Olsen vs. Oswalt: Battle of the O's

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Washington Nationals (53-70) at Philadelphia Phillies (69-53)
Scott Olsen (3-5, 5.13 RA) vs. Roy Oswalt (8-13, 3.36 ERA)

Kyle Kendrick was rocked and Stephen Strasburg struck out six in the Nationals' 8-1 victory last night. The series is split at a game apiece, but this is a series that the Phillies need to win. Taking advantage of a last place team certainly helps in the standings. The Phillies have a good chance with Roy Oswalt on the mound.

Oswalt would like another chance against Washington. His first start as a Phillie was at Nationals Park, and he did not make the Phillies debut that he would have liked.

When he was a Marlin, Scott Olsen said that he "hates the Phillies." He must dispise facing them, since he has a 5.56 earned run average against them. Olsen has missed some time due to injuries this year, but he has really struggled in the month of August, posting an ERA near 11 in three starts.

The Nationals have not won back-to-back games at Citizens Bank Park since 2005. The Phillies would like to keep it that way, and boost their playoff chances.

Today's lineup:Rollins (SS), Ibanez (LF), Polanco (3B), Howard (1B), Werth (RF), Victorino (CF), Ruiz (C), Valdez (2B), Oswalt (P). Just a scheduled off day for Utley.

Strasburg Makes First Start vs. Phillies

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Washington Nationals (52-70) at Philadelphia Phillies (69-52)
Stephen Strasburg (5-2, 2.97 ERA) vs. Kyle Kendrick (8-5, 4.45 ERA)

Roy Halladay hasn't received a whole lot of run support this year. The Phillies scored one run yesterday, but Halladay took care of the rest, blanking the Nationals over seven innings. When Halladay is on the mound, there is a good feeling that the Phillies win. On the other hand, when Kyle Kendrick pitches, it's always uncertain as to what type of performance he will have.

The Nationals will send out their young stud, Stephen Strasburg. If you haven't heard of this guy, you probably haven't paid any attention to baseball. The 22-year old was the first overall pick in the 2009 draft, and his game can't get any more hyped. Strasburg throws a 100 mph fastball regularly, featuring a changeup at around 90 mph. You read that right: a 90 mph changeup. Regardless, his stuff is electric.

Tonight will be the very first time the Phillies will face Strasburg, but there will be many more meetings between the two. So far, Strasburg has made two starts since returning from the disabled list with a shoulder injury. The rookie has been under the spotlight in each and every one of his starts, but so far as yet to disappoint. He's the real deal.

Maybe Ryan Howard can greet Strasburg with a long ball. Howard returns from the disabled list tonight, which is earlier than what was originally expected.

Nationals Are Improved, But Phillies Should Still Win

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Washington Nationals (52-69) at Philadelphia Phillies (68-52)
Jason Marquis (0-5, 14.33 ERA) vs. Roy Halladay (15-8, 2.24 ERA)

On paper, this is a series that the Phillies should win. After all, they are playing a last place team. The Phillies lead the Wild Card and trail the division by 2.5 games, but the Nationals aren't exactly playing for nothing. Yes, they are in last place, but compared to last year they have greatly improved. Who knows, after inking Bryce Harper to a multi-million dollar deal and having Stephen Strasburg at the top of the rotation, the Nationals could be a few years away from contending. But right now they are still bad. Not quite terrible, but still fairly bad. They are seven wins shy of matching last year's win total, and it's only the middle of August. They want to finish the year strong, and are now in spoiler mode.

Roy Halladay starts for the Phillies, and it's pretty well know what he can do on the hill. He is 6-1 with a 2.43 earned run average in his career against Washington. Halladay's opposition is Jason Marquis, who spent most of the season on the disabled list. He has struggled since returning. It doesn't help that he has a 5.51 ERA in his career against the Phillies.

Winning Streak Stops at Eight

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All good things come to an end. The Phillies' eight game winning streak came to a halt as the Phillies fell 8-1 to the Washington Nationals. The loss came on a night where Roy Oswalt made his anticipated Phillies debut, but could not live up to the expectations.

The loss was Oswalt's 13th of the season, which leads the majors. Nyjer Morgan greeted him with a lead-off triple, and eventually scored. The Nationals did not look back. Oswalt did not get much help from his defense. Craig Stammen laid down a poor bunt. The Phillies should have been able to get the lead runner at third base, however nobody covered third as Carlos Ruiz's throw sailed into left field.

Oswalt lasted six innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits, and two walks. He struck out four and hit two batters. Regardless, it was a very disappointing debut for Oswalt. However, don't call this trade a bust. Oswalt still remains as one of the top pitchers in the game; he just had a rough night. It happens to every pitcher.

The Phillies made Oswalt feel right at home with their lack of run support. Oswalt's offense averages 2.51 runs per game when he pitches. The Phillies lone run came on a home run from Jayson Werth. Stammen, who entered the game with an ERA over five, made hitters look silly. The Phillies couldn't do anything.

It's always tough to lose to a last place team, but the streak wasn't going to last forever. The Phillies could build a new streak tomorrow, but they have to focus on one game at a time.

Oswalt To Make Phillies Debut

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Philadelphia Phillies (56-46) at Washington Nationals (44-58)

Roy Oswalt (6-12, 3.43 ERA) vs. Craig Stammen (2-4, 5.50 ERA)

The Phillies have put together a nice eight game winning streak, putting themselves ten games over .500. It's been awhile since the Phillies found themselves at that mark, but they are also closing in on the gap in the division and wild card (2.5 GB in the National League East; 1.5 GB in the Wild Card). Now, they have another ace on the mound, and facing a very sweep-able last place team. The Phillies even lucked out by not seeing Stephen Strasburg this series. Things keep getting better and better. Other teams should start to worry.

The last time the Phillies were in Washington, Roy Halladay made his Phillies debut. Now, another Roy will be doing the same. Newly acquired Roy Oswalt will make his first start as a Phillie, after waiving his no-trade clause in a trade that sent J.A Happ and two minor leaguers to Houston.

Oswalt is 6-12 this season, but don't let that record fool you. The Astros are not a good team, and failed to give Oswalt run support. Hence why wins aren't a good stat to use to determine how good a pitcher is. Oswalt has a good ERA of 3.42 and WHIP of 1.11. He averages about two walks, seven hits, and eight strikeouts per nine innings, having a respectable walks/strikeout ratio. He does not surrender the long ball often.

Oswalt finished in the top 5 in the Cy Young voting five times in his ten-year career. His repertoire consists of a fastball, curveball, changeup, and a slider. His curveball is his best off-speed pitch.

On the flip side, Craig Stammen goes for Washington. The 26-year old did not make it through six innings in his last five starts. He has struggled heavily against the Phillies, having an ERA over 15 in two starts.

Nine in a row would be sweet for the Phillies. Perhaps even sweeter because Roy Oswalt is a Phillie, and at a steal.

5th Inning Rally Lifts Phils

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The red carpet rolled out and each player walked down from centerfield. Charlie Manuel proudly raised the blue 2009 National League pennant banner in Ashburn Alley. The players were introduced, and the 2010 Home Opener was underway.

The news did not start off good. Jimmy Rollins was scratched from the lineup due to a calf strain. Jayson Werth later left with an injury. Werth's injury is not expected to be serious, however Rollins may be headed for the disabled list.

Cole Hamels' second consecutive start against the Nationals did not go as planned. The lefty struggled once again, surrendering four earned runs in 5.2 innings. Hamels struck out six, but his earned run average raised to 5.06. Hamels has yet to put 2009 behind, and return to the form he was in 2008 and prior.

The Phillies found themselves in a 4-0 deficit, but the offense always has a comeback in them. Ryan Howard continued his hot hitting with a RBI single.

Juan Castro caught on to his new team quickly, driving in a run during his first game as a Phillie. Placido Polanco (2-for-4) raised his average to .484 with a RBI single of his own. Chase Utley smashed a two-run home run down the right field line to cap off a five-run fifth inning. The Phillies offense remains hot and has no desire of cooling off.

The bullpen did a stellar job to secure the win for Hamels. Chad Durbin, Jose Contreras, Danys Baez, and Ryan Madson combined for 3.1 hitless innings.

With the 7-4 victory, the Phillies improve to a Major League best 6-1 record. Tomorrow, Kyle Kendrick will look to redeem himself after a disappointing outing last week.

Phils Return Home for Opener

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Today, the Washington Nationals (3-3) face the Philadelphia Phillies (5-1). Jason Marquis, RHP starts vs. Cole Hamels, LHP.

The boys are back in town! The Philadelphia Phillies will make their much anticipated 2010 home debut. They are coming off an impressive 5-1 roadtrip, which includes a sweep of the Houston Astros.

The Phillies also faced the Nationals, taking two of three from them. The Nationals evened their record against the Mets, but the Phillies would like to put them below .500 again.

The Phillies’ offense has been unstoppable. They’ve been doing every right: drawing walks, getting on base, driving in runners in scoring position, hitting home runs, you name it. They lead all of baseball in runs scored and on-base plus slugging percentage. The Phillies look to continue their hot offense in their hitter-friendly ballpark.

Today’s game is an exact rematch of the second game of the season: Cole Hamels against Jason Marquis. Marquis was roughed up in four innings as control issues led to six earned runs. Hamels’ command wasn’t spot on either. Hamels earned the win despite only lasting five innings and walking four. Hamels didn’t seem to challenge hitters, and repeatedly threw down and in. Perhaps moving pitches in and out will help, while mixing his fastball with his stellar changeup and newly found cutter.

Phillies fans traveled well during Opening Week, but there is nothing like being behind an electric home crowd. It’s Opening Day: Part II. Baseball officially returns to the city of brotherly love.

2010 Preview: Washington Nationals

This is a preview of the 2010 season. We will look at the different divisions, teams, and players. This is also featured on Phillies Nation, as part of their 2010 preview.

In 2009, the Washington Nationals finished 59-103, last place in NL East.

There were not many positives for the Washington Nationals in 2009. Their below average offense and pitching resulted in the worst record in baseball.

Manny Acta managed 87 games before getting the boot. Jesus Flores, Christian Guzman and others suffered injuries. Adam Dunn looked lost in the outfield. The woes were endless. Heck, they couldn't even spell their name right.

The one bright spot for the Nationals was Ryan Zimmerman, who earned a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger in 2009. The 24-year old third baseman batted .292 with an .888 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Although it was very painful to watch the Nationals last season, there is reason to believe that the Nationals won't be as terrible as they were in the past.

It's so easy to write off the Nationals. They aren't going to contend this year, and perhaps not for a few more. However, the Nationals always seem to be that pesky team that doesn't quit and gives up a good fight -- at least it seems that way when the play the Phillies.

The Nationals are young, but they added a veteran presence. The Nationals signed Jason Marquis, Ivan Rodriguez, Chein-Ming Wang, and Adam Kennedy. While none of these moves are hugely significant, they could change the vibe of the clubhouse, which no longer include Lastings Milledge or Elijiah Dukes.

The new veterans could certainly help out some of the younger and talented players. Ian Desmond has a lot of potential, and earned the starting shortstop job this spring. In addition, the speedy centerfielder Nyjer Morgan is capable of stealing 50 bases, or more.

Although Stephen Strasburg did not break camp, there's a great chance that he could be in the Nationals' starting rotation by June. Strasburg impressed this spring, and many said that they've never seen the ball explode out of a pitcher's hand like Strasburg.

As of now, the Nationals' one-two punch is Jason Marquis and John Lannan, who has improved throughout his career.

While Strasburg is the organization's biggest pitching prospect, Drew Storen should not be overlooked. The reliever has closer potential and could be called up this season.

For now, the Nationals will go with Matt Capps as their closer, who will attempt to rebound from a poor season with the Pirates.

The Nationals aren't ready for contention this year, but may in about two or three years. And if they draft Bryce Harper in this year's draft --- look out!

Prediction: 73-89

Angels Sign Rodney

The Los Angeles Angels signed Fernando Rodney to a two year, $11 million deal.

The Phillies were another team interested in him. Rodney had a 4.40 ERA with a 1.47 WHIP last season. No thanks. The Phils have enough bullpen issues -- they don't need more walks. Plus, the Phillies front office is saying that they're "in red" as far as money goes. If they were to get him, they'd have a lot of explaining to do; some of that money could have went to Cliff Lee, who everybody would rather have.

Phillies apparently did sign a mystery reliever though, perhaps Danyz Baez. The Phillies were also linked to Mike MacDougal. Either way, it sounds like the Phillies are getting somebody on the cheap side.

In other reliever news, the Nationals are close to signing Matt Capps to a one year deal. Capps was non-tendered by the Pirates after having a rough 2009 when he had a 5.80 ERA. Capps was solid in previous seasons; in 2007 he had a 2.28 ERA. Capps has 67 career saves.

Year In Review: Howard & Ibanez Slam Past Nats

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.

The Phillies had their share of grand slams in 2009; a major league leading eleven of them to be exact. Grand slams are not classified as rare, but they aren't seen on a daily basis. Two grand slams in one game, however, may be a little rare. After all it happened four times in franchise history: 1921, 1997, 2003, and April 27, 2009.

April was a rough month for Joe Blanton, and he continued his struggles in this game: 4.1 IP, six runs, eight hits and three walks. The Phillies found themselves trailing 6-2 in the fifth, but Ryan Howard's salami to straight away center field tied it up.

The Nationals were homer-happy themselves. Ryan Zimmerman homered twice, Elijah Dukes hit a monster shot, and Nick Johnson broke the seventh inning tie with a two-run home run. It started to look like it got out of hand for the Phils, who trailed 11-7. But if there was one thing learned about the 2009 team, it was to never give up on them.

In the bottom of the eighth, the Phillies were able to inch closer and load the bases for Raul Ibanez. "I knew I hit it far and I was just hoping it wouldn't hook out. I was trying to go short with my swing and drive in the runner from second base," Ibanez said. He did that and more. Ibanez smashed a grand slam which ultimately won the game.

The slug fest was one for ages, and just another showcase of the comeback kids.

Other Top Moments: J.A Happ’s complete game shutouts. Happ shut out the Toronto Blue Jays, 10-0. Jayson Werth hit two monster home runs. Happ threw another gem against the Rockies and won 7-0. Also, Cole Hamels threw a complete game shutout against the San Francisco Giants.

Phillies Sweep Nationals

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Thanks to a stellar outing by Cole Hamels, the Philadelphia Phillies swept the Washington Nationals.

Hamels pitched eight innings, allowing one earned run on five hits and one walk. He struck out ten. Hamels took a perfect game into the sixth inning.

Ross Detwiler was able to keep the Phillies scoreless through four. Jimmy Rollins doubled in the fifth to put the Phillies on the board. Later that inning, Carlos Ruiz walked with the bases loaded. In the sixth, Hamels helped his own cause, driving in a run.

Brad Lidge converted his 30th save of the year, despite allowing a run in the ninth inning. Elijah Dukes tripled on a ball that center fielder Jayson Werth was unable to handle. (Shane Victorino left the game with gastrointestinal problems). Dukes scored on a ground out, but Willie Harris flied out to end the game. The Phillies won, 4-2.

A Healthy Offensive Mix

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Brad Lidge’s struggles are well documented. Before the game, Charlie Manuel discussed Lidge’s fate. Unsure if Lidge would pitch in the next save opportunity, Manuel said he would go with his gut feeling. It was not the prettiest game, but the Phillies edged the Nationals 6-5. The Phillies played small ball and long ball to beat the Nationals.

Cliff Lee looked like Cy Young during his first five starts with the Phillies. Since, he has cooled off. He was not as bad as he was in his last two starts, but he was not the Cliff Lee that we’re accustomed to seeing. He pitched seven innings and did not walk a batter. On the other hand, he gave up five runs (four earned) on ten hits. Five hits went for extra bases.

Adam Dunn’s RBI single gave the Nats an early lead, but Jayson Werth quickly tied it with a single of his own. The Phillies have been struggling getting the little-big hit, but leave it to Lee to help his own cause. Lee singled, collecting his first career RBI. It gave the Phillies a 2-1 lead in the second inning.

Raul Ibanez continued his Nat swatting. His RBI double gave the Philliesa 4-1 lead. Ibanez is now 5-for-9 with three runs batted in during this series.

They are already eliminated from playoff contention, but the Nationals don’t quit. Phillies/Nationals games are always close. As expected, the Nationals fought back. Dunn’s RBI single made it a one-run game. Jorge Padilla’s bunt single barely stayed fair, and all of a sudden the Nationals had runners at the corners with one out. Christian Guzman looked like he had grounded into the inning-ending twin killing, however Chase Utley was unable to handle the late flip from Jimmy Rollins. Tie game.

Jayson Werth has displayed his power throughout the year, reaching the second deck at Citizens Bank Park and Rogers Centre. Once again, he reached new heights. Werth hit a towering drive to straight away center field to give the Phillies the lead. Pedro Feliz immediately followed with a solo home run of his own, to make it back-to-back jacks.

Trying to make his job easier, Manuel tried to stretch Lee through eight innings. However, the first two batters reached base, forcing Manuel to go to Chan Ho Park. Park allowed a walk, loading the bases with nobody out. Pete Orr’s sacrifice fly put the Nationals within one. That was all Park would give up, avoiding further damage.

Ryan Madson was called on to close. Although he converted Tuesday’s save, Madson previously struggled as a closer. Justin Maxwell greeted him with a single and stole a base. Madson was firing 98 mph fastballs, and struck out Guzman. Maxwell was dancing off second when Dunn lined a shot to Utley. Utley caught it, and flipped to Rollins covering second base. Maxwell was doubled off, ending the game.

With the victory, the Phillies have not only won their second game in a row, but clinched the series. Manuel’s gut feeling worked. They’ll look to sweep the Nationals tomorrow.

A Baseball Date

Philadelphia Phillies (78-58) at Washington Nationals (47-91)
Cliff Lee (12-11, 3.06 ERA) vs. Garrett Mock (3-7, 5.63 ERA)

It's a perfect date for baseball: 9/9/09. Nine innings. Nine men on the field. Who knows, maybe Miguel Cairo (#9) will come up clutch off the bench.

Cliff Lee would like to get all 27 outs, something he has done twice in a Phillies uniform. Lee's first five starts raised his expectations through the roof. However, Lee has been roughed up in his last two starts, allowing 12 runs in eight innings. Lee has a chance to rebound against the NL East bottom-feeders.

Lee will be opposed by Garrett Mock. In five innings in relief, Mock has allowed five earned runs against the Phillies this season.

Last night, Brad Lidge almost blew another save. Charlie Manuel said that he was going to stick to his closer, but if the Phillies are in another save situation, we may or may not see Lidge. Manuel said he is uncertain that Lidge will close in team's next save situation. "I'll just go with how I feel," Manuel said, regarding who will close.

Tonight's Lineup: Rollins (SS)/ Victorino (CF)/ Utley (2B)/ Howard (1B)/ Ibanez (LF)/ Werth (RF)/ Feliz (3B)/ Bako (C)/ Lee (P).

Call of the Day: 12 years ago today, Richie Ashburn passed away.

Solo Shots Lift Phils

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Brad Lidge was on the verge of blowing his eleventh save. Almost. When the lead-off runner reaches base, trouble is ahead. This time Charlie Manuel lost his patience and pulled Lidge. But would Ryan Madson escape the bases-loaded, one out jam with Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn due up?

Before the ninth inning drama, Pedro Martinez pitched another gem. A strike away from finishing the seventh inning, Martinez allowed a solo home run to Willie Harris. Manuel called to the 'pen, but Martinez made the best of his 119 pitches. In 6.2 innings, he allowed three runs on seven hits. He walked one and struck out four.

Once again, the offense started slowly. The bats would wake up. Raul Ibanez loves to beat up the Nats. He homered to put the Phillies on the board in the fifth inning. In the seventh, Jayson Werth hit his 32nd home run of the year. Ibanez homered again, going back-to-back with Werth. Not only did Ibanez's two homers give the Phillies the lead, but they upped his home run total to 30. After Pedro Feliz grounded out, Carlos Ruiz homered. The Phillies hit three home runs in the seventh inning. For the first time in 70 innings, the Phillies had a lead larger than one run.

The lead didn't last long thanks to Harris' homer, but Chase Utley returned the favor with a solo shot down the right field line. Like Ibanez, the homer was Utley's 30th of the year. The Phillies now have four players with at least 30 homers (Ryan Howard, Werth, Ibanez, Utley).

All of the Phillies five runs came on solo home runs. The last time the Phillies had five solo home runs in a game was in 1999.

Then it became interesting. Charlie Manuel has made it clear that Brad Lidge is his closer. He may have finally changed his mind. Lidge loaded the bases with one out. The eventual outcome was pretty obvious. Manuel had enough, and made the call to Ryan Madson. Madson fired 96 mph fastballs before striking out Zimmerman on a changeup. Adam Dunn hit a grounder into the shift to end the game. Phillies win, 5-3. Pedro collected the win, and Madson recorded the save.

For the first time in September, the Phillies scored more than four runs. The Phillies halted their four game losing streak, but the question remains: has Charlie lost his faith in his closer?

Phils Seek Rebound

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Philadelphia Phillies (77-58) at Washington Nationals (47-90) Pedro Martinez (3-0, 3.52 ERA) vs. John Lannan (8-10, 4.09 ERA)

The Phillies look to rebound after being swept by the Houston Astros. Against the last place Washington Nationals, they have a fair chance. The Phillies are 10-2 against the Nationals this season. As a team, the Phillies are batting .305 with 19 home runs in 12 games against the Nationals. This is a perfect series for a struggling offense to resurrect.

Pedro Martinez out-dueled Tim Lincecum is his last start. Pedro may start off slow, but as the game moves along, he gets better. Martinez will be opposed by John Lannan. Lannan is 0-5 with a 5.86 ERA in his career against the Phillies. This year, he is 0-2 with a 5.17 ERA against them.

As always, the Phillies can't take this series lightly. Look what happened during the Pirates series. The Nationals seem to make games closer than they should be, but it is still a series that the Phils need to win.

Tonight's Lineup:Rollins (SS)/ Victorino (CF)/ Utley (2B)/ Howard (1B)/ Werth (RF)/ Ibanez (LF)/ Feliz (3B)/ Ruiz (C)/ Martinez (P)

We may not see Scott Eyre in relief tonight. He has a sharp pain in his pitching elbow, but is "not worried."

Big Week for Raul

Also featured on Phillies Nation.

Raul Ibanez was compared to Albert Pujols during the first half of the season. He had a .309 average, .367 OBP, .649 SLG, 1.015 OPS and 22 home runs, becoming the National League All Star's starting left fielder. Since returning from his groin injury, Ibanez has been in a major slump (.217 AVG/.305 OBP/.382 SLG/.687 OPS). In August, he batted .193 with 1 homer. He struck out 26 times.

It's been a while since the loyal Philadelphia fan belted a loud "RAUUUUUUL!" but he has shown signs of coming out of his slump. On Monday, Ibanez hit his second home run in his last 123 at-bats. He was 4-for-11 during the series with the Astros.

The upcoming series against the Nationals could be a huge confidence booster for the left fielder. Ibanez has swatted the Nats this season. He is batting .440 with 6 home runs, 18 RBI, and has a 1.389 OPS against them. Despite Nationals Park being pitchers-oriented, he is batting .481 with 4 HR and 11 RBI, and has a 1.496 OPS there.

After the Nationals series, the Phillies play New York, another team Ibanez has had success against (.255, 3 HR, 10 RBI). This is a big week for Raul, who can turn around his struggles and take advantage of the teams that are in the cellar.

Injuries and Elimination

Brett Myers was activated from the disabled list today. To make room on the 40-man roster, Joe Bisenius was out-righted to Lehigh Valley.

As one man returns, another suffers a setback. Clay Condrey’s (oblique) rehab assignment was pushed back because of a setback to his slow-healing muscle.

Ruben Amaro said that it is “possible” that Condrey could be done for the season, but won’t know details until Condrey visits the team physician next week.

Johan Santana, among others are finished with 2009. You can add Grady Sizemore to the list. His season is over. The Cleveland Indian's star center fielder will go under the knife for season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow. Sizemore batted .248 with 18 HR, 64 RBI, and 13 SB this season.

The season is also over for the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals. They were both eliminated from their divisions. Well, they still have hope. The Orioles are 24.5 games out of the Wild Card. The Nationals are 28 games out, but the elimination number is down to one.

The Phillies magic number is down to 22.

Vote for the Pepsi "Clutch" Performer of the Month! Clifton Phifer Lee is a nominee.

Randy Johnson Wins 300th Game

Randy Johnson won his 300th game of his career, beating the Washington Nationals. The San Francisco Giants cruised to a 5-1 victory over the Nationals.

Johnson pitched six innings and allowed just one earned run on two hits and two walks. He struck out two.

Rookie Jordan Zimmerman pitched superb, ( 6 IP, 2 ER, 7 SO), but the Giants were able to score early and give Johnson run support.

The defense also helped out with a sliding catch by Aaron Rowand and a fantastic double play started by the diving Emmanuel Burris.

Brian Wilson earned the save, striking out Wil Nieves to end the game and finish off Johnson's 300th win.

In 22 seasons, the future Hall of Famer is now tied for 22nd on the all time wins list with a record of 300-164. He has a career ERA of 3.29 and ranks second in all time strike outs with 4846.

Johnson could be the last to reach 300 wins. The next closest is 46 year old Jamie moyer with 250.

Four Game Sweep

The Phillies came into Washington with a record of .500, but it didn't take long for them to get back on track as they swept the lowly Nationals in four games.

Raul Ibanez was the star of the series going 9-for-18 with 3 HR and 9 RBI. Pedro Feliz was also a key player going 7-for-14 with 2 RBI. Feliz's bunt on Sunday helped score the go ahead run on a huge fielding blunder by the Washington Nationals.

Jimmy Rollins and Brad Lidge showed signs of getting back on track. Rollins was 7-for-18 with a triple and 2 RBI. Brad Lidge blew his first save opportunity of the series, but the Phillies came back to win in the 12th inning. However, he bounced back saving the next two games. On Sunday, Charlie Manuel decided to pitch Scott Eyre for the first two batters in the ninth. When Lidge came in, he threw just two pitches to get a game ending double play and the save.

Chase Utley and Shane Victorino, who have both been struggling recently, were able to get on base. Utley had 4 hits and Victorino had 5. Ryan Howard also hit 2 home runs during the series.

Andrew Carpenter and Sergio Escalona earned their first major league wins. After Cairo was released, Carpenter pitched instead of J.A Happ because of his bullpen appearance on Friday. He pitched 4.1 innings and allowed 5 earned runs during the rain shortened double header. Carpenter was sent down, and Escalona was called up and pitch in a big situation for the Phillies liming the Nationals to one hit over one inning.

Myers pitched well in his seven innings on Saturday. He allowed just 2 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks. He struck out 8. Chan Ho Park struggled in his start on Sunday allowing 5 earned runs in just over one inning.

For the most part, the bullpen pitched well throughout the series. The sweep was huge even if it was against the Nationals. They showed a little fight and make the game too close for comfort, but at the same time played horrible proving why they are a last place team at the moment.

None the less, the Phillies needed to take advantage of the Nats struggles and capture this sweep. They are 20-16, the same record they had at this point in 2008.

Call of the day: On July 2, 1993 at 4:41 AM, closer Mitch Williams delivers a game-winning RBI single against the San Diego Padres in the second game of a rain-delayed doubleheader.

"Line drive... left-center field... Incaviglia scores and the Phillies win
it on a base hit by Mitchie-poo!"

12th Inning Rally Lifts Phils

This game would have been really tough to take in if the Phillies lost. However, they managed to pull out a win by the skin of their teeth.

Over four and a half hours before the game ended, Carlos Ruiz gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Ruiz, who was batting under the Mendoza line, raised his average to .293 in a matter of a week.

The Nationals took the lead off starter Joe Blanton when Ryan Zimmerman and Wil Nieves hit RBI singles and Blanton walked in a run with the bases loaded. In five innings, Blanton allowed four earned runs on five hits and six walks.

The Phillies inched back when Ruiz and Pedro Feliz, who went 4-5, each drove in runs in the sixth inning. In the seventh, Ryan Howard hit a towering, 400+ foot bomb to right center field, giving the Phils a 6-4 lead.

In the ninth inning, a struggling Brad Lidge came in to close the game. The Nationals managed to reach base on a couple of bang-bang plays. Willie Harris doubled, and on a Chase Utley error on the relay, the Nationals tied the game at 6. Lidge's ERA is now over nine.

It wasn't until the 12th inning when the Phillies scored again. Raul Ibanez didn't hit it hard, but managed to drive in two runs. Feliz doubled to give the Phillies a 10-6 lead.

J.A Happ earned the win in his two innings in relief. He was scheduled to start game two of the double header, but instead, Miguel Cairo was designated for assignment and Andrew Carpenter will make his second major league appearance.

The Phillies decided to go with Carpenter instead of Kyle Kendrick, who is scheduled to pitch with the IronPigs on Saturday.

Call of the day: On September 23, 1983, Steve Carlton won his 300th game, striking out 12 in the process. He became the 16th player in Major League history to win 300 games.

"Struck him out! Ball game is over! Phillies win it by a score of
6-2. Steve Carlton wins his 300th major league game, and the big left
hander is the first one to go out and shake the hand of Al Holland. Steve
Carlton, 300 Major League wins, 199 losses. Paul Owens is hugging the big
left hander. What a pleasure it was to watch him pitch over the years
since joining the Phillies in 19 hundred and 72. Thanks left hander.
You've given us a lot of thrills."