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Phillies ambush Fish; Hamels evens mark at 10-10

Summary: Led by a 3-for-5 night by September slugger Ryan Howard, the Phillies pummeled the Marlins with 17 hits en route to a 10-6 win. Cole Hamels tossed seven shutout innings to run his scoreless streak to 24 innings, last surrendering a run to the Houston Astros on Aug. 24. Howard homered and knocked in six as he continues his late push for the league lead in RBIs. Meanwhile, Shane Victorino continued to shine out of the lead-off spot, scoring three runs. The Marlins got all their runs off twice-released left-hander Nate Robertson in an amateur-hour 8th. Unfortunately, Ryan Madson was eventually needed to end the nonsense in the 9th. With the win, the Phillies have won 10 of their last 11 series and finish the homestand 5-2 having scored 25 runs in their last three games, and incredible push considering they were running on fumes by all accounts. The Braves also won, so the Phillies' lead holds at half a game.

Rollins leaves game: Jimmy Rollins left the game with tightness in his right hamstring. The Phillies are saying he's day-to-day and will wait until after tomorrow's off day to see if he'll need a third trip to the disabled list.

Game chat: Phillies, Marlins call it a match tonight

The first-place Phillies reach the finish line of a grueling, but wildly successful, stretch of 24 games in 23 days tonight when they finish up their series with Florida. Lefties Andrew Miller (1-0, 3.60) and Cole Hamels (9-10, 3.18) duel starting at 7:05. Notes: A couple of updates to pass along (I was offline today with some big CSN projects, the future of Beerleaguer among the issues discussed *wink.* As previously mentioned, changes are targeted for this 2011 season, so stay patient. I know posting has been lighter than usual this summer). Brad Lidge's elbow injury doesn't sound serious and the closer could return to action Friday. Domonic Brown's quad strain also appears to be a mild ailment. Saturday's starter hasn't been decided. Lineups for tonight: Victorino, Polanco, Utley, Howard, Werth, Rollins, Ibanez, Ruiz. [Jump to the newest comments]

Postgame: Phillies bumble back into first with 8-7 win

They've been sharper, but the Phillies will gladly look bad and win.

For the first time since May 31, a span of 100 days, the Phillies are back atop the National League East standings thanks to an ugly, wild win coupled by a 5-0 Braves loss to the Pirates. Table-setters Shane Victorino and Placido Polanco combined on a "get-em-over-get-em-in" winning run, with Polly knocking in Vic from second following Vic's successful steal. Raul Ibanez went three-for-four with a home run as the rejiggered lineup continued to produce. Ryan Howard and Victorino also blasted solo shots. The win atoned for a number of sinful plays, particularly those in the top half of the 8th that allowed the Marlins to tie the game 7-7. Three of the Marlins' seven runs were unearned. Nevertheless, no complaints can be waged about an offense that produced 13 hits and five multi-hit games, including a two-hit, two-RBI night by Jimmy Rollins out of the five-hole.

Lidge: After the game, Charlie Manuel revealed that Brad Lidge, who was unavailable to close, has a tender pitching elbow, which was was revealed a few days ago. It's likely that he will be out tomorrow and will be reevaluated after Thursday's off day.

Readers: "(It) was a bumbly top of the 8th, but winning 32 of 46 and overcoming a 7 game deficit is some good bumbling." - Sophist

Game chat: Werth benched, then unbenched for game

Updated 5:45 p.m.: Domonic Brown, who was scheduled to play in place of Jayson Werth for a second-straight game, has been scratched with a phony quad strain that will be reevaluated after tonight's game, according to Twitter reports. Werth returns to the lineup, and according to the latest version updated by Stats Inc., will hit seventh. Strange.

Posted 5:05 p.m.: Jayson Werth is a healthy scratch and has been replaced by Domonic Brown in right field for tonight's game against Chris Volstad and the Marlins, beginning at 7:05. Ryan Lawrence of the Delco-Times observes via Twitter that Werth is 1-for-17 lifetime against Volstad. Meanwhile, Jimmy Rollins has again been dropped from the leadoff spot and will bat fifth. More as we get closer to game time, but this appears to be more than a minor lineup tweak ...

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Phillies minor leagues end-of-season round-up

The minor league season has ended. Here’s a quick look at how the Phillies’ affiliates finished, beginning with the playoff-bound Blueclaws.

Lakewood, which has been the Phillies' most fruitful breeding ground for talent over the last few seasons, will begin postseason play tomorrow against Hickory following an 84-win campaign that included 42 wins in both the first and second half. Paced by a very strong pitching staff, the BlueClaws received one of their biggest boosts from August Phillies minor league pitcher of the month Julio Rodriguez (RHP), who went 1-1 with a 1.17 ERA in six August starts. Touted right-hander Trevor May, considered the top pitcher in the Phillies’ system by some, throws in tomorrow’s opener.

Jumping to the top of the chain, Lehigh Valley led all of minor league baseball in attendance by averaging 9,227 fans per game, but that’s about all that went right for the woeful 58-86 IronPigs. Last week, the Phillies announced that manager Dave Huppert would not be retained. Aside from Domonic Brown’s short-lived stay, the 2010 IronPigs will best be remembered as a holding tank for the reservists who would help the big club band-aid all their injuries.

Brown was the best player to pass through Double-A Reading, but journeyman minor-leaguer Tagg Bozied topped the late-season headlines by capturing the Eastern League batting title. Bozied, who was named the Phillies’ minor league player of the month for August, hit .315, including an impressive .374 with 11 homers and 30 RBIs in August alone. Reading finished a disappointing 69-72 and received a big zero from the prospects acquired in the Cliff Lee trade.

In Clearwater, the Class-A Threshers closed out the season 30-39 in the second half and 67-72 overall, good for fourth place. Harold Garcia’s historic hitting streak, right-hander Austin Hyatt’s break-out campaign and Justin De Fratus’ strong showing as closer topped the highlights.

Finally, the Williamsport Crosscutters (43-33) fell short of the New York-Penn League posteason with a loss in their final game. Last week, the Phillies and Crosscutters jointly announced that they have extended their agreement for two years.

Holiday weekend wrap: Phils inch closer to Braves

A series victory over the Brewers and a doubleheader split with the Marlins have the Phillies sitting just a half-game out in the division race. Meanwhile, the Giants have drawn closer in the Wild Card race after winning three straight. They trail the Phillies by 1.5 games.

The Phillies' offense handed Roy Oswalt an embarrassment of riches in last night's nightcap: a five-run second inning that fueled a 7-4 victory over the Fish. Call it an apology to fans who suffered through the earlier game: a dismal 7-1 defeat in which the offense looked dead on their feet against a career minor leaguer. Last night, the Phils use a more patient approach to bang out 10 hits and plated all their runs without the longball, sparing Oswalt from a so-so start that would have ended in a loss if he were still pitching for Houston. But even as the Phils solidify their postseason stake, there is continued fear of a one-and-done due to spottiness of the offense. (AP Photo)

Mayberry recalled: Outfielder John Mayberry Jr. has joined the club for another tour on the September bench, Comcast SportsNet reports. Mayberry, 26, hit .267/.328/.412 with 15 homers, 111 strikeouts and 20 stolen bases in 495 at bats with the IronPigs.

Game chat: Phils seek split following Game 1 dud

Career minor league mediocrity Adalberto Mendez pitched a one-hitter for six innings in leading the Marlins to a 7-1 victory Sunday afternoon. Now it's up to the sputtering offense to save face in Game 2 beginning at 7:05. Anibal Sanchez and Roy Oswalt take the mound.

Beerleaguer: Game 1 may go down as the most pathetic showing by the offense all season when you consider the opponent. This was probably Mendez's best outcome, at any level. Everybody sucked, but in the Beerleaguer spirit, I'd like to identify the hitter who sucked most. I have it narrowed to Raul Ibanez and Placido Polanco. Raul's last day as an everyday player can't come soon enough, but how about Polly lately? His slugging percentage must be below .400 now and he's fallen well off the pace for the batting title. He got plunked on his sore elbow a couple of nights ago; perhaps it has something to do with it. I thought he looked downright feeble at the dish, although oddly enough, he played a great defensive game. Raul did not, so I think I have my answer.

As for Vance Worley, I was way, way less impressed than the broadcasters seemed to be. Five innings, two runs could have easily been four innings, five runs the way Florida stranded runners. Here at Beerleaguer, we talk a lot about guys like Worley, Scott Mathieson, Antonio Bastardo and Mike Zagurski, and I gotta say: I'll believe it when I see it.

Good thing the Braves had the same sort of game this afternoon against the Pirates and lost 3-1.

Werth-less lineup: Victorino CF, Polanco 3B, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, Rollins SS, Ibanez LF, Brown RF, Ruiz C.

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Game chat: Phillies give Worley a whirl in Game 1

Adalberto Mendez and Vance Worley make their first Major League starts this afternoon in Game 1 of the Marlins-Phillies twin bill beginning at 1:05.

Pitching preview: If the Phillies sweep the doubleheader and get help from the Pirates against Atlanta, they could own sole possession of first place in the division by the end of the day. Mendez, a 28-year-old right-hander, is getting his first opportunity in the Bigs after patiently toiling in the minor leagues for nine years. Worley, 22, has waited less than three seasons for his first shot.

Rollins: All the focus that has been paid to Kyle Kendrick has detracted from an even bigger issue: the over two-month struggle of lead-off hitter Jimmy Rollins, who is hitting just .222/.297/.326 since coming off the DL June 22, and is just 4-for-30 (.133) over his last seven games. Longtime Beerleaguer, George S., had this to say via email: "The Phils are down in HR this season for various reasons, but one thing this has been clearly exposed is the need for a leadoff man. Rollins' weaknesses as a leadoff hitter have been discussed a million times, but this season the team is paying the price for not addressing it. HRs were covering up this problem in recent seasons. Not any more. So far this year, the 1st inning is the only inning in which the Phillies have been outscored by their opponents. It is also the 2nd lowest scoring inning for the team (behind the 8th inning). On the other hand, the 1st inning is the best inning for the opposition (thank you Mr Blanton). So the Phillies find themselves behind early more often. Does it matter? The team is 19-4 when they lead after one inning. They are 15-23 when they trail after one inning. That's what good leadoff men can do for you." - George S.

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Transactions: Zagurski earns a September call-up

The Phillies now have four lefties in the bullpen.

Mike Zagurski was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, along with Game 1 starter Vance Worley. As expected, the Phillies also formally selected the contract of left-hander Nate Robertson, who could fill a swingman-type role. Zagurski, 27, was 2-3 with a 3.27 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 52 1-3 innings and made five relief appearances with the Phils earlier this season. He had been pitching very well for the IronPigs prior to this call-up. By adding Robertson, the Phillies will need to clear room on the 40-man roster, which could be done by transferring Jamie Moyer to the 60-day disabled list.

Kendrick complicates matters in starting rotation

Following another awful outing by Kyle Kendrick, the Phillies must decide whether to keep him in the mix, replace him with someone else or shorten the rotation to four pitchers.

Beerleaguer: My preference is to keep Kendrick in place and take advantage of these upcoming off days, the next one coming this Thursday. Kendrick's next scheduled start would be this weekend at Citi Field, the spot of Kendrick's last quality start back on Aug. 15. The Mets aren't a particularly dangerous or lefty heavy team, so one can only hope that Kendrick learns from yesterday's mistake with Prince Fielder and quits fooling himself against dangerous left-handed hitters. The Phils have Vance Worley making his starting debut in Game 1 this afternoon and there's some thought that if he pitches well he could replace Kendrick in the rotation. We'll see how the 22-year-old performs under the pressure, but I'm not exactly ready to throw him into the mix just yet and assume he'll outperform Kendrick. Of all the options, shortening the rotation is the option I prefer least. Roy Halladay has already logged a league-leading 221 innings, while Cole Hamels is at 181 and Roy Oswalt is at 176 2-3. Assuming they qualify for baseball's second season - and I believe strongly that they will - the postseason will be all about them. At least for now, I wouldn't deny them the extra rest just so Kendrick doesn't have to pitch against the Mets.

Sunday chat: Phillies try to put away the Brewers

The streaking Phillies go for their sixth-straight win and a sweep of the Brewers this afternoon at 1:35. Kyle Kendrick (9-7, 4.72) tries to get back on track following three bad starts in a row. Former Phil Randy Wolf (10-10, 4.76) makes his 29th start for the Brew Crew. The Phillies trail Atlanta by a game in the division race. Rookie hurlers Mike Minor and Alex Sanabia pitch for the Braves and Marlins beginning at 12:10 in Miami. Enjoy the beautiful weather and today's game everyone. [Jump to the newest comments]

Pitchers Mathieson, Worley, Robertson to arrive today

Lehigh Valley closer Scott Mathieson will be added to the Phillies active roster today, according to CSNPhilly.com insider Jim Salisbury. Meanwhile, right-hander Vance Worley and left-hander Nate Robertson will also arrive, but will be activated Monday, Salisbury reports. One of them will pitch in Monday's doubleheader, but that decision hasn't been announced by the club. Mathieson saved 26 games for the IronPigs this season, striking out 83 in 64 1-3 innings. The 26-year-old right-hander has been working to improve his secondary pitches. Worley was yanked from Friday's start after one inning, suggesting he could be the one to pitch tomorrow. Robertson was released twice this season before latching on with the Phils and hasn't been very good, but pitched six shutout frames in his most recent start with Lehigh Valley. The Phillies still trail Altanta by one game in the division, but pushed their Wild Card lead to three games following a 5-4 win over the Brewers Saturday night.

Saturday chat: Phillies eye a share of first tonight

One game separates the first-place Braves and the Wild Card-leading Phillies when the National League East leaders go back to work tonight at 7:10. Conestoga High product Dave Bush (7-11, 4.71) and Roy Halladay (16-10, 2.27) are scheduled at Citizens Bank Park. In South Florida, it's Jair Jurrjens (6-4, 4.38) and Josh Johnson (11-5, 2.28) from Sun Life Stadium. [Jump to the newest comments]

Worley a strong possibility to make Monday start

The Phillies dropped a major hint regarding their choice for Monday's second double-header starter.

Right-hander Vance Worley pitched just one inning of Friday night's start in Lehigh Valley, and according to Jeff Schuler of the Morning Call, he was greeted with a congratulatory handshake from pitching coach Rod Nichols when he was removed fro the game. The team later confirmed that the 22-year-old was not removed for injury reasons. Worley, a third-round pick in the 2008 draft, is 10-7 with a 3.36 ERA and 119/46 K/BB ratio in 158 innings between Reading and Lehigh Valley. He pitched a shutout inning of relief for the Phillies on July 24 against the Rockies, striking out a pair.

Postgame: Phillies sleepwalk through shutout victory

Summary: Cole Hamels tossed seven shutout innings and was rewarded with the win despite more minimal run support as the Phillies scraped by the Brewers 1-0 on Friday night. The Phillies plated their only run on a Carlos Ruiz RBI groundout in the second. With the Phils running on fumes, they needed a strong outing from Hamels and he delivered seven innings of three-hit ball, striking out seven. Jose Contreras and Ryan Madson also shined by posting shutout frames in the eighth and ninth with Brad Lidge unavailable. For Madson, it was his fifth save.

Game chat: Bleary-eyed Phils open with Brewers

Chris Capuano (2-2, 5.06) and Cole Hamels (8-10, 3.31) are scheduled when the Wild Card-leading Phillies return from their triumphant trip out west to begin a seven-game homestand tonight at 7:05.

Notes: Following a 6-1 road trip, the Phils hold a two-game advantage over San Francisco in the Wild Card race and trail Atlanta by two games in the division. The visiting Brewers (61-72) go with Capuano tonight, followed by Dave Bush on Saturday and Randy Wolf on Sunday. This could be a trap series considering the drain of the road trip and the Phils recent tendency to play down to lesser opponents, so a good outing by Hamels will be the key tonight. Elsewhere, Atlanta visits Florida; San Francisco goes to Los Angeles. Tonight's lineup has been posted, with Ibanez in the seven-hole and Ruiz back behind the plate. In minor league news, Phillies Dominican League pitcher Alvaro Bacil has been suspended 50 games for testing positive for PEDs. That's your fractured pregame report, hastily posted from an iPhone. Have a great night everyone.

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Breaking news: Gload activated; Dobbs returns

The next wave of Phillies roster additions has been announced.

As expected, third baseman Greg Dobbs returns to the bench following his second demotion to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he was beginning to heat up, hitting .289/.386/.579 with two homers in his last 10 games. Dobbs was taken off the 40-man roster when he was outrighted to Triple-A, so his contract was purchased and he has been added to the 40-man. Meanwhile, Ross Gload, who has been on the 15-day disabled list with a pulled groin, rejoins the club after a pair of rehab games with Single-A Clearwater. Gload benefited from regular playing time in the absence of Ryan Howard, pulling his season slash line up to .279/.333/.486. Dobbs and Gload join Mike Sweeney, Ben Francisco, Brian Schneider, Paul Hoover, Domonic Brown and Wilson Valdez on a pretty good-looking September bench.

Friday: Relentless inning a sight for sore eyes

In a circus game of highs and lows, the Phillies battled back from oblivion thanks to a nine-run inning and withstood a 20-hit barrage in a wild 12-11 victory in Colorado.

There isn’t enough time in the day to revisit everything that happened last night. You could write an entire term paper on Antonio Bastardo’s weird inning alone. In short, Blanton got bombed, the big boys broke out the Black Betsys and the bleary-eyed Phillies finally gained on the Braves. There was a time when the big-timbered, big-inning method, their propensity to surround a crooked number with a swarm of ones and zeroes, was discussed in a derogatory manner. Not anymore. This surreal game of grand slams, strange plays and suspect pitching was among the sweetest sights of the season. (Take a peek at the traffic on the previous thread if you disagree.)

Game chat: Phils stop in Denver for one-night stand

Joe Blanton (6-6, 5.15) and the Phillies wrap up their West Coast fling against Jhoulys Chacin (7-9, 3.79) and the Rockies tonight at 7:05. Brian Schneider represents the only lineup change. In news from around the organization, the Phillies won the Gulf Coast League championship this afternoon with a 10-4 victory over the Rays. Ross Gload will play his second rehab game tonight in Clearwater. No word yet on the next wave of call-ups or the emergency starter who will pitch Monday's double-header with the Marlins. [Jump to the newest comments] [In-Game Live!]

Phillies 'methodically marching' through second half

I love the phrase "methodical march." I use it every chance I get.

Scott Franzke coined it in the final days of the 2009 season to summarize the Phillies' six-month slog, and I think it applies to what's been going on with the team since the All-Star break, with a couple of key differences. The hitting is much weaker, with injuries playing a big part, but the starting staff is clearly stronger, and dare I say the back of the bullpen is in better shape (Romero's had a nice recovery lately, hasn't he?). Just to put it in perspective, a year ago, there were murmurs about using Tyler Walker in the ninth inning.

The lack of offense negatively skews perceptions since nobody wants to sit through low-scoring games night after night, plus they've been chasing the carrot since late May. But systematically, they've seized 10 of their last 12 series overall and are 28-18 since the break. They finished August with a 18-10 mark, their best month of the season, despite hitting .241 over that stretch. It's all thanks to a 2.93 August ERA. They’ve stabilized away from the Bank, winning four-straight series (9-1) to climb over .500 in out of town games (34-33).

When they stay clear of the Astros they look like a solid bet to again represent the National League in the World Series. Only this time it might be as the league’s wild card representative.