Game 18 - Late Thursday Night, April 21st in San Diego
One Sentence Summary: Roy Oswalt and three relievers shut down the Padres as the Phillies used home runs from Ben Francisco and Brian Schneider to take the first game of the series, 3-0.
What It Means: With the win, the Phillies maintained a half game lead over the Marlins in the N.L. East, improving their record to 12-6. Only the Rockies, at 13-5, have a better record in the N.L.
What Went Right: Oswalt bounced back after having to depart his last start early with back spasms. He threw 106 pitches in his six innings of work, allowing just one hit while striking out seven. Jose Contreras allowed a few Padres to reach in the ninth, but he managed to get out of the jam and record his fifth save.
The Phillies left too many men on base (12), but the homers from Francisco and Schneider were enough to defeat the punchless Padres.
What Went Wrong: I fell asleep in the fifth, despite still operating on West Coast time.
Featured Card: What do you suppose Oswalt is checking out in his 2011 Topps Heritage card? I can't tell if he's just mumbling to himself or gazing at something interesting in the distance.
Other Stuff: I'm back on the East Coast, but the semi-timely game summary posts are about to stop again for a little bit due to some much needed rest and relaxation. Chachi cards #17 through #28 are scheduled to run throughout the week . . . Does anyone have a good, recent picture of Mike Zagurski I could use for 2011 Chachi card #29? I'm coming up empty trying to find a decent picture of the lefty reliever . . . Oswalt struck out Jorge Cantu in the fourth after a 14-pitch at-bat, including eight straight foul balls. The at-bat made me think of Richie Ashburn, as Whitey would have appreciated Cantu's efforts.
One year ago, this happened and I can't believe he's already a year old. Happy birthday Ben!
See you real soon!
I've got the Oswalt Chrome available for trade if you're interested. Let me know - my wantlists are on my blog.
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