Thursday, September 20, 2012

2012 Topps #280 Ryan Howard

Phillies 3, Mets 2
Game 149 - Wednesday Night, September 19th in Flushing
Record - 75-74, 3rd Place, 15 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Ryan Howard delivered a two-run home run in the top of the ninth to give the Phillies a come-from-behind, 3-2 victory.

What It Means:  The Phillies remain four back from the Cardinals for the second Wild Card.  They'll go for the sweep in New York tonight and open up a three-game series with the Braves at home tomorrow night.

What Went Right:  The Phillies managed just three hits off Mets pitching.  Fortunately, two of those hits were home runs.  Jimmy Rollins led off the game with his 22nd home run of the season.  The Phils were then no-hit by Mets starter Matt Harvey through the seventh inning.  With two outs in the top of the ninth, and Chase Utley on first, Howard launched his shot off Mets reliever Josh Edgin, giving the Phillies an improbable lead and the eventual win.

Cole Hamels struck out ten in his six innings of work, but came away with a no-decision for his efforts.

Featured Card:  Howard hasn't given me too many reasons to feature any of his cards this year, but his first home run of September and the ensuing win is cause for celebration.  I decided to keep it simple and go with Howard's base card from this year's Topps set.

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