Game Recap:
After getting six solid innings from Brett Myers, the Philadelphia bullpen blew a 2-1 lead, losing to the Braves 4-2.
What went right?
Despite getting into trouble in the first inning, Brett Myers pitched the best six innings he's pitched all season, allowing just one run and striking out three.
Ryan Howard went 2-4 with two doubles and scored twice.
Matt Stairs went 2-2 in place of Jayson Werth, and drove in the go ahead run in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Pedro Feliz went 1-4 with the other RBI on the day.
What went wrong?
After Brett Myers left, the usually dependable bullpen choked. Jack Taschner allowed a two run single to Casey Kotchman in the top of the seventh inning, and Brad Lidge gave up a Kotchman double in the ninth inning to finish the scoring.
Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino and Chase Utley went a combined 0-13 with three strikeouts on the day.
The Phillies left nine men on base.
Game Analysis:
Sorry for the delay in posting this, I was down in South Jersey for Mother's Day, and work has been kicking my ass, so it's just going up now. The Phils had an off day today, anyway, so it's all good.
This was a game the Phillies should have had in the bag. Brett Myers looked good on the mound for really the first time all season, despite getting into trouble in the first inning. After that, he managed another five strong frames, and the Phils even gave him the lead after he left the game, putting him in position for the win. It wasn't to be, though. Jack Taschner, who is usually better than he was on Sunday, got into trouble, and wasn't able to get out until Casey Kotchman gave the Braves the lead back. After that, the Phillies were held in check on offense, and Brad Lidge came in and gave up another run in a non save situation to put the game a little more out of reach.
Games like this one hurt, though they're to be expected at points during the season. After all, the bullpen has been nothing but a strength for the first month of the season, so it's bound to have a few let downs along the way. I just wish they wouldn't come against division rivals while the Phils are battling for first place. It's never good to lose a series, but to lose one like this to the Braves hurts even worse. The offense didn't help matters, as they made Kenshin Kawakami, who has been struggling this season, look like an All Star out there for seven innings. The fact that they only managed to get six hits and two runs off a guy who had been shelled in just about every game he's pitched in this year is insane, especially when you look at how well the Phils can do on offense.
Yes, it's only the 29th game of the season, and yes, it's still early May, but right now the Phillies don't look like the same team that won the World Series last year. I don't know what it is, but there's something missing. Maybe it's the swagger of knowing J.C. Romero was waiting out in the bullpen for a situation just like this one, or feeling like Jimmy Rollins would come up with a clutch base hit to drive in a run, or a stolen base to get into scoring position, but it's not there right now. Just when it seems like the starting pitching is starting to get into place, the offense vanishes, and the bullpen starts giving up games. The Phils have got to get a balance here, or they could be looking up at a few teams come the middle of the season.
Like I said earlier, the Phillies had an off day today, and tomorrow they welcome the Manny-less Dodgers into town. Chan Ho Park (0-1, 6.67 ERA) will hope his solid start last time out wasn't a fluke as he goes against Clayton Kershaw (1-2, 4.91 ERA). This will be a good test to see where the Phils are, because a loss in this series drops them to .500, or worse.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Phillies Recap: Braves-6, Phillies-2
Game Recap:
Despite getting eight innings from Joe Blanton, and homers by Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez, the Phillies were beaten by Javier Vazquez and the Braves.
What went right?
Chase Utley went 2-4 with his team leading tenth home run of the season.
Raul Ibanez went 1-3 with his ninth homer of the season.
Joe Blanton last eight innings, giving the bullpen a much needed rest, but...
What went wrong?
He wasn't exactly great while he was in there. Blanton gave up six runs, eight hits and two home runs in his eight innings.
Aside from Utley and Ibanez, the rest of the team managed just two hits.
The Phillies struck out eight times and didn't walk once.
Game Analysis:
You hate to lose games like this, but they do happen. Even though Joe Blanton managed to pitch eight innings for the first time this season, he didn't do it the Cy Young way. Instead, he was unable to avoid the big inning, twice giving up two or more runs in one inning, the first of which came after allowing Javier Vazquez, the opposing pitcher, to hit a double. Letting the pitcher get on base in any situation, especially one that results in a home run by the very next batter, is never good. Instead of just a double by Kelly Johnson, it was a two run home run by Yunel Escobar that did the damage. By the time the fifth inning was over, a 1-1 game had become a 4-1 Atlanta lead, and the Braves didn't look back.
The offense also struggled today. Yes, Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez each hit homers, but that was it for the batting order today. Jayson Werth and Chris Coste had the only other hits for the Phils, who just couldn't get anything going today against Vazquez. It figures that when Joe Blanton finally lasts into the eighth inning, the Phillies can't back him up with runs. I'm not saying this is game that the Phillies could have won, but with a few breaks, a little timely hitting and a couple better pitches, it could have at least been a little bit closer. Now, we have to look up at the Mets in the standings, and I just don't like doing that, no matter how much fun it is to watch them fall in September.
Tomorrow, Brett Myers (2-2, 5.35 ERA) goes to the mound for the Phils as they try and win the series. Atlanta will be sending Kenshin Kawakami (1-4, 6.41 ERA) up for them. Atlanta's Japanese import hasn't been very good so far, and the Phils need to take this series, so here's hoping for the best.
Remember, the game starts at 12:35 tomorrow afternoon, so watch the game and spend some time with your mom tomorrow. My first Phillies game was Mother's Day back in 1993. My brother got tackled by a guy going for a foul ball. He was six. Good times.
Despite getting eight innings from Joe Blanton, and homers by Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez, the Phillies were beaten by Javier Vazquez and the Braves.
What went right?
Chase Utley went 2-4 with his team leading tenth home run of the season.
Raul Ibanez went 1-3 with his ninth homer of the season.
Joe Blanton last eight innings, giving the bullpen a much needed rest, but...
What went wrong?
He wasn't exactly great while he was in there. Blanton gave up six runs, eight hits and two home runs in his eight innings.
Aside from Utley and Ibanez, the rest of the team managed just two hits.
The Phillies struck out eight times and didn't walk once.
Game Analysis:
You hate to lose games like this, but they do happen. Even though Joe Blanton managed to pitch eight innings for the first time this season, he didn't do it the Cy Young way. Instead, he was unable to avoid the big inning, twice giving up two or more runs in one inning, the first of which came after allowing Javier Vazquez, the opposing pitcher, to hit a double. Letting the pitcher get on base in any situation, especially one that results in a home run by the very next batter, is never good. Instead of just a double by Kelly Johnson, it was a two run home run by Yunel Escobar that did the damage. By the time the fifth inning was over, a 1-1 game had become a 4-1 Atlanta lead, and the Braves didn't look back.
The offense also struggled today. Yes, Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez each hit homers, but that was it for the batting order today. Jayson Werth and Chris Coste had the only other hits for the Phils, who just couldn't get anything going today against Vazquez. It figures that when Joe Blanton finally lasts into the eighth inning, the Phillies can't back him up with runs. I'm not saying this is game that the Phillies could have won, but with a few breaks, a little timely hitting and a couple better pitches, it could have at least been a little bit closer. Now, we have to look up at the Mets in the standings, and I just don't like doing that, no matter how much fun it is to watch them fall in September.
Tomorrow, Brett Myers (2-2, 5.35 ERA) goes to the mound for the Phils as they try and win the series. Atlanta will be sending Kenshin Kawakami (1-4, 6.41 ERA) up for them. Atlanta's Japanese import hasn't been very good so far, and the Phils need to take this series, so here's hoping for the best.
Remember, the game starts at 12:35 tomorrow afternoon, so watch the game and spend some time with your mom tomorrow. My first Phillies game was Mother's Day back in 1993. My brother got tackled by a guy going for a foul ball. He was six. Good times.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Phillies Recap: Phillies-10, Braves-6
Game Recap:
Thanks to six strong innings from Cole Hamels, and a powerful showing from several Phillies hitters, the Fightins got back on the winning side of things in their first game of a three game set against the Braves.
What went right?
Cole Hamels pitched, and didn't look like his recent string of bad luck had gotten to him one bit. Hamels went six innings, struck out seven, walked two and allowed just two runs. He also picked up his first win of the season.
Jayson Werth went 2-2, with a two run home run and three runs scored.
Chase Utley hit his ninth homer of the season to counteract strikeouts in each of his other three at bats.
Jimmy Rollins went 1-5 with a two run double in the second inning.
Chris Coste hit his first home run of the year to put the Phils ahead to stay.
What went wrong?
The bullpen looked shaky tonight. Clay Condrey gave up a solo home run to Omar Infante, and I don't even want to get into the ninth inning, where Brad Lidge gave up a three run bomb to Casey Kotchman before getting out of trouble.
Game Analysis:
Welcome back, Cole Hamels. That is the type of showing I would expect from a former World Series MVP, and it looks like Hollywood is starting to get back into that form. After looking sharp in each of his last two starts before having to leave early because of injuries, Hamels was able to pitch a great game and stay healthy tonight. He didn't allow a hit until the fourth inning, and his two walks came in his last inning of work. I would have liked to see him out there longer, but after his elbow problems in Spring Training, I also don't want to risk a major injury, especially with the way the rest of the rotation has been pitching.
Quite frankly, the Phillies need Cole Hamels to pitch like this almost every time he steps on the mound. Jamie Moyer doesn't look like he's got much left, and Chan Ho Park, Joe Blanton and Brett Myers haven't looked very good yet, either. The Phils need that anchor, that go to guy in the rotation. Hamels has to be that guy. He's getting paid ace money, now he needs to pitch like it. Tonight was an excellent step in the right direction, and hopefully he can pull a few of these starts together.
The offense was also great tonight. Even though Shane Victorino saw his hitting streak end, the rest of the batting order managed to bang out eight hits and eight RBI. The scoring got started early, thanks to four unearned runs in the second inning, then took off when Jayson Werth, Chris Coste and Chase Utley hit home runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings, respectively. That's the type of offensive performance I like to see. Seven position players had hits tonight, and six different batters drove in runs. Jo-Jo Reyes was rocked early and often, and when you can do that to an opposing team's starting pitcher, it usually means good things.
Then...the ninth inning showed up. Brad Lidge came out, and it should have been easy. It was anything but. I know it wasn't a save situation Brad, but you certainly almost made it one. I don't know what's going on with him so far this year, but I hope he can figure it out, because a closer with an ERA over 8.00 has got some issues to work out somewhere along the line. I know he's only blown one save, and anything would look bad compared to last season, but he just hasn't looked that sharp at all yet this year. So far, he's been the weak link in an otherwise very strong bullpen. You're the man, Brad, but you've got to step it up. We don't need you blowing saves in August. We're not the Mets.
Tomorrow, the Phils look to take their second game in a row against the Braves. Joe Blanton (1-2, 6.84 ERA) will go against Javier Vazquez (2-3, 4.19 ERA). Hopefully, the score looks like it did tonight.
Thanks to six strong innings from Cole Hamels, and a powerful showing from several Phillies hitters, the Fightins got back on the winning side of things in their first game of a three game set against the Braves.
What went right?
Cole Hamels pitched, and didn't look like his recent string of bad luck had gotten to him one bit. Hamels went six innings, struck out seven, walked two and allowed just two runs. He also picked up his first win of the season.
Jayson Werth went 2-2, with a two run home run and three runs scored.
Chase Utley hit his ninth homer of the season to counteract strikeouts in each of his other three at bats.
Jimmy Rollins went 1-5 with a two run double in the second inning.
Chris Coste hit his first home run of the year to put the Phils ahead to stay.
What went wrong?
The bullpen looked shaky tonight. Clay Condrey gave up a solo home run to Omar Infante, and I don't even want to get into the ninth inning, where Brad Lidge gave up a three run bomb to Casey Kotchman before getting out of trouble.
Game Analysis:
Welcome back, Cole Hamels. That is the type of showing I would expect from a former World Series MVP, and it looks like Hollywood is starting to get back into that form. After looking sharp in each of his last two starts before having to leave early because of injuries, Hamels was able to pitch a great game and stay healthy tonight. He didn't allow a hit until the fourth inning, and his two walks came in his last inning of work. I would have liked to see him out there longer, but after his elbow problems in Spring Training, I also don't want to risk a major injury, especially with the way the rest of the rotation has been pitching.
Quite frankly, the Phillies need Cole Hamels to pitch like this almost every time he steps on the mound. Jamie Moyer doesn't look like he's got much left, and Chan Ho Park, Joe Blanton and Brett Myers haven't looked very good yet, either. The Phils need that anchor, that go to guy in the rotation. Hamels has to be that guy. He's getting paid ace money, now he needs to pitch like it. Tonight was an excellent step in the right direction, and hopefully he can pull a few of these starts together.
The offense was also great tonight. Even though Shane Victorino saw his hitting streak end, the rest of the batting order managed to bang out eight hits and eight RBI. The scoring got started early, thanks to four unearned runs in the second inning, then took off when Jayson Werth, Chris Coste and Chase Utley hit home runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings, respectively. That's the type of offensive performance I like to see. Seven position players had hits tonight, and six different batters drove in runs. Jo-Jo Reyes was rocked early and often, and when you can do that to an opposing team's starting pitcher, it usually means good things.
Then...the ninth inning showed up. Brad Lidge came out, and it should have been easy. It was anything but. I know it wasn't a save situation Brad, but you certainly almost made it one. I don't know what's going on with him so far this year, but I hope he can figure it out, because a closer with an ERA over 8.00 has got some issues to work out somewhere along the line. I know he's only blown one save, and anything would look bad compared to last season, but he just hasn't looked that sharp at all yet this year. So far, he's been the weak link in an otherwise very strong bullpen. You're the man, Brad, but you've got to step it up. We don't need you blowing saves in August. We're not the Mets.
Tomorrow, the Phils look to take their second game in a row against the Braves. Joe Blanton (1-2, 6.84 ERA) will go against Javier Vazquez (2-3, 4.19 ERA). Hopefully, the score looks like it did tonight.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Danny Ozark: 1923-2009
Danny Ozark, the only man to lead the Phillies to 100 win seasons during the regular season, died today at the age of 85. Ozark achieved this mark in back to back seasons, as the Phils went 101-61 in 1976 and 1977. Considering how bad the Phillies were just four years before that, it's quite impressive.
While Ozark managed before my time, and despite the fact that he could never get past the NLCS, whether it was against the Reds or Dodgers, he was still obviously a good developer of talent. He was fired in 1979, and one year later the Phillies won their first World Series. Like I said, he was before my time, but I'd bet money on the fact that Ozark had something to do with getting players like Mike Schmidt, Larry Bowa, Garry Maddox, Bob Boone, Greg Luzinski and Bake McBride ready for the World Series stage. Three straight NLCS appearances has never been repeated in Philadelphia history, so Ozark certainly knew what he was doing. Though he could never catch on with another team for longer than a season as manager, he was clearly one of the best the Phillies ever had. His career record in Philadelphia was 594-510, giving him the third most wins in Phillies' history.
Ozark is survived by his wife, two children and three grandchildren. Say hi to Harry for us Danny.
While Ozark managed before my time, and despite the fact that he could never get past the NLCS, whether it was against the Reds or Dodgers, he was still obviously a good developer of talent. He was fired in 1979, and one year later the Phillies won their first World Series. Like I said, he was before my time, but I'd bet money on the fact that Ozark had something to do with getting players like Mike Schmidt, Larry Bowa, Garry Maddox, Bob Boone, Greg Luzinski and Bake McBride ready for the World Series stage. Three straight NLCS appearances has never been repeated in Philadelphia history, so Ozark certainly knew what he was doing. Though he could never catch on with another team for longer than a season as manager, he was clearly one of the best the Phillies ever had. His career record in Philadelphia was 594-510, giving him the third most wins in Phillies' history.
Ozark is survived by his wife, two children and three grandchildren. Say hi to Harry for us Danny.
Phillies Recap: Mets-7, Phillies-5
Game Recap:
Just as I said last night, the game was a shootout, with the Mets bashing Jamie Moyer around early to build a 7-1 lead. Despite the best efforts of New York's bullpen to give the game back to the Phillies, Francisco Rodriguez recorded his ninth save to hold down the win.
What went right?
Jayson Werth went 4-4 with a two run home run, a double and two RBI.
Ryan Howard drove home Jimmy Rollins to start the scoring, then added his sixth home run of the season in the sixth inning. He finished the game 2-4 with two RBI.
Shane Victorino extended his hitting streak to 16 games with a single.
The Phillies didn't strike out once during the game. Don't believe me? Check out the box score.
Once again, the bullpen was awesome, allowing just three hits and no runs as they allowed the Phillies to climb back into the game.
What went wrong?
Jamie Moyer's chance for his 250th Major League win went up in smoke early, as the 46 year old allowed home runs to David Wright, Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran, all my favorite Mets. He lasted just two and 1/3rd innings and allowed seven runs.
Chase Utley went 0-4, and was responsible for leaving two men on base, which was one of several missed chances tonight.
Carlos Ruiz went 0-3 and grounded into two double plays.
Game Analysis:
It's hard to come out the day after facing someone like Johan Santana and expect the bats to pick back up. They did for the Phillies, but it was too little, too late, especially with the way Jamie Moyer pitched tonight. Moyer is having a serious problem this year keeping the ball in the park, and the three homers he allowed tonight ties him with Brett Myers for the team lead with ten. That's not good enough for Myers, and it's certainly not good enough for Moyer. The Phils are going to need him to pitch much better than he is right now, because a 7.26 ERA and a 1.81 WHIP aren't going to get him back to the World Series any time soon.
Though Moyer didn't have his best stuff tonight, the Phillies cost themselves plenty of chances to add more runs to their tally. With two on in the first inning, the Phillies only pushed one run across, and the trend continued throughout the night. They may have only left five men on base, but I counted at least three times that a man was left on in scoring position. If two of those guys get driven in, the game might still be going on right now. If all three crossed the plate, the Phillies might have won. It also doesn't help that Carlos Ruiz decided to become the human double play machine tonight, grounding into two in his first two trips to the plate.
That being said, it's still early in the season, and the Phillies lost the season series to the Mets last year, and things turned out ok. They seriously need to get their starting pitching on track, because eventually their bullpen will need a rest, and they don't need J.A. Happ's arm to fall off in August. He's going to be necessary for a deep playoff run this year, especially if he keeps pitching like he is. I've still got the faith that the starters can turn it around, but it has to be soon. They can't be wasting this offense and this bullpen.
Tomorrow, the Phils return home to take on the Atlanta Braves. You might remember them from Opening Night, when they ruined our ceremony. Cole Hamels (0-2, 7.27 ERA) will be making the start against Jo-Jo Reyes (0-1, 5.00 ERA). Hopefully the Phils keep Hamels away from anything else that might hurt him, because I think we'd all like to see him last past the fifth inning tomorrow.
Just as I said last night, the game was a shootout, with the Mets bashing Jamie Moyer around early to build a 7-1 lead. Despite the best efforts of New York's bullpen to give the game back to the Phillies, Francisco Rodriguez recorded his ninth save to hold down the win.
What went right?
Jayson Werth went 4-4 with a two run home run, a double and two RBI.
Ryan Howard drove home Jimmy Rollins to start the scoring, then added his sixth home run of the season in the sixth inning. He finished the game 2-4 with two RBI.
Shane Victorino extended his hitting streak to 16 games with a single.
The Phillies didn't strike out once during the game. Don't believe me? Check out the box score.
Once again, the bullpen was awesome, allowing just three hits and no runs as they allowed the Phillies to climb back into the game.
What went wrong?
Jamie Moyer's chance for his 250th Major League win went up in smoke early, as the 46 year old allowed home runs to David Wright, Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran, all my favorite Mets. He lasted just two and 1/3rd innings and allowed seven runs.
Chase Utley went 0-4, and was responsible for leaving two men on base, which was one of several missed chances tonight.
Carlos Ruiz went 0-3 and grounded into two double plays.
Game Analysis:
It's hard to come out the day after facing someone like Johan Santana and expect the bats to pick back up. They did for the Phillies, but it was too little, too late, especially with the way Jamie Moyer pitched tonight. Moyer is having a serious problem this year keeping the ball in the park, and the three homers he allowed tonight ties him with Brett Myers for the team lead with ten. That's not good enough for Myers, and it's certainly not good enough for Moyer. The Phils are going to need him to pitch much better than he is right now, because a 7.26 ERA and a 1.81 WHIP aren't going to get him back to the World Series any time soon.
Though Moyer didn't have his best stuff tonight, the Phillies cost themselves plenty of chances to add more runs to their tally. With two on in the first inning, the Phillies only pushed one run across, and the trend continued throughout the night. They may have only left five men on base, but I counted at least three times that a man was left on in scoring position. If two of those guys get driven in, the game might still be going on right now. If all three crossed the plate, the Phillies might have won. It also doesn't help that Carlos Ruiz decided to become the human double play machine tonight, grounding into two in his first two trips to the plate.
That being said, it's still early in the season, and the Phillies lost the season series to the Mets last year, and things turned out ok. They seriously need to get their starting pitching on track, because eventually their bullpen will need a rest, and they don't need J.A. Happ's arm to fall off in August. He's going to be necessary for a deep playoff run this year, especially if he keeps pitching like he is. I've still got the faith that the starters can turn it around, but it has to be soon. They can't be wasting this offense and this bullpen.
Tomorrow, the Phils return home to take on the Atlanta Braves. You might remember them from Opening Night, when they ruined our ceremony. Cole Hamels (0-2, 7.27 ERA) will be making the start against Jo-Jo Reyes (0-1, 5.00 ERA). Hopefully the Phils keep Hamels away from anything else that might hurt him, because I think we'd all like to see him last past the fifth inning tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Phillies Recap: Mets-1, Phillies-0
Game Recap:
Johan Santana out dueled Chan Ho Park, striking out ten as the Mets managed to squeak a single run across for a 1-0 win against the Phillies.
What went right?
Chan Ho Park was terrific, going six innings without giving up a single run. He struck out six and walked just two, and got two walks at the plate himself.
Shane Victorino extended his hitting streak to a career high 15 games.
Honestly, that's about it.
What went wrong?
The Phillies were helpless against Santana, striking out ten times in seven innings and only recording three hits on the game.
Ryan Howard went 0-4 with three strikeouts.
Jayson Werth went 0-4 with three strikeouts.
Pedro Feliz went 0-3 and committed the error that cost the Phillies the game.
The Phillies committed three errors after coming into the game with five errors on the season.
Game Analysis:
After bashing Chan Ho Park, just like everyone else, following his last start, I was amazed to see what he had to offer tonight. The man was pitching like his job was on the line, and to go toe to toe with Johan Santana is certainly quite good. Not only that, but Park managed two walks off the New York ace, which is quite impressive, seeing how Santana had only walked nine batters coming into play tonight. Unfortunately for Park, the Phillies couldn't get anything across the plate, and he didn't pick up the win.
What he got instead was a big no decision, thanks to Pedro Feliz's error in the seventh inning. First, Carlos Delgado has a hip injury, you can't let him score from first base regardless. Second, don't throw the ball away when you're supposed to be our best fielding infielder, especially when the game is tied 0-0. That one error cost the Phils the game, but they had three in the game. Considering they only had five coming into tonight for the season, that's a serious concern, but you can write it off as just a fluke for the time being, just as the Philadelphia bats going silent against Santana is.
That being said, the Phillies need a win tomorrow against the Mets. It's only a two game series, so a split is key. Without it, the Mets gain momentum, and we don't want that. We saw what happened when the Mets had momentum last August, and that was without Francisco Rodriguez. The Phils need to win these games, and now, especially when their fifth pitcher is putting up an effort like he did tonight. They can't lose 1-0 games, I don't care who the opposing pitcher is.
Tomorrow, Jamie Moyer (3-1, 5.65 ERA) takes on Mike Pelfrey (3-0, 6.00 ERA). It looks like the game will be a shootout, so if you want to invade Citi Field, I'd do so early.
Johan Santana out dueled Chan Ho Park, striking out ten as the Mets managed to squeak a single run across for a 1-0 win against the Phillies.
What went right?
Chan Ho Park was terrific, going six innings without giving up a single run. He struck out six and walked just two, and got two walks at the plate himself.
Shane Victorino extended his hitting streak to a career high 15 games.
Honestly, that's about it.
What went wrong?
The Phillies were helpless against Santana, striking out ten times in seven innings and only recording three hits on the game.
Ryan Howard went 0-4 with three strikeouts.
Jayson Werth went 0-4 with three strikeouts.
Pedro Feliz went 0-3 and committed the error that cost the Phillies the game.
The Phillies committed three errors after coming into the game with five errors on the season.
Game Analysis:
After bashing Chan Ho Park, just like everyone else, following his last start, I was amazed to see what he had to offer tonight. The man was pitching like his job was on the line, and to go toe to toe with Johan Santana is certainly quite good. Not only that, but Park managed two walks off the New York ace, which is quite impressive, seeing how Santana had only walked nine batters coming into play tonight. Unfortunately for Park, the Phillies couldn't get anything across the plate, and he didn't pick up the win.
What he got instead was a big no decision, thanks to Pedro Feliz's error in the seventh inning. First, Carlos Delgado has a hip injury, you can't let him score from first base regardless. Second, don't throw the ball away when you're supposed to be our best fielding infielder, especially when the game is tied 0-0. That one error cost the Phils the game, but they had three in the game. Considering they only had five coming into tonight for the season, that's a serious concern, but you can write it off as just a fluke for the time being, just as the Philadelphia bats going silent against Santana is.
That being said, the Phillies need a win tomorrow against the Mets. It's only a two game series, so a split is key. Without it, the Mets gain momentum, and we don't want that. We saw what happened when the Mets had momentum last August, and that was without Francisco Rodriguez. The Phils need to win these games, and now, especially when their fifth pitcher is putting up an effort like he did tonight. They can't lose 1-0 games, I don't care who the opposing pitcher is.
Tomorrow, Jamie Moyer (3-1, 5.65 ERA) takes on Mike Pelfrey (3-0, 6.00 ERA). It looks like the game will be a shootout, so if you want to invade Citi Field, I'd do so early.
Phillies Recap: Phillies-10, Cardinals-7
Game Recap:
Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth each had big nights to help the Phillies beat Adam Wainwright and the Cardinals to complete a quick two game road sweep of one of the best teams in the National League. Brett Myers picked up his second win of the season as well.
What went right?
Shane Victorino extended his hit streak to 14 games with a home run in the first inning, and finished the game a triple short of the cycle, going 4-5 with two singles, a double and the home run. He also drove in three runs and scored three times.
Jayson Werth drilled a three run home run in the top of the fifth inning, turning a 4-3 game into a 7-3 contest. He also drove in another run with a sacrifice fly, giving him four for the game.
Pedro Feliz went 2-4 with two RBI.
Jimmy Rollins continued to turn things around, picking up two more hits and raising his average to .210 on the season.
Ryan Howard went 1-3 with an RBI and two walks.
What went wrong?
Brett Myers allowed two more home runs, bringing his season total up to 10.
The Phillies made some key baserunning mistakes that could have cost them the game, had it been closer.
Game Analysis:
Nothing like going on the road against one of the best teams in the National League and sweeping a series. Sure, it was only a two game set, but the Cardinals were pitching great and knocking the cover off the ball before the Phils came in. The Philadelphia offense scored 16 runs off of the St. Louis pitching staff, and this offense is well on its way to being as good, if not better, than the one that won the World Series last year.
I don't know what got into Shane Victorino, but his hitting streak has been absolutely wonderful. Without Jimmy Rollins swinging the bat well, Victorino has picked up the slack, even though he did get picked off of first base last night. If Rollins can continue to get his swing back, and Victorino can keep pace, the middle of the lineup is going to have plenty of chances to drive in lots of runs this year.
Brett Myers is still a concern, though. While he looked good in the first two innings, he got himself into trouble after that, and allowed two more home runs in the fourth inning, already giving him ten allowed in just 37 innings pitched this year. That leads the majors, and that number has to come down. The other thing I noticed with him last night is that when things start to go bad, Brett has a tendency to make them snowball, and they just keep getting worse. He's going to have to find a way to limit damage, or not get into potentially damaging situations, because as the number two pitcher in the rotation, he's going to be looked at to pick up wins almost every time he's out there, and a guy who gives up a home run every three innings isn't going to do that.
I've also got a small concern about Chase Utley right now, as he missed his second game of the week because of a foot injury. Utley was hit in the foot on Friday night against the Mets, and has played in just one game since. Hopefully, it's not too serious, because the Phils need Chase in that lineup. Miguel Cairo is a decent bench player, but Chase Utley he is not.
Today, the Phillies hope to continue their winning ways against the New York Mets in brand new Citi Field. Chan Ho Park (0-1, 8.57 ERA), will face off against Johan Santana (3-1, 1.10 ERA). The Phillies may need some help to win this one.
Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth each had big nights to help the Phillies beat Adam Wainwright and the Cardinals to complete a quick two game road sweep of one of the best teams in the National League. Brett Myers picked up his second win of the season as well.
What went right?
Shane Victorino extended his hit streak to 14 games with a home run in the first inning, and finished the game a triple short of the cycle, going 4-5 with two singles, a double and the home run. He also drove in three runs and scored three times.
Jayson Werth drilled a three run home run in the top of the fifth inning, turning a 4-3 game into a 7-3 contest. He also drove in another run with a sacrifice fly, giving him four for the game.
Pedro Feliz went 2-4 with two RBI.
Jimmy Rollins continued to turn things around, picking up two more hits and raising his average to .210 on the season.
Ryan Howard went 1-3 with an RBI and two walks.
What went wrong?
Brett Myers allowed two more home runs, bringing his season total up to 10.
The Phillies made some key baserunning mistakes that could have cost them the game, had it been closer.
Game Analysis:
Nothing like going on the road against one of the best teams in the National League and sweeping a series. Sure, it was only a two game set, but the Cardinals were pitching great and knocking the cover off the ball before the Phils came in. The Philadelphia offense scored 16 runs off of the St. Louis pitching staff, and this offense is well on its way to being as good, if not better, than the one that won the World Series last year.
I don't know what got into Shane Victorino, but his hitting streak has been absolutely wonderful. Without Jimmy Rollins swinging the bat well, Victorino has picked up the slack, even though he did get picked off of first base last night. If Rollins can continue to get his swing back, and Victorino can keep pace, the middle of the lineup is going to have plenty of chances to drive in lots of runs this year.
Brett Myers is still a concern, though. While he looked good in the first two innings, he got himself into trouble after that, and allowed two more home runs in the fourth inning, already giving him ten allowed in just 37 innings pitched this year. That leads the majors, and that number has to come down. The other thing I noticed with him last night is that when things start to go bad, Brett has a tendency to make them snowball, and they just keep getting worse. He's going to have to find a way to limit damage, or not get into potentially damaging situations, because as the number two pitcher in the rotation, he's going to be looked at to pick up wins almost every time he's out there, and a guy who gives up a home run every three innings isn't going to do that.
I've also got a small concern about Chase Utley right now, as he missed his second game of the week because of a foot injury. Utley was hit in the foot on Friday night against the Mets, and has played in just one game since. Hopefully, it's not too serious, because the Phils need Chase in that lineup. Miguel Cairo is a decent bench player, but Chase Utley he is not.
Today, the Phillies hope to continue their winning ways against the New York Mets in brand new Citi Field. Chan Ho Park (0-1, 8.57 ERA), will face off against Johan Santana (3-1, 1.10 ERA). The Phillies may need some help to win this one.
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