Welcome to another clinching day where we will have inning-by-inning updates as necessary. There's a definite fall-like nip to the air at the ballyard tonight and a larger media contingent, too. My guess is it will be much more crowded around here from here on out.
In the interim, we have Pedro Martinez (5-1, 3.32) in his first outing since he took that wild swing in Atlanta and hurt his neck. I didn't see Pedro around the clubhouse before the game so I suspect he's off getting fired up. He thrives on games like this.
As Charlie Manuel said before the game about Pedro: "I didn't like him. He was cocky and he threw hard..."
That's all changed now. Charlie loves Pedro. Moreover, pitching coach Rich Dubee was surprised to see how intense he was on games he pitched. In fact, Dubee said Pedro is a great guy on the four days he doesn't pitch, but that fifth one...
Look out.
Lineups Phillies 11 - Jimmy Rollins, ss 8 - Shane Victorino, cf 26 - Chase Utley, 2b 6 - Ryan Howard, 1b 29 - Raul Ibanez, lf 28 - Jayson Werth, rf 7 - Pedro Feliz, 3b 51 - Carlos Ruiz, c 45 - Pedro Martinez, p
Astros 21- Michael Bourn, cf 10 - Miguel Tejada, ss 17 - Lance Berkman, 1b 45 - Carlos Lee, lf 27 - Geoff Blum, 3b 9 - Hunter Pence, rf 3 Kaz Matsui, 2b 46 - J.R. Towles, c 38 - Brian Moehler, p