HK Inducted; Phils Can't Win

Also posted on Phillies Nation.

"Harry never swung a bat or threw a pitch, or wore a uniform, but most likely, he had a more profound effect on Phillies baseball than any of us," Michael Jack Schmidt said in a beautiful pre-game ceremony inducting Harry Kalas into the Wall of Fame.

Thanks to technology and video archives, Kalas' own voice introduced Phillies legends as they walked onto the field. The start of Alumni Weekend brought out many former Phillies stars, but it didn't bring out the current Phillies bats.

The Florida Marlins jumped on Joe Blanton early. Larry Bowa's nephew, and newly acquired Marlin, Nick Johnson, homered to give the Fish a 1-0 lead. In the same inning, Raul Ibanez misplayed Dan Uggla's double which drove in another run. An inning later, Cody Ross homered and the Marlins were up by three.

After his early struggles, Blanton settled down. Those were the only three runs he allowed in 6.2 innings. He allowed eight hits, walked one, and struck out four.

The Phillies had a perfect opportunity to score after Ryan Howard led off the second inning with a double. Ibanez singled, and Howard was waved by Sam Perlozzo. For whatever reason, Howard stopped at third even though he clearly could have scored since Hanley Ramirez bobbled the ball. Ricky Nolasco got the next two batters, Ben Francisco and Greg Dobbs. Then, he unintentionally-intentionally walked Carlos Ruiz to get to Blanton and load the bases. Nolasco escaped without damage.

Francisco, who started in place of Shane Victorino (quad), made it a ballgame again with a left field home run into the flower bed. Before he homered, Francisco threw a runner out at home plate. It wasn't enough as the hitting woes continued. With two on and one out in the eighth, Howard struck out and Ibanez grounded out. The Phils left six men on base and were 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

The Phillies were lucky that the bullpen kept the game close. With a runner on second in the ninth inning, Scott Eyre struck out Chris Coghlan on a wild pitch, but Ruiz failed to throw to first for the final out. It led to a bases loaded jam. Thankfully, Tyler Walker struck out Hanley Ramirez, avoiding further damage.

It took Leo Nunez five pitches to convert the save, securing the Marlins 3-2 win. It was a great night to honor the legacy of Harry Kalas, but the game did not go the way the Phillies would've liked.

QUOTE SOURCE: Phillies.com

Marlins/Phils Open Alumni Weekend

For full gameday, visit Phillies Nation.

Florida Marlins (55-53) play at Philadelphia Phillies (61-45).

Ricky Nolasco (7-7, 5.00 ERA) starts vs. Joe Blanton (7-5, 4.02 ERA).

The Phillies open Alumni Weekend by inducting the legendary Harry Kalas into the Wall of Fame prior to tonight's game. Many Phillies legends from the past will be in town to celebrate the legacy of the late great, Harry Kalas.

Joe Blanton has been an inning eater. Since May 21, Big Joe is 5-2 with a 2.33 ERA. He has been a lot better since the beginning of the season when his ERA was over seven. The way he has been pitching lately, it is shocking that his ERA was once that high.

Speaking of high earned run averages, Ricky Nolasco gets the start for the Fish. Like, Blanton, Nolasco struggled at the beginning of the season. Nolasco was sent down to the minors, but since his re-call he has been dominant. He faced the Phillies earlier in the season and gave up four runs in six innings.

The Phillies have a seven game lead over the second place Marlins, so this is the perfect opportunity for the Phillies to add to their lead. The Phillies can't let the Marlins gain any ground. Like every game since the middle of April, listening to this game won't be the same. Kalas is missed. Let's get a win for him tonight.

Call of the Day: Shane Victorino's disputed home run in 2008.

"Shane lines it deep to left. Fair or foul? It is a fair ball! Outta
Here! Victorino with a two-run home run and the Phillies are on the board.
It is now a four to two game!"

*Looks at replay* "Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow." *laughs* "It is a foul
ball. Cantu had a good look at it at third base. He immediately went
to Dale Scott. It was the third base umpire who called the ball
fair."

(Chris Wheeler says that Phils catch a break) "Yes sir, and the Phillies
get two runs."

Round 2: Philet the Phish

For full gameday, visit Phillies Nation.

The Philadelphia Phillies (49-38) are at the Florida Marlins (46-45).

Cole Hamels (5-5, 4.87 ERA) starts vs. Ricky Nolasco (6-7, 5.76 ERA).

After a steady increase in workload over the past few years, Cole Hamels was given an extra day to rest his arm. In his first start of the second half, Hamels hopes to build consistency. Hamels got the no-decision in his last outing despite allowing three home runs. Hamels is 2-4 with a 4.15 ERA in eight career starts against the Marlins. He hasn't beaten the Marlins since September 2006, but playing in a pitcher-oriented yard should help Hamels get back on track.

Ricky Nolasco struggled at the beginning of the season, so the Marlins optioned him to Triple-A to work things out. Despite a shaky start in his last outing, he must have solved his problems; he is 4-2 with a 2.68 ERA since returning to the Major Leagues. Nolasco is 4-3 with a 4.25 ERA against the Phillies in his career.

A win will not only increase the Phillies winning streak, but increase their lead in the division over the second-place Marlins.