Philadelphia Phillies experience high times on 4/20 with a 10-9 victory over the Colorado Rockies

Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Colorado Rockies this afternoon in a game that could certainly be classified as “interesting.” Here are some of the things that happened today:

• Ryan Howard hit a triple.
• Howard hit a ball that could have been ruled a double which would have given him a cycle. Instead (and most likely correctly) it was called a single and an error.
• After hitting no extra base hits over the past four games, the Phillies had seven of them.
• The Phillies saved multiple runs thanks to some splendid defensive plays.
• After not having a sacrifice fly all season, the Phillies hit two of them.
• Two replay challenges overturned calls.
• The Phillies bullpen struggled to hold leads. (At least something familiar happened!)

It was the type of score (10-9) you would expect from a Coors Field contest and the type of game you might expect on April, 20th.

Jimmy Rollins started off the scoring with a first inning home run, and Howard added a two-run shot in the third. That was a good sign considering they had only managed three runs in the past three games combined.

However, you had a feeling that Roberto Hernandez pitching in Coors Field was a bad combination, and sure enough, he promptly gave that lead back. Hernandez gave up six runs in four innings, and his ineptitude was matched by just about every relief pitcher who entered the game. It seemed that just as soon as one team would score a run, a new reliever would enter the game and give it right back.

It felt like we were destined for a Papelbon blown save in the ninth, and he apparently tried his best by allowing two base runners (including one who was hit by a pitch). But in the end, Papelbon induced the final out, and the Phillies escaped with a victory.

The win – and offensive breakthrough – gives them some momentum as they head to Los Angeles to begin a four-game set against the Dodgers. Will the offense stay hot, or was this just a one-game aberration?