Posted by Christina Angelos
Courtesy of Sports Illustrated (and for one of our writers, she is still a Happ fan, is excited he won)
Oh No! Let's start pushing the panic button because the Phillies have lost three in a row for the first time since the first week of June. Not!
Cole Hamels (14-8) had his worst start since the outing against Mets. He allowed nine hits, including a three-run homer, and five runs (four earned). He walked one and struck out six. Apparently Hamels does not like pitching against not only the Mets but also the Astros!
David Herndon pitched two scoreless innings and Michael Schwimer one perfect heart attack inning.
J.A. Happ (6-15) became the second former Phillie to beat his former team in a row. He allowed just one run over six innings; of course a solo shot by Hunter Pence. The Phillies would get another run, a solo shot by Carlos Ruiz in the top of the 9th. However, Ryan Howard was so close to hitting a grand slam.. yeah, just our luck, right?
Astros rightfielder Jason Michaels suffered a broken left hand making a diving catch on Howard’s liner in the second. He will need surgery and is out for the season. What a steal!
For the love of the Phillies please do not get swept since the last time they were swept …. would mark the first time that they have been swept in a series of at least three games since Aug. 23-26, 2010 when Houston took the four game series from the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Remember Roy Oswalt in LF?
Phillies are 94-51 of the season; Magic Numbers: 1 to clinch a playoff berth & 5 to clinch NL East title… It's safe to stay the Phillies will definitely clinch during the homestand.
And they will close out the roadtrip with Roy "the Stopper" Halladay (17-5. 2.44) opposing Bud Norris (6-9, 3.78) at 205pm. See ya there!
