The Winning Continues, Four Straight

Written by Mike Mariano | 26 July 2010

Despite rain, rain, and more rain, the Phillies perservered to steal a win yesterday. Last night's game was not one that the Phillies would've won earlier this month.  The bullpen would've collapsed or the offense wouldn't have been able to scratch the winning runs across.  Instead they got it done and managed to win their fourth straight.  Even better the Braves and Mets both lost bringing the Phils to within five of the division's top spot and two and a half above the Mets who're only a half game out of fourth.

J.A. Happ made his first start since April.  Trade suitors from all over the league were at the game to judge his recovery.  The young starter didn't disappoint going five innings and looking strong in his work.  He did allow three runs and walk four, but he only let up four hits in his five innings.  From there Durbin, Contreras, Romero & Lidge combined to close out the game with shut-out effort out of the bullpen.  In typical Lidge fashion it wasn't easy - he loaded the bases with two walks a hit - but in the end he got K's for all three outs and the save.

It took a nice break for the Phillies to come out on top.  After Jimmy Rollins plated Wilson Valdez with a single to left (and taking second base on an misplay by Carlos Gonzalez), he stole third, then scored on a wild pitch with Jayson Werth at the bat.  You've got to take the luck where you can get it.  The other offense came from a Ben Francisco bomb early in the second inning.

If the Phillies are truly back, we shall see with Joe Blanton on the mound.  He's in the middle of easily his worst season to date and the Phillies will continue to struggle if guys like him can't turn it around.  The team has momentum and should be riding high after four straight, the pieces are all in place for Joe to get it back in gear.