An Early Fourth

The Phillies did their best to wish the home folks a happy Fourth of July a day early.

With any luck, tomorrow's Independence Day clash will prove just as successful.

And by successful, we mean win. Win 1-0, 5-4, 11-10. They all count the same, and the Phils need them if they want to stay atop the NL East. Performances like Jimmy Rollins' 2-for-5, run, two RBI and Rodrigo Lopez pitching 6 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out four and walking one will certainly help.

Lopez pitched confidently, throwing strikes. Amazing what good things can happen when you throw strikes, huh?

Tonight was a great start to a critical homestand against a hated rival, but it was just one game.

More will be needed.

Starting tomorrow. Again.