The Phillies struggled to beat the last place Pittsburgh Pirates last night at Citizens Bank Park in 11 innings, thanks to a walk-off home run by Sean Rodriguez.
The win moves the Phils to within one game of the final playoff spot.
Jason Vargas did another good job. Hecnor Neris blew the 9th inning save. He had not given up a run since mid-July.The Pirates' Josh Bell crushed a one out home run to deep center field for the tie. Bell's blast landed on Ashburn Alley.
Between Bell and Sterling Marte the Buccos do have some talent. I look for Pittsburgh to rebound in the next several years and become contenders again.
Bryce Harper celebrated his baby son's birth yesterday with a late-game blast to right-center field Harper's newborn baby was named Krew Aron. Whatever happened to people names for babies? Now it seems like our pets and getting the names, like Michael. Baby and mother are fine and resting back in Las Vegas.
Even though Sean Rodriguez hit the game-winning homer in the 11th, he still took unexpected shots at the fans during his post-game interview. Something about booing and being loyal to the players.
I'm not one for booing when I'm at the ballpark, but I do think the fans are right in booing someone like a Rhys Hoskins at the plate when he is not performing. Hoskins is so messed-up with this "launch-angle" crap, as he continues to get himself together for for the final playoff push. Hoskins is batting a paltry .164 since the All-Star break.
Fans pay their hard-earned money to watch this lazy, over-valued team on a summer night, as long as they stay within the law, who not boo? The players are being paid tons of money to play a game. Let the fans do what they want. If you perform and play well you won't get booed. Simple as that.
Trading Hoskins in the off-season has been rumored. First, you make make sure you get more than equal return. Even in a bad year he has 25 home runs and he is only 26 years old. Second, I don't trust GM Matt Klentek to make such an important deal.
The Phils should beat a bad team like the Bhcs at home. They must win tonight, take at least 2 of 3, and still have a chance to sweep.
Drew Smyley, who pitched a good game against the Pirates in Pittsburgh late in July, goes for Philadelphia tonight.
Eagles rumors continue to swirl as they prepare for the final, meaningless game in the pre-season vs the Jets in New York. The Texans are shopping brilliant defensive end Javian Clowney . He would be a rental for the Birds, unless they sign him to a long-term deal. Rental or not, he should be inspired playing in a contract year. An active Clowney could spur the defensive and be a difference-maker.
Giving up Big V ( Houston badly needs help on its offensive line) and a draft pick may get Clowney.
Also a rumor- back-up QB Nate Sudfeld, currently on the Injured List with a fractured wrist, being traded to the Indianapolis Colts. Andrew Luck retired this week; Sudfeld is from Indiana and Colts head coach Frank Reich was the Eagles' quarterback coach and knows Sudfeld.
The Birds shouldn't give Sudfeld away. It will be interesting to see what Indy offers.
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