Last week I thought the Phillies were turning the corner after winning back to back to back series against the Seattle Mariners, Colorado Rockies and Houston Astros. But it didn't last when they then proceeded to get swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers with three embarrassing losses. In order for the Phillies to have any chance of contending this year, the pitching staff HAS to be more consistent!
The only thing good about the Dodger series was the return of Bryce Harper to the lineup as a designated hitter in the last two games. He had three hits in the third game. He looked really good, especially considering he did not have a rehab assignment in the minor leagues, which happens in 99% of these situations where players take this much time off after surgery.
The 76ers are currently tied with the Boston Celtics at one game a piece in their second round playoff series. I don’t want to be mr. negative but I think it’s going to be an uphill battle for the Sixers to win this series. 2022-23 NBA MVP Joel Embiid is attempting to come back quite early from a significant knee injury in the middle of the series. The 76ers were able to win game one without Joel, because of a great performance by James Harden, who scored 45 points which tied his playoff career high. Joel was able to play in game two, but he was moving awkwardly for most of the game. I don’t know how much progress towards 100% he is going to be able to make in a week and a half, but we will see!
To round out the NFL draft for the Eagles, they selected mostly Alabama and Georgia players so let’s hope that their college success translates to the NFL. Every media member I heard who commented about the Eagles draft said they had one of the most successful drafts across the NFL. If Jalen Hurts can stay healthy for most of his contract, I think the Eagles can continue to be Super Bowl contenders for a long time.
It is now May (even though the weather doesn't show it) which means it's close to playoff time in high school sports. Good luck to all of the Cape Henlopen spring sports teams as playoff time approaches. I hope the lacrosse teams, both boys and girls continue their impressive play that they have shown for the past decade. Good luck also to the baseball and softball teams, especially the baseball team for the chance to defend their State title. Go Vikings!
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A 2002 Cape grad and 2007 UD grad, Lewes resident Sumner Spence is one of the Cape area's biggest sports fans. Although he’s used a wheelchair his entire life, he has lived vicariously through his sports-playing father, brother, and friends, who gave him his love of sports. He hopes to provide new and interesting perspectives on the sports stories and issues of the day. Email Sumner at sumspence@gmail.com.
