We're in this together now...

(originally posted 4/21/07)
"You and me, we're in this together now.
None of them can stop us now.
We will make it through somehow.
You and me." -"We're In This Together Now", NIN

The Phillies were coming off a demoralizing loss Friday to the the Reds that pushed them deeper into the dark, dank basement of the MLB standings. "Closer" Flash Gordon blew a one run lead in the 9th inning, and, thanks in part to "Manager" Charlie Manuel's utilization of pretty much the whole bullpen in the 6th inning, Gordon returned in the 10th to lose the game. MVP Ryan Howard was still out of the lineup, due to a balky knee.

So, what did the Phillies do? They skipped batting practice and held a team meeting. They switched their batting order around, going with Victorino-Rowand-Rollins(!)-Utley-Burrell in the first five spots. Then they went out and kicked Cincy butt.

Cole Hamels was brilliant, pitching the 1st complete game of his HOF career, striking out 15, while allowing only 5 hits and 1 run. When Cole allowed the 1st two Reds to reach base in the 5th inning, the Phillies turned an around-the-horn triple play. Utley and Rowand homered, and Victorino and Rollins executed a double steal. (The Phils also tried a hit-and-run with SP Cole Hamels batting and slow-footed C Rod Barajas on 1st. Not exactly the ideal combo for that type of play.) Alex Gonzalez made some highlight reel defensive plays for the Reds, including one on a blooper to left center field, where he slid with his back to the infield to catch to somehow catch the ball. But the Reds only scored one run, on a 2nd inning solo HR by Phillie killer Jeff Conine. The rest of the game was a Strikeout Fest, courtesy of Colbert Michael Hamels.

In a post game interview with Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas, Cole Hamels had this to say about his great game tonight: "There will be plenty more to come." The Phillies try to win their 3 game set with the Reds, sending Freddy Garcia to the hill in a Sunday matinee.