The floundering Fish came in Tuesday night for a four-game stand, including a rain make-up, which was played in under 48 hours.
Game 1 on Tuesday night was a tale of two teams. Cole Hamels gave up one run in the first, then dazzled into the eighth, when he left with a tight back. The offense also dazzled, scoring eight of its nine runs on home runs. First there was a two-run shot by Howard in the bottom of the first, all that the Phillies would need. But there was more: two-run homers by Utley and Rollins and two solo homers by Domonic Brown. Five homers in all, including the last one by Brown, which went way into the upper deck. The Phillies won 9-1.
Game 2 on Wednesday afternoon featured a spot start by Kyle Kendrick, who 'did' a Hamels. He gave up one run in the first, then was solid for the next six. Again, the offense, highlighted by a three-run triple by Valdez and a three-run homer by Rollins, sprang to life. The Phillies won 8-1.
Game 3 on Wednesday evening pitted Anibal Sanchez, who had petitioned manager Edwin Rodriguez for match-up against Roy Halladay. Sanchez wanted Halladay, he got him, and he almost beat him, leaving with a 4-2 lead. But the Phillies tied the game in the 9th off closer Leo Nunez and, with two outs and two on, won it in the 10th 5-4. Ruiz's game-winning single was set up by a HPB and a walk. A stunning loss for the Marlins.
Game 4 on Thursday afternoon was pretty much the Cliff Lee show. Lee pitched a complete game two-hit shutout and knocked in the first run of the game with a booming double. The Phillies then tacked on two more runs, including a Howard solo homer. Final score: 3-0. And the sweep was done.
The Fish looked as if they had lost their souls. What is going on with that team? It's scary. Two weeks ago they were one back and in second place in the NL East. They are now 11 and a half games out and in last place.
After the game reliever J.C. Romero was designated for assignment. We shall see where he ends up. Maybe Lehigh Valley?
Brian Gordon, formerly of the 'Pigs, was effective in his debut with the Yankees. The feel-good story will continue for him next week in Cincinnati. Go, Gordon!
