Phillies Sweep the Tribe in a Hail Storm

Not even a storm with 70-mph winds could stop the Phillies offense today, it almost stopped the grounds crew though.

The sweep is complete as the Phillies (38-32) beat the Cleveland Indians today 12-3. It was Philadelphia's highest run total in over a month as they put up a five spot in the bottom of the second to jump start the scoring.

The Phillies pounded out 15 hits today and got four hits from Placido Polanco, while Chase Utley and Jayson Werth picked up three hits each as they continue to warm up for the Phillies who with the win today pulled to within 2.5 games of the first place Atlanta Braves. The Phillies were 5.5 games back just last weekend and were able to make up three games thanks to the streaking Chicago White Sox who swept the Braves to drop them into a first place tie with the New York Mets.

Joe Blanton got the start for the Phillies and put forth another quality start for the Phillies and went seven innings today while only giving up three earned runs on six hits while striking out eight and picked up his third victory of the season and his second in as many starts.

Blanton's day was interrupted however how an insane hail storm which resembled tornado-like conditions and gave the grounds crew almost too much to handle as it blew the tarp far up into the zero visibilty sky and folded back into itself before the crew was able to get it under control.

People went flying for the exits and were literally being blown across streets as the winds were gusting up to 75 mph. Play was halted for 97 minutes but much applause has to go to the grounds crew for getting the field together after a bus load of rain blanketed the playing surface.

And back in baseball news, manager Charlie Manuel was ejected for the second time in two days. Manuel was thrown out for arguing a play at first base in the second inning as Charlie is now trying to bring out his inner Bobby Cox and Lou Pinella for some reason as of late. 

The win also marked the first series sweep at home for the Phillies this season going into what should an interesting "road" series for the Phillies when the "travel" to play the Toronto Blue Jays at Citizens Bank Park this weekend, yeah it's confusing I know.

Something that isn't confusing is that Roy Halladay will make his first start against his old team tomorrow night. It should be a lot of emotions for Halladay whether he admits them or not when he takes the mound tomorrow night.

Rollins Walks it Off

Well, Jimmy Rollins officially returned to the lineup on Tuesday but his impact was definitely felt on Wednesday night.

The Phillies (37-32) picked up a big 7-6 walk-off victory over the Cleveland Indians last night in a game that went back and forth up until Rollins ended it in the bottom of the ninth with a two-run blast to the right field corner.

That hit had to feel great for Rollins, as he was 0-8 in his first eight at-bats back with the Phillies. It was a hit that Jimmy knew was gone right from the plate as he flipped the bat before taking off.

The Indians struck first in the first inning with two quick runs before the Phillies responded in the bottom of the frame.

Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick went on to give up two more earned runs in only four innings of work as he also walked two and gave up two home runs.

Philadelphia used five arms out of their bullpen which included Chad Durbin who injured his hamstring running to cover first base. It looks like Durbin will be put on the 15-day DL today, but should return in a couple weeks to a bullpen that's struggling to close the door on opponents.

J.C Romero came in following the Durbin injury and held the Indians off and in the process picked up his first victory of the season.

This was a big inter league victory for the Phillies as it clinched their first series victory at home over an AL team since 2007.

And in the process, every Phillies regular got a hit with the biggest one coming in the bottom of the ninth and even Rollins knew how big the hit was when he spoke to the media after the game.

"It felt good. It was one of those moments. You try to do it all year long, but your brain just stops working and you stop thinking about what you need to do. A good thing happened tonight," Rollins said.

The Phillies are gonna try to create another feel-good moment as they go for the sweep against the Indians today with Joe Blanton on the mound for the Phils today. Blanton (2-5) is coming off his best start of the season against the Twins last Friday night and will look to keep a good thing going.

The series finale between the Indians and the Phillies is set for 1 pm this afternoon.