If you'll remember, we've celebrated some good fortunes against the Nationals recently, with Jimmy's diving stop, his turn to Chase, and then Chase's throw to Ryan clinching our second straight NL East title on the second-to-last game of the season last year (and saving Brad Lidge from arguably the most precarious tight-rope act of his perfect season). Then there was the 13-11 rollercoaster victory we hung on 'em earlier this season, thanks to slams from Ryan and Rauuuuul. We could use a similar uplift against the Nats tonight, as the Phillies just dropped two of three to the Dodgers to make for their third straight losing series, and drop them back down to the .500 mark. The Mets, meanwhile, have started to creep back towards playing quality baseball, and while we all know how much a Mets division lead in May (or July....or August...or September...) means for the end of the season, I'd still feel more comfortable not letting them get any more separation than the two games they have now.
Playing the worst team in the NL should in theory be a step in the right direction, but be warned--taking the hill tonight is noted Phillie killer John Lannan, famed less for his ability to get the Phillies stars out as to take them out of commission altogether--breaking Chase Utley's hand with a pitch two years ago and craftily coaxing Cole Hamels into spraining his ankle while attempting to field his bunt earlier this year. On our side, however? Well, how about the blessing of the 44th president of the United States, now even an honorary WFC? That's gotta count for something, right?
Joe Blanton takes the mound tonight for a 7:00 start. Assuming we make it out alive, it should be a fun series.
Original Story:
http://www.the700level.com/2009/05/ph...
