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Phils finally wake up, regain sole possession of first
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PHILADELPHIA - During Philadelphia's awful run, the company line went something like this: "But we're still in first place."
That changed somewhat since the last time the Phillies played at Citizens Bank Park. They entered Friday's game in first place in the National League East, but not by themselves. It was the first time since May 29 that Philadelphia didn't sit atop the division alone. Instead, the Phillies shared it with the Florida Marlins.
It was the type of wake-up call Philadelphia needed. The Phillies took care of the New York Mets in a 7-2 win Friday night, starting a 10-game homestand.
This doesn't mean the struggles are over, but it's a good start considering they had lost 14 of their previous 19 games.
"I think everyone on our team wants to stay in first place," manager Charlie Manuel said. "We have to start playing better consistent baseball. We can control our destiny in this division. I feel if we can play the kind of baseball we are capable of playing, we can definitely win this division."
The NL East tightened over the week. On Friday morning, the Phillies and Marlins were tied for first with the Mets just one game behind. Atlanta was within two games of first after sweeping Philadelphia.
Even the Mets, who have nine players on the disabled list, knew they were lucky to be this close.
"After the way he we have been beaten up, we didn't think we would be in this position," Mets manager Jerry Manuel said before the game.
But by the end of the night, Philadelphia was back in first - alone. Florida was beaten by the Pirates, who will make a stop in Philadelphia at the end of the week.
Rodrigo Lopez made his first start since 2007. He was called out of the Phillies' farm system over Kyle Kendrick and prospects Carlos Carrasco and Andrew Carpenter. The veteran gave Philadelphia 6 solid innings and earned his first win since July 7, 2007, which was against Philadelphia in Colorado.
But there was Lopez, looking to re-make himself in the majors. He hadn't pitched in the big leagues since 2007 and just wanted another chance.
"I was kind of nervous in the beginning," said Lopez, who had Tommy John surgery. "I was really proud of myself out there. It was a long battle and a long way to go. I didn't know it was going to take me this long, but I came back and I am pretty proud of myself."
Lopez got the support right away when Jimmy Rollins opened the game with a double. Rollins was benched four games this week in an attempt to get the shortstop to right himself. He was mired in the worst slump of his career, going through an 0-for-28 hitless streak.
Rollins got two hits and knocked in two runs. It was exactly what Manuel was looking for from Rollins.
"I just want to see him hit the ball hard," he said.
Manuel wasn't looking for magic from Rollins. He just wanted the leadoff guy to get on base. Manuel complained about the team's approach before the last road trip.
The manager seemed tired and drawn out. He didn't understand why the fundamentals were lost on the reigning World Series champions. Philadelphia made uncharacteristic mental mistakes and paid for them.
The Phillies showed they still know how to play baseball. They can still make sold-out crowds of 45,231 cheer wildly and give standing ovations.
"We have to focus on winning and losing. We were focusing on the wrong things," Rollins said. "Today, Charlie and I were talking about that behind the cage. Everything just fell into place for one night."
And the good news is, the Phillies are still in first place.
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Posted in Sports, Breaking_news, Phillies on Saturday, July 4, 2009 12:05 am Updated: 7:57 pm.
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