Opening Series Sweep

After an exciting walk off win on Friday, a welcome home party on Saturday, and a good old fashioned beat down on Sunday, the Phils opened the 2011 season with a sweep of the Houston Astros. For the Phillies, this is their best start to a season since 2001 when they opened with a 3 game sweep against the Florida Marlins. Statistically, the Phils have done very poorly in recent opening series. During the Phils' past 10 opening series, they are a combined 12-18, including 2 consecutive years in which they got swept in 2006 and 2007. To get off to a great start like this is rare for this team but very much welcomed. Let's take a quick look at how the Phils were able to get off to such a hot start.

Saturday: Phillies 9 Astros 4

The man, the myth, the legend, made the walk from the bullpen to the dugout amidst a long and loud standing ovation. Phillies fans showed their gratitude to the man who chose the Phillies over the evil empire. Lee proved that he was worth the money by pitching a solid 7 inning game, giving up 3 earned runs and earning the victory. Lee kept the Astros hitters off balance all night by locating his cutter and having great command over his fastball. Cliff had 11 K's on the night and walked none. On the offensive side, the Phils jumped out to an early 2-0 lead thanks to 3 singles from Polanco, Rollins and Howard and a double from Raul Ibanez. In the bottom of the 4th the Phils added 2 more off a 2 out, 2 run single from Shane Victorino, his first hit of the year. From there the Phils added 3 runs in the 5th, and 1 in both the 7th and 8th to secure the 9-4 victory. It was a great welcome home party for Cliff Lee who received the greatest gift of all; run support.

Sunday: Phillies 7 Astros 3

The Phils dealt their third ace in today's series finale, sending Roy Oswalt to the mound to face his former team. Oswalt pitched a great game, going 6 and giving up just 2 runs. The Phils again provided great run support that was sparked by Ryan Howard who had a 3 run blast in the first inning, and Ben Francisco who had a solo shot also in the first. The 4 first inning runs would be enough as the Phils eventually went on to win by a final of 7-3.

It was great to see everyone hitting in the series especially Rollins and Howard. I really wanted Rollins to hit lead off, but so far it looks like he is settling in nicely to his role as the 3 hole hitter. It just seems like everyone is hitting the ball, and that is a good sign especially this early in the season.

And let's forget about 162-0, we all know that it's not going to happen. But is the April 20-7 goal that I suggested in earlier a possibility for this team? They are already 3-0 which would mean that they would only have to go 17-7 in order to achieve it. The schedule certainly favors the Phils as the Mets come in to town on Tuesday. The Phils will send Cole Hamels to the mound against Chris Young in the series opener.