Ladies and gentlemen, meet Roy Oswalt.
The Phils’ latest acquisition made his debut at Citizens Bank Park last night, and he delivered the goods.
Oswalt was every bit the third spike in the Phils’ powerful triple-headed monster at the top of their pitching rotation.
Oswalt dazzled the Dodgers over 7 innings, shutting them out on just five hits.
And what happened after Oswalt left the game might be just as impressive. Ryan Madson gave up just one hit in the eighth, while Brad Lidge showed glimpses of ’08 as the closer blew away L.A. 1-2-3 in the ninth, striking out two in the process.
If Lidge can hold this form, it will be a huge boost for the Phils as they continue to try to catch the first-place Braves. Last night’s win kept them two and half back.
There was more good news the Phils even before the game started. Doctors cleared second baseman Chase Utley to start swinging the bat as he rehabs from the bum thumb that required surgery.
In the meantime, Shane Victorino did his second rehab start in Lehigh Valley and looks ready to rejoin the team this weekend.
And Ryan Howard is now walking without crutches.
The Phils look like they’re getting their horses ready for the stretch run.
And they’re being led by the combination of “2HO.” Last night Roy Oswalt proved exactly why Ruben Amaro Jr. went out and got him.
Last night’s 7th, 8th and 9th innings were the blueprint that Charlie Manuel draws up in his dreams.
Tonight, Joe Blanton takes the mound for the Phils. Keep your fingers crossed.
The Phils’ latest acquisition made his debut at Citizens Bank Park last night, and he delivered the goods.
Oswalt was every bit the third spike in the Phils’ powerful triple-headed monster at the top of their pitching rotation.
Oswalt dazzled the Dodgers over 7 innings, shutting them out on just five hits.
And what happened after Oswalt left the game might be just as impressive. Ryan Madson gave up just one hit in the eighth, while Brad Lidge showed glimpses of ’08 as the closer blew away L.A. 1-2-3 in the ninth, striking out two in the process.
If Lidge can hold this form, it will be a huge boost for the Phils as they continue to try to catch the first-place Braves. Last night’s win kept them two and half back.
There was more good news the Phils even before the game started. Doctors cleared second baseman Chase Utley to start swinging the bat as he rehabs from the bum thumb that required surgery.
In the meantime, Shane Victorino did his second rehab start in Lehigh Valley and looks ready to rejoin the team this weekend.
And Ryan Howard is now walking without crutches.
The Phils look like they’re getting their horses ready for the stretch run.
And they’re being led by the combination of “2HO.” Last night Roy Oswalt proved exactly why Ruben Amaro Jr. went out and got him.
Last night’s 7th, 8th and 9th innings were the blueprint that Charlie Manuel draws up in his dreams.
Tonight, Joe Blanton takes the mound for the Phils. Keep your fingers crossed.
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