The Phillies did something this weekend they had not done since the middle of June.
That’s how long it’s been since the Phils have lost a series on the road, when they dropped a set in Seattle.
They did it again this weekend in the nation’s capital, of all places, to the lowly Nationals, in front of a jam-packed stadium that was three-quarters Phillies fans who made the jaunt down I-95 to turn Nationals Park into Citizens Bank Park South.
The weekend was plagued by Mother Nature, but don’t blame her. The Phils rained all over this parade.
If you’re looking for fingerprints, look no farther than the bullpen.
On Friday night it was Ryan Madson, getting lit up for six runs in the bottom of the ninth, including a walk-off grand slam.
The Phils recovered from that debacle Saturday, but were right back in the soup Sunday. Roy Halladay exited after still another long rain delay, one that was preceded by a wild lightning show.
After the delay, it was once again the Phils’ bullpen that saw fireworks.
Michael Schwimer made his major league debut and gave up a home run on his second pitch to tie the game, and foil Halladay’s bid for his 16th win.
The Phils scounged out another run to take a 4-3 lead, and Antonio Bastardo was one strike away from sealing the deal when lightning struck again. This time it was in the form of Ryan Zimmerman, yes, the same guy who hit that grand slam Friday night. Zimmerman rocketed a Bastardo offering over the left-field wall to silence the throng of Phillies fans hoping for a win.
Then Brad Lidge came into the game in the 10th. He loaded the bases, then hit Jonny Gomes with a pitch to force in the wining run and end the game.
If that was not bad enough, there is still more injury to the insult.
Shortstop Jimmy Rollins left the game in the third inning with what is being described as a strained groin.
Swell. In the meantime, the Braves won again, and now trail the Phils by just six and a half games in the NL East.
For now the Phils can do little except offer that old refrain: Rain, rain, go away … and take our bullpen with you!
That’s how long it’s been since the Phils have lost a series on the road, when they dropped a set in Seattle.
They did it again this weekend in the nation’s capital, of all places, to the lowly Nationals, in front of a jam-packed stadium that was three-quarters Phillies fans who made the jaunt down I-95 to turn Nationals Park into Citizens Bank Park South.
The weekend was plagued by Mother Nature, but don’t blame her. The Phils rained all over this parade.
If you’re looking for fingerprints, look no farther than the bullpen.
On Friday night it was Ryan Madson, getting lit up for six runs in the bottom of the ninth, including a walk-off grand slam.
The Phils recovered from that debacle Saturday, but were right back in the soup Sunday. Roy Halladay exited after still another long rain delay, one that was preceded by a wild lightning show.
After the delay, it was once again the Phils’ bullpen that saw fireworks.
Michael Schwimer made his major league debut and gave up a home run on his second pitch to tie the game, and foil Halladay’s bid for his 16th win.
The Phils scounged out another run to take a 4-3 lead, and Antonio Bastardo was one strike away from sealing the deal when lightning struck again. This time it was in the form of Ryan Zimmerman, yes, the same guy who hit that grand slam Friday night. Zimmerman rocketed a Bastardo offering over the left-field wall to silence the throng of Phillies fans hoping for a win.
Then Brad Lidge came into the game in the 10th. He loaded the bases, then hit Jonny Gomes with a pitch to force in the wining run and end the game.
If that was not bad enough, there is still more injury to the insult.
Shortstop Jimmy Rollins left the game in the third inning with what is being described as a strained groin.
Swell. In the meantime, the Braves won again, and now trail the Phils by just six and a half games in the NL East.
For now the Phils can do little except offer that old refrain: Rain, rain, go away … and take our bullpen with you!
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