Game Recap:
The Phils chased Jake Peavy from the game after just one inning, and behind Antonio Bastardo's six innings, and Raul Ibanez's five RBI, won their fifth game in a row.
What went right?
Antonio Bastardo looked good in his first career start, going six innings, striking out five, walking one and allowing just one run on four hits.
Shane Victorino went 2-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base.
Chase Utley went 1-3 with two walks, two runs scored and an RBI.
Ryan Howard went 1-3 with a walk, two runs scored and two RBI.
Raul Ibanez celebrated his birthday in style, going 3-5 with two home runs, three runs scored and five RBI.
Greg Dobbs went 1-2 with a home run and two RBI.
What went wrong?
Chan Ho Park turned a 10-1 laughter into a tight game in just one inning. He allowed four runs on four hits and walked two.
Game Analysis:
If you had told me before last night's game that the Phillies would get Jake Peavy out of the game after one inning, I would have laughed at you. Sure, Peavy wasn't at 100 percent last night, but he's still Jake Peavy, and the Phils jumped on him early. After that, it was just a matter of Raul Ibanez smoking two more home runs on his 37th birthday and letting Antonio Bastardo pick up his first major league win.
Even though he worked a lot of deep counts last night, Bastardo looked good on the mound, striking out five in six innings. He showcased his fastball a lot last night, and while he did have a few good off speed pitches, he's going to have to work on that a little bit more before his next start. Good major league hitters can eventually catch up to a fastball, it doesn't matter how hard you throw it. Overall, there's nothing to complain about. He gave up a homer to Adrian Gonzalez, but he's been on fire this whole season. He looked better out there than any Phillies rookie pitcher I've seen in a while, so this kid might just be able to make it long term in the rotation. If he can, that's one big question that now has an answer, and that's certainly a good thing.
The only problem I had with last night was the continued existence of Chan Ho Park on the Phillies. First, he complained about being moved to the bullpen, and now, he can't get anyone out while he's in there. With the exception of two good starts, Park has been useless so far this year. It might be time to consider letting him go. Even though the Phils sent Sergio Escalona down to make room for J.C. Romero, Park is working on borrowed time right now. If he has a few more outings like the one he had last night, he should be gone without a second thought.
Tonight, the Phillies go for the sweep of the Padres, as J.A. Happ (3-0, 3.00 ERA), goes against Chris Young (4-3, 4.45 ERA).
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