Veteran Gordon blows another one

Veterans are supposed to come through when it really matters.

In a huge game that could have pulled the Philadelphia Phillies to within one game of the NL wild card lead, Tom Gordon allowed three earned runs in the ninth, allowing the Reds to once again put Philadelphia three games behind.

This came one night after Gordon blew a save opportunity. Luckily, the Phillies were able to come back that time.

But last night, it was too much. The Phillies did score one run in the ninth on a Jimmy Rollins home run. But with two guys on and Ryan Howard at the plate, Cincinnati closer Eddie Guardardo got the NL homerun leader to strike out swinging.

Although Philadelphia is led by youngsters Chase Utley, Howard, and Rollins, it is the veterans who are going to have to come through if the Phillies have a chance at making a run at a playoff bearth. Arguably their best pitcher this year and an All-Star, Gordon has faltered the past two nights.

"I just didn't have the feel that I'd like to have," Gordon said after the game.

Well, if the Phillies want to have a shot this year, they will need to be able to close out games.
Hopefully Gordon can get that "feel" back soon. Otherwise, it will be yet another long offseason