Phils force Game 6; bring series back to Philadelphia

The Phillies were down to their last life last night, but managed to pull out a 4-2 victory over a Giants team that, for the first time in the series, made serious errors that contributed to their defeat. The first instance came in the 3rd inning, when Roy Halladay attempted to bunt Raul Ibanez and Carlos Ruiz over to 3rd and
2nd base, respectively. When Halladay bunted the ball, however, it was called fair though clearly behind the plate, meaning it should have been called foul. Giants catcher Buster Posey grabbed the ball and threw down to third, attempting to throw out Raul Ibanez, but third baseman Pablo Sandoval was pulled off the bag by the throw. Sandoval then threw Halladay out at first after he stood at the plate wondering why the ball was called fair in the first place. Shane Victorino then proceeded to hit a shot past first baseman Aubrey Huff, allowing both Ibanez and Ruiz to score, giving the Phillies a lead that they would not give up for the rest of the game. After Ryan Madson struck out the heart of the Giants order in the bottom of the 8th inning, Jayson Werth blasted a home run to right field, giving the Phillies, and Brad Lidge, a two run cushion for the bottom of the 9th inning. Lidge threw a spotless bottom of the 9th, and the Phillies showed signs of life in what may be the turning point of the series. The series moves back home to Philadelphia, with Roy Oswalt facing off against Jonathan Sanchez on Saturday in a do or die Game 6situation for the Phils.

Oswalt leads Phils to 6-1 victory, evens series at 1 game apiece

Roy Oswalt has a history of coming through in the League Championship Series. The National League Championship Series MVP in 2005 with the Houston Astros, Oswalt came out Sunday night firing, and went 8 strong innings, allowing 3 hits and just one run against a struggling San Francisco offense. In addition, Oswalt scored one of the Phils' six runs on a Polanco RBI single, in which he ran right through the stop sign put up by third base coach Sam Perlozzo. The Phillies would tack on three insurance runs on a bases loaded double hit by Jimmy Rollins in the 7th inning, putting the Phillies up 6-1. Roy Oswalt and Ryan Madson would not give up another run for the remainder of the game, giving the Phillies a much needed home victory, and evening the series at 1-1. Game 3 will take place at 4:19 p.m. on Tuesday, with Cole Hamels going against Giants' pitcher Matt Cain.

Lincecum outduels Halladay, Giants go up 1-0 in series

The Phillies could not seem to capitalize on any opportunities in Game 1 of the League Championship Series against the San Francisco Giants. Tim Lincecum, the winner of the National League Cy Young Award the past two seasons, went 7 innings, giving up 6 hits and 3 runs while striking out 8 batters. Roy Halladay, on the other hand, went 7 innings, giving up 8 hits and 4 runs while striking out 7 batters. Though both pitchers did not necessarily exceed expectations, they both nevertheless pitched decent games. The long ball was a dominant factor in the game, as Cody Ross, the Giants outfielder, hit two homeruns against Halladay, and Jayson Werth and Carlos Ruiz each hit homeruns to right field against Lincecum. Relief pitchers for both teams did outstanding jobs, as no runs were scored after the starting pitchers exited the game. Brian Wilson, the Giants closer, recorded a 4 out save to give the Giants a 4-3 victory, and with it, a 1-0 series lead against the reigning two time National League Champions.

Roy Oswalt and Jonathan Sanchez face off tonight in Game 2 of the series at 8:00 p.m. on FOX.

Bring on the Giants!

Last night, the Phillies learned that they will face off against the National League West Champion San Francisco Giants in the Championship Series to determine who will reach the World Series. After seeing Cole Hamels' masterful performance in the Game 3 clincher against the Reds, I cannot see how the Phillies lose this series. With Halladay, Oswalt, and Hamels all pitching extremely well (though Oswalt did struggle a little bit), the Phillies should sweep by a San Francisco team that had difficulty with a struggling Atlanta Braves team that could not make it through a game without committing a deadly error. While Lincecum may win in his start over Halladay, Oswalt should win his start against Jonathan Sanchez (projected) and Cole Hamels should win his start against Matt Cain (projected). If the Phillies can take two out of the first three, Halladay will without a doubt be able to clinch the series in a prospective Game 4 situation. That being said, Bring on the Giants!

Phils capatilize on Reds errors, go up 2-0 in series

The Philadelphia Phillies did not play their best in a Friday night victory over the Cincinnati Reds, but did manage to get the win thanks to numerous errors made by the Reds. Though Cincinnati had been one of the best defensive teams in the league during the regular season, they managed to accumulate four errors throughout the duration of the game, including a costly play where Reds Right fielder Jay Bruce lost a fly ball hit by Jimmy Rollins in the lights, allowing Chase Utley, who went 2-4 with 2 RBI, and Jayson Werth to score and giving the Phillies the lead in the seventh inning. Though the Phillies were down 4-0 early, they fought back throughout the entire game and broke through in the seventh inning, taking a 6-4 lead. They would tack on another run in the eighth inning on an RBI single by Jayson Werth. Brad Lidge came on in the ninth inning and closed out the game for his first save of the 2010 postseason, looking very good in the process. The Phils will go for the series sweep Sunday in Cincinnati at 7:00 p.m.

Quick Note: Best Actor Award goes to Chase Utley, for his fine performance in his at bat vs. Aroldis Chapman. (Utley faked getting hit by a pitch that was dangerously close to actually hitting his hand, and was awarded first base due to the performance).

Halladay throws no-hitter, puts Phils up 1-0 over Reds

Roy Halladay certainly did not disappoint in his first career postseason start, throwing a no-hitter against a Cincinnati Reds team that came into the game with the best offense in the National League. Halladay only gave up one walk (to Jay Bruce) and struck out 8 while throwing only 104 pitches. On the offense, Shane Victorino delivered a bases loaded double that brought in two runs and Roy Halladay had an RBI single, both in the second inning, while Chase Utley had a sacrifice fly to bring in a run in the first inning. Though only scoring four runs, the Phils, specifically Roy Halladay, definitely proved that they can and will beat the Cincinnati Reds in this series.

It's the Reds

As the Regular Season came to a close yesterday, the Phillies finally found out that they will indeed play the Cincinatti Reds in the Divisional Series of the Playoffs. The complete schedule for the NLDS is posted below:

Oct 6 · Reds at Phillies · 5:07 PM ET
Oct 8 · Reds at Phillies · 6:07 PM ET
Oct 10 · Phillies at Reds · 12:00 PM ET
Oct 11 · Phillies at Reds · 12:00 PM ET
Oct 13 · Reds at Phillies · 12:00 PM ET

Halladay will go for Game 1 for the Phils, followed by Roy Oswalt in Game 2 and Hamels in Game 3. Should the Series go longer, Halladay and Oswalt would make starts again.

PHILS CLINCH!

Last night, the Phillies not only clinched their fourth straight National League East Title, but also clinched the best record in the National League, guaranteeing the team home field advantage throughout the duration of the playoffs, including the World Series. As far as last night's 8-0 win over the Nationals, Roy Halladay threw a complete game, two hit shutout for his 21st win of the year, and Jayson Werth went for three hits and four RBI in another dominant offensive outing by the Phils.

While I will not be posting any more daily updates due to the clinching of the division, stay tuned for other updates and analysis, and as always, GO PHILS!

Phils lose, yet decrease Magic Number to 1

Sunday afternoon's game vs. the New York Mets seems to have Philly fans worried about the team yet again. Cole Hamels, who had been lights out the entire month of September, gave up 5 runs in 4+ innings of work as the Mets defeated the Phillies 7-3, preventing the Phils from clinching the National League East title at home this season. Many fans seem to be worried considering the Phils lost a series against a New York Mets team that has had a less than stellar season (76-79), yet we should remember that since the Braves lost, the Phils magic number decreased to 1 anyway. A Braves loss, or a Phillies win, will lock up the Phils 4th consecutive division title, a great accomplishment that should not be tainted because of one series against the Mets. Quite frankly, the fact that the team stumbled against the Mets is a good sign; if anything, it should make it easier for the Phils to get hot again, just in time for the Playoffs.

Phils fall to Mets, Magic Number remains at 2

Last night, Kyle Kendrick gave the Phils their first loss in their last 12 games as he gave up 4 earned runs in a 5-2 Mets victory. Though Kendrick sailed through most of the game, he hit a slump in the 7th inning and would ultimately be responsible for loading the bases. Though releiver Chad Durbin allowed a bases clearing double, Kendrick was nevertheless responsible for the runs. The Phils' only two runs came off of a 2 run Ryan Howard home run early in the game. Atlanta defeated the Nationals earlier in the day, therefore reduced the Phillies' lead in the division to 6 games. If Atlanta loses Sunday and Philadelphia wins, the Phils' will still be able to clinch the division at home. If not, oh well!

Phils defeat Mets, reduce Magic Number to 2

Last night, the Phillies defeated the New York Mets 3-2 in a relatively tight game. Joe Blanton, the Phils' starter, gave up 2 earned runs through 7 innings pitched, striking out six Mets in the process. Shane Victorino hit his 18th homerun of the year, and accounted for 2 out of the 3 Phillies runs. Carlos Ruiz drove in the other. Brad Lidge came in and, despite allowing a runner to get to third, was able to retire the Mets for his 27th save of the year. The Braves were defeated by the Washington Nationals, meaning if Atlanta loses Saturday, the Phillies will have a chance to clinch the Division with a win over the Mets. Kyle Kendrick (10-9, 4.78 ERA) will be on the mound, facing Mets Rookie Dillon Gee, who is 1-1 with a 1.80 ERA this season. As always, check back here for post game analysis, and possibly, celebration.

Oswalt puts Phils up 6 games in division

On Wednesday night, Roy Oswalt continued the Phillies recent line of success by pitching 7 innings, giving up no earned runs and only allowing one hit in the Phils' 1-0 win over the Atlanta Braves. The win puts the Phillies up 6 games in the division and reduces their "magic number" to a mere four games. Should Philadelphia win their next two games and Atlanta lose their next two, the division could be clinched this Saturday against the New York Mets. The Phils have off Thursday, but are back in action Friday night with Joe Blanton going up against R.A. Dickey and the New York Mets. Check back here after the game for a recap and analysis.

Halladay wins 20th game, puts Phils up 5 over Braves.

Last night, Roy Halladay won his 20th game; the first Phillie to do so since Steve Carlton in 1982. Halladay threw 7 innings, giving up 3 earned runs and striking out 3. Offensively, Jayson Werth hit a 3 run home run (#25 on the year), and Raul Ibanez had a key 2 run double to secure the Phillies 5-3 victory. The Phillies increased their lead in the division to 5 games, and have decreased their magic number to 6 games. 6 days from now, the Phillies could very well be the 2010 NL East Champions.

Hamels comes through. Again.

Last night, Phillies fans everywhere got their first taste of "October Baseball". Cole Hamels has finally returned to form, going 8 innings and only giving up six hits and 1 run, and while the offense stuttered last night, has largely returned to its legendary form. The Phillies continue to prove to us that they are capable of winning the games that count, and have cut down the "magic number" to 8 games, meaning they need to win 8 more games to secure the National League East. Tonight, the Phils will send Roy Halladay to the mound (19-10, 2.49 ERA) to face rookie Mike Minor, who is 3-1 with a 5.84 ERA. Should the Phils win tonight, they will increase their lead in the division to 5 games, and in the process, make the likelihood of a comeback by an unexperienced Atlanta Braves team more unlikely. Check back here after the game for analysis.