Adversity could be a friend

By Michel Rushton
The Phanatic Magazine

Is there any doubt that the Phillies have played better this year when their backs are against the wall? Down 2-0 in their best-of-five NLDS series to the Colorado Rockies, fans better hope this remains true.

First, the Phillies were favorites coming into the season due to their offense and starting pitching that contained the likes of Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, Freddy Garcia, Jon Lieber and Adam Eaton.

Instead, Philadelphia got off to a 4-11 start.

Jumping way ahead, the Phillies swept a four-game set against the Mets in late August to get within two games of New York for first place in the division.

Then, the club went on to lose five of its next seven.

And, don't forget the Phils, up a game in the division, losing to the Nats on the final Saturday of the regular season, forcing a virtual must-win situation on Sunday in the series finale.

Just three examples of when the cards were falling in the Phils' favor, only to see the club drop the proverbial ball.

Now, how about when the team faced adversity.

Well, early on the team ripped off five straight wins after its 4-11 start, setting the tone early.

How about when the Phils lost Chase Utley to a broken hand in late July, losing their star for a month? The club responded with four straight wins after the injury, found a diamond in the rough with Tadahito Iguchi and kept their heads above water until Utley's return on August 27 versus the Mets, the start of the above mentioned four-game sweep.

How about the Phillies winning 13 of their final 17 games to catch and eventually pass the Mets for the NL East crown?

How about personal performances?

Kyle Kendrick getting called up as an injury replacement and going 10-4 with a 3.87 earned run average in 20 miraculous starts.

Pat Burrell batting as low as .201 on July 1, but rebounding to hit .295 with 19 homers and 60 runs batted in over the second half.

Ryan Howard's 47 homers despite missing time early due to injury.
These Phillies have had their backs against the wall almost all season, and in the end responsed.

Hopefully, this weekend isn't the end.

Email Michael Rushton at mrushton@phanaticmag.com