Wednesday, August 23, 2006
1.5 Games Behind
The Phillies won a 2-1 pitching duel behind a 8 inning effort from Brett Myers. Myers showed why many believe he has the stuff to be the "staff ace." He allowed only a solo homer to Matt Murton in the eighth inning. Arthur Rhodes retired Juan Pierre to start the ninth then Charlie Manuel called in Geoff Geary who earned his first career save. Geary has been invaluable out of the bullpen this year and was definitely pumped up for tonight. He touched 97 on his fastball and was consistently sitting 93-97 today. Impressive showing by Geary.
Offensively the Phillies struggled against Angel Guzman. The only blemish on Guzman's night was Ryan Howard's 44th home run to deep left center. Very impressive blast as it left a lasting impression on the Cubs announcer. In the ninth, Jimmy Rollins got a clutch two out hit to score Abe Nunez who worked a 2 out walk. A single by Joe Thurston moved Nunez into scoring position. The Phillies can't score 7 or 8 runs every game, so it was nice to see them win a pitchers duel and to see Myers pitch the way he is capable of. Very solid all around game tonight by the Phillies. Defensively, Mike Lieberthal threw Juan Pierre out at second after he drew a walk to lead off the game. Lieby has been much more productive since his playing time has been reduced. I would love to see both Coste and Lieby back next year splitting time like they are right now. Together they have formed a productive catching duo.
Tip of the Cap- Brett Myers for putting away all the excuses and coming out here and pitching the way he can. Knowing they had a chance to pull within 1.5 games of the Reds after the Reds lost earlier today, Myers kept his team in the game and gave them a chance to win late and Rollins capitalized.
Wag of the Finger- Sorry it has to be Chase Utley. Utley has been in a little slump lately and missed a few oppurtunities tonight to drive in runs. Utley seems a little tired but he has still lead this team by example by leaving everything out on the field every night.
Tomorrow's Game- Time to call in sick because Cole Hamels faces Carlos Zambrano. No need to state the numbers. Everybody knows how good Hamels has been recently and Zambrano is being mentioned for CY Young and he is on one of the worst teams in baseball. Gametime is 1:20 and the Phillies have their work cut out for them as they go for the sweep.
Offensively the Phillies struggled against Angel Guzman. The only blemish on Guzman's night was Ryan Howard's 44th home run to deep left center. Very impressive blast as it left a lasting impression on the Cubs announcer. In the ninth, Jimmy Rollins got a clutch two out hit to score Abe Nunez who worked a 2 out walk. A single by Joe Thurston moved Nunez into scoring position. The Phillies can't score 7 or 8 runs every game, so it was nice to see them win a pitchers duel and to see Myers pitch the way he is capable of. Very solid all around game tonight by the Phillies. Defensively, Mike Lieberthal threw Juan Pierre out at second after he drew a walk to lead off the game. Lieby has been much more productive since his playing time has been reduced. I would love to see both Coste and Lieby back next year splitting time like they are right now. Together they have formed a productive catching duo.
Tip of the Cap- Brett Myers for putting away all the excuses and coming out here and pitching the way he can. Knowing they had a chance to pull within 1.5 games of the Reds after the Reds lost earlier today, Myers kept his team in the game and gave them a chance to win late and Rollins capitalized.
Wag of the Finger- Sorry it has to be Chase Utley. Utley has been in a little slump lately and missed a few oppurtunities tonight to drive in runs. Utley seems a little tired but he has still lead this team by example by leaving everything out on the field every night.
Tomorrow's Game- Time to call in sick because Cole Hamels faces Carlos Zambrano. No need to state the numbers. Everybody knows how good Hamels has been recently and Zambrano is being mentioned for CY Young and he is on one of the worst teams in baseball. Gametime is 1:20 and the Phillies have their work cut out for them as they go for the sweep.
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Yeah, Coste and Leiberthal would be a good option next year. It seems to be working well with the both of them resting a few days a week. The Phillies defense has stepped up a bit lately. It has saved them a couple of times.
Good to see Myers come good and J-Rolls game winning hit was sensational. Hey even Charlie was good with the pitching switch in the 9th. Worked beautifully.
4th game starts at 4am for me here in OZ. I'll be up though. Should be cracker. Hope Cole can remain King!
Good to see Myers come good and J-Rolls game winning hit was sensational. Hey even Charlie was good with the pitching switch in the 9th. Worked beautifully.
4th game starts at 4am for me here in OZ. I'll be up though. Should be cracker. Hope Cole can remain King!
Chase's bat looks tired, too, though he pulled a double down the line today. He isn't getting good swings and he isn't seeing the ball that well. He just wears down as the season goes on. So much intensity and drive take a heavy toll on him.
Alright- screw the blow-out, now it's time to concentrate on the Mets. Utley hasn't looked good lately, he's just going through a bit of a funk. I have confidence he'll come out of it nicely soon.
How's college going Dane?
How's college going Dane?
college has been great but it is time consuming between classes and baseball practce. it is harder to find time to blog. i have a feeling this weekend that utley comes out of his funk in a big way versus the mets.
Big away crowd against a bitter rival. You'd think this situation helps a guy like Utley to rise above and perform when all eyes are watching.
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