Scott Lauber, the beatific bulldog scribe from the Wilmington News-Journal announced a few days ago that he was bringing an extra set of clothes in case his are doused in a post-game celebration. This made a lot of sense. Who wants to go back upstairs from the clubhouse dripping wet from champagne spray?
Then again, I’ve never witnessed one of those post-game champagne celebrations. Oh, I’ve seen them on TV and have a pretty good idea about occurs, but I do write about the Phillies. Champagne does not flow freely in these parts.
Nevertheless, I have a suitcase full of clothes in my car. The Phillies are getting closer to clinching this thing even after Jamie Moyer gave up an unearned run with two outs in the fourth on Austin Kearns’ single.
Regardless, the Phillies are 15 outs away because back at Shea, the Marlins still lead by six runs as they approach the midway point.
These two games could end at the same time.
The Phillies went down in the bottom half of the fourth against new Nats’ pitcher, Jonathan Albaladejo. I’m not sure, but I would bet that Jonathan Albaladejo is the longest name I have ever typed. It's 18 letters by my count. Anyway, Jonathan Albaladejo plunked Carlos Ruiz with two outs, which was the second time that the Phils’ catcher has been drilled this series. On Friday night he was smacked on the hand by a pitch from Tim Redding and it looked like it really hurt. My guess is that it bothers Ruiz when he throws.
Still 3-1 heading to the halfway point.