Game Recap:
The Phillies got home runs from Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez, and Kyle Kendrick only gave up two runs in six innings as the Phillies won their sixth straight game and moved their magic number for a playoff birth down to 11.
What went right?
Shane Victorino was 2-4.
Ryan Howard went 1-2 with two walks and a two run home run.
Jayson Werth went 1-4 with a solo home run.
Raul Ibanez was 3-4, scoring two runs and hitting a solo home run.
Wilson freaking Valdez was 3-4 with an RBI.
Kyle Kendrick pitched his way into my good graces tonight, allowing just two runs in six innings of work. He walked one and struck out three.
Brad Lidge worked a perfect ninth inning for his 23rd save of the season.
What went wrong?
Placido Polanco went 0-5.
Ryan Madson loaded the bases in the eighth inning, only to pitch out of trouble.
The Phillies left nine men on base.
Game Analysis:
For the second straight game, the Phillies were able to take down the Nationals with the big inning. Last night, it came in two waves, as the Phils scored two runs in the second inning, and then three runs in the third. That was more than enough, thanks to Kyle Kendrick and the bullpen, and the Phillies kept their three game lead over the Braves for first place in the National League East.
The offense didn't always get the job done tonight, but they did enough for the win. Ryan Howard continued his torrid September with another home run, while Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez look like they're heating up as well. Werth hit his third home run in five games yesterday and looks like he's coming out of his slump that he had throughout most of August. The Phils once again used the big innings to get to the Nationals early, and for the second straight night, Washington's starting pitcher didn't make it through the fourth inning. Last night, Jordan Zimmerman only pitched three innings and allowed all five runs that the Phillies scored.
On the contrary, Kyle Kendrick actually looked like a competent major league pitcher last night. After he struggled in the first and second innings, Kendrick settled down and pitched well for the next four innings of work. He still didn't look great, but he managed the game well and was able to hold Washington to just two runs and six hits. Considering how he'd been pitching of late, this start was a very good thing to see. Kendrick should only have one or two more starts this season, but if he can keep pitching like he did last night, I won't be as upset to see him out on the mound.
The most important thing is that the Phillies won once again. They've now won six games in a row, and are keeping the Braves at a safe distance. The three game lead that the Phillies had coming into this weekend's series is still there, and with a series against Atlanta looming on Monday, the Phillies want to see if the Mets can somehow help them out today with a win against the Braves. Going into that series with a four game lead would be even better.
Today, the Phils close out their series with the Nationals and are hoping for another sweep. Joe Blanton (7-6, 5.00 ERA) pitches for the Phils, while Yunesky Maya (0-2, 6.55 ERA) will go for Washington.
No comments:
Post a Comment