Simply put, the Phillies offense needs to wake up. The fans know it. Charlie Manuel knows it. And the Phillies know it.
They enter tonight having scored 3 runs of less in each of their last eight games. They've hit a paltry .200 over that span including .207 with runners in scoring position. Roy, Cliff, Cole and company are good, but they need support to get those wins.
It'll be Roy Oswalt (7-9, 3.88) on the mound tonight as the Phillies attempt once again to clinch a fifth-straight NL East Championship. The Braves defeated the Mets 1-0 earlier in the day, so the Phillies' magic number remains 1.
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Win and pop bottles.
Charlie Manuel has the eight regulars you'd expect to be his postseason guys for the first time in over a month. They'll take on Cardinals right-hander Jake Westbrook (12-8, 4.61). The Cards continue to play some hot ball, winners of 8 of their last 9.
Tonight's Lineup: Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, Pence, Ibanez, Polanco, Ruiz, and Oswalt.
Extra Bodys: With the IronPigs' season ending yesterday, the Phillies have brought a handful of guys to CBP today to add some length to the bench and bullpen. Relievers Joe Savery and Justin De Fratus join Dom Brown, catcher Erik Kratz, and outfielder Brandon Moss.