Philadelphia Phillies: Dissecting the Dodgers

Last night the Phillies failed to dodge the ball on the first game in a four game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.  The Phightins lost 8-6 in a ball game that was not determined until the last out by Ryan Howard in the top of the 9th inning.  The Phils had two on base with Ryan Howard being the go ahead run at bat.  Howard grounded out into the overshift ending the comeback that the Phillies were waging.  Kyle Kendrick was removed from the game in 3 1/3 innings while accruing 7 earned runs on 9 hits within that time.  Kendrick failed to strikeout any batters, but managed to walk 3 while administering a homerun to the former Indian Casey Blake.  The Phils then replaced Kendrick with the newbie lefthander Les Walrond which pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings with Clay Condrey finishing the game by allowing 1 run over 2 innings.

The Phillies offense started off slow, but was able to accumulate 10 hits over 9 innings.  Chase Utley was in rare form by amassing 3 hits on 5 opportunities.  Jimmy Rollins was able to hit another triple against Lowe which is his 8th of the year.

Tonight Cole “hard luck” Hamels takes the mound with hopes and aspirations that his team with mount another offensive strike.  Cole has recently been diagnosed with the Johann Sanatana disease and is on a day to day regiment of lack of offense.  Hamels (3.35 ERA) is searching for his 10th win this year against LA’s southpaw Clayton Kershaw (3.71 ERA).  On a side note Brad Lidge says he is ready to begin closing again since his recent right shoulder tendinitis left over from the All Star game in which he was repeatedly abused due to the lengthy game and multiple warm-up sessions.

 

Philadelphia AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG Rollins, SS 5 1 2 1 0 0 2 .276 Victorino, CF 4 1 2 0 1 1 1 .289 Utley, 2B 5 0 3 2 0 1 2 .290 Howard, 1B 5 0 0 2 0 0 5 .237 Burrell, LF 3 0 0 0 1 0 2 .265 Werth, RF 4 1 1 0 0 3 2 .266 Dobbs, 3B 4 1 1 0 0 1 1 .307 Ruiz, C 3 1 0 0 1 1 1 .217 Kendrick, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .116   Walrond, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000   a-Jenkins, PH 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 .244   Condrey, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000   b-Cervenak, M, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 .200 Totals 37 6 10 6 3 8 18     image from phillies.com

Philadelphia Phillies: Planked The Scurvy Dogs

Last night Brett Myers had the Bucs walk the plank in his 7 2/3 inning outing sinking the Jolly Rogers with a score of 4-2.  Myers allowed 5 hits, 1 BB, 1 run while striking out 6 Pirates and providing some post celebration fireworks with Manager Charlie Manuel.  Myers had a little scurvy  on the brain by challenging Manuel when he approached the mound to bring in J.C. Romero to finish the inning.  Later there was a confrontation between Manuel and Myers in the dug-out in which Rich Dubee and Milt Thompson were seen holding back Manuel as Myers disappeared into the tunnel.  Later during the press conference Manuel addressed the press by saying that it was just two strong willed people disagreeing and their differences had been worked out.

The Phillies offense were able to cash in on their booty to accrue 10 hits against Pittsburgh.  Although, there were several highlights during the game, the most impressive was Jimmy Rollins.  Short stop Jimmy Rollins went 4-4 last night including 2 runs, 2 singles and an impressive 2 triples.  Rollins was hitting the ball hard last night with those triples just missing for homeruns.  It seemed as though the Jimmy of last year came to pay us a visit with his great defense and his addictive offense.

Tonight Jamie Moyer (3.78 ERA) takes the mound against the Pirates Jason Davis (2.57 ERA) who has recently been moved to the starting rotation from the bullpen.  Moyer will looking to add onto his wins while sinking the Bucs in the final game of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Series.

 

Philadelphia AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG Rollins, SS 4 2 4 0 0 0 0 .277 Victorino, CF 3 1 2 2 1 0 1 .289 Utley, 2B 4 0 0 0 0 2 6 .286 Howard, 1B 3 0 1 1 1 0 0 .240 Burrell, LF 4 0 0 0 0 1 2 .268   Jenkins, RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .241 Werth, RF-LF 3 1 1 0 1 1 0 .265 Dobbs, 3B 3 0 2 1 1 0 0 .304   1-Bruntlett, PR-3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .222 Coste, C 4 0 0 0 0 1 5 .271 Myers, P 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 .054   Romero, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000   a-Cervenak, M, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .250   Durbin, C, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .143 Totals 32 4 10 4 4 5 16     image from phillies.com

Philadelphia Phillies: De-boning The Fish

Tonight the Philadelphia Phillies scaled the Marlins in a 5-0 shut out by hands of Kyle Kendrick.  Kendrick pitch 6 scoreless innings to gain his 10th win of the season while only allowing 4 hits, 5 BB and striking out 4 batsmen.  Chad Durbin came in in the 7th inning only allowing 1 hit over 2 innings with the game being finished off by Ryan Madson pitching another hitless and scoreless inning in the 9th.

The Phillies’ offense were able to accrue 9 hits and 5 walks including Ryan Howard’s 32nd homerun of the season tying him with Adam Dunn for MLB most HR’s of the year to date.  Mike Cervenak had his first major league hit tonight as well as his first RBI.  The Phils had 5 doubles hit tonight as well as Eric Bruntlett’s 9th stolen base of the year.

The Phightins will meet up at the bank tomorrow to close the door on the Marlins as Cole Hamels takes the mound in search of his 10th win.  Hamels (3.37 ERA) has struggled as of late, but intends to right the ship against the Fish’s Chris “farfignugen” Volstad (3.25 ERA).  The Phillies will then roll right into the series against the Bucs for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Series.

 

Philadelphia AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG Rollins, SS 4 0 2 0 1 0 0 .269 Victorino, CF 4 1 0 0 1 1 5 .285 Utley, 2B 4 0 1 1 1 1 4 .292 Howard, 1B 5 1 2 1 0 1 4 .244 Burrell, LF 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 .275   Werth, LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .265 Jenkins, RF 3 1 0 0 1 1 0 .241 Coste, C 3 1 1 0 0 0 2 .278 Bruntlett, 3B 3 1 2 1 1 0 0 .231 Kendrick, P 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 .119   a-Cervenak, M, PH 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 .333   Durbin, C, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 .143   Madson, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Totals 34 5 9 5 5 4 20

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Philadelphia Phillies – Overboard

Last night the Phillies were hanging over the side of the S.S. Citizen’s Bank creating their own chum wake.  The Florida Marlins knocked around Jamie Moyer trying to make up for the previous 10 losses and then proceeded to spank young J.A. Happ just to ensure he does not follow in the elder’s footsteps.  The pain staking 8-2 loss was only over shadowed by the fact that Victorino’s 2 run homerun was actually foul.  So, those of you who are following along that means that the Phightins were actually shutout in my book.

The offense was able to accrue 8 hits last night, but it does not help when all of those hits were spread out over 9 innings.  In addition to the offense failure to make it happen was Ryan Howard’s ground ball that went between his legs.  Let’s put this in perspective . . . . .  If you were to fail this much at your normal everyday job you would probably be fired, but he still is able to keep his job and make 10 million a year.  Would someone please tell Ryan Howard that defense is also part of his job description and Philly does not except a doctor’s note to sit out on the defense.  Oh, thank you Geoff Jenkins for your web gem catch !!

Tonight Krazy “K” takes the mound with his mighty sinker ball trying to get his double digit win bringing him to 10 for the season.  Kendrick (4.59 ERA) will face off against Anibal “Anakin” Sanchez (3.18 ERA) trying to bring down the death star known as the Marlins.  Kendrick – Please do not embarass us !!

 

Philadelphia	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Rollins, SS	4	1	2	0	1	0	1	.266
Victorino, CF	5	1	2	2	0	0	3	.288
Utley, 2B	3	0	1	0	0	0	2	.292
Howard, 1B	4	0	1	0	0	1	3	.242
Burrell, LF	3	0	1	0	1	2	1	.278
Jenkins, RF	1	0	0	0	2	1	1	.244
d-Werth, PH-RF	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.265
Bruntlett, 3B	2	0	0	0	0	0	3	.224
b-Dobbs, PH-3B	2	0	0	0	0	1	2	.301
Ruiz, C	3	0	1	0	1	1	2	.216
Moyer, P	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	.114
a-Cervenak, M, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Condrey, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Walrond, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Madson, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
c-Taguchi, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.224
Happ, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
e-Coste, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.277
Totals	32	2	8	2	5	7	22

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Philadelphia Phillies – Cleaning House In The East

The Philadelphia Phillies won last night completing their sweep of the Washington Nationals.  In addition to their victory the Phightins pushed the New York Mets of of their perch that they held temporarily for the Phillies.  Kyle Kendrick pitched 6 2/3 innings while allowing only 7 hits and 2 runs while striking out 4 on his 9th win of the season.  Kendrick also hit 2 batsmen which in turn had the opposition hit Victorino and Utley.  Both benches were warned by the homeplate umpire after Colome struck Chase Utley and began to approach homeplate as though to get into an altercation with Utley.  Lannan who was the starter for the Nationals tonight was responsible for Chase Utley’s broken hand last year at Citizen Bank Park.

The Phillies offense has remained strong through the series accrueing 31 hits over 3 games.  They were once again vibrant last night with 11 hits bringing the final score to 8-4.  The longball was administered last night by Jayson Werth and Jimmy “The MVP” Rollins.  Rollins was able to take advantge of a foul tip that was not contolled by the Nationals catcher and allow Kendrick to make his way onto base due to a throwing error.  This set-up Rollins for a 2 run blast out into the left field seats.  The Phillies’ Fans were out in droves through the series cheering on their team including the bunch known as the “Flying Hawaiians” on the day Victorino hit a homerun.

The Phils are headed off to St. Louis to face off the Cardinals and add to their current 5 game win streak.  Cole “The Ace” Hamels is looking to rebound from last games 9 run disaster inning against the Braves.  Hamels (3.27 ERA) takes the mound in search of his 10 win against the former Philly Kyle Lohse (3.68 ERA).

 

Philadelphia	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Rollins, SS	4	2	2	3	1	0	1	.272
Victorino, CF	4	1	2	0	0	0	1	.289
Utley, 2B	3	1	1	0	1	1	2	.293
Howard, 1B	5	0	2	1	0	2	4	.239
Burrell, LF	3	0	1	1	2	0	2	.279
Seanez, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Durbin, C, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.167
Werth, RF-LF	5	1	1	1	0	3	4	.271
Bruntlett, 3B	5	1	1	0	0	1	2	.232
Ruiz, C	4	1	1	0	0	1	1	.217
Kendrick, P	3	1	0	0	0	2	0	.125
Condrey, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Jenkins, RF	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.242
Totals	36	8	11	6	4	10

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Philadelphia Phillies – Swatting The Nats

Last night Brett Myers shut down the Washington Nationals to gain his 1st win since returning from the minor leagues.  Myers only allowed 1 run, 1 walk and 4 hits over 7 innings in which he also plunked Ronnie Belliard and Paul Lo Duca in the process.  Understandably the Nationals are the worst offensive team in the National League sporting a .241 team combined batting average.  Not to take away anything from Brett because he did perform well by hitting the outside/inside portions of the plate.  He also kept his adrenaline in check to be able to locate his fastballs for strikes unlike his last outing at Shea.  On another note Brad Lidge was able to enter the game and accrue his 25th save of the season in as many opportunities.

On the offensive front the team failed to raise their hit count into double digits against the Nationals pitcher whom was recently brought up from the minor leagues.  There were several balls that were launched onto the warning track, but not much was done to manufacture runs on the ground.  The Phillies won the game only by Chase Utley’s 2 run shot out into right field seats.  Pedro Feliz has been placed on the 15 day diabled list due to lower back inflamation.  Phillies Injury Listing

Tonight the Ole’ man will take the mound with his impressive 3.76 ERA.  Jamie Moyer is in search of his 10th win this year facing off the Nationals Tim Redding (3.98 ERA) which the Phillies have historically had issues with hitting against.

 

Philadelphia	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Rollins, SS	4	1	1	0	0	0	0	.270
Victorino, CF	4	0	1	0	0	1	1	.283
Utley, 2B	4	1	2	2	0	0	0	.290
Howard, 1B	4	0	1	0	0	1	1	.237
Burrell, LF	4	0	2	0	0	2	1	.279
Ruiz, C	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.211
Jenkins, RF	4	0	0	0	0	2	1	.237
Dobbs, 3B	3	0	0	0	0	1	2	.306
Bruntlett, 3B	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.239
Coste, C	4	0	0	0	0	0	3	.285
Lidge, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Myers, P	3	0	0	0	0	2	0	.063
Romero, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Durbin, C, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.167
Werth, LF	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.272
Totals	35	2	8	2	0	9	9

image from phillies.com

Philadelphia Phillies – Stroking The Longball

     The Phillies fought back again today with the longball to win the final game of the homestand against the Atlanta Braves.  The Phils accrued 5 homeruns over 9 innings from Rollins, Victorino, Burrell, Werth and Chris Coste.  There were a total of 14 hits bringing them to their 12-10 victory and 1 game closer to sharing the lead once again with the New York Mets.  The Phillies went through 7 pitchers including Blanton, Eaton, Condrey, Romero, Seanez, Madson and Lidge due to the initial rain delay.  Blanton was once again getting roughed up early in the game and was not getting calls on his breaking stuff including his curve ball.  Brad Lidge was able to come into the game and collect his 24th consecutive save opportunity after the Braves dropped in 5 more runs in the 8th bringing the tie to within 3 runs.

    The Braves may have to concede and look into rebuilding for next year after falling behind 7.5 games in the N.L. East.  Chipper Jones believes he will be headed to the D.L. with his hamstring.  Also, Brian McCann had two collisions at the plate tonight with Utley then with Shane Victorino in which he suffered a concussion and was removed from the game.

The Phillies have tomorrow off for their travels down to D.C. to play the Washington Nationals who are currently 19 games out of first in the eastern division and on a 6 game losing streak.  Brett Myers (5.82 ERA) will take the mound in search of his 1st win since returning from the minors against the righty Collin Balester (5.75 ERA).

 

Philadelphia	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Rollins, SS	4	3	2	1	1	1	3	.271
Victorino, CF	4	2	2	4	0	0	0	.283
Utley, 2B	5	0	2	0	0	2	3	.288
Howard, 1B	5	1	2	2	0	2	1	.237
Burrell, LF	5	1	1	1	0	0	1	.277
Lidge, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Werth, RF-LF	2	2	1	2	1	0	0	.272
Bruntlett, 3B	3	0	0	0	1	2	2	.234
Coste, C	3	1	2	2	0	0	1	.291
Romero, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
d-Dobbs, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.313
Seanez, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Madson, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Jenkins, RF	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.241
Blanton, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.500
a-Eaton, PH-P	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	.179
b-Taguchi, PH	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	.233
Condrey, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
c-Ruiz, PH-C	2	1	1	0	0	0	0	.211
Totals	35	12	14	12	4	7	11

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Philadelphia Phillies – It’s Alive

     The Phillies won last night 10-9 after dropping the 1st game to the Braves in the 3 game homestand.  Cole Hamels in a unusual outing was pulled after 3 2/3 innnings.  Hamels allowed 9 runs on 6 hits in the 4th inning crushing all hopes of the Phillies being able to move up in the N.L. East standings.  However, the Phillies offense decided to show up as though Dr. Frankenstein had put life back into once viable corpse.  The Phils were able to follow-up the 4th inning debacle with a 7 run 5th inning pushing past the Braves and holding on to the lead through 9.  Hopefully yesterday’s glimmer of hope won’t fade away as though it has done time and time again over th past 2 months.

     Today the newly acquired Joe Blanton (5.08 ERA) will take the mound in his 2nd start with the Phillies.  Blanton will face off against Jorge Campillo (2.83 ERA) in search of his 1st win in the red and white pinstripes.

 

Philadelphia	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Rollins, SS	5	1	2	0	0	0	3	.268
Victorino, CF	5	2	2	0	0	1	2	.280
Utley, 2B	3	1	1	1	0	0	1	.287
Howard, 1B	3	2	1	2	1	1	0	.235
Burrell, LF	3	1	1	1	0	1	0	.278
Ruiz, C	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.209
Werth, RF-LF	4	1	1	0	0	1	2	.270
Bruntlett, 3B	3	0	0	0	1	0	2	.238
Coste, C	4	1	3	3	0	0	0	.285
Lidge, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Hamels, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.260
Seanez, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
a-Taguchi, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.222
Eaton, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.179
b-Dobbs, PH	1	1	1	3	0	0	0	.315
Madson, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Durbin, C, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.167
Romero, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
c-Jenkins, PH-RF	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	.241
Totals	32	10	12	10	3	4	11

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Philadelphia Phillies – Ace Of Base Dealing

     Yesterday the Philadelphia Phillies were able to solidify their dominance in the N.L. East by clinching the #1 position prior to the All Star break.  Cole Hamels the Phillies’ ace was able to deal it to Brandon Webb and the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Hamels administered 8 strikeouts, 1 walk while allowing 11 hits and 2 runs over 7 innings.  Ryan Madson received the win while Brad Lidge chopped off the snake’s head with 2 strikeouts in the 9th inning.

     Pat Burrell once again displayed his clutch hitting prowess by smashing an 8th inning 3 run homerun into left center field.  Even though Pat did not mention it I’m sure it was meant to get Clint Hurdle’s attention since he was not selected for the All Star team.  Pedro “soft hands” Feliz followed up Burrell’s at bat with a longball of his own screaming underneath the radar into the left field seats.  Feliz also went 3 for 4 while at the plate and accrued  runs for the Phightins.  Some other notables are Jimmy Rollins going 2 for 3 with 1 RBI and Cole Hamels hitting as double into right center allowing Feliz to score from 1st base.

     The homerun derby will be televised at 8pm atlantic time on ESPN with the All Star game being viewed at 8pm of the Fox network.  Be sure to root for Chase Utley at Yankee Stadium’s short right field porch.

 

Philadelphia	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Rollins, SS	3	0	2	1	0	0	0	.274
Victorino, CF	4	0	1	0	0	2	4	.279
Utley, 2B	4	1	1	0	0	1	4	.291
Howard, 1B	4	1	1	0	0	1	1	.234
Burrell, LF	4	1	1	3	0	0	0	.275
Lidge, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Jenkins, RF	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.237
Werth, RF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.271
Feliz, 3B	4	2	3	1	0	1	0	.270
Coste, C	3	0	1	0	0	1	2	.279
1-Ruiz, PR-C	1	1	0	0	0	1	0	.202
Hamels, P	2	0	1	1	0	0	0	.277
a-Dobbs, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.322
Madson, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
b-Bruntlett, PH-LF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.232
Totals	35	6	11	6	0	7	12

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Philadelphia Phillies – Eaton Alive

     Last night Adam Eaton who was 5-0 and a 3.29 ERA against the Mets was pulled after 2-2/3 innings.  Eaton gave away 8 runs off of 10 hits in his short outing yesterday in the Phillies’ 3rd loss to the Mets.  There were some heroics in the game with Chase Utley (25), Pat Burrell (22), Ryan Howard (24) and Geoff Jenkins (7) all belting homeruns.  R.J. Swindle celebrated his 25th birthday last night by pitching 3 innings in relief for Clay Condrey and the fallen Adam Eaton.  Swindle administered 3 strikeouts, 1 walk, 2 runs on 4 hits with one of those hits being a solo wake-up call by David Wright.

     Tonight the Phillies try to shake-off their failed home campaign against the Mets.  The Phightins face-off against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 3 game homestand.  The Phillies ace, Cole Hamels (3.22 ERA) takes the mound tonight against Joel Pineiro (4.52 ERA) in search of his 10th win of 2008 season.

 

Philadelphia	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Rollins, SS	5	1	2	0	0	1	0	.272
Victorino, CF	5	2	2	1	0	0	1	.270
Utley, 2B	3	1	1	1	0	1	1	.294
Bruntlett, 2B	1	1	0	0	1	0	1	.234
Howard, 1B	4	1	2	2	1	1	2	.226
Burrell, LF	5	1	1	1	0	2	4	.277
Dobbs, 3B	4	0	1	0	0	2	2	.322
c-Feliz, PH	1	0	1	1	0	0	0	.264
Werth, RF	3	1	1	0	2	1	2	.277
Coste, C	4	0	0	0	0	3	6	.292
Eaton, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.179
Condrey, P	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
a-Taguchi, PH	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.200
Swindle, P	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
b-Jenkins, PH	1	1	1	2	0	0	0	.237
Romero, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Totals	39	9	12	8	4	13	19

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     Brett Myers pitched last night against the Louisville Bats accruing his first win since his reassignment with the Iron Pigs.  Myers allowed 3 runs (2 ER) with 7 hits,  3 walks and 7 strikeouts over 7-1/3 innings.