There’s nothing quite like a visit by the New York Mets to cure what ails the Phils.
After struggling mightily at home most of the season, the Phillies flipped the switch at the sight of those hated New Yorkers – and their fans.
All the Phils did this weekend was get three excellent efforts from their starting pitchers, Rodrigo Lopez Friday, Jamie Moyer Saturday and then Joe Blanton yesterday. All Blanton did was outduel Mets’ ace Johan Santana, shutting out the Mets in seven and a third strong innings.
Two other things should be noted about the Phils reversal of fortune at Citizens Bank Park this weekend.
One obviously would be the return of Brad Lidge, who slammed the door in the Mets’ faces both Saturday and Sunday, earning two consecutive saves.
On Sunday Lidge struck out the side to seal the deal.
The other would be a return to form of Jimmy Rollins at the top of the Phils’ lineup. The Mets seem to be just what Rollins needed to turn his season around.
It didn’t take Rollins long to put his stamp on yesterday’s game. He sent the second offering from Santana into the seats in the left-field corner to stake the Phils to the only run they would need. It was the 30th time in his career Rollins has started a game with a dinger.
It was a strong weekend for Rollins, who went 2-for-3 yesterday and
7-for-15 since snapping out of his 0-for-27 slump Thursday.
It really is pretty simple. The Phils are largely dependent on the guys at the two ends of their lineup. Rollins makes this team go. When he’s getting on base, the Phils are a very good offensive team. He is the straw that stirs their drink.
On the other end, Lidge is the hammer Charlie Manuel needs to slam the door in opponents’ faces.
This weekend, maybe for the first time this season, both were working perfectly.
That’s a very good sign as we head into the heart of summer.
After struggling mightily at home most of the season, the Phillies flipped the switch at the sight of those hated New Yorkers – and their fans.
All the Phils did this weekend was get three excellent efforts from their starting pitchers, Rodrigo Lopez Friday, Jamie Moyer Saturday and then Joe Blanton yesterday. All Blanton did was outduel Mets’ ace Johan Santana, shutting out the Mets in seven and a third strong innings.
Two other things should be noted about the Phils reversal of fortune at Citizens Bank Park this weekend.
One obviously would be the return of Brad Lidge, who slammed the door in the Mets’ faces both Saturday and Sunday, earning two consecutive saves.
On Sunday Lidge struck out the side to seal the deal.
The other would be a return to form of Jimmy Rollins at the top of the Phils’ lineup. The Mets seem to be just what Rollins needed to turn his season around.
It didn’t take Rollins long to put his stamp on yesterday’s game. He sent the second offering from Santana into the seats in the left-field corner to stake the Phils to the only run they would need. It was the 30th time in his career Rollins has started a game with a dinger.
It was a strong weekend for Rollins, who went 2-for-3 yesterday and
7-for-15 since snapping out of his 0-for-27 slump Thursday.
It really is pretty simple. The Phils are largely dependent on the guys at the two ends of their lineup. Rollins makes this team go. When he’s getting on base, the Phils are a very good offensive team. He is the straw that stirs their drink.
On the other end, Lidge is the hammer Charlie Manuel needs to slam the door in opponents’ faces.
This weekend, maybe for the first time this season, both were working perfectly.
That’s a very good sign as we head into the heart of summer.
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