--RF Jayson Werth grew up 200 miles away in Springfield, Ill., and for the past two games, he left tickets for nearly 30 friends and family members. He put on quite a show, too. Werth belted three homers and collected seven RBIs in the two games and continued to state his case for being an everyday player. "I pride myself in playing in big games, always have," Werth said. "Playing everyday (while OF Geoff Jenkins has been injured) has been good for me. It's a good spot, a good club, and it's good to be loved."
--RHPs Chad Durbin and Ryan Madson combined to allow five runs in the eighth inning Thursday night. But they got two days off to clear their heads and rest their right arms. It worked. Durbin allowed one run in two solid innings, and when the tying run came to the plate in the eighth, Madson fanned Alfonso Soriano to preserve the lead for virtually automatic closer Brad Lidge in the ninth. "We know what we've done this year to get to this point," said Durbin, who has a 2.25 ERA in a career-high 58 appearances. "We realize there's 25 games left, and it's important. We gain momentum each time out." --LF Pat Burrell went 3-for-18 with six strikeouts in four games against the Cubs, and in his last seven games, he is 4-for-34 (.118) with 12 strikeouts. "Pat's not swinging good right now," manager Charlie Manuel said. "If I think a day off might help him, I'll definitely do that. But Pat's been there for us all year. We definitely count on him."
--OF Matt Stairs, a proud Canadian, always dreamed of winning a World Series -- or was it a Stanley Cup? -- and riding in a parade down Yonge Street in Toronto. But he'll settle for Broad Street. Stairs joined the Phillies on Saturday after being acquired from the Blue Jays for a minor leaguer to be named. Stairs, a 16-year veteran, satisfies the Phillies' need for another left-handed hitter in the aftermath of RF Geoff Jenkins' right hip flexor strain. The Phillies are responsible for the balance of Stairs' $2.25 million salary and $1 million in 2009. GM Pat Gillick said the Jays won't receive the minor leaguer, possibly LHP Fabio Castro, until after the World Series. "It's tough leaving Toronto, but when they told me I was going to Philly, I was like, 'Nice,'" Stairs said. "It's a team in the hunt, in a park I enjoy playing in. There's an opportunity to win, and whatever my role is, it's fine." Stairs, 40, is a .266 career hitter with 252 home runs for 10 organizations. He's 70-for-251 (.279) with 12 homers and 59 RBIs as a pinch-hitter, and he'll give manager Charlie Manuel a second left-handed option after Greg Dobbs.
BY THE NUMBERS: 2 -- Players in the last 15 seasons to go 4-for-4 after entering a game as a pinch-hitter. Chris Coste achieved the feat in last Tuesday night's 13-inning win, joining the Angels' Shawn Wooten in 2002.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "The biggest thing, being Canadian, would've been partying down Yonge Street (in Toronto). But I'll find a new street in Philadelphia and party down there. Maybe I'll look for (Rocky) Balboa and hang out there." -- OF Matt Stairs, on attempting to make the playoffs with the Phillies after being traded Saturday.
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