Game Recap:
Joe Blanton didn't make it out of the fifth inning, and furious ninth inning rally for the Phils came up just short as they lost the last game of their series to Washington.
What went right?
Shane Victorino was 2-5 with an RBI and a run scored.
Chase Utley was 2-5 with a run scored and an RBI.
Matt Stairs hit a pinch hit grand slam in the ninth inning.
Jimmy Rollins went 2-5 and scored a run.
After Joe Blanton left the game, the bullpen didn't allow another run and only gave up two hits.
What went wrong?
Ryan Howard had an RBI, but went 0-4 and hit into a game ending double play.
Raul Ibanez went 0-4.
Joe Blanton allowed eight runs on seven hits in 4.2 innings. He walked four and struck out four.
Game Analysis:
Not the prettiest game in the world, but these things happen from time to time. It took a while, but Joe Blanton got hit up again, putting the Phillies in a big hole. Even with Matt Stairs launching a pinch hit grand slam in the ninth inning, the Phils just couldn't climb all the way back, even though they came close.
Honestly, Joe Blanton has been so good lately that one bad game isn't cause for concern. Every pitcher has a bad game from time to time. Look at what Cliff Lee has been doing since he started 5-0 with the Phils. I don't think you have to worry about the way he pitched last night. He's been overdue for one of these starts for a while, and I'm actually glad that it happened now instead of in the playoffs.
I did like seeing the Phillies at least attempt to come back from an 8-2 hole in the ninth inning. Those are the kind of things that you want to see out of team in the middle of the playoff hunt, and it's what the Phils did so well last season. This team never says uncle, and they showed that last night, even in defeat.
Honestly, the next seven games are the make or break point of the season for the Phillies. They have the Mets for four over the weekend, then play the Nationals for another three before starting a ten game road trip against the Braves, Marlins and Brewers. That road trip is going to be key, since the Phillies still have six games against Florida, and that series in Miami could either bury the Marlins or give them new life. I'm not used to seeing the Phillies ahead at this point of the season, but being five up with 24 games to play is a good thing. All that matters now is that the Phils keep winning, so those last three games against the Marlins don't even matter.
Tonight, Cole Hamels (8-9, 4.32 ERA) takes on former Phillie Nelson Figueroa (2-4, 4.74 ERA) and the Mets.
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