Game Recap:
Joe Blanton pitched seven strong innings, and Ryan Howard's solo home run in the top of the ninth inning pushed the Phillies past the Braves in the first game of their series.
What went right?
Shane Victorino was 1-4 with a run scored.
Chase Utley was 1-4 with a two run home run in the fourth inning.
Ryan Howard went 1-3 with the game winning home run in the ninth.
Jayson Werth was 2-4.
Joe Blanton allowed two runs (one earned) on seven hits in seven innings. He struck out two and walked one.
Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge worked relatively painless innings in the eigth and ninth to finish the Braves.
What went wrong?
Pedro Feliz was 0-4 at the plate and had an error in the fourth inning that allowed a run to score.
Carlos Ruiz was 0-3.
Raul Ibanez continued to slump and went 0-4.
Game Analysis:
Just like the last few times that Joe Blanton has started, the Phillies haven't given him much in terms of run support. This time though, the Phils were able to push across enough to get the win, even if it was for Ryan Madson. This is one of the biggest series of the season so far, so to be able to take the first game is a very important first step in putting the Braves back down away from the Phillies.
There weren't many runs scored tonight, but at least the ones that were came from the middle of the order. Both Chase Utley and Ryan Howard drilled home runs tonight, and it looks like Howard is starting to heat up after a cool beginning of August. Like I said yesterday, if the big man can heat up, then opposing teams are in for a world of hurt. It would be great if Chase can keep hitting and Raul could break out of his slump, but I'll take things one at a time for now.
I don't know what's gotten into Joe Blanton, but the man is pitching out of this world since the All Star Game. He's going into the deep innings, and even though he's not always picking up the win, he's been the most consistent pitcher the Phils have had since his horrible start to the season. He hasn't allowed five or more runs since May 21 and has only walked 19 batters since then. Nothings set in stone yet, but all of a sudden, a possible playoff rotation of Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, J.A. Happ and Joe Blanton looks pretty good, doesn't it?
Today, the Phillies look to keep their momentum going, as Cole Hamels (7-7, 4.77 ERA) takes on Kenshin Kawakami (5-9, 4.12 ERA). Taking the first two games in Atlanta would be crushing to the Braves and their five fans, so I hope the Phils can do it.
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