If the Phillies win their remaining series, they should make the play-offs. That's why I decided last Friday to take it series by series the rest of the way, starting with this weekend in New York.
Friday it was Roy Halladay v. rookie Jenrry Mejia and it wasn't much of a fight. Backed by eight runs, including two he knocked in himself, Halladay was in control. The Phillies won 8-4 and Halladay got his 18th win of the season. He is the first Phillie pitcher to win 18 games since 1983, a somewhat bizarre stat. He is now 4-0 against the Mets and 11-1 against the NL East. He extended his road streak of six or more innings to 53 games, the longest such streak since Walter Johnson did it in 82 consecutive games from 1911 to 1915.
Saturday the up-and-down Mike Pelfrey took over on his turf. Kyle Kendrick started for the Phillies but was again frustratingly inconsistent. The Phillies threatened late but fell 4-3.
Sunday it was all Roy Oswalt, who was dazzling, throwing a complete game shutout and allowing just four hits. He struck out six and walked one. He did not allow a runner past first base. It was his first complete game shutout as a Phillie. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard both had RBI and Raul Ibanez hit a monster home run to deep left center, all against lefty starter Jonathan Niese, who took the 3-0 loss. For his career, Oswalt is now a staggering 62-16 in the months of August, September, and October.
The bad news: Jimmy Rollins is scheduled to have an MRI in Philadelphia.
