Results tagged ‘ Humberto Quintero ’

The Phils’ bullpen let one get away, wasting a good start by Roy Halladay, as the Phils fall to the Pirates, 5-3.

Philadelphia_PhilliesRoy Halladay’s third straight strong start is wasted by the bullpen as the Phils lose late to the Pirates, 5-3.

The Phils took the lead in the bottom of the first as, with one man out, Chase Utley hits a solo home run, his fourth home run of the season, giving the Phils a 1-0 lead. The Pirates tied the game up at one-all in the top of the fourth as, with two men on, and with two men out, Pedro Alvarez hits an RBI single, scoring Garrett Jones, who had earlier walked, then moved up to second base when Neil Walker was hit by the pitch, while sending Walker, who had just been hit by a pitch, up to second base. The Phils retook the lead in their half of the fourth as, with one man out, Ryan Howard hits a solo home run, his second home run of the season, giving the Phils a 2-1 lead. The Phils increased their lead in the sixth as, with runners on the corners, and with two men out, pinch-hitter Kevin Frandsen hits an RBI single, knocking in Ben Revere, who had earlier singled, then went to third base on Humberto Quintero’s single, giving the Phils a 3-1 lead, while sending Quintero, who had just singled, up to second base. The Pirates got a run back in the seventh as, with one man out, Alvarez hits a solo home run, his fourth home run of the season, making it a 3-2 Phils’ lead. The Pirates tied the game up at three-all in the eighth as, with two men on, and with nobody out, Travis Snider hits an RBI single, scoring pinch-hitter Jose Tabata, who had started the inning off with a walk, then moved up to second base on Starling Marte’s single, while sending Marte’s who had just singled, on to third base. Two batters later, with the bases now loaded, as Andrew McCutchen walks, moving Snider to second base, and with still nobody out, the Pirates took the lead as pinch-hitter Brandon Inge hits an RBI single, knocking in Marte, giving the Pirates a 4-3 lead, while moving both Snider and McCutchen up a base. The Pirates added to their lead in the ninth as, with a man on first, and with two men out, Marte hits an RBI triple on a pop ball that second baseman Utley was unable to catch, scoring Clint Barmes, who had earlier singled, giving the Pirates a 5-3 lead. That would end up being the final score as Jason Grilli collected his ninth save of the season by pitching a 1-2-3 ninth.

Roy Halladay received a no-decision as he pitched six strong innings, giving up a run on a hit, two walks and a hit batter, while striking out eight. Antonio Bastardo received his second hold of the season as he pitched an inning, giving up a run on a hit. Mike Adams received his first blown save of the season before taking the lost (1-2, 4.00) as he pitched to four batters, getting none of them out, as he gave up two runs on two hits and two walks. Jeremy Horst pitched two innings, giving up a run on three hits. Wandy Rodriguez also received a no-decision as he went five and two-thirds innings, giving up three runs on nine hits and two walks, while striking out five. Vin Mazzaro (1-0, 0.00) got the win as pitched a scoreless inning and a third. Mark Melancon collected his eighth hold of the year as he threw a scoreless inning, giving up a hit. Jason Grilli collected his ninth save of the year as he threw a 1-2-3 inning, striking out a batter.

The Phils collected ten hits in the game, with Jimmy Rollins (Single, Double), Chase Utley (Single, Home Run, RBI) and Dom Brown (Singles) all leading the ballclub with two hits each. Ryan Howard (Home Run, RBI), Ben Revere (Single), Humberto Quintero (Single) and pinch-hitter Kevin Frandsen (Single, RBI) had the other four Phils’ hits. The Phils also had two walks (John Mayberry, Jr., Humberto Quintero (Intentional)) in the game.

The Phils (9-13, 4th East) conclude their series with the Pirates (12-9, 3rd Central) with a game already in progress.

The Phils win their second straight series as they split their last two games with the fish, losing and winning by the similar score of 2-1.

Philadelphia_PhilliesThe Phils are involved in a pair of pitchers’ dues, as they split their last two games with the Marlins while they go on to win their second straight series.

On Saturday night, the Marlins broke up a 0-0 tie in the bottom of the fifth as, with a man on third, and with two men out, Jose Fernandez hits an RBI single, knocking in Adeiny Hechavarria, who had just tripled, giving the Marlins a 1-0 lead. The Phils tied the game up at one-all in the top of the seventh as, with two men on, and with one man out, Dom Brown, who had started the inning off with a single, then moved up to second base on Freddy Galvis’ walk, would score on second baseman Donovan Solano’s throwing error as he tried to complete a double play, as Erik Kratz hits into a force out, 6-4, wiping out at second base, Galvis, who had just walked, for the inning’s second out, while Kratz would move up to second base on the error. The Marlins then won the game in the bottom of the ninth as, with runners on the corners, and with one man out, Chris Coghlan hits an RBI single, knocking in Placido Polanco, who had started the inning off with a walk, then went to third base on Greg Dobbs’s single, giving the Marlins a 2-1 walk-off win.

Cole Hamels received a no-decision as he pitched six strong innings, giving up a run on three hits and three walks, while striking out five. Antonio Bastardo and Mike Adams combined for two 1-2-3 innings, striking out three (Bastardo (1), Adams (2)) between them. Phillippe Aumont (1-1, 2.70) took the lost as he went a third of an inning, giving up a run on two hits and a walk, while striking out a batter. Jose Fernandez pitched six strong innings as well, giving up just two hits and two walks, while striking out five. A.J. Ramos blew his first save opportunity of the season as he threw two-thirds of an inning, giving up a run on two hits and a walk, while striking out a batter. Mike Dunn and Ryan Webb combined for one and one-third scoreless innings, giving up a hit (Dunn) and a walk (Dunn) between them, while striking out two (one batter each). Steve Cishek (1-1, 8.31) got the win as he pitched a 1-2-3 inning.

The Phils had five hits in the game, a double by Ryan Howard, a single by Dom Brown, a single by Laynce Nix, a single by Freddy Galvis and a single by pinch-hitter Michael Young. The Phils only run came in on a Marlins’ error. The Phils also had four walks (Ben Revere, Jimmy Rollins (2), Galvis) in the game.

On Sunday, the Phils broke up a 0-0 tie in the top of the sixth as, with a runner on second, and with nobody out, Michael Young hits an RBI single, scoring Ryan Howard, who had started the inning off with a double, giving the Phils a 1-0 lead, before moving up to second base on the late throw home. The Marlins tied the game up at one-all in the bottom of the seventh as, with two men on, and with one man out, Chris Valaika hits an RBI single, knocking in Justin Ruggiano, who had earlier singled, then stopped at second base on Rob Brantly’s walk, while Brantly, who had just walked, would stop at second base. The Phils regained the lead in the top of the ninth as, with one man out, pinch-hitter Laynce Nix hits a solo home run, his second home run of the season, giving the Phils a 2-1 lead. That would be the final score as Jonathan Papelbon recorded his second save of the season by pitching a scoreless ninth.

Roy Halladay (1-2, 7.63) got the win, the 200th of his career, as he went eight innings, giving up a run on five hits and a walk, while striking out two. Jonathan Papelbon collected his second save of the year as he pitched a scoreless inning, giving up a walk. Kevin Slowey received a n0-decision as he pitched five and a third innings, giving up a run on nine scattered hits and two walks, while he struck out four. Chad Qualls pitched two and a third innings, giving up two hits and a walk, while striking out a batter. Jon Rauch (0-2, 6.35) took the lost as he pitched an inning and a third, giving up a run on a hit.

The Phils had twelve hits in the game, with Ryan Howard (2 Singles, Double) leading the team with three hits, followed by Ben Revere (Singles) and Freddy Galvis (Singles) with two hits each. Chase Utley (Single), Michael Young (Single, RBI), John Mayberry, Jr. (Single), Humberto Quintero (Double) and pinch-hitter Laynce Nix (Home Run, RBI) had the other five Phils’ hits, as the offense was handled rather well by Marlins’ pitching. The Phils also had three walks (Galvis, Dom Brown, Mayberry) and a stolen base (Revere (5)) in the game.

The Phils (6-6, 4th East) will start a three-game series with the Reds (5-7, 3rd Central). The game is presently in progress. The Phils will be trying to go above .500 for the first time this season.

The Phils early season woes continue as they lose to the Mets, 7-2.

Philadelphia_PhilliesThe Phils early season pitching problems continues as Roy Halladay throws another clunker as the Phils lose to the Mets, 7-2.

The Mets took the lead in the top of the second inning as, with two men on, and with one man out, John Buck hits a three-run home run, his third home run of the season, scoring Marlon Byrd, who had earlier doubled, and Lucas Duda, who had just been hit by the pitch, giving the Mets a 3-0 lead. The Mets added to their lead in the top of the third as, with two men on, and with two men out, Duda hits an RBI single, knocking in Daniel Murphy, who had started the inning off with a walk, then moved up to second base on David Wright’s ground out, 5-3, giving the Mets a 4-0 lead, while sending Byrd, who had just walked, up to second base. The Phils would get a run back in the bottom of the fourth as, with runners on the corners, and with nobody out, Ryan Howard hits a sacrifice fly, scoring Jimmy Rollins, who had started the inning off with a double, then stopped at third base on Chase Utley’s single, making it a 4-1 Mets’ lead. The Mets increased their lead in the top of the fifth as, with a man on third, and with nobody out, Wright would hit an RBI single, scoring Murphy, who had started the inning off with a ground-rule double, then moved up to third base on Roy Halladay’s wild pitch, giving the Mets a 5-1 lead. Five batters later, with the bases loaded, via a single by Ike Davis, sending Wright to third base, and a walk to Duda, moving Davis up to second base, and with one man out, Ruben Tejada hits a two-run single, scoring Wright and Davis, giving the Mets a 7-1 lead, while sending Duda over to third base. The Phils would get a run back in the bottom of the eighth as, with a runner on third, and with one man out, Rollins hits an RBI ground out, 6-3, scoring Erik Kratz, who had started the inning off with a ground-rule double, thanks to fan interference, before moving up to third on Ben Revere’s ground out, 6-3, making it a 7-2 Mets’ lead. That would be the final score as Josh Edgin would pitch a 1-2-3 ninth.

Roy Halladay (0-2, 14.73) took the lost as he threw four innings, plus three batters, giving up seven runs on six hits, three walks, a hit batter and a wild pitch, while striking out just three. Chad Durbin pitched an inning, giving up a hit and a walk, while striking out a batter. Jeremy Horst and Raul Valdes combined for four scoreless innings, giving up two hits (one hit each) and a walk (Valdes) between them, which striking out five (Horst (3), Valdes (2)). Matt Harvey (2-0, 0.64) got the win as he pitched seven strong innings, giving up a run on three hits and a walk, while striking out two. Josh Edgin pitched two innings, giving up a run on a hit, while striking out a batter.

The Phils had only four hits in the game, a double by Jimmy Rollins (RBI), a single by Chase Utley, a single by Humberto Quintero and a ground-rule double by Erik Kratz. Ryan Howard knocked in the other Phil’s run with a sacrifice fly. The Phils also had two walks (Ben Revere, Laynce Nix) and a stolen base (Revere (4)) in the game, as the Phils once again spent most of the game trailing thanks to a bad pitching performance.

The Phils (2-5, 4th) continue their series with the Mets (5-2, 2nd) with a night game tonight. The game will be played at Citizens Bank Park and will begin at 7:05 pm EDT. The Phils will send to the mound Cliff Lee (1-0, 0.00) who is coming off a shut out against the Braves on April 4, as he pitched eight innings, giving up just two hits, while striking out eight, in the Phils’ 2-0 win. He will be trying for his second straight good start, while trying to put a stop to the Phils’ present losing streak. The Mets will counter with Dillon Gee (0-1, 1.42), who is coming off a lost against the Padres on April 4, as he went six and a third innings, giving up a run on three hits and three walks, while striking out four, in the Mets’ 2-1 lost. He will be trying to even up his record, while trying to help keep the Mets in pace with the division leading Braves. The Phils will be trying to even up the series.

The Phils end their Grapefruit League season on a high note as they come from behind to defeat the Blue Jays, 9-2.

Philadelphia_PhilliesThe Phils end their spring training season in Florida with a come from behind victory over the Blue Jays, winning 9-2.

The Blue Jays took the lead in the third as, with a runner on second, and with two men out, Edwin Encarnacion hits an RBI single, knocking in Jose Bautista, who had earlier doubled, giving the Blue Jays a 1-0 lead, before moving up to second base on the late throw to the plate. The Blue Jays then made it a 2-0 lead one batter later as Adam Lind hits an RBI single, scoring Encarnacion. The Phils would get a run back in the sixth as, with a runner on second, and with nobody out, Ben Revere, who had started the inning off with a single, then stole second base, would score on second baseman Eugenio Velez’s fielding error of Jimmy Rollins’ grounder, making it a 2-1 Blue Jays’ lead, while Rollins would be safe at first. The Phils then took the lead one batter later as Chase Utley hits a two-run home run, his fifth home run of the spring, scoring Rollins, giving the Phils a 3-2 lead. The Phils added to their lead in the eighth as, with a runner on second, and with two men out, Humberto Quintero hits an RBI single, knocking in Michael Martinez, who had just doubled, giving the Phils a 4-2 lead, before moving up to second base on the throw to the plate. Two batters later, after John Mayberry, Jr. had walked, the Phils made it a 7-2 lead as Laynce Nix hits a 3-run home run, his second home run of the spring, knocking in Quintero and Mayberry. That would end up being the final score as Jonathan Papelbon threw a 1-2-3 ninth.

Roy Halladay received a no-decision as he pitched four and a third innings, giving up two runs on eight hits and two walks, while striking out six. Hector Neris pitched two-thirds of an inning, getting out both men whom he would face. Cesar Jimenez (1-0, 0.00) got the win as he threw a 1-2-3 inning, striking out the side. Phillippe Aumont and Mike Adams both collected their second holds of the spring as they combine for two 1-2-3 innings, both striking out a batter. Jonathan Papelbon threw a 1-2-3 inning. Brandon Morrow (0-3, 6.14) took the lost as he pitched seven innings, giving up three runs, two of which were earned, on six hits, while striking out three. Sergio Santos pitched an inning, giving up four runs on three hits and a walk.

The Phils had nine hits in the game, with Ben Revere leading the ballclub with two hits, both singles. Chase Utley (Home Run, 2 RBIs), Ryan Howard (Single), Humberto Quintero (Single, RBI), Dom Brown (Single), Laynce Nix (Home Run, 3 RBI), Erik Kratz (Single) and Michael Martinez (Double), had the other seven Phils’ hits. The final Phil run came in on an error. The Phils also had a walk (John Mayberry, Jr.) and a stolen base (Revere (10)), in the game.

The Phils end their grapefruit league season with a 16-15-1 record. They will now play a pair of games at Citizens Bank Park, Friday and Saturday, against the Blue Jays.

As the Phils get close to stablizing their roster, they crush the Rays, 10-1.

Philadelphia_PhilliesAs the Phils get close to finalizing their 25 men roster before heading north, the batters support a good performance by the pitching staff, as they crush the Rays, 10-1.

The Rays scored first in the third as, with one man on, and with two men out, Sean Rodriguez hits an RBI double, scoring Jason Bourgeois, who had earlier singled, giving the Rays a 1-0 lead, before going on to third on the late throw to the plate. The Phils then tied the game up at one-all in the fifth as, with runners on second and third, and with nobody out, Kevin Frandsen hits an RBI groundout, three-unassisted, scoring Ryan Howard, who had started the inning off with a single, then stopped at third base on Dom Brown’s double, while sending Brown, who had just doubled, over to third base. The Phils then took the lead one batter later as, with a man on third, and with one man out, Pete Orr hits an RBI single, knocking in Brown, giving the Phils a 2-1 lead. The Phils then made it a 4-1 lead as Freddy Galvis hits a two-run home run, his third home run of the spring. The Phils increased their lead in the sixth as, with runners on the corners, and with nobody out, Brown hits an RBI double, scoring Chase Utley, who had started the inning off with a double, then stopped at third base on Howard’s single, giving the Phils a 5-1 lead, while sending Howard, who had earlier singled, over to third base. The Phils then made it a 7-1 lead as Frandsen followed Brown with a two-run double, scoring both Howard and Brown. Two batters later, with a man still on second base, and now with one man out, Galvis hits an RBI single, scoring Frandsen, giving the Phils an 8-1 lead, before moving up to second base on the late throw home. The Phils then made it a 9-1 lead as Humberto Qunitero hits an RBI single, scoring Galvis, before moving up to second base on the late throw to the plate. The Phils added to their lead in the eighth as, with a runner on second base, and with two men out, Quintero, who had earlier reached base with a double, would score on a throwing error by first baseman Shelley Duncan on a grounder hit by Ender Inciarte, giving the Phils a 10-1 lead. That would be the final score as Jonathan Papelbon pitched a 1-2-3 ninth.

Raul Valdes received a no-decision as he went three innings, giving up a run on two hits, while striking out five. Michael Stutes threw a scoreless inning, walking a batter. Jeremy Horst (2-1, 4.80) got the win as he threw two scoreless innings, giving up a hit and a wild pitch, while striking out a batter. Colby Shreve, Antonio Bastardo, Steven Inch and Jonathan Papelbon combined for three scoreless innings, giving up a walk (Shreve) between them, while striking out three Rays (Bastardo (1), Papelbon (2)). Roberto Hernandez (0-2) took the loss as he pitched six innings, giving up nine runs on eleven hits and a walk. Cesar Romos pitched an inning and two-thirds, giving up a run on two hits. Adam Liberatore pitched a third of an inning, getting out the only man whom he would face.

The Phils collected thirteen hits in the game, with Dom Brown leading the team with three hits (Single, 2 Doubles, RBI), followed by Ryan Howard (Singles), Freddy Galvis (Single, Home Run, 3 RBIs) and Humberto Quintero (Single, Double, RBI) with two hits each. Jimmy Rollins (Single), Chase Utley (Double), Kevin Frandsen (Double, 3 RBIs) and Pete Orr (Single, RBI) had the other four Phils’ hits. The final Phil run came in on a throwing error. The Phils also had a walk (Ben Revere) in the game.

The Phils (14-15)  play their next spring training game against the Tigers (18-12) at Joker Merchant Park in Jupiter, Florida. The game is to start at 1:05 pm EDT. The Phils will send to the mound Cole Hamels (2-0, 1.13), who is coming off a strong start against the Red Sox on March 21, receiving a no-decision, as he went six innings, giving up just one run on four hits and two walks, while striking out five, in the Phils’ 6-1 lost. He will be going for one final strong start as he prepare to be the Phils’ opening day pitcher. The Tigers will counter with Justin Verlander (1-2, 4.74), who is coming off a lost against the Astros on March 21, as he went five and two-thirds innings, giving up four runs on six hits, as he struck out five, in the Tigers’ 7-2 lost. He will be trying to end his spring training with a good start. The Phils will be trying to do well in their last spring training game on the road.

John Lannan pitches three strong innings, as the Phils beat the Pirates, 5-0.

Philadelphia_PhilliesThe Phils erupt on a fangless Pirates team, as they defeat the Bucos 5-0.

The Phils took the lead in the second as, with the bases loaded, via Darin Ruf being hit by a pitch, an infield single by Dom Brown, moving Ruf up to second base, and a single by Yuniesky Betancourt, moving both runners up a base, and with one man out, Humberto Quintero forces in a run with a walk, scoring Ruf from third, giving the Phils a 1-0 lead, while moving Brown to third base, and sending Betancourt up to second base, as the bases remain loaded. The Phils then took a 2-0 lead as Ben Revere walks in a run, forcing home Brown, while sending Betancourt and Quintero on to third and second base respectively, as the bases stayed loaded. The Phils then made it a 3-0 lead as Michael Young hits an RBI single, scoring Betancourt from third, while sending Qunitero up to third base, and Revere on to second base, leaving the bases loaded. The Phils then added to their lead as Chase Utley walks, bringing home Quintero, giving the Phils a 4-0 lead, while sending Revere on to third base, and Young up to second base, as the bases stayed loaded. The Phils then took a 5-0 lead in the fourth as, with a man on third, and with nobody out, Young hits an RBI ground out, 4-3, for the inning’s first out, as he knocked in Revere, who had started the inning off with a single, then stole second base, before moving on to third on catcher Michael McKenry’s throwing error. That would end up being the final score as Raul Valdes threw two 1-2-3 innings.

John Lannan (2-0, 1.13) got the win as he threw three scoreless innings, giving up just one hit and two walks. Mike Adams pitched a 1-2-3 inning, striking out a batter. Adam Morgan collected his first hold of the spring as he threw three shut out innings, walking two batters, while striking out two. Raul Valdes pitched two 1-2-3 innings, striking out two batters. A.J. Burnett (0-3, 17.36) took the lost as he lasted only an inning and a third, giving up four runs on four hits, two walks and a hit batter, while striking out two. Kris Johnson pitched one and two-thirds innings, giving up a hit and a walk, while striking out three. Wandy Rodriguez pitched three innings, giving up an unearned run on two hits, a walk, and a hit batter, while he struck out three Phils. Duke Welker, Vic Black and Hunter Strickland combined for three scoreless innings, giving up two hits (Welker (1), Strickland (1)) and a walk (Welker) between them, while striking out a batter (Black).

The Phils had nine hits in the game with Ben Revere (RBI), Michael Young (2 RBIs) and Yuniesky Betancourt all leading the team with two hits each, all singles. Dom Brown (Single), John Mayberry, Jr. (Single) and Cesar Hernandez (Single), had the other three Phils’ hits. Chase Utley had the other Phil RBI, via a bases loaded walk. The Phils also had five walks in the game (Revere, Utley, Darin Ruf, Betancourt and Humberto Quintero) and two hit batters (Ruf (2)) in the game.

The Phils will played a game with a team made up of players from the Dominican Republic (WBC). The game will be played at Bright House Field and will start at 1:05 pm EST.

The Phils even up their spring training record as they defeat the Yanks, 10-5.

Philadelphia_PhilliesTimely hitting, and a few Yanks’ mistakes, help leads the Phils to their second straight win as they even up their spring record, as they win by the score of 10-5.

The Phils took the lead in the first as, with two men on, and with nobody out, Chase Utley reaches first base on first baseman Kyle Roller’s fielding error, allowing Jimmy Rollins, who had started the game off with a walk, then reached second base on Ben Revere’s single, to score, giving the Phils’ a 1-0 lead, while Revere, who had just singled, would move up to third base on the error. The Phils then made it a 2-0 lead as Ryan Howard hits into a 4-6-3 double play, wiping out Utley at second base, as Revere scored. The Phils increased their lead in the second as, with runners on the corners, and with two men out, Rollins hits a two-run double, scoring John Mayberry, Jr., who had earlier reached base on third baseman Kevin Youkilis’ fielding error, then stopped at third base on Steven Lerud’s single, and Lerud, who had just singled, giving the Phils a 4-0 lead. The Phils then added to their lead in the third as, with the bases loaded, via a single by Michael Young, and walks to Dom Brown and Darin Ruf, and with two men out, Mayberry hits a two-run single, knocking in Young and Brown, giving the Phils a 6-0 lead, while sending Ruf over to third base. The Yanks would get on the scoreboard in their half of the third as, with a runner on second, and with one man out, Robinson Cano hits an RBI single, knocking in Francisco Cervelli, who had just doubled, making it a 6-1 Phils’ lead. The Yanks then made it a 6-3 Phils’ lead in the fifth as, with two men on, and with nobody out, Addison Maruzak hits a two-run double, knocking in Cervelli, who had started the inning off with a walk, then stopped at second base on Walter Ibarra’s single, and Ibarra, who had just singled. The Yanks next cut the Phils’ lead down to 6-4 as Ronnie Mustelier hits a lead-off home run, his first home run of the spring. The Phils would get a run back in the seventh as, with the bases loaded, via singles by Josh Fields and Cody Asche, with Fields stopping at third base, and a walk to Brown, moving Asche up to second base, and with one man out, Fields would score on a force attempt, fielding error by third baseman Maruszak on a grounder hit by Ruf, giving the Phils a 7-4 lead, while both Asche and Brown would move up a base, leaving the bases loaded. The Phils then made it an 8-4 lead as Mayberry forced in a run with a walk, scoring Asche, while sending Brown over to third base, and moving Ruf up to second base, as the bases remained loaded. The Phils increased their lead as Humberto Quintero hits a sacrifice fly, scoring Brown, giving the Phils a 9-4 lead, while moving Ruf to third base. The Phils then took a 10-4 lead as, now with runners on the corners, and with two men out, Freddy Galvis hits an RBI single, scoring Ruf, while sending Mayberry on to third base. The Yanks would get a run back in their half of the seventh as, with two men out, Melky Mesa hits a solo home run, his second home run of the spring, making it a 10-5 Phils’ lead. That would end up as the final score as Rodrigo Lopez pitched two scoreless innings.

Roy Halladay got the win (1-0, 4.15) as he pitched two and a third innings, giving up a run on three hits and a walk, while striking out three. Cesar Jimenez pitched two-thirds of an inning, giving up two hits, while striking out two. Phillippe Aumont threw a scoreless inning, giving up a hit, while striking out a batter. Jonathan Papelbon pitched an inning, giving up two runs on two hits and a walk, while striking out two. Raul Valdes received his first hold of the spring as he threw two innings, giving up two runs on two hits, while striking out three. Rodrigo Lopez pitched two scoreless innings, giving up two hits and a walk, while he struck out a batter. Hiroki Kuroda (0-1, 5.40) took the lost as he pitched just an inning and two-thirds, giving up four runs, only one of which was earned, on three hits and a walk, while striking out two. David Robertson pitched a third of an inning, striking out the only man that he would face. Joba Chamerlain pitched an inning, giving up two runs on two hits and a walk, striking out a batter. Vidal Nuno threw three scoreless innings, giving up two walks, while striking out four. Cody Eppley pitched two-thirds of an inning, giving up four runs, only one of which was earned, on two hits and two walks. Preston Claiborne pitched an inning and a third, giving up two hits, while striking out two. Tom Kahnle pitched a scoreless inning, giving up a hit, as he struck out two.

The Phils collected ten hits in the game, with Cody Asche leading the team with two hits, both singles. Jimmy Rollins (Double, 2 RBIs), Ben Revere (Single, RBI), Michael Young (Single), Darin Ruf (Single, RBI), John Mayberry, Jr. (Single, 3 RBIs), Steven Lerud (Single), Freddy Galvis (Single, RBI) and Josh Fields (Single), had the other eight Phils’ hit. Humberto Quintero had the final Phil RBI, via sacrifce fly, while the last Phil run would score on a Ryan Howard’s doubleplay ball. The Phils also had seven walks (Rollins (2), Brown (3), Ruf (1), Mayberry (1)) in the game.

The Phils (3-3-1) will play their next spring training game tomorrow afternoon against the Blue Jays (4-4) at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin, Florida. The game will start at 1:05 pm EST. The Phils will be out to win their third straight game, while hoping that their starter will give them their eighth straight excellent start.

33 games in 31 days: Game #17: The Phils clinch a playoff spot as their ace, Roy Halladay, throws a complete game shutout, as the Phils win, 1-0

Roy Halladay throws a complete game shutout at the Astros as the Phils clinched their fifth straight playoff spot, as the Phils win 1-0.

The Phils took the lead in the first as, with one man on, and with nobody out, Placido Polanco hits an RBI single, knocking in Shane Victorino, who had earlier doubled, giving the Phils a 1-0 lead, before moving up to second base on the late throw to the plate. The Astros tried to tie the game up in the second as they loaded up the bases, via a fielding error by third baseman Polanco, allowing Carlos Lee to reach first base, a single by Brian Bogusevic, sending Lee up to second base, and a bunt single by Jimmy Paredes, moving both runners up a base, and with nobody out, before Phils’ starter Roy Halladay pitched himself out of the jam. First, he got Jose Altuve to hit into a force out, 5-2, as Polanco threw home, forcing out Lee, as Carlos Ruiz touched home plate for the inning’s first out, while Bogusevic and Paredes would both move up a base while Altuve would be safe at first. Then, he got Humberto Quintero to hit into a 5-4-3 doubleplay, as Altuve is wiped out at second base, ending the inning. The Phils tried to add to their lead in the sixth as they loaded up the bases, with Halladay starting the inning off with a single, Victorino following with a walk, sending Halladay up to second base, Polanco then bunting into a force out, 1-5, as Astros’ starter Bud Norris made a good play on the ball before throwing it to third, beating Halladay to the bag, while Victorino moved up to second base, and then a single by Hunter Pence, moving up both runners. But Norris would deny the Phils by first striking out Ryan Howard, swinging, on three pitches, and then getting Raul Ibanez to fly out to center field for the final out. The Phils’ one run would then end up being all that they would need as Halladay kept the Astros under control, pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning to get the win, as the Phils clinch a playoff spot for the fifth year in a row.

Roy Halladay (18-5, 2.34) gets the win as he pitched a complete game shutout, his first for the season, as he gave up six hits and a walk, while striking out seven. Bud Norris (6-10, 3.68) took the lost as he went seven innings, giving up a run on four hits. Wilton Lopez and Wesley Wright would combine for two scoreless innings, striking out four batters (two each) between them.

The Phils had just four hits in the ballgame, a double by Shane Victorino, a single by Placido Polanco, knocking in a run, a single by Hunter Pence and a single by Roy Halladay, as the Phils were put to sleep during the series. Hopefully they’ll wake up during tomorrow’s doubleheader.

The Phils (95-51, 1st) will now return home and will play a make-up doubleheader with the Marlins (67-81, 5th), with the first game starting tomorrow afternoon. The game will be played at Citizens Bank Park and will start at 2:35 pm EDT. The Phils will send to the mound Kyle Kendrick (7-6, 3.29), who is coming off a lost to the Mets on August 24, as he went only four innings, giving up six runs, only two of which were earned, on seven hits and a walk, while striking out a batter, in the Phils’ 7-4 lost. He will be trying to help lower the Phils’ magic number for winning the East. The Marlins will counter with Anibal Sanchez (8-7, 3.64), who is coming off a win against the Pirates on September 10, as he pitched a complete game shutout, giving up just one hit and three walks, while striking out eleven, in the Marlins’ 3-0 win. He will be trying to delay the Phils’ clinching of the East. The Phils will be out to take out their frustrations in Houston out on Sanchez and the Marlins.

33 games in 31 days: Game #15: Roy Oswalt receives a not so friendly home coming, as the Phils lose to the Astros, 5-1.

The Astros give Roy Oswalt a not so friendly welcome to his old home, as the Phils lose, 5-1.

The Phils took the lead in the second as, with a man on second, and with one man out, Pete Orr hits an RBI single, knocking in Raul Ibanez, who had earlier doubled, giving the Phils a 1-0 lead. The Astros tied up the ballgame at one-all in the fourth as, with runners on the corners, and with one man out, Jimmy Paredes hits an RBI infield single, as second baseman Orr and shortstop Jimmy Rollins collided behind second base, trying to field his potential doubleplay ball, as J.D. Martinez, who had earlier doubled, then went to third on Brian Bogusevic’s single, on a fly ball that Ibanez did not catch as he broke in too late, while Bogusevic, who had earlier singled, would stop at second base. The Astros then took the lead as, once again with runners on the corners, after Jose Altuve was safe at first on a force out, 3-6, beating the throw back to first base, while Paredes is wiped out at second base for the inning’s second out, as Bogusevic reached third base on the play, Humberto Quintero hits an RBI double, scoring Bogusevic, giving the Astros a 2-1 lead, while Altuve would stop at third base. The Astros would add to their lead in the fifth as, with one man on base, and with two men out, Carlos Lee hits a two run home run, his sixtenth home run of the year, scoring Martinez, who had just singled, giving the Astros a 4-1 lead. The Astros increased their lead in the seventh as, with runners on the corners, and with one man out, Bogusevic hits into an RBI force out, 4-6, as Lee, who had earlier been hit by a pitch, is thrown out at sec0nd base for the inning’s second out, while Martinez, who had earlier singled, moved up to second base when Lee was hit by a pitch, then went to third on Oswalt’s wild pitch, scored, making it a 5-1 Astros’ lead. That would be the final score as Mark Melancon would pitch a scoreless ninth.

Roy Oswalt (7-9, 3.88) took the lost as he gave up five runs on eleven hits and two walks, while striking out two. Joe Blanton, in his first appearance since coming off the disabled list, pitched a scoreless inning, giving up a hit, as he struck out a batter. Brett Myers (5-13, 4.52) got the win as he muzzled his old team, as he gave up just a run on six hits and a walk, while striking out four. Mark Melancon pitched a scoreless inning, as he gave up two walks.

The Phils had six hits in the ballgame, with a returning Hunter Pence leading the team with two hits, a single and a double. Jimmy Rollins (Single), Raul Ibanez (Double),  Carlos Ruiz (Single) and Pete Orr (Single, RBI) had the other four Phils’ hits.

The Phils (94-50, 1st East) continue their series with the Astros (50-97, 6th Central) with a game tonight. The game will be played at Minute Maid Park and will begin at 8:05 pm EDT (7:05 pm CDT). The Phils will send to the mound Cole Hamels (14-7, 2.60), who is coming off a complete game win against the Brewers on September 8, as he gave up two runs on four hits and two walks, as he struck out two, in the Phils’ 7-2 win. He will be going for win no. fifteen, while trying to put a stop to the Phils’ present losing streak. The Astros will try to counter with J.A. Happ (5-15, 5.77), who is coming off a no-decision against the Pirates on September 7, as he went five innings, giving up four runs on five hits and four walks, while striking out eight, in the Astros’ 5-4 lost. He will be trying to increase the Phils’ losing streak. The Phils will be out to end their present losing streak. and end their late season bad luck with the Astros, as they attempt to clinch a playoff spot tonight.

The Phils sweep the home stand, as the offense and Roy Oswalt defeat the Astros, 7-3.

A strong outing by both Roy Oswalt and the offense led to a sweep of the Astros, the first time the Phils open the season with three wins at home since 1970, as they defeat the Astros, 7-3.

The Phils took a quick 3-0 lead in the first as, with two men on, and with one man out, Ryan Howard hits a three-run home run, his first home run of the season, and the first this year for the Phils, knocking in Placido Polanco, who had earlier walked and stopped at second base on Jimmy Rollins’ single, and Rollins, who had just singled. The Phils then made it 4-0 as, with two men out, Ben Francisco hits a solo home run, his first home run of the year. The Phils then took a 5-0 lead in the third as, with runners on the corners, and with nobody out, Howard hits an RBI double, scoring Polanco, who had earlier doubled, then went to third on Rollins’ single, while sending Rollins, who had earlier singled, would stop at third. The Astros got a run back in the fourth as Hunter Pence hits a lead-off home run, his first home run of the season, cutting the Phils’ lead to 5-1. The Astros then made it a 5-2 Phils’ lead as, with one man on, and with one man out, Brett Wallace hits an RBI ground out, 3-unassisted, scoring Carlos Lee, who had been safe at first on a force out, 6-4, wiping out Pence, who had earlier singled, at second base, then stopped at third base on Bill Hall’s double, while sending Hall, who had just doubled, on to third base. The Phils made it a 6-2 lead as, with runners on second and third, and with one man out, pinch hitter Shane Victorino hits an RBI single, scoring Francisco, who had earlier singled, went to second base on Carlos Ruiz’s walk, then moved up to third on Wilson Valdez’s sacrifice bunt, 6-4, while sending Ruiz, who had earlier walked, and then moved up to second base on Valdez’s sac bunt, up to third base. One batter later, the Phils took a 7-2 lead as rookie Michael Martinez hits an RBI single, his first career hit and his first career RBI, knocking in Ruiz, while sending Victorino on to second base. The Astros would make it a 7-3 Phils’ lead in the ninth as, with two men on, and with nobody out, Humberto Quintero hits into a 6-3 double play, wiping out Chris Johnson, who had just singled, while Wallace, who had earlier walked, and then went to third on Johnson’s single, scored. But that would be the final score as Kyle Kendrick would get Jason Michaels to fly out to right for the final out.

Roy Oswalt (1-0, 3.00) gets the win as he pitched six strong innings, giving up just two runs on five hits and a walk, while he struck out six. He is now 10-0 at Citizens Bank Park. David Herndon pitched two scoreless innings, giving up a hit. Kyle Kendrick pitched an inning, giving up a run on a hit and a walk. Bud Norris (0-1,11.25) took the lost as he gave up five runs on six hits and a walk, while striking out seven. Fernando Abad pitched a scoreless inning, giving up a hit. Aneury Rodriguez pitched a third of an inning, giving up two runs on a hit and a walk. Enerio Del Rosario pitched two-thirds of an inning, giving up two hits and a walk. Mark Melancon and Jeff Fulchino combine for two scoreless innings, giving up three hits (Melancon (2), Fulchino (1)) and two walks (Fulchino), while striking out one (Fulchino), between them.

The Phils had thirteen hits in the game, with Ryan Howard (Single, Double, Home Run, 4 RBIs) and Ben Francisco (2 Singles, Home Run, 1 RBI) lead the team with three hits each. Placido Polanco (Single, Double) and Jimmy Rollins (Singles) followed with two hits each. Michaels Martinez (Single, RBI), Wilson Valdez (Single) and pinch hitter Shane Victorino (Single, RBI) had the other two Phils’ hits. The offense, in the first three games, have had a total of thirty-seven hits, only eight of which were extra-base hits (6 2Bs, 2 HRs), as they scored a total of twenty-one runs, mostly through singles.

Shane Victorino, after being taken out of the game, pinch hit for Roy Oswalt in the sixth, before playing center field for the last three innings. Hopefully this will mean that things are not as bad with his legs as it sounded last night. We shall see.

The Phils (3-0, 1st) will continue their home stand with three games against the New York Mets (2-1, T-2nd), starting Tuesday night at 7:05 pm EDT. The Phils will send to the mound Cole Hamels (0-0, 0.00), who is coming off a 12-11 2010, with a 3.06 ERA. He will be trying to give the Phils a 4-0 start. The Mets will counter with Chris Young (0-0, 0.00), who is coming off a 2-0, 0.90 ERA 2010 season with the Padres.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.