Phils Sweep Rockies

The Phils beat the Rockies last night by a score of 6 - 1 to complete the sweep of the team that swept them out of the playoffs last year. Adam Eaton pitched 6 not-horrible innings to collect his first win on the season. The Phils win, coupled with a Marlin loss, drew the Phils within a 1/2 game of the lead in the NL East.

The Phils did the bulk of their scoring in the 5th inning, that saw JRoll and Victorino get on via walks. Chase Utley then deposited a Greg Reynolds pitch into the 2nd deck in right field for a 3-run HR. Three batters later, after a Burrell fly-out and a Howard walk, Geoff Jenkins followed suit with a 2-run homer of his own. The bullpen took over in the 7th inning and preserved the win.

The Phils are off tonite and start a weekend set at home against the first place Marlins. Brett Myers goes on Friday night against former Sixer draft pick Mark Hendrickson.

Did you notice?

- Shane Victorino used his speed very effectively last night, getting on base 3 times via the infield single route. He also stole 2 bases. With Jayson Werth on the shelf, Vicotorino needs to use his speed in order to keep himself in the conversation with respect to playing full time.

- If you are Rockies third base coach Mike Gallego, you can't be feeling good about yourself this morning. The Rockies successfully ran themselves out a few innings last night. Notably, Seth Smith got thrown out at the plate in the 3rd (2nd night in a row Smith was nailed at the plate) and Ryan Spilborghs got thrown out at the plate on an overthrow by Geoff Jenkins in the 7th inning (Jenkins' 2nd error in as many nights) that was ably backed up by Ryan Madson. Toss in Garrett Atkins getting doubled off of first base in the 4th inning and these are the kind of nights that will get you booed if you coached in a city that gave a damn.

- Speaking of the play where Garrett Atkins got doubled off of first, did Ryan Spilborghs try to slap the ball out of Ryan Howards' glove after he lined out? Did I actually see that? Was he serious or just kidding. I need video to confirm it.

- The status of the Phillies' GM position has been the topic of some radio talk and this blog entry by ESPN.com's Buster Olney. Anyone else a little nervous about having Ruben Amaro Jr. as the next Phillies' GM? They've been grooming this guy for the job seemingly forever and if you think they are going to throw that job out there for more qualified applicants, you are kidding yourself. The Phils, under current ownership (more on this tomorrow), believe in stability and promoting from within, which is great if you fall into that category of being part of the "family" but not always a great policy if you have a tradition of losing and stagnation.