Long Day Seems Shorter

Day-night doubleheaders can make for a long day the ballpark.   When you win both, the day doesn’t seem as long.

Sunday started with another solid start for Cole, but a no decision, and ended with five, one-hit, shutout innings from six relievers.  Papelbon picked up a win and a save, first time he’s ever appeared in both games of a DH.  BJ picked up his first major league win, the fifth Phillies pitcher to do so this season and the 18th Phillies pitcher with a win.

Since August 23, the Phillies are 12-4, best record in the league.

Then, there was Chooch making his first appearance since August 2.  Fans responded with standing ovations, once when his name as announced as a pinch hitter and after he got a hit.  Oh, he also had an RBI single in his second at-bat, his 29th multi-hit game.

By winning twice, they climbed over the Diamondbacks in the wildcard race, six games behind St. Louis.  Odds are still very, very long.

Tonight the Marlins start a three-game series.  They’ve scored 539 runs and allowed 637 but lead the Phillies, 7-5, in the season series.

Down On The Farm

Reading was eliminated from the Eastern League playoffs, 5-4, at Trenton on Sunday afternoon, despite out-hitting the Thunder 13-5.  The R-Phillies won the series opener but the Thunder rebounded with three consecutive wins.

Darin Ruf, who homered in the sixth inning, grounded into a series-ending double play with runners on first and second and one out in the ninth.  The R-Phillies were 3-8 with RISP and left eight runners on base. Trenton left one runner.

LHS Adam Morgan was the loser, five runs in six innings, including a pair of home runs.

3B Cody Ashe led Reading with a .429 average in the series.

After the game, the Phillies announced they had purchased the contract of Ruf.  He’ll be in uniform for Monday’s game.

Phlashback

September 9, 1997: Just hours after broadcasting a Phillies game, Richie Ashburn dies in a New York hotel.  Ashburn’s passing produces a huge outpouring of affection from friends and fans. Phillies win, 1-0.  Ironically, as a player with the Phillies, he wore #1 and his final game was with the Mets.

Visit www.phillies.com/alumni for more phlashback memories.