Game Recap:
Jimmy Rollins hit the first pitch of the game out for a home run, and it was that kind of night, as the Phillies rode the arm of Brett Myers as well as four home runs to a win over the Yankees.
What went right?
The aforementioned Jimmy Rollins went 2-4 with that leadoff homer. He walked, stole a base, and helped nail Johnny Damon at the plate in the first inning.
Raul Ibanez went 2-4 with his Major League leading 16th home run of the season.
Jayson Werth went 2-4 with a two run home run.
Carlos Ruiz continued his torrid late May run, going 3-4 with his first homer of the season and two RBI. He also stole his first base of the season.
Chase Utley went 1-4 with an RBI.
Brett Myers had the best start of any Phillies pitcher this year, going eight innings, striking out five, walking none and allowing only three runs.
What went wrong?
The only problem with those three runs is that they were all via the home run, giving Myers 15 home runs allowed on the season.
Ryan Howard went 0-5 with two strikeouts.
Game Analysis:
After getting fat on some weaker National League teams, the Phillies faced off against the big boys tonight. Did the defending World Champions back down? Not even close. Jimmy Rollins took A.J. Burnett's first pitch over the wall, and the tone was set. By the time the final out was recorded, the Phils had their second straight game with four home runs, accomplishing that feat for the first time since 2006. Not only that, but Brett Myers was absolutely rock solid tonight, shutting down one of the highest scoring teams in baseball. Myers pitched eight great innings, throwing 77 of his 107 pitches for strikes and he kept the Yankees' batters off balance all night. I know that Myers isn't going to be able to perform like this all the time, but his last three starts have just seen him get better and better, which is exactly what the Phillies need right now. Their offense is still plugging along, and now the pitching is starting to catch up.
I'm still a little concerned about the amount of home runs that Myers is giving up, though. He gave up three more tonight, and while they were all solo shots, it brought his total for the year up to 15, which is far, far too many. The longball has been a big problem for every Phillie starter this year. As a team, the Phils have allowed 62 home runs this season, which leads the National League and is second to the Baltimore Orioles in all of baseball. Three of the starting pitchers (Myers, Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton) are in the top ten in the National League in homers allowed, with Cole Hamels nipping at their heels. I don't know if it's the fact that Citizen's Bank Park is a hitter's park, or the pitchers don't just have their best stuff so far this year, but something has got to change. Fortunately, aside from the homers, Myers looked better than he has all season, and you have to give him credit for throwing behind Jeter after Utley was plunked in the top of the first inning.
All things considered, this was a great win for the Phillies. They came into new Yankee Stadium for the first time and punched the Yanks right in the mouth. The offense looks like it's clicking right now, and if Myers is any indication, the starting pitching is starting to come around, too. Now that the Phils have put an end to the nine game winning streak of the Yankees, it's time to expand their own for a little while longer. Tomorrow, J.A. Happ (2-0, 2.49 ERA) makes his first start of the year, going up against Andy Pettite (4-1, 4.18 ERA). The game is nationally televised, so expect Joe Buck and Tim McCarver to gush over Derek Jeter and generally make your life miserable as you watch. Of course, you can always do what I'm going to do and listen to the game on the radio. It's Memorial Day weekend...might as well turn on the radio at the shore.
Go Phils!
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