Sep 26 2008
Howard’s home run and New York loss puts Phillies on the brink of NL East title
Tonight’s game against the Washington Nationals was pretty much over before it began. The future 2008 NL MVP Ryan Howard absolutely crushed Colin Balester’s offering to deep right-centerfield and it was outta here as Harry Kalas likes to say. Just like that it was 3-0 Phils after one inning. The Nats got one back in the top of the second, but Chase Utley broke the game open with a bases-clearing double in the bottom of the inning and the RynHo brought Utley home with a double of his own as the Phillies jumped out to a 7-1 lead. From that point forward, the game was never really in doubt, even though Washington did chip into the lead, but they never really got that close. The Phillies bullpen did its job in the final three innings as the Phightins prevailed 8-4.
Let’s talk about Ryan Howard for a bit. The man has simply been incredible in September. He’s hitting .349 with 11 HRs and 32 RBIs in 23 games this month. His 32 RBIs this month are also a team record for September, passing “The Sarge” Gary Matthews (31 RBIs in September 1981). That type of production is off the charts. In addition, nobody in all of baseball is even close to his HR and RBI totals. It’s pretty amazing at how much more productive he is than every other major leaguer. If another offensive player besides Howard, who has 48 HRs and 146 RBIs, wins the NL MVP, it will be a tragedy. His performance in September has definitely warranted another MVP award for the Big Man.
I was also impressed with how Joe Blanton handled himself. 6 IP and one earned run (4 runs total because Howard is a butcher at first) while scattering five hits. That is the type of performance you need when you’re trying to nail down a playoff spot and a division title. Somehow the Phillies are 9-4 in Blanton’s starts this year. That’s reminiscent of how the Phillies won most of Kyle Lohse’s starts after trading for him last year.
Brad “Lights Out” Lidge also needs to be commended for his performance this season. 40-for-40 in save opportunities is pretty amazing. He also has a 0.90 ERA in save situations. Not only does Mr. Perfect deserve consideration for the NL Cy Young, but he also should be in the discussion for NL MVP. Lidge is arguably the MVP of the Phillies. Actually, the Philadelphia chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America voted Lidge the team MVP. It’s kind of tough to argue with their vote since he has been ridiculously good all season and truly unhittable in save situations. When his slider is on, like it was tonight, it is straight-up pornographic in terms of how filthy it is. I’m really glad he’s going to be closing games for the Phillies for the next few years.
Finally, the night was topped off by the fact that the Marlins soundly defeated the Mets. Now the Phillies’ magic number to clinch the NL East is one game. In addition, the Brewers beat the Cubs, so Milwaukee now leads the Wild Card standings. There is a very real possibility that the Mets could be eliminated from playoff contention tomorrow. That possibility is known in many circles as “fantastic.” On the other hand, it may be better in the long run if the Phillies clinch and the Mets and Brewers end up tied and need to play a one-game playoff. However, all that I am concerned about now is the Phillies winning tomorrow and clinching the NL East for the second year in a row. With Jamie Moyer on the mound, it should be a done deal.
Go Phillies.
