A rather exciting afternoon today at Citizens Bank Park. It was one of the more impressive offensive displays of the season from the Phillies. After breaking his on base streak last night, Darin Ruf wound up on base three times today, including a home run. Cody Asche hit his first major league home run in the 4th and got himself in the cycle watch (in front of the last Phillie to do so, David Bell who coaches third base for the Cubs). Even John McDonald of all people, who entered the game in the 7th for Chase Utley, joined the fun with his 28th career home run to put the cherry on top of this laugher.
Ethan Martin notched his first career win. He only allowed four hits and a run through five innings but he really labored the second time through the line up. Hard not to love his stuff though I see where many are coming from when they say they see late inning relief in his future. Zach Miner, Cesar Jimenez, and Raul Valdes finished the mop up duty as the Phillies teed off on Samardzija and the Cubs' bullpen.
The official announcement of the Chase Utley contract extension was made as well as the claim of outfielder Casper Wells off waivers from the Chicago White Sox. Hard not to love the Utley extension. When healthy, he's still among the best second basemen in the game. As for Wells, while he's put up some rather lousy numbers in limited plate appearances, he's historically been a half decent hitter and a versatile outfielder. He improves a bench that needs improvement.
Brief Cubs note, it was announced that President Obama will award the great Ernie Banks with the medal of freedom.
The Phillies themselves will head to our nation's capital tomorrow to take on the Nationals. It'll be John Lannan vs. Dan Haren at 7:05.
