The Phillies open a four game set against the Florida Marlins tonight at Citizen's Bank Park.
After getting off to a strong start, it appeared the Fish would once again contend with the Phillies and Braves into dog days of summer. But the Marlins appear to be fading into the background earlier than usual; they're 1-11 in June, trailing the Phillies by 7.5 games and are just a half game ahead of the fourth place Mets.
The Phillies, meanwhile, have the best record in baseball at 40-26, despite all their offensive woes throughout the season.
This series is a tale of two clubs moving in opposite directions, and the Phillies have a chance to bury the Fish for the 2011 season. A sweep would push them 11.5 games back.
The Marlins do expect Hanley Ramirez back for this season, and they plan to bat him lead-off to replace a struggling Chris Coghlan at the top of the lineup. Coghlan is hitting just .235 with a .300 OBP. But Hanley is having a terrible year himself, batting only .210 with four home runs and a .306 OBP. It's do or die time for the Marlins mid-way through June.
Here's a look at the pitching probables:
Tonight: Chris Volstad (2-6 5.51) vs. Cole Hamels (8-2 2.58)
Despite tossing five no hit innings against the Braves in his last start, Volstad ended up dropping his fifth straight decision. He's struggled through most of the season for the Marlins. He's 2-4 with a 4.45 ERA in his career against the Phils.
Hamels has been one of the best and most consistent pitchers in baseball all year. In his last outing, he struck out nine Dodgers over eight scoreless frames. He faced Florida once this season, getting a no decision back on April 17. He pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, two walks and seven strikeouts.
Wednesday Game 1: TBD vs. Kyle Kendrick (3-4 3.47)
Kendrick has been adequate filling in as the fifth starter. He pitched three scoreless innings against the Cubs in his last night before a rain delay swept him from the game. He's pitched one scoreless inning in relief against the Marlins this season.
Wednesday Game 2: Anibal Sanchez (6-1 3.06) vs. Roy Halladay (9-3 2.39)
Sanchez has been Florida's best starter with Josh Johnson on the shelf. The Marlins have won eight of his 13 starts, including six of the last seven. He faced the Phillies on April 17 against Hamels, also getting a no decision. He pitched six innings, surrendering two runs on six hits, four walks and eight strikeouts.
Halladay has been, once again, one of the best if not the best pitcher in the National League. He's won his last three starts and is coming off a nine strikeout, seven inning shutout. He's only faced Florida once this season, on May 10 against Josh Johnson and he was the tough luck loser. He outpitched Johnson in the game but the Phillies' offense continued to let Johnson off the hook. Halladay pitched eight innings, allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits and two walks with nine strikeouts.
Thursday: Javier Vazquez (3-6 7.09) vs. Cliff Lee (6-5 3.41)
Vazquez's Florida debut has not been a successful one thus far. He's struggled all season and it's been no different as of late. He's 0-2 in his last two starts, lasting a total of just 7.2 innings, allowing 13 earned runs. He's 0-1 in two starts against the Phillies this year. The Phils beat him up on May 9, when he lasted just 4.1 innings, serving up six runs (five earned) on nine hits, one walk and no strikeouts. Back on April 15, he pitched five innings and allowed three runs in a no decision.
Lee has been terrific in June, after a first two unspectacular months of the season. He's 2-0 with a 0.60 ERA with 17 strikeouts and three walks. He faced Florida once this season, picking up a no decision on May 11, allowing three runs on seven hits, no walks and four strikeouts over six innings.
I expect the Phillies to take three of four from the Marlins, which would push Florida 9.5 games behind the Phils.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Howard delivers as Phils take series
The Phillies came up with a solid 4-3, come from behind victory in yesterday afternoon's series finale against the Cubs.
The Phils took three out of four from Chicago, and sport a Major League best record of 40-26.
Roy Oswalt got off to a rocky start in the first, allowing an RBI double to Starlin Castro before serving up a two-run shot to Aramis Ramirez.
The Phillies were in a 3-0 hole before even stepping into the batter's box for the first time, but they began chipping away at Cubs' starter Doug Davis instantly.
With two men aboard and one out in the first, Ryan Howard came through with a great at bat, eventually hitting a hanging breaking ball to center for an RBI double. It looked like the Phils were going to explode, when Ben Fracisco followed with a walk to load the bases.
But Raul Ibanez looked off balance at the plate, striking out on a cutter inside. But with the score 3-1 and Ibanez at the plate in the third in the exact same situation, he delivered an RBI single to cut the deficit to 3-2.
In the seventh, for the second straight day, the Phils got to Sean Marshall. After hitting Victorino to lead-off the inning, Chase Utley lined a double to right and the Phils were in business.
Howard came through again, bouncing a slider up the middle and into center field for a two-run go ahead and eventual game winning hit.
The Big Piece was 3-for-3 with three RBI, a double and a walk.
Oswalt picked up his fourth win of the year, tossing seven strong innings. After allowing three runs on four hits in the first inning, he allowed just one hit over his final six frames. He walked two and struck out five.
Michael Stutes picked up his fourth hold of the season and Ryan Madson collected his fifteen save.
After the off-day today, the Phils will play host to the struggling Florida Marlins for a four game set. The Fish are 1-9 in their last ten games.
The Phils took three out of four from Chicago, and sport a Major League best record of 40-26.
Roy Oswalt got off to a rocky start in the first, allowing an RBI double to Starlin Castro before serving up a two-run shot to Aramis Ramirez.
The Phillies were in a 3-0 hole before even stepping into the batter's box for the first time, but they began chipping away at Cubs' starter Doug Davis instantly.
With two men aboard and one out in the first, Ryan Howard came through with a great at bat, eventually hitting a hanging breaking ball to center for an RBI double. It looked like the Phils were going to explode, when Ben Fracisco followed with a walk to load the bases.
But Raul Ibanez looked off balance at the plate, striking out on a cutter inside. But with the score 3-1 and Ibanez at the plate in the third in the exact same situation, he delivered an RBI single to cut the deficit to 3-2.
In the seventh, for the second straight day, the Phils got to Sean Marshall. After hitting Victorino to lead-off the inning, Chase Utley lined a double to right and the Phils were in business.
Howard came through again, bouncing a slider up the middle and into center field for a two-run go ahead and eventual game winning hit.
The Big Piece was 3-for-3 with three RBI, a double and a walk.
Oswalt picked up his fourth win of the year, tossing seven strong innings. After allowing three runs on four hits in the first inning, he allowed just one hit over his final six frames. He walked two and struck out five.
Michael Stutes picked up his fourth hold of the season and Ryan Madson collected his fifteen save.
After the off-day today, the Phils will play host to the struggling Florida Marlins for a four game set. The Fish are 1-9 in their last ten games.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Phils new lineup producing
Charlie Manuel may be on to something. After the Phillies blew the first game to the Cubs, on Ryan Madson's first blown save of the year, Charlie changed the lineup.
Shane Victorino moved up to the two-hole, where he hit often during the Phillies' World Series runs of 2008 and 2009.
Placido Polanco, a prototypical two slot batter was dropped into the five spot ahead of Raul Ibanez and Domonic Brown.
Normally, Polly should not be batting fifth. He's not a power hitter, even though he did hit a grand slam (his 100th career homer) in his first game in the five slot. He's much better suited to bat second and get runners in scoring position for the meat of the order.
But for that to happen, Jimmy Rollins needs to get on ahead of him, and the three-four-five hitters need to produce. None of those things were happening.
So Polanco, the team's most consistent hitter, moves into the five slot which has been a spot of frustration for this club all season.
It's not the most ideal lineup for the Phils, but it puts a batter behind Chase Utley and Ryan Howard that is going to put the ball in play and more often than not, produce.
It's worked out so far. The Phils are 2-0 with that lineup with seven runs scored in each game, matching their highest run total of the month when they scored seven against Pittsburgh on June 5.
Roy Oswalt and the Phils look for the series victory today, but Manuel will have to rework the lineup as Polanco gets the day off.
Shane Victorino moved up to the two-hole, where he hit often during the Phillies' World Series runs of 2008 and 2009.
Placido Polanco, a prototypical two slot batter was dropped into the five spot ahead of Raul Ibanez and Domonic Brown.
Normally, Polly should not be batting fifth. He's not a power hitter, even though he did hit a grand slam (his 100th career homer) in his first game in the five slot. He's much better suited to bat second and get runners in scoring position for the meat of the order.
But for that to happen, Jimmy Rollins needs to get on ahead of him, and the three-four-five hitters need to produce. None of those things were happening.
So Polanco, the team's most consistent hitter, moves into the five slot which has been a spot of frustration for this club all season.
It's not the most ideal lineup for the Phils, but it puts a batter behind Chase Utley and Ryan Howard that is going to put the ball in play and more often than not, produce.
It's worked out so far. The Phils are 2-0 with that lineup with seven runs scored in each game, matching their highest run total of the month when they scored seven against Pittsburgh on June 5.
Roy Oswalt and the Phils look for the series victory today, but Manuel will have to rework the lineup as Polanco gets the day off.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Hamels strikeouts nine in 2-0 win
Cole Hamels continued his dominant season last night, out-dueling Hiroki Kuroda for a 2-0 victory and the series win.
Hamels improved to 8-2 on the season with a 2.58 ERA and has been arguably the most consistent Phillies' starter.
He tossed eight shutout innings, striking out nine and allowing six hits and no walks.
Ryan Howard ended the Phils' homerless streak with a solo shot in the sixth, his thirteenth of the season, and Domonic Brown tacked on an RBI in the seventh.
Ryan Madson shut the door, picking up his 14th save of the season in the process.
The offense continues to sputter, and it appears this is what we're in store for throughout the season. Sure, they are most likely good enough to take the division, but a repeat performance of last year's postseason is a legitimate concern. They may have a hard time competing against some of the top NL teams, let alone a squad as loaded as the Boston Red Sox.
The lineup may get a boost tonight as Charlie Manuel indicated that Jimmy Rollins may be back at the top for the series opener against the Cubs. Here's a look at the probables:
Tonight: Randy Wells (1-1 5.74) vs. Kyle Kendrick (3-4 3.78)
Friday: Carlos Zambrano (5-2 3.98) vs. Roy Halladay (8-3 2.56)
Saturday: Matt Garza (2-5 4.07) vs. Cliff Lee (5-5 3.62)
Sunday: Doug Davis (0-5 6.38) vs. Roy Oswalt (3-4 3.05)
Hamels improved to 8-2 on the season with a 2.58 ERA and has been arguably the most consistent Phillies' starter.
He tossed eight shutout innings, striking out nine and allowing six hits and no walks.
Ryan Howard ended the Phils' homerless streak with a solo shot in the sixth, his thirteenth of the season, and Domonic Brown tacked on an RBI in the seventh.
Ryan Madson shut the door, picking up his 14th save of the season in the process.
The offense continues to sputter, and it appears this is what we're in store for throughout the season. Sure, they are most likely good enough to take the division, but a repeat performance of last year's postseason is a legitimate concern. They may have a hard time competing against some of the top NL teams, let alone a squad as loaded as the Boston Red Sox.
The lineup may get a boost tonight as Charlie Manuel indicated that Jimmy Rollins may be back at the top for the series opener against the Cubs. Here's a look at the probables:
Tonight: Randy Wells (1-1 5.74) vs. Kyle Kendrick (3-4 3.78)
Friday: Carlos Zambrano (5-2 3.98) vs. Roy Halladay (8-3 2.56)
Saturday: Matt Garza (2-5 4.07) vs. Cliff Lee (5-5 3.62)
Sunday: Doug Davis (0-5 6.38) vs. Roy Oswalt (3-4 3.05)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Lee's 10 K's lead the way
Well, it was certainly nice of Cliff Lee to show up last night. Lee dominated the Dodgers to hand the Phillies a 3-1 victory in the series opener. He pitched seven strong, fanning ten, allowing seven hits and one walk. He was lifted for a pinch hitter in the bottom of the seventh after firing 117 pitches.
After allowing ten runs over his last two starts, Lee bounced back in a big way with his third zero run outing of the season. It's the sixth time he struck out double digit batters in 2011.
Lee leads in the National League with 100 strikeouts, just ahead of Roy Halladay (97), Clayton Kershaw (96), Tim Lincecum (93) and Cole Hamels (82).
There wasn't much offense to speak of but three runs were plenty with Lee on the hill. They scored two runs in the third and one in the eighth, with one RBI from Ryan Howard, Placido Polanco and Carlos Ruiz.
Roy Oswalt looks to keep the dominant pitching trend rolling tonight to hand the Phillies their first series victory since facing the Mets May 27-29.
After allowing ten runs over his last two starts, Lee bounced back in a big way with his third zero run outing of the season. It's the sixth time he struck out double digit batters in 2011.
Lee leads in the National League with 100 strikeouts, just ahead of Roy Halladay (97), Clayton Kershaw (96), Tim Lincecum (93) and Cole Hamels (82).
There wasn't much offense to speak of but three runs were plenty with Lee on the hill. They scored two runs in the third and one in the eighth, with one RBI from Ryan Howard, Placido Polanco and Carlos Ruiz.
Roy Oswalt looks to keep the dominant pitching trend rolling tonight to hand the Phillies their first series victory since facing the Mets May 27-29.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Phils snap skid behind Doc
The Phillies snapped their four-game losing streak with a 7-3 victory in the series finale against Pittsburgh.
Once again, the Phillies struggled at PNC Park, dropping two of three after losing two of three in Washington.
Roy Halladay picked up his eighth win, tossing seven solid innings, allowing two runs on six hits, one walks and six strikeouts. Both runs came on Neil Walker's eighth homer of the year, a two-run shot in the first inning.
It was a rather strange game and things appeared to be, yet again, going against the Phils in the fourth.
After Chase Utley and Ryan Howard led-off the inning with walks and advanced on a passed ball, Raul Ibanez got the Phils on the board with a sacrifice fly, which also moved Howard to third. Carlos Ruiz was hit by a pitch, putting runners at the corners with one out. Domonic Brown followed with a scorching line drive up the middle and into center field, as Howard trotted home to tie the game.
The only problem: the second base umpire couldn't get out of the way and it was ruled a dead ball. Even though it was clearly going into center field, the play is automatically ruled a dead ball, Brown is awarded first and Ruiz is awarded second, but Howard has to stay at third. Wilson Valdez followed with an inning ending double-play.
This is something MLB should take a look at. In fairness to the game, that play should be at the umpire's discretion. Howard clearly would have scored, and should have been able to go home from third. If there was any question, that's a different story. But on a play like that, where the ball has already split the infielders, it's obvious that Howard would have no trouble scoring.
It's different if Howard were on second. They can't determine if the ball hadn't deflected if the outfielder would have gotten to it more quickly (which he most likely would), and been able to throw a runner out trying to score from second. They also can't determine if Ruiz would have been able to go from first to third. But on a simple play like a runner scoring from third, that's a terrible rule to call it a dead ball.
Fortunately, the bad luck didn't hurt the Phillies. They took the lead in the fifth, without recording a hit; thanks to three walks to start the inning, a Howard sac fly and Ruiz being hit by another pitch to score a second run.
The Phils had a 3-2 lead and never looked back, tacking on another run in the sixth, one in the eighth and two in the ninth.
Ryan Madson worked a scoreless frame in the ninth, pitching for the first time in nearly a week. He wasn't as sharp as usual, but he allowed just one hit and struck out two.
The Phillies' long road trip is over, and a ten game home-stand begins tonight with the LA Dodgers in town. Here are the probables:
Tonight: Ted Lilly (4-4 4.22) vs. Cliff Lee (4-5 3.94)
Tuesday: Rubby De La Rosa (Making first Major League start- 1-0 1.80) vs. Roy Oswalt (3-3 2.70)
Wednesday: Hiroki Kuroda (5-6 3.46) vs. Cole Hamels (7-2 2.83)
Once again, the Phillies struggled at PNC Park, dropping two of three after losing two of three in Washington.
Roy Halladay picked up his eighth win, tossing seven solid innings, allowing two runs on six hits, one walks and six strikeouts. Both runs came on Neil Walker's eighth homer of the year, a two-run shot in the first inning.
It was a rather strange game and things appeared to be, yet again, going against the Phils in the fourth.
After Chase Utley and Ryan Howard led-off the inning with walks and advanced on a passed ball, Raul Ibanez got the Phils on the board with a sacrifice fly, which also moved Howard to third. Carlos Ruiz was hit by a pitch, putting runners at the corners with one out. Domonic Brown followed with a scorching line drive up the middle and into center field, as Howard trotted home to tie the game.
The only problem: the second base umpire couldn't get out of the way and it was ruled a dead ball. Even though it was clearly going into center field, the play is automatically ruled a dead ball, Brown is awarded first and Ruiz is awarded second, but Howard has to stay at third. Wilson Valdez followed with an inning ending double-play.
This is something MLB should take a look at. In fairness to the game, that play should be at the umpire's discretion. Howard clearly would have scored, and should have been able to go home from third. If there was any question, that's a different story. But on a play like that, where the ball has already split the infielders, it's obvious that Howard would have no trouble scoring.
It's different if Howard were on second. They can't determine if the ball hadn't deflected if the outfielder would have gotten to it more quickly (which he most likely would), and been able to throw a runner out trying to score from second. They also can't determine if Ruiz would have been able to go from first to third. But on a simple play like a runner scoring from third, that's a terrible rule to call it a dead ball.
Fortunately, the bad luck didn't hurt the Phillies. They took the lead in the fifth, without recording a hit; thanks to three walks to start the inning, a Howard sac fly and Ruiz being hit by another pitch to score a second run.
The Phils had a 3-2 lead and never looked back, tacking on another run in the sixth, one in the eighth and two in the ninth.
Ryan Madson worked a scoreless frame in the ninth, pitching for the first time in nearly a week. He wasn't as sharp as usual, but he allowed just one hit and struck out two.
The Phillies' long road trip is over, and a ten game home-stand begins tonight with the LA Dodgers in town. Here are the probables:
Tonight: Ted Lilly (4-4 4.22) vs. Cliff Lee (4-5 3.94)
Tuesday: Rubby De La Rosa (Making first Major League start- 1-0 1.80) vs. Roy Oswalt (3-3 2.70)
Wednesday: Hiroki Kuroda (5-6 3.46) vs. Cole Hamels (7-2 2.83)
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Lannan beats Phils for 1st time, Nats take series
A day after Cliff Lee and the Phillies were crushed 10-2 in Washington, John Lannan beat the Phils for the first time in his career in the rubber match yesterday.
In 14 previous tries, Lannan had been 0-10 with a 6.44 ERA. He pitched 5.1 innings in the 2-1 victory, allowing one unearned run, just four hits, three walks and one strikeout.
Roy Oswalt was solid as well, allowing two runs over five innings on six hits, two walks and three strikeouts. Laynce Nix hit a solo shot in the third, his ninth of the year, to give the Nats a 2-1 lead. Surprisingly, that score would hold.
Nix also made the play of the game in the field in the top of the sixth. Domonic Brown pinch-hit for Oswalt with the bases loaded and two outs. He hit a line drive toward the gap in left-center, when Nix closed a ton of ground to make a game saving, full extension diving catch, which saved at least two runs from scoring.
Fortunately for the Phils, they have an off day today and should have Shane Victorino activated for tomorrow's game against the red hot Pittsburgh Pirates.
In 14 previous tries, Lannan had been 0-10 with a 6.44 ERA. He pitched 5.1 innings in the 2-1 victory, allowing one unearned run, just four hits, three walks and one strikeout.
Roy Oswalt was solid as well, allowing two runs over five innings on six hits, two walks and three strikeouts. Laynce Nix hit a solo shot in the third, his ninth of the year, to give the Nats a 2-1 lead. Surprisingly, that score would hold.
Nix also made the play of the game in the field in the top of the sixth. Domonic Brown pinch-hit for Oswalt with the bases loaded and two outs. He hit a line drive toward the gap in left-center, when Nix closed a ton of ground to make a game saving, full extension diving catch, which saved at least two runs from scoring.
Fortunately for the Phils, they have an off day today and should have Shane Victorino activated for tomorrow's game against the red hot Pittsburgh Pirates.
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