The Nats series came down to Game 3 today. Joe Blanton was looking good until he ran into trouble via a three-run homer to Mike Morse to give the Nationals a 4-3 lead. The Nats took advantage. pushing their lead to 6-3, while the Phillies, who had plenty of chances, did nada. Then Polanco led off the 9th with single, Utley doubled him to third, Howard singled them in, and Jayson Werth capped off the rally with a two-run homer to the deepest part of the park. The Phillies won it in comeback fashion 7-6.
Jayson Werth, who homered in all three games of the series, continues to be terrible this year with runners in scoring position but not today. He must also have the most beautiful hair in baseball.
Shane Victorino was ejected after arguing a call on a check swing. Both starters and many batters had issues with the umpires, many of whom continue to be terrible.
The Phillies took Game 1 Friday night behind a brilliant effort from Roy Oswalt. The final score: 9-1. They took Saturday night's game too behind a surprising effort from Kyle Kendrick, who got himself into a mess in the first but got out of it allowing just one run. He then pitched five more innings, giving up just another run in the 5-2 victory. Lidge ended a 1-2-3 ninth with big smile. Ryan Howard hit his 30th homer of the year, making him the first Phillie to hit 30 homers and drive in 100 in five consecutive years.
Meanwhile, the Braves swept the Mets and gained no ground at all. As someone said, "It's a beautiful thing."
