The Good? The Phillies got a split out of the first two games in Tampa. The Bad? Pretty much everything else. The Phillies season long struggles with producing runs without hitting home runs reared its ugly head in game two, and its uglier than Madonnoa with all her muscles. I saw on SportsCenter this morning that the Phils have set a record for futility with runners in scoring position in the World Series. The sad thing is that its really no surprise to me. This team has a lot of trouble getting men across the plate without hitting balls over the fence, and they have all year. Sure, there have been games when they have proven they are capable of it, but they just don't do it consistently. The first two games of the World Series have highlighted this point. Throw in the Rays solid pitching on top of the Phils inconsistency and you have a recipe for some really messy soup. The truth of the matter is that the Phillies are going to have to be relying on Rays' pitchers making mistakes all series, being as the Phillies just aren't a team of contact hitters. As long as the Rays can play keep away from the Phils hitters, it's gonna be tough series, which is why I think it will be a 7 game series. You have to figure there will be more games like game 2 for the Phillies. Quick thought, Dobbs had a lot of trouble as DH, but did anyone notice his swing was different? He was stepping out of pitches as he swung, trying to hit the long ball. Dobbs does best when his swing is tight and compact. Last night, it was loose and long. Hopefully, Charlie saw this as well and gets it corrected before the next time Dobbs is DH.
Enough negativity, it's time to look at the brightside. The Series is coming to Philadelphia. I don't think the Rays have any idea what they are getting into coming here. The fans are going to be absolutely rabid. You could argue that the Rays have played in Fenway so they have some experience in a hostile atmosphere, but Fenway doesn't have 23 years of professional sports frustration penned up in it anymore. Philadelphia fans are of another breed, which is why I'm so proud to be one. I think our fans will get into the heads of the Rays' pitchers early and that game of keep away that was so effective in Tampa will not hold in Philadelphia. Pitches are likely to sail a little higher in the strike zone, flare a little more inside, leaving them vulnerable to the Phillies bats. I think we'll be able to catch a few more breaks here at home, leading to a few more runs, leading to wins. If we can take 2 of 3 at the Bank, the Series is ours for the taking. In any case, you gotta love October baseball in your hometown.
In another sport, Penn State takes on Ohio State tomorrow night at The Shoe. PSU hasn't won there since joining the Big Ten and, in those losses, never mustered more than 10 points. While I don't think either trend will continue tomorrow, I think this game will be a lot closer than what we're accustomed to this season. Ohio State's offense is a raw version of Penn State's, so you would hope to believe that our defense knows how to stop it. OSU's defense is stacked, so to expect 40+ points for the Lions would be a bit of a stretch. However, PSU's offense is so versatile that they should be able to move the ball and put points on the board. Avoiding mistakes will be the key to a Penn State victory. That means not turning the ball over and, if you do give it away, don't let Ohio State turn it into points on the other end. This game is basically Penn State's Big Ten Championship game so you have to believe they'll be ready for the challenge. Prediction: Penn State 27 Ohio State 17.
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still no entry despite the events that occurred monday?
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