Mets outlast Phillies

Despite a valiant effort to fight their way back into the game, the Phillies fell to the Mets 4-3 in 12 innings. The Mets took the rubber game of the series after Angel Pagan singled in Jose Reyes for the winning run, although it was questionable as to whether Reyes actually touched the plate. The Phillies were behind most of the game until the offense came alive in the 7th and 8th innings. Ryan Howard and Pedro Feliz both homered, and Feliz later drove in the run that forced extra innings.

Jimmy Rollins sat out again, causing yesterday's goat Eric Bruntlett to get another start at shortstop. Bruntlett was brought over from Houston in the Brad Lidge trade, and he was billed as a reliable defender and someone who does the little things that win games. Well, yesterday Bruntlett made two errors, and today he was anemic at the plate, stranding 7 runners on base. He even failed to execute a sacrifice bunt in the later innings that would have likely led to the Phillies taking the lead. Bruntlett hasn't won many fans in Philadelphia, and I fear for his life when the Phils return home tomorrow to face the Cubs.

The bullpen continues to be a bright spot for the Phillies. After Adam Eaton put in a respectable start, the bullpen took over and pitched 5 2/3 innings and gave up only 1 run on 4 hits. Take Tom Gordon out of the equation, and the 'pen was basically lights out. J.C. Romero, Brad Lidge and Rudy Seanez have all yet to give up an earned run this season, and with Steve Kline coming on the horizon, the bullpen appears to have turned from weakness to strength. If only Flash would get his act together, this would be a dominant group.

The Phillies come home for a three game series against the Cubs starting tomorrow. They leave New York knowing the Mets have the upper hand for now, but they should hardly hang their heads. If Jimmy Rollins plays in those two games, I guarantee the Phillies find a way to win another one. The difference between Rollins and Bruntlett is that significant. Let's hope J-Roll suits up soon.