Game Recap:
Ryan Madson blew his fifth save of the season, but Ryan Howard's three run home run in the tenth inning pushed the Phillies past Pittsburgh.
What went right?
Shane Victorino was 1-5 with a run scored.
Chase Utley went 2-5 with a solo home run and a run scored.
Ryan Howard went 2-5 with a game winning three run home run in the tenth inning.
Jayson Werth was 3-4.
Cole Hamels pitched eight innings of shutout baseball, giving up seven hits. He walked two and struck out seven.
What went wrong?
Ben Francisco was 0-4.
Carlos Ruiz went 0-2.
Ryan Madson blew his fifth save of the season, allowing a home run in the ninth inning. He stay in to finish up the tenth inning, though.
Game Analysis:
For the second straight night, the Phillies had issues with their closer in Pittsburgh. This time, it was Ryan Madson who couldn't get the job done in the ninth, but at least he was able to finish things off once the Phils took the lead back in the tenth inning. I'm not happy about it, but a win is a win. The Phillies still need to get that closer position worked on, since Brad Lidge isn't cutting it, and I don't think Madson has the mentality to be a closer.
As for the rest of the game, it was great seeing Cole Hamels pitch like I know he can. With just a one run advantage, Cole kept the Pirates off the board all night. His changeup looked good, and even when he got into some trouble, he was able to get out of it. I'm not a big fan of the seven hits he gave up, but when he's not allowing any runs, I think I can let it slide. He's got to keep that up now, the Phillies can't afford to have him start to slide again, not right now.
Of course, what else has to be said about Ryan Howard? The big man did it again last night, coming through in the clutch with a huge three run bomb in the tenth inning. He has 35 home runs and 107 RBI now on the season, and is on pace for another forty home run, 140 RBI season, which would make it three out of the last four years that he's reached that milestone. Jayson Werth picked up right where he left off, and the middle of the Phillies lineup just looks great right now. Chase is starting to hit the ball well, Howard is supernova hot, Werth is right there and hopefully Ibanez is getting back on the right track. It's what the Phillies need as they head down the stretch run.
Tonight, J.A. Happ (10-2, 2.59 ERA) looks for his 11th win of the season as he faces Charlie Morton (3-6, 5.21 ERA). Go Phils!
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