Game Recap:
Down 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Phillies scored six runs, and then hung on in the top of the ninth to beat the Mets and win their fifth game in a row.
What went right?
Jimmy Rollins was 1-4 with an RBI and a walk.
Placido Polanco went 1-4 with two RBI.
Mike Sweeney made his Phillies debut and went 2-5 with an RBI and a run scored.
Jayson Werth was 2-4 with a run scored and a walk.
Ben Francisco went 1-2 with with two walks, a run scored and an RBI.
Carlos Ruiz continued his hot streak, picking up two more hits and an RBI.
Joe Blanton pitched seven strong innings, allowing two runs on seven hits. He didn't walk a batter and struck out four.
Chad Durbin pitched a perfect eighth inning and ended up with the win.
What went wrong?
Danys Baez started the ninth inning and picked up two outs, but was charged with two runs on two hits.
J.C. Romero couldn't record an out for the second straight game. Tonight, he allowed a three run home run, but only was charged with one of the runs. It was the only batter that he faced during the game.
The Phillies left ten men on base, including six in the first three innings.
Game Analysis:
The Phillies couldn't get anything going off of rookie Jonathon Niese through seven innings. Even though the Phils managed to get men on base with some frequency during the first three innings, they could only manage one run, and then Niese settled down. Luckily for the Phillies, those first three innings forced Niese to throw a lot of pitches, and the Mets had to go to their bullpen in the eighth inning. By the time the eighth was over, three Mets pitchers had come out of the bullpen, the Phillies had sent 11 men to the plate and six runs had scored. After a bit of a scare in the ninth inning, Brad Lidge shut the door and the Phillies had won their fifth game in a row and their 13th out of 15 overall.
Aside from the eighth inning heroics tonight, the biggest news was the fact that Joe Blanton pitched maybe his best game of the year. At a time where every Phillies pitcher has to be at their best, Blanton picked up his game and joined in on the fun. His two runs allowed tonight were tied for the fewest he's allowed this year, and he was able to avoid the big inning once again. Throughout his career as a member of the Phillies, the big inning is the thing that has kept Blanton from being anything more than a fourth starter. Tonight, he gave up two runs, but was able to get out of each inning without giving up anything else. Blanton retired the side in order three times, and actually did it a fourth if you count a double play that he induced in the first inning. It was just a solid start from Blanton, and considering that the Phils have gotten good outings from the other four pitchers in their rotation, it was about time that he joined in on the fun.
Let's face it, Joe Blanton hasn't had a good season. He's been unable to get into much of a groove this year, but over his last three starts, he's at least showing signs of turning things around. Even over his last five starts, the most runs he's given up has been five to the Cardinals, but other than that, it's been four or less in six or seven innings each time out. They're not great numbers, no one's arguing that, but considering how he was pitching for most of the season, they look a hell of a lot better now. Besides, the Phillies only need him to be a fourth or fifth pitcher. If they make it to the playoffs again, it's likely going to be Halladay, Hamels and Oswalt as the starting rotation, with Kendrick making a start if needed. Blanton's going to come out of the bullpen regardless. That's just how his season has been this year. As long as he can avoid the big inning for the rest of the season, or Charlie takes him out before the big inning happens, everything should be fine.
Before the eighth inning tonight, the offense was simply dreadful tonight. There's no clearer way to say it. Jonathon Niese shouldn't have made it through five innings, and instead he pitched seven innings of one run baseball. The Phillies made him throw pitches through the first three innings, but could only get a single run out of Niese, and then he settled down. After the third inning, the Phillies managed just a single base hit and a walk against Niese until he left the game. That was the best thing that could have happened for the Phillies, because they torched the Mets' bullpen in the eighth inning. Eleven batters came to the plate, and Mike Sweeney picked up two base hits and an RBI in his two at bats.
Sweeney also had the play of the inning, when he read a single by Jayson Werth perfectly off the bat and went first to third on the hit. That only put more pressure on Bobby Parnell, who couldn't even record a single out in the inning. Pedro Feliciano didn't do much better, and Manny Acosta gave a hit and a sacrifice fly before finally being able to get out of the inning. The eighth inning tonight helps take the sting away from the poor play against Niese, but the fact remains that the Phils couldn't figure him out for seven innings. Regardless, a win is a win, even if the Phillies had to do it by putting up a crooked number in one inning.
It's a good thing that they did score as many runs as they did in the eighth, because Danys Baez and J.C. Romero tried their hardest to give them back in the ninth. To be fair, it wasn't all Baez's fault. He got Jeff Francour to hit a soft grounder down the third base line that just managed to stay fair, and it kept the inning alive. Had that ball gone foul, the Phillies could have very well won 7-2 instead of 7-5. The blame for those three runs lies with J.C. Romero. Over the last two games, Romero hasn't recorded an out and has allowed four inherited runners to score, as well as giving up three earned runs of his own. At a time when almost every other pitcher has managed to pick up their game, Romero is slowing down. He hasn't been able to find the strike zone the entire season, and it's been a huge problem. For the year, Romero has 17 strikeouts compared to 22 walks in just 24.1 innings of work. When a relief pitcher that's supposed to be one of your top setup men has almost as many walks as he does innings pitched, it's a big problem. Romero needs to get his act together, and now. The Phillies can't afford any weak links at the moment, not if they want to catch the Braves or Giants to get into the playoffs.
Tomorrow night, the Phils face the Mets in game two of their series. Cole Hamels (7-7, 3.56 ERA) tries for his eighth win of the season for the fifth time. He's had four no decisions since winning his seventh game. Johan Santana (8-6, 3.20 ERA) pitches for the Mets.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Phillies Recap: Phillies-5, Marlins-4
Game Recap:
Carlos Ruiz hit a game winning home run in the top of the 10th inning to give the Phillies a sweep over the Florida Marlins and push the Phils to 12 games over .500 for the first time this season.
What went right?
Placido Polanco went 3-5 with a run scored.
Raul Ibanez continued his hitting streak, going 3-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
Jayson Werth was 2-5 with an RBI.
Carlos Ruiz went 3-5 with a double, a home run and three RBI.
Roy Oswalt looked much better in his second start as a Phillie, going 6.1 innings while allowing just two runs on three hits. He did walk four batters, but struck out five.
Brad Lidge gave up a hit in the bottom of the tenth, but retired the next three batters in order to get the save.
What went wrong?
Wilson Valdez went 0-2 before being replaced by Greg Dobbs...who also went 0-2.
J.C. Romero came in to pitch in the seventh inning and couldn't record a single out. He ended up giving up two runs on a hit and two walks.
Game Analysis:
Going into the the of the ninth inning tonight, the story of the game was going to be how the Phillies had wasted a great second start from Roy Oswalt. After Oswalt had kept the Marlins off the board in six and a third innings of work, J.C. Romero allowed two runs to be charged to Oswalt, and then let two more cross the plate as well. Not only did that cost Oswalt his first win as a member of the Phillies, but it put the Phils in position to lose to Florida and move three games behind the Braves in the National League East. Instead, the Phils got to Leo Nunez for the second game in a row, and Carlos Ruiz finished things off with a home run off of Will Ohman in the tenth inning that gave the Phillies the sweep.
For someone who was probably expecting a bit more run support out of Houston, Roy Oswalt has to be feeling the same pinch that he had as a member of the Astros. So far in two starts, the Phillies have scored three runs while he's been on the mound. In the first game, Oswalt didn't pitch well, and the game was lost early. Tonight, he kept the Marlins from scoring through his time in the game, despite walking four batters. The only two runs that got charged to him came thanks to J.C. Romero. Oswalt just looked sharper tonight. He wasn't thinking too much out on the mound, and he looked like the pitcher that the Phillies traded for. He didn't overthrow his pitches or get too worked up.
It was just a solid outing from him, and that's what the Phillies need. They don't need a pitcher that thinks he has to go out and throw a perfect game each and every time he steps on the mound. They just need a pitcher that's going to hold the opposing offense to two or three runs and pitch six or seven innings a game. Oswalt doesn't have to be the ace here. That's what Roy Halladay is for. Hell, the way Cole Hamels has pitched this season, Oswalt doesn't even have to be a number two starter. What he can be though is the best number three pitcher in baseball. It might not be what he's used to, but it's at the very least what the Phillies want from him. As long as he can go out there and pitch like he did tonight, he's going to be fine in Philadelphia. Sure, he's going to have a bad game or two, but every pitcher does. No one is perfect.
At least after Oswalt left the game, the offense decided to pick up the slack. Save for a two run double by Carlos Ruiz, the Phillies couldn't get anything going off of Chris Volstad, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. The Phils left 11 men on base during the game tonight, including leaving the bases loaded twice whle Volstad was on the mound. At least the Phillies were able to take advantage of a Hanley Ramirez error in the ninth inning that allowed them to tie the game, but they should have been able to plate the go ahead run in the ninth. There is no excuse for having Jayson Werth picked off of second base for the second out in the ninth innng and then having Domonic Brown caught stealing second for the third out. There are already two men on, two runs have crossed the plate, and you're facing a pitcher that you've hit hard two nights in a row now. Let the offense do their job. You don't have to steal third in the ninth inning. You should be running as soon as you see that the ball is going to be in play. A single should score you from second, especially with Werth running out there.
The silver lining to the ending of the top of the ninth was that the Phillies eventually would win the game, thanks to another hit from Carlos Ruiz. In the three games in Florida, Ruiz picked up eight hits, six RBI and two home runs. That's a good week for him most of the time, and that came in the last three games. It might just have been how he was seeing the ball from the Marlins, but he was red hot over these last three games. Couple that with the suddenly white hot Raul Ibanez, and the Phillies actually have an offensive presence out on the field, even with Ryan Howard on the disabled list. So far, it's been three games and three wins. It's just what the Phils needed, and they're actually at a season high 12 games over .500 at the moment. Things are starting to come together at the right time, and it's happening without the biggest bat in the lineup. Somehow, it doesn't seem like anyone is going to ask questions.
Tomorrow night, the Phils come home after their 4-2 road trip to take on the New York Mets. Joe Blanton (4-6, 5.86 ERA) goes for the Phillies, while the Mets counter with Jon Niese (7-5, 3.78 ERA).
Carlos Ruiz hit a game winning home run in the top of the 10th inning to give the Phillies a sweep over the Florida Marlins and push the Phils to 12 games over .500 for the first time this season.
What went right?
Placido Polanco went 3-5 with a run scored.
Raul Ibanez continued his hitting streak, going 3-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
Jayson Werth was 2-5 with an RBI.
Carlos Ruiz went 3-5 with a double, a home run and three RBI.
Roy Oswalt looked much better in his second start as a Phillie, going 6.1 innings while allowing just two runs on three hits. He did walk four batters, but struck out five.
Brad Lidge gave up a hit in the bottom of the tenth, but retired the next three batters in order to get the save.
What went wrong?
Wilson Valdez went 0-2 before being replaced by Greg Dobbs...who also went 0-2.
J.C. Romero came in to pitch in the seventh inning and couldn't record a single out. He ended up giving up two runs on a hit and two walks.
Game Analysis:
Going into the the of the ninth inning tonight, the story of the game was going to be how the Phillies had wasted a great second start from Roy Oswalt. After Oswalt had kept the Marlins off the board in six and a third innings of work, J.C. Romero allowed two runs to be charged to Oswalt, and then let two more cross the plate as well. Not only did that cost Oswalt his first win as a member of the Phillies, but it put the Phils in position to lose to Florida and move three games behind the Braves in the National League East. Instead, the Phils got to Leo Nunez for the second game in a row, and Carlos Ruiz finished things off with a home run off of Will Ohman in the tenth inning that gave the Phillies the sweep.
For someone who was probably expecting a bit more run support out of Houston, Roy Oswalt has to be feeling the same pinch that he had as a member of the Astros. So far in two starts, the Phillies have scored three runs while he's been on the mound. In the first game, Oswalt didn't pitch well, and the game was lost early. Tonight, he kept the Marlins from scoring through his time in the game, despite walking four batters. The only two runs that got charged to him came thanks to J.C. Romero. Oswalt just looked sharper tonight. He wasn't thinking too much out on the mound, and he looked like the pitcher that the Phillies traded for. He didn't overthrow his pitches or get too worked up.
It was just a solid outing from him, and that's what the Phillies need. They don't need a pitcher that thinks he has to go out and throw a perfect game each and every time he steps on the mound. They just need a pitcher that's going to hold the opposing offense to two or three runs and pitch six or seven innings a game. Oswalt doesn't have to be the ace here. That's what Roy Halladay is for. Hell, the way Cole Hamels has pitched this season, Oswalt doesn't even have to be a number two starter. What he can be though is the best number three pitcher in baseball. It might not be what he's used to, but it's at the very least what the Phillies want from him. As long as he can go out there and pitch like he did tonight, he's going to be fine in Philadelphia. Sure, he's going to have a bad game or two, but every pitcher does. No one is perfect.
At least after Oswalt left the game, the offense decided to pick up the slack. Save for a two run double by Carlos Ruiz, the Phillies couldn't get anything going off of Chris Volstad, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. The Phils left 11 men on base during the game tonight, including leaving the bases loaded twice whle Volstad was on the mound. At least the Phillies were able to take advantage of a Hanley Ramirez error in the ninth inning that allowed them to tie the game, but they should have been able to plate the go ahead run in the ninth. There is no excuse for having Jayson Werth picked off of second base for the second out in the ninth innng and then having Domonic Brown caught stealing second for the third out. There are already two men on, two runs have crossed the plate, and you're facing a pitcher that you've hit hard two nights in a row now. Let the offense do their job. You don't have to steal third in the ninth inning. You should be running as soon as you see that the ball is going to be in play. A single should score you from second, especially with Werth running out there.
The silver lining to the ending of the top of the ninth was that the Phillies eventually would win the game, thanks to another hit from Carlos Ruiz. In the three games in Florida, Ruiz picked up eight hits, six RBI and two home runs. That's a good week for him most of the time, and that came in the last three games. It might just have been how he was seeing the ball from the Marlins, but he was red hot over these last three games. Couple that with the suddenly white hot Raul Ibanez, and the Phillies actually have an offensive presence out on the field, even with Ryan Howard on the disabled list. So far, it's been three games and three wins. It's just what the Phils needed, and they're actually at a season high 12 games over .500 at the moment. Things are starting to come together at the right time, and it's happening without the biggest bat in the lineup. Somehow, it doesn't seem like anyone is going to ask questions.
Tomorrow night, the Phils come home after their 4-2 road trip to take on the New York Mets. Joe Blanton (4-6, 5.86 ERA) goes for the Phillies, while the Mets counter with Jon Niese (7-5, 3.78 ERA).
Phillies Recap: Phillies-7, Marlins-2
Game Recap:
Raul Ibanez drove in two, Domonic Brown brought in three, and Kyle Kendrick pitched six innings of two run ball as the Phillies took their second in a row from the Florida Marlins.
What went right?
Jimmy Rollins was 2-4 with a run scored and two walks.
Placido Polanco went 2-4 with two runs scored and a walk.
Raul Ibanez was 2-3 with two RBI and two runs scored.
Ross Gload went 1-3 with two walks and an RBI.
Domonic Brown went 1-4 with three RBI.
Kyle Kendrick pitched well, allowing just two runs on eight hits in six innings of work. He didn't walk a batter, struck out five and went 1-3 at the plate with a double and a run scored.
Brad Lidge worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning. It wasn't a save situation, but it still looked good.
What went wrong?
Jayson Werth was 1-5 with three more strikeouts.
Wilson Valdez returned to being Wilson Valdez, as he went 0-5.
Game Analysis:
Two games without Ryan Howard, and there's no problem as of yet. Tonight Raul Ibanez and Domonic Brown helped pick up the slack and backed up Kyle Kendrick as the Phils won their third game in a row and second straight over the Florida Marlins.
Even with the rain delay at the start of the game, the Phils came out and looked sharp early on offense. Just as they had last night, the Phillies scored with two outs, and this time they did it in the first inning. Ross Gload and Domonic Brown each had big two out hits in the first to give the Phillies a quick 2-0 lead. While the hit in the first was Brown's only one of the game, he still drove in two more runs, thanks to a sacrifice fly and a fielder's choice that turned into an error. It wasn't necessarily the prettiest way to drive in runs, but Brown got the job done when he had to tonight. He's still taking his lumps up at the plate, and Charlie Manuel isn't using him all the time, but the kid has looked good so far. He's been a nice addition to the lineup when he has played, and it's going to be fun to watch him grow through the rest of the season. As for Raul Ibanez, it was another day in turning his season around. With two more hits tonight, Ibanez extended his hitting streak to 12 games and has raised his batting average 20 points in that span. Considering how he was playing for most of the regular season, this is a very welcome sight for any Phillies fan. Without Ryan Howard in the middle of that lineup, someone has got to step up, and right now, it's Raul Ibanez.
Just as the Phillies did last night, they got another good pitching performance. This time, it was from Kyle Kendrick, who has looked much more focused ever since the Phils demoted him for five days. I don't know if it was the quick trip back to the minors, or if something just clicked in Kendrick's head, but ever since he got called back up, he's been nothing short of...good. It pains me to say that, it really does, but Kendrick actually looks like a good pitcher right now. He did give up some hits tonight, and got into a little trouble in the fifth inning, but Jimmy Rollins made a great play on a line drive that saved two runs from scoring. Other than that, Kendrick didn't walk a single batter, and he didn't let the bad situations get to him. He's looked like a new pitcher in his last three starts, allowing just four runs and picking up wins in two of the three. It's another welcome sight for the Phillies, who needed someone to step in for Jamie Moyer. Joe Blanton certainly doesn't seem like he's up to the task, so Kyle Kendrick seems willing and able, at the moment at least, to step in. As long as he keeps pitching the way he is right now, no one is going to mind.
There's something about the way that this team has played so far in two games down in Miami. It might be the fact that they know they have to play better, or just that everything is finally starting to come together for this team, but there's something different going on right now. It's a different air to everything, and it's a good feeling. There's still a very long way to go this season, but every time the Phillies win against anyone, especially an NL East opponent, it's moving them in the right direction. They didn't gain any ground on the Braves tonight, but they pushed the Marlins and Mets back another game from themselves, and gained a game on the San Francisco Giants in the wild card race. Anything can still happen, but the Phillies are doing their part for the moment.
Tomorrow, the Phillies go for the sweep against the Marlins. Roy Oswalt (6-13, 3.53 ERA) makes his second start for the Phillies. Hopefully, it will go better than his first start did. Chris Volstad (5-8, 4.71 ERA) will go for the Marlins.
Raul Ibanez drove in two, Domonic Brown brought in three, and Kyle Kendrick pitched six innings of two run ball as the Phillies took their second in a row from the Florida Marlins.
What went right?
Jimmy Rollins was 2-4 with a run scored and two walks.
Placido Polanco went 2-4 with two runs scored and a walk.
Raul Ibanez was 2-3 with two RBI and two runs scored.
Ross Gload went 1-3 with two walks and an RBI.
Domonic Brown went 1-4 with three RBI.
Kyle Kendrick pitched well, allowing just two runs on eight hits in six innings of work. He didn't walk a batter, struck out five and went 1-3 at the plate with a double and a run scored.
Brad Lidge worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning. It wasn't a save situation, but it still looked good.
What went wrong?
Jayson Werth was 1-5 with three more strikeouts.
Wilson Valdez returned to being Wilson Valdez, as he went 0-5.
Game Analysis:
Two games without Ryan Howard, and there's no problem as of yet. Tonight Raul Ibanez and Domonic Brown helped pick up the slack and backed up Kyle Kendrick as the Phils won their third game in a row and second straight over the Florida Marlins.
Even with the rain delay at the start of the game, the Phils came out and looked sharp early on offense. Just as they had last night, the Phillies scored with two outs, and this time they did it in the first inning. Ross Gload and Domonic Brown each had big two out hits in the first to give the Phillies a quick 2-0 lead. While the hit in the first was Brown's only one of the game, he still drove in two more runs, thanks to a sacrifice fly and a fielder's choice that turned into an error. It wasn't necessarily the prettiest way to drive in runs, but Brown got the job done when he had to tonight. He's still taking his lumps up at the plate, and Charlie Manuel isn't using him all the time, but the kid has looked good so far. He's been a nice addition to the lineup when he has played, and it's going to be fun to watch him grow through the rest of the season. As for Raul Ibanez, it was another day in turning his season around. With two more hits tonight, Ibanez extended his hitting streak to 12 games and has raised his batting average 20 points in that span. Considering how he was playing for most of the regular season, this is a very welcome sight for any Phillies fan. Without Ryan Howard in the middle of that lineup, someone has got to step up, and right now, it's Raul Ibanez.
Just as the Phillies did last night, they got another good pitching performance. This time, it was from Kyle Kendrick, who has looked much more focused ever since the Phils demoted him for five days. I don't know if it was the quick trip back to the minors, or if something just clicked in Kendrick's head, but ever since he got called back up, he's been nothing short of...good. It pains me to say that, it really does, but Kendrick actually looks like a good pitcher right now. He did give up some hits tonight, and got into a little trouble in the fifth inning, but Jimmy Rollins made a great play on a line drive that saved two runs from scoring. Other than that, Kendrick didn't walk a single batter, and he didn't let the bad situations get to him. He's looked like a new pitcher in his last three starts, allowing just four runs and picking up wins in two of the three. It's another welcome sight for the Phillies, who needed someone to step in for Jamie Moyer. Joe Blanton certainly doesn't seem like he's up to the task, so Kyle Kendrick seems willing and able, at the moment at least, to step in. As long as he keeps pitching the way he is right now, no one is going to mind.
There's something about the way that this team has played so far in two games down in Miami. It might be the fact that they know they have to play better, or just that everything is finally starting to come together for this team, but there's something different going on right now. It's a different air to everything, and it's a good feeling. There's still a very long way to go this season, but every time the Phillies win against anyone, especially an NL East opponent, it's moving them in the right direction. They didn't gain any ground on the Braves tonight, but they pushed the Marlins and Mets back another game from themselves, and gained a game on the San Francisco Giants in the wild card race. Anything can still happen, but the Phillies are doing their part for the moment.
Tomorrow, the Phillies go for the sweep against the Marlins. Roy Oswalt (6-13, 3.53 ERA) makes his second start for the Phillies. Hopefully, it will go better than his first start did. Chris Volstad (5-8, 4.71 ERA) will go for the Marlins.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Phillies Recap: Phillies-6, Marlins-1
Game Recap:
Roy Halladay pitched seven strong innings, and Carlos Ruiz finished a triple short of the cycle as the Phillies took the first of three games from the Florida Marlins last night.
What went right?
Ben Francisco went 3-5 with a home run and two runs scored.
Carlos Ruiz was 4-5 with a home run, two singles, a double, two RBI and two runs scored.
Wilson Valdez went 2-4 with an RBI.
Raul Ibanez was 1-4 with a run scored.
Roy Halladay got the win, allowing one run on five hits in seven innings. He walked one, struck out nine and went 1-3 at the plate with two RBI.
What went wrong?
Jayson Werth batted cleanup, and went 0-5 with four strikeouts.
Cody Ransom was 0-3.
Game Analysis:
With Ryan Howard out for at least the next two weeks, the Phillies need the other players on this team to step up if they want a chance to make the playoffs again. Last night, they did just that, as Roy Halladay won his 13th game of the season and Carlos Ruiz did the damage at the plate in a convincing 6-1 win over the Marlins.
For Roy Halladay, it was just another day at the office, even though he'd been struggling on the road since his last start in Florida. Last night, he hit his spots well, and was pounding the outside corner on two strike counts. The Marlins couldn't figure out how to hit him, and save for one pitch to Dan Uggla, Halladay kept Florida from scoring. Roy went through a little bit of a rough patch there, but every pitcher does, and it looks like he's come through on the other side looking once again like the pitcher the Phillies knew he was. This is the effort that the Phils need from their pitching staff right now. They need their starters to go six or seven innings, at least. Last night, Chad Durbin came in and saved the rest of the bullpen by going two innings and striking out four. It was exactly what this team needed to do to start off a huge series down in Miami.
Even with Ryan Howard in the lineup, this team has struggled this year with runners in scoring position and two outs. Last night, they at least managed to change that with several key at bats that scored runs. First Roy Halladay drove in two runs with the bases loaded and two outs, turning a tight 2-1 game into a more comfortable 4-1 lead. Then, Carlos Ruiz drove home Raul Ibanez with two outs in the fifth inning to increase the lead even more. That's what this team needs to do at the plate right now. Ryan Howard isn't around to drive in two or three runs with one swing of the bat. Without that pure power in the middle of the lineup, the Phils need to be able to manufacture runs, and last night was a good showing. Sure, it's not how this team has played over the last three years, but it's how they have to play right now. Without Chase Utley and Ryan Howard to hold down their spots in the lineup, the Phillies are missing their two best hitters. They need guys like Carlos Ruiz and Wilson Valdez to get on base and drive in runs. They did that last night, but it has to continue.
Last night was a step in the right direction for the Phillies, and they need to continue in that direction over the next month if they want a chance to get back to the top of the National League East. Right now, they're just two games back of the Braves for first place, but anything could still happen, especially with the Mets coming to Philadelphia after their series with the Braves. It's going to be a fun final two months of the season, but if the Phillies can get everyone back and healthy, and continue to play well without them, then they might just be able to get back to where they belong for the fourth straight season.
Tonight, Kyle Kendrick (6-4, 4.44 ERA) tries to win the second game of this series for the Phils. He'll be facing off with Anibal Sanchez (8-6, 3.33 ERA).
Roy Halladay pitched seven strong innings, and Carlos Ruiz finished a triple short of the cycle as the Phillies took the first of three games from the Florida Marlins last night.
What went right?
Ben Francisco went 3-5 with a home run and two runs scored.
Carlos Ruiz was 4-5 with a home run, two singles, a double, two RBI and two runs scored.
Wilson Valdez went 2-4 with an RBI.
Raul Ibanez was 1-4 with a run scored.
Roy Halladay got the win, allowing one run on five hits in seven innings. He walked one, struck out nine and went 1-3 at the plate with two RBI.
What went wrong?
Jayson Werth batted cleanup, and went 0-5 with four strikeouts.
Cody Ransom was 0-3.
Game Analysis:
With Ryan Howard out for at least the next two weeks, the Phillies need the other players on this team to step up if they want a chance to make the playoffs again. Last night, they did just that, as Roy Halladay won his 13th game of the season and Carlos Ruiz did the damage at the plate in a convincing 6-1 win over the Marlins.
For Roy Halladay, it was just another day at the office, even though he'd been struggling on the road since his last start in Florida. Last night, he hit his spots well, and was pounding the outside corner on two strike counts. The Marlins couldn't figure out how to hit him, and save for one pitch to Dan Uggla, Halladay kept Florida from scoring. Roy went through a little bit of a rough patch there, but every pitcher does, and it looks like he's come through on the other side looking once again like the pitcher the Phillies knew he was. This is the effort that the Phils need from their pitching staff right now. They need their starters to go six or seven innings, at least. Last night, Chad Durbin came in and saved the rest of the bullpen by going two innings and striking out four. It was exactly what this team needed to do to start off a huge series down in Miami.
Even with Ryan Howard in the lineup, this team has struggled this year with runners in scoring position and two outs. Last night, they at least managed to change that with several key at bats that scored runs. First Roy Halladay drove in two runs with the bases loaded and two outs, turning a tight 2-1 game into a more comfortable 4-1 lead. Then, Carlos Ruiz drove home Raul Ibanez with two outs in the fifth inning to increase the lead even more. That's what this team needs to do at the plate right now. Ryan Howard isn't around to drive in two or three runs with one swing of the bat. Without that pure power in the middle of the lineup, the Phils need to be able to manufacture runs, and last night was a good showing. Sure, it's not how this team has played over the last three years, but it's how they have to play right now. Without Chase Utley and Ryan Howard to hold down their spots in the lineup, the Phillies are missing their two best hitters. They need guys like Carlos Ruiz and Wilson Valdez to get on base and drive in runs. They did that last night, but it has to continue.
Last night was a step in the right direction for the Phillies, and they need to continue in that direction over the next month if they want a chance to get back to the top of the National League East. Right now, they're just two games back of the Braves for first place, but anything could still happen, especially with the Mets coming to Philadelphia after their series with the Braves. It's going to be a fun final two months of the season, but if the Phillies can get everyone back and healthy, and continue to play well without them, then they might just be able to get back to where they belong for the fourth straight season.
Tonight, Kyle Kendrick (6-4, 4.44 ERA) tries to win the second game of this series for the Phils. He'll be facing off with Anibal Sanchez (8-6, 3.33 ERA).
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The injury bug strikes again
Ryan Howard returned to Philadelphia today to have his ankle looked at, and the results are in. Despite having negative x-rays, the Phils' slugger is still going to be placed on the 15 day disabled list, according to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com. John Mayberry, Jr has been called up to take Howard's place until he is ready to go again.
I said this during Sunday's recap, but Howard's injury might be the most devastating yet. Yes, Howard was slumping before his injury, but before that, he was the only reason why the Phillies even had a chance in the National League East, at least at the plate. With Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Carlos Ruiz and Shane Victorino all spending time on the disabled list this season, and Raul Ibanez and Jayson Werth hitting rough patches, Howard was the only starter that seemed to have his act together this entire season. Now, he's hurt and joins Utley and Victorino on the disabled list. In case you didn't notice, that's now six of the eight regular starters for the Phillies that have now spent time on the disabled list. Injuries have killed this team this season, and yet, they still have a chance to make the playoffs with two months to go in the regular season.
Howard's injury is huge, especially with Utley still being out for another month, but this team still has the pitching to get the job done, with Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt at the front of the rotation. The bullpen is a very large question mark, but hopefully Brad Lidge and the rest of that group can pull themselves up and finally get themselves going in the right direction this season. It might be too late for that, but it's worth a shot. After three seasons of basically injury free baseball, the Phillies are making up for it in spades so far this year. With just two months to go, they have a real chance of making the playoffs, but they need everyone who is playing to up their games and ensure that Ryan Howard and Chase Utley are going to come back to a team still in the thick of a pennant race, not a team that's given up on the season because of injuries.
This sucks, it really does, but if everything goes downhill from here, you can't blame the injuries. This team just hasn't been playing at the same level this year that they had reached in the previous three seasons, and the rest of the National League East caught up to them. Regardless of the injuries, this team is better than this, and they should know that. Charlie Manuel had better get through to these guys that nothing is over yet, and that they can still surprise a lot of people by making a run. The pieces are still there, but it's going to take a lot more work than it has in recent seasons.
That's not going to stop me from trying to find the person that cursed the Phillies this year, because this is getting out of hand.
CSNPhilly.com: Phils place Howard on 15 day DL
I said this during Sunday's recap, but Howard's injury might be the most devastating yet. Yes, Howard was slumping before his injury, but before that, he was the only reason why the Phillies even had a chance in the National League East, at least at the plate. With Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Carlos Ruiz and Shane Victorino all spending time on the disabled list this season, and Raul Ibanez and Jayson Werth hitting rough patches, Howard was the only starter that seemed to have his act together this entire season. Now, he's hurt and joins Utley and Victorino on the disabled list. In case you didn't notice, that's now six of the eight regular starters for the Phillies that have now spent time on the disabled list. Injuries have killed this team this season, and yet, they still have a chance to make the playoffs with two months to go in the regular season.
Howard's injury is huge, especially with Utley still being out for another month, but this team still has the pitching to get the job done, with Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt at the front of the rotation. The bullpen is a very large question mark, but hopefully Brad Lidge and the rest of that group can pull themselves up and finally get themselves going in the right direction this season. It might be too late for that, but it's worth a shot. After three seasons of basically injury free baseball, the Phillies are making up for it in spades so far this year. With just two months to go, they have a real chance of making the playoffs, but they need everyone who is playing to up their games and ensure that Ryan Howard and Chase Utley are going to come back to a team still in the thick of a pennant race, not a team that's given up on the season because of injuries.
This sucks, it really does, but if everything goes downhill from here, you can't blame the injuries. This team just hasn't been playing at the same level this year that they had reached in the previous three seasons, and the rest of the National League East caught up to them. Regardless of the injuries, this team is better than this, and they should know that. Charlie Manuel had better get through to these guys that nothing is over yet, and that they can still surprise a lot of people by making a run. The pieces are still there, but it's going to take a lot more work than it has in recent seasons.
That's not going to stop me from trying to find the person that cursed the Phillies this year, because this is getting out of hand.
CSNPhilly.com: Phils place Howard on 15 day DL
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Phillies Recap: Phillies-6, Nationals-4
Game Recap:
Ryan Howard left the game in the first inning with an ankle injury, but the Phils rallied to avoid being swept by Washington with two runs in the 11th inning.
What went right?
Placido Polanco went 3-6 with two runs scored and two RBI.
Jayson Werth went 2-5 with an RBI and a run scored.
Ben Francisco went 2-6 with two RBI.
Domonic Brown was 1-5 with a stolen base and an RBI.
Wilson freaking Valdez was 2-5 and scored a run.
Cole Hamels had another solid start, giving up four runs on six hits in seven innings of work. He didn't walk a batter and struck out ten.
Brad Lidge came back from his blown save on Saturday night to record the first 1-2-3 save for the Phillies in almost two months.
What went wrong?
Carlos Ruiz was 0-5.
The Phillies left 11 men on base.
Did I mention Ryan Howard got hurt?
Game Analysis:
First, the good news. The Phillies avoided being swept at the hands of the Washington Nationals, and in doing so, managed to get to within two and a half games of first place in the National League East. They did so thanks to some solid pitching from Cole Hamels, and the bat of Placido Polanco, who drove in the game winning run in the 11th inning.
There's not much else to say about the way Hamels has pitched this year. It's been amazing actually watching him go out there and perform game after game after game. Once again, he didn't factor into the decision, but a ten strikeout, seven inning performance is more than good enough for me. Hamels did struggle a little bit in the fourth and sixth innings, but fortunately, he was able to keep Washington from getting a bigger lead and breaking the game wide open. It doesn't seem like it's a matter of if Hamels can keep up his pace through the rest of the year now, but just if he can repeat it for more than one season.
Then, there's the bad news. In the first inning today, Ryan Howard sprained his ankle getting back to second base and had to leave the game. Considering how many injuries the Phillies have already been through this season, this was the last thing that they needed. Howard had been the most consistent offensive player that's been healthy all season long, and now there's a chance he could miss some big games. Luckily, the x-rays that were taken came back negative, but there's still that lingering feeling that even Ryan Howard can't escape a trip to the disabled list this season. Ankle injuries take some time to heal, so it looks like Howard might have to miss a bit of time, and right now, that's the last thing this team needs.
Seriously, I'm not one to point out injuries as a reason a team isn't performing up to where they should be, but look at who the Phillies have had on the disabled list this season. Every single member of their starting infield, including Carlos Ruiz, has gotten hurt, with Howard being the only lucky one until today. Shane Victorino is on the disabled list now, and I'm not even going to mention the injuries that hit the pitching staff at the start of the season. When you throw all of that together, including several of the injuries happening around the same time, it's not good for anyone. The Phillies will likely have to use Cody Ransom or Ross Gload at first base until Howard can play again, and that leaves a huge hole in the middle of this lineup. Sure, Raul Ibanez and Jayson Werth seem to be hitting the ball a little bit better now, but they're both not Ryan Howard. Howard was the piece in the middle that made opposing pitchers think about how to approach the three hole hitter. He was that x-factor that the Phillies had going for them, and take into account how well he's been playing this season, and it's an even bigger loss than people think. Hopefully, it's nothing too serious, but you never know with ankle injuries.
At least the Phillies are off tomorrow. They need it.
On Tuesday, the Phillies return to Miami to take on the Florida Marlins. Roy Halladay (12-8, 2.21 ERA) will go for the Phils, and Sean West will be making his season debut for Florida.
Ryan Howard left the game in the first inning with an ankle injury, but the Phils rallied to avoid being swept by Washington with two runs in the 11th inning.
What went right?
Placido Polanco went 3-6 with two runs scored and two RBI.
Jayson Werth went 2-5 with an RBI and a run scored.
Ben Francisco went 2-6 with two RBI.
Domonic Brown was 1-5 with a stolen base and an RBI.
Wilson freaking Valdez was 2-5 and scored a run.
Cole Hamels had another solid start, giving up four runs on six hits in seven innings of work. He didn't walk a batter and struck out ten.
Brad Lidge came back from his blown save on Saturday night to record the first 1-2-3 save for the Phillies in almost two months.
What went wrong?
Carlos Ruiz was 0-5.
The Phillies left 11 men on base.
Did I mention Ryan Howard got hurt?
Game Analysis:
First, the good news. The Phillies avoided being swept at the hands of the Washington Nationals, and in doing so, managed to get to within two and a half games of first place in the National League East. They did so thanks to some solid pitching from Cole Hamels, and the bat of Placido Polanco, who drove in the game winning run in the 11th inning.
There's not much else to say about the way Hamels has pitched this year. It's been amazing actually watching him go out there and perform game after game after game. Once again, he didn't factor into the decision, but a ten strikeout, seven inning performance is more than good enough for me. Hamels did struggle a little bit in the fourth and sixth innings, but fortunately, he was able to keep Washington from getting a bigger lead and breaking the game wide open. It doesn't seem like it's a matter of if Hamels can keep up his pace through the rest of the year now, but just if he can repeat it for more than one season.
Then, there's the bad news. In the first inning today, Ryan Howard sprained his ankle getting back to second base and had to leave the game. Considering how many injuries the Phillies have already been through this season, this was the last thing that they needed. Howard had been the most consistent offensive player that's been healthy all season long, and now there's a chance he could miss some big games. Luckily, the x-rays that were taken came back negative, but there's still that lingering feeling that even Ryan Howard can't escape a trip to the disabled list this season. Ankle injuries take some time to heal, so it looks like Howard might have to miss a bit of time, and right now, that's the last thing this team needs.
Seriously, I'm not one to point out injuries as a reason a team isn't performing up to where they should be, but look at who the Phillies have had on the disabled list this season. Every single member of their starting infield, including Carlos Ruiz, has gotten hurt, with Howard being the only lucky one until today. Shane Victorino is on the disabled list now, and I'm not even going to mention the injuries that hit the pitching staff at the start of the season. When you throw all of that together, including several of the injuries happening around the same time, it's not good for anyone. The Phillies will likely have to use Cody Ransom or Ross Gload at first base until Howard can play again, and that leaves a huge hole in the middle of this lineup. Sure, Raul Ibanez and Jayson Werth seem to be hitting the ball a little bit better now, but they're both not Ryan Howard. Howard was the piece in the middle that made opposing pitchers think about how to approach the three hole hitter. He was that x-factor that the Phillies had going for them, and take into account how well he's been playing this season, and it's an even bigger loss than people think. Hopefully, it's nothing too serious, but you never know with ankle injuries.
At least the Phillies are off tomorrow. They need it.
On Tuesday, the Phillies return to Miami to take on the Florida Marlins. Roy Halladay (12-8, 2.21 ERA) will go for the Phils, and Sean West will be making his season debut for Florida.
Phillie of the Week: July 25-31
The Phillies tailed off at the end of this past week, but before their back to back losses to the Nationals, they were on a tear, winning eight games in a row to get to within three and a half games of the Atlanta Braves. While most of the players had stepped it up this past week, one was able to raise his game even further. This week's Phillie of the Week is:
Raul Ibanez
Welcome back, Raul. While Ibanez was hot for most of July, he did even better this past week, hitting .435 with two home runs and five RBI to go along with six walks and five runs scored. Now, he needs to keep that up.
Raul Ibanez
Welcome back, Raul. While Ibanez was hot for most of July, he did even better this past week, hitting .435 with two home runs and five RBI to go along with six walks and five runs scored. Now, he needs to keep that up.
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