Finally, some energy from the Phillies!

Looks like a road trip was just what this team needed. Citizens Bank Park has a great home field advantage - great fans, good for hitters, etc. But sometimes, the emotion of playing at home can get a team down, and I think that has been happening to the Phils. The passing of Harry and all the World Series hoopla became a distraction, so the current roadtrip to Florida was perfectly timed.

The good times got rolling on Friday night. Brett Myers actually had a decent outing, giving up 3 runs over 6 tough innings. Yes, he forced the Phils to play from behind, again, and yes, he gave up another multi-run homer, but he geld the Marlins to 3 runs and give his team a chance to rally. And rally they did of "closer" Matt Lindstrom. I was less then impressed with Lindstrom during the WBC, so I thought the Phils would have a chance against him if they could be patient at the plate. A couple of hits and walks later the Pineapple Express left the yard with his first career grand slam.

Last night's followed a similar patter. The Phils trailed 4-3 going into the 9th. After singles by Werth and Raul "Professional Hitter" Ibanez, Greg Dobbs had just about the worst at-bat ever and I started. With runners at first and third, and no outs, all Dobbs had to do was put his bat on the ball. Anything other than an infield pop-up ties the game. Instead he struck out, in excusable in that situation. Lucky for him Mountain Man Bruntlett came up with the RBI. That led to the 10th where, once again, it was Victorino at the front of the action. A single and a steal of second put him in place to score on Utley's single and, again, a come from behind win. I really like the scrappy style of ball I am seeing from the team right now...if only we had some decent starting pitching!