Phillies at Reds: Game 3 Notes

August 31, 2011

After recording their 18th shutout of the season last night in a 9-0 win, the Phillies will send Cliff Lee to the mound to pitch against the Reds in the third game of the series.

Courtesy of CSN Philly.com

http://www.csnphilly.com/08/31/11/Phillies-Reds-game-notes-Lee-vs-Willis/news_phillies_gamenotes.html?blockID=556920&feedID=704

NL East Standings (8/31/11)

August 31, 2011

                    W     L     PCT     GB     E#     WCGB     L10     STRK     HOME     ROAD

Phillies          85    46    .649       -        -            -          6-4        W2       46-22       39-24

Braves          79    55    .590      7.5    23           -          7-3         L2        41-26      38-29

Mets             64    69    .481     22.0    9          14.5      4-6         L1         28-36     36-33

Nationals      63    70    .474      23.0    8         15.5       3-7        W1        37-28     26-42

Marlins         60    74    .448      26.5    4         19.0       3-7        W1        25-41     35-33


Key
W = Wins
L = Losses
PCT = Win Percentage
GB = Games Back of Division Lead
E# = Games Until Elimination From Division Race
WCGB = Games Back of Wild Card Lead
L10 = Last 10 Games
STRK = Streak
HOME = Home Record
ROAD = Road Record


Source: MLB.com

Phillies aquire left-handed bat John Bowker

August 31, 2011

The Phillies aquired first baseman/outfielder John Bowker from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates will receive either cash, or a player to be named.

Bowker, 28, gives the Phils a left-handed bat off the bench, who can also fill in for an injured Ross Gload.

Bowker will be in Cinncinati for tonight's game against the Reds. He is also eligible to be on the postseason roster, since he was acquired before the September 1st waiver deadline.

Bowker played in 19 games for the Pirates this year, batting .235. He spent most of this year in Triple-A Indianapolis, batting .308 in 105 games.

To make room on the roster for Bowker, the Phillies sent relief pitcher Michael Schwimer back down to the minors after last night's game.

Doc goes seven innings in 9-0 win over Reds

August 31, 2011

Roy Halladay threw seven shutout innings against the Reds, while the offense homered four times in their 18th shutout of the year.

Phillies.com
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_08_30_phimlb_cinmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=phi

CSN Philly.com
http://www.csnphilly.com/08/31/11/Halladay-shines-in-Phils-18th-shutout-of/news_phillies.html?blockID=556726&feedID=693

ESPN.com
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310830117

Philles at Reds: Game 2 Notes

August 30, 2011

Roy Halladay's last start was delayed on Saturday due to Hurricane Irene. Now the Phillies will put him on the mound tonight against Bronson Arroyo.

Courtesy of CSN Philly.com
http://www.csnphilly.com/08/30/11/Phillies-Reds-game-notes-Halladay-vs-Arr/news_phillies_gamenotes.html?blockID=556416&feedID=693

NL East Standings (8/30/11)

August 30, 2011

                    W     L     PCT     GB     E#     WCGB     L10     STRK     HOME     ROAD

Phillies          84    46    .646       -       -             -          6-4        W1        46-22       38-24

Braves          79    54    .594      6.5    25           -          7-3         L1         41-25      38-29

Mets             64    68    .485     21.0   11        14.5       5-5        W4         28-35      36-33

Nationals      62     70    .470     23.0    9         16.5       3-7        L6          37-28      25-42

Marlins         59     74    .444     26.5    5         20.0       2-8        L2          25-41      34-33


Key
W = Wins
L = Losses
PCT = Win Percentage
GB = Games Back of Division Lead
E# = Games Until Elimination From Division Race
WCGB = Games Back of Wild Card Lead
L10 = Last 10 Games
STRK = Streak
HOME = Home Record
ROAD = Road Record


Source: MLB.com

Victorino homers in Hamels' return, Phils win

August 30, 2011

Game Recaps

Phillies.com
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_08_29_phimlb_cinmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=phi

CSN Philly.com
http://www.csnphilly.com/08/29/11/Phillies-down-Reds-in-Hamels-return-to-m/news_phillies.html?blockID=556184&feedID=704

ESPN.com
http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310829117

Phillies at Reds: Game 1 Notes

August 29, 2011

Cole Hamels make his return to the rotaion tonight, and it's no secret that he loves pitching in Cinncinati.

Game notes courtesy of CSN Philly.com

http://www.csnphilly.com/08/29/11/Phillies-Reds-game-notes-Hamels-vs-Baile/news_phillies_gamenotes.html?blockID=555898&feedID=704

Current NL East Standings (8/28/11)

August 28, 2011

                    W     L     PCT     GB     E#     WCGB     L10     STRK     HOME     ROAD

Phillies          83    46    .643       -        -            -          5-5         L2        46-22       37-24

Braves          79    54    .594      6.0     26          -          7-3         L1        41-25       38-29

Mets             62    68   .477      21.5    12       15.5       4-6        W2        26-35       36-33

Nationals      62    69    .473     22.0     11       16.0       4-6         L5        37-28       25-41

Marlins         59    72    .450     25.0      8        19.0       3-7        W1       25-41       34-31


Key
W = Wins
L = Losses
PCT = Win Percentage
GB = Games Back of 1st
E# = Games Until Elimination From Division Race
WCGB = Games Back of Wild Card
L10 = Last 10 Games
STRK = Streak
HOME = Home Record
ROAD = Road Record


Source: MLB.com

Mayor Nutter declares State of Emergency

August 27, 2011

I know this doesn't involve the Phillies (well kind of, conasidering the rain outs), but it's important none the less.

Mayor Michael Nutter has declared a State of Emergency in Philadelphia, due to the impending hurricane. State of Emergencies have also been declared in New Jersey and Delaware as well due to Hurricane Irene.

Most shores and coastal areas have been evacuated, and low-lying areas are now being evacuated as well.

Stay inside, and do not go out unless it is absolutely neccesary.

Stay away from windows

Be prepared for power outages.

Call 911, only if there is an emergency.

Saturday's game postponed, Rotation set for Reds

August 27, 2011

Both games that were washed out by Hurricane Irene will now be played on September15th as a day-night doubleheader.

The first game is scheduled to start at 2:35 P.M. followed by the second game, which is scheduled for 7:35 P.M.

The Phillies have had nine of their last 18 games delayed or cancelled due to rain.

With all of this rain, pitching coach Rich Dubee's job has been tough as of late. Regardless, Dubee has made a set rotation for the upcoming series in Cinncinati, which begins on Monday.

Cole Hamels will be pitching in the series opener, after being on the DL for the past two weeks with shoulder inflamation.

Cliff Lee will pitch in the third game of the series, while Roy Halladay will pitch in game two to split the two lefthanders apart.

Halladay was scheduled to start today before the game was postponed.

Phillies, Marlins game postponed

August 27, 2011

Today's game at Citizens Bank Park has been postponed, once again due to Hurricane Irene.

No date has been announced to makeup the game.

This is the third time that the schedule has been changed due to the severe weather threat of the approaching hurricane.

Phillies' rally falls short in 6-5 loss

August 26, 2011

Game Recaps

Phillies.com
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_08_26_flomlb_phimlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=phi

CSN Philly.com
http://www.csnphilly.com/08/26/11/Phillies-rally-falls-just-short-in-loss-/news_phillies.html?blockID=554938&feedID=704

ESPN.com
http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310826122

Saturday night's game rescheduled

August 26, 2011

After Sunday's Marlins, Phillies game was rescheduled to Saturday afternoon for a day-night doubleheader, the threat of Hurricane Irene forced a rescheduling of Saturday night's game.

Originally intended to be played at 7:05 Saturday night, the game will now be played on Thursday, September 15th.

The tickets for Saturday night's game will be honored on September 15th.

The time of the game is yet to be determined.

The Marlins and Phils will still be playing at 1:05, Saturday afternoon, after the hurricane threat also caused that game to be rescheduled from Sunday afternoon, to the day before.

Marlins at Phillies: Game 1 Notes

August 26, 2011

Game notes courtesy of CSN Philly.com

http://www.csnphilly.com/08/26/11/Phillies-Marlins-game-notes-Oswalt-vs-He/news_phillies_gamenotes.html?blockID=554602&feedID=693

Thome returns to former team

August 25, 2011

Jim Thome is returning to his former team, but it's not the Phillies.

Instead he is going back to the Cleveland Indians, where he spent the first 12 years of his career.

Cleveland is claiming Thome from the Minnesota Twins off of trade-waivers. The Twins will be receiving a player to be named on October 15th or before then.

The Indians (63-64) are hoping to catch up to the first place Detroit Tigers (71-59), who currently lead the AL Central by 6.5 games.

Sunday game rescheduled

August 25, 2011

The Phillies will now be playing the Marlins in a day/night doubleheader on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park

Originally scheduled for Sunday afternoon, Sunday's game was rescheduled due to the threat of Hurricane Irene bringing along severe weather.

Current NL East Standings (8/25/11)

August 25, 2011

                    W     L     PCT     GB     E#     WCGB     L10     STRK     HOME     ROAD

Phillies          83    45   .648        -        -            -          6-4        L1         46-21       37-24

Braves          78    53   .595       6.5     27          -          8-2        L1         41-25       37-28

Nationals      62    66   .484       21.0   14       14.5        5-5        L2         37-27      25-39

Mets             61    68   .473      22.5    12       16.0        3-7       W1        25-35      36-33

Marlins         58     72   .446      26.0     8       19.5         2-8       L1         25-41      33-31


Key
W = Wins
L = Losses
PCT = Win Percentage
GB = Games Back of 1st
E# = Number of Games to Elimination in Division Race
WCGB = Games Back of Wild Card
L10 = Last 10 Games
STRK = Streak
HOME = Home Record
ROAD = Road Record

Source: MLB.com

Phils lose to Mets in series finale 7-4

August 24, 2011

Game Recaps

Phillies.com
 http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_08_24_nynmlb_phimlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=phi

CSN Philly.com
http://www.csnphilly.com/08/24/11/Kendrick-Phils-fall-flat-in-afternoon-lo/news_phillies.html?blockID=553660&feedID=704

ESPN.com
http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310824122

Ibanez looking to be back for Marlins series

August 24, 2011

Left fielder Raul Ibanez is hoping that he can be back in the lineup for the start of a three game series against the Florida Marlins at home.

Ibanez received a cortisone shot, after being out since Sunday with a sore left groin. According to Ibanez, the injection has helped him a lot.

Thome expected to be claimed by White Sox

August 24, 2011

According to ESPN.com's Buster Olney, the Chicago White Sox are expected to claim Jim Thome off waivers.

Rumours were going around that there was a strong possibility that Thome could return to Philadelphia, but now we have to wait to see what happens .

Thome has a no-trade clause in his contract with the Minnesota Twins, so he has the right to refuse to go to the team that claims him.

Thome had stints with both the Phillies and the White Sox, from 2003-2005 and 2006- August 2009 respectively.

Mets at Phillies: Game 3 Notes

August 24, 2011

Here are the game notes for the series finale against the Mets, courtesy of CSN Philly.com

http://www.csnphilly.com/08/24/11/Phillies-Mets-game-notes-Kendrick-vs-Pel/news_phillies_gamenotes.html?blockID=553564&feedID=704

Phillies win 9-4 after earthquake, Important Notice

August 24, 2011

I would like to apologize now, because for the rest of this week and in to next week, I will not be able to write game notes or articles for the games scheduled during this time. The reason? I'm in high school, I've got summer reading to do. Unfortunately my main focus is going to be on getting two essays done, than writing for this blog (which I would much rather do). I'm am very sorry for this, but I will be posting links to the game recaps written on the Phillies website, CSN Philly.com, and ESPN.com to make up for it over this time. I will also continue to post other news like injuries and possible waiver deals.

Once again, I am very sorry. Also, let it be known that not even an  earthquake can get to Vance Worley.

- Nick

Phillies.com
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_08_23_nynmlb_phimlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=phi

CSN Philly.com
http://www.csnphilly.com/08/23/11/Worley-lifts-Phillies-to-another-easy-wi/news_phillies.html?blockID=553154&feedID=693

ESPN.com
http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310823122&teams=new-york-mets-vs-philadelphia-phillies

Phils react to the earthquake.

August 23, 2011

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake that started in Virginia worked its way up the east coast. A couple players gave their thoughts over Twitter

Jimmy Rollins

"That earthquake was crazy!!"

Hunter Pence

"Wow Earthquake just shook the entire locker room!"

Contreras out for season

August 23, 2011

Reliever Jose Contreras will be out for the rest of the season with an elbow injury.

Contreras will have exploratory surgery as soon as possible. He has no ligament damage, and his injury is expected to be caused by either a tendon or a muscle.

Contreras has been on the DL since June 20th. According to general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., Contreras will need 4-6 months to recover.

Mets vs. Phillies: Game 2 Notes, Game will start as scheduled

August 23, 2011

After an unexpected 5.9 magnitude earthquake made its way through the east coast earlier today, an inspection of Citizens Bank Park was ran. After Finding no damge or distress to the stadium, it was ruled that tonight's game will start at it's original 7:05 start time.

New York Mets (60-67, 35-32 Road) at Philadelphia Phillies (82-44, 45-20 Home), 7:05 PM ET.

Pitching Matchups

Mets

LHP Jon Niese

Record: 11-10

ERA: 4.05

Last Start: (8/16/11) Loss vs Padres (6-1), 6.0 IP, 10 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 3 K's

Phillies

RHP Vance Worley

Record: 8-1

ERA: 2.76

Last Start: (8/18/11) ND vs. D-Backs (4-1), 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K's

Last Game
Phillies win 10-0
W- Cliff Lee (14-7)
L- Dillon Gee (11-5)

Extra Notes
- The Phillies are nnow 9-4 against the Mets this season after last night.
- Raul Ibanez will sit out tonight with soreness in his left groin, Ben Francisco will start in left.
- John Mayberry Jr. will start at first base in place of Ryan Howard.
- Placido Polanco went 2 for 4 last night after returning from the DL.
- Brian Schneider will be catching tonight in place of Carlos Ruiz.
- Mets center fielder Angel Pagan will start tonight. Pagan left Monday's game with a stomach virus.

Thome placed on waivers

August 23, 2011

Jim Thome has been placed on trade waivers by the Minnesota Twins.

It has been rumored for some time now that the Phillies have been interested in re-aquiring the newest member of the 600 Home-Run Club. Thome played in Philadelphia from 2003-2005, before he was dealt to the Chicago White Sox.

However, the likelyhood of Thome coming back is slim as 28 other teams would have to pass on Thome before the Phillies have a chance to make a claim.

Thome does have a no-trade clause though, and has the ability to refuse to go to the team that claimed him.

If he does not find a team, he could be put on release waivers, but it's not known if the Twins are willing to release him. However, if Minnesota is willing to do so, the Phillies will have an easier time signing him as a free agent, rather than claiming him off waivers.

Thome has until August 31st to find a team and be eligible for a postseason roster.

Ibanez day-to-day

August 23, 2011

Left fielder Raul Ibanez did not play Monday night against the Mets. He sat out with soreness in his left groin, and is on a day-to-day status.

This minor injury raises some concern, as Ibanez had surgery in the off season after playing through a sports hernia during the 2009 season.

Phillies recall Pete Orr

August 23, 2011

The Phillies had an open roster spot with Cole Hamels on the DL, so they recalled utility player Pete Orr from Triple A Lehigh Valley

Orr will be with the Phillies at least until Sunday, when Hamels is eligible to come off the DL. This will be his third time on the team this year.

The 32 year old Orr hit .271 in 68 games with Lehigh Valley this year, along with five home-runs and 25 RBI's.

Hamels placed on DL

August 23, 2011

Pitcher Cole Hamels has been placed on the 15-day disabled list due to shoulder inflamation.

Hamels is still the expected starter for Monday's game in Cinncinati. He will be eligible for activation on Sunday.

Hamels was scheduled to pitch on Friday against the Marlins in Philadelphia. Now it appears that Kyle Kendrick will be getting the start.

Current NL East Standings (8/23/11)

August 23, 2011

                    W     L     PCT     GB     E#     WCGB     L10     STRK     HOME     ROAD

Phillies          82    44    .651       -        -            -          6-4        W1        45-20      37-24

Braves          77    52    .597      6.5    29           -          7-3        W5        41-25      36-27

Nationals      62    64    .492     20.0   17          13.5      6-4        W2        37-25      25-39

Mets            60    67    .472      22.5   14        16.0       2-8         L4         25-35      35-32

Marlins        57    70     .449     25.5   11         19.0       2-8        L5         24-39      33-31

Key

W = Wins
L = Losses
PCT = Win Percentage
GB = Games Back of 1st
E# = Number of Games From Elimination in Division Race
WCGB = Games Back of Wild Card
L10 = Last 10 Games
STRK = Streak
HOME = Home Record
ROAD = Road Record

Source: MLB.com

Cliff Lee dominates, Phils shutout Mets 10-0

Philadelphia, PA
August 23, 2011

The Phillies were on the top of their game Monday night. Cliff Lee shut out the Mets for seven innings, while the offense, with Placido Polanco back in the lineup, drove in 10 runs.

Polanco, who had been on the disabled list since early August with a sports hernia, was 2 for 4. He walked once and scored a run.

"Last at-bat I hit a ground ball where I had to really push a little bit, and I didn't feel anything," said Polanco, when asked about dealing with his injury.

Polanco added, "We're taking it a day at a time, I'll see it how it feels. I plan on playing tomorrow and then see how it feels the next day. I would like to play every game. I don't want them to baby more than they have already."

Cliff Lee (14-7) also had much of the media's attention for his excellent start. Lee walked three batter and hit Mets 2nd baseman Justin Turner with a pitch in the sixth, but he recorded 7 strikeouts and only allowed three hits in seven scoreless innings for his 14th win of the season.

David Herdon pitched the last two innings. Herdon allowed two hits and struck out one to complete the shutout of the Mets, and give the Phillies their 82nd win of the year.

The Phillies got the scoring started in the bottom of the second.

With one out and Hunter Pence at 2nd after a wild pitch from Dillon Gee, shortstop Wilson Valdez (filling in for an injured Jiimmy Rollins) singled in to right field to score Pence.

Then after Cliff Lee singled, Shane Victorino tripled off of a sharp ground ball in to right to bring Lee and Valdez home, giving the Phillies a 3-0 lead.

In the bottom of the third, after a Hunter Pence walk, left fielder John Mayberry Jr. hit a home-run into left to give the Phillies a 5-0 lead.

In the fourth, Dillon Gee walked Shane Victorino (Who would steal 2nd base), then walked Placido Polanco.

Then after getting Chase Utley to line out to first baseman Lucas Duda and striking out Ryan Howard, Gee walked Hunter Pence to load the bases.

Gee's outing ended after he walked John Mayberry Jr. in the next at-bat to walk in a run and put the Phils up 6-0.

Gee (11-5) would leave the game after three and 2/3 innings, allowing eight earned runs off of seven hits (1 Home-Run) and six walks. He was only able to strikeout three in his fifth loss of the year.

Reliever Ryota Igarashi replaced Gee for the Mets in the fourth with two outs.

Carlos Ruiz singled in to center to score Polanco and Pence, moving Mayberry up to third and putting the Phillies up 8-0.

The Phillies got their ninth and tenth runs in the bottom of  the sixth.

After Ryan Howard singled on a line drive to center, Hunter Pence hit a two-run shot to center. Pence now has 16 home-runs this season as he put the Phillies up 10-0.

In the seventh inning, Michael Martinez was put in at second for Chase Utley, and Ross Gload played at first in place of Ryan Howard. Martinez was placed fourth in the lineup, and Gload was placed in the five spot.

Ryota Igarashi only lasted two and 1/3 innings, giving up two earned runs, that came from Hunter Pence's home-run. Igarashi would give up four hits total, and struckout one.

D.J. Carrasco pitched the last two innings for the Mets. Carrasco was perfect for those two innings, striking out one.

Side Notes

Raul Ibanez did not play due to a groin injury.

Mets centerfielder Angel Pagan would leave in the fifth due to a stomach virus. He was replaced by Jason Pridie.

Box Score

http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_08_22_nynmlb_phimlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=phi

Phillies at Mets: Game 1 Notes, Polanco back in lineup

 August 22, 2011

After a losing two of three to the Nationals, that both had blown leads in the ninth, the Phillies look to get back on track in a three game series against the division rival New York Mets at home in Citizens Bank Park.

New York Mets (60-66, 35-31 Road) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (81-44, 44-20 Home)

3 Game Series at Citizens Bank Park

Game 1 (Monday, 7:05 PM ET.)

Starting Pitchers

Mets

RHP Dillon Gee

Record: 11-4

ERA: 3.92

Last Start: (8/17/11) Win at Padres (7-3), 6.2 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 5 K's

Phillies

LHP Cliff Lee

Record: 13-7

ERA: 2.82

Last Start: (8/17/11) Win vs D-Backs (9-2), 7.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K's

Matchup
The Phillies are 8-4 against the Mets this year. Both teams are coming off bad series, the Phillies blew a ninth inning lead in games 1 and 3 (both losses) against the Nationals, while the Mets lost all three games in there series (giving up 23 total runs) in a sweep at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers. Both teams will be looking to redeem themselves after losing series.

Extra Notes
Placido Polanco has been activated and will return tonight, batting second in the lineup. Polanco was previously on the DL with a sports hernia.
Cole Hamels is hoping to have his next start on Tuesday. He missed his last start when an MRI revealed minor inflamation in his right shoulder. Hamels threw a light bullpen session on Saturday.
Jimmy Rollins will be out until September 6th with a right groin strain. Rollins left yesterday's game against Washington after the second inning, when he strained his groin fielding a ground ball. He received an MRI this morning, and tweeted the news to the public.

Polanco activated and off the DL

The Phillies activated third baseman Placido Polanco, who had been on the DL with a sports hernia.

The team announced Polanco's activation at the same time as the status of shortstop Jimmy Rollins' groin injury.

Rollins placed on DL with groin injury

August 22, 2011

Shortstop Jimmy Rollins has been placed on the DLand will not return until September.

Rollins was diagnosed with a strained right groin after having an MRI this morning, he was the first to break through Twitter.

"Soooooo this is what we got...mild grade 2 strain. DL."

Rollins later tweeted about his return, "Gone till September.......".

He left in the third inning of Sunday's 5-4 loss to the Nationals, after straining his groin fielding a ground ball and throwing out Washington's catcher Jesus Flores at first in the scond inning.

Wilson Valdez substituted for him at shortstop.

This is a big loss for the Phillies, but better now than in October.

Current NL East Standings

August 21, 2011

                    W     L     PCT.     GB     WCGB     L10     STRK     HOME     ROAD

Phillies          81    44    .648        -            -           6-4        L1         44-20      37-24

Braves          76    52    .594       6.5         -           7-3        W4        41-25      35-27

Nationals      61    64    .488       20.0      13.5       5-5        W1        36-25      25-39

Mets             60   66     .476       21.5      15.0       2-8        L3         25-35      35-31

Marlins         57    70     .449       25.0      18.5       2-8       L5         24-39      33-31

Key
W = Wins
L = Losses
PCT = Win Percentage
GB = Games Back of 1st
WCGB = Games Back of Wild Card
L10 = Last 10 Games
STRK = Streak
HOME = Home Record
ROAD = Road Record

Source: MLB.com

Phils lose in 10th after another rain delay

Washington D.C.
August 21, 2011

It seems fitting that a strange ending caps off a strange series. The Phillies found themselves in yet another rain delay (The third in four games) stopping the game in the top of the sixth, this time lasting 1 hour, 11 minutes.

Fast foward to the bottom of the ninth, the Phillies have a 4-3 lead and Antonio Bastardo is in to close. Bastardo gets Jesus Flores and pinch hitter Brian Bixler to strikeout swinging for the first two outs.

Bastardo needed one more out to give the Phils their 82nd win of the season and the 2-1 series win. Then Ian Desmond stepped up and hit one over the wall in left field for a solo homer to tie the game at 4.

Bastardo would go on to strikeout Rick Ankiel in the next at-bat to strikeout the side, but the Phillies were heading in to extras.

The Phillies went down in order in the top of the tenth.

Brad Lidge was sent in to pitch the bottom of the tenth. Ryan Zimmerman led off with a double, Michael Morse was intentionally walked, then Jayson Werth singled to load the bases.

Danny Espinosa struck out in his at-bat, but that was the only out Lidge would record.

Jonny Gomes was up with the bases loaded, and Lidge hit him with a pitch.

The Nationals won 5-4.

Thats how the game ended, Zimmerman scored from third off of a walk-off hit by pitch to Gomes. It just adds to the misfortunes the Phillies have been having during this series.

This loss is the second time the Phillies blew a lead in the ninth, the first time came when Ryan Madson lost a two run lead in the ninth before giving up a walk-off grand slam to Ryan Zimmerman for his second blown save of the year.

Then there was the rain, that delayed the series opener and the series finale. The first delay kept Roy Oswalt from making his scheduled start on Fridy night, instead he pitched on Saturday.

The second delay shortened Roy Halladay's outing. He only went five innings, striking out five and allowing  2 earned runs off of seven hits before the storm came in.

When the delay ended, pitcher Michael Schwimer made his Major League debut. Had Bastardo not given up the home-run in the ninth and got the final out, Schwimer would have earned his first Major League win as well.

Schwimer went three innings, he gave up a solo homer to his first batter Danny Espinosa. However, Schwimer would only allow just one hit after that, a single also from Espinosa. He also srtuck out four batters.

Chien-Ming Wang started for the Nationals going 5.2 innings giving up two home-runs and three earned runs in five hits. Wang also recorded four strikeouts and one walk.

Tom Gorzelanny came in to record the last out of the sixth for the Nationals before the delay, getting Raul Ibanez to ground out to short.

Todd Coffey pitched a perfect seventh for the Nats, striking out one. Then Tyler Clippard pitched a scoreless eight allowing just one hit.

Drew Storen gave up two hits and an earned run in the ninth, but recored two strikeouts.

In the top of the tenth, Sean Burnett retired the Phils in order, and got one strikeout.

The Nationals ot the first run of the game off a sacrifice fly to to right to score Ian Desmond. Then Danny Espinosa singled to left to score Rick Ankiel and give Washington a 2-0 lead.

Carlos Ruiz tied the game up in the top of the second with a two run homer that scored Ibanez and tied the game up.

Then in the third, Chase Utley gave the Phils a 3-2 lead with a solo home-run to right-center.

Espinosa homered off of Schwimer in the sixth to tie the game up at three.

In the top of the ninth, Michael Martinez singled on a grounder that rolled in to center, scoring Ibanez and moving Ruiz up to second, to give the Phillies a 4-3 lead.

Ian Desmond homered in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game up at 4.

Then with the bases loaded in the tenth, Jonny gomes was hit by a pitch to score Ryan Zimmerman and give the Nats the win.

Box Score
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_08_21_phimlb_wasmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=phi

Injury Note

Jimmy Rollins left the game in the third inning with a groin injury and was replaced by Wilson Valdez at shortstop, details will be reported as soon as they become available.

Phillies release Cust and Heilman

According to Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies relased Triple-A minor leaguers Jack Cust, a left-handed bat off the bench, and pitcher Aaron Heilman

Here is the link to the full story,
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/08/phillies-release-cust-heilman.html

Thome a Phillie again?

August 21, 2011

According to Larry Stone of the Seattle Times, Jim Thome could be back in a Phillies uniform by the end of August.

The Phils have until August 31st to make a waiver-wire deal that could put the most recent member of the 600 Home-Run Club back in red pinstripes and eligible for the playoff roster.

Here is the link to the full article,
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2015961701_stonenotes21.html

Contreas to have bullpen session Monday

August 21, 2011

Relief pitcher Jose Contreras will throw a bullpen session on Monday.

Contreras was originally supposed to throw on Saturday, but pitching coach Rich Dubee stated that he wasn't ready yet.

Contreras has been out since June 19th, suffering from an elbow injury.

Polanco confident to be ready for Mets series

August 21, 2011

Third Baseman Placido Polanco has been on the disabled list since August 7th with a sports hernia. He received a cortisone shot last week and is confident that he will be activated for Monday's series opener against the New York Mets.

Polanco will likely have surgery during the off-season, but for now plans to play throught the pain that went from what he said was a six to describe the pain on a 1-10 scale. He described the pain as a nine earlier in the month before he went on the DL.

Polanco stated that he feels better than he did before the Phillies arrived in Washington for the Nationals series.

Hamels expects to return Friday

August 21, 2011

Cole Hamels threw a light bullpen session under the watch of Rich Dubee in Washington on Saturday.

Afterwards, Hamels told the press that he expects to be back in the rotation this Friday to pitch against the Marlins.

Hamels missed his start last Friday when an MRI showed inflamation in his left shoulder. He will be throwing again this week before his next start.

Oswalt, Phillies shutout Nationals 5-0

Washington D.C.
August 21, 2011

Roy Oswalt was scratched from his start on Friday night after a rain delay went on for too long after his warm up. After this game, it was apparent that Charlie Manuel made a smart move in starting him last night.

Oswalt threw a gem, pitching eight shutout innings and striking out nine, only allowing eight hits and a walk in the Phils 5-0 victory over the Nationals. Oswalt also got help from John Mayberry Jr.'s defense in left field.

With one out in the bottom of the fourth, and Nats third baseman Ryan Zimmerman on 2nd, right fielder Jayson Werth singled off a ground ball that escaped in to left field. Mayberry fielded the ball, while Zimmerman rounded third and headed for home.

Mayberry was able to get a throw off to Carlos Ruiz who tagged Zimmerman out at the plate.

With this win, Oswalt's record now improves to 6-7, and his nine strikeouts are the most he has had in a start since joining the Phillies at last year's trade deadline.

Michael Stutes pitched a 1, 2, 3 ninth, with one strikeout, to seal the Phils 81st win of the season.

On offense, the Phillies scored their fisrt two runs in the fourth. Wilson Valdez hit a ground ball triple into right field to bringing Mayberry and Ruiz home.

In the sixth, Hunter Pence led off with a solo home-run to give the Phils a 3-0 lead.

Mayberry and Ruiz hit back-to-back singles following Pence, leading National's manager Davey Johnson to replace John Lannan on the mound with Collin Balester.

Wilson Valdez grounded into to a force out to Ryan Zimmerman, who used the force out to get Mayberry at third. Then Roy Oswalt reached first on a bunt in the next at-bat, when first baseman Michael Morse tried and failed to throw Ruiz out at third instead of tagging Oswalt.

Jimmy Rollins scored Ruiz and Valdez in the next the very next at-bat with an RBI single in to center field, giving the Phillies a 5-0 lead.

John Lannan would only last five innings for the Nationals, allowing five runs (three of them earned) off of seven hits and four walks, receiving his ninth loss of the year.

Lannan only struck out one in his start. His record now stands at 8-9.

Collin Balester pitched a scorless sixth and seventh, only allowing two hits and a walk. Balester also had two strikeouts.

Henry Rodriguez pitched in the eighth with one walk and two strikeouts.

Ryan Mattheus picthed in the ninth for Washington, and only walked one batter.

The Phillies are now 81-43 on the season, they are 37-23 on the road.

Washington (60-64) is 35-25 in Nationals Park. What some Phillies fans now refer to as Citizens Bank Park South.

Box Score
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_08_20_phimlb_wasmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=phi

Current NL East Standings

August 20, 2011

                                             W     L     PCT     GB     WCGB     L10     STRK     HOME     ROAD

1. Philadelphia Phillies        80    43    .650       -             -          6-4        L1        44-20        36-23

2. Atlanta Braves                   74    52    .587     7.5           -          7-3        W2       39-25       35-27

3. Washington Nationals        60    63    .488     20.0      12.5        6-4        W2       35-24       25-39

4. New York Mets               60     64    .484     20.5      13.0        3-7        L1        25-33       35-31

5. Florida Marlins                 57     68    .456     24.0      16.5        2-8        L3        24-39       33-29

Key
W = Wins
L = Losses
PCT = Win Percentage
GB = Games Back of 1st
WCGB = Games Back of Wild Card
L10 = Last 10 Games
STRK = Streak
HOME = Home Record
ROAD = Road Record

Source: MLB.com

Victorino back in lineup after suspension, Mayberry still starting

August 20,2011

Shane Victorino's two game suspension is over and he will be back in the lineup again tonight in Washington. Victorino was suspended for being involved in a benches clearing brawl in San Francisco back on August 5th. He was originally suspended for three games, but had it reduced to two.

John Mayberry Jr. has been filling in for Victorino in centerfield during his suspension. Mayberry will be starting tonight in left-field.

Madson blows save in the ninth with walk-off grand slam

Washington, D.C.
August 20, 2011

The Phillies found themselves in another rain delay last night, this time lasting 2 hours, 22 minutes. The Phillies would have been better off if the game was postponed.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Phillies had a 4-2 lead and Ryan Madson was in to close. Madson, who had been successful in 23 of his last 24 save attempts, struggled to get batters out.

Jayson Werth, with an 0-2 count, battled Madson for 10 pitches, before driving a single to left on the 11th pitch.

Danny Espinosa singled to center, moving Werth up to 2nd. Then Jonny Gomes singled on a ground ball in to left, to score Werth and move Espinosa to second, making it a 4-3 game.

Then Wilson Ramos sacrificed himself on a bunt, to move the runners up to 2nd and 3rd.

With one out, and runners on 2nd and 3rd, Madson intentionally walked Jesus Flores to load the bases and try to set up a double play.

With one out and the bases loaded, Ian Desmond singled in to right to score Espinosa, tying the game up 4-4 and keeping the bases loaded.

Madson struck out Rick Ankiel swinging for the second out.

Ryan Zimmerman came up to the plate with two outs and the bases loaded in a tie ball game. Zimmerman worked himself into a 3-2 count, then hit a walk-off grand slam into left to win the game for the Nationals 8-4.

"Games like this happen," said pitcher Kyle Kendrick. "He can come back tomorrow, in the same situation, and get it done"

Kendrick started in place of Roy Oswalt last night due to the rain delay, which stopped the game with two outs in the top of the first inning. Oswalt is expected to start tonight against Washington's John Lannan.

Kendrick pitched for six innings, allowing two earned runs off of five hits, one of which was a solo home-run by Wilson Ramos. Kendrick also struck out four and walked one.

Brad Lidge and Antonio Bastardo pitched for a perfect 7th and 8th inning respectively, each striking out one.

The Phillies scored all of four of their runs in the third inning. John Mayberry Jr. brought in the first run by hitting a line drive into left that got past Jonny Gomes, scoring Jimmy Rollins. Mayberry would reach third for a triple.

Mayberry went on to score in the next at-bat thanks to a double hit in to right by Chase Utley. Then Utley reached home in the next at-bat off a single in to center hit by Ryan Howard.

Carlos Ruiz brought in the last run with an RBI single to right field to bring Howard home.

The Nationals scored two runs before their ninth inning rally. A double by Ian Desmond that scored Wilson Ramos in the bottom of the third, and a solo home-run by Ramos in the fiftth.

Nats starter Livan Hernandez continued to pitch after the rain delay, and would go on to pitch four innings, allowing four earned runs off of seven hits and two walks.

Tom Gorzalonney logged in three innings, allowing one hit and striking out two.

Sean Burnett pitched the top of the eighth, striking out two and walking one.

Todd coffey pitched a perfect ninth inning for the Nationals.

The next game is tonight at 7:05.

Box Score
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_08_19_phimlb_wasmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=phi

Howard, Ruiz back in lineup

First baseman Ryan Howard and catcher Carlos Ruiz are playing tonight to open up the series against the Nationals.

Ruiz and Howard both missed last night's game against Arizona with minor injuries.

Howard had soreness in his right hand, while Ruiz sat out with a groin injury.