SWEEP - Blanton Beats 'Backs then Gets Licked by Girl

Big Joe pitched 8 innings, striking out 4 batters and surrendering only 3 earned runs in the Phillies' dismantling of the D-Backs last night. Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth and Carlos Ruiz each hit home runs, and the Phillies capped off their 3 game SWEEP of Arizona with a brutal 12 - 3 beatdown at Citizens Bank Park. For the series, the Phils outscored the D-Backs 25-5. Thanks for playing, Arizona. Now crawl back to the barren wasteland from whence you came.


Big Joe was glad to have some run support (read good article here). After the game, Big Joe celebrated by letting female fans lick his face:



Next up, the Phils take on the Mets in NY. The series begins with the Kid Cole (7-7) taking on Mike Pelfrey (8-8). The last Hamels / Pelfrey matchup was a 5-4 extra inning victory for the Phillies. Pelfrey actually outpitched Hamels in that game, but he ended up earning a no-decision as the Mets bullpen characteristically imploded and surrendered the lead.

Other notable moment from that game: Chase Utley, who hit two HRs in the 11 inning come-from-behind win, skillfully pissed off Pelfrey by calling timeout during an at bat. When question about the incident, Pelfrey said: "I was ready to make a pitch and he called timeout. I got upset and told him to get in the box. I don’t even know the guy. I was just trying to compete and execute a pitch. I got caught up in the moment. I probably shouldn’t have said anything." Poor baby. I hope Chase hits another 2 tonight.

My prediction: Phillies tear it up and get their second straight sweep.