Game Recap:
Pedro Martinez left after just three innings and the Braves handed him his first loss in a Phillies uniform.
What went right?
Ryan Howard went 1-3 with a two run home run.
Jimmy Rollins went 1-5 with an RBI.
Chase Utley was 1-3 and scored a run.
Raul Ibanez went 1-3 and scored a run.
Greg Dobbs had a pinch hit RBI in the ninth inning.
What went wrong?
Jayson Werth went 0-3.
Paul Bako once again existed and was 0-2.
Pedro Martinez left after three innings with neck stiffness. He allowed three runs on seven hits, while walking one and striking out one.
Game Analysis:
It was bound to happen eventually. Just as Cliff Lee had to lose a game as a Phillie, the same had to happen to Pedro Martinez. I just didn't think it would happen like this. Just one start removed from an eight inning scoreless showing, Pedro only lasted three innings last night before leaving due to neck stiffness. I doubt it's anything serious, but it's something that's going to have to be looked at until it's time for him to start again.
Even while he was in there, he didn't have the same stuff he had brought to the table in most of his starts. The Braves were on most of his pitches, and it showed as they managed seven hits and three runs in just three innings. Luckily, it's just one game, and I'm not too torn up about it, as long as he can pitch better his next time out. Pitchers make bad starts, it's part of baseball. If his neck is ok, then he'll be able to pitch, and should do fine in his next start.
The offense was asleep for most of the game, not waking up until the ninth inning, when they actually made things interesting. Ryan Howard launched his third home run in two nights, and the Phils would add two more runs, but Ben Francisco flew out to end the game and put a lid on any chance of a comeback last night. I'll give the Phillies credit for putting some fear into the ten Atlanta fans that were at the game last night, but it wasn't enough. The Phils need to get their offense going a little bit sooner than the ninth inning if they want to win the rest of these games and get back to the playoffs for the third straight season. There are 15 games left in the season, and the Phillies have a seven game lead. As long as they can avoid disaster in their next four games, they should be able to celebrate their third straight NL East crown.
Today, Cliff Lee (14-11, 3.00 ERA) looks to give the Phillies a win in their last game against the Braves this year. He'll be taking on promising rookie Tommy Hanson (10-3, 2.65 ERA).
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