Kershaw & Blanton Meet in Rubbermatch

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Los Angeles Dodgers (59-55) at Philadelphia Phillies (63-50)
Clayton Kerhsaw (10-7, 3.19 ERA) vs. Joe Blanton (4-6, 5.65 ERA)

Clayton Kershaw and Joe Blanton meet in the rubber-match. The Dodgers were all over the Phillies in the first game of the series, but they did not save any runs for the second game. The only question for tonight is whether or not the game will be played with pending storms in the forecast.

Looking at the starting matchup, the edge appears to go to the Dodgers. Kershaw has a respectable 3.19 ERA, while Blanton has an extremely high 5.65 ERA. However, Kershaw is facing a team that he has struggled against, and Blanton is facing a team that he has had success against. Kershaw is 0-3 with a 6.64 ERA against the Phillies; Blanton is 1-0 with a 2.88 ERA against the Dodgers. In addition, Blanton has been much improved during the second half of the season.

Shane Victorino will return off the disabled list, but Ben Francisco will play because Charlie Manuel promised that he'd start today. Antonio Bastardo was sent to Triple-A. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley both took batting practice today, but the Phillies are still without them. Even with missing studs in the lineup, the Phillies have still managed to go 15-4 in their last 19 games.

Howard Heats Up as Blanton Looks To Rebound

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Philadelphia Phillies (47-41) at Chicago Cubs (40-50)
Joe Blanton (3-5, 6.41 ERA) vs. Ted Lilly (3-8, 4.08 ERA)

Last night was one to forget. Forget about it, and start fresh today.

Joe Blanton needs to get back on the right track. Now would be the perfect time to turn things around. Throughout his career, he has been a second half pitcher (4.33 in the first half; 3.99 in the second half).

With a solid performance today, Ted Lilly could raise his market value. The soon-to-be free agent has been linked to several trade rumors. Lilly has struggled in his last five starts, posting an earned run average over six. His career numbers against the Phillies are not pretty either, also with an ERA over six.

One positive from last night's game was Ryan Howard, who homered twice. Howard has received some criticism for his lower power numbers, but expect them to rise. Howard's on-base plus slugging percentage is .875 in the first half throughout his career. In the second half, it is 1.045! That's a major difference. This is the time of the year Howard really starts to heat up. Howard does have a home run in his book against Lilly.

Improbable Comeback Stuns Reds

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Baseball is such an unpredictable sport. One team can have all the momentum, but in the blink of an eye, it can switch over to the other side. That's what makes the game great. Just when it can't get any worse for the Phillies, Greg Dobbs shines a light of hope. The Phillies pulled off an improbable 9-7 comeback on an evening with a huge turn of events. These are the comeback kids that the fans love. It's amazing how quickly boos turn to cheers.

There were several misplays on both sides during Thursday's game. The errors carried over immediately on Friday as Jimmy Rollins botched the very first play of the game. Several batters later, Johnny Gomes sent Joe Blanton's offering into the left field seats. Blanton never settled in.

Blanton got knocked around in 5.1 innings. He surrendered six runs, five earned, on a whopping twelve hits and two walks. The Reds were hitting shots off him; he never found a groove. Lately, Charlie Manuel has been critizied for leaving his starters in too long. If there was ever a good time to lift Blanton, it was in the bottom of the fifth. Instead, Manuel let Blanton hit for himself. Blanton allowed a few base runners in the top of the sixth before Manuel pulled him. Blanton tipped his cap to an upset crowd, and headed for the showers. Luckily, David Herdon avoided further damage.

In the meantime, Mike Leake cruised. The rookie who skipped the minor leagues looked like a long time veteran retiring batter after batter. At one point, Herdon's pitch count in a little over an inning matched Leake's through five. Leake dominated. He even went 3-for-4, having a much better night at the plate than most Phillies.

It looked like the game was over, and the Reds had an easy victory. Not so fast. All the trouble came in the ninth. Leake went out for the complete game, but ran into trouble: the return of the Phillies offense. Shane Victorino led off with a double, and Leake could not finish the game off. Ryan Howard drove in Victorino with a single, but the big momentum shift came off the bat of Dobbs. Since being designated for assignment, Dobbs has had a fire under his belt. He's starting to hit again, and boy did he get ahold of one. Dobbs smoked a three-run shot off the foul pole, putting the Phillies down 7-5. The damage was far from over.

Leake failed to close out the game, so Dusty Baker brought in closer Francisco Cordero. He didn't exactly get the job done either. Ben Francisco drew a huge two-out walk, bringing the tying run to the plate. Then, Cody Ransom earned his pinstripes. Cordero threw him an outside fastball, and he hit the ball where it was pitched; he sent it in the first row of the opposite field. The crowd turned electric as the score became even.

The Phillies were unable to score another in the ninth, but the six-run inning was plenty, sending the game into extra innings for the second straight night. Ryan Madson tossed a 1-2-3 tenth, striking out two, with his changeup looking better than ever.

In the bottom of the tenth, a lead-off double once again started a rally. Raul Ibanez greeted Arthur Rhodes with a double, but Howard topped that with an opposite field blast. Another day, another walk-off home run. Arthur Rhodes sure must hate facing the Phillies. He has given up six runs all year; five to the Phillies (revenge for 2006?).

As Howard rounded the bases, all sorts of excitement and emotion were released. This is the team that the fans want to see more of. This is the team that the city fell in love with. Perhaps these are the types of games that can turn a season around for the better.

Blanton Looks To End 1st Half on High Note

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Cincinnati Reds (49-38) at Philadelphia Phillies (44-40).
Mike Leake (6-1, 3.38 ERA) vs. Joe Blanton (3-5, 6.27 ERA)

It wasn't pretty. It wasn't easy. But the Phillies pulled out a much needed victory in last night's 4-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds, thanks to Brian Schneider's walk-off home run. Hopefully tonight's game is a little more well-played, and a Phillies win can come easier.

Unfortunately, wins haven't come easy for Joe Blanton, but it would be nice to see him end the first half on a high note. He is 3-3 with a 3.63 ERA in his last ten starts, however, the big right-hander has struggled all season long, as opponents are batting .294 against him. Many times, he has become a victim of a big inning for the opposition. Blanton needs to limit the damage and put his team into position to win. In addition, as witnessed last night, the bullpen can not always be relied on. The Phillies could use seven or eight innings from Blanton. With that being said, the Phillies also need to score more than four runs. They'll have to do that against Mike Leake.

Leake, who skipped the minor leagues completely, has had a solid rookie campaign. Leake had a stretch where he struggled, but overall he has pitched very well. Last week, the Phillies were able to figure him out, scoring six runs in six innings against him. It would be nice to see the Phillies do that again.

The Reds are contenders this year. They're going to continue to play the Phillies tough. The Phillies just have to keep up with them. For the Phillies to show that they are still in this race, they need to beat other first place teams. This is a perfect time for it.

Lineup: There are some late changes to both lineups: Wilson Valdez was scratched due to a sore left wrist, so Juan Castro is playing 2nd. Scott Rolen is out with a sore back, so Miguel Cairo is playing 3rd.

Utley & Howard Help Offense Explode for Nine Runs

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The middle of the order’s struggles were a large reason why the Phillies were in a month long slump. With today’s 9-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins, the Phillies have now won three in a row. They aren’t exactly out of the skid, however they are steps closer to getting out of it. Production from the middle of the order is a big reason as to why the offense is improving. Tonight, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard led the charge.

The Phillies immediately got on the board thanks to Utley’s RBI single. Howard followed with a triple, on a ball that was misplayed by right fielder Jason Kubel. Jayson Werth added a sacrifice fly, giving the home team a 3-0 advantage.

The runs kept pouring in. Utley launched a fly ball over the right field wall, only to be followed by a Howard shot in almost the same exact spot. The back-to-back jacks put the Phillies ahead 8-0, providing plenty of breathing room for Joe Blanton.

Blanton cruised along, surrendering three runs in six innings of work. He allowed two of those runs to start the seventh inning, before being lifted. Blanton didn’t exactly dazzle, but he got the job done. He also received plenty of help from his defense, especially Utley, who made three web gems.

The first hit Blanton allowed was a triple to Kubel, however he did not put on the brakes. The third base coach waved Kubel around, trying for the inside-the-park home run. If not for a perfect relay from Shane Victorino to Utley to Carlos Ruiz, Kubel would have been safe. Instead, Utley made a perfect throw and Ruiz (who later left due to an injury) applied the tag.

Utley didn’t stop flashing the leather there. He made a barehanded grab to turn a quick double play. In addition, he made a tremendous diving stop to take a hit away. Not only did he do it with the glove, but he did it with the bat, finishing the night with four runs batted in.

Howard, who has lacked power all season, finally had a power surge. He finished 4-for-4 – all extra base hits. He homered twice, tripled, and doubled. He was a single shy of the cycle.

There was never a doubt that the Phillies would hold their lead, although it did get interesting in the ninth inning when Scott Matheison came on in relief. Matheison surrendered a few runs, but Brad Lidge sealed the deal by getting Joe Mauer to line out to end the game.

The Phillies desperately needed this win. Perhaps they can carry the momentum, put together a nice winning streak, and put their previous struggles behind.

Phillies Open Series in Atlanta

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Philadelphia Phillies (28-21) at Atlanta Braves (28-22).
Joe Blanton (1-3, 5.63) vs. Tommy Hanson (4-3, 4.06)

This is a big series. Due to the Phillies' offensive hiatus and the Braves' five game win streak, the Braves find themselves a half game behind the Phillies. If the Phillies want to stay in first, they need to find their bats.

The Phillies certaintly can not count on breaking out of their slump against Tommy Hanson. The young righty has proved that his rookie year was no fluke, and that he is the real deal.

The Phillies pitching has been great of late. Joe Blanton has been one of the few that has struggled, however. In addition, his numbers against the Atlanta Braves are not pretty. Regardless, no matter how well Blanton pitches, the Phillies need to score.

Blanton Looks to Continue Trend Vs. Braves

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The Atlanta Braves (12-17) play the Philadelphia Phillies (18-11). Kris Medlen (1-1, 2.55 ERA) starts vs. Joe Blanton (0-1, 5.40 ERA).

The Phillies couldn't have asked for more out of Jamie Moyer last night. The 47-year old tossed a two-hit complete game shutout against the Atlanta Braves. Moyer painted the corners and kept hitters off-balanced all night.

Overall, the starting rotation has really picked it up as a whole. With the exception of Roy Halladay, every starter struggled. The last time around the rotation has been a different story. In the last four games, Phillies starters have combined for 32 innings pitched and have given up only 3 earned runs. That is a 0.84 ERA! The entire staff has a 1.83 ERA this May. Joe Blanton looks to continue that trend tonight.

Blanton made his first start of the season last Monday, and pitched much better than his lined indicated (6.2 IP, 4 ER). Brian McCann continues to have eye troubles, but returns to the lineup just in time to face Blanton, who has struggled against the Braves in his career. McCann has Blanton's number; he is batting .375 with two home runs and six runs batted in against Blanton.

Blanton will be opposed by Kris Medlen, who has not made a start since July 12, 2009. The Phillies offense, like the rotation, has picked it up over the last week. They'll try to make Medlen the next victim.

Tonight's Lineup:Victorino (CF), Dobbs (3B), Polanco (2B), Howard (1B), Werth (RF), Ibanez (LF), Schneider (C), Valdez (SS), Blanton (P)

Don't panic. It's just an off day for Chase Utley.

Blanton Returns, Opens Series vs. Cardinals

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St. Louis Cardinals (17-8) play at Philadelphia Phillies (14-10). Jaime Garcia (2-1, 1.04 ERA) starts vs. Joe Blanton (Career: 63-54, 4.21 ERA).

The Phillies desperately needed Sunday night's win against the Mets, especially after hitting a speed bump. The Phillies are off to a 2-0 start this May, and now welcome the team with the best record in the National League.

Joe Blanton, who missed the whole month of April due to an oblique strain, will make his season debut. Blanton struggled in a few rehab starts, but did not feel any pain. Blanton's first career stint on the disabled list might put him under 213 innings this year, his career average. The Phillies are hoping to get several innings out of him to avoid a struggling bullpen, but the Phillies will be watching his pitch count.

Throughout his career, Blanton has had success against the Cardinals. He is 3-0 with a 1.71 ERA against the Red Birds. He has even limited Albert Pujols to a .125 average in eight at-bats. The Phillies are happy to have Blanton back into the starting rotation, which has been iffy with the exception of Roy Halladay.

The Phillies' offense went cold towards the end of April, but have heated up with the weather. They pounded out double digits in the last two games, and would like to continue the trend against Jaime Garcia. The left-handed rookie has been the Cardinals' top pitching prospect, and has pitched well thus far. Garcia has kept base runners to a minimum, and has out-dueled the likes of Tim Lincecum and Johan Santana. However, the 23-year old has yet to face a lineup as potent as the Phillies -- and in a hitter's park in warm weather.

The Cardinals and the Phillies are two of the top contenders in the National League this year. It will be intersting to see how these two teams match up in this four game series.

Phillies Notes: Halladay, Injuries, Minor Deals

As seen on Phillies Nation.

March is quickly coming to an end. The Phillies play one more game in Clearwater before returning north for an exhibition series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. April 5th will be here before we know it. There was plenty of Phillies news to end the third month of the year:

The Phillies lost to the Toronto Blue Jays, 5-2.

Roy Halladay surrendered four runs in the first inning. He would settle down by striking out the side in the second, and retiring the side in order in the third. In the three innings he worked, he struck out five.

Placido Polanco and Ben Francisco provided the Phillies with their only two runs. They each hit solo shots.

Brad Lidge received a Cortisone shot.

Lidge is having elbow troubles once again. Lidge has inflammation on the outer part of his elbow. His off-season surgery was on the inner part. No MRI will be required for this injury, as there is no structural damage.

Michael Ciccotti, the team physician, said that the injury is due to “[Lidge's] reconditioning routine.” Lidge’s goal is to return by mid-April, although it could be later.

Joe Blanton injured his left oblique muscle.


The Phillies will not know more about the injury until tomorrow, when Blanton is examined by the team doctor. Blanton, who was scheduled to pitch on Saturday, felt the injury when throwing a bullpen session today.

Blanton has never been placed on the disabled list in his career. If Blanton were to miss time during the season, Kyle Kendrick would likely be the one to fill his shoes.

If the Blanton and Lidge injuries weren’t bad enough, Carlos Ruiz was kept out of today’s lineup after being hit by a pitch on the arm yesterday. The move was just cautionary though.

The Phillies signed right handed pitchers Josh Fogg and Ty Taubenheim to minor league contracts.

Both pitchers will report to minor league camp. These moves could kick Brandon Duckworth out of Triple-A.

Fogg was recently released by the New York Mets. He has a career 62-69 record, and 5.03 ERA. Taubenheim has only pitched in 46 major league innings, and also has an ERA over five.

Blanton Changes Grip, but Struggles

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The Phillies did not win on Saturday. Nor did they lose. After ten innings, the Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates called it a tie, with the game knotted at three.

Joe Blanton made his spring debut, and allowed three first inning runs. In his two innings of work, he surrendered five hits, three for extra bases. Blanton explained that he is working on a new grip for his sinker since he was uncomfortable with the previous grip.

Danys Baez made an impressive Phillies spring debut. He allowed one hit and struck out two in two scoreless innings.

Also, Domonic Brown continues to impress this spring. He went 2-for-3 against the Pirates. On the other hand, Ryan Howard remains hitless. Howard is trying to work on hitting breaking balls, but he has struck out four times in five at-bats.

Phillies Sign Contreras; Other News

Earlier today, it was said that the Phillies backed off on John Smoltz, but were interested in Jose Contreras. ESPN’s Enrique Rojas is reporting that the Phillies have agreed to a one-year deal with Contreras, pending a physical.

Because Smoltz wants to start, the Phillies moved onto Contreras, who will serve as a right-handed reliever. Contreras, 38, went 6-13 with a 4.92 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP with the Chicago White Sox and Colorado Rockies in 131.2 innings last year.

In other Phillies news, the Phillies apparently offered Cliff Lee a 3-year, $60 million extension before he was traded. It is uncertain whether Lee formally denied the offer.

Yesterday, the Phillies avoided arbitration with Joe Blanton and Shane Victorino by signing them both to a three-year deal. Blanton will get $24 million; Victorino $22. Blanton originally wanted a laughable $10.25 million in arbitration, but the Phillies offered him seven. Nevertheless, the Phillies and Blanton worked out the differences.

MLB News:

The New York Mets acquired Gary Matthews Jr. If you were unaware, thats Sarge's (Phillies broadcaster) son. Matthews spent most of the 2009 season on the bench. He makes $11 million this year.

The Mets recently missed out on Bengie Molina. The Mets offered the catcher a $5 million deal, but he accepted the Giants' $4.5 million offer.

The Kansas City Royals reach an agreement with Rick Ankiel. The Nationals are interested in Mike Jacobs.

The Seattle Mariners signed Felix Hernandez, 23, to a five-year, $78 million deal. Hernandez had a 2.49 ERA in 2009.

Year In Review: Rally on Ring Day

Swing and a Long Drive will be looking at some of 2009's top moments. We had a similar "Year in Review" last year, but instead of month-by-month, we'll look at some of the top games. They are also a part of Phillies Nation's Top 25 Moments of 2009.

Every player in the major leagues desires to have one. It is not easy to obtain; some will earn one, others will fall short. It has become a symbol around Major League Baseball. Years after a player retires, they still proudly sport it. The Philadelphia Phillies already experienced the thrill and glory of a World Championship, but it was time for them to officially be given the hardware.

One by one, each player was called out of the dugout. After handshaking an emotional Pat Gillick and Charlie Manuel, the player was handed a box with a 14-karot, 103 diamond ring inside. Each player tried on the beautiful piece of jewelry, but there was a game to play. It was April 8, and the Phillies were without a win. It was finally time to put the 2008 season behind and move forward to 2009.

Joe Blanton was making his first start of the year, and it didn't go as planned. The righty allowed seven runs in four innings. At the top of the 7th, the Phillies found themselves trailing 10-3. Perhaps the ring ceremony took the focus away.

In 2008, the Phillies' first win came on a walk-off walk. The Phillies needed a huge rally for their first win of '09, and they kept fighting. Like '08, walks became a huge factor.

Raul Ibanez and Pedro Feliz started the rally with bases-loaded singles. Matt Stairs, Chris Coste and Jimmy Rollins drew three consecutive bases loaded walks. Shane Victorino's single and Ryan Howard's fielder's choice capped off an eight-run inning.

The Phillies 12-11 victory over the Atlanta Braves was the Phillies' first win of the 2009 season. It was only appropriate that it came in comeback fashion, something they did so many times.

Other Top Moments: Cliff Lee's complete game in game one of the National League Division Series.

Year In Review: Werth Extends Win Streak

Swing and a Long Drive will be looking at some of 2009's top moments. We had a similar "Year in Review" last year, but instead of month-by-month, we'll look at some of the top games. They are also a part of Phillies Nation's Top 25 Moments of 2009.

July was an action-packed month for the Philadelphia Phillies. Headed into the All Star Break, the Phillies won five straight games. They carried their hot streak into the second half of the season, leaving it to one of their All Stars to extend their winning streak in dramatic fashion.

Joe Blanton and Rich Harden, two former Oakland teammates, were in the midst of a pitcher's duel. Blanton allowed just one run in seven innings. The Phillies scored one run themselves: a Jimmy Rollins solo home run. The game stood at one a piece headed into extra innings.

The Phillies bullpen was superb. Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge combined for two scoreless innings. Chan Ho Park ate three innings out of the bullpen, and Clay Condrey tossed a 1-2-3 thirteenth inning. The defense was also praiseworthy. Rollins turned a fantastic double play on a kick-save by Lidge, and Raul Ibanez made a tremendous diving catch.

Jeff Samardzija started the thirteenth with two easy outs, but walked Ryan Howard and Ibanez. Jayson Werth stepped up to the plate, and sent Samardzija's offering deep into the left field seats. By the crack of the bat, everybody knew it was gone. As the Cubs players headed towards the visiting dugout in disappoint, Werth rounded the bases with his finger up in the air, and was mobbed at home plate to celebrate the 4-1 win.

The victory marked the Phillies tenth consecutive win, the Phillies longest winning streak since 1991. Everything was falling the Phillies way. The win streak was impressive, but Werth's walk off made it much more memorable.

Other Top Moments: Pedro Martinez outdueled Tim Lincecum on September 1st. The Old Goat beat the Freak, as Pedro might say. The Phillies won 2-1 in the pitcher's duel.

World Series Game 4 Preview

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New York Yankees (2-1) at Philadelphia Phillies (1-2)

CC Sabathia, LHP, vs. Joe Blanton, RHP

The Phillies must even up the series after dropping last night's game. Joe Blanton and the Phillies need to do whatever it takes to avoid falling to a 3-1 deficit.

Instead of throwing out Cliff Lee on three day's of rest, Charlie Manuel opted to go with Blanton. Blanton last started in the National League Championship series and he allowed three earned runs in six innings. Blanton has struggled mightily against the Yankees throughout his career, but has not faced them since last season. The Phillies are in desperate need of a solid outing from Blanton, especially with Cole Hamels' poor performance last night.

For the second time this postseason, CC Sabathia will pitch on short rest. The 280-pound left-hander threw 113 pitches in game one of the World Series. Sabathia pitched well, but was out-dueled by Lee and could not find a way to get Chase Utley out.

The offense is a big reason why the Phillies are in the World Series, but they are also a big reason why they are trailing 2-1. They have faced great pitching, but the Phillies are more than capable of putting up crooked numbers. Other than Utley in game one, the only players who are doing well are Jayson Werth (.400) and Carlos Ruiz (.333).

Walk-off Win Stuns Dodgers

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Never doubt this team. The Phillies were down to their last out, but another clutch hit led to another stunning victory. The 5-4 win gives the Phillies a 3-1 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.

Ryan Howard continues to sizzle. He greeted his former teammate with a 2-run first inning home run. The Big Piece tied Lou Gehrig for most consecutive postseason games with a run batted in. Howard's streak is more impressive because he did it in one year; Gehrig's was over two years. After the homer, Randy Wolf settled in and retired 14 straight.

Joe Blanton had a similar streak, retiring the first ten batters he faced. He allowed a walk to Matt Kemp, and then the wheels fell off. Two RBI singles tied the game in the fourth inning. An inning later, Kemp homered to give the Dodgers the lead. Blanton's struggles questioned why Charlie Manuel did not lift Blanton for Happ.

Blanton's line was decent: he allowed four runs (three earned) in six innings. He gave up six hits, walked two and struck out two. He was dominant until his pitches started to become flat. But Blanton wasn't the story.

Besides Howard's homer, Wolf only gave up one more run (Chase Utley's RBI single). The Phillies had plenty of chances to score, but the Dodgers' bullpen wiggled through jams. The biggest opportunity came in the eighth inning. With two on and one out, Howard struck out. The Big Piece can't always be the hero.

With two outs, a familiar face appeared on the mound: Jonathan Broxton. Broxton was able to strand the runners by getting Jayson Werth to fly out. The ninth inning was a different story -- a story that would define this Phillies ball club. With one out, Matt Stairs was called upon to pinch hit for Pedro Feliz. With game four of the 2008 NLCS fresh in mind, Broxton did not give in to Stairs. Following Stairs' walk, Carlos Ruiz was plunked.

Greg Dobbs made the second out on a soft liner. The crowd that had been silent for most of the evening had all eyes on Jimmy Rollins. And boy did he deliver. Rollins smashed Broxton's 1-1 offering into the right center field gap. Eithier chased, but Eric Bruntlett scored easily. Ruiz scored from first, sliding into home safely without a play at the plate.

Rollins was deservedly mobbed by his teammates, but the bullpen deserves some credit too. The 'pen threw three scoreless innings. Brad Lidge earned the win, striking out two batters in 2/3 of an inning.

This game will go down as one of the most unbelievable endings in postseason history. Jonathan Broxton blew game four of the National League Championship Series, and Cole Hamels will be on the mound for game five. Sound familiar? This is what October is all about.

Hamels Struggles; Rockies Even Series

As seen on Phillies Nation.

A perfect record at home last postseason was a key factor in last year’s World Championship. Today, the Phillies lost their first playoff game at home since 2007. The Rockies edged the Phillies, 5-4, evening the series at a game apiece.

Last October, Hamels stepped up as the big game pitcher. Today, he looked more like the pitcher that went 0-6 during day games than the one who earned the NLCS and World Series MVP.

Hamels cruised through the first three innings, allowing a run on a fielder’s choice. A curveball that hung over the plate to Yorvit Torrealba changed everything. Torrealba’s two-run home run gave the Rockies a 3-0 lead and silenced the crowd for most of the game.

Hamels was finished after five, and left the ballpark to be with his wife who went into labor. Hamels allowed four earned runs on seven hits and struck out five.

It took awhile for the offense to wake up. Ryan Howard’s RBI double and Raul Ibanez’s RBI single made it a one-run game. The rally was killed when Carlos Ruiz grounded into an inning-ending double play. The Phillies grounded into a total of three double plays in game two.

Charlie Manuel showed his lack of confidence in his bullpen by using starters Joe Blanton and J.A Happ. Happ entered the game after Blanton got into a jam, but exited after being struck by a line drive. He suffered a knee contusion and X-Rays were negative. Scott Eyre was able to escape the jam, only allowing a sacrifice fly. An inning later, Antonio Bastardo struck out Jason Giambi with the bases loaded and two outs to end the threat.

Dexter Fowler sacrifice flied twice to add onto the Rockies’ lead. Jayson Werth homered in the eighth inning, cutting the lead to one. The ninth inning became interesting when Matt Stairs walked and Jimmy Rollins singled, but the Phillies fell short against Huston Street.

The outcome is frustrating, but there are a few positives to take from today; Cole Hamels did not walk a batter and the Phillies went 3-for-6 with runners in scoring position. The series heads to Colorado on Saturday, where it is expected to snow. Using Blanton and Happ makes Pedro Martinez the favorite to start, but also questions Charlie Manuel’s managing style during Game 2.

Phils Need to Split Series

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Philadelphia Phillies (89-65) at Milwaukee Brewers (77-78).
Joe Blanton (11-7, 3.82) starts vs. Dave Bush, RHP (5-8, 6.22).

After dropping the last two games to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Phillies will try to rebound with Joe Blanton on the mound. However, even if Blanton pitches well, the back end of the bullpen is still a major question mark.

Blanton will try to extend his 13 consecutive scoreless innings streak. Blanton started the 2009 season poorly, but May 21 was his turning point. Since that date, Big Joe Blanton is 9-4 with a 2.78 ERA in his last 21 starts. Blanton pitched a quality start in his last outing against the Brew Crew.

Conestoga graduate Dave Bush will make his second start against the Phillies this season. On April 23, the right-hander took a no-hitter into the eighth inning. Matt Stairs homered to break up the no-no and the shutout. In his last start, Bush gave up five earned runs in 1.1 innings.

This is a big game for the Phillies as they try to split the series. With the Braves and Marlins still in the picture, Blanton can put the Phillies in better position to clinch this week. The Brewers have nothing to lose. All they have to do is player spoiler.

Phillies Need Offense

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Philadelphia Phillies (77-55) at Houston Astros (64-70).

Joe Blanton (9-6, 3.77 ERA) starts vs. Roy Oswalt (8-5, 3.80 ERA).

Since Sunday, the Phillies have scored six lonely runs. Even though the pitching allowed 14 runs, the Phillies have been able to win three games. Subtracting Cliff Lee's poor outing, the Phillies were only outscored 8-6. They have been facing great pitching, and today will be no different. Regardless, the offense needs to get back on track.

Joe Blanton will take the mound against Roy Oswalt. Blanton is 5-2 with a 2.41 ERA in his last 12 starts. Blanton won his only career start against Houston. He pitched seven innings and allowed three runs.

Oswalt is 6-1 with a 3.28 ERA in 10 games against the Phillies. Oswalt starts to pick it up in the second half, especially September. He is 28-8 with a 2.54 ERA in September/October.

Tonight's Lineup: Chase Utley is out with a bruised, swollen foot.

Shane Victorino (CF)/ Jayson Werth (RF)/ Jimmy Rollins (SS)/ Ryan Howard (1B)/ Raul Ibanez (LF)/ Pedro Feliz (3B)/ Miguel Cairo (2B)/ Paul Bako (C)/ Joe Blanton (P).

Chooch Comes Up Clutch

Also posted on Phillies Nation.

Hits with runners in scoring position and 1-2-3 saves have not been the Phillies specialty as of late. The Phillies got both in their 3-2 win over the Atlanta Braves.

Martin Prado killed the Phillies in a previous series in Atlanta. He continued the beating with a first inning solo home run against Joe Blanton. That was all Blanton allowed in seven innings. He gave up three hits, walked four, and struck out seven.

In the fourth, Chase Utley tied the game with his 29th homer of the season. Over 46% of the Phillies runs have come via long ball.

The Phillies had a golden opportunity in the fifth inning with the bases loaded and nobody out. Blanton didn't follow the "don't swing" policy and lined into a double play. Jimmy Rollins grounded out to end the threat. Luckily, an error and a timely hit put the Phillies ahead.

Raul Ibanez walked and Pedro Feliz successfully laid down a sacrifice bunt. However, Chipper Jones made a throwing error and everybody was safe. Carlos Ruiz's two-run double gave the Phillies the lead.

Ryan Madson has been struggling, giving up three earned runs, seven hits, and a walk in his last four innings. Matt Diaz was drilled and Prado singled to start the eighth inning. Chipper Jones' RBI single drove in a run, making it 3-2 with two on and nobody out. Jayson Werth made a strong throw to the plate, but it was a tad wide for Ruiz to make the tag. Charlie Manuel made the call to the bullpen to escape the jam.

Scott Eyre, who hadn't pitched since August 16, was called upon. Eyre got Brian McCann to ground into the unconventional 4-6-5 double play. Chase Utley made a fantastic pick, and flipped to Rollins. Heads up, Rollins fired to third. Feliz and Prado got into a pickle, which Feliz won. A triple play was almost turned after McCann was a little too far away from the first base bag.

Garrett Anderson grounded out, and Eyre left the mound with a nice first pump. Brad Lidge would do the same. After two quick fly outs, Greg Norton went around on Lidge's nasty slider to end the game.

The Phillies took the rubber match game of the series and extend their divisional lead to eight games. Their magic number decreases to 26.

Jurrjens/Blanton on Mound for Rubber Match

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Atlanta Braves (68-61) at Philadelphia Phillies (74-53)
Jair Jurrjens (10-8, 2.91 ERA) vs. Joe Blanton (8-6, 3.88 ERA)

Last night, the Braves slugged their way to a victory against Cliff Lee and the Phillies. The Phillies offense needs to step it up in the rubber match game of the series.

The Curacao native has had himself a fine year with a 2.91 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. Against the Phillies this season, Jurrjens allowed only two earned runs in 19.2 innings. In his career against Philly, he is 3-2 with a 2.31 ERA. The Phillies cumulative lineup is batting .188 against him. It will not be easy for the offense to get back on track with Jurrjens on the mound.

Joe Blanton will get the start for the Phillies tonight. After a slow start, Blanton has been dominant since mid-May. Blanton was hurt by the long ball in his last start. He has given up 24 home runs this season. Blanton has struggled against the Braves. In 26 innings, he is 0-1 with a 6.58 ERA. The Braves lineup is collectively batting .313 against him.

If Blanton pitches the way he has of late and the offense can get back on track, manufacturing runs via small ball with runners in scoring position, the Phillies should be in good shape under the national spotlight.