The Phillies had a single make-up game against the Rockies today in Colorado before heading home.  The first 6 innings of the game were a disaster with careless plays and missed scoring opportunities.  Until the 7th inning, you had to think there was no way the Phils were going to win this game.  But this is baseball…never say never.

Here is a quick recap of the sloppy seconds that dominated the game through 6 innings:

– The 2nd place Phillies made their 2nd trip this year to Colorado today.

– In the 2nd inning, a sloppy error by the 2nd baseman, Chase Utley, led to 2 unearned runs and 2 earned runs.

– The 2nd run of the game for the Phillies was scored on a sloppy slide from pitcher Joe Blanton.

– After 1 run scored in the 5th inning, Jimmy Rollins had the bases loaded with 1 out.  He grounded into a sloppy and hugely disappointing double play to end the inning without scoring a 2nd run.

– Catcher Brian Schneider had a runner easily picked off at 2nd base in the 6th inning but Rollins dropped the ball.

The 6th inning got worse as the first base umpire called a runner safe that was out.  Then a ball hit up the middle for what should have been an easy double play was deflected off the glove of pitcher Antonio Bastardo.  Instead of getting out of the inning, another run scored.

Earlier in the 6th, Mike Sweeney was hit in the hand while checking his swing and let out a painful scream.  The bases were loaded so a run scored, but Sweeney looked hurt.  Everyone is hoping he will be alright.  Feel free to join my Facebook group, I Want A Hug From Mike Sweeney, and show your support :O)

But down 7-3 going into the 7th, someone flipped a light switch on.  The Phillies managed to climb back into the game with a double by Placido Polanco, an Utley single and a 2-run homer from Ryan Howard.  Not to be outdone, Jayson Werth followed with a solo homer to tie the game at 7-7.  A single by Ben Francisco then gave the Phillies the 8-7 lead.

But the Phillies were not done yet in the 7th.  With 2 outs and the bases loaded, Utley made up for his 2nd inning error with a GRAND SLAM!  Wow.  Phillies led at that point, 12-7 after scoring 9 runs in the 7th.

While a 5-run lead is nice, the Rockies were not done yet either…they scored 3 runs off Chad Durbin in the bottom of the 7th.  So entering the 9th with a score of 12-10, Brad Lidge came in for the save attempt.  And here comes the “sloppy” again…the first batter hit an easy ground ball to first but Howard dropped it!  That dropped ball turned into an unearned run, cutting the lead to one run.

Lidge gave up a single next and one out later, walked Todd Helton.  Phillies fans started getting nauseous.  But Lidge worked out of the mess; he struck out Clint Barmes and the next batter hit a ball to Polanco at third.  Polly made a tough play and stepped on third for the force out to end the game.  And……exhale…..whew!  This was a huge win for the Phils!

Since the bullpen was pretty much used up tonight, I hope the Phillies are prepared to bring up a few pitchers from the minors before tomorrow’s game against the Brewers.  The only September call-up so far has been catcher Paul Hoover.  Game time tomorrow is 7:05pm and Cole Hamels will pitch.

#1 Phillies Fan

Autotrader.com is running a contest to find the #1 Phillies Fan.  I am constantly teased about being an obsessive Phillies fan and all my friends complain they never see me during baseball season.  So, I decided to enter the contest.  If you agree that I am a huge Phan, please feel free to VOTE for me :O)  Your support is appreciated!

Nyjer Morgan: Poster Child For Anger Management

Nyjer Morgan of the Washington Nationals has issues.  On August 21st, Morgan was accused of purposely throwing a ball at a fan in Philadelphia after being heckled.  The fan was hit in the head and did not see the throw coming.  MLB suspended Morgan for 7 games, which he is currently appealing.

As if that were not bad enough, on Wednesday night, Morgan charged the mound with his fist in the air after a pitch from the Marlins Chris Volstad sailed behind him.  Morgan swung and the benches cleared.  Worse than that, Morgan showboated after the brawl ended as he walked off the field, proud of his bad behavior.  Check out the video:

http://www.viddler.com/simple_on_site/7c70cdee

Morgan’s behavior this year has been reprehensible.  Even his own manager has benched him for prior bad behavior.  He does not deserve to wear a major league uniform; here’s hoping MLB takes appropriate action.

 

Photos by Jenn Zambri Photography

*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network*