Phillies Recap: Braves-9, Phillies-1

Game Recap:
Cliff Lee got rocked for the first time as a Phillie as the Braves took an easy win in a rain shortened game last night.

What went right?

Jimmy Rollins was 2-4.

Chase Utley was 3-4 with a solo home run.

What went wrong?

The Phillies left 11 men on base.

Cliff Lee struggled for the first time with the Phils, allowing six runs on ten hits in five innings. He struck out five, didn't walk a batter and allowed three home runs.

Chad Durbin was even worse, allowing three runs on two hits in a single inning of work.

Game Analysis:

You knew it was coming eventually. No matter how well Cliff Lee had been pitching, everyone should have seen that he would eventually get lit up in a game. It happens to every pitcher, but of course it would happen against the team the Phillies are trying to break away from in the National League East, but what are you going to do? Lee was man enough to say he made bad pitches last night, and that's what I want to hear. If you pitch badly, take responsibility for it. Don't blame it on the ballpark, like the Braves always do. Be a man and say you screwed up.

The offense had one of those live or die by the home run nights last night, too. The Phillies had 11 hits, but only scored one run and left 11 men on base. This team has a great offense, but when it goes cold, it seems like they can't do anything right. Small ball is not an option with these bats, so they have to find a way to score runs with men on third. I can't even remember the last time the Phillies had a sacrifice fly. That's all I want to see is the small stuff like that, even every once and a while. This power offense stuff worked last year, but against a good pitching team, the Phillies have to find another way to score runs beside the homer. It's just something that has to happen.

Anyway, it's still ok. The Braves are still seven back, pending tonight's game, and as the season comes down the home stretch, this is right where I want the Phils to be.

Tonight, Joe Blanton (8-6, 3.88 ERA) looks to give the Phillies the series win as he goes against Jair Jurrjens (10-8, 2.98 ERA). This should be a good one.