MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 23: Maikel Franco #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a three run homer in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on April 23, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Maikel Franco
The Philadelphia Phillies won their third straight game on Saturday night, taking down the Brewers 10-6. Their record improves to 9-9.
On The Mound
- The Phillies’ bullpen was called upon to do a great deal of heavy lifting in this game. Starter Charlie Morton left the game after one inning with a hamstring injury. Before his early exit, Morton allowed one run on three hits.
- Brett Oberholtzer came on to work the next two innings, and allowed three runs on three hits and two walks. Oberholtzer has posted an ERA of 8.74 on the season, and has not been very effective as the team’s long reliever.
- Andrew Bailey, who had just been called up to take the roster spot of ineffective James Russell, made his first appearance on the season, and tossed two scoreless innings to get the win. Bailey allowed one hit and walk while striking out two.
- David Hernandez was also called upon for two innings of work, and got the team through the sixth and seventh without allowing a run.
- Dailer Hinojosa was asked to handle the eighth, but turned in a poor effort. Hinojosa immediately allowed a home run to the first batter he faced, and then allowed a single and a walk to put runners at first and second with none out. Hinjosa gave up another run on a sacrifice fly before leaving the game.
- Elvis Araujao picked up the final out of the eighth.
At The Plate
- The Phillies’ offense continued their recent hot play, putting up seven runs on 10 hits.
- Its the third straight game that the Phils have scored at least five runs and picked up at least 10 hits.
- Maikel Franco, fresh off of a two-home run performance on Friday, stayed red-hot at the plate tonight. Franco went 3-5 with another home run and four RBI’s.
- Franco smashed a three-run homer in the fourth inning to put the team up 6-4. He singled home another run in the sixth.
- Ryan Howard, Carlos Ruiz, and Tyler Goeddel each singled home a run in the third inning.
- Odubel Herrera was excellent at the top of the order, going 3-4 with a homer, two singles, two walks, and scoring four runs. Herrera’s ability to get on base in cementing himself more and more as an integral part of the team’s future.
- Darin Ruf got another start in left, going 1-2 with a walk.
- Tyler Goeddel has his first multi-hit game of the season.
- Cesar Hernandez doubled home a run in the ninth.
Final Thoughts
A great showing by both the offense and the bullpen.
Odubel Herrera and Maikel Franco are two pieces that this offense can be built around.
Herrera’s ability to work out walks has been incredibly impressive. The move to put him at the top of the order has been a great decision by Pete Mackanin.
Meanwhile, Franco’s bat has snapped out of its slump, and he’s beginning to find his footing.
The offense has been strong, and helped pick up the pitching staff during this current winning streak.
The Phils are now back at .500, and have a chance to go above it and complete a sweep tomorrow.
