Another night another less than desirable outcome for the Phils as they fell to Atlanta 7-3. Yes the lineup the struggled again but it was more than just that. First Cole Hamels allowed 3 runs on 2 hits in just 2/3rds of an inning before a torrential down pour halted the game for an hour and 40 minutes. Hamels could maybe have continued but Charlie Manuel decided not to chance it leaving the bullpen to pitch 7 and 1/3rd innings while allowing a further 4 runs and using up everyone except Brad Lidge who obviously wasn't available after pitching on Monday. That means other than Lidge no one else is really available to come out of the pen tomorrow unless absolutely necessary. So the good Kyle Kendrick, you know the one that only allows a couple of runs and goes deep into the game, better show up tomorrow.
Second, the defense struggled again with another 2 errors, by Juan Castro, and shockingly Jayson Werth, that led to runs. Otherwise the Phils might have been within striking distance when they loaded the bases with 2 out in the 9th for Ryan Howard and he could have just slapped a game tying single or a bases clearing go ahead double. Instead the Phils were down 7-3 at the time and Ryan was forced to swing for the fences so as to forge a tie, causing him to get off balance and rollover into a game ending ground out.
Finally, the lineup did struggle again but there were some positives. They manage to score 3 runs for the 2nd night in a row which is a big step in then right direction. Ryan Howard slammed a 2 run homer in the 6th, the Phils first homer in 68 innings. Hopefully that will awaken the Phils power bats. The Phils did rack up 10 hits, their highest total in quite some time, and everyone in the lineup hit safely except Shane Victorino and Juan Castro. Werth, Howard, Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, and all had a hit each which could be a huge sign that they're beginning to come out of the slump. Wilson Valdez and Carlos Ruiz each collected 2 hits tonight and continue to be the catalysts for this offense as they work to right themselves. They are clearly headed back in the right direction finally and it can't be too much longer until they are totally out of it. It is however, going to take continued hard work and perseverance for that to happen. So let's keep at it boys. I still believe. Go Phils!
2 comments:
The Phillies manage to muster 3 runs and then the pitching is sub par? It just seems that the end of May was out to get the Phils and it seems that the beginning of June might be the same way. I'm just hoping its not.
- to ph1llysports
I doubt it. They'll turn it around soon
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