Chase Utley hit a 2-run homer, his majors-leading 11th, but that was all the Phillies did against big (6'10") righty Chris Young in a 4-2 loss to the struggling Pads. The biggest cheers of the night came when the Flyers, playing across the street, scored what was, ultimately, the winning goal in their series against the Canadiens. With last night's loss, the Phillies finished April with something of a mirabile dictu record of 15-13, just 1/2 game out of first. Wondrous because this is a team that always digs a hole in April, then comes from behind. Doubly wondrous because they have done it without MVP Jimmy Rollins or second speedster Shane Victorino in the line-up for most of the month. Not to mention that half of the everyday line-up is barely hitting. See Eric Bruntlett (.227), Pedro Feliz (.209), Carlos Ruiz (.206) and Ryan Howard (.172). Says a lot about the heart of these guys and the way Chase Utley, Pat Burrell, and the pitching staff have carried things. Bad news, though, that Rollins is nowhere near making a rehab assignment.
The Phillies wore green caps last night to celebrate becoming the first MLB team to join the EPA's Green Power Partnership program. The team has purchased 20 million kilowatt hours of Green-e Energy Certified Renewable Certificates (REC's), the largest single purchase of 100 % renewable energy in pro sports. It is, we are told, the equivalent of planting 100,000 trees. The team has also instituted a comprehensive variety of recycling and other environmentally friendly programs at the ballpark. Details are given on the Phillies' website, with links to energy-saving and recycling tips for fans.
