Phillies Nation

Everybody Kratz your hands! (AP)

The Roy Halladay you fell in love with has returned in a big way. Doc went 7 1/3 innings, striking out five and walking one in the Phillies 6-2 win over Cincinnati. They took two of three from one of the best teams in the NL, and their hot stretch in August and September continues.

Halladay was backed offensively with all six runs in just the second and third innings. Domonic Brown ended an 0-for-19 slide (which felt like 0-for-300 because of the time missed) with an opposite-field, RBI single scoring Ryan Howard.

Erik Kratz continues his quest for Phillies second half MVP. I mean, is there anyone more deserving? He continued his tear with a three-run bomb off Mike Leake in the second inning, number nine on the season for the hulking catcher.  Chase Utley added a two-run shot in the third inning off Leake, his 10th in 2012.

Continue reading Phillies Strike Early to Down Reds in Finale

Philadelphia Phillies (64-71) at Cincinnati Reds (83-54)

Roy Halladay (8-7, 4.02) vs. Mike Leake (7-8, 4.45)

Time: 12:35, Great American Ballpark
TV: CSN
Weather: Scattered Clouds, 84
Media: Twitter and Facebook

We’ve got a day game, folks! It’s Joey Votto’s first game back since knee surgery in mid-July and he’ll be greeted by Roy Halladay.

Lineup: Rollins SS, Pierre LF, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, Mayberry CF, Brown RF, Kratz C, Martinez 3B, Halladay P

Your gameday beer: For the Phillies, it’s a long road to redemption, and redemption is a beverage served ice-cold, correct? So have some Redemption this warm end-of-summer afternoon. It’s a smooth citrus-style beer that goes well with beef lo mein for lunch.

Go Phillies!

Philadelphia Phillies (64-70) at Cincinnati Reds (82-54)

Kyle Kendrick (8-9, 4.01) vs. Mat Latos (11-4, 3.79)

Time: 7:10, Great American Ballpark
TV: CSN
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 82
Media: Twitter and Facebook

The Phillies showed why other teams do not sleep on them. They played sound baseball in the 4-2 win on Monday afternoon. The story was Tyler Cloyd, but Jimmy Rollins chipped in and gave them all the offense they needed. This team can still beat you in several different ways.

Perhaps the wild card is out of the question in the NL, unless the Phillies go on a torrid run here. It seems like a matter of too little, too late, unfortunately. But that hasn’t stopped the Phillies from playing very well recently. They’re 19-13 since the beginning of August and have pushed themselves out of the gutter and into third place. Respectability is right around the corner as .500 is within grasp.Wait…is the wild card in reach? How many wins will that second wild card need? 85? 86?

Continue reading Gameday: Phillies (65-70) vs. Reds (82-54)

Philadelphia Phillies (64-69) at Atlanta Braves (74-59)

Cole Hamels(14-6, 2.99) vs. Paul Maholm (2-3, 2.45)

Time: 5:05, Turner Field
TV: PHL17
Weather: Isolated Thunderstorms, 86
Media: Twitter and Facebook

The Phils look to make it four in a row today. After two abysmal games against the Mets earlier in the week, they’ve been playing much better ball in their last few, especially in this Atlanta series, where they’ve looked like the team we’ve grown accustom to seeing in recent seasons. So far, they’ve had a late inning comeback anchored by a couple of dingers, which, coupled with shutdown relief pitching, resulted in a win on Friday.

Yesterday, they received a brilliant outing from Cliff Lee, and the bullpen once again dominated the Braves hitters to finish it off. It’s a formula that has worked well for the Phillies in the past, and one they’ll surely try to stick with going forward. At eight games back from the second wild card spot, chances are slim for the playoffs. But if they can continue to play the way they have so far against Atlanta, they’ll make it much easier on themselves.

On the bump is ace left-hander Cole Hamels, who is making the start after missing his last outing with a stomach bug. Hamels has fared pretty well against Atlanta so far this season, going 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts. He did have, however, have what was probably his worst start of the season in Atlanta last month, allowing five runs–three earned–over five innings and walking a career-high six. He has since thrown a shutout against the Bravos and should be his usual self today.

LINEUP: Rollins SS, Pierre LF, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, Mayberry CF, Nix RF, Frandsen 3B Kratz C, Lee P

Your Gameday Beer: Flying Fish Farmhouse Summer Ale

Keep the end of summer weekend celebration rolling with this excellent summertime ale from Flying Fish. This golden light beer is brewed in New Jersey, and offers a smooth sip with a mild taste and a surprisingly creamy feel. It’s perfect for day two of barbecuing. -RD

Go Phillies!

Philadelphia Phillies (63-69) at Atlanta Braves (74-58)

Cliff Lee (3-7, 3.67) vs. Tim Hudson (13-4, 3.57)

Time: 4:05, Turner Field
TV: Fox
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 88
Media: Twitter and Facebook

After  pulling out a very impressive win against a tough Atlanta bullpen last night, the Phillies now find themselves eight games back of the second Wild Card spot. Wins like last night’s make it difficult to push away those thoughts in the back of your mind–the ones that tell you, “Sure it’s a long shot, but this team has had miracle runs in September before. Why not this year?” The thoughts you know you shouldn’t be having, but that you can’t quite help. A long shot, for sure. But an impossibility? Not quite.

Those slight tinges of hope could become a fully-developed feeling should the Phillies continue to find magic in this Braves series like they did last night. The Phils will have to win around 24 of their last 30 games to have a chance, and sweeping the Braves would be a good start. But beating the the Braves has been no easy task for the Phillies this season. Their 4-9 record against Atlanta makes for the worst winning percentage against any divisional opponent.

Surprisingly, today’s starter, Cliff Lee, has not contributed to that at all. He has yet to face the Braves this season. For his career, however, Lee has gone 3-3 with a 3.83 ERA against Atlanta. His ERA when pitching at Turner Field is a full run higher. However, if he can find a way to spin a gem today, and run that personal win count to four, that tinge of hope you’re feeling we’ll grow, ever-so-slightly.

LINEUP: Rollins SS, Pierre LF, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, Mayberry CF, Nix RF, Frandsen 3B Kratz C, Lee P

Your Gameday Beer: Victory Golden Monkey

Is there any activity more synonymous with celebrating our troops than relaxing with a few beers over a long weekend? Treat yourself today by enjoying a Golden Monkey by Victory. Based in Downington, PA, Victory brews their beers right in the Cradle of Liberty’s backyard. The beer also happens to be stellar, with a slight sweetness and a strong banana presence. This golden Belgium style beer is a perfect way to close out another summer.  -RD

Go Phillies!

Philadelphia Phillies (62-69) at Atlanta Braves (74-57)

Roy Halladay (8-7, 3.88) vs. Mike Minor (7-10, 4.71)

Time: 7:35, Turner Field
TV: CSN
Weather: Mostly sunny, 82
Media: Twitter and Facebook

Jimmy Rollins is in the lineup tonight. And how do you feel about that? He was given a talk-to by Charlie Manuel about once again failing to run out a pop up in the Mets series. Manuel said Rollins “manned up.”  It’s unlikely he’ll ever learn from his mistakes, but Charlie probably should have benched him a game just to send a message. Not that it matters, but with a team of youngsters surrounding Rollins, he should be showing some more leadership qualities.

I’ve gotten into arguments with people about the whole “leadership” thing, but I do feel it exists. He is the elder statesman and players look up to him. Rollins’ longevity has made him one of the best shortstops in the game, and over a long period. But when he has these letdowns, it drains an already struggling team. Manuel said it himself, that he believes it could affect the rest of the team. My thought is, if you’re going to make millions playing a kids game, you should be going hard most of the time. Those few times he completely dogs it will always stand out.

And still no Domonic Brown, not sure what the issue is. If it’s his knee, it was clearly worse than he was letting on. But more injuries are stunting his growth.

LINEUP: Rollins SS, Frandsen 3B, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, Wigginton LF, Mayberry CF, Kratz C, Martinez RF, Halladay P

Your Gameday Beer: Brewery Ommegang Three Philosophers

Can you believe summer is nearly through? If you’re going out, go out in style with a taste summer ale from Samuel Adams. As you know, it’s always a good decision. Put the burgers on the grill, sear the steaks, and cut up some potatoes. Enjoy the final days of the summer season. -Pat Gallen

Go Phillies!

New York Mets (61-69) at Philadelphia Phillies (61-69)

Jon Niese (10-7, 3.51) vs. Kyle Kendrick (7-9, 4.12)

Time: 7:05, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Mostly Sunny, 86
Media: Twitter and Facebook

The Phillies could go from doing the sweeping to being swept.  After losing the first two games of the series, the Phillies are at risk of being swept by the Mets.  A sweep would mean that the Phillies would lose possession of third place.

Kendrick’s last few starts have been incredible.  His earned run average is just 0.83 in his last three outings.  Kendrick needs to keep that momentum going.  He will be opposed by Jon Niese, who seems to have the Phillies number over the course of the last couple seasons.

Your Gameday Beer: Brewery Ommegang Three Philosophers

What better place to brew a beer for a ballgame than Cooperstown, N.Y.? This dark, malty, quadrupel is based on the heavy ales of the Trappist monks of Belgium. Hints of cherry and chocolate accompany a beer that not only tastes good, but will make you feel sophisticated drinking it.. -By Michael

Go Phillies!

New York Mets (60-69) at Philadelphia Phillies (61-68)

Matt Harvey (2-3, 2.75) vs. Tyler Cloyd (MLB debut)

Time: 7:05, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Mostly Sunny, 82
Media: Twitter and Facebook

Exactly this time five years ago, the Phillies completed an amazing four-game sweep against the New York Mets, which turned out to be the beginning of a miraculous comeback in the National League East.  With last night’s loss, the sweep isn’t happening, and the miraculous comeback is out of reach (but still mathematically possible).  Never-the-less, it’s still fun to remember that incredible series in 2007.  It feels like yesterday Tadahito Iguchi scored the winning run on Chase Utley‘s walkoff single.

The Phillies couldn’t continue their winning streak last night, as they lost last night in extra innings. They’ll get a shot in the arm thanks to rookie righty Tyler Cloyd. He will be starting in place of Cole Hamels who was scratched earlier today due to a real bad tummy ache. Fans have been clammoring to see Cloyd start thanks to a torrid International League season that saw him go 12-1 record, with a 2.35 ERA. Those numbers were good enough to earn the 25-year old the International League MVP yesterday and the Phillies’ Paul Owens award today. More important to him, it earned him his first big league start.

The Mets starter, Matt Harvey is also a rookie, and he’s off to a solid beginning of his career.  He’s a strikeout pitcher, averaging 10.8 whiffs in nine innings.  Harvey has only made six starts, but he has pitched pretty decently in those outings. He has also hit the ball well, going 5-11 with two doubles in those six games.

Your gameday beer: Brooklyn Pennant Ale ’55

A baseball-themed beer? Yes, please. Brooklyn Pennant Ale is a honey-colored pale ale, right up my alley. It’s aptly named for the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Championship team, a very cool homage to a city that lost its team to the west coast unfortunately. It’s 5.0% ABV, so not too strong, not too light. It should be paired with some BBQ ribs or a plate of crabcakes. Oh yeah. Whether or not you despise New York, Brooklyn Brewing Co. makes a damn good beer. –By Pat

Go Phillies!

New York Mets (59-69) at Philadelphia Phillies (61-67)

Chris Young (3-7, 4.33) vs. Vance Worley (6-9, 4.06)

Time: 7:05, Citizens Bank Park
TV: MY PHL 17
Weather: Scattered Thunderstorms, 83
Media: Twitter and Facebook

Check out Corey on SNY.tv previewing the Mets series on their “Know Your Enemy” segment:

I love winning! It’s like, you know, better than losing!
-Nuke LaLoosh

I found this quote in an old gameday thread from 2009.  After sweeping the Washington Nationals, this quote seems to fit perfectly for the Phillies as of late.  The Phillies are two games ahead of the Mets in the National League East for third place.  We expected this of the Mets, but not the Phillies.

Vance Worley has had a roller coaster season: sometimes he’s great, sometimes he struggles.  He’s coming off a decent start, so he needs to work on the consistency.  He isn’t as good as he was last season, but he did have some injury problems.  Regardless, he’s still a solid middle to back of the rotation kind of guy.

Your Gameday Beer: Holy Moses White Ale by Great Lakes Brewing Company

Tonight’s beer comes from Cleveland. It’s a Belgian-style witbier spiced with orange peel and coriander. It’s unfiltered, so there’s yeast at the bottom, which some people might not like, but it’s got a great aftertaste. There you have it. So buy your squeeze a bottle of Holy Moses tonight and get ready to watch the Phils battle. -By Michael

Go Phillies!

Washington Nationals (77-49) at Philadelphia Phillies (60-67)

Jordan Zimmermann (9-7, 2.54) vs. Cliff Lee (2-7, 3.78)

Time: 1:35, Citizens Bank Park
TV: MY PHL 17
Weather: Scattered Thunderstorms, 81
Media: Twitter and Facebook

The Phillies are going for the sweep today! Being swept by the Phillies would be a major disappointment for the Nationals. The Phillies are just gonna keep plaingy spoiler.

In his last start, Jordan Zimmermann blamed his poor outing against the Braves on being too excited. For the Nationals sake, they hope that he isn’t too ecstatic to face the third place Phillies. Zimmermann is actually having a great season, but is overshadowed by phenom Stephen Strasburg. Zimmermann was actually the National’s best pitching prospect before Strasburg came along. He didn’t do too great in limited experience from 2009-10, but has pitched very good over the last two seasons.

It’s been a long time since Cliff Lee earned the victory at Citizens Bank Park. He has lost a win in almost every way possible, so let’s home he can get the W and the Phillies can sweep the Nats.

Your Gameday Beer – Amstel
No, not Amstel Light…Amstel, it’s big brother. Named after the river that flows through Amsterdam, Amstel tastes like a mix between Heineken and Bud. It has the complexity of Heineken (not to mention it’s owned by them) without the bite – definitely a macrobrew. Around Holland you can pick up a can of Amstel in vending machines which is most convenient when you don’t know the language. I’d recommend a fancy hot dog with all your preferred toppings today. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!