Game Recap:
Jayson Werth's grand slam provided all the runs the Phillies needed tonight, as Joe Blanton pitched six scoreless innings to move the magic number to 11.
What went right?
Chase Utley went 1-3, scored two runs and stole two bases, included a steal of home in the first inning.
Ryan Howard was 1-3 and scored a run.
Raul Ibanez was 1-1 with three walks and scored twice.
Jayson Werth went 2-4 with a grand slam in the seventh inning.
Joe Blanton pitched six scoreless innings, giving up five hits. He walked four and struck out seven.
What went wrong?
Shane Victorino was 0-4.
Pedro Feliz was 0-4.
Chan Ho Park left the game with a strained hamstring.
Tyler Walker allowed the first run that the Phillies gave up in 26.2 innings in the ninth inning...but I'm just nitpicking.
Game Analysis:
How good is the starting pitching for the Phillies right now? Even though Joe Blanton only lasted six innings, he continued the scoreless streak that the starting pitchers have going right now. He pitched himself into a few situations, but then managed to pitch out of them, and that's the sign of a very good pitcher. I don't care how many times runners get on base, as long as you can keep them from scoring, and that's what happened tonight.
The Phils couldn't get much going on offense, with Chase Utley's steal of home providing the first run, and Raul Ibanez getting home on an error by Ian Desmond. Then, Jayson Werth broke the game open in the seventh inning with a grand slam that pretty much put the game out of reach. Werth has been one of the hottest players for the Phillies of late, and that's a good thing. With Ibanez getting better again, and Werth having an outside chance of hitting 40 home runs this year, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley have some great protection in the lineup.
Of course, not all went well tonight. Chan Ho Park strained his hamstring at the end of the seventh inning, forcing him to leave the game. A hamstring injury is nothing to mess around with, so I wouldn't expect Park to be pitching for at least a week, but that's just me. I could also get on Tyler Walker for ending the Phillies' scoreless streak at 26.2 innings, but I won't do that. I'm just happy that the Phillies keep winning right now. There's only one more game this year against Washington and after that, the going gets tougher, so I'm hoping this hot play carries over against the Braves and Marlins this weekend.
Tomorrow, Cole Hamels (9-9, 4.21 ERA) goes against Ross Detwiler (0-5, 6.17 ERA).
No comments:
Post a Comment