Game 2 of 162: Preview

Game: Atlanta Braves (1-0) @ Philadelphia Phillies (0-1)
Pitchers: Jair Jurrjens (0-0) vs. Jamie Moyer (0-0)
Time: 7:05 PM, MyPhl 17
Weather: 47F, Few Showers, 19mph winds blowing to right field

The old man makes his first start of the season against one of few teams who actually hit him pretty well last season.

Jamie Moyer went 0-0 with a 6.55 ERA in two starts against the Braves in 2008 and posts a career record of 3-8 with a 5.56 ERA in 14 appearances. To silence the quick to panic crowd in Philadelphia, Moyer will have to have his best stuff to help the Phillies earn a victory.

The Phillies will be facing Atlanta pitcher, Jair Jurrjens who allowed only 2 runs in the 15 2/3 innings he pitched in Citzens' Bank Park last season. In 4 starts against the Phillies, Jurrjens was 1-2 with a 3.33 ERA. Jurrjens is another up-and-coming prospect in the Braves organization and he allowed only .53 home runs per nine innings in 2008.

The Fightins' season didn't exactly start with a celebration similar to the pre-game festivities on opening day. They'll look to even their record tonight against a team they were 14-4 against last year, but only 5-4 at home. The Phils we need to see some better at-bats throughout the line-up and it'll be interesting to see if Manuel shakes the lineup around a little, but that is unlikely. It'll take a few games before Charlie does anything drastic.

Continuing reading...

Phillies Falter

Figures, I bought playoff tickets today and now I am getting nervous. The Phillies magic # remains @ 4 after tonight's disappointing loss to the Atlanta Braves.

The Mets won 6-2, but the Brewers are losing at this moment 3-2 in the bottom of the 6th.

If the Brewers do indeed lose, the magic # to clinch a playoff spot goes to 2.

Up 1.5, the Phillies still control their own destiny.

This team needs to put up more runs for Cole and his next start will likely be Sunday if the game matters.

4 games left.

Sorry there will be no real recap tonight, I have some other business to take care off.

Continuing reading...

Oh Happ-y Day

J.A. Happ threw 6 scoreless innings for the Phillies to help continue the Phillies winning ways and to get his first major leagu win. The lineup batted around in the first inning, having 4 cross the plate. Ryan Howard knocked in the game's first run and Carlos Ruiz provided 2 RBIs for the Phils. Matt Stairs also hit his first home run as a Phillies in the 6-1 victory.

Happ threw strikes early and often relying on his defense to get a majority of the outs. Happ rarely find himself in a jam as he allowed only 4 hits and walked 1. He located his pitches well and proved at least for tonight to be a positive replacement for Kyle Kendrick. Chad Durbin pitched two scoreless innings in relief and Clay Condrey finished off the ninth.

Currently, the Brewers are leading the Cubs. The Mets are struggling with the Nats in the ninth, but with a 4-run lead, they'll likely hold on. There will probably be no movement in either race after tonight, however, there are now less games to be played.

The Phillies will have their ace, Cole Hamels, on the mound tomorrow to face off against Mike Hampton. Hopefully Hamels fairs better against the Braves this time around.

Continuing reading...

Howard Homers the Phils into First!

Do you remember the post about Mr. September? Ryan Howard did it again. First in the top of the 7th, he tripled in a run to make the game 7-5 and scored on a 2-out RBI single by Shane Victorino. In the top of the eighth, Howard went yard for a 2-run home run to give the Phillies a 8-7 lead.

After Ryan Madson pitched a perfect bottom of the 8th, Lidge found himself in some trouble. After walking the bases loaded, Brad Lidge got Gregor Blanco to strike out to end the game. The Phillies now hold a half-game lead over the Mets (same amount of losses) and possibly a full game lead over the Brewers for the Wildcard.

Starter Jamie Moyer struggled with his control as he walked 4 and hit a batter. I think pitching on short rest got to him, but hopefully he is rested enough to pitch in Florida on Sunday. Howard knocked in 3 runs on the night and Jayson Werth also hit is 23rd home run on the year. The Phillies had an early 3-0 lead, but lost it in the third. Carlos Ruiz gave the Phils a 4-3 lead in the fourth with a homer, but the Braves scored 4 in the 6 to take the 7-4 lead. The rest of the game was all Howard related and he was a double short of the cycle.

Everything about this game could help continue the momentum to aid the final push toward the playoffs. The Braves are not going down without a fight and the Phillies will face Jair Jurrjens tomorrow. Jurrjens has pitched well against the Phillies, only allowing 3 runs in 15 innings of work (2 starts). JA Happ will make his fourth start for the Phillies.

Continuing reading...

Phillies Take Series From Braves

So the Phillies don't need to be in Atlanta to win a series. Even though they had plenty of bad moments today, it counts as a win and I can not complain. The Phillies won today 12-10 after a 1 hour, 57 minute rain delay.

Before the delay, the Phillies were down 2-0. Joe Blanton got the start and was replaced by Adam Eaton when the game started. He looked horrible, again. Jorge Vampillo got the start and was replaced by Jo Jo Reyes.

When the game restarted, the Braves scored 3 runs on back to back homers (a 2 run and 1 run shot). With the Phils down 5-0, it seemed again like this team was going to embarrass.

And again we stood corrected. The Phillies scred 2 quick runs from a Chris Coste homer and then with 2 men on, Shane Victorino blasted a 3 run shot to tie the game. They added another run in the 5th, 5 more in the 6th, and one more in the 7th.

With a 12-5 lead going into the 8th, Ryan Madson hit a ton of trouble as the Braves were able to put a 5-spot up to make it a 2 run game. Brad Lidge thought he was going to get the night off with the lead he had but instead had to pitch the 9th to get his 24 save in as many chances.

Clay Condrey got the win, improving to 3-2. Ryan Howard added 2 more RBIs to his league leading total of 94, Victorino drove in 4 as he continued his tear on the Braves, and Pat Burrell hit his 26th homer, a solo shot in the 5th.

The Phillies are off tomorrow and will start up their series against the Nationals. Brett Myers (3-9, 5.82) will open the series for the Phillies and Collin Balester (1-2, 5.75) for the Nats.

Continuing reading...

Phils Come Back to Beat Braves

Way to shut me up. Even though I know they didn't read my article, it's nice being proven wrong. The Phillies survived a horid start by ace Cole Hamels to beat the Braves 10-9.

Hamels started out strong until he got into deep trouble in the 4th inning. He didn't finish it but surrendered 9 runs, only 4 earned. Rudy Seanez closed out the inning.

It seemed like all was lost and the Phillies were gonna fuck up another game. But that was not the case. The Phillies answered the 9 run inning with a 7 run inning in the 5th.

After 6 singles scored in 4 runs, Greg Dobbs hit a towering 3 run homer into the right field upper deck seats. The Phillies took a 10-9 lead after that inning and didn't look back. Brad Lidge closed out the game for the save.

Jorge Campillo is getting the start for Atlanta tomorrow and Joe "Blow" Blanton is for the Phillies.

Continuing reading...

2 Games Back and Counting

Editor's Note: John, Spell Check is your friend.

Yes Philly fans it's here. After close to 2 months of futility, your beloved Phillies are surrendering. After the way they have been playing recently, you would think they would be 12 games out of first. But no. The Mets, Braves, and Marlins shared futility kept them in first.

But 2 of those teams turned their shit around. Florida and New York have surged back into the race. The Mets have taken a 2 game lead over 2nd place Florida and 3rd place Philly.

Yes! 3rd fucking place! How? This is the best offense in the NL! Yes their pitching has been over achieving and bull pen was awesome, but with the offense and bullpen faltering, it leaves the starting pitchers wondering if they'll get any fucking support.

Cole Hamels said it himself that there is no way he should pitch as well as he had on Sunday and not win. Jamie Moyer followed suit with a stellar performance and a loss to the Mets, and now Kyle Kendrick was in the same boat.

Kendrick went 6 innings and gave up a run on 7 hits, 2 walks, and 2 strike outs. The offense mustered only 2 fucking hits while he was in. In the top of the 9th, the bull pen completely went to shit as Brad Lidge gave up 5 runs, 4 from a grand slam by Brian McCann. Condrey came in and gave up 2 more runs.

After that debacle, Chase got a 2 out base hit and Ryan Howard homered. If Lidge didn't have his first poor appearance of the year, Howards blast would have been a walk off.

For Atlanta, Jiar Jurjens went 8 shut out innings, giving up 3 hits and 1 walk, striking out 6. The rookie completely embarrassed this offense. Will Ohman pitched the 9th, giving up the only 2 runs this athletic offense could muster.

After Justin's rant, which was laced with sarcasm for the idiots who think Justin had confidence in this team, I felt it was my turn to give some criticism. And I give a big fuck you to:
Jimmy Rollins for not having his priorities straight.
Chase Utley for looking like a little girl in the batter's box.
Pedro Feliz for being a pussy with back spasms.
Jayson Werth for your shitty at bats.
So Taguchi for swinging like a little Chinese girl.
Brett Myers for being born.
Joe Blanton for being fatter than Howard.

You all make me sick due to your performances or lack of caring.

Thank you Howard for you efforts in getting your season back on track and thank you Pat Burrell for the hustle and great catch in foul territory. Thanks Hamels and Kendrick for being the future of this team and pitching your asses off and to Moyer for defying your age.

I hope this team gets their heads out of their asses because I am embarrassed to wear my Phillies hat.

Continuing reading...

Phillies Earn 2nd Straight Sweep in Atlanta

As Justin would say: "Cole Hamels will win a Cy Young this year and 10 Cole Hamels in his career."

Hamels (9-5) was filthy in his outing versus Atlanta, pitching 8.2 innings, giving up 1 run in the 9th, a double by Brian McCann that scored Chipper Jones. He allowed 5 hits total and 1 walk, a .81 WHIP. He also struck out 7. King Cole's ERA improved to 3.22. Tom Gordon pitched the last out, earning his 2nd save.

Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Pedro Feliz all had solo home runs. Utley leads the league with 24 and Howard has 22 on the season. Those were the only hits for Utley and Howard. Pat Burrell went 2-4 with a double. Feliz went 3-4 with a homer and 2 RBIs, driving in Burrell and himself. Jimmy Rollins had a triple in the 3rd.

The offense got an early run in the first with Utley's solo shot. In the fourth, Feliz singled to drive in Burrell. In the 6th, Howard homered and in the 7th, Feliz had his shot.

The Phillies (47-39) have won 3 straight since their dry spell in June. They start a 4 game series tomorrow night versus the Mets (41-43). They face 4 pitchers capable of shutting down this offense. Being back in the comfort of their own park should settle the offense back in. No Hamels in the series could be huge. Probables for the series are:

7/4: J. Santana (7-7, 3.01), J. Happ (0-0, -.--)
7/5: J. Maine (8-6, 3.86), J. Moyer (7-6, 4.13)
7/6: O. Perez (6-5, 4.98), K. Kendrick (8-3, 4.58)
7/7: P. Martinez (2-2, 7.39), A. Eaton (3-6, 4.79)

Continuing reading...

Phillies Win a Series!!!

In what may seem comparable to the shot heard around the world in Philly, the Fightin' Phillies have finally won a series after losing six in a row. Tonight, the Phillies beat the Braves 7-3 after a bottom of the ninth inning scare aided by not one, but two Ryan Howard errors. The Phillies improved to 5-0 in Atlanta and 7-1 in the season series.

Tonight's offense came from an impressive home run by "Big Brown" as he hit a 68 mph breaking ball deep out of the park into left center for a 3-run home run. Pat Burrell also added a solo home run. Pedro Feliz, Chris Coste, and Chase Utley each had two hits, while Jimmy Rollins went 3-4 with a triple. Shane Victorino was the only starter (including Eaton) not to reach base with a hit.

Eaton pitched well enough to earn the win, but he did struggle a little in the 6th inning. In 5 innings of work, he gave up 2 earned on 5 hits and 5 walks. He did get squeezed on a few pitches, but overall he pitched well and helped the Phils maintain their lead. Eaton improves to 3-6 on the year.

Up north in Allentown, PA, Brett Myers threw 5 innings of work for the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. He threw 100 pitches with a 60/40 strike-to-ball ratio. He was cruising through the first four innings, but he allowed 3 earned runs on 3 hits in the 5th inning. He finished the game with 6 strike outs. He will make another start likely next Monday.
And here is the rest of it.

Continuing reading...

Phillies Conquer Braves

The Phillies poured it on early and then late to beat the Braves 8-3. A team that has been inconsistent and an offense that has been piss-poor, it was nice to see shades of the April/May Phillies.

Kyle Kendrick took the mound and pitched well. He went 6 innings and gave up 3 runs on 7 hits, 2 walks, and struck out 2. Romero looked a little shakey in the 7th, Gordon pitched a quick 8th, and Lidge struck out 2 in the 9th.

Every starter but Ruiz and Feliz got a hit. The other 7 starters had 2 hits apiece, highlighted by home runs from Pat Burrell and Shane Victorino. Geoff Jenkins added a double.

The Phillies did most of their scoring in the 3rd inning, after a Burrell homer in the 2nd. Jimmy Rollins led off with a single and Victorino followed with a two run shot of his own. Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Burrell, and Jenkins all singled with Burrell and Jenkins driving in Utley and Howard, respectively.

The Phillies had a scare in the 7th when Kendrick was pulled after giving up 3 runs. Greg Norton drove in Jeff Francuer and Brent Lillibridge. Norton moved to third after a groundout by Gregor Blanco and a couple batters later, scored on a ground out by Mark Texiera. Luckily the Phillies got out of inning.

In the top of the 9th, the Phillies added 3 more runs to the lead, using base hits and walks. Lidge pitched a good 9th to earn the Phillies the win.

The Phillies will hopefully continue their domination of the Braves tomorrow as Adam Eaton takes the mound. He is 206 with a 4.86 ERA. He will face righty Jorge Campillo. He is 3-2 with a 2.54 ERA.

Continuing reading...

Phils Lay the Tomahawk on the Braves

I had to mute the TV several times to avoid hearing that annoying Tomahawk Chop. The Phillies put the Braves tomahawks away as they pulled out their brooms to sweep Atlanta.

Shane Victorino does it again! He capped off a phenomenal series in Atlanta with the game winning RBI double in the ninth inning. The Phillies as an offense exploded that inning scoring 3 runs to beat the Braves 6-3.

Ryan Howard went 3 for 5 with 3 doubles and 4 RBIs. Victorino went 3-5 as well with 3 runs scored and 1 RBI. Howard now has 11 doubles and he brought his average up to .214, a still struggling number.

Adam Eaton got the start but didn't get the decision. He went 6 innings, giving up 3 runs, 2 on a Mark Texiera home run, on 8 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 2. His ERA dropped slightly to 4.62.

Chad Durbin pitched 2 innings, striking out 2, to earn his 2nd win from the pen. Brad Lidge pitched a quick 1-2-3 ninth to record his 17th save.

The Phillies have now won 4 straight and are 15 and 4 in their last 19 games. They stay 3.5 games ahead of Florida and Atlanta drops to 6.5 games to the Phillies.

Next series probables @ Florida:
Tues 6/10 - Myers (3-7; 5.13) vs Nolasco (5-4; 5.05)
Wed 6/11 - Hamels (6-4; 3.36) vs Miller (4-5; 5.65)
Thur 6/12 - Moyer (6-3; 4.56) vs Olson (4-2; 3.44)

Continuing reading...

3 Homers Boost Phils to Win

Kyle Kendrick made one mistake in his solid outing as the Phillies won 6-2 over the rival Braves. This time, no come back was needed and neither was a game saving play at the plate. The Phillies continued their hot streak, winning 3 straight and 9 of their past ll.

Kendrick went 5.1 innings and gave up 2 runs on 4 hits. He managed to strike out 3 batters but his control was off, walking 5. He gave up a 2 run home run to MVP candidate Chipper Jones in the 6th. He was then taken out by Charlie Manuel.


Kendrick was relieved by Ryan Madson, JC Romero, Tom Gordon, and Brad Lidge. Gordon and Lidge each went an inning and struck out 3 batters a piece.

The bats were at work again as Carlos Ruiz got the scoring going with a solo homer in the 5th, his second of the year. Pat Burrell hit a solo home run in the 6th to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead. Jimmy Rollins added a 2 run bomb in the ninth to cushion the Phillies lead.

In the 8th, with the game locked up at 2, Chase Utley came through again with the go ahead run and Ryan Howard's base hit made it 4-2. Rollins' home run capped off the score in the ninth.

After a rough start in the season, the starting pitching seems like it has finally found its groove. The bull pen has remained stellar, with Gordon, Romero, and Lidge shining bright. At this pace, I wouldn't be surprised if at least 2 of those guys gets an All Star bid.

Speaking of All Stars, Chase Utley is a lock and Cole Hamels and Burrell also have good chances. With a first place Phillies team, we should be seeing multiple All Stars.

The Phillies are still 3.5 games ahead of Florida and improve to 5.5 on the Braves. Pitching tomorrow for the Phillies is Adam Eaton (2-3; 4.63), who has been excellent his last 3 games. He will face Jorge Campillo (2-0; 1.79).

Both Rollins' and Ruiz's home runs were their only hits of the night.

Continuing reading...

Phillies Win in Luau

With 2 outs in the Top of the ninth and Eric Bruntlet on second and Pedro Feliz on first, Chris Coste popped up what looked like the final out. All second baseman Kelly Johnson had to do was get under the ball and squeeze it with 2 hands. But his little league mistake allowed him to drop the ball, scoring Bruntlett. Feliz was thrown out at the plate by a mile but the Phillies tied the game at 2.

Chris Snelling lead off the 10th with a double into the gap. Rollins bunted him to third and Shane Victorino followed by driving in the go ahead run on a 1 out triple in the top of the 10th to give the Phils a 3-2 lead. Chase Utley added a RBI double to cushion the lead as the Phillies went on to win 4-3.

The bottom of the 10th wasn't a pushover either. Brad Lidge got into early trouble and was bailed out by the best arm in the outfield. With 2 outs and runners on 2nd and 3rd, Yunel Escobar had what looked like the game tying hit. With 1 runner in, Gregor Blanco followed suit. Victorino, who was playing shallow, scooped up the ball and in one motion threw out Blanco with Coste applying the tag a split second before Blanco's foot crossed the plate. A furious Bobby Cox yelled and screamed but to no avail.

Victorino finished the night 2-3 with 2 runs scored and an RBI. Both hits were triples. Chase Utley went 1-5 with 2 RBIs, one off the tenth inning double and another in the 1st inning when the Phillies took the 1-0 lead. Geoff Jenkins and Chris Snelling also doubled.

Tim Hudson got the start for the Braves and pitched very well enough to win. Unfortunately for him, Johnson's blunder ruined the outing. Hudson 7.2 innings, allowing 1 run on 5 hits and 4 walks. He also struck out 3. For the Phillies, Jamie Moyer started, pitching 5.1 innings. He gave up 2 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks, striking out 4. He gave up a long ball to Brian McCann. Brad Lidge earned his 16th save.

The Phillies have been red hot as of late, winning 8 of their last 10 games. The Phillies also extend their lead in the NL East by 3.5 games on the Marlins and 4.5 on Atlanta. Tomorrow, Kyle Kendrick (5-2; 5.00) will look to earn his 6th win as he faces Jo Jo Reyes (2-3; 4.78).

Continuing reading...

King Cole

Cole Hamels absolutely dominated the Braves tonight while the offense did their home run trots around the bases to shut out the Braves 5-0. Hamels threw a 4-hit, complete game, shut-out while striking out 6 Braves.

The offense, including Hamels 2-4 effort, was boosted by solo home runs from Pedro Feliz, Ryan Howard, and a 2-run home run by Shane Victorino. Pedro Feliz also added an RBI single. Howard extended his hitting streak to 7 games and it seems like his bat is finally to starting to truly come around. Howard's homer tonight was his second in as many days as well. It is the first time he has homered in consecutive games all year.

The highlight of the game however was a 9th inning double play turned by Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley.

Continuing reading...

Phillies win 5-4

After falling behind 3-0 in the top of the first, the Phillies battled back throughout the game to take a 5-3 lead. Jayson Werth went 3-4 and had 4 RBIs. After an ugly first at-bat, Ryan Howard bounced back and had 2 hits in his next 3 at-bats and also added an RBI.

Kyle Kendrick's shaky first inning was followed by a bases loaded scare in the second inning, but from then on he continued to pitch scoreless innings until he left after the 6th. J.C. Romero and Tom Gordon both pitched scoreless innings respectively. Phillies closer, Brad Lidge felt his first scare of the season as he gave up his first earned run, but he did get to save for the Phillies 5-4 win.

Note: The Phillies game sold out even while the Flyers played Game 3 across the street. Howard extended his season-long hitting streak to five games. Victorino and Burrell had two hits each.

Continuing reading...

Left-Handers, Left-Handers, and Left-Handers, Oh My!

The Phillies are slated to face three straight left-handed starters for the Atlanta Braves.

Tonight: Jo-Jo Reyes against Kyle Kendrick

Tomorrow: Tom Glavine against Brett Myers

Thursday: Chuck James against Cole Hamels

As a team, the Phillies are currently hitting .235 against left-handed pitching. Reyes is coming off a start where he left early due to a blister on the index finger of his pitching hand. Also, their are many negative trends going into this series and one or more will have to reverse. The Braves are awfully terrible on the road this season (5-14) and Tom Glavine is still winless during his second tour with the Braves. For the Phillies, their blunders against left-handed pitching will have improve if they want any chance of winning this series and remaining close to the Mets and Marlins. Will all this left-handed pitching finally help Ryan Howard break him out or pound him deeper into the mud he's stuck in? Only time will tell. It should be noted that the Phillies are 8-6 against left-handed starters, but their on the field production needs to improve.

Continuing reading...