Shane Vic Got... CoJacked Up!
The Phils stole another one in the desert last night, coming back from two late-inning deficits to take a 2-1 series lead heading into today's finale with the Diamondbacks. After tying it in the 7th, the Phils found themselves down by a run in the 8th. Shane Victorino struck out swinging, but the ball got past D-Backs catcher Chris Snyder, and Vic tore toward first base, where his helmet met Conor Jackson's face, and CoJack's arm clotheslined Vic and sent the Hawaiian, well, you get the point.
Happy birthday, CoJack!
Vic stayed in the game, and on a double by the suddenly clutch Eric Bruntlett, he scored from first to tie it. Chase Utley then did as he does, and won the game by singling in Bruntlett. Brad Lidge closed out the game, and I continue to be surprised at his perfection. Unfortunately for Rallyback Girl Alissa, the DBacks couldn't mount another attack, and the Phils won, 5-4.
Jackson said after the game that he was nauseous and had a headache, which we call the Ol' Lindros. Hopefully for him, he doesn't in fact have a concussion, because dude's having a great season in AZ.
Brett Myers takes on Brandon Webb today. Myers hasn't had his best stuff this season, but at 7-0 through 7 starts, Webb might be on his way to another Cy Young, so the bats might need some help from Jobu to keep pace against this sinkerball pitcher.
Photos courtesy Mike, aka MPR529, who has some more great pics and captions from last night's game.
Good thing Vic knocked him out too, he was having himself one good night at the plate. And where the hell did Lidges confidence come from. I guess 96 mph heat and his slider will give you that though. I'm just waiting till he sees Albert Pujols for the first time and starts crying.
Posted by: Mike L. | Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 08:55 AM
The key to Lidge's success is he's regained confidence in his (filthy) slider. After Pujols rearranged his grey matter, he started working on a cut fastball to throw in its stead. Good pitchers get beat; it's inevitable. Fortunately, we got a good pitcher who just needed a change of environment, rather than a bad pitcher FROM a bad environment.
As for Shane Vic, I about died when I saw that collision. I'm a Flyin' fan and all I could think was "we're about to get Rollins back and lose Victorino again. Awesome." But no, thankfully, he stayed in.
"The Ol' Lindros." Well-played.
Posted by: Loqiel | Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 09:25 AM
I read in the Daily News that when Charlie asked Vic if he was ok, he said "I'm going on the next pitch" and he scored on Bruntlets double. That's a gamer.
Posted by: Bryan | Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Jackson just got Vic-Rolled.
Posted by: ill | Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Lidge is kick'n some ass on an ass kick'n team.....that Pujols thing with him is so overdone...please stop. The originality has long since passed.
Posted by: bigmyc | Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Great game, but the grey lining to our silver cloud is Ryan Howard. He's terrible. I can't remember a player of his caliber looking so damn confused at the plate. I don't think sitting him is the answer, but maybe he should be moved down in the order to take some pressure off him. I'd like to see Howard in more situations with less than two outs.
Posted by: PhilaMegaMan | Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 10:29 AM
@ill: +1
@the700level: +100. I love how you guys have all the great clips from the night before for the Phils. It is a great service to us who can't watch the game on TV and are stuck with great descriptions in the paper, but no visuals.
Posted by: Civil Negligence | Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Took 2 of 3 from the best team in the MLB, I'm happy with that. If we're this legit during the months of April-May, just think what the end of the season might look like.
Posted by: Jonn | Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 10:32 AM
OH, and it's also nice to see Jon Lieber get 5 ER in 2 innings. I sure don't miss that guy...
Posted by: Jonn | Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 10:33 AM
This is why Victorino's better than the man he subbed in for, Abreu. Vic is awesome.
Posted by: j13 | Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Abreu is great to have on your team.. your fantasy team.
Posted by: Loqiel | Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 11:42 AM
in charlie i trust
Posted by: theKrisheim | Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Shane-o made Rowand proud on that one.
Posted by: eric | Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 02:26 PM
big i had to. i couldnt resist. at least i didnt combine that, classy, and thrown under the bus, all into one sentence. it was a joke gimme a break.
Posted by: Mike L. | Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 03:29 PM
He looks like pat burrell in a way.
Posted by: Derek | Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 03:41 PM