Another Game Blown; Now The Record Is Skipping
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Thu, August 14, 2008 09:31 AM | Comments: 33
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For the second night in a row, the Phillies had a lead going into the eighth inning. For the second night in a row, the Dodgers won the game in the ninth inning.
Nomar Garciaparra hit a game-winning solo homer in the ninth, leading the Dodgers past the Phils 7-6. The homer came off Clay Condrey, used possibly because Charlie Manuel didn’t want to use Brad Lidge in a tie game on the road … or possibly because Lidge is still hurt.
No matter what, Chad Durbin again blew the win, with a double by Jeff Kent tying it for the Blue. It erased what once was a 6-1 lead.
The Phillies offense got the six runs via three home runs in the first two innings. Ryan Howard, Greg Dobbs and Jayson Werth provided the shots. After those homers, however, they did almost nothing. Small ball? Situational hitting? Forget it.
Joe Blanton struggled a bit through five innings, giving up four runs before handing the ball to Ryan Madson. The righty calmed everything down with two solid frames. Then Durbin walked in. It’s becoming increasingly evident the Phillies needed more insurance for the bullpen. That experienced back-end quality arm could’ve came in handy last night — instead, they threw Durbin out there, and I still believe Durbin isn’t completely fitting for the eighth inning role.
You can blame everyone on this one, but why bother? The holes that have sat around like boils all season are now starting to plague this team. There’s no situational hitting. There’s spotty starting pitching. The bullpen is thin and needs reinforcements. None of these problems were addressed, so why should it be a surprise?
(By the way, Mr. “Frontrunner” went 0-for-5.)
Associated Press photo
Posts: 0 Greg V.
When Condrey took the mound, I turned it off. I knew it was coming a mile away! I’m a bit amazed Durbin has blown the last two. He’s been very effective this year, but his weaknesses are starting to show at a very inconvenient time. The bats were inexusible aside from the 3 dingers. Fair Weather Jimmy played lousy shortstop and was horrific at the plate. At the end of the day, it almost seemed inevitable that we would lose this game like this.
Posted: 09:40 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Don M
somebody did mention this in another post.. but the home plate umpire was ALLLLL over the place last night..
WHen Blanton walked in a run on 4 pitches (Loney, I think).. Ball 3, and Ball 4 were definitely Strike 1, and Strike 2… so instead of 2-2 count, he walked in a run.. It went both ways as he got some crazy off-the-black-away Stikes called against Righthanded batters.. but overall the umpire was too inconsistent for any pitchers to settle-in last night
Posted: 09:43 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Paul
I think Durbin might be getting a bit tired and worn out from all of the work.
Posted: 10:00 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Don M
Durbin has just been used too often.. he could use a nice 3-day layoff… but in order to that, the offense needs to put up some HUGE numbers and let Madson throw 2 innings or something… these close games are really hurting the bullpen
Posted: 10:01 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Griffin
I think the offense should shoulder some blame. They scored 6 in the first two innings and nothing the rest of the night against the weak underbelly of LA’s pen. Chan Ho Park?!?! I didn’t know he was still alive, let alone pitching. Jason Johnson? That dude sucked for the tigers and orioles like 6 years ago! Just a gross, gross loss, but not unexpected.
Posted: 10:06 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Buffalophilsfan
Here’s a question … why not leave Madson in to pitch the 8th? I know he had thrown two innings already … but his pitch count was low and he would have been facing the bottom of the order for the first time. He was strong for two innings and could have easily bridged the gap to get to Lidge in the 9th. Where in the manager’s handbook does it say you have to have someone “set up” for the closer? If someone is dealing, let him stay in there. He showed no signed of tiring or getting hit hard. Sometimes Cholly over-thinks himself. Of course, that still does not explain why they did not even really threaten to score since the 2nd inning.
Posted: 10:19 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Don M
Thats what I mean though, I they could have gotten more innings from Blanton and then Madson pitching the 7-8, or 8-9 instead of earlier in the game.. that saves the rest of the arms for another night.. they really need to start rocking the ball… that pitchers park in Saint Diago probably won’t help. Are we really missing Jake Peavey again?? sweet
Posted: 10:28 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 lilgartrn
The offense needs to continue to play aggressively when they’re leading. No excuse for these losses. They need to spend some time out of first, and learn how to win again. And I know J-Rol may not agree when we’re challenging them to play hard, but I refuse to coddle a team that’s in first by default….
Posted: 10:34 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 NEPA
^^^^ They already did spend some time out of first a short time ago and we thought that would spark them. But they’re already back to their old ways. Every team in this race is streaky and inconsistent. It’ll be a battle until the final weekend and then more than likely the winner will get smoked in the playoffs, but i guess ya never know.
Posted: 11:09 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Don M
Hey what about DcMabb and the eagles are they going to the super bowel like Jaws thinks? What do you guys think about Jaws coming to hang out sometimes?
Posted: 11:12 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Georgie
Don M., did you just take your lunch break?
Posted: 11:15 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Geoff
Did anyone find a J? I lost one.
Posted: 11:16 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Darren Daulton
Geoff, I spoke to Johan Santana. He said you can borrow his J as soon as the season is over, which will be October for the Mets. I hope you can wait that long.
Posted: 11:17 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Geoff
real mature there guys. showing that you cant keep up again, so you have to resort to cheating.
Posted: 11:21 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Eric
I think Adam Eaton could really help this team out. Right? Anybody?…
While we’re at it, how about we get Connie fucking Mack to manage and Nap Lajoie to play shortstop instead of our new fan favorite.
I can’t watch this trainwreck anymore.
Posted: 11:21 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Phils Phan
@ Don M:
Tampa may not be the prettiest city in Florida, but that’s no reason to refer to it as a super bowel.
Posted: 11:22 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 NC Jason
I love how Jroll calls the fans front runners but when everything was good last year he was all smiles now that he has under preformed he is the one who is late, Charlie no hustle, and calling out the fans like we are the ones to blame! 0-5 last night! And the guy does not do the things that he should to start a rally, how about get hit by a pitch (oh thats right, Jroll does not take one for the team). I bet this asshole walks around the clubhouse and talks in the third person, but instead using his name he uses MVP. “MVP does not like the fans in Philly.” MVP wants to hit the long ball.” Give me a break.
And finally, I like we are seeing what making a trade can do for a team. The Dodgers were crap before the MAnny deal and now they are a force. I wish the front office would have gotten more creative, because it is clear we are going nowhere fast!
Posted: 11:24 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Phils Phan
One other thing:
Mets fans–really?
You really think you’re that good? You’re right in the middle of the diarrhea-filled toilet bowl that is the NL East. You lose three, Phils win three, and you’re silent. Reverse it, and you act like you’re the front-runners to represent the NL. Get real. I would like to see the Phillies in it, but I know they’ll get smoked in the first round. The Mets are in the same position. Sadly, I have more confidence in the Marlins than either of our teams.
If you want to beat your chests and wear your Wagner t-shirts with pride, be my guest. But, at the end of the day (and to use another exhausted phrase), you’re nothing more than one of the three finalists for the thinnest girl at fat camp.
Posted: 11:26 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Darren Daulton
Cheating? Whose cheating, Geoforey? Are you upset? How cute.
Posted: 11:28 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Geoff
cheating is losing an argment and posting under someone elses name to get back at them. thats lame. like your handle
Posted: 11:30 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Rick
Myers will stop the bleeding and get another win tonight!
Posted: 11:34 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Christian
Over their last 40 games, the Mets are 10 games over .500 (25-15), while the Phillies are only 2 over (21-19). The division surely is weak, but it is undeniable that as of late, the Mets are hands down the better team.
This is getting too depressing to watch. You would think that this team would have been different this year, but in reality they are nothing more than the Mets of last year.
Posted: 11:45 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 JIM
At 11 o clock I went to bed with a comfortable lead only to wake up at 4 30 for work to see another blown lead Myers on the mound tonight might as well let him pitch into the 8th tonight so we don’t have to blame the game on the bullpen
Posted: 11:56 AM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 nate
it’s not a lack of “situational” hitting. it’s a lack of hitting overall… they had like one hit after the third.
Posted: 12:03 PM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 bull
let’s get rid of charlie let jimmy williams take over for now…it worked for the muts
Posted: 12:13 PM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 bull
can’t let myers pitch into the 8th, charlie’s managing for dummies book says you have to bring in your “set up” man in the 8th and pull your LF for defense.
Posted: 12:24 PM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 J-Man
Durbin is outta gas it’s just plain and simple as that we’ve been using him alot…He needs a good 3 days off now.
Posted: 12:37 PM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 tOmC
PHILS PHAN – WHY SO ANGRY? ALL OF A SUDDEN THE NL EAST IS A TOILET BOWL BECAUSE THE FLOUNDERING PHILS ARE GETTING PHLUSHED DOWN LIKE A TURD.
Posted: 12:37 PM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Darren Daulton
Geoforey: When did I lose an “argment?” Please refresh my recollection.
Posted: 01:19 PM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Rob
I haven’t brushed up on my ebonics in a while so I apologize in advance for my ignorance on the subject, however I’m curious as to what Jimmy means by “Can’t be no punk”.
Posted: 01:21 PM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Phils Phan
@ tOmC:
Weren’t the Mets out in front to start, and for a very short period not too long ago? The Mets are a floater as much as the Phillies are.
I’m always amazed at the delusion of New York fans.
Posted: 01:33 PM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Fred
This team is so typical of Phillies teams of late. Million dollar talent and ten cent heads.
Posted: 04:06 PM on August 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Fred Benson
Brad Lidge was on Jim Rome is Burning during the Fightin’s-LA series, and guess what? The Fightin’s got burned at Dodger Stadium. Call 1-800-636-8686 and tell the Jungle that the Jungle Karma was all bad when Brad was on JRIB during the Dodger series.
Posted: 10:33 AM on August 18, 2008