Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today.
The Phillies find themselves in unfamiliar playoff territory being all tied up at one game a piece heading into tonight's game three match up with the Rockies. Not only will the Phillies and Rockies be battling each other this evening but they'll also be battling harsh weather conditions that are more fitting of a playoff game at Lambeau Field than an NLDS game three match up on the diamond.
The weather delay yesterday allowed Charlie Manuel to go with J.A. Happ this evening instead of Pedro Martinez, the scheduled starter for last night's affair. Happ has been much more consistent this season and has also pitched well against the Rockies. I'd say the unscheduled off day helped the Phillies slightly on paper. But the weather this evening is certainly is a wild card and could change everything. That's why they play 'em.
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The Rockies will counter with Jason Hammel who has one career start against the Phillies, an August 4th victory at Citizens Bank Park where he went 6.2 allowing nine hits and three earned runs. Jimmy, Shane, and Raul all notched two hits off Hammel in that loss.
There was some chatter among reporters and twitheads that the Phillies dugout was not equipped with heaters as the Rockies dugout was. Those reports turned out to be false but with the way this team lights it up with their bats, I wouldn't be surprised if Charlie stacked a few bats in the corner of the dugout and say "Let there be fire." Poof, heat.
The momentum for the rest of the series will be determined tonight. Let's hope the Phils get hot in the chilly weather. First pitch is scheduled for 10:07. We'll be chatting it up below. Join us.
Original Story:
http://www.the700level.com/2009/10/20...
