On a tough day that saw the end of an era of the winninest manager in franchise history, there was still baseball to be played and Ryne Sandberg's team took the field against a Dodgers team that went the exact opposite direction of the Phillies after the All Star Break.
Cliff Lee vs. Zack Greinke had all the makings of a great match up and it did not disappoint from that standpoint. Cliff Lee was strong going eight innings only getting hurt on a two run blast from Hanley Ramirez and an RBI double in the 7th which came home on a misplayed ball from Domonic Brown. Still everything was working for Lee tonight and it was hist best outing lately.
Greinke did exactly what you'd expect him to do with a struggling offense. He was pretty much in cruise control for seven innings of two hit ball. He got in a jam in the 8th that forced his removal but the bullpen kept the Phillies off the boards in the 8th and 9th.
All and all a tough day in a tough Phillies season. Personally, I had a ton of issues with Charlie Manuel's gameday management but I also had a lot of respect for what he got out of his players during their peak years. It was a great run and regardless of any criticism, I found myself kind of sad as a fan, even if it was the right move.
Phillies are back at it at 7:05 tomorrow and if you thought Greinke was tough, they get Clayton Kershaw and his 1.88 ERA and 0.87 WHIP (!!!!). If he's not a lock for the Cy Young, I don't know who is. Kyle Kendrick looks to rebound after hitting quite a rough patch as of late.
