Just back from the Granite Run mall where several important items were purchased for today's game.

Jake Spencer is now sporting a blue Phillies T-shirt with Ryan Howard's name and number 6 on the back, and a red, non-adjustable (6 7/8ths) fitted Phillies cap.

Given the choice between the $14.95 T and the $79.95 Rollins game jersey, Jake went with the T -- bless his heart.

At Jake's urging, his father now has the same T, though an XL, and red Phillies (soft, adjustable) cap.

A red Chase Utley T was procured for Jake's stepmom. (Jamie Moyer's wife was reportedly giving them away outside the park after his 4-strikeout performance yesterday.)

At 22, Jake Spencer has never experienced a Philadelphia sports team winning a championship.

He was 8 years old the last time the Phillies were in a World Series (1993) but, having Down syndrome, he really didn't start getting the championship sports thing until he was a teenager.

He gets it now, and there is no bigger or more loyal Eagles, Phillies or Sixers fan.

He sticks up even for the most frustrating and obnoxious Philly sports pro, from Ricky Waters to Terrell Owens to Allen Iverson to Brett Myers.

In fact after buying his Phillies stuff, we shot across Route 1 to the Riddle Hospital Thrift Shop, where Jake picked up a Terrell Owens Eagles Jersey for $3. (How good would Owens look in an Eagles uniform today?)

If the Phillies don't win today or this weekend, there will be an blue XL Ryan Howard T for sale the Riddle Thrift Shop Monday afternoon.

No matter what, Jake (no fair weather fan he) will be hanging on to his.