Phils clinch playoff spot in 1-0 shutout of the Astros

September 14, 2011

Roy Halladay went the distance today, to help punch the Phillies ticket to the playoffs. Halladay threw a complete game shutout, only allowing six hits and striking out seven batters in his 18th win of the season.

The Phillies not only clinch their fifth consecutive playoff berth, but became the fastest in franchise history to do so (146 games), beating out the 1915 team (147 games).

On top of that, Roy Halladay is now the first Phillies pitcher since Steve Carlton in 1979-1980, to have back-to-back 18-plus wins seasons.

The Phillies magic number to clinch the NL East for the fifth consecutive season is now down to four.

Phillies.com

http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_09_14_phimlb_houmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=phi

CSN Philly.com
http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/news/Resolute-Phils-beat-Astros-clinch-playof?blockID=563771&feedID=704

ESPN.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310914118

Phils lose 3rd straight 5-2

September 14, 2011

Phillies.com
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_09_13_phimlb_houmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=phi

CSN Philly.com
http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/news/Manuel-airs-out-Phils-after-loss-to-lowl?blockID=563514&feedID=693

ESPN.com
http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310913118&teams=philadelphia-phillies-vs-houston-astros

Kendrick confirmed to pitch

September 13, 2011

According to Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly.com, pitcher Kyle Kendrick has been confirmed to start game 1 of Thursday's day-night doubleheader against the Marlins in Philadelphia

Phillies at Astros: Game 2 Notes

September 13, 2011

With a win tonight or a St. Louis loss, the Phillies will clinch their fifth consecutive postseason spot. The Phillies magic number to clinch the NL East now stands at 5.

Philadelphia Phillies (94-50, 45-28 Road) at Houston Astros (50-97, 27-45 Home) 8:05 PM
Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas

Last Game: Astros win 5-1, W: Myers (5-13)  L: Oswalt (7-9)

Pitching Matchup
LHP Cole Hamels (14-7, 2.60 ERA) vs. LHP J.A. Happ (5-15, 5.77 ERA)

*Centerfielder Shane Victorino will be given the night off and will not be in the lineup. John Mayberry Jr. will be playing in center tonight. Charlie Manuel says that he wanted to give Victorino some rest while giving Mayberry at-bats against left handed pitchers. Victorino has been in a slump going 3 for 23 so far on this roadtrip.

*Leftfielder Raul Ibanez is also not in the lineup tonight. Ben Francisco will be filling in in left.

*After resting on Monday, third baseman Placido Polanco returns to the lineup tonight.

Game notes courtesy of Phillies.com and CSN Philly.com

Phillies.com

http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_09_13_phimlb_houmlb_1&mode=preview&c_id=phi

CSN Philly.com
http://www.csnphilly.com/blog/phillies-talk/post/Phillies-Astros-game-notes-Hamels-vs-Hap?blockID=563344&feedID=693

Oswalt, Phillies play poorly in 5-1 loss to Astros

September 13, 2011

Phillies.com
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_09_12_phimlb_houmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=phi
CSN Philly.com
http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/news/Myers-Astros-outplay-Oswalt-sloppy-Phill?blockID=563228&feedID=693
ESPN.com
http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310912118&teams=philadelphia-phillies-vs-houston-astros

Valdez to sit out tonight, Kendrick to pitch in doubleheader

September 12, 2011

Utility man Wilson Valdez is unavailable for tonight's game against the Astros.

Valdez pulled his left hamstring while stealing a base in a 3-2 win against the Brewers on Saturday.

According to MLB.com's Glenn Sattell, Valdez does not plan to have an MRI, and will just rest for a couple games.

According to CSN Philly.com's Jim Salisbury, pitcher Kyle Kendrick will start one of the games in the Phillies doubleheader against the Florida Marlins on Thursday.

Utley to return on Thursday

September 12, 2011

According to CSN Philly.com's Jim Salisbury, Chase Utley will be able to play Thursday against the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park.

Utley was diagnosed with a minor concussion after being hit in the head by a pitch last Wednesday night against the Braves.

Utley was tested earlier today and was cleared to play after displaying normal results.

The Phillies will be playing a doubleheader on Thursday against the Marlins.

It is not known if Utley will be in the lineup, or even play on Thursday.

Rollins returns to lineup

September 12, 2011

Shortstop Jimmy Rollins will return to the Phillies lineup tonight for the start of a three game series in Houston.

Rollins will be back in the leadoff spot after missing the last 18 games with a strained right groin muscle.

Phillies at Astros: Game 1 Notes

September 12, 2011

Phialdelphia Phillies (94-49, 45-27 Road) at Houston Astros (49-97, 26-45 Home), 8:05 PM
Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas

Hunter Pence and Roy Oswalt make their return to Houston tonight for the first time since being traded to the Phillies.

Pitching Matchup
RHP Roy Oswalt (7-8, 3.72 ERA) vs RHP Brett Myers (4-13, 4.66 ERA)

Notes courtesy of CSN Philly.com
http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/news/Phillies-Astros-game-notes-Oswalt-vs-Mye?blockID=563030&feedID=693

Phils drop finale, but take 3 out of 4 from Milwaukee

September 12, 2011

The Phillies won the potential NLCS preview by winning three games out of a four game series against the Brewers.

The Phils almost swept Milwaukee, but lost 3-2, despite a good start from Vance Worley (11-2).

Phillies.com
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_09_11_phimlb_milmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=phi

CSN Philly.com
http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/news/No-sweep-of-Brewers-but-Phils-still-sitt?blockID=562844&feedID=693


ESPN.com
http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310911108&teams=philadelphia-phillies-vs-milwaukee-brewers