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.