Blanton Knocked Around, Howard Chokes

The Phillies had the chance to sweep the Nationals. All the pieces were there with the first two games won and a usually solid Joe Blanton on the mound. Instead, Washington won 8-7 over the Phillies. Blanton has helped keep many Phillies' opponents silent. But, Thursday the Nationals rocked the house against Blanton. The Nationals, the team with the worst record in baseball, scored 8 runs in 4 and 2/3 innings by Blanton. But, the heart of a champion doesn't accept defeat. That is exactly what happened to Philly. The offense dug deep in the ninth inning after being silenced most of the night by Livan Hernandez.

Down 8-2 with Raul Ibanez leading off the 9th inning. Ibanez flew out to left. But Jayson Werth reached on an error. The Phillies then followed that with 4 runs and with one out there were men at the corner's for Philadelphia's big man. Ryan Howard stepped to the plate. But, then he choked with not only one out but two with a ground ball turned into a double play.

With that and a Florida loss the NL East lead was cut down to 5 games. Now Florida is starting to get a scent of that NL East Division title. Manager Charlie Manuel was dealing the heat after the game too. Manuel didn't want to discuss the comeback in the 9th inning instead, he complained about his team losing to a team they shouldn't beat. Manuel accused his team of being complacent as he said " We've got to have a little more get up and go to us." The criticism was harsh from the manager but, maybe it will wake the Phillies up before Florida catches them snoozing.