Paradox'd - Phillies 8, Diamondbacks 5

The silver lining to yesterday's 9-5 drubbing of the Phillies was the five-run ninth inning, which some hoped would lead to a turnaround for the offensively moribund Phils. For the first three innings tonight, those hopes were cruelly dashed; but in the fourth inning, Schrödinger opened the box, and the Phils exploded.

Pete Orr led off with a single. After Jimmy Rollins grounded into a fielder's choice, the recently injured Hunter Pence hit a two-run homerun to right field. Ty Wiggington extended his Dimaggio-esque hitting streak to nine with a double; and Laynce Nix, in just his second start, absolutely launched a second two-run homerun, putting the Phillies on top 4-0.

The Phillies, being understandably confused being in front, proceeded to give back a run in the 5th on a homerun by Cody Ransom. That guy. No, not that guy. The other one. Yeah, that guy.

In the top of the 7th, Schrödinger struck again, this time attaching buttered toast to the back of his cat. Nix and Brian Schneider led off with singles, bringing up pinch-hitter Placido Polanco, who bunted them over yay small ball. This was the end of the night for Josh "Hatchet Thrower" Collmenter, and brought up Juan Pierre, who laced a bloop to left. Jason Kubel raced in and caught it; but umpire Angel Hernandez muffed the call, ruling it a trap. With the bases loaded, Orr ripped a bases clearing triple on a line drive to right field, pushing the score to 7-1.

The D'Backs would score three of their own in the bottom of the 7th, hitting back-to-back-to-back doubles off Jose Contreras. In the 8th, old phriend Mike Zagurski came on to pitch, and grooved a 3-0 fastball to Shane Victorino, who belted his fourth homerun of the season. Kubel returned the favor in the bottom half, pushing the score to 8-5, where it would stay.

Vance Worley worked through six innings, never really getting into trouble, but always appearing so. He struck out six, all looking, and allowed five hits and a walk, but needed 110 pitches to do so.

Two other items of interest.

First, Chase Utley worked out with the team before the game again. Apparently, he's feeling much stronger than he has "in a long time." There must be something about Chase Field...

Second, on the postgame show, Jim Jackson described the Lock of the Game as Vance Worley pitching at night. He has nearly a three-run difference in his career ERA between day and night games. You can guess what he said next: "There's no doubt about it: Worley is a Nite Owl." There's hope yet.

With the win, the Phils climb to 8-10, and are pretty much guaranteed to finish the year with only 72 victories.

The Phillies hope to close out the series with a win tomorrow afternoon (day games ftw!), as Cole Hamels opposes Trevor Cahill, who, it's rumored, eats puppies. Following that is an off-day, before the beginning of the homestand against the Chicago Cubs behind ace of aces, Roy Halladay.

Aroundtheleaguearoundtheleaguearoundtheleague

Colorado 4, Pittsburgh 5

Jamie Moyer: 6IP, 6H, R, 3BB, 3K, but, alas, no W

Braves 4, Dodgers 3

This game was notable only for the following very amusing play, which occurred in the bottom of the 6th:

Matt Kemp grounds into a double play, shortstop Tyler Pastornicky to second baseman Dan Uggla to first baseman Freddie Freeman. Dee Gordon scores. Mark Ellis out at 2nd. Matt Kemp out at 2nd.

Lehigh Valley 4, Buffalo 3

Jake Diekman: 2IP, 2H, R, BB, 2K, BS

Raul Valdes: IP, H, 2K, W

Scott Podsednik: 2 for 5, BB

Domonic Brown: 1 for 3, SF, BB, SB (hitting .266)

Mike Fontenot: 1 for 3, 2BB

Erik Kratz: 3 for 5, HR, K

Reading 6, Richmond 0

Tyler Cloyd: 7IP, 5H, 5K

Justin Friend: IP, 2H, 2K, WP

Tyson Gillies: 1 for 4, BB, SB

Cesar Hernandez: 1 for 3, BB, K, SB, CS

Sebastian Valle: 0 for 3, BB, K

Jiwan James: 2 for 4, 2B

Clearwater 1, Brevard County 0

Adam Morgan: 7IP, 4H, 2BB, 6K

Lisalverto Bonilla: 2IP, H, 3K

Anthony Hewitt: 0 for 3, 2K

D'Arby Myers: 1 for 3, 2B

Lakewood 10, Asheville 9

Ervis Manzanillo: 5IP, 8H, 4R, BB, 3K

Colby Shreve: 2.2IP, 2H, 2BB, 2K

Gauntlett Eldemire: 1 for 2, 3R, SB (10!!), 2HBP, SAC

Carlos Perdomo: 2 for 4, 2B, HR, BB, SB

Brian Pointer: 2 for 3, 2BB, SB

Maikel Franco: 3 for 5, 3B, HR (salami)

Aaron Altherr: 0 for 5

Gustavo Gonzalez: 3 for 4, SB