Oswalt Helps Phillies Completes Sweep of His Former Team
By: Mike Reisman
With two of the big four down, Roy Oswalt was set to start today against his long time team, the Houston Astros. Oswalt said before the game that he had no nostalgic feelings, making for great start. The Phillies looked for a win today to start 3-0 at home for the first time since 1970, and facing the Astros' Bud Norris, they would have no problems.
Going into the game, the Phillies hadn't hit a home run yet. That would all change in the bottom of the 1st, when Ryan Howard slugged his first of the year, a three run shot driving in Rollins and Polanco, and making it 3-0. Just two batters later, Ben Francisco would hit a solo home run, adding on to the lead. Howard would strike again in the 3rd with an RBI double, and Shane Victorino and his replacement, Michael Martinez would each single home a run in the 6th, giving the Phillies a grand total of seven runs.
Oswalt would pitch phenomenally against his former team, going six strong innings, allowing only five hits, two runs on a Hunter Pence home run and a Brett Wallace sac hit, and striking out six en route to a win. The Astros would manage another run off of Kyle Kendrick in the 9th on a Humberto Quintero sac hit.
The final score of the game was Phillies 7, Astros 3, as the Phillies completed the sweep to move to 3-0 on the year. Oswalt got the win, and Norris the loss.
Now, some of you may be wondering what the **** I meant when I said Martinez was Victorino's replacement. Relax and take a deep breath. Victorino sat out of the starting line-up today, probably because of the soreness he felt yesterday in his calf. Of course, Victorino is fine since he came into the game, probably because good old Charlie wanted to prove to the media and the fans that there is in fact nothing to worry about. He had a nice RBI single, so really, nothing to worry about.
Next, let's talk about Ryan Howard. Today proves why the Phillies signed him to an extension, so for all of you who were getting on Howard last year, this is why we pay him. Sorry that he only hit 31 homers last year and only drove in 108 RBIs in a year that he was injured. Clearly, he didn't get the memo that a new contract means an MVP season every year no matter what (can you sense my sarcasm?). Now, I understand that Phillies fans get on a guy when he does poorly, but Howard didn't do poorly last year at all. Considering his injury, his numbers are actually pretty good, and the only complaint anyone could have is his playoff performance, but still, he was up against the Giants pitching staff. Give the guy a chance; he's third all-time for team home runs for a reason.
Finally, one player who has really done incredibly since receiving the starting job is Ben Francisco. I've been talking about him for a while now, and he deserves it. After a stellar spring, he has proven these first three games that he is here to stay. Francisco went 6-13 this series, driving in four runs, and scoring four of his own. Now, don't get me wrong I love Dominic Brown, but if Francisco keeps this up the Phillies best option may be to put Brown in the minors when he returns just to make sure he is really ready.
The Phillies get the day off tomorrow and return on Tuesday when the Mets come to town for three games.
P.S. Everyone should play T-56, a game made by fellow blogger El Maquino. Come on out and try to beat my current streak of 4. Here's the link
http://teeminus56.mlblogs.com/.