The Phillies needed more than a rally cap yesterday. In the end the Brewers and their fans, like this guy here, were the last ones standing.A day after almost blanking the Phillies in a 3-1 win, the Brewers capped off their second win of the series with a serious no-hit bid by area native Dave Bush. With his parents, longtime Phillies' season-ticket holders, in the stands, Bush had a no-hitter going through seven. It began to feel like destiny when pinch-hitter Gregg Dobbs, leading off the eighth, was thrown out at first on a spectacular play by third baseman Bill Hall. Then up came Matt Stairs, also pinch-hitting, and there went the no-hitter and 6-0 shutout. Stairs' high-arcing homer bounced off the right foul pole to mixed cheers. Really, did it matter? The Phillies haven't been no-hit since 1978. If it was going to happen, then what could be better than at the hands of a local guy.
For Phillies fans, Bush wasn't even the big story of the game. In the fourth, Prince Fielder smashed a line drive off the pitching shoulder of starter Cole Hamels. He left the game, the rest of the season flashing before the collective eyes of the crowd. After the game, Hamels said he was fine. He suffered a shoulder contusion but hopes to make his next start. Thank the gods for small favors.
The Phillies now take their limp pitching and offense to Florida, always a house of horrors for them. With the Marlins smarting from a sweep by the Pirates, it could be a frustrating weekend.
