Phils fail to 'ace' New York test

We’ll get to the good sports news from yesterday in a minute.

Right now we want to talk about the Phillies.

It looked like it was going to be the perfect sports weekend for long-suffering Philly fans. The Eagles had undressed the St. Louis Rams on a picture-perfect day at the Linc.

At the same time the Phils had taken the first game of a day-night double-header with the Mets at Shea Stadium. Smoke was pouring out of remote controls all over the Delaware Valley.

Unfortunately, due to Tropical Storm Hanna, the Phils and Mets also hooked up for a national TV game last night on ESPN.

The Phils had their ace on the mound. Not in the night game. I refer to Jamie Moyer, the ageless wonder who confounded the Mets in Game 1. Moyer pitched seven innings, giving up just two hits and no runs to lead the Phils to a 6-2 win.

Some might argue the Phils had their “ace” on the mound in Game 2. Could have fooled me.

Cole Hamels did not bring his “A” game. And the Phils fell, 6-3. Hamels got torched for two home runs by Carlos Delgado, including one that still hasn’t come down.

There’s also the smaller matter of the curious ejection of Charlie Manuel in the bottom of the first. Manuel decided to argue a catcher’s interference call against Chris Coste. It did not appear Coste was putting up much of an argument. But Charlie did, and earned an early shower in the process. The momentum switched to the Mets, who never looked back.

If you want to look on the bright side, the Phils took two of three. But they still trail the Mets by two, when it appeared they had a very good chance to pull even with the New Yorkers.

They needed Hamels to carry them in the nightcap. Didn’t happen.

Now it’s a mad dash to the finish line – two back with 19 to play.

Better buckle your seatbelts for this one.

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