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Tuesday, August 20, 2013

2012 Topps Update #US85 Jacob Diekman

Phillies 5, Rockies 4
Game 124 - Monday Night, August 19th in Philadelphia
Record - 55-69, 4th Place, 21 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Ethan Martin turned in a strong pitching performance and John Mayberry, Jr. hit a three-run home run as the Phillies defeated the Rockies, 5-4.

What It Means:  This is the first time the Phillies have won consecutive games since the final two games before the All-Star break, more than a month ago.

What Went Right:  Martin faltered in the seventh, but he was fantastic for his first six innings, allowing just two hits while striking out six.  Both Mayberry (9) and Carlos Ruiz (3) homered for the Phils.  Jonathan Papelbon pitched a scoreless ninth to record his first save since July 11th.

Featured Card:  Mayberry had the big hit in this game, but I wanted to pay tribute to Jake Diekman who has slowly become one of the more reliable relievers out the Phillies 'pen.  Diekman entered with one out in the eighth with the Phillies up by a run and Rockies runners at first and second.  He struck out Todd Helton and Nolan Arenado to end the threat and twice his fastball hit 99 on the radar.

Diekman might be a good closer candidate one day if the Phillies can find a taker for the current closer and his salary.  He's appeared on only one mainstream baseball card - the card featured here - and he's an excellent candidate for Phillies Team Issue 2.1, if an update to the update set is issued.

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