Playoff Bound: Halladay Blanks the Astros
The Phillies became the first team in the majors to clinch a playoff berth today with a 1-0 win over the Astros. It was also a franchise record for the fastest time to clinch a playoff spot. They did it in their 146th game of the season. The 1915 Phillies took 147 games.
The record came courtesy of pitcher Roy Halladay who almost single-handedly won the game for the Phillies. Halladay went the distance, allowing only 6 hits over 9 innings. He also survived another defensive error, which led to having the bases loaded with no outs in the 2nd inning. Without breaking a sweat, Halladay got out of the jam unscathed.
The win gives Halladay 18 wins on the year and lowered his ERA to 2.34, which is #1 among all major league starters with at least 10 starts.
The Phillies offense should be thanking Halladay for his amazing effort as they managed only one run and four hits. And the one run came after a Shane Victorino double and Placido Polanco single in the 1st inning. They then went 8 innings without touching home plate.
In the entire 3-game series, the Phillies scored a total of only 4 runs. Ryan Howard went 0-11 in the series. Victorino went 1-9. And Michael Martinez, who started all 3 games, went 0-9.
But going back home and adding Chase Utley back to the roster will hopefully wake up this slumbering Phillies offense. They play a make-up double-header with the Marlins tomorrow. Game times are 2:35pm & 7:35pm.
FYI: MLB released the 2012 schedule today. The Phillies home schedule includes the Red Sox, Rays, Cubs, Cardinals and all of the usual suspects. The home opener is April 9th.
Division Magic # - 4 games
Home Field Advantage Magic # - 6 games
Photo by Jenn Zambri Photography
