Heading into a four game set in L.A against the Dodgers, if someone told you the Phillies would split the series, you'd have to be satisfied with the result. But after the 2-2 split, the Phillies are left with a sense that they failed to put a dagger into the team with the Major League's best record. If not for Brad Lidge's struggles, and an uncharacteristic Pedro Feliz error, the Phillies would have swept the series.
Phillies fans know better than any others, you have to get all 27 outs before earning the victory. The Phillies have pulled out more unlikely comebacks than just about any other team in recent history. Maybe we're a bit spoiled with our track record last season, winning games late and going undefeated when leading after eight. But this team doesn't lose games in that fashion and it needs Lidge to be "Lights out Lidge" from a season ago.
Starting tonight in New York, opposing Johan Santana, the Phils begin a very difficult stretch. After three against the Mets, the Phillies host Boston and Toronto for three. Hopefully Baltimore will provide a bit of a break, before the Phils head out to Tampa for a three game set with the Rays and then travel to Toronto to take on the Blue Jays again.
That stretch could make or break the team. If the Phils keep their heads above water, they could very well run away with the division. Sink, and we may see another dog fight late into September.
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