Monday, July 6, 2009

Phillies sweep Mets with Rollins, great pitching

The Phillies continued a trend in yesterday's finale against the New York Mets. They got excellent starting pitching, Jimmy Rollins set the table and Brad Lidge finished beautifully.

Rollins' lead-off homer was huge for both the team and himself. With Johan Santana on the mound, to get to him so early was a big boost for the Phils. Joe Blanton was phenomenal yesterday, pitching seven and one third scoreless innings. He worked himself out of the few jams he got himself into, capped off with David Wright's bases loaded, inning ending double play ground out.

Really, just how bad are the Mets? Their leader, David Wright, went hitless during a huge division rival series. He led the Mets yesterday is runners left on base. He made outs and hit into double plays in crucial situations. He was unimpressive in the field. His ninth inning at bat was pretty much perfect. He represented his team as he went down without a fight, as did the Mets. He led off against Lidge, trailing 2-0 and needing to get something started for his team to bring the tying run to the plate. He went down looking at a Lidge fastball on the inside corner. His team followed suit as Lidge struck out the side in the ninth, once again fanning Nick Evans to end the game for the second consecutive game.

It was a tremendous series for the Phillies and they need to keep it going. The Mets fell back into a fourth place tie with Atlanta, four games behind the Phils. The Marlins remain just one game back after taking two of three from the Pirates.

Cole Hamels takes the mound against the Reds tonight in a big start. He needs to bounce back and give the team a good start that he's more than capable and due to give.

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