Here’s something you have not been able to say since May 30.
A big welcome back this morning to your first-place Philadelphia Phillies.
It wasn’t easy – nothing ever is with this team – but the Phils first blew a big lead over the Marlins last night, then rallied in the eighth to post a 8-7 win. The win puts them back in first by a half game over the Braves, who managed somehow to get shut out by the Pirates.
The Phils watched as their bullpen gave away a 7-4 lead when the Marlins scored three in the top of the eighth. But the Phils, sparked by Jimmy Rollins, posted the go-ahead win in the bottom of the eighth, and Ryan Madson closed the door.
Looking for a dark lining on this cloud? Notice that Brad Lidge did not close out the ninth. He apparently has a sore elbow. That might be one to watch.
But for now, fueled by the Braves being shut out by the lowly Pirates, pole vaults the Phils back into first by a half game.
The last time they sat above Atlanta in the National League East was May 30. The Braves now assume the lead in the NL wild-card standings. They hold a game and a half edge on the Giants.
More importantly, Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel’s constant tinkering in trying to find just the right lineup may finally have paid off. Last night he had Shane Victorino leading off, and shortstop Jimmy Rollins backing up Ryan Howard in the fifth slot. Rollins responded with two key hits, and two big runs batted in.
It’s been 100 days since the Phils resided in first place. That was 71 games ago. There are 22 games left in the season. Now their job is to stay on their lofty perch.
Nothing else has been consistent about this team this year, except their maddening inconsistency. Look for these two teams to flip-flop spots the rest of September.
A big welcome back this morning to your first-place Philadelphia Phillies.
It wasn’t easy – nothing ever is with this team – but the Phils first blew a big lead over the Marlins last night, then rallied in the eighth to post a 8-7 win. The win puts them back in first by a half game over the Braves, who managed somehow to get shut out by the Pirates.
The Phils watched as their bullpen gave away a 7-4 lead when the Marlins scored three in the top of the eighth. But the Phils, sparked by Jimmy Rollins, posted the go-ahead win in the bottom of the eighth, and Ryan Madson closed the door.
Looking for a dark lining on this cloud? Notice that Brad Lidge did not close out the ninth. He apparently has a sore elbow. That might be one to watch.
But for now, fueled by the Braves being shut out by the lowly Pirates, pole vaults the Phils back into first by a half game.
The last time they sat above Atlanta in the National League East was May 30. The Braves now assume the lead in the NL wild-card standings. They hold a game and a half edge on the Giants.
More importantly, Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel’s constant tinkering in trying to find just the right lineup may finally have paid off. Last night he had Shane Victorino leading off, and shortstop Jimmy Rollins backing up Ryan Howard in the fifth slot. Rollins responded with two key hits, and two big runs batted in.
It’s been 100 days since the Phils resided in first place. That was 71 games ago. There are 22 games left in the season. Now their job is to stay on their lofty perch.
Nothing else has been consistent about this team this year, except their maddening inconsistency. Look for these two teams to flip-flop spots the rest of September.
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