Sweeping their Way into the Wild Card

The Phillies won both ends of the double-header today to complete the sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers. In a series comparable to the 4-game series last year against the Mets, the Phillies offense came alive scoring 26 runs in 4 games and the pitching staff only allowed 10.

Some fans were skeptical of this series and other kept the faith. I'll admit, I was skeptical. I thought after that Florida series, the fight might be gone, but the Phillies have yet to give up and they now find themselves tied for the Wildcard and tied in wins with the Mets (83), but two more losses. The Mets will play tomorrow and the division lead will shift a half game in the Phillies favor or not.

I attended the day portion of the double-header and it was a great game. Things didn't start out too well when Blanton gave up a 1st-inning 2-run home run to Ray Durham, but the Phillies fought back from a 3-1 deficit, specifically when Ryan Howard hit a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 6th. The crowd was ecstatic from then on and Joe Blanton didn't need the bullpen until the 8th inning. After what looked like another off-start, Blanton did "eat some innings."

In the bottom of the 8th, Pat Burrell knocked in the go-ahead run on a line drive to left field. Jayson Werth just barely got in before the tag with a great slide. Too add insurance, Shane Victorino hit a 3-run home run to push the lead to 7-3, which would be the final score. You could almost feel that this win would absolutely destroy the Brewers' morale and when leaving the stadium, everyone felt that the team would complete the sweep.

Some fans even stayed and those who did erupted when the Mets blew their ninth inning lead to lose 7-4 to the Braves.

In the night cap, the rally towels were out. Jimmy Rollins got things started early with a double. He would later score on a double play ground out by Chase Utley. In the second inning, the Phillies had a run knocked in by Brett Myers of all people with an RBI single to right. I think he was pissed off that Coste was intentionally walked to get to Myers. Rollins followed it up with a 2-RBI single himself to give the Phillies a 4-0 lead. Later in the game, Burrell hit a moon-shot home run and Jayson Werth was walked with the bases loaded to give the Phillies a 6-0 lead. The 6 runs, well 2 runs would be all they needed.

Brett Myers was absolutely phenomenal on 3-days rest. He did everything we could ask for and more. Brett Myers threw his second complete game since August 20th allowing only 2 hits, one being a solo home run to Prince Fielder to lose the shut out. Myers threw ONLY 95 pitches and struck out 4 Brewers. Brett had great command on all his pitches, especially his change-up, which seems to be getting better and better. When Myers was designated for assignment, he had a 5.84 ERA. After tonight, he has a 4.06 ERA. He and Hamels have finally become 1A and 1B.

Other good news? Pat Burrell went 3-7 on the day with a home run and hopefully he finally comes out of his slump. He almost dipped below .250, but his go-ahead single in the day game ended that possibility.

The Phillies are off tomorrow before the begin a 6 game road trip in Atlanta and Florida. The Phillies need to find a way to go at least 4-2 or 5-1. There is little room for error right now. Every game is a must-win from here on out. With 12 games left, I would think the Phillies need to go 8-4 or 9-3 to make the playoffs.