored two runs in the fourth as Jason Kendall was credited with a two out two RBI double that Pat Burrell misplayed. Cole Hamels was upset with the misplay and put his arm up in disgust, the young fella has to learn it is not a smart thing to show up a teammate on a mistake ! Just an inning before Burrell made an excellent play on a ball hit off the wall by Prince Fielder holding Fielder to a single, this allowed for Fielder to be doubled up when the next batter grounded into a double play. Hamels needed to pick up his mate the way Burrell had done for him on that play. It comes with experience.

Jimmy Rollins got the two runs back for Hamels with a two run home run in the Phillies sixth. Hamels pitched 6 and 1/3 innings of strong baseball to earn his 13th win of the season. The closing firm of Chad Durbin, J.C. Romero and Brad Lidge finished the game for the Phillies to put the team within 2 games of a tie for the wild card playoff spot!

J-Roll had three hits in this one, when he is on base and Mr. Howard is hot like he is this team is very tough. Why anyone would want to trade Ryan Howard is beyond me, especially when he gets in streaks like he is in now. Even what some perceive to be a subpar season for him he is still leading the league in home runs and RBI’s !!

Chatter

Since the game friday night was rained out there will be a doubleheader tommorow to make it up. It will be the same setup as last week with a day/night format. Joe Blanton will take the ball in the first game and Brett Myers will go in the second. Myers will be working on three days rest for the first time this year and like teammate Jamie Moyer did not hesitate to accept the assignment. He was even spotted in the bullpen during thursday nights game after pitching on Wednesday and stated he could go a inning then! Gotta love the guys desire to help the team in whatever way he can! The Brewers could have opted to play on Monday, an off day for both teams but given choice decided they would rather face Myers on short rest. Geoff Jenkins is off the disabled list and eligible to play but not sure what his status is in regards to effectiveness.

Backs against the wall and in need of leaders to step up the Phillies embarked on a four game journey against the Brewers by sending veteran Jamie Moyer to the hill. Moyer has been in essence the staff ace this season and is leading the team in wins and quality starts. He took this assignment on three days rest, first time this season attempting to do that for the 45 year old ! Ryan Howard gave Moyer an early cushion as he belted a Ben Sheets fastball over the center field wall in the very first inning to put the Fightins up 2 to 0. Jimmy Rollins scored in front of Howard as he reached on a single to lead off the game.

J.J. Hardy took Moyer out in the third to make the count 2 to 1. Ryan Howard got it back in the 4th as he belted a double off the top of the centerfield fence to plate Chase Utley who had led off the inning with a single. Pedro Feliz doubled off the right field wall to score Howard. Prince Fielder slammed a two run home run in the top of the sixth to make the score 4 to 3.

Charlie went to the pen in the sixth, Moyer threw five and 2/3 innings and left with the lead. He gave the team another pro’s pro effort and showed his younger teammates how to perform in big games. Ryan Madson got first call from the pen and got a groundout to end the visitor’s sixth. The Phillies scored again in the bottom of the sixth as Carlos Ruiz doubled home Pedro Feliz. Feliz had reached base on a single.

Ryan Madson pitched into the eighth inning and actually got two outs before Charlie had to do his bullpen shuffle to complete the inning. He used both Scott Eyre and Chad Durbin to finish the inning. At end of eight 5 to 3 Phils. Good job by Mr. Madson in this one going two innings allowing no runs.

Shane Victorino led off the bottom of the eighth with a single, went to second on an errant throw to first, was sacrificed to third by Pedro Feliz on a bunt and scored on a squeeze bunt by Carlos Ruiz! Small ball baby! If it didn’t work you can bet your last dollar the talk show discussion would have been second guessing the hell out of that one!

Brad Lidge pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn his 36th save in 36 tries. The Phillies increased their record to 66 and 0 when leading after eight innings. One down, three to go !

Chatter

Skipper Charlie Manuel in his game recap with the Press last night called out the home fans to step up just like the team needs to. Mr. Manuel stated that the fans were flat in the Marlins series and that the team needed their energy to push them along. I wholeheartedly agree with him and in fact listed that as one of my “little things” in a previous blog article the team needed. I also agree with my buddy Al in his response to last nights blog review that I am tired of the blame being funnelled on the skipper, lets all get on the same page folks……… players, coaches, front office, skipper and yes us as fans…………. beat the damn Brew Crew and then sweep the Braves and Nats in the last 12! Who says it can’t be done, not me!

One last thing for tonight, God Bless the memory of those who died on 9/11/01, I like all Americans will never ever forget that horrible day in our history and will always honor those who perished. God Bless America !

Sometimes when you lose a game it is due to just being beat and you have to acknowledge the other teams efforts. That being said if you wish to become a playoff club you cannott afford to have games like that happen late in the season. Brett Myers took the hill for the Fightins with his usual gunslinger demeanor and battled the Fish thru 7 and 1/3 innings. He did not have his best stuff but left the game with the score tied at three and two runners on base.

The inability of the Front Office to add a set up man once again burnt the team and very possibly ended their playoff hopes. The trio of Chad Durbin, J.C. Romero and Clay Condrey could not hold the Marlins as they plated four runs in the eighth and ninth innings. Set, Game and Match!

Final Score Marlins 7 Phillies 3

The loss put the Phillies four down in the loss column to the Division leading Mets and four down in the wild card. Phat Lady is close to singing boys! This party is breaking up and is very very close to being over!

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Chatter

Ryan Howard hit his 42nd home run in the game but the Phillie offense could only produce seven hits total. J.C. Romero seemed to be giving catcher Chris Coste grief after getting ripped for a double that let in two runs in the ninth………… here is a clue J.C. , the catcher may call the pitch but he sure as hell does not throw it! If there was a problem with the pitch call then very simply shake him off and oh by the way any pitch down the middle will get ripped most of the time !

Sorry, not much of a narrative in this recap but as a lifelong Philly fan I am just very disgusted once again! Took the afternoon off to watch this and not obviously up to expectations of what transpired !