Going into last night’s series opener in St. Louis, the Cardinals led the league in hits, runs, home runs, average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage.  All that with Pujols now in the other league and Berkman in the operating room.

The Cardinals added to all those totals but in the end, the Phillies out-slugged and out-lasted them.  The offensive explosion was a rarity this season. A year ago, the Phillies scored 10 or more runs 12 times, winning all 12.  Last night was the second time this season. The first was 13 runs and that came in a losing cause, 15-13, 11 innings at Atlanta, May 2.

For the second straight Saturday, the Phillies are on a prime time FOX national telecast, 7:15 p.m. EDT. 

Before that, Cliff (0-2, 2.66) goes for his first win this season tonight.  Exactly one year ago Cliff (4-4) won, 10-4.

Down On The Farm
**Lehigh Valley won 4-3 over Charlotte in a game that was suspended in the 4th inning on May 4 and then lost the regularly scheduled game, 3-2.  Domonic Brown started in CF in the regular game which included homers by RF Derrick Mitchell (5) and C Erik Kratz (5).

**Reading scored 6 in the 7th for an 8-6 win in Erie.  CF Tyson Gillies, 2 triples, 2 RBI; LF Leandro Castro, 4-5, 3rd home run.

**Clearwater was a 2-1 winner in Ft. Myers, thanks to a two-run homer by 1B Jim Murphy (5).  He leads the organization with 34 RBI.

**Lakewood lost a pair to Hagerstown, 2-0, and, 4-3, getting a total of 8 hits.

Where Is Jim Fregosi?
Check out www.phillies.com/alumni.

Cole has turned into the stopper, big time.  Seventeen days ago, he held the Nationals to one run and it came on a steal of home when Cole tossed to first base.

Second time around against them, he did even better last night.  0 runs.  114 pitches were touched for four hits and three walks, the only base-runners for the losers.

So, he has the major’s best streak going, seven straight wins after a first-start loss back on April 9.  Since his rookie season in 2006, Cole is 21-4 in May, best mark in the majors.
Elias Sports Bureau: Hamels is the fourth Phillies starting pitcher in the last 50 years to win seven or more consecutive decisions before the end of May. The others were Jim Lonborg in 1976 (8), Steve Carlton in 1981 (8) and Tommy Greene in 1993 (7).
Papelbon lost the shutout by allowing a solo homer in the ninth.  That’s OK.  Rather a dinger with a four-run lead than a one-run lead.

Delta charter was scheduled to arrive at 1:15 a.m., St. Louis time, on Thursday.  Sleep fast boys, game time is 7:15 p.m. Thursday.

Down On The Farm
**Lehigh Valley was idle.

**Reading lost to Erie for the second straight night, 4-2, this time.  CF Tyson Gillies is 7-14 in the series that ends with an 11:05 a.m. game today.

**Clearwater scored 3 in the top of the ninth for a 4-3 win at Ft. Myers.  C Cameron Rupp had the game-winning RBI single.  RHR Tyler Knigge, 2nd save, with 1 scoreless inning, stretching his scoreless streak to 16 innings.  Clearwater has 20 singles and one home run in three games this week, losing two.

**Lakewood won, 3-2, over Delmarva on a walk-off single by 3B Harold Martinez.

Players of the Week
**Pitcher:  RHP Colin Kleven, Lakewood.  2-0, 0.75 ERA for 2 starts, 12 innings, 9 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), 4 walks, 11 strikeouts. In 4 starts this month, 2-1, 1.96 ERA.  For the season, 3-3, 3.38 ERA, 8 starts.  The 21-year-old was a 33rd round selection in 2009 out of R. E. Mountain High School in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, and signed by Tim Kissner.

**Player:  INF-OF Carlos Alonso, Clearwater.  Led organization with a .545 average for 6 games, 12 hits, 5 runs scored and 10 RBI. He had multi-hits in each of his last 5 games. Raised his average from .299 to .360. Alonso has started at second base, shortstop, third base and left field.  The 24-year-old was selected in the 32nd round of the 2010 draft out of the University of Delaware and signed by Paul Murphy.

Phlashback
May 24, 1935: Phillies lose first night game in major league baseball history, 2-1, at Cincinnati’s Crosley Field.  Game takes 1 hour, 35 minutes.  Attendance for the historic game, 20,422.

May 24, 1999: For the first time in team history, the Phillies have the same-name battery, RHP Joel Bennett and C Gary Bennett.  Phillies win, 5-4, over Montreal.

Don’t forget to check out www.phillies.com/alumni for news, notes and photos of the Alumni.

Well, things aren’t going well.  Then again, you already knew that.

Doc’s 11-game winning streak against the Nationals ended last night.  He’s 1-4 in his last seven starts.  Cliff is winless.  Now, if you had said that about Doc and Cliff before the season started, people would have thought you were off your rocker.

Washington has won six in a row over the Phillies, something they’ve never done, even during their Montreal Expos days.

Cole gets the nod tonight in a must-win game, if there is such a thing in May.  Then, a Delta charter takes them to St. Louis for four with the first-place Cardinals.

So, you’re never as good as you look when you are hot (six straight wins) and you’re never as bad as you look when you are going bad (four-game spin that has followed the six wins in a row).  Did Yogi Berra say that?  Don’t know but let’s give him credit.

Starting pitching keeps the club in the game, the bullpen seems to be settling in but the offense is sputtering again. In the four-game spin, hitters are 5 for 38 with runners in scoring position.

Down On The Farm
**Lehigh Valley blanked Louisville, 2-0, as RHP Dave Bush (4-3) tossed a nine-inning shutout.

**Reading fell behind, 7-0, after two innings, rallied and then lost, 8-7, in Erie.  RHP Trevor May was roughed up (seven runs in those first two innings).

**Clearwater lost, 2-1, in Ft. Myers, getting eight singles.  Threshers had six singles the day before in a 7-1 loss.

**Lakewood had five singles in a 3-1 win over Delmarva.  RHP Ramon Oviedo, in his first Lakewood start, was the winner, one run in six innings.

Phlashback
May 23, 1991: RHP Tommy Greene pitches no-hitter at Montreal, 2-0, before 8,833.  He walks seven and strikes out 10.

Tommy writes about his no-hitter at www.phillies.com/alumni.  Check it out.

Remember when Citizens Bank Park opened?  Critics proclaimed pitchers would not come to Philly because of the hitter-friendly ball yard.  We’ll that proclamation has disappeared.

Joe-B continued his success at the Phillies home last night, improving to 17-6 in 45 starts there.  In last 19 starts there, he’s 8-0 and the Phillies are 15-4 in those games.  Can he pitch again this afternoon?

Great to see Polly get his 2,000th hit and great to see the fans’ reaction on a rainy night.  Fan enthusiasm certainly wasn’t dampened and they cheered until he came out for a curtain call.

Breaking down his 2,000 hits: Tigers 806, Phillies 732, Cardinals 462.

I believe the last player to get his 2,000th hit in a Phillies uniform was Dale Murphy.  He did it on May 29, 1991 at the Vet.  Polly graduated from high school that year. Most of “Murph’s” hits came while wearing a Braves uniform.

Most career hits for a Phillies player is 2,234 by that Michael Jack Schmidt, who never played for any other team.

So, weather-permitting, the Astros wrap up a two-game series this afternoon.  It is a historic game.  How, you ask?  Well, it is the last National League game the Astro will play in Philly.  They’re switching to the American League next year.

Down On The Farm
**Lehigh Valley split a pair at Louisville, winning the nightcap 4-3 after dropping the opener, 5-1.  LHR Joe Savery picked up his second save.

**Reading  lost, 2-1, to Portland.  2B Cesar Hernandez, 3-4, 2 stolen bases.

**Clearwater also lost by one run, 4-3, in 10 innings at Dunedin.  RF Anthony Hewitt hit his 5th homer.

**Lakewood was a 4-1 winner at Delmarva, which is located in Salisbury, MD.  RHS Colin Kleven (2-3), 1 unearned run in 7 innings.

Plashbck
May 15, 1989: One of the most exciting finishes in Vet history.  After 11 scoreless innings, San Francisco scores two in the top of the 12th.  With two out and two runners on base in the bottom of the 12th, RF Bob Dernier hits a three-run, game-winning, inside-the-park home run to left field, 3-2.

Phinally
A left-handed catcher? 

Yep, read about it at www.phillies.com/alumni.

Hadn’t been able to post since last Wednesday when my wife was hospitalized.  She’s facing a sixth knee surgery in the last two years. 

No posts since last Wednesday resulted in seven comments, which is great.  Some weren’t very pleasant but that’s OK.  Dave, I’ve never been called a joke before but I do have a sense of humor and you made me laugh. Hope Jay Leno calls soon. Steve, all I know about the Vet roof is that the images you mentioned came from the architect’s rendering of the stadium.  Trying to remember more specifics from 41 years ago isn’t easy. Heck, yesterday I couldn’t remember where I left my shoes. If you are angry at the Phillies, think of six knee surgeries or children in hospitals or cancer patients. There is more to life than getting upset at a sports team. 

Being a fan means sticking with your team through the highs and lows.  There’s nothing like winning but it doesn’t last forever. 

Back to Baseball
We should have swept the Padres but didn’t.  Every game seems to be some kind of struggle.  All the players can do is show up every day and battle.  This game isn’t easy and neither is life.

This is a different team from a year ago.  A lineup exactly a year ago included only J-Roll, Shane and Cole. 

Papelbon is 10-for-10 in saves.  Yesterday was the sixth save in which he retired the side in order.  The challenge lately has been getting to him.

Phillies haven’t won three in a row yet.  Last time they went this far into the season without a three-game win streak was 1992. 

So, now the Astros come to town for two, then to the Cubs’ Wrigley Field for two and back home for three with the Red Sox.  Hey, how are Red Sox fans reacting these days?  They had high expectations, too.

Down On The Farm
**Lehigh Valley won two and was rained out Sunday in Louisville.  RHP Scott Elarton (4-1) won his third straight on Friday, allowing one hit (4th inning single) in six innings.

**Reading lost two of three in New Britain.  SS Troy Hanzawa extended his hitting streak to 14 games (.396).  1B Darin Ruf ended the weekend leading the EL in hitting (.383), hits (49) and RBI (27). 

**Clearwater was idle on Sunday but won on Friday and Saturday nights. 3B Cody Asche extended his hitting streak to 13 games (.453).

**Lakewood lost two of three to Greensboro. 

Alumni News
Don’t forget to check out www.phillies.com/alumni for features and photos involving Phillies Alumni.  Welcome input on what you would like to read on this page.

      ##

Hope to be able to post daily this week but it may be out of my control.  Trust you will understand. 

Cheers.

In the last six Phillies wins, they’ve scored five or more runs.  In the last 12 losses, four or fewer.  Loss #12 came last night in another game where the offense couldn’t get a big hit.  Single runs in the first two innings and that was it for the offense.

Doc pitched well but walked one and that led to a two-run, game-tying inning.  Papelbon came in a tie game, walked one and that led to three runs that gave the Mets a win.  Jordany Valdespin, a shortstop who was sent to the minors by the Mets last Saturday after being hitless in his first six big league at-bats, was brouht back yesterday and hit a pinch-hit, game-winning home run with two out in the top of the ninth. That’s the way it is going for the Phillies right now.

Meanwhile, the Phillies drew five walks and only one scored.  They had a chance to regain the lead in the seventh and eighth innings but came up empty.  That’s the way it is going for the Phillies right now.

So, Joe-B gets the nod tonight.  A game on May 8 may not seem like a big deal but a win is needed.

Down On The Farm
**Lehigh Valley was blanked on three hits by Indianapolis, 4-0.  LF Domonic Brown was 0-3 in his return to the lineup after missing three games because of a hamstring strain.

**Reading was idle.

**Clearwater improved to 5-2 this month with a 6-5 win over Port Charlotte.  2B Carlos Alonso, 2-3, 3 runs, 2 RBI.

**Lakewood fell to 2-12 on the road, losing 5-0 at Savannah.  3B Maikel Franco’s two-out double in the fifth inning was the BlueClaws’ lone hit.

Players of the Week
Pitcher:  LHR Jake Diekman, Lehigh Valley.  Was 1-0 with 2 saves in 4 outings, 4.2 innings, 1 hit, 0 runs, 2 walks, 8 strikeouts.  Struck out the side in getting a save on Tuesday (14 pitches, 10 strikes), the third time in 12 appearances he has fanned 3 in 1 inning.  Picked up a win on Wednesday and his 6th save on Saturday, 2 innings, 2 strikeouts. For the season, 0.63 ERA, 22 strikeouts in 14.1 innings.  The 25-year-old was a 30th round selection in 2007 out of Cloud County Community College and signed by Jerry Lafferty.

Player:  2B Cesar Hernandez, Reading. Hit .387 in 7 games, 12 hits, 4 doubles, 2 triples, 6 RBI.  Ended the week on a 6-game hitting streak.  Had four multi-hit games.   During the week, he raised his average from .293 to .321.  The switch-hitter leads Reading with 16 RBI.  Defensively, he has 3 errors.  The 21-year-old Venezuelan was signed in 2006 by Sal Agostinelli and Jesus Mendez.

For Alumni news, check out www.phillies.com/alumni.

Play .500 ball on the road and win at home.  It is a formula for winning baseball.

For the second straight road trip, the Phillies pulled out a win in the final game to end a six-game trip at 3-3.  Cole came through big time last night in DC, ending the Nationals’ seven-game winning streak against the Phillies.  Hunter had his second two-home run game, helping put the game out of reach in the big ninth inning.

Amtrak charter train brought the Phillies home after last night’s game. It starts tonight against the Mets, who were at Citizens Bank Park just 20 games ago.   Every year, the schedule has a quirk or two.  So, the Phillies will have played the Mets twice, both at home.  That means they only come back here one more time, the end of August.

NY took two of three last month at Citizens Bank Park, outscoring the Phillies 12-10.  Neise, a lefty they face tonight, tossed 6.2 scoreless innings on April 14.  Phillies have struggled big time against LH starters this year.

Phillies have played the fewest home games (5-5) in the NL.  14 of their next 16 games are a home.  Time to make hay.

Sizing Up The Mets
Hitting
Average, .264, 3rd in NL
Runs, 103, 9th
Home runs, 18, 14th

Pitching
ERA, 4.48, 13th
Saves, 7, tied for 6th
Strikeouts, 207, 6th

Fielding
Percentage, .977, 13th
Errors, 23, 13th

Down On The Farm
**Lehigh Valley won two and was involved in a 3-3 game suspended in the third inning on Friday.  RHP Tyler Cloyd (2-0) was promoted from Reading to LV and won on Saturday.  RHS Scott Elarton (3-1) was Sunday’s winner.

Reading dropped two of three to Erie. 2B Cesar Hernandez, 7-15, four RBI; leads club with 16 RBI. RHP J. C. Ramirez picked up a save on Friday, his first in 141 pro games.

Clearwater took two of three from Port Charlotte. RHP Brody Colvin (2-2) and LHP Jesse Biddle (1-2) were the winners.

Lakewood lost two of three on the road; Sunday’s win ended a five-game losing streak.

Williamsport and Gulf Coast League Phillies begin their seasons in June.

Phillies Phact
60 years ago, the Phillies had 12 minor league affiliates:

Baltimore Orioles, International League (AAA)
Schenectady Blue Jays, Eastern League (A)
Tri-City Braves, Western International League (A)
Terre Haute Phillies, Illinois-Iowa-Illinois League (B)
Wilmington Blue Rocks, Interstate League (B)
Granby Phillies, Provincial League (C)
Grand Forks Chiefs, Northern League (C)
Salina Blue Jays, Western Association (C)
Salt Lake City Bees, Pioneer League (C)
Bradford Phillies, Pennsylvania-Ontario-New York League (D)
Miami Eagles, Kansas-Oklahoma-Missouri League (D)
Pulaski Phillies, Appalachian League (D)

About 13 hours after the 11-inning marathon ended in which runs were crossing home plate in crooked numbers and a parade of pitchers came in from the bullpens, Joe-B put an end to the madness with his best performance in a Phillies uniform.

All he did was toss a 3-hit shutout using only 88 pitches in a 2-hour, 2-minute masterpiece.  One other time he had a 3-hit shutout and that was 2007.

The win gave the Phillies a series win in Atlanta, what could have easily been a sweep.  But, two of three is a formula to get you to October baseball.

Now, the scene shifts to DC and a three-game weekend against the Nationals at their ballpark, that the front office termed, “Take Back Our Park” from the influx of Phillies fans, making it sort of Citizens Bank Park south.  It will be interesting to see how many Phillies fans can get tickets.

Sizing Up The Nationals
Pitching
ERA, 2.41, lowest in the NL
Strikeouts, 211, most in the NL
Opponents average, .212, second lowest

Hitting
Average, .225, 15th in the NL
Runs, 82, 13th
Home runs, 14, 14th

Defense
Fielding percentage, .986, tied for second best
Errors, 13, tied with Phillies for fewest

Chooch Record
Chooch turned in a record performance with his seven RBI night in Wednesday night’s marathon.

He’s the 13th Phillie to drive in that many in a game.  The club record is eight shared by five players. None are catchers.

Which reminds me, Chooch needs to be an All-Star so start voting.

Back Home
Phillies will take an Amtrak charter train on Sunday night and  return home to face the Mets in three games starting on Monday night.

Down On The Farm
**Lehigh Valley lost, 6-5, when Charlotte scored 4 in the top of the 9th off Raul Valdes (1-2).  DH Hector Luna, 3-4, RBI.

**Reading scored 3 in the top of the 9th for an 8-6 win at New Hampshire.  3B Tug Hulett had a 2-run single that put the Phillies on top.  RHR Justin Friend struck out the side for his 7th save.

**Clearwater was a 6-5 loser at Daytona Beach.  RF Brandon Tripp, 1st HR, 3 RBI.

**Lakewood dropped a 5-4, 10-inning decision at Charleston when the RiverDogs scored 2 in the bottom of the 9th.  1B Bob Stumpo, 2-4, hitting .588.  3B Harold Martinez, 3-5, RBI.

Plashback
May 4, 1973: PH Jose Pagan’s sacrifice fly gives the Phillies a 5-4, 20-inning win over Atlanta at Veterans Stadium, the Phillies’ longest game since April 30, 1919.  Game lasted 5:16.

May 5, 1938: RHP Hal Kelleher allows a major league record 12 runs (10 hits, 3 walks) in the eighth inning of a 21-2 loss at Wrigley Field.  Loser was Wayne LaMaster, who left the game with an injury and a 3-1 count on the Cubs’ leadoff hitter. The Cubs scored four times in the first inning, pinning the loss on LaMaster.

May 6, 1974: Phillies fall to San Diego, 7-6, before 4,149, smallest crowd in Vet history.

May 6, 2011: LHP Cliff Lee matches club record for a left-hander with 16 strikeouts in a 16-10 win vs. Atlanta at Citizens Bank Park.

For video of Lee’s performance, check out the May 6 flashback at www.phillies.com/alumni.

Line drive caught by the shortstop.  Right-fielder makes a great catch against the wall. 

Later, blooper turns into a double and two batters later, winning run scores on a strikeout-wild pitch.

Sometimes luck plays a big role.  That was the story of the trip opener in Atlanta last night.  Late-inning clutch hitting for the second straight game has produced consecutive wins.

Mayberry, struggling big time, began with a blooper he hustled into a double.  J-Roll singled to put Mayberry on third from where he scored on the strikeout-wild pitch sending the Phillies to their eighth straight win over the Braves, dating back to last season.

Game was the first of nine straight against the NL East, a real chance to move up in the standings. 

Papelbon certainly has lived up to his hype.  Phillies are 12-12 and he has saved nine. Give Ruben credit, he was aggressive in signing the closer.  Critics said the Phillies overpaid.  Well, quality is quality and if Ruben had waited, the supply on the market would have diminished.

Down On The Farm
**Lehigh Valley ended a 3-game losing streak, 4-1, over Charlotte.  3B Mike Fontenot, 3-4, 2 RBI; hitting .407; C Erik Kratz, 3rd homer and was told after the game he was joining the Phillies to replace the injured Jim Thome.  RHS Scott Elarton (2-1), 1 run, 6 innings for the win.  LHR Jacob Diekman, 4th save, striking out the side on 14 pitches (10 strikes).  Third time in 10 appearances he has struck out the side.

**Reading lost, 8-4, at New Hampshire.  2B Cesar Hernandez, 2-4, 2nd triple; hitting .289.  RHS David Buchanan (1-2) was the loser, 5 runs (2 earned) in 4 innings.

**Clearwater scored 4 in the top of the 10th for a 7-3 win in Daytona.  LF Brandon Tripp tripled in the first 2 runs.  LHS Jesse Biddle left after .1 inning when he was hit on his left forearm by a line drive.  Further evaluation will take place today.

**Lakewood was blanked, 7-0, by Greenville.  DH Aaron Altherr, single, double, 9th steal, hitting .314.

Phlashback
May 2, 1970–In a real rarity, both Phillies catchers, Tim McCarver and Mike Ryan, suffer broken bones in their hands in the sixth inning of a 7-1 loss at San Francisco.  Utility player Jim Hutto finishes the game behind the plate.

Phillies first game ever took place May 1, 1883.  Read about the game and some of the baseball rules from that era on www.phillies.com/alumni.

All-Star voting is here.  Fans can vote right here on phillies.com.

You name the position and the Phillies have had someone there over the last 10 years, first base, second base, shortstop, third base, three outfield positions, a closer and plenty of starting pitching.

Doesn’t take a genius to figure out what is missing….a catcher.   Folks, it is time to end that drought.  VOTE for Carlos Ruiz.  Oh, just don’t vote for him because he hasn’t been there.  Vote because he deserves it.  Timely hitting, durability, handling a pitching staff, defense, leadership….each is of All-Star caliber.

Oh, toss in the fact he’s hitting .302 this season.

Is Chooch one of the best catchers in Phillies history?  Don’t believe there’s any doubt.  So, he deserves to join other Phillies catchers who have played in All-Star games:

Jimmy Wilson (1935)
Andy Seminick (1949)
Smoky Burgess (1954)
Stan Lopata (1955-56)
Bob Boone (1976, 1978-79)
Ozzie Virgil (1985)
Lance Parrish (1988)
Darren Daulton (1992-93, 1995)
Mike Lieberthal (1999-2000)

Phillies In the Community
Once again, the players are pitching in in the community. Ten players involved in charitable ticket programs.

Returning programs:
**Chase’s Champs – CHOP and St. Christopher’s Hospital.
**J-Roll’s Aces – disadvantaged students excelling in classroom.
**Doc’s Box — a variety of children’s charities.
**Hamels Heroes – military/veterans.
**Lee’s VIP’s – changed program to cover former Lidge’s Legion’s CHOP ticket donation and a few additional children’s charities.
**Flyin’ Hawaiian All-Stars — a variety of children’s charities.

New programs:
**Chooch’s Chicos — local Latino organizations (former Romero’s Rookies).
**Papelbon’s Pen – foster/orphaned children’s groups.
**Charlie Manuel (name TBA) – homeless teens (Covenant House Pennsylvania).
**Howard (name TBA) – PAL of Philadelphia.

In addition eight players will be hosting charitable events:
April 29–Chooch bowling event – Get in the Game
May 10–Utley All-Stars
May 31–Pence Let’s Go Eat Food and Fun Set
June 18–Victorino Fashion Show
July 19–Howard Celebrity Waiters event
August 9–Rollins Basebowl event
August 27–Hamels Diamonds and Denim event
Sept 6–Halladay Family Foundation Fundraiser

Down On The Farm
**Lehigh Valley was at home but was the visiting team against Scranton Wilkes-Barre.  SWB’s ballpark is under renovation construction.  Every game SWB plays will be on the road.  They will be the home team in five IL cities, including Allentown.  LV won, 6-4, as C Eric Kratz hit his second homer and OF Domonic Brown drove in two runs.  Dave Bush (2-2) was the winner, 1 runs, 6 innings.  Third save for Jacob Diekman but it wasn’t a cake walk: single, double putting the tying run on second base and no out; strikeout, strikeout, grounder to first.

**Reading dropped a 2-1 decision to Richmond.  No decision for David Buchanan, 1 run, 6 innings.

**Clearwater won 5-3 in 10 innings over Daytona on RF Anthony Hewitt’s homer (#2).  RHR Lisalverto Bonilla blew a save by allowing a run on 1 hits 2 innings.  He fanned 5.

**Lakewood lost to Ashville for the second straight night by the same score, 4-3. Stolen bases by CF Gauntlett Eldemire (#12), RF Kyrell Hudson (9) and DH Aaron Altherr (8).

On The Air
Phillies Alumni are sprinkled throughout the baseball universe as broadcasters.  Check it out on www.phillies.com/alumni.

(PLEASE NOTE:  Phillies Insider will take a short break and will return May 2).