PHILLIES NEWS

The Phils recent struggles at the plate continued for another night. They racked up 7 hits and again had runner's in scoring position a few times but were never able to cash in. Hikenori Takahashi who went 6 scoreless, combined with Jenry Meija, Ryota Igarashi, and Fernando Nieve to handle the Phils their 3rd shutout in their last 4 games. That's first time that has happened to the Phils since 1990 and for a lineup that boasts the talent they do it is a bit embarrassing. However, it is also not all that surprising. The 3 shutouts came against 2 knuckleballers, and lefthander Takahashi, both pitching types against which the current Phils lineup has been historically unsuccessful. Also the lineup hasn't quite been solidly in place since Jimmy Rollins went back on the DL. Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, and Carlos Ruiz have all been in and out the lineup lately and Carlos is apparently experiencing shoulder pain again.

The Phils starting pitching which had been rolling along as of late, as dipped a bit in these few games as well. Joe Blanton had a little trouble with is command in this one, as he allowed 5 runs on 6 hits in just 5 and 1/3rd innings, basically his worst outing of the season thus far. Fortunately, the bullpen, really the only bright spot at the moment, picked him up with 2 and 2/3rd's scoreless innings. More than good enough to keep the Phils in it, but they just couldn't figure out a way to score so it didn't matter anyway. Still that is at least something to build on and with everything this team has done over the past 3 years it is hard to believe that this isn't just another slump they can get out of with a little renewed focus and effort. Considering they haven't been swept in this series thus far this season and Mike Pelfrey, whom the Phils bludgeoned into submission the last time they faced him, will take the mound for the Mets , tomorrow could well be the day the Phils start to get out of this. Otherwise their 2.5 game lead in the NL East won't last much longer.