Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Phillies over .500 after sweep of Rockies

The Phillies overcame a poor start by Brett Myers to pull out their second come-from-behind win over the Rockies in as many days, winning 8-6. Myers gave up 6 runs in 7 innings and left the game with the Phillies trailing 6-4. The offense then pulled out the win, with Pat Burrell being the hero following a bases loaded double in the top of the 9th inning that put the Phillies ahead for good. Brad Lidge came in and pitched a perfect bottom of the ninth to earn his 4th save and keep his ERA at 0.00.

The Phillies have won three games in a row and are over .500 for the first time all season. They continue to get good bullpen work, as even Ryan Madson chipped in a scoreless inning tonight. Although his home run streak ended, Chase Utley continued his hot hitting, getting a pair of hits, including a two-run double. Burrell also continues to be on a tear, getting 3 RBI's to jump to the NL leader in that category.

Despite sweeping the defending National League Champions, not everything is going perfectly for the Phillies. Ryan Howard continues to struggle, going 0 for 4 with two strikeouts, lowering his batting average to .190. The big guy just can't get going and just continues to look clueless as to what to expect from pitch to pitch. He is making the Phillies look smart for not jumping at the chance to sign him to a long term deal.

The Phillies are having a great April by their standards, and they will look to continue it in another two game series with the Milwaukee Brewers. Cole Hamels takes the mound tonight looking to stretch the Phils winning streak to four.

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