Game Recap:
Joe Blanton pitched seven strong innings, but the Phillies wasted chances against Tim Lincecum as they were shut out for the second time in four games.
What went right?
Jayson Werth was 2-3.
Joe Blanton pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on seven hits. He struck out five and walked none.
What went wrong?
Chase Utley was 0-4.
Matt Stairs went 0-4.
Paul Bako was 0-3.
The Phillies left eight men on base.
Game Analysis:
You can't let the best pitcher in baseball off the ropes as many times as the Phillies did last night and expect to win a baseball game. Through the first five innings, the Phils had chance after chance against a surprisingly ineffective Tim Lincecum, but each time he got into trouble, the Phillies helped bail him out. Whether it was swinging at the first pitch with the bases loaded, a key strikeout with two men on, or a simple pop up, the Phillies were just unable to bring anyone across the plate last night. It sucks, because this was a game the Phillies should have won.
The Phillies offense has been a slump since they got to Arizona. While part of that is probably due to this being their second West Coast road trip of the year, they also haven't had an off day since the All Star Break. The team is more than likely tired, and having to go all the way out to California isn't helping matters. Luckily, the Phils are off tomorrow, so hopefully everyone can relax for at least a day, then get ready to get back to business on Tuesday.
Today, Cole Hamels (7-5, 4.42 ERA) looks to earn the Phils a split of the series against the Giants, as he faces Barry Zito (6-10, 4.54 ERA). Go Phils!
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