Game Recap:
Jimmy Rollins finished a double short of the cycle, and Joe Blanton allowed just two runs as the Phillies won their second straight game against the Giants and increased their lead to two games in the Wild Card race.
What went right?
Jimmy Rollins was 3-5 with two stolen bases, two runs scored and a three run home run. He finished a double short of hitting for the cycle.
Chase Utley was 2-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
Raul Ibanez went 1-3 with a walk, a run scored and an RBI.
Jayson Werth went 2-4 with a run scored and an RBI.
Carlos Ruiz continued to be amazing, going 2-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
Domonic Brown pinch hit in the eighth inning, and made it worth it, hitting his second major league home run.
Joe Blanton picked up his fifth win of the season, allowing two runs on eight hits in six and a third innings. He didn't walk a batter and struck out seven.
The bullpen was excellent again, not allowing a singe runner to reach base for their entire time in the game.
What went wrong?
Placido Polanco was 0-4.
Ross Gload reached base once, but was still 0-4, thanks to an error.
Game Analysis:
Two big games in a row, and two straight blowout wins for the Phillies. With their win last night, the Phils have won 20 of their last 25 games, and while the Braves are still holding pace in the National League East, the Phillies now have a two game lead in the Wild Card standings.
For the second straight game, the Phils took advantage of the San Francisco pitching. The Giants have had one of the best pitching staffs in the National League this year, but against the Phillies so far in this series, they've allowed 17 runs, and the Phillies look like the two time National League champions against them. The starting pitching has been excellent so far in this series as well. Last night, it was Joe Blanton playing, well, Joe Blanton. He allowed a first inning run once again on a home run by Andres Torres, but settled down after that, retiring the Giants in order in three of the next five innings while only surrendering one more run on a Pat Burrell home run. After a rough start his last time out, Blanton looked much better last night against the Giants. He had good location with his pitches, and didn't walk a single batter. Plus, he avoided the big inning that has given him fits this season, and he got out of the first inning with only one run scored against him. Honestly, that's progress considering how he's pitched this year.
One thing that hasn't needed any help over the last two games has been the offense. In the two games played so far against the Giants, the Phils have taken Barry Zito and Matt Cain, two pitchers with ERAs right around or under 3.50 and knocked them out of the game before they knew what was happening. Zito only lasted five innings two nights ago, and Cain made it six innings last night, allowing five runs in those innings. Then, for the second night in a row, the San Francisco bullpen imploded. Jeremy Affeldt gave up two runs on a triple to Raul Ibanez and a double by Jayson Werth, and Domonic Brown finished things off in the eighth inning with a monster home run that capped the scoring. It was another great night for the offense, who got production from almost every spot in the lineup. Jimmy Rollins was excellent, stealing two bases in the first inning and then picking up three hits, including a three run home run in the fifth inning that took the game from a tight 2-1 score to a much nicer 5-1 lead. That makes four straight games for Jimmy with a hit, and he's actually outscored the Giants so far in this series, having driven in six runs by himself in the two games.
The offense has had it's share of problems this year, but as the season starts to wind down, things look like they're coming together. Chase Utley is back in the lineup, and Ryan Howard should be joining him soon. Everyone else is hitting much better, and Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez have put their slow play from parts of the season well back in the rear view mirror. Right now, the Phillies might be the hottest team in baseball, and with three of the better starting pitchers in the National League in their rotation as well, it's going to be fun to actually see this team at 100% for the first time all season when Howard gets back. They're hot at the right time, they're getting better at the right time, and now, they have a two game lead in the Wild Card with a chance to make it three with a sweep tonight.
Cole Hamels (7-9, 3.33 ERA) pitches tonight for the Phils. He'll be facing Jonathan Sanchez (8-8, 3.60 ERA). Hopefully, the Phillies can give him a few runs tonight.
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