VOA标准英语2010年-Phillies Aim Higher After Winning Divi

Philadelphia has some of the most passionate¹ sports fans in the United States. They love all their professional teams and give them great support. And during the past decade all have been in contention² for championships.

Great support and spirit

Though they have not yet won a league title, the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles have been division champions four times in the past 10 years and have made it to one Super Bowl. Since 2000, the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers have played in the Conference Finals four times and lost last season's Stanley Cup to the Chicago Blackhawks. The NBA's Philadelphia 76ers have made the playoffs seven of the last 10 seasons, reaching the NBA finals one time.

But baseball's Philadelphia Phillies have recently won their sport's ultimate prize, the World Series, capturing the title in 2008. They also made it back to the World Series last year, where they lost to the New York Yankees.

After shutting out the host Washington Nationals Monday Night, 8-0, the Phillies clinched³ their fourth consecutive⁴ National League East Division title.

Significant achievement

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel believes it is a significant achievement.

"(Winning the division) says a whole lot. This says we are definitely coming into a place where people should think we're winners," Manuel said. "That is what we are trying to establish and tried to establish for a long time. It says a whole lot about (the team)."

The Phillies also clinched the league's best record with their 94th victory, guaranteeing they will have home-field advantage throughout the post-season.

Philadelphia had started this season strong but injuries and inconsistent offense⁵ saw production and wins decline. The team rebounded⁶ and has been one of the best in baseball over the past two months.

Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino says it is a good time to get on a hot streak⁷.

"Some would say, well, we turned the switch on in September," said Victorino. "Well it is not that easy. We are not that kind of team. We want to do great from the beginning but you know it is one of those things that when September comes we just play well and it is one of those things that we are able to get it done."

Exciting moment

The playoff clinching⁸ win was especially exciting for bench player Mike Sweeney, who in 15 previous seasons with other teams had never before made it to the post-season.

"This is awesome⁹. Too many Octobers I have spent fishing up in the mountains and fly-fishing out in Montana," Sweeney said. "To get a chance to play some baseball in October, as much as I love fishing, is going to be way better."

The Phillies will try to become the first National League team to play in three consecutive World Series since the 1942-44 St. Louis Cardinals¹⁰, who won twice.

Right fielder Jayson Werth believes the team is up for the challenge.

"We had a chance to have the best record in baseball, best record in the National League, probably one of the best teams we have had over the last four years. We are right where we need to be," said Werth.

Post-season campaign

The next step toward cementing their status as one of the best teams in National League history begins October 6th when the Philadelphia Phillies start their post-season campaign against a team still to be determined¹¹.
 

1 passionate   

adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的

参考例句：

• He is said to be the most passionate man.据说他是最有激情的人。
• He is very passionate about the project.他对那个项目非常热心。

2 contention   

n.争论，争辩，论战；论点，主张

参考例句：

• The pay increase is the key point of contention. 加薪是争论的焦点。
• The real bone of contention,as you know,is money.你知道，争论的真正焦点是钱的问题。

3 clinched   

v.（尤指两人）互相紧紧抱[扭]住( clinch的过去式和过去分词 )；解决（争端、交易），达成（协议）

参考例句：

• The two businessmen clinched the deal quickly. 两位生意人很快达成了协议。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Evidently this information clinched the matter. 显然，这一消息使问题得以最终解决。 来自辞典例句

4 consecutive   

adj.连续的，联贯的，始终一贯的

参考例句：

• It has rained for four consecutive days.已连续下了四天雨。
• The policy of our Party is consecutive.我党的政策始终如一。

5 offense   

n.犯规，违法行为；冒犯，得罪

参考例句：

• I hope you will not take any offense at my words. 对我讲的话请别见怪。
• His words gave great offense to everybody present.他的发言冲犯了在场的所有人。

6 rebounded   

弹回( rebound的过去式和过去分词 )； 反弹； 产生反作用； 未能奏效

参考例句：

• The ball rebounded from the goalpost and Owen headed it in. 球从门柱弹回，欧文头球将球攻进。
• The ball rebounded from his racket into the net. 球从他的球拍上弹回网中。

7 streak   

n.条理，斑纹，倾向，少许，痕迹；v.加条纹，变成条纹，奔驰，快速移动

参考例句：

• The Indians used to streak their faces with paint.印第安人过去常用颜料在脸上涂条纹。
• Why did you streak the tree?你为什么在树上刻条纹？

8 clinching   

v.（尤指两人）互相紧紧抱[扭]住( clinch的现在分词 )；解决（争端、交易），达成（协议）

参考例句：

• Joe gets clinching evidence of the brains role when he dreams. 乔做梦时得到了大脑发生作用的决定性依据。 来自辞典例句
• Clinching, wrestling, pushing, or seizing, without attempting a throw or other technique. 抱，扭摔，推或抓而没有摔或其它的技术。 来自互联网

9 awesome   

adj.令人惊叹的，难得吓人的，很好的

参考例句：

• The church in Ireland has always exercised an awesome power.爱尔兰的教堂一直掌握着令人敬畏的权力。
• That new white convertible is totally awesome.那辆新的白色折篷汽车简直棒极了.

10 cardinals   

红衣主教( cardinal的名词复数 )； 红衣凤头鸟（见于北美，雄鸟为鲜红色）； 基数

参考例句：

• cardinals in scarlet robes 身披红袍的枢机主教
• A conclave of cardinals was held to elect the new Pope. 红衣主教团举行了秘密会议来选举新教皇。

11 determined   

adj.坚定的；有决心的

参考例句：

• I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
• He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。