The Phillies have had 225 consecutive regular season sellouts at Citizens Bank Park, and Monday night’s game with the Nationals doesn’t figure to be any different. Except for the part about this being the first meeting between the two National League East contenders since left-hander Cole Hamels hit Nats phenom Bryce Harper with a pitch in a nationally-televised game 15 days ago.
The Phillies’ reign as National League East champions has lasted for five years.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. held an impromptu news conference during Sunday’s game vs. the Red Sox.
Cliff Lee uncharacteristically struggled early in Sunday afternoon’s rubber game against the Red Sox.
Phillies right-hander Vance Worley said before Sunday’s game against the Red Sox that he should start throwing again in the next few days.
Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco was not in the lineup for Sunday’s series finale against the Red Sox with a mild sprain in his left ankle. It’s the fourth straight game Polanco has not started, though he could pinch-hit.
The Red Sox and Phillies each send their ace to the hill Sunday in the rubber match. Josh Beckett starts for Boston, looking to win back-to-back starts for the first time this year, while Philly’s Cliff Lee is searching for his first win of 2012.
Giving up four homers and seven runs overall (six earned) in 4 1/3 innings, Joe Blanton’s ERA rose from 2.96 to 3.74 as the Phillies’ six-game winning streak was snapped with a 7-5 loss to the Red Sox on Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park.
Cut4: Fans welcome back Pat the Bat
Pat Burrell always prided himself on being prepared. He thought he was ready this time, too, all set to take one last curtain call at Citizens Bank Park. Then the Phillies threw him with a changeup.
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