Can they do it one more time?
The Good: They’re still one game away from doing the impossible, but I didn’t think they had a chance of winning more then one game. But more importantly, winning these games have proved that this Mets team is beatable. While the wildcard is more likely, the East is not unattainable. Once again, Rollins getting on base equals wins for the Phils. And if Burrell had been playing at this level all season long, we wouldn’t have to be worrying about the Wildcard.
The Bad: I don’t care if Howard hit a game-winning homerun Tuesday, striking out three times is too much. And I’m not even going to mention Rowand’s four strikeouts. Iguchi got thrown out? When’s the last time someone on this team didn’t successfully steal a base?
It’s about time the baseball gods starting giving us some of the calls. While the Ruiz-Giles slide was interference, it still cost the Phillies a run. 
And while it doesn’t quite hurt as bad anymore, the call in Houston back in the middle of the season was absolutely terrible. I always liked Marlon Anderson, but even he has to admit that his slide was a bit much. It is just nice to see a few calls go their way. But that play was important only because Moyer and the bullpen (once again) were able to keep this game close. When you start playing good, calls simply starting going your way. Here’s to karma.
At least one of the moves that involved a pitcher this year has worked out for the Phils. While Lohse got a no decision in his last start, he easily deserved a win as he went seven innings only allowing a run. However Gordon and Myers did a little homerun derby imitation and ruined the lead with three dingers. Lohse really has done exactly what was needed from him when he came over. A consistent middle of the rotation starter that kept the Phillies in the game. And the fact that he has consistently gone deep into games is always a bonus for a team that has a weak bullpen. I know they’ve done good lately, but it’s still a weak bullpen.
Last start: ND / 6.2 / 1 ER / 4 H / 2 BB / 4 SO / San Diego
Orlando Hernandez has been on an absolute tear since July 12 not losing any games. He’s gone 6.0 innings or more in all of those starts and has piled up the strikeouts in each appearance. At one point in his last start against the Dodgers, he retired twelve straight batters. While I don’t “like” any Mets players, I dislike him very little. He reminds me of a kid playing wiffleball. With his wacky windup, alternating arm angles, and different array of pitches, you never know what’s going to happen. Throughout the years he has always been able to come up with a good performance for the big games. But he really doesn’t have any above-average pitches so he is beatable if the Phillies hitters are just patient for their pitch.
Last start: W / 7.0 / 2 ER / 4 H / 2 BB / 7 SO / Los Angeles
Last words . . . I never thought they had a chance of ending up 6-4 (*knock on wood*)
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Posted on August 30, 2007 by Soss | Filed Under Phillies, Philadelphia, Professional Sports, Philly Sports, Baseball
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