Unearned Win

Multiple times this year, the Phils have given victories away with errors and careless play. Well, they got one back on Sunday, after the Giants made three errors and the Phils scored 5 unearned runs to claim a 6-5 victory.

Game notes:

- Chooch was long overdue. He's only batting .203 but that dinger was huge. (That's what she said...) He needs more of this (and less dropping the ball as Rowand scores the go-ahead run) to maintain his hold on the starting catcher job.

- Victorino went 2-5 and is only batting .231 but he showed signs of life on Sunday. The Phils need a healthy Victorino and Rollins back at the top of the lineup. I can't take much more of Eric Bruntlett six days a week.

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Howard the Suck

When is an 0-2 a success? When no strikeouts are involved. Howard's year, day to day, is becoming reminiscent of Pat Burrell's 2003. I never thought I would see a year like that again, but now I'm not so sure. Howard looks clueless at the plate. Totally lost. Hurley isn't this lost. The fact that the Phillies can win this many games, with their 4-hole hitter looking like a slumping Tomas Perez, is a testament to the inspired play of the rest of the Phils, specifically Utley and Burrell. Needless to say, Howard needs to pick it up.

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A Bunch of D-backs

There will be a Max Scherzer sighting today. Scherzer, a first round draft pick, went 4 innings and struck out 7 in his MLB debut, which was a relief appearance against the Asstros. He can chuck it. Luckily for the Phils, they are a group of contact-happy batsmen who rarely strike out...

The D-backs have the best record in baseball and this will be quite a challenge for the Phils. A rookie phenom, a grizzled lefty vet, a .400 hitter, and a Cy Young front-runner are scheduled to pitch against the Phils. The series matchups:

Monday - Moyer v. Scherzer

Tuesday - Eaton v. Johnson

Wednesday - Kendrick v. Owings

Thursday - Myers v. Webb

I called 2 of 3 against the Giants, but I'm not as hopeful today. I predict 3 wins for the Snakes.