Kritik und Lob » will play for $100,000 in prize money during T

PHILADELPHIA -- Its been as if someone flipped the switch to on for the Philadelphia Phillies while the Atlanta Braves dial has been stuck in off for the majority of the season.The bottom two teams in the NL East, the Phillies and Braves open a three-game series in Philadelphia on Monday. They are one week removed from a much-needed All-Star break to regroup... except the Phillies may not want to stop playing anytime soon.After battling offensive ineptitude for about 75 games, the Phillies bats have come alive, and it has fueled a 5-1 stretch.I dont know exactly whats happened. I just know we had it in us, Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said following Sundays 7-2 win over Kansas City. I always felt even for the first two months that we were a better hitting team than it showed and it was kind of an enigma as to why we werent hitting better. It just took a little time.The individual numbers have really turned around as of late. Maikel Franco has been on a torrid stretch that has seen him record multiple hits in five of his last six games. He has also reached base safely in 11 of the last 12 contests. The third basemen ripped a home run on Sunday to cap off a 3-for-4 day.Cameron Rupp also hit a home run in that game. He is on an eight-game hitting streak that has been highlighted by his last two outings in which he has gone a combined 5-for-8 with three RBI and two doubles. Cody Asche also hit a home run in their latest victory. Likewise, Peter Bourjos singled to extend his hit streak to 12 games.It helps when youve got a guy like Bourjos, who came out of nowhere up to .270, Mackanin said. Thats an unbelievable story in itself. I think the other players feed off things like that. You know, its like, Well I can do it, too. I know thats not a scientific answer, but its the best I can do.No explanation needed. Its apparent that the Phillies are trending upward as the All-Star break looms.Meanwhile, the Braves really have yet to get going, which has led to a forgettable first half. They put together a six-game winning streak in the middle of June but came back down to reality by losing six of eight games immediately afterward.Their problems run the full gamut. The pitching has been unreliable while the hitting has been streaky. The have also had some bad luck.On Saturday, the Braves tied the Marlins in the ninth inning with a Tyler Flowers home run. In the 12th inning, the game-winning hit was delivered by pinch-hitter Jose Fernandez, the Miami pitcher. Things like that only add salt to the wounds.It was eventful, Flowers said, according to MLB.com. I thought we battled well... I think there were a lot of positives to take away. We just couldnt come up with the big hit at the end.That could very well sum up the Braves season: eventful yet left helpless at the end. Anthony Morrow Jersey . Peter Holland and Brad Staubitz were sent to Toronto on Saturday as the Maple Leafs traded defenceman Jesse Blacker and draft picks to the Anaheim Ducks. Alec Burks Jersey . -- Jaye Marie Green shot a 4-under 68 on Thursday to increase her lead to five strokes after the second round of the LPGA Tours qualifying tournament. https://www.cheapwarriors.com/539o-jason-richardson-jersey-warriors.html . Kuznetsov, who was selected by the Capitals in the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, has been playing for his hometown team Chelyabinsk Traktor of the KHL. Draymond Green Jersey . Shot outdoors against the stunning backdrop of Banff, Alta., the networks 30-minute original production airs tonight at 8pm et/5pm pt on TSN2. The four All-Star teams will play for $100,000 in prize money during TSNs annual skins game, airing live this weekend on TSN from The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre. Joe Barry Carroll Jersey . The 19-year-old Olsen played 34 games with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL this season. In that time, hes recorded 17 goals and 17 assists with 36 penalty minutes. Adelaide United could seal the signings of fringe Socceroo James Holland and Spanish striker Sergi Guardiola next week.Holland is weighing up offers from several A-League clubs after being released from his German club MSV Duisburg, with the Reds considered favourites.Guardiola, a 25-year-oold tied to La Liga club Granada, has agreed in-principle to a loan stint with the reigning A-League champions, pending visa and medical clearances.dddddddddddd ' ' '