B-L-A-N-T-O-N spells shut out jerk faces. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

Who in their right mind would have predicted that Joe Blanton would be the first Philadelphia Phillies pitcher to throw a complete game shut out this season?  It was even a little far fetched to expect a pitcher’s duel in today’s game.

The Phillies attempt to win the rubber game in the series with Joe Blanton facing Randall Delgado.  This one will probably end up being the pitchers duel

That Balls Outta Here Senior Writer and obvious genius Anthony DiStefano

I do not plan to tell everyone when I do not guess correctly, but in this instance, I am more than happy to let the world know that I was right. 

Joe Blanton threw 88 pitches today and 67 of them were for strikes.  This was arguably the best game that Joe has ever thrown as a big leaguer.  He was dominant.  He made the Braves look absolutely silly.  Keep in mind that they were missing Brian McCann and Chipper Jones, but he still was absolutely on top of his game today.  He did not issue a walk and struck out six Braves on his way to handing the series win to the Phils. (more…)