Now Keep It Up - Wednesday, July 23, 2008
249 Views :: 0 Comments ::  :: Michael Bradley Comcast SportsNet was kind enough last night to provide viewers with a constant montage of dejected Mets fans, who had to deal with the double disgrace of seeing their heroes blow a three-run ninth-inning lead at home and the realization that, yes, they still lived in Queens. Any Phillies fan who didn't rejoice at the come-from-behind victory needs to be checked for a pulse. It was great stuff. But it can't end there. The Phils have had plenty of highlights this year, but they can't always keep the momentum going. the 20-run explosion against the Cards was followed by two straight losses. A July 4th weekend opening win over the Mets had three defeats behind it. Even last week's Friday triumph over the Marlins was followed by two defeats. In other words, let's not get too excited yet, people. Brett Myers takes the mound tonight for the Phillies with the chance to make sure the Phils leave New York in first place. He spent three weeks on the farm trying to get his mojo back, and he has assured everybody he's ready to go. He had better be, because no one can guarantee a Lazarus-like performance again tonight. If Myers' old nemesis, the gopher ball, returns to the ballpark, the Phillies will be in trouble, because Mets' pitcher John Maine is tough, especially against Philadelphia. It's another acid test for the team. Does it have the focus to follow up a milestone moment with championship play, or will it feel too good about itself and be unable to build on the success? That's the big question about a team that has yet to prove it's capable of being consistently strong. The Phillies had a great time Tuesday in Queens, or as good as one can have there. It's time to keep the fun rolling. Myers gets the ball tonight and needs to show up big. His teammates need to remember that one game does not win a pennant. Whether everybody can handle last night's success like big-leaguers could tell how far the Phillies will go the rest of the way. Comebacks are fun. Winning streaks are more fun. |