Loving J-Roll and Myers
Phillies fans cheered Jimmy Rollins and Brett Myers in last night's 5-0 victory over the Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park.
Loving J-Roll and Myers
Todd Zolecki
Phillies fans cheered Jimmy Rollins enthusiastically last night in a 5-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
What a bunch of front-runners, huh?
Relax, folks. It's just a joke.
They finally had reason to cheer. Rollins, who was hitting .087 in his previous 11 games, went 3 for 3 with a double, triple, two RBIs and a run scored. He also walked and reached base in the first inning when Chad Billingsley hit him with a pitch. Five plate appearances. Five times on base. That is a recipe for success for the Phillies offense. If Rollins can bottle last night and carry it into the season's remaining 31 games they should like their chances in the National League East, where the Mets maintain their half-game lead over the Phillies.
Bob Ford takes a look at the Phillies' two-game series against the Mets, which begins tonight.
"Last year's dead and gone," Charlie Manuel said about last season's comeback against the Mets. "Today's what counts."
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Brett Myers threw seven shutout innings and has thrown a career-high 16 consecutive shutout innings. He is 4-1 with a 1.66 ERA (nine earned runs in 48 2/3 innings) since his four-start stint in the minors. Only four pitchers have had better ERAs since the all-star break: CC Sabathia (6-0, 1.41 ERA), Randy Johnson (4-2, 1.52), Brandon Webb (6-0, 1.53) and Rich Harden (4-1, 1.65 ERA).
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In the Phillies Notebook: Rollins talks about what has been ailing him at the plate and Mickey Vernon, Sherry Magee and Bucky Walters have been nominated for the Hall of Fame.
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The Phillies (72-59) are a season-high 13 games over .500 for the third time this season. ... The Phillies swept the Dodgers in a four-game series for the first time since Aug. 29 - Sept. 1, 1985 at Dodger Stadium. It's the first time the Phillies have ever swept the Dodgers in a four-game series at home. ... It was the first time the Phillies have shutout the Dodgers since May 20, 2004, when Myers threw a shutout at Citizens Bank Park. ... Jayson Werth set a career-high with 80 hits.
You're right Norma, this is exactly why we all love baseball. When your team is playing with heart and determination, there is nothing better. It certainly looks like we've recaptured the late season mojo from last year........Bobby, so much went on in that game that I couldn't remember it all to put in my post (like Condrey's double, for example). Absolutely fantastic game. Makes you feel like we're truly "back". One of the best things about last night was seeing everybody in the dugout on the top step and hanging over the railing, exhorting their teammates, and hanging on every pitch, catch, and swing. It was like a little league game in that respect. It is truly special when everything (money, animosity, etc...) dissolves away and the entire focus is on the game on the field. That is baseball at it's best.— bski- WHATA A GREAT GAME!! I must admit I was a bit worried there early in the game when the Mets were giving Moyer a run for his money. Sorry to see him have such a bad game. J-Roll, this is the player we know and love! How about Condrey's double?! Bruntlett's clutch hit?! And of course Coste's winning hit (4-4 off the bench!!!)Gonna be a tough one tonight with Santana on the mound. Hope the momentum from last night continues. GO PHILS!!!— KarenA
- "It almost felt like the Little League World Series," said Coste. "You forget that you're getting paid to play the game. We almost felt like little kids with the excitement and kind of a playoff atmosphere." This is a guy that gets it from the fan's standpoint. What a game.— jimmymack
- Happy Birthday, Todd! Keep the fire.— Kenny Loggins
