Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Phillies Recap: Reds-4, Phillies-3

Game Recap:
The Phillies started strong, but couldn't get enough runs across the plate when they needed to, dropping the second game of their series to the Reds.

What went right?

Chase Utley was 3-5 with an RBI.

Ryan Howard went 1-3 with his first home run since June 20.

Jayson Werth was 1-3, and followed Howard's home run with one of his own.

J.A. Happ pitched seven strong innings, allowing three runs on six hits. He struck out a career high seven, and walked none.

What went wrong?

Brad Lidge took the loss, allowing a run in the top of the ninth on two hits and a walk.

The Phillies left 12 men on base.

Game Analysis:

You had to figure a game like this would follow a 22 run game. With all the hits that the Phillies got Monday night, all they would have needed last night was one or two more, and this game would have been a win as well. Instead, the Phils couldn't get the clutch hits when they needed to, and dropped a game they could have won.

It looked like it was going to be more of the same in this game, as Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth went back to back in the second inning, and then the Phils loaded the bases with no one out in the third. However, after Chase Utley drove home Jimmy Rollins, the Phillies couldn't manage to get another run across the plate. They left a total of 12 men on base for the game, and had one runner thrown out at the plate, when John Mayberry was nailed in the bottom of the eighth inning. It wasn't the best game for the Phillies, but hopefully they can avoid the same problems they had after their 20 run showing against the Cardinals last year. The All Star break is almost here, so let's see if the Phillies can close out the first half on a good note.

Tonight, Rodrigo Lopez (1-0, 2.84 ERA), looks to pick up where he left off last weekend as he faces Homer Bailey (1-0, 5.94 ERA). Go Phils!

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