Philliedelphia

Phillies Deliver Clutch Hits Over the Hot Marlins

Coming off of his first complete game shutout of his career, Kyle Kendrick took the hill tonight in the first game of this three-game series at home against the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle took his second loss of the season against the Phils on April 12, but has won his last five starts. 

Giancarlo Stanton is coming off of a fantastic month of May which he drove in 30 runs and smashed 12 homers. He would drive home a run on a double to deep left-center, putting the Fish on the board.

The Phils got the ball rollin' in the bottom of the first with three straight singles from Placido Polanco, Hunter Pence, and Carlos Ruiz. With two outs, Hector Luna delivered a two-run single to left field, putting his team up 2-1. And Luna would drive in yet another run in the seventh off Chad Gaudin.

Kendrick had the bases loaded behind him in the top of the third, but got first baseman Logan Morrison to ground into a 3-6-1 double play to end the inning.

The game was delayed by rain for 48 minutes in the top of the fifth inning. 

Hunter Pence gave the Phillies a 4-1 lead with a two run bomb in the bottom of the fifth. 

The Phillies said Contreras left the game because of soreness in his right elbow, but it certainly looked much worse than that as he threw his final pitch and dropped to the turf between the mound and infield. Contreras could be the 11th Phillie to hit the disabled list this season.  Bastardo relieved him after he left. 

After allowing back to back homeruns and a walk from Bastardo, Charlie Manuel finally did something fans awaited to see for a long time. He brough in his closer Papelbon, who retired Inftante on a weak infield pop up and whiffed Hanley Ramirez. Ramirez was lucky he did not get ejected after throwing his helmet on the ground.

Kyle Kendrick (2-4) allowed eight hits in 5 1-3 innings, but held Miami to two runs, while walking three and striking out four.

Mark Buehrle (5-5) allowed a season-high 11 hits in only five innings of work, while striking out two. Apparently, two of Buehrle’s five defeats this season have come in at Citizen Bank Park. 

Carlos Ruiz, Placido Polanco and Hunter Pence each had three hits, meanwhile the hot Miami Marlins had 13 hits and left 12 runners on base. 

Papelbon pitched the ninth for his 15th save, but needed a awesomeness catch in center by John Mayberry Jr. on a deep drive by Greg Dobbs to preserve it. 

Cole Hamels takes the mound tomorrow as he looks for win #9 of the season against the Marlins at 405pm. 

Cole Hamels Pitches a Gem To Avoid A Sweep From the Nationals

Cole Hamels tossed eight scoreless innings and the Philadelphia Phillies avoided getting swept by the Washington Nationals with a 4-1 win in the finale of a three-game set.

The last time Cole Hamels faced Washington, he plunked Bryce Harper in the back, later stating that he intended to hit the rookie as a welcoming to the big leagues. That led to a five-game suspension for Hamels, but he didn't let the media hoopla faze him on Wednesday.

He carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning. Danny Espinosa broke up the no-no bid with his one-out double in the 6th. He was then gunned out at the plate by Hunter Pence on the very next at-bat, a single by Harper.

Shane Victorino hit a solo home run and drove in two, Carlos Ruiz went 3-for-4 with a run scored and Mike Fontenot added two hits, an RBI and a run scored for the Phillies.

Jonathan Papelbon pitched the 9th, giving up the Nationals only run on an Adam LaRoche solo home run.

Hamels allowed only three more hits, pitching eight scoreless and striking out eight while walking three and is now 7-0 over his past nine starts.

Phillies head to face the defending champions St Louis Cardinals for a four game series starting tomorrow.

Phillies Break Out the Lumber to Even the Series with Dbacks

After scoring five runs in the 9th in last night's game.. We all must have thought: Maybe we should of had saved runs for the next game right? Well not really.... this game was all about the offense!

Worley allowed just one run over six innings as he scattered five hits and a walk while fanning six. 

The Phillies scored four in the fourth inning to take control early in the game. Hunter Pence homered with one out just over the right-field fence, Ty Wiggington doubled and Nix followed with a long home run to right to give the Phillies 4-0 lead.

Former Phillie, Cody Ransom led off the fifth with a solo home run to left, his first of the season, to pull Arizona within 4-1.

Weird. Bad call. Whatever you wanna called it. Juan Pierre hit a flyball... we all thought it was caught. However, second-base umpire Angel Hernandez, ruled it a trap and the bases were loaded. The blown call lead to Pete Orr ripping a three run triple to right, as the Phillies padded their lead to 7-1 in the seventh.

Shane Victorino added a solo shot in the eight inning to give the Phillies 8-4 lead.

Jose Contreras gave up three earned runs, all by doubles. Bastardo retired the only batter faced.

Chad Qualls gave up his first earned of the year to Jason Kubel's solo shot, then he retired the next three batters by striking them out.

Jonathan Papelbon saves the ballgame as he picks up his 6th straight save. Vance Worley gets his second win of the year.

... and the Phillies are no longer in last place of the NL East.

After the game, the Phillies announced Micheal Stutes is being placed on the 15 day disabled list, while Michael Schwimer is called up.

Cole Hamels set to take on Trevor Cahill in the series finale at 3:40pm on Comcast Sportsnet.

If You Missed the Game, Relax, You Didn't Miss Much

It's Kyle Kendrick vs Wade Miley Cryus Show because the Cliff Lee vs Daniel Hudson rumble match-up never happened because both landed on the 15 day disabled list this past weekend. This pretty much says it all:

I told you did not miss much besides an almost comeback in the 9th inning with Polanco single to start the inning then the madness started with Laynce Nix doubled, Shane Victorino 3 run bomb followed by a solo shot from Ruiz. That is all from your Philadelphia Phillies.

The Reactions before the almost comeback inning in the 9th:

Even Jim Salisbury is not enjoying these games lately...  (or someone hacked his account)

..... And this

or this....

Meanwhile, look at this handsome young man. This may give some fans some hope as the Chase Utley watch begin. He was seen taking grounders with Freddy Galvis, by the way.

Maybe the Phillies just wanted to save some runs for Vance Worley vs Collmenter marquee matchup tomorrow at 9:40pm on Comcast Sportsnet Philly.

Vance Worley Sets a Career High in Strikeouts in a Win Over the Padres

 

The Philadelphia Phillies scored two runs tonight via a sac fly by Jimmy Rollins and Hunter Pence scored on a passed ball. That is all the needed. Meanwhile, Juan Pierre picked up the first triple of the season, it was wasted nonetheless.

The Padres had first and third with one out. Jeremy Hermida was struck out by Worley for out number two. Chase Headley attempted to steal second on the pitch and Ruiz threw to Jimmy Rollins and caught Headley in a run-down. WHAT A PLAY !!

Worley went seven shut out innings, allowing only four hits and hree walks. And he struck out eleven batters. ELEVEN! It is a career high.

Chad Qualls pitched a scoreless eighth inning against his former team.

Jonathan Papelbon saved the ball game with a double play and a strike out for his 4th save of the season. Vance Worley gets the win!

Phillies shutout the Padres, 2-0. We will see you tomorrow (or tonight) @ 10:05 Hamels vs. Volquez!

A Pitching Duel For the Ages; Giants Win Thanks to Wigginton Error To Take the Series

This game was pretty much simple-- no offense and a pitching duel.

Cliff Lee: 10 innings; 7 hits; 0 BBs; 7Ks, induced 4 big double plays on 102 pitches (81 strikes, 21 balls).

Matt Cain: 9 innings; 2 hits; 1BB; 4Ks.

Carlos Ruiz leadoff double was wasted in the top of the 11th.... Antonio Bastardo was pitching then this happened in the bottom of the 11th inning:

And the Giants win the balllgame, with the help of Ty Wigginton error.... Sorry Cliff Lee.

Christina Angelos' Makes Her MLB Predictions

2012 MLB Season Predictions

 

American League

 

AL East winner – New York Yankees

AL Central winner – Detroit Tigers

AL West winner – Los Angeles Angels

AL Wild Card Teams (2) – Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox

 

AL MVP – Prince Fielder

AL Cy Young – Justin Verlander

AL Rookie of the Year – Jesus Montero

AL Manager of the Year - Bobby Valentine

 

National League

 

NL East winner – Philadelphia Phillies

NL Central winner – Milwaukee Brewers

NL West winner – Arizona Diamondbacks 

NL Wild Card Teams (2) – San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves

 

NL MVP – Matt Kemp

NL Cy Young – Cole Hamels

NL Rookie of the Year – Bryce Harper

NL Manager of the Year – Charlie Manuel

 

World Series matchup – Tigers vs Phillies

World Series champion and # of games – Philadelphia Phillies in 7.

 

Phillies predictions

 

Total number of Phillies wins - 96

 

What date does Ryan Howard return to the Phillies lineup (if at all) – June 10, 2012

 

What date does Chase Utley return to the Phillies lineup (if at all)? – May 12, 2012

 

Which Phillies ace has most wins and how many – Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels will have 19 games each.

 

To follow up "Good game, let's go eat," what will be Hunter Pence's next catchphrase? –

 "Let's Party Rocking on Broad Street"

 

Phillies Fall to Orioles, 1-0 in Clearwater

 Posted by Christina Angelos 

 (Taken by Philliedelphia's Stephen Gallo)

Joe Blanton made his second start of the spring for the Phillies. He struck out three and allowed four singles in three scoreless innings. He has yet to give up a run in Spring Training and has been pretty solid in both outings.

Scott Elarton, relieved Joe Blanton after three innings. You may know that Elarton hasn’t pitched in the big league since 2008. He is trying to make a comeback with the Phillies... Well, he started out by giving up a solo shot to Chris Davis then he retired 12 consecutive batters, striking out four in four innings of relief. 

Tuffy Gosewisch had two of the Phillies' six hits and was the only Phillies runner to reach third base, however, he was left on base as the potiential tying run in the sixth inning.  

The Phillies also tried to rally in the ninth. Pinch-hitter Laynce Nix hit a two-out, two-strike single to right, and pinch-runner Scott Podsednik stole second base. They gave Luis Montanez (not J.C Romero) another chance at a game-tying or a game winning home run. He struck out to end the game. 

The Phillies play two games Sunday. Cliff Lee starts in Clearwater against the visiting Detriot Tigers on MYPHL17.  Meanwhile, Kyle Kendrick will oppose Yankees ace CC Sabathia in Tampa on MLBtv.

--

 Other notes:

- GM Alex Anthopoulos scouted the Phillies game today and left after Joe Blanton exited game. Blue Jays are interested in pitching, and Joe Blanton is available in the right deal. Phillies could benefit from salary relief, according to Jon Morosi.

- Outfielder Jiwan James (@Jiwan23) is heading to the big club for a day. Get excited!! 

- Freddy Galvis will start at 2B again tomorrow. 

Christina Angelos is a Contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow her on Twitter @xochristinaxo .

Interview with Phillies Pitching Prospect Eric Pettis

Posted by Christina Angelos

  (Courtesy of MiLB.com )

Phillies pitching prospect, Eric Pettis was drafted in the 35^th round of the 2010 draft out of UC-Irvine. Pettis signed quickly soon after. He began his career in Williamsport as starter, however, was moved into the bullpen. Last season, he split time between Lakewood and Clearwater. He threw in 47 games, compiling a 2.84 ERA in 69.2 innings. He was nice enough to spare some of his busy offseason schedule for an interview. 

 

Where are you from? 

I was born and raised in West Hills, CA. It's about twenty miles west of Los Angeles.  

Who was your favorite MLB team/player growing up or present? Why? 

I never really had a favorite team when I was a kid. But, more recently I started rooting for my home team, the LA Dodgers. I really like their young group of players, especially Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw. Oh, but now the Phillies are my favorite team, of course.

When did you realize that you had the talent to become a professional baseball player? 

I'm not sure when I realized I had the talent to become a pro, but I know it has always been my goal since I could remember. Ever since I was little it was my focus and I have just tried to do everything that I can to be my best, and hopefully that's good enough.

Do you have anyone to look up to the most in the Phillies organization?

I really look up to everyone that has made it to the show. I try to take in everything I can from those guys and hopefully be able to translate it to my game. I'm lucky to have the opportunity to be around so many great players and I try to take full advantage of it. There is no detail too small, and anything I can learn from those guys is a positive.

What aspects of your game are you most focused on improving upon this year? 

I know this might sound cliche, but I'm working on everything. There is always something to improve in every aspect of the game. So, I think if you focus on one thing and really devote a lot of time to it, you'll just be neglecting something else. So, every time I train, I try my best to concentrate on improving everything everyday. 

What kinds of things do you do off the field to prepare you to succeed on it? 

Especially for a pitcher, I think the off the field stuff is just as important as the on the field stuff. Because, we can only throw so much. We only have so many bullets before we break down. Everything else becomes that much more critical. So, I really try to keep my body in good shape. I get in the weight room as much as I can to keep my body strong. And I focus on eating the right things to give my body the best nutrition possible.

What is the best moment so far? 

My favorite moment in professional baseball so far has to be participating in the Major League spring training games last year. I was fortunate enough to sit in the bullpen as an extra arm during four of the Phillies spring games. And, while I didn't actually get to throw in any of them, it was a great experience. Just being able to interact with the guys that are where I want to be was special. And, I think it prepared me for when I do get there. It allowed me to get some of the first-time jitters out of the way. So, hopefully when I do have to perform at that level, it will feel a bit more normal than it would have otherwise.

If you were to debut in Major League today, which batter you do or do not want to face? 

I'd love to face anyone, really. Everyone at that level is there for a reason and it would be awesome to have that challenge. But, if I had to answer, I'd say Mike Moustakas of the Royals. We had many battles in high school and it would be fun to rekindle the rivalry a bit.

Who's your favorite teammate in the minor leagues right now? 

Oh man, you're putting me on the spot. I really enjoyed being a part of the bullpen in Clearwater this year. It was a great group to be around. Friend, Esposito, Loop, Whatcott, you could pick any of those guys and you wouldn't go wrong.  

What's one thing that that no fan knows about you?

I'd say one thing that no fan knows is that I'm a foodie. Probably 90% of the time at home when I watch TV, it's the Food Network, or Top Chef, or Bizarre Foods, really anything that has to do with food. I love to go to all the best chef's restaurants and I'm down to eat anything. Food is such a big part of our lives and I'm always interested in learning more about it.

One last question, What have you been doing during offseason? Anything special? 

This offseason I've been working on a really big project. I'm really excited about it and if you stay tuned to my twitter (@eric_pettis) and my blog (ericpettis.com), I'll be revealing more info about it closer to spring training. 

 Now, a quick favorite game:

Food: It changes, but right now it's Pork Tocino Burrito from the White Rabbit Cafe, a Philippino fusion place 20 min from my house

Movie: Anything with Will Smith

Sports to watch: Clippers Basketball

Artist: If Michael Jackson and Kanye had a baby, he or she would be my favorite

Song: Bohemian Rhapsody

 

Thank you again to Eric Pettis for giving us his time in answering our questions. Don’t forget to check out his blog and tweet him once in a while.

Ryan Howard Set to Begin His Journey Back from Achilles Injury

Posted by Christina Angelos

 

(Courtesy of CBSPhilly)

Remember Ryan Howard? Remember the doomsday drama as the final out in NLDS? Yeah, let's forget about it... 

How about I give you an update on the situation, which is certainly some great news....

According to Todd Zolecki, Ryan Howard was cleared on Thursday by the doctors to begin strength and power exercises after undergoing surgery on his left Achilles' in October. Howard will start by jogging underwater. Sounds fun, right? On the other hand, Ryan Howard could be cleared for baseball activities within six weeks as he will begin fielding groundballs before moving ahead with hitting.

It's one step closer to a return. When will it be? If Ryan Howard is cleared to begin baseball activities within six weeks, which is also the beginning of Spring Training. Is it possible to see The Big Piece penciled in the Opening Day lineup?   Maybe, but we shall see as it gets closer if no barring setback. 

“I can’t even speculate,” Amaro said. “All I know is that it’s nice to know that at some point in Spring Training, that he’ll start doing some light baseball activities. I think it is good news.”

Take your time. No need to rush. Good luck with your journey back!