BY SCOTT LAUBER So much to talk (and write) about after the Phils' 7-3 win in the opener, and the nightcap already is underway here at the Bank, where fans are waving rally towels and cheering madly, just like last September. Without further ado, then, a few notes:
* Think Pat Burrell was happy to finally get a big hit? "It was big, man," he said after lacing an RBI single to left field in the eighth inning that broke a 3-3 tie. "I've been really struggling. I really haven't been contributing much at all. I can't lie. I needed to get a hit in that situation."
* What, exactly, was Brewers manager Ned Yost thinking by sticking with lefty Brian Shouse to face Burrell instead of bringing in right-hander Eric Gagne? "It was more based on Brian Shouse and his ground-ball ability. When it got to Ryan Howard -- and Ryan Howard has shown us in the last few games that he's as hot as he can be -- we took the opportunity to walk him and see if Shousey could get a ground ball there. And he did get a ground ball. It just wasn't at anybody. It was in the hole."
* Speaking of Howard, he has 22 hits in his last 54 at-bats, eight homers and 21 RBIs in his last 14 games, and leads the majors with 44 homers and 133 RBIs. Is he an NL MVP candidate? "The numbers speak for themselves," obviously biased Charlie Manuel said. "Who's close to him? You can say whatever you want to say. He has RBIs and he has homers. He's the best run-producer in the National League."
* Lost in all the offense was the performance of Joe Blanton, who recorded his first quality start since Aug. 24. Blanton entered with a 5.58 ERA in his previous six starts and had exhibited an uncharacteristic lack of control that prevented him from logging his usual six-plus innings per start. But there may be a reason for it. Pitching coach Rich Dubee revealed today that Blanton pitched through a minor bout of biceps tendinitis for two or three starts, causing his arm slot to get out of whack. Blanton believes he has everything under control now, though.
* Scott Eyre has a 1.64 ERA since being traded to the Phillies in early August. A free agent after the season, Eyre, a 36-year-old lefty, said he'd like to re-sign with the Phillies and would even accept a one-year contract.
More later.
1 comment:
Huge huge wins today and all weekend. Tied for the WC lead and 1 back of the Mets after the sweep. I'm proud of the guys and really happy. I'm feeling the players hitting a peak just in time for the stretch run.
Also, Myers after his stint in the minors has been Cy Young quality. If he and Hamels pitch like they can, that's as good of a 1-2 as anyone.
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