Aug. 9, 1985
On July 1, we had a 5.5-game lead on Montreal. We were 51-22 and they were 47-29. Since, we’ve gone 14-20, and they’ve gone 22-11. Yeesh.
Anyway, four against St. Louis, including a doubleheader tomorrow for which we may need a fresh pitcher. We’ll see.
Game 1985-108: Veterans Stadium - Cardinals 5, Phillies 3 / 65-43
The spiral continues. Mike Schmidt goes 0-for-3, we get just two doubles and no other extra-base hits, and Scott Sanderson allows five runs in five innings. I suppose this was all bound to happen considering how well we started the season, but this really stinks to watch.
Aug. 10, 1985
Blaise Ilsley pitched last night in Reading: 8 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 11 K, 0 BB. I’m standing by my decision to let him develop, regardless of how well he pitches going forward.
As for tonight, we decide to call up Kelly Downs to start game two. Depending on how it goes is what we’ll do going forward.
- SP Kelly Downs promoted to MLB Philadelphia
- SP Joe Johnson demoted to AAA Portland
Game 1985-109: Veterans Stadium - Cardinals 8, Phillies 0 / 65-44
Man. When even the red-hot Carlton struggles (6 IP, 5 ER, 6 H, 0 K, 3 BB), we’re really in trouble. Nothing more to say here.
Game 1985-110: Veterans Stadium - Cardinals 6, Phillies 2 / 65-45
Why did I ever trust Downs? He walks six. I just. Heh. This is sad.
Aug. 11, 1985
Game 1985-111: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 3, Cardinals 2 / 66-45
Mike Schmidt has the day off, because why not, and we finally get one, holding on late. Von Hayes homers (someone finally hits one), while Juan Samuel collects two hits and steals a bag. Charles Hudson pitches well (7 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 5 K, 2 BB).
New power rankings, and we’re no longer in the top-five:
1. New York Mets - 61-50
2. Montreal Expos -71-41
3. Toronto Blue Jays - 70-43
4. Detroit Tigers - 71-40
5. Boston Red Sox - 61-49
Yes, the Mets, who have won nine of their last 10, are atop the rankings and pushing ahead. Guess who we play next? Convenient, right?