Blown Opportunity

Last night, the Phils blew a golden opportunity to gain a tie in the National League Wild Card standings when Arthur Rhodes and Aaron Fultz combined for two, YES TWO, blown saves! Fortunately for the Phils, the Padres were off last night so they head into their 4 game weekend series with the Braves only a game back in the chase for the Wild Card.

As I said in this space earlier in the week, the Phils absolutely had to take two out of three from the Nats to seriously remain in contention for the postseason. While it appears the Phils accomplished that mission, last night's loss was a heartbreaker. They went into the ninth with a 4-2 lead before the shaky Arthur Rhodes blew the lead. The Phils then took the lead back in the top of the tenth, but an even shakier Aaron Fultz blew that lead AND the game in the bottom of the inning. Hopefully, when the season' over, we won't have to look back at this game - much like the game last year that Wagner blew by giving up a ninth inning bomb to Biggio - as the reason the Phils are sent packing prior to the post season.

Despite last night's gag job, the Phils still have an excellent shot to make the post season, especially if they continue to get starting pitching like they did in this series. The starters in this series, Myers, Hamels and Wolfie, gave up 2, 1, and 2 runs respectively before turning their games over to the 'pen. If they continue to get similar performances for the rest of the season, then I absolutley guarantee you that the Phils will be back in the postseason for the first time since 1993.

Last night's game was not totally devoid of highlights for the Phightins. Ryan Howard did hit his 49th homerun of the season to set the single season Phillies record. Quite simply, his homeruns are majestic blasts of beauty and power. I am really going to enjoy watching his career as a Phil.