Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Philly Sports 101

Posted: 03 Aug 2010 07:37 PM PDT

While only a single error will appear in the box score for the Marlins, defense mistakes all around the field for the Fish contributed greatly towards a Phillies win. The final score stood at 6-1, with the Phillies winning their second straight game. Couple this win with a loss from the Braves, and the Phillies are now only 2 games back of first place.

Carlos Ruiz was the offensive star for the Phils tonight, going 3-5 with a homer and 2 RBIs. Ben Francisco and Ruiz hit back-to-back homers in the second inning. After Carlos doubled in the 4th, "Chooooch" chants arose all around the ballpark, with so many Phillies fans in attendance in Florida.

Roy Halladay made his first start in Sun Life Stadium since his perfect game. He pitched wonderfully, pitching seven strong innings, giving up an earned run, and striking out nine. Halladay also hit a 2-run double in the 4th. After the Marlins decided to walk Wilson Valdez to get to Halladay, Roy hit a shot down the foul line.

The Marlins didn't do much to help their cause on the field. Cody Ross looked like he was lost when Ruiz hit a deep fly to center, and the ball wound up 25 feet from him. That lead to Halladay's 2-run single. Dan Uggla also made a series of defensive gaffes.

This win was the only bright spot on a gloomy day for the Phillies. They will be without the services of Ryan Howard for at least the next 15 days. The offense showed up tonight, but will the hole in the middle of the lineup rear it's ugly head in the next two weeks?

Howard Placed on DL

Posted: 03 Aug 2010 02:43 PM PDT

Ryan Howard has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, according to Jim Salsbury of csn.com. Howard injured his ankle on Sunday against the Nationals while trying to get back to the second base bag. Howard was in Philadelphia today seeing doctors and testing the ankle.

This is a major blow to an already depleted Phillies lineup. With Howard now on the DL, every starting infielder has spent some part of the season on the disabled list. Ryan has been the only consistent bat all season in the Phillies lineup. He is hitting .292, with 23 homers and 81 RBIs.

John Mayberry Jr. has been called up from triple-A to replace Howard on the roster. Righty Cody Ransom and lefty Ross Gload will likely platoon at first until Howard can return.

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