Fortunately, the Reds have dropped three straight. The Mets took it to the Phillies this weekend but Friday’s close win allowed them to at least nab one game. So as it stands, the Phillies are one game back of the Reds and a half game back of the Padres in the Wild Card race.
Ryan Howard hit his first of three homeruns in the series on Friday. His two run shot in the third ended up being the difference in the 4-3 win. He also drove in another run on a sac. fly. Randy Wolf improved to 3-0 and he gave up three runs on five hits and four walks with four strikeouts in five innings. Ryan Madson picked up his second save since taking over as closer.
On Saturday, Jon Lieber was bounced but it was the pen that really got shelled. Rick White gave up three runs without getting anybody out and Aaron Fultz gave up four runs in only one inning. Ryan Howard hit a grand slam and Scott Victorino had two hits, a run and an RBI in the 11-5 loss.
The Phillies got thumped again today, but Ryan Howard hit his 47th homerun of the season. He tied Jim Thome for the second best single season total in franchise history and only one more homerun seperates he and Mike Schmidt. I think it’s pretty certain that Ryan Howard is going to be the first 50 homerun hitter in Phillies history this season. I could see him taking over this list as long as he stays in a Phillies uniform.
Next up is three against the Nationals. Man would it would be nice for the Nats to roll over.
August 28th, 2006 at 5:39 pm
Very positive post. Ryan Howard hit 3 HR’s in the series & luckily the Phillies gained a game despite losing 2 of 3 from the mets
August 29th, 2006 at 1:13 pm
Yes, the Phils are still in the “Wild Card mix”…but for how much longer? They need to make a stronger push and stop playing catch up to the Reds and instead of the other clubs sweatin’ it out!