Friday, August 21, 2009

Phillies Recap: Phillies-12, Diamondbacks-3

Game Recap:

The Phillies pounded out 12 hits, including three home runs, to back Joe Blanton's eight innings and complete their first sweep of Arizona since 1998.

What went right?

Jimmy Rollins was 2-4 with a run scored.

Shane Victorino went 1-5 with a run scored and an RBI.

Chase Utley went 1-3 with an RBI and a run scored.

Ryan Howard was 2-4 with a three run home run, three runs scored and four RBI.

Jayson Werth was 2-4 with a home run, two RBI and scored twice.

Ben Francisco went 1-5 with two RBI.

Carlos Ruiz was 1-2 with two runs scored and a home run.

Joe Blanton pitched eight innings and allowed three runs on ten hits. He didn't walk a batter, struck out four and went 2-4 at the plate with an RBI and a run scored.

What went wrong?

Pedro Feliz was 0-5.

Game Analysis:

There isn't much to say right now. The Phillies are one of, if not the, hottest team in baseball, and their easy sweep of Arizona certainly showed that. Ryan Howard has gotten his power swing back, and Jayson Werth is as good as anyone else on the team right now. For anyone doubting Werth's All Star credentials, he's showing them to you right now. Jimmy Rollins continues to get better, as his average is creeping towards the .250 mark. Shane Victorino is still doing his thing, and as long as those two keep getting on base, the Phillies are going to be in every game.

The pitching was great during this series, too. The Phillies only allowed five runs and didn't walk a single batter. With Cliff Lee looking every bit like the 2008 American League Cy Young winner, and J.A. Happ and Joe Blanton putting up good numbers, this team is walking tall right now. I'm still waiting for Raul Ibanez and Cole Hamels to snap out of their little streaks, but I'm sure it can happen soon.

Tonight, the Phillies head to New York to take on the Mets for four games. While this series doesn't have the same weight that most thought it would, it's a great chance for the Phils to completely bury the Mets and end their season. I mean, they've already got enough problems...the Phillies might as well just finish the job, right? Cole Hamels (7-7, 4.69 ERA) will take on Mike Pelfrey (8-8, 4.75 ERA).

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