Not sure what's going on with Cliff Lee this season. He has a great game followed by a couple of just ok games with a really one mixed in.
Today apparently is the really bad one.
He needed a DP in the second to get out of trouble then it blew up in the third. A couple of leadsto a run then with one out and the bases loaded Wirth gets a sac fly then the next batter hits atree run home run in the first pitch.
There is always discussion on how all his pitches are around the plate. Well maybe he needs to move off the plate a little bit once in awhile.
As much as he has been around the plate he is also walking a bunch. He has two in this game already and he had six in a game a couple starts ago.
The other thing is the Phils are making Jason Marquis look brilliant.
Phils go back to back in the fifth(Domonic Brown and John Mayberry) and get it down to 5-2 but Nat's bottom of the sixth Espinosa comes up and smokes his second one over the fence. So he is 3-3 with two homers against Lee tonight.
Lee walks his third batter and that's it for him. Out in the sixth with one out. Boooo.
The Phils are getting hits, they have eight after Dom Brown's leadoff double in the seventh but not enough hits in a row or in one inning.
They have been Doing well late in games lately so maybe they have another one in them.
Mayberry grounds out but Ross Gload pinch hitting gets on with catcher interference because he nicked Rodriguez's glove on a swing.
That goes in as an error on the catcher and no ab. After this Riggleman comes in and takes out Marquis. The Phils do great against bullpens so let's keep this rally going.
Tyler Clippard comes in for the Nat's and Kyle Kendrick comes in to pinch run and will not pitch as he is now in the rotation and will pitch this weekend.
Jimmy Rollins has been dribbling balls to the infield all game so how about a double? Nope a little blooper to Werth in right.
No success against their bullpen but it wouldn't have mattered because the Phils pen gave up 3 more runs and it's 9-2 after 8.
They've brought Mike Zagurski back from the Iron Pigs so here's hopping he can be good and make J.C Romero expendable.
That didn't go well. His line
Zagurski, P 1.0 1 1 1 2 1 0 7.71
That is a hit, 2 walks including the pitcher and an earned run.
Oh well.
At least Oswalt is pitching tomorrow.
Mood is disappointed in Cliff Lee.
Very inconsistent this season. He really needs to put three or four good starts in a row.
When they lose they really do it big. Jason Marquis is now 6-2.
PHI IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
(L, 4-5)Lee, Cl, P 5.1 7 6 6 3 4 2 3.94
Loss 10-2
Streak 1 loss
Last ten 6-4
Record 34-21
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Game 54 Memorial Day Phils @ Nationals
Afternoon game today at Nationals Park for Memorial Day. Since it's about 93 outside it's a good day for 73" viewing in the theater room.
Halladay vs. Levon Hernandez who besides Randy Wolf Probably has the slowest curve ball in the league.
He usually has a good game against the Phils because they just don't hit junk ball throwers.
Very annoying second inning for Halladay. Gave up a home run and that's fine but then he let's them get two more hits for runners on the corners. Levon then puts down what looked likes safety squeeze.
Different then a regular squeeze, the runner on third doesn't break for home until the ball is bunted.
In their half of the fourth the Phils actually managed five hits in a row.
Including back to back homers from Howard and Ibanez, then three more hits for one more run including a hit by Dom Brown who is looking very good since his return.
Halladay is having very mediocre game. He has given up three solo homers today and now they're losing 4-3 in the seventh.
A key inning so far in this game was the Phils third. Mayberry leads off with a double and Halladay bunts him to third but then Rollins wiffs and Polanco lines out to third. Rollins is back into is usual self of flying out and striking out with runner on base.
Seventh inning for the Halladay starts off bad. He gives up a loop hit on a bat that was splintered then a bunt base hit. Cora goes to third.
Then Halladay shows why he's great. Gets the next guy to hit a ball right at him. Halladay knocks it down but Cora heads home and Roy throws home and gets Cora out in a rundown. Next batter flies out to right and then a Werth strikeout on a high pitch, great job by Halladay.
All of that was after the Phils took the lead in the top of the inning. The Phils got a couple of clutch hits, another RBI from Howard and a sac fly from Ibanez.
Mood is concerned about Halladay as he hasn't had a great start in a little while, he hasn't been bad but he hasn't been awesome in enough starts yet. He needs to have a few awesome starts in a row. It is nice to the offense pickup the pitcher. That hasn't happened too much this season.
Exactly one third through the season now so I'll try and add the standings too if I can.
Win 5-4
Streak 1 win
Record 34-20
East. W L PCT GB L10 STRK vs E vs C vs W HOME ROAD
Philadelphia 34 20 .630 7-3 W1 19-11 7-5 6-3 19-10 15-10
Florida. 30 22 .588 3 6-4 L1 11-10 9-6 8-4. 14-12 16-9
Atlanta. 30 25 .545 4.5 5-5 L1 11-10 12-6 6-7 16-12 14-13
NY Mets 25 28 .472 8.5 4-6 W2 11-13 5-5 8-8 12-14 13-14
Washington 22 31 .415 11.5 2-8 L3 11-19 6-7 4-3 12-12 10-19
Halladay vs. Levon Hernandez who besides Randy Wolf Probably has the slowest curve ball in the league.
He usually has a good game against the Phils because they just don't hit junk ball throwers.
Very annoying second inning for Halladay. Gave up a home run and that's fine but then he let's them get two more hits for runners on the corners. Levon then puts down what looked likes safety squeeze.
Different then a regular squeeze, the runner on third doesn't break for home until the ball is bunted.
In their half of the fourth the Phils actually managed five hits in a row.
Including back to back homers from Howard and Ibanez, then three more hits for one more run including a hit by Dom Brown who is looking very good since his return.
Halladay is having very mediocre game. He has given up three solo homers today and now they're losing 4-3 in the seventh.
A key inning so far in this game was the Phils third. Mayberry leads off with a double and Halladay bunts him to third but then Rollins wiffs and Polanco lines out to third. Rollins is back into is usual self of flying out and striking out with runner on base.
Seventh inning for the Halladay starts off bad. He gives up a loop hit on a bat that was splintered then a bunt base hit. Cora goes to third.
Then Halladay shows why he's great. Gets the next guy to hit a ball right at him. Halladay knocks it down but Cora heads home and Roy throws home and gets Cora out in a rundown. Next batter flies out to right and then a Werth strikeout on a high pitch, great job by Halladay.
All of that was after the Phils took the lead in the top of the inning. The Phils got a couple of clutch hits, another RBI from Howard and a sac fly from Ibanez.
Mood is concerned about Halladay as he hasn't had a great start in a little while, he hasn't been bad but he hasn't been awesome in enough starts yet. He needs to have a few awesome starts in a row. It is nice to the offense pickup the pitcher. That hasn't happened too much this season.
Exactly one third through the season now so I'll try and add the standings too if I can.
Win 5-4
Streak 1 win
Record 34-20
East. W L PCT GB L10 STRK vs E vs C vs W HOME ROAD
Philadelphia 34 20 .630 7-3 W1 19-11 7-5 6-3 19-10 15-10
Florida. 30 22 .588 3 6-4 L1 11-10 9-6 8-4. 14-12 16-9
Atlanta. 30 25 .545 4.5 5-5 L1 11-10 12-6 6-7 16-12 14-13
NY Mets 25 28 .472 8.5 4-6 W2 11-13 5-5 8-8 12-14 13-14
Washington 22 31 .415 11.5 2-8 L3 11-19 6-7 4-3 12-12 10-19
Game 53 Phils @ Mets
I didn't watch the game live today, was out eating grilled food so I went through it quick after I got home.
Good thing I didn't have to sit through that mess.
I knew I was in for trouble when I saw a post on Facebook that said something about wondering if Vance Worley got exposed in this game.
The Phils didn't make a couple of plays they should have and a few hits drop in and all of a sudden It is four zip after one.
Same thing in the second. Tis time it was more of Worley throwing BP, balls right down the middle and he got hit around and now it's 8-0.
I skipped ahead with the fast forward button and stopped in the later innings.
The Phils scored a few runs and got to within 9-5. They had a chance to keep an inning going but in the eighth with two outs Rollins singles but trying to get to second was thrown out by five feet.
If he stays at first they have first and third and a chance for more runs.
Mood is indifferent about this game be because it's going to happen to every team a few times a year. I am annoyed by Reyes getting on base four of five ab's. I did like to see Worley finally buzz him up and in in his second at bat.
Loss 9-5
Streak 1 loss
Record 33-20 best record
Good thing I didn't have to sit through that mess.
I knew I was in for trouble when I saw a post on Facebook that said something about wondering if Vance Worley got exposed in this game.
The Phils didn't make a couple of plays they should have and a few hits drop in and all of a sudden It is four zip after one.
Same thing in the second. Tis time it was more of Worley throwing BP, balls right down the middle and he got hit around and now it's 8-0.
I skipped ahead with the fast forward button and stopped in the later innings.
The Phils scored a few runs and got to within 9-5. They had a chance to keep an inning going but in the eighth with two outs Rollins singles but trying to get to second was thrown out by five feet.
If he stays at first they have first and third and a chance for more runs.
Mood is indifferent about this game be because it's going to happen to every team a few times a year. I am annoyed by Reyes getting on base four of five ab's. I did like to see Worley finally buzz him up and in in his second at bat.
Loss 9-5
Streak 1 loss
Record 33-20 best record
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Game 52 Phils @ Mets
Here we go again.
In the eighth the Phils only have 3 hits and 11 straight outs without a base runner.
Gload is pinch hitting for Hamels who also retired his last 11 batters, so he's out and unless the Phils score here they could lose.
Pelfrey started for the Mets and he has been very good but now Rollins singles with two outs and out comes Pelfrey.
It didn't help that in the first 3 innings Reyes got on twice stole two bases and scored twice.
Would be nice if the Phils could throw a runner trying to steal out once in awhile. The Mets stole five in the first three innings.
Phils had a chance to tie when Utley led off with a double but Polanco popped up, what else is new, Howard struck put and so did Ibanez.
Mets bring in O'Connor after a two out hit by Rollins and he gives up hit to Utley that scores Rollins from second after he stole second.
Utley steals second and goes to third on a bad throw by Paulino. Isringhausen comes in and Polanco walks. Isringhausen is out of the game.
How about this a little two out rally that actually produces at least one run.
First and second two outs and in come Tim Byrdak for the Mets.
This gets Hamels off the hook and he could still win if they score again and Pelfrey gets a no decision.
Howard does give Hamels a chance to win with a two RBI double and the Phils have the lead 4-2. He smacked a ball right down the right field line and surprisingly, not that it mattered but Beltran was playing way off the line.
So let's see if Contreras can get a hold, yes a hold is a real stat now.
This is starting to resemble the team we have seen the last four years. Either win big or keep it close and pounce in the last couple of innings just when it looks like they are cooked.
Coincidence or not this started right when Chase Utley came back.
He has provided an obvious spark, can't be denied.
Dom Brown has been hitting well too with two hits today including a double in the ninth and scoring on Francisco's hit.
Mood is great, with Utley's return everything seems to be falling into the plan. You have to include Domonic Brown in this too. He was supposed to be the right fielder from the get but a bad spring and a broken hand stopped that. Then Francisco slumped so now Brown came back and hitting so it looks like he's gonna be in there most of the time now.
Win 5-2
Streak 4 wins
Record 33-19 season high 14 over .500
In the eighth the Phils only have 3 hits and 11 straight outs without a base runner.
Gload is pinch hitting for Hamels who also retired his last 11 batters, so he's out and unless the Phils score here they could lose.
Pelfrey started for the Mets and he has been very good but now Rollins singles with two outs and out comes Pelfrey.
It didn't help that in the first 3 innings Reyes got on twice stole two bases and scored twice.
Would be nice if the Phils could throw a runner trying to steal out once in awhile. The Mets stole five in the first three innings.
Phils had a chance to tie when Utley led off with a double but Polanco popped up, what else is new, Howard struck put and so did Ibanez.
Mets bring in O'Connor after a two out hit by Rollins and he gives up hit to Utley that scores Rollins from second after he stole second.
Utley steals second and goes to third on a bad throw by Paulino. Isringhausen comes in and Polanco walks. Isringhausen is out of the game.
How about this a little two out rally that actually produces at least one run.
First and second two outs and in come Tim Byrdak for the Mets.
This gets Hamels off the hook and he could still win if they score again and Pelfrey gets a no decision.
Howard does give Hamels a chance to win with a two RBI double and the Phils have the lead 4-2. He smacked a ball right down the right field line and surprisingly, not that it mattered but Beltran was playing way off the line.
So let's see if Contreras can get a hold, yes a hold is a real stat now.
This is starting to resemble the team we have seen the last four years. Either win big or keep it close and pounce in the last couple of innings just when it looks like they are cooked.
Coincidence or not this started right when Chase Utley came back.
He has provided an obvious spark, can't be denied.
Dom Brown has been hitting well too with two hits today including a double in the ninth and scoring on Francisco's hit.
Mood is great, with Utley's return everything seems to be falling into the plan. You have to include Domonic Brown in this too. He was supposed to be the right fielder from the get but a bad spring and a broken hand stopped that. Then Francisco slumped so now Brown came back and hitting so it looks like he's gonna be in there most of the time now.
Win 5-2
Streak 4 wins
Record 33-19 season high 14 over .500
Friday, May 27, 2011
Game 51 Phils @ Mets
This has been an ugly game for both teams.
The Mets made two errors on one play to allow Mayberry to get to third and later score.
Phils have two errors that both led to runs.
On a pop up with two outs Utley gets in Jimmy Rollin's way and they drop that ball. Two hits later the run scores.
Then in the bottom of the seventh they take out Oswalt for some reason as Stutes starts the inning. In pre game they made specific mention that Oswalt had no pitch count and was expected to go deep into the game.
Reyes gets on and steals second. Then the error that leads to the go ahead run.
Like the previous game there appears to be a pick off at second but Stutes spins and throws to no one covering on the throw and it goes into center field, Reyes to third.
Phils tie it in the eighth after Dom Brown singles and steals second, then Rollins doubles him in.
Rollins goes to third on a fly out by Utley but Polanco pops up and they walk Howard for Ben Francisco who flys out to center.
More pop ups.
Mets bring in their closer Francisco Rodriguez in a tie game at home in the ninth and just as with the Phils who did this last week with Madson, he blows up and allows three runs on a string of hits.
Three runs Phils lead 6-4.
Reyes leads off the ninth with a hit. Madson gets one out on a line drive to third. Reyes steals second.
Betray singles to center fielder Martinez, Reyes holds up at third but Martinez drops the ball allowing Reyes to score and Beltran to second.
Jason Bay singles and Beltran holds on at third.
So another error for the Phils and this ugly game continues.
The games finally is over on a ground ball double play. Utley flips to Rollins over to Howard.
Mood, no choice but good because they came back and won a bad game even with the three errors.
Also because now they are once again thirteen over .500 tying the season high and plus they have baseballs best record because Cleveland has now lost three in a row. Yesterday they were first to 31 and today first to 32.
Win 6-3
Streak 3 wins
Record 32-19 league best
The Mets made two errors on one play to allow Mayberry to get to third and later score.
Phils have two errors that both led to runs.
On a pop up with two outs Utley gets in Jimmy Rollin's way and they drop that ball. Two hits later the run scores.
Then in the bottom of the seventh they take out Oswalt for some reason as Stutes starts the inning. In pre game they made specific mention that Oswalt had no pitch count and was expected to go deep into the game.
Reyes gets on and steals second. Then the error that leads to the go ahead run.
Like the previous game there appears to be a pick off at second but Stutes spins and throws to no one covering on the throw and it goes into center field, Reyes to third.
Phils tie it in the eighth after Dom Brown singles and steals second, then Rollins doubles him in.
Rollins goes to third on a fly out by Utley but Polanco pops up and they walk Howard for Ben Francisco who flys out to center.
More pop ups.
Mets bring in their closer Francisco Rodriguez in a tie game at home in the ninth and just as with the Phils who did this last week with Madson, he blows up and allows three runs on a string of hits.
Three runs Phils lead 6-4.
Reyes leads off the ninth with a hit. Madson gets one out on a line drive to third. Reyes steals second.
Betray singles to center fielder Martinez, Reyes holds up at third but Martinez drops the ball allowing Reyes to score and Beltran to second.
Jason Bay singles and Beltran holds on at third.
So another error for the Phils and this ugly game continues.
The games finally is over on a ground ball double play. Utley flips to Rollins over to Howard.
Mood, no choice but good because they came back and won a bad game even with the three errors.
Also because now they are once again thirteen over .500 tying the season high and plus they have baseballs best record because Cleveland has now lost three in a row. Yesterday they were first to 31 and today first to 32.
Win 6-3
Streak 3 wins
Record 32-19 league best
Game 50 Reds@ Phillies
Here it is fifty games in and the Phils have the most wins in baseball at 31. Cleveland still has 30 wins but only 17 loses to the Phils 19 so after fifty the Phils lead in wins but Cleveland leads in percentage points. Also the Phils have a one game lead over the Marlins for the division.
They're 6-3 last nine during the last 20 game stretch against top teams they only went. 10-10 and needed to won last two to get even.
On the other hand even with their lack of hitting the did manage to keep the best record in the NL and keep a one game lead in the division and have the most wins in the league after fifty games.
Tonight's game started off very well as they jumped out to a 4-0 lead after a Raul Ibanez 3 run dinger.
Then the Reds kept at them though and chipped away with two in the fourth and two more in the top of the sixth. They got two in the sixth
On another home run from Jay Bruce. He had 3 homers and 11 RBIs in this 4 game series.
At what point in a short series does a team change it's approach to a hitter?
Cliff lee made up for his giving up the lead in the bottom of the sixth when he nearly hit a grand slam. It ended up as a ground rule double to drive in two. Martinez knocked in another with a sac fly.
And for good measure Lee knocked in another run with another hit in the seventh inning for a 9-4 lead.
Utley hit his first home run this season in the eighth to finish the scoring.
Mood is getting back to being very good more consistently. In this series they took three of four and scored ten runs in two of the games.
Win 10-4
Streak 2 wins
Record 31-19
They're 6-3 last nine during the last 20 game stretch against top teams they only went. 10-10 and needed to won last two to get even.
On the other hand even with their lack of hitting the did manage to keep the best record in the NL and keep a one game lead in the division and have the most wins in the league after fifty games.
Tonight's game started off very well as they jumped out to a 4-0 lead after a Raul Ibanez 3 run dinger.
Then the Reds kept at them though and chipped away with two in the fourth and two more in the top of the sixth. They got two in the sixth
On another home run from Jay Bruce. He had 3 homers and 11 RBIs in this 4 game series.
At what point in a short series does a team change it's approach to a hitter?
Cliff lee made up for his giving up the lead in the bottom of the sixth when he nearly hit a grand slam. It ended up as a ground rule double to drive in two. Martinez knocked in another with a sac fly.
And for good measure Lee knocked in another run with another hit in the seventh inning for a 9-4 lead.
Utley hit his first home run this season in the eighth to finish the scoring.
Mood is getting back to being very good more consistently. In this series they took three of four and scored ten runs in two of the games.
Win 10-4
Streak 2 wins
Record 31-19
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Game 49 Reds @ Phillies
This started out as one of the games that they don't get too many hits again and one of the Aces takes it home.
Halladay was given a 3-0 lead and couldn't hold it.
So here it is in the 16 th tied 4-4.
Danys Baez is in his third inning so it seems like just a matter of time for him to blow it.
Jay Bruce gave the Reds a 4-3 lead with a homer in the tenth, Howard tied it with a bomb that hit the steps in the bullpen in the bottom of the inning.
Bruce has 9 RBI's in this series.
The Phils had their chances. Raul Ibanez tripled with no outs and they couldn't get him in.
I think they have had more pop up outs the last couple of games then I have seen in a long time.
Jimmy Rollins has had a great game in the field throwing out several guys from deep in the hole.
J.C. Romero walked three and gave up a hit in his one inning but didn't give up a run because Phillips fell asleep at second and got picked off. He is done get rid of him.
The Phils have no one left so Baez is leading off the 16th inning by striking out.
Another popup to end the 16th. Valdez did get a hit with one out but Martinez grounded into what should have been a DP but the ball was dropped at first, then Rollins pops up.
First time into the 17th since 2003 in Baltimore.
The 18th ends with Ibanez popping out.
The last time they went 18 or more was in 1993 when they went. 20 with the Dodgers.
I'm not sure if I care if they win or lose this one now. I just want to see how many times they can pop up for an out.
Baez just finished 5 innings, the longest stint and pitches thrown in his career. Sardinha just pinch hit for Baez so the Phils will be using a position player if it goes to 19.
Just need to add that Sardihna stinks, and with two outs Valdez ripped a double off the glove of Scott Rollin.
Ok here it is top 19. Ruiz is at third, Polanco moved to second and. Wilson Valdez is pitching.
Votto leads off with a high fly to the fence in center for an out.
He hits Rollin with a curve ball.
Jay Bruce pops out to shallow center.
Now Carlos Fisher the pitcher pops up to second for the last out of the 19th inning.
Jimmy leads off with a single in the bottom of the 19th.
On 9/15/1950 the Phils and Reds played their longest game between each other also 19.
Now Dom Brown walks.
Fisher is gassed, his pitches are up.
86 pitches for Fisher as a reliever.
Polanco is trying to bunt them over.
He gets it down and now second and third one out. Wilson Valdez acting like a pitcher in the dugout with a towle on his arm.
An intentional walk to Howard loads them up.
Here comes Raul Ibanez.
Raul hits a deep sac fly to win it.
Jimmy Rollins scores.
Wilson Valdez gets the win.
19 innings, just amazing.
Mood, excited how can I not be after a 19 inning game for a win. Also this is the first win for a position player since 2000.
Win 5-4 in 19
Streak 1 win
Record 30-19
Halladay was given a 3-0 lead and couldn't hold it.
So here it is in the 16 th tied 4-4.
Danys Baez is in his third inning so it seems like just a matter of time for him to blow it.
Jay Bruce gave the Reds a 4-3 lead with a homer in the tenth, Howard tied it with a bomb that hit the steps in the bullpen in the bottom of the inning.
Bruce has 9 RBI's in this series.
The Phils had their chances. Raul Ibanez tripled with no outs and they couldn't get him in.
I think they have had more pop up outs the last couple of games then I have seen in a long time.
Jimmy Rollins has had a great game in the field throwing out several guys from deep in the hole.
J.C. Romero walked three and gave up a hit in his one inning but didn't give up a run because Phillips fell asleep at second and got picked off. He is done get rid of him.
The Phils have no one left so Baez is leading off the 16th inning by striking out.
Another popup to end the 16th. Valdez did get a hit with one out but Martinez grounded into what should have been a DP but the ball was dropped at first, then Rollins pops up.
First time into the 17th since 2003 in Baltimore.
The 18th ends with Ibanez popping out.
The last time they went 18 or more was in 1993 when they went. 20 with the Dodgers.
I'm not sure if I care if they win or lose this one now. I just want to see how many times they can pop up for an out.
Baez just finished 5 innings, the longest stint and pitches thrown in his career. Sardinha just pinch hit for Baez so the Phils will be using a position player if it goes to 19.
Just need to add that Sardihna stinks, and with two outs Valdez ripped a double off the glove of Scott Rollin.
Ok here it is top 19. Ruiz is at third, Polanco moved to second and. Wilson Valdez is pitching.
Votto leads off with a high fly to the fence in center for an out.
He hits Rollin with a curve ball.
Jay Bruce pops out to shallow center.
Now Carlos Fisher the pitcher pops up to second for the last out of the 19th inning.
Jimmy leads off with a single in the bottom of the 19th.
On 9/15/1950 the Phils and Reds played their longest game between each other also 19.
Now Dom Brown walks.
Fisher is gassed, his pitches are up.
86 pitches for Fisher as a reliever.
Polanco is trying to bunt them over.
He gets it down and now second and third one out. Wilson Valdez acting like a pitcher in the dugout with a towle on his arm.
An intentional walk to Howard loads them up.
Here comes Raul Ibanez.
Raul hits a deep sac fly to win it.
Jimmy Rollins scores.
Wilson Valdez gets the win.
19 innings, just amazing.
Mood, excited how can I not be after a 19 inning game for a win. Also this is the first win for a position player since 2000.
Win 5-4 in 19
Streak 1 win
Record 30-19
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Game 48 Reds @ Phils
After the previous games explosion they went back to normal tonight.
Normal being only seven hits and not moving runners over plus no hits with runners in scoring position.
Vance Worley wasn't awful but he wasn't good enough either.
While he was able to get out of a few jams, he did walk the pitcher as a leadoff batter right after the Phils took a 3-1 lead.
Guess what, he scored and so did one more to tie the game.
Worley complained after the game that he hasn't pitched enough lately and wasn't stretched out, saying that he tired out in that inning.
So game was tied at three into the ninth, but something just didn't feel right on this one and I just expected it all to blow up.
It did in the ninth when Madson himself blew up and after loading the bases giving up a bases clearing double to Jay Bruce.
Might have gotten out of it but on a bunt to the third base side Madson got in front of Polanco and threw a grenade over to first. Polanco easily would have made the play.
Mood is slightly irritated because if they get a few timely hits and Worley doesn't walk the pitcher they have a good chance to win.
Loss 6-3
Streak loss 1
Record 30-19
Normal being only seven hits and not moving runners over plus no hits with runners in scoring position.
Vance Worley wasn't awful but he wasn't good enough either.
While he was able to get out of a few jams, he did walk the pitcher as a leadoff batter right after the Phils took a 3-1 lead.
Guess what, he scored and so did one more to tie the game.
Worley complained after the game that he hasn't pitched enough lately and wasn't stretched out, saying that he tired out in that inning.
So game was tied at three into the ninth, but something just didn't feel right on this one and I just expected it all to blow up.
It did in the ninth when Madson himself blew up and after loading the bases giving up a bases clearing double to Jay Bruce.
Might have gotten out of it but on a bunt to the third base side Madson got in front of Polanco and threw a grenade over to first. Polanco easily would have made the play.
Mood is slightly irritated because if they get a few timely hits and Worley doesn't walk the pitcher they have a good chance to win.
Loss 6-3
Streak loss 1
Record 30-19
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Game 47 Reds @ Phils
Chase Utley finally returned to the team for tonights game. He Had 5 at bats buut didn't get on base which is fine because everyone else did, several times each.
They had a break out game with 14 hits and ten runs including 7 in one inning.
Cole Hamels only pitched 6 innings but he threw over 100 pitches so they got him out early with the big lead. He did give up a three run homer to Jay Bruce.
Polanco, Rollins and Ibanez all homered and Ryan Howard had two hits.
Mood is hopeful since they had 14 hits and ten runs but even more so because Utley is back and provided an obvious kick to the whole team.
win 10-3
streak 1 win
record 29-17
They had a break out game with 14 hits and ten runs including 7 in one inning.
Cole Hamels only pitched 6 innings but he threw over 100 pitches so they got him out early with the big lead. He did give up a three run homer to Jay Bruce.
Polanco, Rollins and Ibanez all homered and Ryan Howard had two hits.
Mood is hopeful since they had 14 hits and ten runs but even more so because Utley is back and provided an obvious kick to the whole team.
win 10-3
streak 1 win
record 29-17
Monday, May 23, 2011
Game 45 Texas @ Phils
Busy weekend so posting a couple days after the game.
Cliff Lee vs his former team, well one of them.
Lee hasn't won a game since early April, six starts ago.
As usual it was another very well pitched game for a Phils pitcher.
He threw 8 scoreless innings only gave up five hits and even stole a base.
First time for a Phils pitcher in three seasons, Cole Hamels was the last in sept '09.
Unfortunately this was the eighth straight game of 3 runs or less, good thing they did score two or it would have been another loss.
They did stop a streak of games with six hits or less at seven, longest streak since 1908.
Mood is a little good because they won the first two games in this series and three of the last four, but they did still only score 2 runs so still greatly worried about that.
Win 2-0
Streak 2 wins
Record 28-17
Cliff Lee vs his former team, well one of them.
Lee hasn't won a game since early April, six starts ago.
As usual it was another very well pitched game for a Phils pitcher.
He threw 8 scoreless innings only gave up five hits and even stole a base.
First time for a Phils pitcher in three seasons, Cole Hamels was the last in sept '09.
Unfortunately this was the eighth straight game of 3 runs or less, good thing they did score two or it would have been another loss.
They did stop a streak of games with six hits or less at seven, longest streak since 1908.
Mood is a little good because they won the first two games in this series and three of the last four, but they did still only score 2 runs so still greatly worried about that.
Win 2-0
Streak 2 wins
Record 28-17
Friday, May 20, 2011
Game 44 Rangers @ Phils May 20th
Andy Fletcher is behind the plate tonight and there have been three "discussions" from the Phillies already after the top of the second inning.
He's calling pitches that are below the knees for a strike and right down the middle for balls.
Ruiz already threw a ball down to third on what he thought was a called third strike followed by a lengthy discussion.
Someone might get tossed from this game.
No one was tossed it calmed down after all that.
Roy Halladay pitches another terrific game and only let's two runs in. Somehow the Phils manage three and are able to hold off the Rangers for the 3-2 win.
They only managed four hits but two of them went over the fence to account for the Phils three runs. Francisco hit a two run dinger and later Ibanez hit one out to right center.
Howard is zero for his last 25 or so and is now hitting under .240
Game ended on another screwy call by the home plate ump and the second base ump.
With two outs Dvid Murphy on the Rangers is trying to steal second. The pitch was right down the middle for a ball but the throw to get the runner was right on the mark for the last out.
Usually don't want to make the last out that way, especially last out of the game.
Mood hasn't changed much from yesterday because even though they won they still only had four hits.
A couple of moves today, they brought Dominic Brown up even after Amaro saying yesterdaynthat he wasn't ready to come up and added Herndon back to the team.
Victorino went on the DL and there is some discussion wondering why he was used to bunt yesterday instead of just gong right on the DL and back dating it.
Win 3-2
Streak 1 win
Record 27-17
He's calling pitches that are below the knees for a strike and right down the middle for balls.
Ruiz already threw a ball down to third on what he thought was a called third strike followed by a lengthy discussion.
Someone might get tossed from this game.
No one was tossed it calmed down after all that.
Roy Halladay pitches another terrific game and only let's two runs in. Somehow the Phils manage three and are able to hold off the Rangers for the 3-2 win.
They only managed four hits but two of them went over the fence to account for the Phils three runs. Francisco hit a two run dinger and later Ibanez hit one out to right center.
Howard is zero for his last 25 or so and is now hitting under .240
Game ended on another screwy call by the home plate ump and the second base ump.
With two outs Dvid Murphy on the Rangers is trying to steal second. The pitch was right down the middle for a ball but the throw to get the runner was right on the mark for the last out.
Usually don't want to make the last out that way, especially last out of the game.
Mood hasn't changed much from yesterday because even though they won they still only had four hits.
A couple of moves today, they brought Dominic Brown up even after Amaro saying yesterdaynthat he wasn't ready to come up and added Herndon back to the team.
Victorino went on the DL and there is some discussion wondering why he was used to bunt yesterday instead of just gong right on the DL and back dating it.
Win 3-2
Streak 1 win
Record 27-17
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Game 43 Rockies @ Phils May 19th
Just before the game started it was announced that Blanton would not be making his scheduled start tonight.
The hope was that he was traded. No such like.
Instead we get Kendrick in his place.
Surprisingly he has pitched decent this year, but not tonight.
First the hi-lite for the fans was when Cliff Lee came in to pinch hit for Kendrick and received a standing ovation just for that.
The Hi-light for the Rockies was Jason Giambi playing for Todd Helton because he had a cranky back.
Giambi comes in 0-17 and hitting .115.
So just to rub it in he hits three consecutive home runs starting in the first inning.
A three run shot and 2 two run shots.
Giambi is now one of Four players over 40 years old to hit three in a game.
Babe Ruth, Stan Musial and Reggie jackson are the others.
His seven rbi's matches the total for the Phils over the last 7 games or so.
I keep watching because I really like to watch a ball game but it's getting tougher every game.
You can't help have the feeling the game was over after Giambi knocked in three in the first inning.
Mood is I'm getting worried as this is getting serious now. In the eighth inning they are out hit 14-4.
They need to do something and I guess they can't trade Blanton now with that bad elbow.
The hope was that he was traded. No such like.
Instead we get Kendrick in his place.
Surprisingly he has pitched decent this year, but not tonight.
First the hi-lite for the fans was when Cliff Lee came in to pinch hit for Kendrick and received a standing ovation just for that.
The Hi-light for the Rockies was Jason Giambi playing for Todd Helton because he had a cranky back.
Giambi comes in 0-17 and hitting .115.
So just to rub it in he hits three consecutive home runs starting in the first inning.
A three run shot and 2 two run shots.
Giambi is now one of Four players over 40 years old to hit three in a game.
Babe Ruth, Stan Musial and Reggie jackson are the others.
His seven rbi's matches the total for the Phils over the last 7 games or so.
I keep watching because I really like to watch a ball game but it's getting tougher every game.
You can't help have the feeling the game was over after Giambi knocked in three in the first inning.
Mood is I'm getting worried as this is getting serious now. In the eighth inning they are out hit 14-4.
They need to do something and I guess they can't trade Blanton now with that bad elbow.
Loss 7-1
Streak 1 loss
1-5 last 6 games
record 26-17
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Game 41 Phils @ Cards
Another lousy game for the Phils offense.
If not for a dropped pop up by the Cards second baseman they might have been shut out again.
Rollins popped one up the Tyler Green dropped. Rollins didn't run it out so he stayed on first.
Martinez singled him to third and Polanco hit a sac fly that tied itnat 1-1.
Didn't last long as Danys Baez load the bases with no outs in the ninth. Got a force at home andthat was it for him.
In comes J.C. Romero who throws one pitch right down Broadway to lance Berkman who drove it right over Martinez head for the game winning hit.
Mood is good and bad. The good was Roy Oswalt comes back and throws five really good innings of gives up only one run.
The bad is the same old same old.
Btw this past weekend it has now been one year since they were caught stealing signs and told to stop, they have been slumping at the plate ever since, coincidence?
Loss 2-1
Streak 4 losses
Record 25-16 somehow still the best in the NL but now 1.5 behind the Indians.
If not for a dropped pop up by the Cards second baseman they might have been shut out again.
Rollins popped one up the Tyler Green dropped. Rollins didn't run it out so he stayed on first.
Martinez singled him to third and Polanco hit a sac fly that tied itnat 1-1.
Didn't last long as Danys Baez load the bases with no outs in the ninth. Got a force at home andthat was it for him.
In comes J.C. Romero who throws one pitch right down Broadway to lance Berkman who drove it right over Martinez head for the game winning hit.
Mood is good and bad. The good was Roy Oswalt comes back and throws five really good innings of gives up only one run.
The bad is the same old same old.
Btw this past weekend it has now been one year since they were caught stealing signs and told to stop, they have been slumping at the plate ever since, coincidence?
Loss 2-1
Streak 4 losses
Record 25-16 somehow still the best in the NL but now 1.5 behind the Indians.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Game 40 Phils @ Cards May 16th
I'm really not sure how to keep talking about how these guys don't score runs. It is every game.
At St. Louis tonight they have a guy pitching with an era near 7 so one would think they would be able to get some hits and score a few runs.
Not so much. Into the fourth they only have one run.
But that isn't the story. Cliff Lee has walked 5 with two outs in the fourth.
He hasn't walked that many in one game since 2006.
The Cards pick up two runs in the fourth and it could have been more.
With one out the Phils actually had a chance to get a force at the plate on a ball that one hopped to Francisco in left but his throw was weak and bounced twice before it got to Ruiz.
With two outs base still loaded another ball goes out to Francisco. He throws another bad throw in to the plate. This time it bounces to the back stop but Lee was there and he quickly threw to Ruiz and tagged out Molina who was banged up on the play and limped off but stayed in the game.
Phils only have two hits but with two outs in the fifth Lee gets a hit and so does Rollins but Valdez grounds out.
This is what makes me so angry, that they can't hit a guy wot a era around seven, just ridiculous.
They are really in danger of having their first three game kissing streak this season.
I haven't mentioned that Lee is undoubtedly getting squeezed. Some of the same pitches Westbrook is getting for strikes Lee is not.
I've always wondered how that happens, it's pretty clear that this bum on the Cards is getting better calls then Lee. How does an ump change the strike zone from one half inning and one pitcher to the next?
Mood is that I'm getting tired of this offense. They have only five hits and score only one run.
After forty games they have scored 3 runs or less on 20 of them.
Cliff lee walked 6. That is a carreer high. He battled in this one but can't be faulted for this loss.
Loss 3-1
Streak season high 3 losses
Record 25-15 still NL best and one full game behind Cleveland.
At St. Louis tonight they have a guy pitching with an era near 7 so one would think they would be able to get some hits and score a few runs.
Not so much. Into the fourth they only have one run.
But that isn't the story. Cliff Lee has walked 5 with two outs in the fourth.
He hasn't walked that many in one game since 2006.
The Cards pick up two runs in the fourth and it could have been more.
With one out the Phils actually had a chance to get a force at the plate on a ball that one hopped to Francisco in left but his throw was weak and bounced twice before it got to Ruiz.
With two outs base still loaded another ball goes out to Francisco. He throws another bad throw in to the plate. This time it bounces to the back stop but Lee was there and he quickly threw to Ruiz and tagged out Molina who was banged up on the play and limped off but stayed in the game.
Phils only have two hits but with two outs in the fifth Lee gets a hit and so does Rollins but Valdez grounds out.
This is what makes me so angry, that they can't hit a guy wot a era around seven, just ridiculous.
They are really in danger of having their first three game kissing streak this season.
I haven't mentioned that Lee is undoubtedly getting squeezed. Some of the same pitches Westbrook is getting for strikes Lee is not.
I've always wondered how that happens, it's pretty clear that this bum on the Cards is getting better calls then Lee. How does an ump change the strike zone from one half inning and one pitcher to the next?
Mood is that I'm getting tired of this offense. They have only five hits and score only one run.
After forty games they have scored 3 runs or less on 20 of them.
Cliff lee walked 6. That is a carreer high. He battled in this one but can't be faulted for this loss.
Loss 3-1
Streak season high 3 losses
Record 25-15 still NL best and one full game behind Cleveland.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Game 39 Phils @ Braves Civil Rights Tribute and throwback uniform game 1974
I am very excited about today's game. Both the Braves and the Phils are wearing their 1974 original uniforms, oh also Halladay is pitching against Tim Hudson. Can't wait to see those uni's.
The reason for the old uni's is that today is the Civil Rights Tribute game so they went back to 1974 I suppose because that was the year Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruths home run record.
I love this old powder blue uni with the fat P.
Roy Halladay has given up five hits into the fourth. Three hits including, two to start the fourth, have shattered bats.
No score yet but they have first and third with no outs on those two broken bat hits.
After a k for one out a ball bounces right up the middle and Halladay tries back hand it and it just bounces off his glove.
That would have been an easy double play that's just a shame, they get out of the inning, but it ends up a hit, another cheap hit and a 1-0 lead for the Braves.
At least the pitcher hasn't gotten on base yet.
Got out of it with only one run. But they get that cheap run and the Phils just keep grounding little rollers to the infielders.
Zzzzzzzzz.
No early in the inning base runners, every one is always with two outs and the pitcher coming up, seems that way anyhow.
Gary Matthews called that one.
Top of the sixth two outs, John Mayberry comes up.
Mayberry walked first two times up and has seen a lot of pitches, Gary said it's good for him to see these pitches especially against a good pitcher like Hudson.
The Matthews said even though he only has one home run he still can hit the ball out at any time.
The next pitch, line drive home run just over the left field fence.
Good call Gary and a 2-1 Phils lead.
Morgan Freeman in the booth for the bottom of the sixth.
Leadoff walk given up by Halladay, and another cheap bloop hit for second and third again. This isn't what the ace, especially Halladay should be doing ring after the Phils get the lead.
And there is a strike out and a sac fly to tie it up.
Come Halladay that's weak.
Three outs but again, he gives up a run to let the braves tie it right after the Phils get the lead.
Rollins starts the seventh with a measly dribbler to second on the first pitch.
Another dribbler to second ends the Phils half of the seventh.
Hudson is out after the seventh.
Halladay looks annoyed, he slammed the rosin bag down because they have to wait for national tv to come out of the break.
Hudson walked 5 and he's only walked ten all season before today and Halladay just walked his second.
Seems like every time Halladay walks a guy he scores.
He didn't score.
Uggla leads off the eighth with a homer to give the Braves the 3-2 lead. And if the Phils don't score in the ninth, Halladay will get his second straight complete game loss.
Pathetic Halladay didn't pitch great game but he kept the Phils in it and Roy certainly gave them a chance to win, but four hits surrounded by five walks and they still don't muster more the 2 runs.
Just awful.
Mood is irritated because I'm getting tired of looking at this pathetic offense leave these good pitching performances be left hanging.
Loss 3-2
Streak 2 losses
Record 25-14
The reason for the old uni's is that today is the Civil Rights Tribute game so they went back to 1974 I suppose because that was the year Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruths home run record.
I love this old powder blue uni with the fat P.
Roy Halladay has given up five hits into the fourth. Three hits including, two to start the fourth, have shattered bats.
No score yet but they have first and third with no outs on those two broken bat hits.
After a k for one out a ball bounces right up the middle and Halladay tries back hand it and it just bounces off his glove.
That would have been an easy double play that's just a shame, they get out of the inning, but it ends up a hit, another cheap hit and a 1-0 lead for the Braves.
At least the pitcher hasn't gotten on base yet.
Got out of it with only one run. But they get that cheap run and the Phils just keep grounding little rollers to the infielders.
Zzzzzzzzz.
No early in the inning base runners, every one is always with two outs and the pitcher coming up, seems that way anyhow.
Gary Matthews called that one.
Top of the sixth two outs, John Mayberry comes up.
Mayberry walked first two times up and has seen a lot of pitches, Gary said it's good for him to see these pitches especially against a good pitcher like Hudson.
The Matthews said even though he only has one home run he still can hit the ball out at any time.
The next pitch, line drive home run just over the left field fence.
Good call Gary and a 2-1 Phils lead.
Morgan Freeman in the booth for the bottom of the sixth.
Leadoff walk given up by Halladay, and another cheap bloop hit for second and third again. This isn't what the ace, especially Halladay should be doing ring after the Phils get the lead.
And there is a strike out and a sac fly to tie it up.
Come Halladay that's weak.
Three outs but again, he gives up a run to let the braves tie it right after the Phils get the lead.
Rollins starts the seventh with a measly dribbler to second on the first pitch.
Another dribbler to second ends the Phils half of the seventh.
Hudson is out after the seventh.
Halladay looks annoyed, he slammed the rosin bag down because they have to wait for national tv to come out of the break.
Hudson walked 5 and he's only walked ten all season before today and Halladay just walked his second.
Seems like every time Halladay walks a guy he scores.
He didn't score.
Uggla leads off the eighth with a homer to give the Braves the 3-2 lead. And if the Phils don't score in the ninth, Halladay will get his second straight complete game loss.
Pathetic Halladay didn't pitch great game but he kept the Phils in it and Roy certainly gave them a chance to win, but four hits surrounded by five walks and they still don't muster more the 2 runs.
Just awful.
Mood is irritated because I'm getting tired of looking at this pathetic offense leave these good pitching performances be left hanging.
Loss 3-2
Streak 2 losses
Record 25-14
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Game 38 Phils @ Braves May 14th Negro league Tribute
Todays game was part of the annual tribute to the Negro League. The Phils and Braves wore old uniforms of teams from that league.
The Braves wore the old Atlanta Black Crackers jerseys and the Phils wore the jerseys of the Phila Stars from 1944.
I love the red pockets on the back side. Very nice job with the replica uni's
As for the actual game ugh.
I only watched the first three innings then went to a family graduation, listened to the rest on the radio.
Big Joe Blanton started today. He is just not ready yet and
It was clearbn the first few innings as he was getting knocked around. Without a few outstanding defensive plays he would have given up more then just the two runs in the first. Btw those two runs where two long home runs by the first two batters of the game for the Braves.
the bigger story is, surprise the Phils couldn't hit again.
Jurjenns, took a perfect game 2 outs into then sixth inning. The Phils rule five guy Martinez singles and Rollins doubles him home but was out trying to get to third.
This got it to 2-1 but then Kendrick came in and gave up three.
The Phils somehow managed two more runs to get to 5-3 and almost tied it but Rollins hit a screamer to left that was caught. That would have knocked in two and tied it but that was it for the Phils and the game was over.
Once again they gave up a hit to the opposing pitcher and for good measure they also walked him.
A controversial safe call at second that should have been the second out, gave the Braves a chance to score a few runs and they did.
So I guess yesterday's missed strike out on Victorino just got evened up.
Victorino also left the game in the seventh with a tight hamstring so he might end up on the DL too, plus he lost his hit streak at 15.
Mood is bored and a little concerned. I'm bored, team is boring, they don't score runs which is boring. Concerned because they keep getting hurt and because they need to score more runs.
Loss 5-3
Streak 1 loss
Record 25-13
The Braves wore the old Atlanta Black Crackers jerseys and the Phils wore the jerseys of the Phila Stars from 1944.
I love the red pockets on the back side. Very nice job with the replica uni's
As for the actual game ugh.
I only watched the first three innings then went to a family graduation, listened to the rest on the radio.
Big Joe Blanton started today. He is just not ready yet and
It was clearbn the first few innings as he was getting knocked around. Without a few outstanding defensive plays he would have given up more then just the two runs in the first. Btw those two runs where two long home runs by the first two batters of the game for the Braves.
the bigger story is, surprise the Phils couldn't hit again.
Jurjenns, took a perfect game 2 outs into then sixth inning. The Phils rule five guy Martinez singles and Rollins doubles him home but was out trying to get to third.
This got it to 2-1 but then Kendrick came in and gave up three.
The Phils somehow managed two more runs to get to 5-3 and almost tied it but Rollins hit a screamer to left that was caught. That would have knocked in two and tied it but that was it for the Phils and the game was over.
Once again they gave up a hit to the opposing pitcher and for good measure they also walked him.
A controversial safe call at second that should have been the second out, gave the Braves a chance to score a few runs and they did.
So I guess yesterday's missed strike out on Victorino just got evened up.
Victorino also left the game in the seventh with a tight hamstring so he might end up on the DL too, plus he lost his hit streak at 15.
Mood is bored and a little concerned. I'm bored, team is boring, they don't score runs which is boring. Concerned because they keep getting hurt and because they need to score more runs.
Loss 5-3
Streak 1 loss
Record 25-13
Friday, May 13, 2011
Game 37 Phils @ Braves May 13th Friday
You knew tonight's game would have a strangeness to it since today is Friday the 13th.
Started off great, after Rollins flies out to center Victorino extended his hit streak to 15 games then Polanco singled.
Howard then killed a ball that nearly hit the wall at the back of the center field fence. Must have been close to 420 ft.
They had the bases loaded after a walk to Ruiz but they did that to get to Hamels and he struck out.
So 3-0 into the bottom of the first.
Cole gave up a few hits and the Braves had second and third with one out but Cole struck out the next two and closed out the threat.
Hamels has had the ball up on the zone and has been giving up a few long hits that let the Braves get it tied up at three.
Two outs in the sixth another hit then a ground rule double puts them on second and rid, again for the Braves.
Hamels has not been sharp as he just threw a wild pitch to gives the Braves the lead.
The Phils finally get Hamels a few early runs and he decides to not be any good and give it back.
The two they have earlier in the game haven't help any either.
Braves starter Beachy came out after two with an injury, Christhian Martinez came in and retired all 12 he faced.
Not only did he do that but he also doubled off Hamels to tie the game. Another hit by the opposing pitcher.
Rollins doubles with two out in the seventh stopping the Braves streak of 14 outs in a row and no hits since the second inning.
So after the first inning they went Ruhr back to being unable to hit again.
That top of the seventh for the Phils was a definite Friday the 13th situation.
With two outs Rollins doubled.
Victorino, with a 1-2 count saw one curve rit in there, right down the middle.
Brian MCCann jumped up and ran right off screen towards the dugout. So it must have been strike three.
Hold on a minute, no one else has moved yet and McCann comes running back as apparently the Ump called it a ball.
McCann apologizes to the ump. Two pitches later Shane takes advantage and singles home Rollins to tie the game, and moves
to second on the throw.
I swear I have never seen a player run so far to the dugout on a third strike that was missed for a ball by the umpire.
Hamels is out and J.C. Romero loads the bases with Braves with one out, sending Romero to the showers for Stutes.
This team looks like it will be walking on the edge all season.
Stutes struck out Uggla right after Uggla hit a bomb just foul that would have made the score 8-4. Stutes comes out for Bastardo who then goes 3-0 to the next hitter, the Braves rookie first baseman Freddie Freeman.
Bastardo came back nod K'd Freeman for the third out.
Freeman was steaming, and throw his bat and his helmet right into the turf.
He was mad.
Bastardo pitches to one batter Charlie takes him out and brings in Worley to start the bottom of the eighth after the Phils take the lead with a run in the top ofthe inning.
They are going to mess Worley up. He is not a relief pitcher and they throw him in a game in a big spot like this and he gives up a lead off single.
Braves bunt him over to second.
I don't see the point of using this guy like this. It doesn't make sense to me.
Vance Worely gets out of the inning but I still don't like it.
I'm not so sure that Oswalt will be ready next week for his scheduled start.
He didn't look good yesterday in his rehab stint in Clearwater. He had no juice on his fastball.
So I think they will need Worley to take Oswalt's spot in the rotation.
This has been a weird game.
A one out walk to chipper then a force out at second brings up Uggla.
Madson throws a pitch over everyone that tics off Ruiz glove to the backstop sends a runner to second.
Madson manages to strike out Uggla on a change up low and away and they win.
Mood is I'm not sure what my mood is. They won the game but it almost feels like they lost because it was a pretty ugly game with the two errors, the throw to the backstop and Hamels being off his game tonight.
Win 5-4
Streak 2 wins
Record 25-12 season high 13 over .500 on Friday the 13th
Started off great, after Rollins flies out to center Victorino extended his hit streak to 15 games then Polanco singled.
Howard then killed a ball that nearly hit the wall at the back of the center field fence. Must have been close to 420 ft.
They had the bases loaded after a walk to Ruiz but they did that to get to Hamels and he struck out.
So 3-0 into the bottom of the first.
Cole gave up a few hits and the Braves had second and third with one out but Cole struck out the next two and closed out the threat.
Hamels has had the ball up on the zone and has been giving up a few long hits that let the Braves get it tied up at three.
Two outs in the sixth another hit then a ground rule double puts them on second and rid, again for the Braves.
Hamels has not been sharp as he just threw a wild pitch to gives the Braves the lead.
The Phils finally get Hamels a few early runs and he decides to not be any good and give it back.
The two they have earlier in the game haven't help any either.
Braves starter Beachy came out after two with an injury, Christhian Martinez came in and retired all 12 he faced.
Not only did he do that but he also doubled off Hamels to tie the game. Another hit by the opposing pitcher.
Rollins doubles with two out in the seventh stopping the Braves streak of 14 outs in a row and no hits since the second inning.
So after the first inning they went Ruhr back to being unable to hit again.
That top of the seventh for the Phils was a definite Friday the 13th situation.
With two outs Rollins doubled.
Victorino, with a 1-2 count saw one curve rit in there, right down the middle.
Brian MCCann jumped up and ran right off screen towards the dugout. So it must have been strike three.
Hold on a minute, no one else has moved yet and McCann comes running back as apparently the Ump called it a ball.
McCann apologizes to the ump. Two pitches later Shane takes advantage and singles home Rollins to tie the game, and moves
to second on the throw.
I swear I have never seen a player run so far to the dugout on a third strike that was missed for a ball by the umpire.
Hamels is out and J.C. Romero loads the bases with Braves with one out, sending Romero to the showers for Stutes.
This team looks like it will be walking on the edge all season.
Stutes struck out Uggla right after Uggla hit a bomb just foul that would have made the score 8-4. Stutes comes out for Bastardo who then goes 3-0 to the next hitter, the Braves rookie first baseman Freddie Freeman.
Bastardo came back nod K'd Freeman for the third out.
Freeman was steaming, and throw his bat and his helmet right into the turf.
He was mad.
Bastardo pitches to one batter Charlie takes him out and brings in Worley to start the bottom of the eighth after the Phils take the lead with a run in the top ofthe inning.
They are going to mess Worley up. He is not a relief pitcher and they throw him in a game in a big spot like this and he gives up a lead off single.
Braves bunt him over to second.
I don't see the point of using this guy like this. It doesn't make sense to me.
Vance Worely gets out of the inning but I still don't like it.
I'm not so sure that Oswalt will be ready next week for his scheduled start.
He didn't look good yesterday in his rehab stint in Clearwater. He had no juice on his fastball.
So I think they will need Worley to take Oswalt's spot in the rotation.
This has been a weird game.
A one out walk to chipper then a force out at second brings up Uggla.
Madson throws a pitch over everyone that tics off Ruiz glove to the backstop sends a runner to second.
Madson manages to strike out Uggla on a change up low and away and they win.
Mood is I'm not sure what my mood is. They won the game but it almost feels like they lost because it was a pretty ugly game with the two errors, the throw to the backstop and Hamels being off his game tonight.
Win 5-4
Streak 2 wins
Record 25-12 season high 13 over .500 on Friday the 13th
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Game 36 Phils @ Marlins May 11th
The Phils haven't scored in cliff Lee's last three games. He fanned 16 in seven innings his last start and 14 of his final 15 outs were strike outs Wow.
He ties Steve Carlton for most K's in a game by a Phils lefty.
Dominating, too bad they don't score an runs or this team might win 120 games.
Tonight it will be Lee vs. Some guy named Ricky.
Not to say that Ricky Nolasco isn't a good pitcher but he is no Cliff Lee.
Lee in his last start struck out 16 making him the second pitcher in about 100 years to strike out 16 or more and lose because his team had been shut out and had 2 hits or less. The other was Randy Johnson about 15 years ago when he struck out 19.
Lee becomes the Phils first base runner when he walks in the third inning
But it's with two outs and Rollins pops out to center after being ahead in the count 3-0.
First hit comes with one out in the fourth. Polanco blooped one into shallow right, Stanton ran in for it but instead of running through the ball he did this new trend of the last few years of sliding into the ball. He misplayed it into a double as he completely missed it and it went right passed him.
Cliff Lee smokes a ball off the second baseman and here comes Schneider around third to score, and he blows a tire. Looks like he pulled a hammy coming in and, well it costs them a run and Schneider is out of the game.
Into the sixth inning of four starts by Lee and still no runs. They have 3 hits one by the pitcher.
Th bottom of the lineup, the last 5 hitters are all under .230. In fact three are below the Mendoza line including the pitcher.
Mendoza line, named for Mario Mendoza.
Origin of the term from Wikipedia:
The term is named for former shortstop Mario Mendoza, a flashy defensive player who struggled at the plate. Although Mendoza's batting average was .215 lifetime, he was known as a sub-.200 hitter whose average frequently fell into the .170 to .180 range during any particular year. That proved to be true in 1979 when Mendoza managed to finish the year with a meager .198 average.
The "Mendoza Line" was created as a harmless clubhouse joke amongst friends. "My teammates Tom Paciorek and Bruce Bochte used it to make fun of me," Mendoza said in 2010. "Then they were giving George Brett a hard time because he had a slow start that year, so they told him, 'Hey, man, you're going to sink down below the Mendoza Line if you're not careful.' And then Brett mentioned it to Chris Berman from ESPN, and eventually it spread and became a part of the game."
Berman deflects credit back to Brett in popularizing the term. "Mario Mendoza — it's all George Brett," Berman said. "We used it all the time in those 1980s 'SportsCenters.' It was just a humorous way to describe how someone was hitting."
One explanation for the expression relates to the historical presentation of numerous batting averages in the Sunday newspapers. Since not all players appeared in those papers, the theory holds that Mario Mendoza was placed at the bottom and those players with lower batting averages did not appear. Thus, the players that did not appear were said to be "below the Mendoza line".
Bottom six for the Marlins and after one out three straight hits to load them up for .226 hitter Buck, he singles four hits and 2-0 Marlins.
Tom McCarthy just said it's only a 2-0 game but for this team it each opposing run is like 2 runs, this may as well be 4-0.
Next batter, mike Stanton gets the count to 3-0 and McCarthy ponders that no way will he get the green light to swing away.
I said, why not let him go for it if he gets a good pitch. He did and lined it to Victorino for a sac fly and a three zip lead.
Finally three outs, that was a long inning and the marlins tacked on two for a three nothing lead after six.
I'll keep saying it until it doesn't matter anymore but this offense is terrible and it will catch up to them.
Pete Orr comes in to hit for Valdez and gets a hit and an RBI, first run for Lee in almost four games.
Lee is out after six innings for a pinch hitter Ross Gload.
No choice on this because they have runners on the corners and need to try and score another run right now.
Victorino just extended his hit streak to 14 by tying the game with a ball over that tall left field fence.
Cliff Lee off the hook for this one.
Kyle Kendrick comes in in the eighth and I think he might be in there for awhile or at least until or if the Phils can score a run. Or until he gives up runs.
...and he walks the first hitter, awful.
A ground into DP by their catcher and onto the ninth, wonder how long this can go since they have so much trouble scoring.
It didn't take long, Phils got second and third with one out but Mayberry went down swinging, but, but..... Jimmy Rollins doubles them in and it gives them a 5-3 lead. Can Ryan Madson get the save?
YES he can.
Mood still concerned about the scoring on offense, it's just not good but this was a good win. The need to do this more at least earlier in games.
This is one of those two game swing games. Lose and only a one game division lead, win and its a three game lead. They won.
Cliff Lee as very close to being 3-4 on the season, instead it's a no decision.
Looked like they were going to be 2-4 on the trip this puts them at 3-3, much better.
Win 5-3
Streak 1 win
Record 24-12
He ties Steve Carlton for most K's in a game by a Phils lefty.
Dominating, too bad they don't score an runs or this team might win 120 games.
Tonight it will be Lee vs. Some guy named Ricky.
Not to say that Ricky Nolasco isn't a good pitcher but he is no Cliff Lee.
Lee in his last start struck out 16 making him the second pitcher in about 100 years to strike out 16 or more and lose because his team had been shut out and had 2 hits or less. The other was Randy Johnson about 15 years ago when he struck out 19.
Lee becomes the Phils first base runner when he walks in the third inning
But it's with two outs and Rollins pops out to center after being ahead in the count 3-0.
First hit comes with one out in the fourth. Polanco blooped one into shallow right, Stanton ran in for it but instead of running through the ball he did this new trend of the last few years of sliding into the ball. He misplayed it into a double as he completely missed it and it went right passed him.
Cliff Lee smokes a ball off the second baseman and here comes Schneider around third to score, and he blows a tire. Looks like he pulled a hammy coming in and, well it costs them a run and Schneider is out of the game.
Into the sixth inning of four starts by Lee and still no runs. They have 3 hits one by the pitcher.
Th bottom of the lineup, the last 5 hitters are all under .230. In fact three are below the Mendoza line including the pitcher.
Mendoza line, named for Mario Mendoza.
Origin of the term from Wikipedia:
The term is named for former shortstop Mario Mendoza, a flashy defensive player who struggled at the plate. Although Mendoza's batting average was .215 lifetime, he was known as a sub-.200 hitter whose average frequently fell into the .170 to .180 range during any particular year. That proved to be true in 1979 when Mendoza managed to finish the year with a meager .198 average.
The "Mendoza Line" was created as a harmless clubhouse joke amongst friends. "My teammates Tom Paciorek and Bruce Bochte used it to make fun of me," Mendoza said in 2010. "Then they were giving George Brett a hard time because he had a slow start that year, so they told him, 'Hey, man, you're going to sink down below the Mendoza Line if you're not careful.' And then Brett mentioned it to Chris Berman from ESPN, and eventually it spread and became a part of the game."
Berman deflects credit back to Brett in popularizing the term. "Mario Mendoza — it's all George Brett," Berman said. "We used it all the time in those 1980s 'SportsCenters.' It was just a humorous way to describe how someone was hitting."
One explanation for the expression relates to the historical presentation of numerous batting averages in the Sunday newspapers. Since not all players appeared in those papers, the theory holds that Mario Mendoza was placed at the bottom and those players with lower batting averages did not appear. Thus, the players that did not appear were said to be "below the Mendoza line".
Bottom six for the Marlins and after one out three straight hits to load them up for .226 hitter Buck, he singles four hits and 2-0 Marlins.
Tom McCarthy just said it's only a 2-0 game but for this team it each opposing run is like 2 runs, this may as well be 4-0.
Next batter, mike Stanton gets the count to 3-0 and McCarthy ponders that no way will he get the green light to swing away.
I said, why not let him go for it if he gets a good pitch. He did and lined it to Victorino for a sac fly and a three zip lead.
Finally three outs, that was a long inning and the marlins tacked on two for a three nothing lead after six.
I'll keep saying it until it doesn't matter anymore but this offense is terrible and it will catch up to them.
Pete Orr comes in to hit for Valdez and gets a hit and an RBI, first run for Lee in almost four games.
Lee is out after six innings for a pinch hitter Ross Gload.
No choice on this because they have runners on the corners and need to try and score another run right now.
Victorino just extended his hit streak to 14 by tying the game with a ball over that tall left field fence.
Cliff Lee off the hook for this one.
Kyle Kendrick comes in in the eighth and I think he might be in there for awhile or at least until or if the Phils can score a run. Or until he gives up runs.
...and he walks the first hitter, awful.
A ground into DP by their catcher and onto the ninth, wonder how long this can go since they have so much trouble scoring.
It didn't take long, Phils got second and third with one out but Mayberry went down swinging, but, but..... Jimmy Rollins doubles them in and it gives them a 5-3 lead. Can Ryan Madson get the save?
YES he can.
Mood still concerned about the scoring on offense, it's just not good but this was a good win. The need to do this more at least earlier in games.
This is one of those two game swing games. Lose and only a one game division lead, win and its a three game lead. They won.
Cliff Lee as very close to being 3-4 on the season, instead it's a no decision.
Looked like they were going to be 2-4 on the trip this puts them at 3-3, much better.
Win 5-3
Streak 1 win
Record 24-12
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Game 35 Phils @ Marlins - Tuesday May 10th
Roy Halladay vs. Josh Johnson
This game has potential to be epic. Yeah I said it, epic.
The last two times these two faced each other Halladay pitched a perfect game and later in the season Johnson pitched a 2-0 shutout and this is the only loss
Halladay has against the East, (17-1).
This is gonna be fun.
Great first inning for both pitchers. Johnson mowed 'em down in under ten pitches and the Marlins half ended in a spectacular strike out throw'em out double play.
Sardinha, the phis catcher, pulled the pitch out of the dirt on a swinging strike out and the throw to second was a one hopper that Orr snagged while tagging out the runner, excellent.
Ryan Howard leads off the second with a long opposite field home run over the high part of the wall in left.
On the very next pitch Ibanez doubles off the same wall. Francisco gets smoked by Johnson right in the elbow, ouch, you could really hear the smack and it sounded like it hit a wooden bat.
That inning didn't turn out as good as it started. After Howard's homer they loaded them up with no outs but couldn't score a run. That was all Josh Johnson.
In the third after Victorino extended his hitting streak to 13, the Marlins manager called for a throw over to first but Shane was actually standing right on the bag and they got a good camera shot of everyone laughing.
They're getting their hits offJohnson, another two in the third and the Phils are making him throw pitches.
The trouble the Phils seem to have every year is not scoring runs with runners on scoring position.
They load the bases in the third and fourth and don't score. Typical.
The Marlins get second and third with one out and get a sacrifice fly and do score to tie the game.
The problem in the bottom of the third was, with one out Halladay walked the pitcher. That's cardinal sin in baseball because they always seem to score and he did score.
After a shaky first few innings for both pitchers including getting out of major jams, this has been as expected, a terrific pitching duel.
Top of the eighth still tied at 1, Johnson is finally out of the game and Halladay has retired the last 13 he's faced. Halladay comes up fifth in the eighth so I f the Phils need, they might pinch hit for him.
That just stinks, come on Rollins.
One walk to the pitcher and he scores. One lead off base runner in an inning and he scores.
This one wasn't Halladay's fault.
An easy bouncer to Rollins and he boots it, then a wild pitch gets the runner to second with no outs.
A grounder to the right side gets him to third then a single scores him.
Halladay doesn't deserve that. He has pitched great today, completely out pitched Johnson and then might lose the game on a easy ball that turns into an error.
Too bad loses can't be given to a fielder in stead of the pitcher.
Now Halladay has to pitch out of big jam because the defense stinks right in this inning.
Hanley Ramierez beats out another easy ground ball, this time to Polanco who took an extra little hop before throwing the ball and let's Ramierez get in base.
Finally Halladay takes it into his own hands and strikes out Sanchez.
Jeez, Phillies can score runs when someone besides Blanton is on the mound for a change.
Jimmy Rollins needs to make up for the error, nope he dribbles a grounder to second.
So they have two outs and a runner on second as Mayberry walked.
Will Victorino get a big hit and knock in the tying run?
NOPE another weak bouncer to first and the game is over.
Something odd happened after that last play. Victorino must have been talking to one of the Marlins, Tom McCarthy mentioned it but the camera stayed away from the play and continued to show the Marlins celebrating the win.
Then the camera showed the Phils dugout and the players who were still there looking onto the field.
All we got to see was Ryan Madson pulling Victorino off the field but both him and Victorino were both laughing and the Marlins manager Had pulled aside their catcher and appeared to be lecturing him. But since the camera never went to the incident we will never know what was going on.
Mood is ticked off because of the inability to take advantage of opportunities when they have them continues to plague this team. Two innings with the bases loaded and no outs and they get zip.
Florida has two chances to score runs and they capitalize on both of them.
Roy Halladay should be ticked at the team.
Score some runs already. He pitched close to his best game this season and nothing but a lose to show for it.
Halladay throws a complete game loss, walks two batters in one inning including the pitcher.
This was also the first time Halladay has ever walked the opposing pitcher according to Ricky Bottalico on the post game show.
So they are 2-3 in this stretch against the two teams right under them in the division. Halladay is now 17-2 vs. The East division and both loses to Josh Johnson.
Loss 2-1
Streak 1 lose
Record 23-12
2 games up on the Marlins
On a side note Chase Utley has started a 20 game rehab stint on the Clearwater minor league team.
This game has potential to be epic. Yeah I said it, epic.
The last two times these two faced each other Halladay pitched a perfect game and later in the season Johnson pitched a 2-0 shutout and this is the only loss
Halladay has against the East, (17-1).
This is gonna be fun.
Great first inning for both pitchers. Johnson mowed 'em down in under ten pitches and the Marlins half ended in a spectacular strike out throw'em out double play.
Sardinha, the phis catcher, pulled the pitch out of the dirt on a swinging strike out and the throw to second was a one hopper that Orr snagged while tagging out the runner, excellent.
Ryan Howard leads off the second with a long opposite field home run over the high part of the wall in left.
On the very next pitch Ibanez doubles off the same wall. Francisco gets smoked by Johnson right in the elbow, ouch, you could really hear the smack and it sounded like it hit a wooden bat.
That inning didn't turn out as good as it started. After Howard's homer they loaded them up with no outs but couldn't score a run. That was all Josh Johnson.
In the third after Victorino extended his hitting streak to 13, the Marlins manager called for a throw over to first but Shane was actually standing right on the bag and they got a good camera shot of everyone laughing.
They're getting their hits offJohnson, another two in the third and the Phils are making him throw pitches.
The trouble the Phils seem to have every year is not scoring runs with runners on scoring position.
They load the bases in the third and fourth and don't score. Typical.
The Marlins get second and third with one out and get a sacrifice fly and do score to tie the game.
The problem in the bottom of the third was, with one out Halladay walked the pitcher. That's cardinal sin in baseball because they always seem to score and he did score.
After a shaky first few innings for both pitchers including getting out of major jams, this has been as expected, a terrific pitching duel.
Top of the eighth still tied at 1, Johnson is finally out of the game and Halladay has retired the last 13 he's faced. Halladay comes up fifth in the eighth so I f the Phils need, they might pinch hit for him.
That just stinks, come on Rollins.
One walk to the pitcher and he scores. One lead off base runner in an inning and he scores.
This one wasn't Halladay's fault.
An easy bouncer to Rollins and he boots it, then a wild pitch gets the runner to second with no outs.
A grounder to the right side gets him to third then a single scores him.
Halladay doesn't deserve that. He has pitched great today, completely out pitched Johnson and then might lose the game on a easy ball that turns into an error.
Too bad loses can't be given to a fielder in stead of the pitcher.
Now Halladay has to pitch out of big jam because the defense stinks right in this inning.
Hanley Ramierez beats out another easy ground ball, this time to Polanco who took an extra little hop before throwing the ball and let's Ramierez get in base.
Finally Halladay takes it into his own hands and strikes out Sanchez.
Jeez, Phillies can score runs when someone besides Blanton is on the mound for a change.
Jimmy Rollins needs to make up for the error, nope he dribbles a grounder to second.
So they have two outs and a runner on second as Mayberry walked.
Will Victorino get a big hit and knock in the tying run?
NOPE another weak bouncer to first and the game is over.
Something odd happened after that last play. Victorino must have been talking to one of the Marlins, Tom McCarthy mentioned it but the camera stayed away from the play and continued to show the Marlins celebrating the win.
Then the camera showed the Phils dugout and the players who were still there looking onto the field.
All we got to see was Ryan Madson pulling Victorino off the field but both him and Victorino were both laughing and the Marlins manager Had pulled aside their catcher and appeared to be lecturing him. But since the camera never went to the incident we will never know what was going on.
Mood is ticked off because of the inability to take advantage of opportunities when they have them continues to plague this team. Two innings with the bases loaded and no outs and they get zip.
Florida has two chances to score runs and they capitalize on both of them.
Roy Halladay should be ticked at the team.
Score some runs already. He pitched close to his best game this season and nothing but a lose to show for it.
Halladay throws a complete game loss, walks two batters in one inning including the pitcher.
This was also the first time Halladay has ever walked the opposing pitcher according to Ricky Bottalico on the post game show.
So they are 2-3 in this stretch against the two teams right under them in the division. Halladay is now 17-2 vs. The East division and both loses to Josh Johnson.
Loss 2-1
Streak 1 lose
Record 23-12
2 games up on the Marlins
On a side note Chase Utley has started a 20 game rehab stint on the Clearwater minor league team.
Game 34 Phils @ Marlins May 9th
A few notes.
The Phils have won 6 in a row in there and are 17-3 last 20 and have 22 home runs last six games.
Ok good start, Rollins hits one out in left that just barely gets over the fence and actually ticks off the edge of Stanton's glove, the 36th career leadoff homer for Rollins. This also puts him 5th all time in lead off hr's one ahead of Bobby Bonds.
Howard doubles with two outs and Ibanez gets a hit but Howard was out by 30 feet at home so I'm not sure if he ran a stop sign or if Samuel sent him, but if he sent him why do that it wasn't even close, very odd.
Ryan great throw to second for double play in the first. He usually wings that ball ten feet off line or right into the outfield.
Four hits in the third to get one run, then Raul pops up for the second out.
Ross Gload comes through big with a hit that gets one home as Polanco stopped coming around third. But the throw was airmailed to the backstop and the pitcher wasn't backing up so Polanco heads home and he's going to be out as the catcher throws it back to the pitcher covering home, but he drops it and Polanco is safe.
Blanton just back from the DL is serving up BP. Ramierez is hitting under .200 but now he's 2 for 2.
Pete Orr hasn't shown that he can hit yet but he has shown that he can turn a double play as well as anyone I have seen on this team in a long time.
He just knows how to move off the bag and get out of the way when he Gets the throw. He protects himself with the bag and gets to the right side of the bag on his throws so he doesn't get blown up by the runner, he also makes very good throws to first as he's getting out of the way of the runner.
Four double plays through five for the Phils defense.
Only division with more then one team of 20 or more wins (3).
I think at this point we can call this the league's toughest division.
The question I have is what is the plan for Vance Worley. He is a starter and pitched two great games in place of Blanton.
Tonight he comes in out of the bullpen and throws three innings. Gave up a HR but was very good again. I just don't want them to mess around with this guy. Don't put him in the pen and have him lose his starting ability for the season.
Send him down and let him pitch or put him in the rotation up here. Don't screw around with him.
Mood is up again after yesterday's panic due the them not getting clutch hits. Tonight Gload had two RBI's and two clutch hits.
It took four singles in a row just to get one run but they did get a few more in the inning after that.
Oh, can't Forget about the throw to start a DP by Howard.
Win 6-4 Blantons first W
STREAK 1 win
Record 23-11 best in league
The Phils have won 6 in a row in there and are 17-3 last 20 and have 22 home runs last six games.
Ok good start, Rollins hits one out in left that just barely gets over the fence and actually ticks off the edge of Stanton's glove, the 36th career leadoff homer for Rollins. This also puts him 5th all time in lead off hr's one ahead of Bobby Bonds.
Howard doubles with two outs and Ibanez gets a hit but Howard was out by 30 feet at home so I'm not sure if he ran a stop sign or if Samuel sent him, but if he sent him why do that it wasn't even close, very odd.
Ryan great throw to second for double play in the first. He usually wings that ball ten feet off line or right into the outfield.
Four hits in the third to get one run, then Raul pops up for the second out.
Ross Gload comes through big with a hit that gets one home as Polanco stopped coming around third. But the throw was airmailed to the backstop and the pitcher wasn't backing up so Polanco heads home and he's going to be out as the catcher throws it back to the pitcher covering home, but he drops it and Polanco is safe.
Blanton just back from the DL is serving up BP. Ramierez is hitting under .200 but now he's 2 for 2.
Pete Orr hasn't shown that he can hit yet but he has shown that he can turn a double play as well as anyone I have seen on this team in a long time.
He just knows how to move off the bag and get out of the way when he Gets the throw. He protects himself with the bag and gets to the right side of the bag on his throws so he doesn't get blown up by the runner, he also makes very good throws to first as he's getting out of the way of the runner.
Four double plays through five for the Phils defense.
Only division with more then one team of 20 or more wins (3).
I think at this point we can call this the league's toughest division.
The question I have is what is the plan for Vance Worley. He is a starter and pitched two great games in place of Blanton.
Tonight he comes in out of the bullpen and throws three innings. Gave up a HR but was very good again. I just don't want them to mess around with this guy. Don't put him in the pen and have him lose his starting ability for the season.
Send him down and let him pitch or put him in the rotation up here. Don't screw around with him.
Mood is up again after yesterday's panic due the them not getting clutch hits. Tonight Gload had two RBI's and two clutch hits.
It took four singles in a row just to get one run but they did get a few more in the inning after that.
Oh, can't Forget about the throw to start a DP by Howard.
Win 6-4 Blantons first W
STREAK 1 win
Record 23-11 best in league
Monday, May 9, 2011
Phillies 2011 game by game: Braves @ Phils Game 33 May 8th ESPN Sunday night game
Game 33 Braves @ Phils ESPN Sunday night game
I decided to start posting the current game and since I have the previous games done already I'll go back and put them in a couple games at a time too.
I like that anyone but the Red Sox or Yankees are on National tv but I rather have a day game on Sunday so I can sit outside and listen to the game.
A national ESPN game means I have to listen to former Mets manager Bobby Valentine and his nasally, whiney voice.
So it's another game that the Phils can't score.
Into the seventh they've out hit the Braves 8-5 but trail 3-1.
Braves have two homers to account for their runs.
They keep hitting into double plays.
Hamels is out so he can't win but can still lose if they can't score any runs.
Stutes in for the eighth and walks the leadoff guy and then gives one up to Eric Hinske 5-1 braves and three homers.
Walks the next guy and Stutes is out and in comes Scott Mathieson.
It's seems to be getting to where if they don't score 3 or more runs they just won't win.
This inability to hit is ridiculous and it's surprising that they still are tied for best record.
Victorino just hit one off the top of the wall just to the left of the "corner" for a lead off triple.
I'm sure they will get this run in but it'll probably take three batters to do it.
And right as I type that Polanco gets on, on an error by the new SS into the game.
That extra two runs in the top inning hurts.
Howard forces Polanco at second and now this is when Francisco needs to start picking up these opportunities, but he just flies out to center, Polanco just was credited with a hit not an error.
Raul singles and there is second and third but two outs for ph Mayberry.
This is a big spot here, they need to start capitalizing with some clutch hits late in games.
Wow Mayberry sure looked like he went around but he got the call, ball 2.
Ugh long at bat but just sends an easy fly ball to right center.
They need to get a hitter into the lineup, they're really pathetic looking right now.
Lovely start to the top of the 9th, walk, sac bunt, walk, another walk.
and that's it for Mathieson, but wait now we get Danys Baéz yay!!
BTW it's one out.
Well how about that, a DP to end the threat. Nice job Baéz.
This guy the Braves put in, Kimbrel is throwing 97 and up and K's over 15 per 9 innings.
Seems like a lot of guys are throwing near 100 this season.
The guy on the reds has been clocked over 100, Verlander on Detroit just pitched a no hitter and hit 100 in the ninth inning.
Something is fishy about it if you ask me.
Schneider strikes out then Gload and Rollins walks, Victorino swings and misses the first two pitches and gets called out on a pitch a foot and half outside.
Now Polanco. Pop up it's over.
Mood is irritated because this is a series loss to a division team and could have been an early statement but they couldn't get the big hit and lost two of three, only winning one on a shut out.
Loss 5-2
Streak 1 loss
Record 22-11 still tied for best record.
I decided to start posting the current game and since I have the previous games done already I'll go back and put them in a couple games at a time too.
I like that anyone but the Red Sox or Yankees are on National tv but I rather have a day game on Sunday so I can sit outside and listen to the game.
A national ESPN game means I have to listen to former Mets manager Bobby Valentine and his nasally, whiney voice.
So it's another game that the Phils can't score.
Into the seventh they've out hit the Braves 8-5 but trail 3-1.
Braves have two homers to account for their runs.
They keep hitting into double plays.
Hamels is out so he can't win but can still lose if they can't score any runs.
Stutes in for the eighth and walks the leadoff guy and then gives one up to Eric Hinske 5-1 braves and three homers.
Walks the next guy and Stutes is out and in comes Scott Mathieson.
It's seems to be getting to where if they don't score 3 or more runs they just won't win.
This inability to hit is ridiculous and it's surprising that they still are tied for best record.
Victorino just hit one off the top of the wall just to the left of the "corner" for a lead off triple.
I'm sure they will get this run in but it'll probably take three batters to do it.
And right as I type that Polanco gets on, on an error by the new SS into the game.
That extra two runs in the top inning hurts.
Howard forces Polanco at second and now this is when Francisco needs to start picking up these opportunities, but he just flies out to center, Polanco just was credited with a hit not an error.
Raul singles and there is second and third but two outs for ph Mayberry.
This is a big spot here, they need to start capitalizing with some clutch hits late in games.
Wow Mayberry sure looked like he went around but he got the call, ball 2.
Ugh long at bat but just sends an easy fly ball to right center.
They need to get a hitter into the lineup, they're really pathetic looking right now.
Lovely start to the top of the 9th, walk, sac bunt, walk, another walk.
and that's it for Mathieson, but wait now we get Danys Baéz yay!!
BTW it's one out.
Well how about that, a DP to end the threat. Nice job Baéz.
This guy the Braves put in, Kimbrel is throwing 97 and up and K's over 15 per 9 innings.
Seems like a lot of guys are throwing near 100 this season.
The guy on the reds has been clocked over 100, Verlander on Detroit just pitched a no hitter and hit 100 in the ninth inning.
Something is fishy about it if you ask me.
Schneider strikes out then Gload and Rollins walks, Victorino swings and misses the first two pitches and gets called out on a pitch a foot and half outside.
Now Polanco. Pop up it's over.
Mood is irritated because this is a series loss to a division team and could have been an early statement but they couldn't get the big hit and lost two of three, only winning one on a shut out.
Loss 5-2
Streak 1 loss
Record 22-11 still tied for best record.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Phillies 2011 A Game By Game Review
Phillies 2011 A Game By Game Review
I thought that it might be an interesting experiment to try and keep a diary of sorts for the 2011 baseball season for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Sometimes I'll comment while I'm watching the game but usually it will be after the game is over.
This will evolve as the season goes along, 162 games is a lot of games to write on.
Reason being the extremely high expectations put on the team due to the signing of Cliff Lee on December 25 2010 and of course already having Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels and of course the best pitcher currently in the league Roy Halladay.
One other reason is that I thought it would be interesting to go back and read what I was thinking throughout the season.
I planned on starting this from the first day of the season but out of simple laziness, didn't.
Today is April 16th and as it stands, they're record is 9-4.
So let me start from game one.
GAME ONE - Phillies vs Houston Astros home game.
Great pre game ceremony having fans on the field to shake the players hands as they come in from the bullpen.
Brett Myers actually out pitched Halladay through 6 innings and Halladay leaves the game trailing 1-0.
J. C. Romero and Herndon come in and promptly give up 3 runs leaving the Phils down 4-1.
The Phils had ten hits, most coming late in the game.
My mood while watching was blah another typical Bad game on an opener by the Phils.
They managed 2 runs in the 7th making it a 4-2 game so there was some hope.
The Phils made it a memorable opening day after scoring 3 in the 9th after a pinch single by Mayberry to win the game.
Mood is now great after it being very low during the first few innings.
Record 1-0
I thought that it might be an interesting experiment to try and keep a diary of sorts for the 2011 baseball season for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Sometimes I'll comment while I'm watching the game but usually it will be after the game is over.
This will evolve as the season goes along, 162 games is a lot of games to write on.
Reason being the extremely high expectations put on the team due to the signing of Cliff Lee on December 25 2010 and of course already having Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels and of course the best pitcher currently in the league Roy Halladay.
One other reason is that I thought it would be interesting to go back and read what I was thinking throughout the season.
I planned on starting this from the first day of the season but out of simple laziness, didn't.
Today is April 16th and as it stands, they're record is 9-4.
So let me start from game one.
GAME ONE - Phillies vs Houston Astros home game.
Great pre game ceremony having fans on the field to shake the players hands as they come in from the bullpen.
Brett Myers actually out pitched Halladay through 6 innings and Halladay leaves the game trailing 1-0.
J. C. Romero and Herndon come in and promptly give up 3 runs leaving the Phils down 4-1.
The Phils had ten hits, most coming late in the game.
My mood while watching was blah another typical Bad game on an opener by the Phils.
They managed 2 runs in the 7th making it a 4-2 game so there was some hope.
The Phils made it a memorable opening day after scoring 3 in the 9th after a pinch single by Mayberry to win the game.
Mood is now great after it being very low during the first few innings.
Record 1-0
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