phrustrated philly phan

Ironically ten years to the day that Scott Rolen debuted with the Phillies, they started a series with Rolen's Cardinals. The Phillies won 5-3 behind solid pitching and timely hitting. Scott Mathieson got the start for the Phillies tonight and pitched well enough for his first career win. Mathieson was very good for the first three innings then struggled in the fourth before finishing strong in the fifth. In the fourth inning, the Cardinals scored 3 runs on 2 bloop hits, 2 walks, and a squeeze. Mathieson only gave up 3 hits but did struggle with his control, walking 5. He was consistently between 94-97, but still needs some work on his breaking pitch. I would say though that he looks like he can develop into a top of the rotation starter down the road. The young pitchers in addition to players like Chase and Ryan are the reason I continue tuning into the Phils every night. The bullpen was dominant recording 12 straight outs in relief of Mathieson. Geary went two innings and beside Flash has been their most consistent and reliable relief pitcher. Arthur Rhodes had a 1-2-3 inning and has pitched better recently, maybe raising the possibility of a trade if he can clear waivers. Flash came in and worked a quick ninth to record his 26th save of the year. (Billy Wagner blew a save tonight for the Mets).

Offensively, The Phillies scored enough to win. Chase Utley wasted no time extending his hitting streak to 33 games with a single in the first. He added another single later in the game. Ryan Howard got the Phillies on the board with a 2-run single in the third. Also on in the third, Chase Utley scored on Abe Nunez's fielders choice. The Phillies would add two runs later in the game on Howard's 35th and Coste's 4th. Chris Coste just continues to impress and deserves to a be a the backup catcher next year for this team. Jimmy Rollins had a big night going 3 for 5 and scoring a run. My biggest objection to today's lineup is where Coste was batting. He should be hitting after Burrell and before both Rowand and Nunez. There is no reason those two should hit ahead of the hot-hitting Coste.

Former Phillie update: Bobby Abreu went 0-3 with a walk and a run scored in his Yankee debut.
David Bell went 1-4 for the Brewers and hit in to a double play
Rheal Cormier pitched 1/3 of an inning and surrendered 1 earned run for
the Reds
Tip of the Cap- Ryan Howard for hitting his 35th home run in front of family and friends and for driving in 3 runs in tonight's game. St. Louis is close to where Ryan Howard grew up as a child

Wag of the Finger- Arthur Rhodes for responding to Cory Lidle. By responding, Rhodes dignified Lidle's comments. Also, if anyone responded it should have been a leader on this team such as Utley, Howard, or Rowand not a relief pitcher with an ERA over 5.

Tomorrow's Game- Brett Myers takes the mound versus Jeff Weaver of the Cardinals. Myers has been brillant since returning from his leave of absence with an ERA around 2.50. Weaver had a solid outing against the Dodgers a week ago but comes in a with an ERA over 6. The game is ESPN's Wednesday Night Baseball Game at 8. It will be interesting to see how a visiting city responds to Myers taking the mound. The Cardinals are on a five game losing streak and the Phils have won 4 out of their last 6.