After Thriller in Extras, Phillies Come Out on Top
By: Mike Reisman
Today it was evident why the Phillies traded for a pitcher, however it was a different type of pitcher they needed tonight. Tonight it was the relievers who let the Phillies down.
The Phillies struck first in the 5th inning on a Carlos Ruiz double. The next inning a Raul Ibanez widened the gap with a solo home run making it 2-0. Miguel Montero hit a solo shot in the 7th to cut the lead in half. That's when the trouble started. The Phillies were fine until the 9th when Ryan Madson came in and allowed a lead-off double. He was replaced the next batter by J.C Romero who gave up a single and then a sac hit to Montero, tying the game.
The Phillies gave up a major chance in the bottom of the 10th when Ryan Howard struck out on three pitches with the bases loaded and two outs. Jose Contreras was able to hold the Astros through their half of the 11th, and that was all they needed.
After Werth struck out to start the inning, the next two batters got on base setting the stage for Wilson Valdez. It took Valdez only two pitches to hit a single that would drive in Cody Ransom and end the game.
Overall, it was a great day for the Phillies, trading for Oswalt, sweeping the D-Backs, and improving to an 8 game win streak. Next the Phillies start a series with the Nationals who are now without Stephen Strasburg. Not only that, but Oswalt is penciled in to start the first game of the series tomorrow. Lucky for him, he got a not so great team. This should be exciting.