The Phightin’ Phils decided to take their nickname seriously last night.
Of course, it never hurts when the other team decides to throw a pitched ball directly over your head.
The Dodgers may have done the Phillies a favor. This one was almost over before it started. The Dodgers rocked Phils’ starter Jamie Moyer right out of the box, dropping five runs on him in the first and then tacking on another one in the second to seize a commanding 6-1 lead. Moyer recorded only one out in the second before making a quick exit.
The game, which the desperate Dodgers clearly needed to right their foundering ship after losing two straight in Philly, was almost over before it started.
Then the Dodgers decided to throw a little gas on the fire, add a little insult to the injury.
The Dodgers apparently had not forgotten that Brett Myers threw a pitch behind Manny Ramirez back in Philly. In the third, Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda gave them a wake-up call, and something of a calling card at the same time.
He buzzed a fastball over Shane Victorino’s helmet. Victorino took umbrage. Oddly enough, it was almost as if Victorino saw it coming. He seemed to be indicating that if Kuroda was going to hit him, he should do so by nailing him in the arm or his back side, not his noggin.
Both benches and bullpens held an impromptu meeting on the field. No punches where thrown, though Manny decided to be Manny, offering up some histrionics for the cameras while being “held back” by his teammates.
All of which should provide an interesting backdrop for tonight’s game. It also might shroud the Phils’ real problem.
The Dodgers are bringing back their ace, Derek Lowe, tonight on three days rest. The Phils are countering with Joe Blanton. Cole Hamels will get his usual rest before taking the hill Wednesday night.
Tonight is not the problem. It’s down the road that it could get interesting. By pitching tonight, Lowe also will be available for a deciding Game 7, if necessary on his normal rest. Hamels, who will pitch Wednesday, will not be available for that final game in Philly Saturday night.
The Phillies, and Hamels in particular, better hope it does not come to that. Hamels has been splendid down the stretch and in particular in the playoffs.
Maybe you don’t even want him pitching tonight off his normal rest. Still, there’s a part of me that thinks – or maybe wishes - it should be Hamels going to Manuel, demanding to pitch tonight.
Maybe it won’t matter.
Let’s hope not.
Of course, it never hurts when the other team decides to throw a pitched ball directly over your head.
The Dodgers may have done the Phillies a favor. This one was almost over before it started. The Dodgers rocked Phils’ starter Jamie Moyer right out of the box, dropping five runs on him in the first and then tacking on another one in the second to seize a commanding 6-1 lead. Moyer recorded only one out in the second before making a quick exit.
The game, which the desperate Dodgers clearly needed to right their foundering ship after losing two straight in Philly, was almost over before it started.
Then the Dodgers decided to throw a little gas on the fire, add a little insult to the injury.
The Dodgers apparently had not forgotten that Brett Myers threw a pitch behind Manny Ramirez back in Philly. In the third, Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda gave them a wake-up call, and something of a calling card at the same time.
He buzzed a fastball over Shane Victorino’s helmet. Victorino took umbrage. Oddly enough, it was almost as if Victorino saw it coming. He seemed to be indicating that if Kuroda was going to hit him, he should do so by nailing him in the arm or his back side, not his noggin.
Both benches and bullpens held an impromptu meeting on the field. No punches where thrown, though Manny decided to be Manny, offering up some histrionics for the cameras while being “held back” by his teammates.
All of which should provide an interesting backdrop for tonight’s game. It also might shroud the Phils’ real problem.
The Dodgers are bringing back their ace, Derek Lowe, tonight on three days rest. The Phils are countering with Joe Blanton. Cole Hamels will get his usual rest before taking the hill Wednesday night.
Tonight is not the problem. It’s down the road that it could get interesting. By pitching tonight, Lowe also will be available for a deciding Game 7, if necessary on his normal rest. Hamels, who will pitch Wednesday, will not be available for that final game in Philly Saturday night.
The Phillies, and Hamels in particular, better hope it does not come to that. Hamels has been splendid down the stretch and in particular in the playoffs.
Maybe you don’t even want him pitching tonight off his normal rest. Still, there’s a part of me that thinks – or maybe wishes - it should be Hamels going to Manuel, demanding to pitch tonight.
Maybe it won’t matter.
Let’s hope not.
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