Yeah the late-game rally wasn't quite enough to overcome Ryan Madson's allowance of a few insurance runs last night, but despite the loss, Phillies fans have to be elated to see Ryan Howard looking like he's got his swing back. Five of the Big Guy's 9 homers have come in his last 7 games, with 13 RBI coming in that span. Other highlights from last night include: Freddy Garcia going deeper into a game than he has all season and fanning 8 batters; the offense getting to D-Back's closer Jose Valverde and making him throw 32 pitches in the first game of the series; Greg Dobbs hitting another home run; and 2 hits from Jayson Werth. [Inquirer] Onto the extras...
- Kobe wants out of LA if he can't make all personnel decisions. [ESPN]
- Howard Porter died on Saturday after being found brutally beaten last week. [Inquirer] [Fortress of Pillows]
- Duke Lacrosse's comeback not enough (but only on the field) [Chicago Tribune/AP]
- You'll never believe the size of the pig this kid killed. Kevin Kolb: "Yeah, but he didn't cut him." [Deadspin]
- Mock draft beer? See how high your favorite went, or if it slipped further than a highly touted QB. [KSK]
- Andruw Jones robbed Greg Dobbs in a big way this weekend, but look what he did to Phil Niekro's visage. [Bugs & Cranks]
- You must learn the Way of the Posterizing at an early age. [Fanhouse]
- Ain't no party like a Haddonfield party... [Inquirer]
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Philadelphia sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.