CINCINNATI -- This picture was taken Aug. 10, 2005, at Yankee Stadium. Aaron Rowand, then the White Sox center fielder, made the latest in a line of web gems during the three-game series against the Yankees. And Freddy Garcia, the Sox starting pitcher that day, waited by the third-base dugout to thank Rowand for his glovework.The same scene played out here today.
Rowand made a diving catch to rob Ryan Freel of a hit and end the fifth inning, and as he ran off the field, Garcia lagged back to offer his gratitude. Actually, it was a big day for both players. Rowand singled twice to extend his hitting streak to 10 games, during which he's batting .421 (16-for-38). His career-high hitting streak is 13 games, also set during the 2005 season. Garcia, meanwhile, allowed two runs in five innings and got his first victory for the Phillies.
And, after beating the Reds 9-3, the Phillies were positively giddy. They won back-to-back games and a series for the first time this season. Now, they head home for seven games at The Bank against the Astros, Nationals and Marlins. They're 6-11, and this should be a good chance for them to make up ground in the NL East. How do you think they'll do on the homestand?
That's all for tonight. Oh, one last thing before I leave Cincinnati tomorrow -- if you ever find yourself here, make sure to eat at Montgomery Inn. Definitely one of the best restaurants I've been to in my travels around the National League.
4 comments:
I'm really beginning to believe what some are saying about this being a warm weather team, last two games have been played during warmer weather and they've won and the pitchers have be outstanding. Let's hope the weather stays at least for the phillies sakes!!!!!!
Lots of positives from this series: Chase Utley's bat seems to be back, Howard seem to be hitting the ball hard everytime up and it payed off in the ninth, Rowand is picking up the slack for the bottom of the order not producing, and lots of great starting pitching over the past 4 days, we look like a team that wants to win now. Can't wait to see what this homestand brings.
Also, love the blog, keep up the good work
i just wanted to say that i'm so shocked that rowand is hitting as good as he has. he's already half way past his walk total of last year! plus he's swinging a fine bat.
i still think rowands defense is over rated. he takes really bad angles on balls and it hurtshim. like that triple today. he was playing so shallow and his route for the ball was so terrible. a closer game and that woulda been real bad.
Jamie: I tend to agree with you about Rowand's defense. It is overrated. To me, Rowand has had trouble this season with the ball that's over his head, and his arm is suspect. Victorino and Bourn are better defensive outfielders. That said, Rowand has made some spectacular plays (during that series against the Yankees and, of course, crashing into the wall at the Bank last year). That's where his reputation comes from.
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