I would just like to start this article by saying, “Wow!”

The Blue Jays completed a three game sweep of the defending World Series champion Phillies, in their home ballpark at Citizens Bank Park.

With a rotation absolutely decimated by injury, the Jays sent rookie Brad Mills to the mound to make his Major League debut against the tough offense of Philadelphia.

Luckily for the Jays, the Phillies were without Raul Ibanez, one of their season’s most offensive productive players, who the Phillies placed on the 15 day disabled list, with a strained left groin.

With Roy Halladay, Scott Downs, and Casey Janssen being placed on the disabled list for the Jays yesterday, the Jays chances at a sweep of the Phillies didn’t look too good.

Brad Mills faced Phillies right-hander Joe Blanton, who has been very successful against the Jays in the past.

The game itself was a back and forth affair. It kept the fans in their seats, and the excitement in the air.

Mills did not fare well in his Major League debut, lasting only 3.2 innings. Mills ended his day giving up 6H, 4ER, 4BB.

It was up to a stellar Jays’ bullpen to take over the reigns, and guide us to the win.

The Jays ended up on the winning end with an 8-7 victory.

Jason “The Dove Man” Frasor blew his first save opportunity (second of the season) as the new closer, but ended up with the win. Recent Jays call up Jeremy Accardo (remember him) finished off the game for the save.

Former closer B.J Ryan received the yank from Cito Gaston in the bottom of the 9th inning after walking Chase Utley, and striking out Ryan Howard.

Ryan looked dejected as he walked off the mound blabbering to himself.

In this writer’s opinion Ryan has not earned his chance to close out games yet, and should not show that kind of disrespect towards moves made by his manager Gaston. We shall see what the future holds for Ryan with his 85mph fastball, and $12,000,000 annual salary.

Scott Rolen was huge for the Jays against Philly.

Scott Rolen showed the Philadelphia Phillies fans that the boo jobs he was receiving from his former team had no effect whatsoever.

Rolen, who Gaston placed in the clean up hitters spot at the beginning of this series, contributed yet again, with stellar defense and a potent offensive bat. Rolen finished the day 2-5 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored, but his hustle, especially on a 7th inning hit to right which he legged into a double, proved why he is one of the fan favourites in Toronto.

Rolen finished the series with a hitting line of .429, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 runs scored, against the club where he made his name.

Marco Scutaro, Adam Lind, and Raul Chavez were also huge for the Jays.

Make this man an All Star!

Scutaro finished the day 2 for 3, scored twice, and drew three base on balls.

In one of the more impressive plays of the season, Scutaro took the Philadelphia defense by surprise. After drawing a base on balls from starter Joe Blanton, Scutaro rounded first base, and took off for second base, while the Phillies defense took a snooze. Scutaro made it to second safely, as an embarrassing Phillies defense looked on.

Yet again, Adam Lind was a major contributor with a 3 for 4 afternoon, with 2 RBI, 2 runs scored, and topped it all off with a big first pitch home run in the sixth inning.

The big surprise of the day was Raul Chavez, who belted a two run home run off Blanton in the 2nd inning. Chavez also contributed defensively by making a great throw to catch Jimmy Rollins, who attempted to steal third in the first inning. Chavez also tossed out Shane Victorino, who attempted to steal second base in the 8th inning.

Rod Barajas was the hero of the day. Barajas launched a 9th inning, 0-2 pitch over the wall in deep centre off Phillies temporary closer Ryan Madson, for the game winning run. It was retribution for Barajas as he (like Rolen) showed that the negative crowd response from his former club had no effect on him.

What an exciting win for the Jays, one of the most exciting all around games this writer has seen all season to be honest. Way to go boys!

The sweep of the Phillies is complete, as the Jays head into Washington to take on the lowly Nationals, who looked impressive against the New York Yankees in their current series.

Tomorrows match up features the lankiest pitcher alive, in Brian Tallet for Toronto against the Nationals John Lannan.

This writer envisions another sweep, which could create a six game winning streak going into a home series against Cincinnati, beginning next Tuesday June 23rd.

Let’s go Blue Jays!