Phils take series in New York, Raul is the Man, Pelfrey is a goon

What a great series in New York, culminating with the Phils taking the series after two consecutive extra inning victories. The Phillies showed a ton of heart against the Mets, battling to take two of three.

The team made a comeback in all three games. They rallied from a 3-0 deficit in game one, with Johan Santana on the mound. Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez responded by hitting back to back solo shots, and Jimmy Rollins heard the boos a bit louder after his two run shot but the Phils in front 4-3. Unfortunately, the bullpen couldn't hold the lead and the Mets took game one.

The Phillies battled back late in game two, trailing 4-1, rallying to tie the game. Chase Utley's extra innings home run gave the Phils the lead and the win. Utley must have enjoyed this game winner a bit more than usual, following a prior incident between Utley and Mike Pelfrey. Pelfrey was on the mound ready to throw, and as soon as Utley started to step into the box, it appeared as though Pelfrey was about to pitch. Utley called time out and stepped out of the box, and Pelfrey threw a temper tantrum like a goon, and threw his arms up in the air and starting yelling at Utley. Utley was not given time to get set in the box, so he stepped out. It's not as though he called time late after being set in the box to throw Pelfrey out of his rhythm. Instead of walking in the direction of his dugout after Utley made an out, Pelfrey walked toward first base and said something to Utley as he passed him.

The Phillies battled back once again last night, tying the game in the seventh after trailing 3-1. Raul Ibanez came through once again, giving the Phils a 6-3 win after his three run home run in the 10th. He really has been the man in Philadelphia all season. Ryan Madson looked great as the closer in the last two games, picking up two saves in the process. The victory puts the Phillies four games ahead of the Mets, entering interleague play.

The Boston Red Sox, fresh off yet another sweep of the New York Yankees, come into town for a weekend series starting tonight. Boston will be throwing their three best pitchers in this series, with Jon Lester on the hill tonight, Dice-K Matsuzaka starting tomorrow and the red hot Josh Beckett closing out the series on Sunday. The Phillies will counter with Joe Blanton tonight, and the young left guns, Antonio Bastardo and J.A. Happ to finish the set. The Mets and Yankees will both be searching for redemption while facing each other this weekend.