Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Comebacker

It has been a very long time since Phillies fans and players rejoiced over a win versus the Milwaukee Brewers but, then, a new order obtains in some precincts of baseball these days and at least a few of the historically have-nots are currently haves with the still notable exception of the local franchise.

Last night's comeback win against the Brewers came unexpectedly against their strong late-innings relief and was aided by manager Ned Yost's inexplicable decision to stay with Derrick Turnbow when it was clear to everyone else he didn't have it on this particular occasion. Trailing by four runs going into the bottom of the eighth inning, the Phils sent eleven men to the plate and tallied six runs to win the opener of a four-game set with Milwaukee, which entered the game tied for the best record in baseball. Such comebacks are a statistical rarity for any team and the result might be salutary going forward. One never knows with the Phils, however, whose inconsistency in 2007 is about the only thing that is, well, consistent about them.

Jamie Moyer didn't have his best stuff last night but as has been the case with him virtually all season, when the ancient one starts a game the Phils have a better than even chance of winning it. Meanwhile, Brett Myers has cinched his role as the team's closer, saving his fourth game. With much of the starting rotation pitching well and the back end of the bullpen otherwise a shambles, Myers is unlikely to leave the pen. Odds are he is thrilled.

Pat Burrell, whom this blogger lambasted in a comment over at Beerleaguer recently, hit his fourth home run of the season and third in four games. It's nice to know the Reverse Curse is alive and well.

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