Crazy, late-inning drama is becoming normal for the Philadelphia Phillies. Tonight's Phillies game featured a mad dash home and great slide by September call-up Greg Golson, and a three-run home run from struggling slugger Pat Burrell that put the Phillies up 6-2 over the Atlanta Braves. The Phillies improved their season record over the Braves to 14-2. JA Happ was solid, going 6 1/3 innings and allowing two runs on a Kelly Johnson home run.
Up the NJ Turnpike, Long Island native and overall mensch starting pitcher Jason Marquis hit a grand slam and had five RBI in leading the Chicago Cubs to a 9-5 victory over the New York Mets.
The Phillies have extended their NL East lead over the Mets to 2 1/2 games, and saw their magic number drop to four games. Their magic number to clinch a playoff spot is now three games.
Three.
It's a magic number.
Yes it is.