Well going into the season we all knew the Phillies would be known more for their potent offense, not a dominant pitching staff.  While I’ve seen worse pitching moments out of the Phillies last night the offense shined, with ten hits and eight runs in a 8-4 victory over the Reds.  Each of the to five hitters in the lineup had at least one RBI and one hit (except Ryan Howard, who went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts).

Chase Utley led the offense, with two home runs.  Utley finished 2 for 4 with 3 RBI’s.

Pat Burrell also contributed a home run.  His two-run shot in the first inning might have landed in Kentucky if it wasn’t for the upper deck at Great American Ballpark.  His other hit was a double off Jeremy Affeldt.

Jimmy Rollins went 2 for 5 with a double.  The reigning MVP has begun to find his stroke.

Shane Victorino picked up his first hit of the season, along with his first RBI and first stolen base.

The pitching side of things …

Going into last night’s game against the Devils it didn’t look good for the Flyers.  With two games left, the Flyers found themselves in 9th place in the Eastern Conference.  In order for the Flyers to make the playoffs, they had to win, and the Hurricanes had to lose.  While there was a chance that could happen the Flyers had to beat the first place Devils, a team they’re struggled against all year (1-5-1), while the Hurricanes had to play the lowly Panthers.

Then things got worse as news came that Danny Briere would be unavailable due to a sore knee.

It didn’t look good, but the Flyers took the ice and played some of the best hockey of the season, beating the Devils 3-0.

The Flyers came out flying, putting immeidate pressure on Martin Brodeur.  5:44 into the first period it paid off.  RJ Umberger skated into the corner to retreive a deflected shot by Vinny Prospal.  He centered the pass to Scott Hartnell, who was waiting in front of the net.  The pass never found …