With the finish line fast approaching and the Phillies still trailing the Padres and Mets, despite their recent wins in 8 of 9, how does Charlie Manuel turn over Sunday’s game to Kane Davis??

I tuned in first in the 6th with the Phils down 3-2. I learned that Hamels had left after 5 and had retired the last 8 in a row. I understand that they need to be careful with him. I felt oddly confident even though the pen has tossed away many games like this one. Charlie has effectively shortened his bullpen rotation and the bats would find a way.

I came back and watched a few pitches as Lohse pitched an inning in relief. Alright, all hands on deck. I like that move. Still 3-2. I planned to tune back in when the Phils were at bat, after all the Eagles had the game firmly in hand.

When I flipped the channel back, the Phils were getting retired in the 8th. I watched and saw that Kane Davis was warming up next to Flash Gordon. I thought to myself, “There is no way that the brains on the bench could decide to use Davis over Gordon.” I did not stay tuned in, just thought, “Flash is coming in even though they are down 1″. Home stretch means asking for everything, even when your set up guy has been pitching every day for a week.

I turn back again, it is top of the 9th and it is 5-2. WTF??? Why on Earth did they decide to go with Davis?

I watched as the Phils proceeded to get one run in the ninth, but nothing more. It was the 7th to last game. I thought Davis, Castro and Co. wouldn’t see the mound in a winnable game for the rest of the year.

Hell, didn’t Lohse pitch so that they wouldn’t have to go too deep in the pool of relievers?