Game Recap:
Despite getting eight innings from Joe Blanton, and homers by Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez, the Phillies were beaten by Javier Vazquez and the Braves.
What went right?
Chase Utley went 2-4 with his team leading tenth home run of the season.
Raul Ibanez went 1-3 with his ninth homer of the season.
Joe Blanton last eight innings, giving the bullpen a much needed rest, but...
What went wrong?
He wasn't exactly great while he was in there. Blanton gave up six runs, eight hits and two home runs in his eight innings.
Aside from Utley and Ibanez, the rest of the team managed just two hits.
The Phillies struck out eight times and didn't walk once.
Game Analysis:
You hate to lose games like this, but they do happen. Even though Joe Blanton managed to pitch eight innings for the first time this season, he didn't do it the Cy Young way. Instead, he was unable to avoid the big inning, twice giving up two or more runs in one inning, the first of which came after allowing Javier Vazquez, the opposing pitcher, to hit a double. Letting the pitcher get on base in any situation, especially one that results in a home run by the very next batter, is never good. Instead of just a double by Kelly Johnson, it was a two run home run by Yunel Escobar that did the damage. By the time the fifth inning was over, a 1-1 game had become a 4-1 Atlanta lead, and the Braves didn't look back.
The offense also struggled today. Yes, Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez each hit homers, but that was it for the batting order today. Jayson Werth and Chris Coste had the only other hits for the Phils, who just couldn't get anything going today against Vazquez. It figures that when Joe Blanton finally lasts into the eighth inning, the Phillies can't back him up with runs. I'm not saying this is game that the Phillies could have won, but with a few breaks, a little timely hitting and a couple better pitches, it could have at least been a little bit closer. Now, we have to look up at the Mets in the standings, and I just don't like doing that, no matter how much fun it is to watch them fall in September.
Tomorrow, Brett Myers (2-2, 5.35 ERA) goes to the mound for the Phils as they try and win the series. Atlanta will be sending Kenshin Kawakami (1-4, 6.41 ERA) up for them. Atlanta's Japanese import hasn't been very good so far, and the Phils need to take this series, so here's hoping for the best.
Remember, the game starts at 12:35 tomorrow afternoon, so watch the game and spend some time with your mom tomorrow. My first Phillies game was Mother's Day back in 1993. My brother got tackled by a guy going for a foul ball. He was six. Good times.
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