Year In Review: Phils Rally in 9th on Victorino's Salami

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.

On April 24, Brett Myers pitched six solid innings against the Florida Marlins. All three runs he allowed came in the first inning, thanks to Dan Uggla's three-run bomb. Myers was stellar, but Josh Johnson was better.

Johnson dominated, as he did all season. He struck out eight in seven shutout innings. The Phillies had trouble getting on base as Johnson only allowed three hits and two walks.

Clay Condrey and Ryan Madson combined for three scoreless innings to keep the Phillies in the game. Still, the Phillies trailed 3-0 in top of the ninth, and were practically without hope. One swing of the bat changed everything.

Jayson Werth started the rally by smacking a one-out double to center field. He later scored on Matt Stairs' single that squeaked through the right side of the field. Jimmy Rollins drew a bases loaded walk. The bases remained juiced for Shane Victorino, who followed with a high drive down the right field line. Victorino smashed his first official grand slam, and erased the Phillies' deficit.

Chase Utley followed with a two-run home run, and all of a sudden the Phillies put up a crooked seven on the scoreboard. It was an unbelievable 7-3 victory, all thanks to the Flyin' Hawaiian.

Other Top Moments: Jayson Werth steals second base, third base, and home in the same inning!

Player Recaps: Bullpen

This article was featured on Phillies Nation under 2009 Player Reviews.

Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson were the main arms in the bullpen, but there were other important arms, such as Scott Eyre, Chan Ho Park, and Brett Myers. Tyler Walker, Sergio Escalona, Antoino Bastardo, Jack Taschner, and Kyle Kendrick also spent time in the big league bullpen.

Collectively, the Phillies bullpen had a 3.91 ERA, which ranked 14th in the majors, and ninth in the National League.

With J.C Romero suspended and injured, Scott Eyre was a key factor in the bullpen, serving as a left-handed specialist. Eyre only pitched 30 innings, but he posted a 1.50 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. It’s unknown if Eyre will return in 2010. Eyre had injury problems, and had surgery in the off season. Eyre, a free agent, also tossed around the idea of retiring.

Chan Ho Park won the fifth starter’s spot in spring training. In seven starts, he posted a 7.29 ERA and lost his starting spot to J.A Happ. Park moved to the bullpen, and was extremely effective, posting a 2.52 ERA. His role as a reliever was undefined. Sometimes we would eat two or three innings; in other situations he acted as a set-up man in close games. Like Eyre, Park is a free agent, and a return is uncertain.

For the second year in a row, Brett Myers was the Opening Day starter. However, Myers missed most of the season due to a hip injury. Myers beat the odds and returned from surgery before the season ended. He struggled at the end of the regular season and in the postseason, but his determination was still there. The Phillies already notified Myers that he will not be a Phillie in 2010.

After a few bullpen injuries, Tyler Walker’s contract was purchased from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Walker pitched well in 35.1 innings with the Phillies. He had a 3.06 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. He later earned trust from the skipper in close game situations.

Sergio Escalona had a busy travel schedule. The young lefty shuttled back and forth between the majors and minors. The 24-year old went 1-0 with a 4.61 ERA in 14 games.

Antonio Bastardo tore up the minor leagues before being called up to start. However, he struggled during his time in the majors. He had a 6.46 ERA, then was placed on the disabled list. In need of bullpen help, Bastardo made the NLDS and NLCS roster. Despite only pitching 0.1 innings in the postseason, the decision to add Bastardo to the postseason roster was bold, and showed that the Phillies think highly of him. The 23-year old has a hard fastball, a nasty slider and changeup, and the potential to be a good major league pitcher.

The Phillies needed a lefty, so they shopped Ronny Paulino to the San Francisco Giants for Jack Taschner. Taschner’s stay in Philadelphia wasn’t a pleasant one. He had a 4.91 ERA in 29 innings before getting the boot.

From the beginning of spring training, it was Kyle Kendrick’s goal to show that his sophomore slump was just a fluke. He didn’t win the final spot in the rotation, although he did make a few spot starts. Kendrick spent most of the season in Triple-A, only pitching 26.1 innings in the majors. He had a 3.42 ERA, but he was very inconsistent. Kendrick has another opportunity to redeem himself and win the fifth starter’s job in 2010.

The 2009 bullpen was recognized more for their reality show, “The Pen,” than anything else. The bullpen wasn’t the Phillies strong point like in 2008, however it was about average. They had guys like Park who could get the job done, but they also had guys like Taschner who couldn’t.

Phils Pick Up Lee's Option; Other Notes

The season just ended, but the Phillies kicked off the offseason with their first move.

The Phillies picked up Cliff Lee’s $9 million option for the 2010 season. No surprise here. There is still a possibility that Lee will be signed to a long term deal. The Phillies have not made a decision about Pedro Feliz’s $5 million option for next season.

Ruben Amaro has notified Brett Myers that he will not play for the Phillies in 2010. The right hander is officially a free agent.

There will be no coaching changes. Rich Dubee, Milt Thompson, Davy Lopes, Sam Perlozzo and Pete Mackanin will all stay on Charlie Manuel’s coaching staff. Again, no surprise here. This staff has done a phenomenal job.

Eyre is undecided if he will play next year, but will definitely need surgery to remove a loose body from his elbow. Lidge will be getting checked to see if he has the same injury. Ibanez will have an MRI on his groin, but he may also need surgery for a tear in his abdomen.

The Phillies contacted Chan Ho Park's agent about returning next season. Park was terrific out of the bullpen. But does he still have his eyes on starting?

NY Post and Myers

In case you didn't see today's New York Post, here is the cover:



As Shane said, "It's funny I have to be the guy. But at least my legs look good."

In other news, Brett Myers (or Meyers?) has been added to the World Series roster. The Phillies opted to go with 12 pitchers, leaving Miguel Cairo, a former Yankee, off the roster.

Myers, who was left off the National League Championship roster, made progress from a strained muscle. Ruben Amaro Jr. said that Myers “looked sharper.” Cairo went 0-for-5 during the playoffs this year.

In Yankees news, Eric Hinske has been added to the roster. Remember him?

QUOTE SOURCE: Susan Lulgjuraj's Twitter.

Myers to be Added to Roster?

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The Phillies have not made an official decision, but adding Brett Myers to the World Series roster is “a possibility we have to consider,” according to Ruben Amaro Jr. Adding Myers will depend on if the Phillies want to carry 12 pitchers instead of 11.

Myers walked two batters in 2/3 of an inning during the NLDS. He was left off the NLCS roster because he did not fully recover from a strained muscle in his throwing shoulder. Myers continues to make progress.

“His stuff is sharper. His breaking ball’s better. He was pretty crisp with
his location. He’s throwing better. And that’s a great sign,” Amaro said.

If the Phillies end up playing the Yankees in the World Series, the Phillies’ decision may become easier. He pitched eight innings against the Yankees in May allowing three runs. Additionally, he helped beat CC Sabathia in the NLDS. As Amaro said, “well, we know he can draw a walk.”

QUOTE SOURCE: ESPN

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.

Minor Moves

The Phillies made some minor transactions today:

• Paul Hoover was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. To make room for Hoover on the 40-man roster, catcher Joel Naughton was designated for assignment.

The 33-year-old catcher batted .253 with one home run with the IronPigs. The move adds another catcher to the September roster. He played in the majors last season with the Marlins. He batted .200 (8-for-40), and is a career .230 hitter. It's also notable that he does not have a Major League home run.

Naughton batted .240 with 7 HR and 34 RBI in Single-A Clearwater this season.

• The Phillies activated Antonio Bastardo from the 60-day disabled list. He was optioned to Double-A Reading. To make room for Bastardo, Steven Register was designated for assignment.

Bastardo was 2-3 with a 6.75 ERA in five starts with the Phillies. Register went 1-3 with a 3.20 ERA with the IronPigs. He pitched one game with the big club this season.

• Clay Condrey (left oblique strain) is scheduled to make a rehab assignment on Saturday.

Condrey, who has been on the DL since July 23, is 6-2 with a 3.41 ERA this season.

• Even though the postseason roster deadline is up, the Phillies may still have interest in Nomar Garciaparra, who cleared waivers a while ago.

The Phillies are in need of a right handed bat off the bench, and Nomar would provide that. He is currently with teh Oakland A's.

• Brett Myers will be activated tomorrow prior to the game against the Houston Astros.

Myers, who recovered from hip surgery, will likely start pitching in the 6th and 7th innings. Myers was 4-3 with a 4.66 ERA in 10 starts this year. In four rehab appearances, he pitched eight innings allowing one run. He struck out 14.

If this video doesn't get you pumped for the postseason, then I don't know what does. Bon Jovi, baseball, and oh yeah the reigning World Champs are featured several times.

Also, my mad photography skills were featured on the blog Who Does He Play For?

Myers Progressing Nicely

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Brett Myers could find himself in the Phillies bullpen sooner rather than later. Myers, who is recovering from hip surgery, got the save in a rehab appearance last night.

In two rehab appearances in Double-A Reading, Myers went 0-1, allowing one run in four innings. He struck out seven. Last night, he added two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

"It's good to be able to get out there, obviously," Myers said. "I haven't felt anything in the hip for about a month."

Myers topped 92 mph on the radar gun. He will pitch again today to see if he can go back-to-back days, the final step before returning.

UPDATE: Myers pitched a 1-2-3 inning on Wednesday night in Lehigh Valley. He threw 8 pitches: 6 strikes.

QUOTE SOURCE: Philly.com

Closing Options

Brad Lidge's time as a closer must be numbered. After last year, Lidge has been given a free pass, but it's time to rip it up. With nine blown saves, a 7.33 earned run average, and 1.80 walks and hits per innings pitched, he can't continue to be the Phillies closer. The Phillies have other options.

When Lidge was on the disabled list earlier this year, Ryan Madson took over as closer. However, he was also victimized. Madson has of record of 4-4 and is 4/8 in save opportunities. He has a 2.95 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. He strikes out 9.1 batters per nine. Overall, they are decent numbers, but most of his struggles have come as closer. While trying to adjust to his new role, perhaps he tried too hard. Giving him another chance is worth a shot.

Brett Myers went down with a hip injury, but is recovering faster than expected. There is a chance Myers will be back as a reliever. He has closing experience, in 2007, when he went 5-5 with a 2.87 ERA. He saved 21 games in 24 opportunities and opponents batted just .229 against him. As a closer, he was a whole different animal, striking out 64 in 53.1 innings.

With this being his contract year, Myers would like to make an impact any way he can. He has experience, and was successful at it. He loved it, and was upset with the Phillies converted him back to a starter the following year. Myers should not immediately jump into the closers role, but depending on his outings, he could find himself in the ninth inning.

Chan Ho Park, Chad Durbin, and others could close, but they aren't the best options. They have been successful in the roles they are currently in, especially Park. When J.C Romero returns, he would give the Phillies another option, but with the number of base runners he allows via walks, he probably won't fare well.

Charlie Manuel wants to "stick to his guy," but how many more blown saves will it take? After being the National Leagues' best closer in 2008, Lidge has been the worst closer in baseball this season, sporting the most blown saves and highest ERA of any reliever. As long as Lidge is pitching the way he currently is, he can not close. The best option is Madson or Myers, once he returns.

This post was edited by Pat Gallen. To see his point of view on Lidge, visit Phillies Nation.

Story Changes Again for Myers

Brett Myers lied again. Myers’ rehab appearance on Saturday was pushed back because he had a swollen eye. Initially, Myers claimed that he injured his eye while playing catch with his 4 year old son. A day later, the story changed; he said that he fell out of his truck and landed face flat. However, according to sources, the real story is that he was punched in the face.

“He’s a grown man; I’d like to see him be a professional,” Charlie Manuel said.
“At the same time, there’s not a whole lot I can do when he’s down in rehabbing
and getting ready to pitch. When he’s [in Philadelphia], my concern becomes
greater. I don’t want him to get in trouble.”

An altercation broke at the bar Myers was at out and witnesses originally said that he was not involved. Myers denies being in a physical altercation and police reports claim that Myers was only involved in a verbal dispute.

Myers, who is recovering from hip surgery, is scheduled for a rehab appearance in Clearwater on Thursday.

QUOTE SOURCE: PhillyBurbs

Blog of Note: Down on the Pharm has the latest on Daniel De La Cruz's no hitter. Cruz, a member of the Dominican Phillies, allowed only one baserunner (on an error) and struck out 12.

Black Eye Pushes Back Myers' Rehab

Brett Myers missed a rehab appearance due to a swollen eye. At first, he claimed that his 4 year old son hit him in the eye while playing catch. Then, the story changed.

A day later, Myers changed the story because he was "embarrassed" about what really happened. He felt bad about lying, so he admitted that he hurt his eye while falling out of his truck.

The night the injury occurred, Myers was at a bar with his friends. An altercation broke out. The incident included one of Brett's friends, however, Myers was not involved. Witnesses agree to this report. The bartender said he served Myers three beers and his eye was fine at the time.

In 2006, Brett Myers spent the night in jail after allegedly beating his wife. Since, Myers received counseling. After the black eye report, Myers knew what people would think, but his wife said that she did not hit him over the head with a frying pan.

The Fightins has "actual footage" of the injury. Myers is scheduled to throw a rehab appearance in the middle of the week.

Myers May Return

The Phillies have scouted Arizona's Chad Qualls over the weekend. This indicates that the Phillies are looking for bullpen help, but they could get it within their own system.

Brett Myers could return as early as mid-August... as a reliever. Myers is "way ahead of schedule" after having hip surgery on June 4, but won't be ready to throw 100 pitches.

"I knew in the back of my mind that I was going to be back this year, even when
they said my season was over," Myers said. "I had a feeling that everything was
going to be OK."

"I'm not pushing it," he said. "I'm not trying to go faster than I should. I'm doing what my body is telling me to do. And my body is telling me to work a little harder. I've been working on a slideboard for a week and a half. I'm not even supposed to be doing that until the eighth week."

Myers has bullpen experience. In 2007, he recoreded 21 saves. Myers has a bullpen session on Saturday, and if that goes well, he could report to Clearwater by Monday.

QUOTE SOURCE: Phillies.com

Ibanez & Injuries

Yesterday, Raul Ibanez was scheduled to make a rehab appearance in Reading. The Phillies said Ibanez had no setbacks, but his rehab start was pushed back to today. The rehab start will have to wait one more day as it was once again pushed back a day.

Ibanez has a workout today, and if it goes well, he could play in Reading tomorrow.

Also, Brett Myers was told he can begin throwing in two weeks after a follow up visit with the doctor. It is still a long shot that Myers will be able to return this season.

Even after his struggles, Cole Hamels insists that he is healthy.

Reyes Tears Hamstring & Other Injuries

Jose Reyes has a tear in his right hamstring. Reyes, who was already on the disabled list with a calf strain, felt pain behind his right knee while playing in an extended spring training game.

An MRI revealed a tear. Reyes will know more about the injury Friday, but will rest for at least two days then undergo treatment.

The Mets have lost Ryan Church, Carlos Delgado, Angel Pagan, Oliver Perez, and Billy Wagner are all on the 15 day disabled list with Reyes. Carlos Beltran has also missed time because of a stomach virus. J.J Putz is also having elbow problems.

In other injury news, Shane Victorino, who sat out Thursday's lineup, has a hip injury and is day-to day. The Phillies will know more later about the injury, but Victorino doesn't think its serious.

Brett Myers had successful hip surgery on Thursday and will begin rehab on Saturday and begin long tossing in three months.

Call of the day: In 2006, Jimmy Rollins hit an inside the park home run against his good friend, Dontrelle Willis.

"There's a hit to center field. Ruiz- Oh! It gets by De Aza!
Ruiz scores! Brett Myers is going to score. Watch JRoll fly! He
might try it! He's going to! Here he comes! It is an inside the park home
run! Jimmy Rollins!"

Myers Injures Hip; Likely Done for '09

Brett Myers' hip has been bothering him off and on throughout the years, but more recently for the past month or so. However, it wasn't bad enough to keep him out of any games. But on Wednesday, Myers irritated his hip after throwing a pitch, and left the game.

What Myers described as a "pinch" turned out to be fraying and possible tearing of the hip labrum, a similar injury to Alex Rodriguez and Chase Utley. X-rays after the game also revealed bone spurring in his right hip joint.

"I am going to explore every option I need to," Myers said. "Keep pitching, but
if he tells me, 'It’s over, you need to have [surgery] now or you could cause
damage,' I will have it. I have to. It's a no brainer. If he tells me rehab and
anti-inflammatory medicine will take care of it, I’ll pitch through it."

Myers will likely undergo surgery and recovery time is about 4-6 months. Myers, a free agent after the 2009 season, likely has thrown his last pitch as a Phillie.

Hip injuries have been the popular injury this season. Beside A-Rod and Utley, Carlos Delgado and Alex Gordon have had hip problem this year.

QUOTE SOURCE: The Phillies Zone

Homer Happy

The new Yankee Stadium has been a hitting paradise since it opened. In 22 games, there have been 82 home runs at the new ballpark. The Philadelphia Phillies proved why its a hitter's park, smashing four home runs to lift them over the New York Yankees, 7-3, snapping the Bronx Bombers' 9 game winning streak.

On the first pitch of the game, Jimmy Rollins hit a solo shot to the short porch in right giving the Phillies a 1-0 lead. The next batter, Chase Utley, was plunked which looked to be intentional. Myers responded by throwing behind Derek Jeter on the first pitch he threw which led to a warning for both sides. Nothing happened after, except more home runs off the Phillies bats.

Carlos Ruiz, Jayson Werth, and Raul Ibanez each homered for the Phils. Ibanez hit his major league leading 16th home run off Chein-Ming Wang, a monster shot to the right of center field above the Yankees bullpen.

Brett Myers was excellent in the eight innings he pitched. He allowed three earned runs, all on solo home runs. He struck out five, allowed eight hits but did not walk a batter.

Burnett, who signed a 5 year $82.5 million contract during the offseason, allowed five earned runs in six innings of work, raising his ERA to 5.28.

The Phillies called up John Mayberry Jr. after the game, who could serve as the designated hitter. To make room for him, Sergio Escolona was sent back to Triple-A.

Victorino's Salami Caps Comeback

Call of the day: Talk about irony. Before the Phillies game even started, I picked out the "call of the day" clip. I already had it saved on blogger, typed up. Today's "call of the day" happened with Shane Victoirno nearly 26 years later. The same count, number of outs, outcome and everything.

In April of 1983, the Phillies trailed the Mets, but came back to win with the help of Bo Diaz.

"...the 2-1 pitch... Swing and a Long Drive! Deep left field! A grand slam! The
Phillies, have won the game! Unbelievable! Bo Diaz, a grand slam home run and
the Phillies have won the game, in the ninth."

I had to start with the call of the day. I usually leave it for last, but with the extremely odd and ironic similarities and the fact that I had it ready prior to the game evern started, it had to be first. And that was basically the story for the Phillies.

In the first inning, Dan Uggla blasted a three run home run giving the Florida Marlins a 3-0 lead, that would last until the 9th. The home run would be the 15th straight game a Phillies starter allowed a home run, a major league record.

Josh Johnson pitched 7 shutout innings allowing just 3 hits and 2 walks. He struck out 8. After the first inning, Myers settled down a bit and was able to get out of jams. He allowed 8 hits and walked 6 batters, and struck out five.

In the ninth inning, it looked to be another rough day for the Phillies offense. However, Jayson Werth doubled, Raul Ibanzed singled, and Matt Stairs hit an RBI single to put the Phillies on the board. Matt Lindstom walked Lou Marson and Jimmy Rollins for Victorino, who did his best NLDS impression. He hit a grand slam home run giving the Phillies the lead. Chase Utley hit his fifth home run of the year, capping a 7 spot in the 9th inning for the Phillies.

Biggest 9th inning comeback against the Marlins? Big comeback for the 2009 Phillies, yes. But in 2005, the Phillies put up a 10 spot in the 9th against the Fish after trailing 2-0 after many Marlins mistakes. Victorino was apart of the rally then, and he was again on Friday.

Streak Over

It had to end sometime. Brad Lidge's consecutive streak ended at 47, not including the postseason, the third longest streak in major league history.

Raul Ibanez gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead in the second, but it was erased by Adrian Gonzalez's two run home run an inning later.

After that, starter Brett Myers allowed just one more run. In 6.2 innings, he allowed three earned runs on six hits and four walks as he struck out six. Myers even helped himself with the bat, like he did during the 2008 postseason. He ripped a double off the right field wall, tossing the bat like he thought it was gone. He score a run, putting the Phillies within a run.

Ryan Howard tied the game at 3 with his second home run of the year. But it didn't take long for the Padres to regain the lead. In the eighth, Nick Hundley's RBI double off Ryan Madson put the Padres ahead.

However, Chase Utley's third home run of the season tied the game in the bottom of the eighth and Pedro Feliz his a sacrifice fly to give the Phillies a 5-4 lead.

Going into the ninth inning, things looked good for the Phillies with Mr. Perfect coming onto the mound. Tom McCarthy announced that Lidge had completed 47 consecutive save opportunities, and that was the end of it.

Scott Hairston got a pinch hit double, and scored on Brian Giles' ground ball to tie the game. The Phils played the tie, with the infield in, but it wouldn't matter because Lidge allowed two more baserunners and with two outs, Kevin Kouzmanoff smashed a three run home run.

Lidge would receive a standing ovation as the Phillies Phaithful recognized his streak, and that he is only human.


Heath Bell would not blow a save, as he completed his 7th save of the year and the Padres went onto win, 8-5.

Call of the day: It wasn't his most recognizable call, but to Lou Marson, it meant the world.

"Well hit, Marson is going to hit a home run. Outta Here! Lou Marson in his
major league debut has slugged a homer."

"I remember hearing the call," Marson recalled after being asked of Kalas'
call. "It was definitely an honor and was very special to me."

Bats Come Alive in Phils Win

Brett Myers earned the win as the Phillies beat the Colorado Rockies, 8-4. Myers is now 7-0 lifetime against the Rockies, and 5-0 at Coors Field.

The Rockies took a 2-0 lead in the second on Troy Tulowitzki's third home run of the season. Ryan Howard responded with a bases clearing double off Jorge De La Rosa with two outs, giving the Phillies a 3-2 lead.

Garrett Atkins tied the game in the fourth inning with a solo home run, but Jayson Werth hit a two-run triple to give the Phillies a lead.

For the first time all season, the Phillies managed to have a starter last longer than five innings. Myers pitched 7 innings despite allowing three home runs for his second straight start. Myers struck out six and allowed four hits while walking one.

The Phillies pounded out 15 hits including Raul Ibanez's second home run of the season. Chase Utley and Pedro Feliz would later have RBI of their own.

Opening Day Loss: A Phillies Tradition

The Phillies lost to the Atlanta Braves 4-1, the fourth year in a row they lost Opening Day.

Festivities took place before the game including player introductions and the raising of the 2008 World Championship banner. But the Phillies that played in Sunday's game didn't look like the same team that beat the Tampa Bay Rays last October.

Brett Myers allowed 4 runs on 8 hits in 6 innings of work. He wasn't able to establish his fastball or changeup early, and in result threw 3 home runs to Brian McCann, Jeff Franceour (who is developing a new batting stance), and Jordan, or Logan as refered to by Jon Miller, Schafer (first home run in first major league at-bat to become the 99th player in MLB history). (Thank you Joe Morgan and Miller for the repetition).

Fingers will be pointed at Myers for the loss, but he didn't pitch as bad as the line may seem. After the first two innings, he threw four scoreless innings. Because his changeup and fastball were ineffective, he wasn't able to throw his deadly curveball as much, which was the only pitch working for him Sunday night.

Myers made the batters hit their way on; he allowed just one walk and struck out 6.

The real story was the offense, which was shut down by Derek Lowe for eight innings. The Phillies managed just two hits off Lowe in his eight shut out innings, who was able to get Phillies out via ground balls.

Mike Gonzalez made it interesting in the ninth inning when Eric Brunlett had a pinch hit double to leadoff the inning. He scored to make it a 4-1 game, and eventually the tying run, Ryan Howard, was at the plate with two men on base and one out. However, Howard struck out, as did Raul Ibanez to end the game.

Losing on opening day shouldn't be a shock. The Phillies are 60-65-2 on Opening Day. They won't be undefeated, but they can stil go 161-1.

PHOTO COURTESY: Phillies.com