Game Recap:
The Phillies fell again to Florida, but thanks to Milwaukee's win over St. Louis, they still clinched home field for the first round of the National League playoffs.
What went right?
Ryan Howard went 1-4 with a solo home run. He also scored twice.
Jayson Werth was 2-4 with a two run home run.
The bullpen was solid again, allowing just three hits and a run in six innings of work.
What went wrong?
Once again, I'm not going to go through all of the players, but the Phillies only managed three other hits, aside from Howard and Werth.
Cole Hamels didn't pitch very long, but still allowed three runs on three hits in three innings of work. He walked two and struck out two.
Game Analysis:
Another day, another average looking game for the Phillies. Thankfully, it didn't matter that much, as the Cardinals fell to the Brewers, giving the Phils home field for at least the NLDS. Since the Dodgers beat the Rockies late last night, the matchup is now set, and Colorado will be coming to Philadelphia for a rematch of the 2007 NLDS.
There isn't much else that can be said about Ryan Howard right now. Even in meaningless games, the big man is still playing, and playing well. He launched another home run yesterday, giving him 45 longballs and 141 RBI on the season. If not for a certain first baseman in St. Louis, there would be a lot of talk for Howard getting another MVP award this year. The boy can flat out hit, and kills pitchers as the season goes on. It's good to see him hot now, because the Phils are going to need his bat in the playoffs.
Cole didn't get much work in yesterday, but the job he did wasn't that great. The Marlins jumped on him early, and after word came out that the Cardinals had lost, he was lifted from the game, since the Phillies don't need any more injuries from the pitching staff right now. Of course, he had finally settled down by the end of the third inning, but I'd rather see the Phillies be careful right now, rather than risk yet another injury. The bullpen did a fine job anyway, only giving up three hits and a run in six innings. That was very nice to see, as most of the guys that were out there yesterday are probably going to be pitching against the Rockies next week.
It was another meaningless game, and the Phils played like it again. Luckily, the Cardinals lost, which set the tone for the entire game. It would be nice to see the Phillies close the season with a win, just to get a little momentum back going into the playoffs, but I'll take whatever they give me right now.
In about an hour, J.A. Happ (12-4, 2.85 ERA) will go for his 13th win of the season against Josh Johnson (15-5, 3.08 ERA). It's the last game of the regular season, so it should be entertaining at least. Go Phils!
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