Phillies Network

Photo by Kevin Durso

The Phillies are coming off the weirdest, wildest, craziest game of the season. The best thing that could happen tonight would be to open this series with a win where the pitching does it all. Perhaps a 1-0 shutout is in store from the Phillies, but we could always go for another 12-run outburst. The Phillies face the Milwaukee Brewers, who sit in fourth in the NL Central. The Phillies, meanwhile, enter tonight just two games back of the Braves in the NL East, and two games up on the Giants in the Wildcard. In other words, every game from here for the Phillies is meaningful and huge in it’s own way, and now that the Phillies have established a healthy win streak, it needs to carry over here.

The Brewers boast some power in their offense, as Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder are the keys in their offense. At one point, the offensive power of the lineup was Corey Hart, but he has tapered off since the All-Star break. Still, watch him and some of the other Brewers’ young talent, including Casey McGehee and Rickie Weeks, closely. They can hurt you with the bats as well. The pitching matchup feature two of the Phillies’ big guns against a struggling Brewers’ rotation.

In the opener, Cole Hamels (8-10, 3.31 ERA) faces Chris Capuano (2-2, 5.06 ERA). Hamels dealt an eight-inning shutout his last time out to finally get a win. Capuano returned to the starter’s role last Saturday, and didn’t fare well, allowing six runs and exiting before the fourth inning. In his career against the Phillies, Capuano is 0-1 with a 3.54 ERA.

In the middle game, Roy Halladay (16-10, 2.27 ERA) takes the mound against Dave Bush (7-11, 4.71 ERA). Halladay lost his last start despite allowing just three runs. Bush went seven innings on Sunday, the first time he’s gone that deep into a game since June. In his career against the Phillies, Bush is 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA.

In the finale, Kyle Kendrick (9-7, 4.72 ERA) toes the rubber against Randy Wolf (10-10, 4.76 ERA). Kendrick allowed four runs over five innings to the Dodgers, but still led the Phillies to a win. Wolf allowed three runs in five innings in a loss to the Reds. In his career against the Phillies, Wolf is 1-2 with a 5.79 ERA.

The Phillies finish off the homestand following their series with the Brewers by facing the Marlins. Monday will be a day-night doubleheader, with games at 1 P.M. and 7 P.M. They also play Tuesday and Wednesday against the Marlins. Thursday is an off day for the Phillies, before heading to New York to face the Mets in a three-game, weekend series.

AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez

When the dust finally settled on the four-hour affair, there were 23 run, 35 hits, 3 errors, 14 pitchers used, and thousands of years chopped off the lives of Phillies’ fans. But, when the dust settled, the Phillies were winners, the Braves were losers, and the division lead had shrunk to two. But, before that, that was a crazy game in Colorado last night.

The Rockies got to Joe Blanton in the second. Chris Iannetta hit a three-run shot to open the scoring. That was followed by a solo shot by Dexter Fowler, and the Rockies were up four early. The Phillies chipped away in the fourth with an RBI single by Raul Ibanez. Again in the fifth, a run scored on a sac fly by Chase Utley. Blanton gave both runs right back in the fifth. Carlos Gonzalez went deep for a solo shot, and another run scored on an RBI single by Seth Smith. The Phillies scored a run in the sixth, when Mike Sweeney was hit by a pitch on the hands with the bases loaded. No word on Sweeney’s condition as of yet. Jimmy Rollins spoiled the rally, grounding into a double play to end the threat. The Rockies made the Phillies pay for it, scoring another run on an infield single in the sixth. In the seventh, the Phillies pulled off an amazing rally. Placido Polanco led off the inning with a double. He scored on a double by Utley. Ryan Howard cut the lead to one with a two-run shot. Jayson Werth followed tying it with a solo shot. Shane Victorino singled with one out. Brian Schneider followed with a single. Ben Francisco followed with an RBI single. Jimmy Rollins followed with a single. Chase Utley put the nail in the coffin, blasting a grand slam. Or so we thought it was the nail in the coffin. That’s because the Rockies followed with a three-spot in the seventh, and it was a two-run game. In the ninth, Brad Lidge was on to close, and allowed one run to score. But, with the tying run on second, he forced a groundout that ended the game, and gave the Phillies a 12-11 win.

What a crazy game! There is not much more to say about it than that. Give credit to the offense, who rallied from behind, and let the Phillies gain a game in the standings. Still, the pitching was terrible last night, as not one pitcher looked dominant.  The Phillies’ fielding lacked as well, as several plays were booted, missed, or blown due to mishaps. Luckily for the Phillies, the Rockies had the same problem. This looked more like a game you’d see in Little League. But, this really was a September baseball game at the highest level of baseball. All this to make up a game that was snowed out in May. I guess they just don’t do things the easy way in Colorado, but as long as the Phillies escape with the win, no one will care in the end.

The Phillies head home to face the Brewers in a three-game series. They also host the Marlins for four games, including a day-night doubleheader Monday, at Citizens Bank Park.

AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee

Phillies’ fans don’t keep track of every visiting player that passes through Citizens Bank Park, but certain players leave their mark on this city, usually in a negative way, that makes us never forget them. August 21st was Nyjer Morgan’s day to earn that mark. Morgan was recently suspended for seven games by Major League Baseball for intentionally throwing a ball into the stands at Citizens Bank Park, which injured a fan. Morgan appealed the suspension, which still didn’t have a ruling going into last night. By that point, Morgan had already left his mark on several teams, and their catchers.

After the incident in Philly, Morgan was in some trouble in St. Louis. Morgan was rounding third, and heading home with the third run on what appeared to be a three-run double. Next thing you know, Cardinals’ catcher Bryan Anderson is nearly knocked clean off his feet, with the ball still several yards from the plate. Morgan missed home plate because of that, and was ruled out when Ivan Rodriguez tried to direct him back to home plate (Major League rules state an active baserunner may not be touched by a teammate until the play is dead).

Two days ago, the Marlins and Nationals are locked in a scoreless game in the tenth. Morgan is on second when Adam Kennedy chops a slow roller to second. The Marlins can’t turn a double play, but Hanley Ramirez notices Morgan breaking for home. He fires to catcher Brett Hayes, who, all of a sudden, gets flattened by Morgan. If Morgan slides, he would be safe at home with the game’s first run, but instead, he slams the catcher. Hayes was hurt on the play, and is now out for the season with a separated shoulder. Tension is now high between the two clubs.

Last night, all that tension was released in the only way it can be. Chris Volstad was starting for the Marlins, and, defending his teammate, throws at Morgan’s ribs in the fourth inning of a 14-3 game. So, with the Marlins up by 11 runs, no harm in taking revenge then. Except Morgan doesn’t feel satisfied in accepting his retalitation. He steals second, and flops into the bag, ready to take out the next Marlin. He goes into third the same way. In the sixth, Volstad fired behind Morgan’s back, and the fists went flying. Morgan charged the mound, and fired a punch at Volstad. Volstad eluded Morgan’s blow, fired one back, and got some help from behind him, as first baseman Gaby Sanchez clothes-lined Morgan. From that, several players went to the ground, and punches continued to be thrown. Morgan was ejected for this, and exited the field as if he’d just won a wrestling match. So, now comes the real test for baseball: giving Nyjer Morgan a proper punishment.

If it was fully up to me, Nyjer Morgan’s season, down to just under 30 games now, would be over for good. Baseball normally doesn’t hand out suspensions of that caliber for anything other than steroid use, so, at the very least, I’d appreciated an added seven or eight games to his seven already. After those antics, there’s no way he’s weaseling his way out of his first suspension, which is likely to be upheld. That’s not the important part of this decision for baseball. If baseball paid any attention to this, they’d understand how much ruckus this guy has caused in the course of two weeks. From the baseball in the stands, to the plowing of innocent catchers, to the spark of last night’s brawl, to his reaction leaving the field. And all of it is unacceptable. Baseball’s had it’s fair share of brawls over the years, but usually nothing that magnifies past a war of words and gestures, with some shoving involved. It was the punches that upset me the most, and the way Morgan reacted afterward. Give the Marlins credit, every single one of them. Edwin Rodriguez, for allowing his pitcher to go through with the plunkings in the first place. Chris Volstad, for not tolerated Morgan’s antics any further, and standing his ground as Morgan charged his territory. Gaby Sanchez, for defending his teammate. In the same way, the Nationals need to be penalized for this. Jim Riggleman, for not accepting Morgan’s stupidity on one night, but calling it acceptable last night. For Pat Listach, the third-base coach, for piling on top of the players, when his job as coach is to break up the melle. For Morgan himself, for everything he’s done to the image of baseball the past few games. It is an all-out disgrace to the game, and should not be tolerated. Let’s see how Selig handles this one, because baseball will be making a big mistake if they don’t give Morgan his just punishment. (Note: Video to all of Morgan’s antics, other than the incident in Philly, are linked to their sections. There is no video to the incident at CBP because it occured in between innings when the cameras weren’t rolling.)

AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

The Phillies’ bats are on the fast track to returning. At this point, it may not even be the number of hits they get in a game, or even the runs they score. Last night, the Phillies hit a pair of three-run home runs, the first time that’s happened since June 29. Today, the same lineup combined for ten hits, six of them for extra bases. The hits aren’t coming in huge bunches anymore, but when they do come, they are getting bigger, and in this case, bigger is better.

The Phillies jumped on the board quickly, in fact, two pitches into the game. Jimmy Rollins ripped his 35th career leadoff home run into the left field bleachers. It was his second leadoff shot this season, the first coming at the dawn of the season, off current teammate Roy Oswalt. That was then, and this is now for Roy Oswalt, who worked hard for his outs, but, despite a high pitch count, carried a no-hitter into the sixth. While working his gem, he got more run support. Shane Victorino went deep to lead off the second, and Chase Utley doubled home a run in the seventh. Oswalt lost the no-no with two outs in the sixth. Oswalt did walk six in his outing, his sixth walk coming after 6.1 innings. He still finished with 6.1 solid innings, allowing just one hit, striking out six, and walking six. J.C. Romero entered and forced a double play to end the frame. In the eighth, Ryan Madson allowed a run on a deep single by James Loney with one out. But, he too got the next batter to ground into a double play, ending the threat. In the ninth, the Phillies put it out of reach. With one out, Domonic Brown doubled. He scored on an RBI single by Jimmy Rollins. Rollins would score on an RBI double by Chase Utley, and that stretched the lead to four. Brad Lidge struck out two in a hit-less ninth, and the Phillies finished off the Dodgers by a score of 5-1.

The Phillies’ offense looks like they may be on their way back. It’s still too early, as two games won’t tell the whole story, to fully proclaim the offense is rolling on all cylinders, but several players are looking like the threats they were when the season started. Last night, Carlos Ruiz and Ryan Howard were the offensive powers. Today, look no further than the top of the order. Jimmy Rollins was 2-for-4 with a home run, 2 RBIs, and 3 runs scored. Chase Utley was 3-for-5 with 3 doubles and 2 RBIs. It was the first time Utley had three doubles in a game in his career. The other star of the game was Shane Victorino, who was 2-for-4 with a home run. Add in the good performances by Howard and Ruiz last night, and the Phillies’ offense look destined for good things throughout September, and knock on wood, beyond.

The Phillies face the Colorado Rockies tomorrow for a make-up game. It was from the rainout on May 11, which means the Phillies are making a quick stop in Denver. After that, they return home for a three-game series with the Brewers.

AP Photo/Tom Mihalek

In 2007, they used it defied the odds. In 2008, they used it to repeat that feat on a much smaller scale. In 2009, they used it to put the nail in the coffin. If 2010 is supposed to be anything like those years for the Phillies, it will have to follow the pattern of 2007 and 2008. The month of September is now upon us, and though the Phillies trail, now three games back of the Atlanta Braves, they have been here before, and this is the time for the Phillies.

September is more than just the month the summer comes to a close. For the Phillies, it is the time that the magic happens, when games become more than just another game. Take Opening Day and magnify it by 1000, and that puts you on the doorstep to the postseason. But, after last season’s easy road to the playoffs, not to mention all the adversity of injuries and slumps that has come with 2010, here are a few reasons the Phillies will and won’t make the playoffs. We’ll start with the reasons they won’t.

1. Sleeping Bats: The offense has seemingly taken the season off. Despite injuries, the Phillies have been winning, but gone are the days of 20-run blowouts, and in are the times of 1-0 shutouts. It’s been far too long for us to remember the last time the Phillies used those crooked numbers to blow right by a team like they weren’t even at the ballpark. But, here are the 2010 Phillies, struggling to score runs, and leaving fans with little hope after the sixth inning if they are down by even just two runs. They are so hard to come by this year. For the Phillies’ slumping offense, it will be a long offseason knowing they were the reason the Phillies missed the playoffs.

2. The Braves’ Toughness: The Braves may have had it all planned out. Go out, spend a ton of money on improved talent, sign the next Rookie of the Year, have your prestigious manager go on a farewell tour: put it all together and it may just be one magical October in Atlanta. The Phillies might be in control of themselves, but the Braves have an easy schedule and are winning the games they have to, rallying under unlikely circumstances, and matching the Phillies game-for-game.

3. Mental Errors: This past Friday, the Phillies were clinging to a one-run lead. Brad Lidge has been 110% better in 2010 than in 2009, and he can, at the very least, be trusted to finish off more games than he doesn’t. It wasn’t that he didn’t finish off that save Friday that is the problem, but the way he didn’t finish it. A pair of counts with two strikes, and Lidge hits one batter, and balks to let the tying run score. Before then, it was all the baserunning blunders and ejections of the Astros series. It is far too late in the season to turn into Little Leaguers, so these things must be straightened out, and the focus has to return.

Here are a few reasons why the Phillies will make the playoffs.

1. Pitching, Pitching, Pitching: The rotation has been spectacular the past few weeks, and has set up the Phillies to win most of their games this past month. That pitching doesn’t have to be perfect, but nonetheless, needs to stay on top of its game. It’s always hard to argue a rotation that starts with Halladay, Hamels, and Oswalt. 

2. Bats Explode: The bats may have been silenced for most of the season, but the lineup that started the year with much promise is finally back together. Even then, they haven’t been able to get off the ground just yet. But, the bats are due to set off like a powder keg, and if that happens, the rest of the National League better beware.

3. Manager of the Year?: Let’s throw this out there now. Charlie Manuel should win manager of the year, especially if the Phillies make the playoffs. He has been putting up with lackluster games, injuries, slumps, mistakes, blunders, and all the other hoopla that comes with being the manager of the reigning NL Champs. For his efforts, the Phillies need to make now the time to reward him, by making a run at the division. Usually if Charlie says they can go get it, you better believe they will.

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

For the first time in a long time, the bats were the story. It was the offense, not the pitching, firing on all cylinders. Yes, that powerful, potent group was left to go to work on the Dodgers, and the results were what we’ve expected all along. Despite the great offensive night, think about how it almost wasn’t. Charlie Manuel briefly thought about changing the lineup around. Once again, Charlie made the right call, and it paid off for the Phillies.

The Dodgers struck first in this one, as James Loney worked a bases-loaded walk to open the scoring. Kyle Kendrick appeared to be in for a rough night right there, but he got Casey Blake to ground into a double play just moments after that walk, and the Dodgers could only get a run out of what looked to be a huge inning. The Phillies used that to their advantage, and answered in the second. Brian Schneider was simply giving Carlos Ruiz some rest, but he also gave the Phillies some much needed run support. His three-run blast put the Phillies on top, and gave Kendrick the lead. Kendrick must have felt good after the third. That’s because for the first time since July 27, Ryan Howard went deep, and this one was another three-run shot. Kendrick struggled from there, however, and allowed three more runs, capped by James Loney’s two-run shot leading off the sixth. With that, Kendrick’s night was finished, and the bullpen was flawless the rest of the way. Carlos Ruiz would enter as a pinch hitter for Schneider’s spot, and continued to haunt Jonathan Broxton. He singled with the bases loaded, scoring two more runs, and capping the scoring for the night. The Phillies were able to cruise to what can only be called an easy win after all of the close games played in the past week, winning by a score of 8-4.

For once, there are good things to say about the offense. Placido Polanco and Chase Utley each had two hits. That’s doing the job to set the table for the rest. Ryan Howard was due for a long ball and he provided the power last night. Brian Schneider came through with a big hit, and Carlos Ruiz remains clutch. The Phillies got the hits when they needed them, and in a must-win game (the Braves had already downed the Mets), they took advantage of the opportunities they had to make sure this one didn’t have any chance of slipping away. It is game’s like this that can still help make the Phillies NL East Champs again, but there’s a much longer road to walk before we can talk about that.

The Phillies go for the series win this afternoon against the Dodgers. Roy Oswalt (9-13, 3.12 ERA) takes the mound against Clayton Kershaw (11-8, 3.01 ERA).

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

Roy Halladay has already fired a perfect game this season, a feat that is rare in all of baseball. But, to win last night, he would have had to have been perfect again. Admitting he didn’t have his best last night seemed like a stretch for the Phillies’ ace. Allowing three runs isn’t a pitcher’s best, but to take full responsibility for the loss, that’s asking a lot from your ace. Just look to the scoreboard last night to see exactly who’s asking to have the blame lifted from their shoulders. There’s just one problem with that; it is way too obvious who we can blame for any losses that have come the Phillies’ way in the past week.

The Dodgers struck for a few early runs on broken plays. Whatever Halladay was calling sloppy looked sloppy on the other end. He couldn’t have thrown a better pitch at a better time most of the night, but he was in a 2-0 hole early. Meanwhile, the Phillies offense struggled to get anything off of Hiroki Kuroda. In fact, they had absolutely nothing going into the eighth. In the fifth, Rod Barajas led off the inning with a solo shot off Halladay. It was the only bad pitch Doc may have thrown all night. It didn’t change the score, or increase the haunting zero on the board in the hits column for the Fightins. Finally, Shane Victorino lined one into right field for the Phillies’ first hit. It even set up runners at first and second with one out. It was no matter. The first chance the Phillies got all night was short-lived. Carlos Ruiz struck out, and Mike Sweeney grounded out. That hit stood out as the lone one in the Phillies’ 3-0 loss to the Dodgers.

The Phillies lost an opener to the Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park by a score of 15-9, and at the time, that was probably the worst loss of the season without a question. Now, that title goes to last night’s game. The score doesn’t matter in that game, because the Phillies still scored nine runs. So, the pitching failed to show up one night? It’s a small price to pay for the seemingly, season-long slump the Phillies’ offense has been in. I mean, one hit, against a fourth-place team no less? There’s only one word for it, and that’s pathetic. By the eighth inning, personally, I was hoping the Phillies would get no-hit. Although, in the grand scheme of things, a one-hit loss is just as good as a no-hit loss. It’s equally as embarrassing, and it could be the wakeup call the Phillies need to jumpstart the offense.

There are so many reasons the Phillies shouldn’t make the playoffs, and yet, despite the Braves winning to increase the division lead, the Giants lost late, as did the Cardinals. It keeps the Phillies 1.5 games ahead in the Wildcard. Bottom line: If the season had ended after last night’s game, despite losing the way they did, despite a slumping offense, despite all the injuries, the Phillies would have a shot to defend the NL title. There lies the problem. The Phillies look poised, in their current position, to make the playoffs, whether via the division or Wildcard. That simply gives them the chance to defend their title as National League Champions. That being said, the Phillies don’t look poised to make the World Series. There are two sides to every team. The 2010 Phillies on paper look destined to go right back to the Fall Classic, and maybe win it all again. The 2010 Phillies playing on the field right now look ready to hit the links early. A team that proclaimed much “unfinished business” looks like they want it all to be finished as soon as possible. They look way too content with where the past three years have taken them, and their talk of what they have to do, and watching it not get done the next night, is becoming an old act. It ain’t over ’til it’s over, but over looks closer and closer every day with this Phillies’ team.

The Phillies look to rebound tonight against the Dodgers. Kyle Kendrick (8-7, 4.64 ERA) faces Carlos Monasterios (3-4, 3.54 ERA).

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

The last time the Dodgers faced the Phillies, the Phillies pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks in franchise history. It pushed the Dodgers further into their spiral toward an early offseason, cost Jonathan Broxton his job as closer, and gave the Phillies a series win despite nearly being routed in two of the three games. Now, the Phillies are in LA, and the Dodgers will be doing all they can to get revenge and force the Phillies out of a playoff spot.

The Dodgers are coming off the blockbuster move of the waiver wire. Manny Ramirez, who was on the DL for the first meeting in Philly this season, is heading to Chicago to play for the White Sox. Ramirez hadn’t necessarily played a huge role for the Dodgers this season. That is being covered by Andre Ethier. Ethier is an MVP candidate and hurt the Phillies during the playoffs last season and in the first series this season. Also part of the Dodgers’ potent offense is Matt Kemp, Casey Blake, and James Loney. Also watch for Scott Podsednik and Jay Gibbons, both of whom had big series back in Philly earlier this month. The pitching matchups seem to favor the Phillies in this series.

In the opener, Roy Halladay (16-9, 2.22 ERA) takes on Hiroki Kuroda (9-11, 3.56 ERA). Halladay lost his last start after allowing a pair of home runs and receiving little run support against the Astros. Kuroda got his first win in more than a month in his last start against the Brewers. In his career against the Phillies, he is 1-0 with a 0.95 ERA against the Phillies.

In the middle game, Kyle Kendrick (8-7, 4.64 ERA) faces Carlos Monasterios (3-4, 3.54 ERA). Kendrick allowed five runs in his last start to the Astros taking the loss. He also struggled with the Dodgers’ lineup earlier this month, allowing nine runs. Monasterios is filling in for the injured Vicente Padilla, he won his last start despite lasting just 4.1 innings. In his career against the Phillies, he is 0-0 with a 10.80 ERA.

In the finale, Roy Oswalt (9-13, 3.12 ERA) takes the mound against Clayton Kershaw (11-8, 3.01 ERA). Oswalt was in line for his 10th win of the season against the Padres after throwing eight innings of one-run ball, before Brad Lidge’s blown save gave him a no-decision. Kershaw has been the Dodgers’ ace this season, and continues to fire one solid start after another. In his career against the Phillies, he is 0-3 with a 5.67 ERA.

Upcoming: The Phillies also face the Rockies in a makeup game from May on Thursday. Joe Blanton (6-6, 5.15 ERA) starts for the Phillies. He dominated the Padres in his last start to even his record. He faces Jhoulys Chacin (7-9, 3.79 ERA). Chacin has gone deep into the game his last two starts, and has been a valuable piece to the Rockies’ rotation. In his career against the Phillies, he is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 2.2 innings of relief.

For the Phillies this season, the rotation has been the piece that kept the Phillies going. Through all the injuries, slumps, and changes to the lineup and bullpen, the rotation has remained the same. This week, Phillies Network is honoring the two pieces of that rotation to make two starts, Joe Blanton and Cole Hamels.

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Blanton started Monday and Saturday. On Monday, he worked seven innings of one-run ball, before a close, controversial call turned things for the worst. He ended up with a no-decision. His six innings of one-run ball Saturday were enough for the win, his sixth of the season. He has been on a tear since the All-Star break, and his record is back even at 6-6, with his ERA decreasing every start.

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Hamels has probably been baseball’s most dominant starter with a losing record. He entered the week at 7-10, and on a personal four-game losing streak, almost all due to back luck and lack of run support. Hamels threw seven innings Tuesday allowing just two runs. Had it not been for Jimmy Rollins’ late home run, Hamels would have been the victim of another tough-luck loss. He instead took the no-decision of the Phillies’ eventual 16-inning loss. Yesterday, however, Hamels was in his usual dominant form with an added weapon, run support. He got five runs behind his outing, to cruise through eight innings of shutout ball in a 5-0 Phillies win. It was his eighth of the season.

AP Photo/Denis Poroy

In baseball, one of the most important things is to put yesterday behind you when it doesn’t go your way. Earlier this week, the Phillies couldn’t find a way to put yesterday behind them, and were swept right out of Philly by the Houston Astros. They couldn’t get out of town faster. Yet, maybe some time away from home was exactly what they needed, because they tamed the Padres in San Diego again to complete a three-game sweep of the Padres, Sunday.

The Phillies took an early lead in the third on an RBI single by Jimmy Rollins. That came after Cole Hamels struggled to start his latest outing. The Padres were off the board, but Hamels had fired 50 pitches already, and looked poised to turn the game over to the pen early. Then, he turned everything the other way. His pitching performance went from average to masterful, and he worked eight strong innings, allowing four hits, no runs, no walks, and six strikeouts. Mike Sweeney finally gave him some breathing room in the seventh, lining a two-run shot down the line in left. The Phillies scored again in the eighth on a throwing error, and again in the ninth on Jayson Werth’s solo shot. Hamels easily picked up his eighth win of the season, and the Phillies finished off the sweep with a 5-0 win.

After four of the worst games played in a long time, the Phillies finished the weekend off with their best. Cole Hamels was absolutely dominant, and the offense finally showed signs of life. The Phillies didn’t gain much ground on the Braves, who forced an unbelievable rally on the Marlins today, but the Giants and Cardinals have played their part to help the Phillies earn some security at the top of the Wildcard standings. Despite still wanting to take the division, it is definitely a morale booster to be in a playoff position.

The Phillies head to Los Angeles for a series with the Dodgers, and face the Rockies in a make-up game, before returning home for a weekend series with the Brewers.