Phillies split with Mets, remain 2 games out

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Sunday was a long day spent on the couch for most Philadelphia sports fans and they were rewarded with wins in 2 out of the 3 games. Of course, the Eagles won handily, which meant the Phillies split their doubleheader with the Mets.

The first game was all about Jamie Moyer. Moyer gave up only 2 hits in 7 shutout innings as he slow-pitched the Phillies to victory. Greg Dobbs hit a 3-run homer that put the Phillies up big and they coasted for a win that pulled them within one game of first place.

In the second game, everything went wrong for the Phillies. The Phillies struck first with a run in the top of the first inning but the Mets struck back in the bottom of the first against Cole Hamels. Thanks to a pair of iffy calls, one of which Charlie Manuel's arguing about got him tossed from the game, the Mets scored 3 runs to build a lead they never gave up. Carlos Delgado added a pair of solo homers to increase their lead and the Phillies never really threatened to get back into the game.

Despite the split of games with the Mets on Sunday, the weekend has to be looked at as a success for the Phillies. They took 2 of 3 against the first place Mets to decrease their divsion lead down to 2 games and now have 19 games to catch New York. After last year, 2 games seems like nothing. The Phillies don't face the Mets again this season, so from now on they have to take care of business and hope that the Mets slip up. Given the lack of a bullpen, I think the Mets will be blowing a game or two, it's up to the Phils to capitalize.