Pride of the Crankees

Phils Aim for First Series Victory Since Early June

THE PHILLIES haven't won a series since sweeping the Diamondbacks in Arizona a month ago. The season's a lost cause; the Phils are too far gone to deem tonight's game a must-win, since it won't matter worth a damn, but a victory over San Diego at Citizens Bank Park at least would allow them to claim the series over the Padres. And, yes, that's what we're reduced to rooting for these days. I'll be at Citizens Bank Park, and I'll be very interested not just in the game, but also in the mood. It'll be my first time at the park since the Brett Myers debacle; I want to experience how the rank-and-file fans out in Section 143 are treating this slovenly mess of a ballclub. Me, I'd sweep up as much of the dirt as possible and toss it out the back door. I'm hoping Pat Gillick feels the same way.

Comments

[tim]

I was there last night, if only for the fireworks, which were pretty impressive for a Dave Montgomery-run affair.

And what a mess it is. Rollins leads off with a foul pop-up, after fouling off a 3-1 pitch. Piazza could have smoked a cigar in the time it took Burrell to finally show up at home plate on Rowand's double, and why exactly was he trying to score in the second inning with one out? Bell botched another double-play grounder (at least he got one out). Mathieson throws a cookie to the pitcher, who smacks it just over the flower bed. Arthur Rhodes comes in and gives up two quick baserunners. Chollie actually defies conventional wisdom in a good way and brings Gordon into a tie game, and then Flash proceeds to groove a 2-0 pitch to Greene after missing badly with two curveballs. Finally, the Phils fold up the tents and fail to threaten in the 9th. Was Dellucci hurt or something? Why isn't he hitting for Ruiz in the 9th?

I was surprised to hear a "Let's Go Phillies" chant in section 147, but that kind of optimism stopped immediately after Greene's homer. I hope Monty has a good time with the $95.50 I spent last night, because he isn't getting another dime this year.

[Tom Durso]

I watched very little of the game, Tim, and from your description, I'm glad I didn't. I'm not optimistic about tonight. God, they're hideous.