Take 2 and I’ll see you in October!

My Fellow Phans,

For the second straight season, Roy Halladay stepped to the mound with a chance to put the Phillies into the postseason, and for a second straight year, he did not fail at his mission.

Just like in 2010, when the good doctor delivered a shutout of the Nationals to clinch the NL East and a playoff berth for the Phillies, Halladay again showed his mastery and propelled the defending NL East champs back into the postseason.

The Phillies scored early, but unfortunately not often, against the Astros yesterday. A first inning double by Shane Victorino followed by a first inning single off of the bat of Placido Polanco plated the Phillies an 1-0 lead. A lead that Halladay would not relinquish.

Halladay, who won his 18th game of the season, scattered 6 hits in a complete game shutout. He allowed just one walk and really only had one tough inning when the Astros loaded the bases with 0 outs in the bottom of the 2nd before wriggling out of trouble.

The win puts the Phillies back in the postseason for a 5th straight season and edges them ever closer to a division title as well as home field in the NL. Those magic numbers sit at 4 and 5 respectively. It also avoided the Phillies first 3 game sweep of the season.

The Phillies open up a 10 game-8 day home stand with the Marlins riding into town for a double header starting today.

Until we meet again Phillies fans; happy readings and go Phillies!