Monday, May 9, 2011

2011 Topps Gypsy Queen #47 Jimmy Rollins

Phillies 6, Marlins 4
Game 34 - Monday Night, May 9th in Miami

One Sentence Summary:  Jimmy Rollins set the tone with a lead-off homer as the Phillies rode their 12-hit performance to victory over the Marlins, 6-4.

What It Means:  This was a big game to win in the series, as you've got to like the Phillies chances the next two nights with Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee on the mound.  (I'm especially looking forward to tomorrow night's Halladay-Josh Johnson match-up.)  The Phils are 23-11, becoming the first team in the Majors to 23 wins, and they have a nice, three game lead over the Marlins.

What Went Right:  Rollins started the scoring with his 36th career lead-off home run.  Ross Gload, making a rare start, added a couple of RBI-singles.  Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez also enjoyed multi-hit nights.

Activated from the disabled list before the game, Joe Blanton struggled in his five innings of work, but he earned the win after allowing three runs on eight hits.  He was helped immensely by four double plays.  Vance Worley saved the bullpen by pitching three solid innings of relief and Ryan Madson shut down the Marlins in the ninth for his fourth save of the year.

Featured Card:  It looks as if Rollins is admiring one of his 2010 home runs in his 2011 Topps Gypsy Queen card.  I wish I could say this set is growing on me, but it's just not happening yet.  However, you should still start following along at the Lifetime Topps Project as that blog is beginning a series of posts looking at the new Topps set as well as the 1887 originals.

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