Howard, Phils Put On Their Big-Game Shoes

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Mon, June 16, 2008 11:10 PM

With the bright lights and millions of eyes fixed on Philadelphia tonight for a tilt between two class-A first place teams, the Phillies delivered in every aspect, defeating the Red Sox 8-2. It all looked good — Cole Hamels had his A-minus game; the bullpen did its yeoman’s job; the bottom of the order fed it to cool-shades Jimmy; and the Big Man stepped up big time.

Howard was the player, nailing two opposite field stingers in the first and third innings to help the Phillies to 4-0. But it was his later effort that defined his recent upswing. He slammed a Mike Timlin offering into center field, fixed on his third homer of the night. The outfield wind caught it, but the sure-handed Jacoby Ellsbury couldn’t, and as the ball trickled away, Howard busted into third base with his second triple of the season. It capped a 3-for-5, 4 RBI night for the slugger, and he’s now the National League co-leader (with Adrian Gonzalez) at 62. His 19 homers is good for second in the league.

Unreal statistic: Howard, Chase Utley and Pat Burrell have a combined 59 dingers. That’s more homers than the Mets, Rockies, Mariners, Nationals, Giants, Royals, Athletics, Blue Jays, Dodgers and Twins. (Howard and Utley together are three away from catching the Twins.)

Jimmy Rollins also blasted his sixth homer, an upper deck assault off Boston starter Bartolo Colon, who only went four innings. Timlin looked lost out there — besides him the formidable Red Sox bullpen showed their mettle. But there was no coming back — Hamels was dealing. He kept the swinging Sox on their toes on night, inducing many grounders and fly outs while mixing in his curveball. It wasn’t a dominant start by any means, but a great pitcher using all his stuff usually works. He struck out five in seven innings, spraying seven hits and two walks. He never was in much trouble, sans back-to-back homers by Dustin Pedroia (who figured out Hamels) and the hated JD Drew.

Almost as important as his pitching, Hamels did his part with his bat. He singled in the seventh, but his big effort came with a nice sacrifice bunt in the sixth. Moving Pedro Feliz and Carlos Ruiz over, he gave Rollins a chance to collect some ribbies. A single did the trick. Rollins went 3-for-5 with three RBI and two runs.

Chad Durbin (we need a nickname for him) cleaned up, getting the Sox out on three pitches in the eighth and shutting them down relatively easily in the ninth.

Sum it up and it’s a complete victory for the Phils, who put on a nice show for the cameras and standing-room only crowd. So far, it’s a very good indication of what the rest of the season may shape up to become.

Associated Press photo

Permalink Comments (28) | Trackback (0)

28 Responses to “Howard, Phils Put On Their Big-Game Shoes”

  1. Geoff Says:
    June 16th, 2008 at 11:21 pm

    I was surprised how colon was total slop. no fastball velocity very little in teh way of breaking pitches. mike timlin is slop too. junk baller who couldnt keep the ball down.

    moyer keeps the ball down usually and i think this aggressive lineup, sans the patient manny ramirez, might actually find some toruble with moyer.

  2. Tim Malcolm Says:
    June 16th, 2008 at 11:24 pm

    For some reason Colon wasn’t throwing breaking stuff. When he did he seemed much better. It’s as if he was wearing a red-pinstriped 39 or something.

  3. Clare Says:
    June 16th, 2008 at 11:28 pm

    Ouch. hahaha. I wait for these posts quite impatiently (only after we win, after we lose I don’t read anything on it). Anyway, I call Chad Durbin Durby, not that I would expect anyone to use that, just a little piece of information.

  4. NEPA Says:
    June 16th, 2008 at 11:29 pm

    Yea, when he mixed it up he got the hitters slightly more off balance.

  5. Josh Says:
    June 16th, 2008 at 11:41 pm

    Great game all around! My question is, what kind of odds would you have given me pre-game on Burrell and Howard both hitting triples? I could have made a killing tonight :)

  6. Brian Michael Says:
    June 16th, 2008 at 11:43 pm

    Rad Durbin?

  7. Phil Says:
    June 16th, 2008 at 11:53 pm

    I think the back- to back- to back homers that happened in St. Louis on Friday night is more likely to happen again before Howard and Burrell having a triple each. I could see Rollins and Utley Ruiz and the pitcher each having a homer in the game before those 2 guys have a triple in the same game again. I like rad Durbin. That guy is so lights out. Between him, Lidge, and Feliz(I know he doesn’t seem like a huge pick up during the off season but he is) have all been so great for this club. Jenkins, booooooooooooooo. Werth could be an everyday right fielder.

  8. Fran Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 12:16 am

    Chad “Down ‘em” Durbin

    or

    Chad “dim the lights” Durbin sets it up for Lights out Lidge

  9. NEPA Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 12:29 am

    His middle name is Griffin, I’m sure a ton of ideas could be made from that.

  10. Lewisauce Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 12:38 am

    Dirty Durbin? (He pitches kinda filthy when he’s on.)

  11. Phil Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 12:50 am

    He’s always on.

  12. Sam Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 12:51 am

    I’ve always liked lefty, but that obviously doesn’t apply…I’ve also always liked “franchise”, but that isn’t really one reserved for your best middle reliever…

    how bout real real deal?

  13. Tim Malcolm Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 12:55 am

    I’m a fan of Dim the Lights. But that’s if he starts pitching in the eighth.

  14. Phil Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 1:08 am

    Back to Myers being traded to the Yankees. They’re talking about it on WIP now. I think it’s more likely now that Wang went down. I really hope Myers goes to the Yankees.

  15. Bruce Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 1:16 am

    Thank you Tim for your positive take of tonight’s game. The highlights were many and it made for a “feel good” evening. One of the unique moments (make that two) as Phil pointed out, is the very rare sight having BOTH Howard and Burrell hustling for triples in the same game! Wow! The Manuel/Rollins episode may have a positive effect on the whole team.

    My only disappointment is not having a chance to watch a Hamels vs “Big Papi” Ortiz duel. Oh well, Hamels was sharp as needed against Manny Ramirez and rest of the Bosoxs (except Pedroia).

    The Phillies’ bullpen has been unreal from the beginning of the season. Chad “The Man” Durbin has been the most pleasant surprise for me. I would love to know the secret to his sucess for this season. Did he fine tuned a certain pitch at the suggestion of a team mate or pitching coach Dubee? Moyer provided tips on situational pitching to certain batters? Gained more confidence with each succeeding sucess? All of the above? Whatever the reason, I hope he can maintain that level of quality for the rest of the season.

    Go Phillies!

  16. Greg Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 1:26 am

    I like “Done Deal” Durbin as a spoof and better version of the “Real Deal”

  17. Phil Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 2:24 am

    haha yeah, I’d love a nickname making fun of JD Durbin.

  18. NJ Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 6:52 am

    Come on Durbin has to me the million dollar man…

  19. Mark Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 7:01 am

    Is it too early to say? But it sure looks like Howard’s turned the corner; 9 for 18, 4 homers, 13 RBIs and Average up 20 points in his last 4 games.

  20. Jeff Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 7:31 am

    Wow, Wille Randolph was fired last night

  21. Greg V. Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 9:19 am

    I always call Durbin, Brother Chad. I was worried at the start of the season that having two Durbins would be confusing so I called them the Durbin brothers and called them Brother Chad and Brother J.D. Kind of wore out it’s welcome when J.D. didn’t make the team and then…..well, who knows what happend to him! I think he’s in reading now!

  22. JD Drew's My Bitch Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 9:38 am

    Would you do this deal?

    Myers and Happ to Yanks for Hughes.

    Obviously it would hurt us this year, but could be awesome for year’s to come. Hughes is out until August.

    Then trade a load of prospects to the Indians for CC. :) A man can dream.

    Hamels-CC-Moyer-Kendrick-Eaton
    then in August
    Hamels-CC-Hughes-Moyer-Kendrick

  23. AP Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 9:56 am

    What a great game. So glad it was on ESPN – although I would have rather heard Harry The K!!!!

    I’m excited because I get to see the entire Phillies-Angels series on TV.

    Let’s go Fightin’s!

    - AP
    Philadelphia born & raised, Pasadena, CA resident
    http://www.proctorformayor.com

  24. Griffin Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 10:02 am

    Chad Durbin has an awesome middle name.

    The Yankees would NEVER trade Hughes. They wouldn’t trade him for Santana, and they’re not going to trade him for a beat up Myers. They’re after Sabathia and no one else.

    When are “Durbin’s Turbins” going to make their first apperance at the Bank?

  25. Gavin Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 10:06 am

    It would be worth asking. They might be in panic mode right now.

  26. Paul Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 10:11 am

    Great win! And nice to be able to see them on National TV. (I live in Northern Cal) Howards looks much better driving the ball opposite field, and that triple?! Very nice! I think that got the crowd worked up more than the 2 hrs.

    And we can’t say enough about Durbin. He has done everything they have asked of him, and he has delivered.

  27. philspan Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 12:02 pm

    I like “The Real Real Deal” or “Done Deal”. JD Durbin is now in AA!

  28. Zack Says:
    June 18th, 2008 at 2:44 am

    How about Chad “better than JD” Durbin haha

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