Games of Friday, September 9, 2005 - Phillies Break Losing Streak by Pounding Florida, 12-5

The Phillies finally managed to turn things around against Florida at Citizens Bank Park. Having been swept by Houston at home earlier in the week, the Phillies certainly needed to do well against another team in the wild-card chase.

Also, there was optimal news around the National League Friday night, as every single game of interest went the Phillies' way, with the arguable exception of Washington's victory over Atlanta. Most importantly, Milwaukee defeated Houston 7-4 at Miller Park and have now caught the Mets, at the fringes of the wild card race. The Phils have pulled to within 1 1/2 games of Houston and just 1/2 game behind Florida.

The Phillies gained rare ground in the division, not only by moving up a game on Florida, but also due to the fact that Washington beat Atlanta, 8-6. Washington trailed 6-3 at stretch time but rallied for five runs in the 7th and 8th.

The Mets, of course, lost again (hooray) - at St. Louis, 3-2. They are now one game under .500 at 70-71.

At the end of Friday, September 9, 2005

NL East

Atlanta 81-60 ---
Florida 75-66 6
Philadelphia 74-67 7

NL Wild Card

Houston 75-65 ---
Florida 75-66 0.5
Philadelphia 74-67 1.5
Washington 73-69 3
New York 70-71 5.5
Milwaukee 70-71 5.5