The Phillies set a record tonight that has stood for nearly a century. They defeated the Atlanta Braves, completing a 3 game sweep and now have swept Atlanta in every game that they faced them on the road this season. The last recorded road season series sweep (now say that 5 times fast…you know you want to J ) for the Braves was in 1909. And with that, the Phillies also retain 1st place in the NL East.
Cole Hamels had another solid day, going 6 innings and giving up 2 solo homers. He had several base runners, with 6 hits and 2 walks total for the Braves, but he worked around it. Hamels did not look as sharp as he usually does; he left a lot of balls up in the zone and got away with it, in part thanks to the defense. But with only 2 runs surrendered, you can’t complain. Ryan Madson pitched the 7th and did fine until Ryan Howard bobbled a routine ground ball with 2 outs in the inning; the mistake extended the inning and led to a Braves run, but the Phils still led 4-3. JC Romero had a great 8th inning and then Brad Lidge came in for the 9th with the 1 run lead. Lidge knocked the Braves down in order and remains perfect in save situations. The man is a pitching machine…it is simply inhuman what he has accomplished this year. And I mean that in the nicest possible way J
Good thing Lidge remained robot perfect too because there was not a lot of offense in this game, as the Phillies recorded only 7 hits, but the 4 runs sufficed to earn the win. Actually, the offense sort of inside-outed itself tonight (if I can make up that phrase). The only guy who was hot at the plate tonight was Pat Burrell, who went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI on a home run in the 6th inning. The previous 2 games against the Braves, everyone except Burrell was hot! So tonight, everyone gets a rest and Burrell does the heavy lifting. I am sure he doesn’t mind.
Tomorrow starts a 3 game series with the Florida Marlins in Miami and I will be at all 3 games to bring you photos and updates. In between, you will find me on the beach! Yes, hate me if you must…clearly, I am ok with it. J Anyway, this is another important series for the Phillies as they will have an opportunity to separate themselves from the Mets in the Division race, which they are currently ahead by ½ a game (Mets also won today). So, let’s fry some Fish this weekend!
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