Phillies Roll On
The Phillies didn't scored 15 runs last night, which pretty much means they're in a slump. Or not.
It looked like the Phillies might put up another 20-spot on the Colorado Rockies after they scored seven runs in the first two innings last night in a 7-4 victory.
But then they cooled.
Slackers.
"I was looking forward to getting to 10," Jimmy Rollins said. "But more importantly, we held on and got the win."
The Phillies have scored 42 runs in their last three games, matching the most they have scored in three since they piled on 44 runs against the New York Giants from April 28 to May 1, 1900. The Phillies also scored 42 runs in three straight games against the Pittsburgh Pirates from July 30 to Aug. 2, 1932, and 42 against the Pirates and Chicago Cubs from July 1 to 3, 1999.
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In the Phillies Notebook: Adam Eaton tries to follow his best start in a Phillies uniform, at least according to Charlie Manuel. A sign of better things to come? Or just another mirage? Eaton needs to start pitching better because the Phillies were encouraged by Kris Benson's start yesterday in an extended spring training game in Clearwater. Should Benson continue to progress and Eaton revert back to prior form, Eaton's spot in the rotation is in jeopardy.
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David Montgomery's position hasn't changed: He won't name Pat Gillick's successor until after the season.
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Manuel didn't think Pat Burrell's stiff neck is serious. We'll see if he's in the lineup tonight in the series finale against the Rockies.
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So I need a little help. I understand fans boo in Philadelphia. I have no problem with that. But somebody explain why fans booed Tom Gordon like he was Jose Mesa's less talented younger brother in the eighth inning last night? Gordon entered 4-1 with a 1.83 ERA and one save since Opening Day. But then he started getting knocked around by the Rockies and fans really got on him. This wasn't "come-on-dude-just-get-out-of-the-inning" boos. These were "you-freakin-suck-Gordon-I-hate-you" boos. Gordon entered with a runner on and one out and a six-run lead. He left with a four-run lead. Like I said, I'm OK booing a player, but this time it seemed a little over the top. It's not like the Phillies were in real danger of losing the game. If this was a one-run game and Gordon came in pitched like that, yes, boo the hell out of him. But are these fans not aware that Gordon has been money for most of the season?