The Phillies dropped a tough game to San Diego in the 10th inning yesterday, 6-5. They had a chance to secure their first series victory since last weekend's showdown with the Marlins.
The big story on Friday's victory was Brad Lidge, who looked dominant in a one-two-three bottom of the ninth to secure a 3-2 victory. His slider hasn't looked that devastating since he threw it to Eric Hinske to end the 2008 World Series.
Saturday was all about Jamie Moyer who went the distance in a 6-2 victory that took just over two hours. He's been remarkable this season and he improved to 6-5 while lowering his ERA to 3.98. The offense scored more than three runs for the first time since the day before their slump started when they beat the Red Sox 5-1 on May 21.
Yesterday, the offense took Joe Blanton off the hook early, rallying from a 3-0 first inning deficit to take a 5-3 lead in the second inning. Blanton struggled through his five innings, allowing 11 hits and five runs. His ERA is up to 6.07.
San Diego's bullpen was tremendous against the Phillies as the game stayed tied at five into in the 10th. After Danys Baez allowed a run in the 10th, the Phillies had an opportunity to rally against closer Heath Bell if not for a strange play.
With one out and Placido Polanco on first base, Chase Utley flaired a single to center. Polanco, running hard all the way, tried to advance to third on a play that looked as if he'd make it easily. Tony Gwynn fielded the ball in center and made a tremendous off balance throw right on the bag to nail Polanco at third. That's a play that if you go, you'd better make it. It took a perfect throw to get him, and Gwynn made a perfect throw. Utley also failed to advance to second base on the play. If he's running hard out of the box, there is no reason for him to not reach second base then the throw goes to third. Both miscues cost the Phillies as Ryan Howard singled with two outs before Jayson Werth's strikeout ended the game.
Cole Hamels looks to build off of his recent success tonight and take the four-game set over the Padres before the Phils host the Marlins.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment