Game Recap:
Thanks to some horrible fielding by the Nationals, the Phillies came from behind in the eighth inning to complete a four game sweep in Washington.
What went right?
Jimmy Rollins went 2-5 with a stolen base, a run scored and an RBI. His batting average is now a robust .222.
Chase Utley went 1-3 with an RBI and two walks.
Jayson Werth went 2-5 with two runs scored and an RBI.
Shane Victorino went 1-3 with a walk and two RBI.
The bullpen pitched seven and 2/3rds innings of great baseball, allowing just one run on four hits. Sergio Escalona picked up the win in his major league debut.
What went wrong?
Chan Ho Park lasted just one and 1/3rd innings, allowing five runs on five hits. He walked four and struck out two.
Raul Ibanez went 0-4 with a walk.
Carlos Ruiz went 0-4.
Game Analysis:
Chan Ho Park, you may now thank the Philadelphia bullpen. Just one day after getting a rest, the Phillies needed their bullpen more than ever today, as Park couldn't even get out of the second inning against one of the worst teams in baseball. Park had looked more aggressive in his last two starts, but it was clear from the start today that he didn't have that same spark against Washington. Fortunately for him, the Phillies were able to come back again, so the game ended up being more about that than it did about how horrible he played.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not happy at all with the way Park looked today. He had no control, lost an early 3-0 lead and was just plain bad the entire time he was in there. However, once he left, the bullpen came in, and after Jack Taschner managed to get through some early trouble, the Phillies were able to get back into the game. Their offense was also good once again, as they were able to light up the Washington pitching staff for eight more runs, giving them 33 runs in the four game sweep. Even more promising is the fact that both Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley look to be warming up, and if they can continue to get hot with Raul Ibanez, Jayson Werth and Ryan Howard, the Phillies will be one of the most dangerous teams in the National League.
Not only that, but the back end of the lineup is still performing well. Pedro Feliz ended up having the game winning hit on a sacrifice attempt that ended up with him on third and two runs across the plate. He would then score on an RBI double by Eric Bruntlett, and the Phils wouldn't look back again. Ryan Madson got the day off, but Scott Eyre did just fine, and Brad Lidge needed only two pitches to get his seventh save of the season. While Lidge still isn't where I'd like him to be, he's managed two saves in a row without giving up a run, so it looks like he's getting back on the right track, too.
Yes, the Phillies did just complete a four game sweep of the Washington Nationals, but they did what good teams are supposed to do to bad teams. They're now four games over the .500 mark, and their offense looks like it's starting to get back to where it needs to be. Aside from Chan Ho Park today, the pitching was splendid, and hopefully, this sweep can be the launching point for the Phillies toward the All Star break.
Tomorrow, the Phils have an off day as they travel to Cincinnati. Tuesday, Jamie Moyer (3-3, 8.15 ERA) goes up against Johnny Cueto (4-1, 1.93 ERA). Let's see if the Phils can turn their four game winning streak into a five gamer.
Go Phils!
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