Revenge is a dish best served cold – I think four months should do it. The Phillies returned the favor of being swept at home to start the season to the Cardinals last night with another impressive win over the NL Central leaders. Cole Hamels pitched brilliantly, striking out 6 of the first 9 batters, and finishing with 12 total. In each game of the series, the Phillies starting pitching did not allow a first inning run and each earned themselves a win – a recipe for success I’d say. Well, it also helps that Chase Utley brought his hit streak to 35 games, and I believe now 23 of those games have been multi-hit ones. That’s impressive. Utley isn’t just squeaking by with a hit a game – he is literally hitting everything, everywhere. Could it be that Pat Gillick’s comments about not contending until 2008 has served as some motivation the supposedly lame duck team? I doubt Gillick intended his words to have an audience with the 2006 squad – although I wouldn’t put it past him – but he was right in saying that young pitching is inconsistent and may need time to develop to full potential. Either way, things are working well now and the Phils are down just 2.5 games and 4 teams in the Wild Card. With New York next on the itinerary, you can be sure there’s nothing more those fans would like to see this weekend than Utley’s hit streak snapped and the Phillies brought down to life.
In an effort to bring some fun and creativity to the morose confines of Shea, Phillies Nation will be holding court Saturday in Flushing. If you have the day free and want to see one of the hottest teams in NL take on one of the best, join us for another awesome road trip. This one will be co-sponsored by Flash’s Followers so don’t forget to dress up as your favorite superhero (or at least pack it and change at Shea). This will show Billy Wagner that, despite his constant recollections of Philly, we have since moved on to better things. Tom Glavine, who has allowed six home runs to the Phillies in just two games this season, is scheduled to pitch for the Mets. Jon Lieber takes the mound for the Phils.
The plan is to take the R7 SEPTA service north to New York Penn Station. Since there are several stops you can pick up the R7 in Philly, we’ll leave you to decide where to start the day. At Trenton, transfer to the NJ Transit train on the same track as your SEPTA one and head up to Penn Station. The plan is to meet at New York Penn Station around 10:30 to give us enough time to get to Shea and purchase tickets. If you can’t find the crowd of Phillies fans at the station, give Rob (215-313-8196) or Nick (215-208-3459) a call and they’ll sort you out. From there it’s an easy ride on the Long Island Rail Road or subway once you get to the 7 line. Upon arriving you will be free to enjoy all the sights (concrete) and sounds (LaGuardia) Shea Stadium has to offer. This is an important series for the Phils, and like I said before, one of the few remaining against teams over .500, so come out and show your support. Go Phils!
