The Philadelphia Phillies lost their third straight game on Monday night, falling to the Rockies 8-1. Their record drops to 15-27.
On The Mound
- Jerad Eickhoff had another mediocre showing, allowing four runs over seven innings.
- Eickhoff was touched up for three runs in the sixth, and as usual received no run support.
- Eickhoff drops to 0-5, and his ERA stands at 4.70.
- Pat Neshek pitched a scoreless seventh.
- Joely Rodriguez had another wretched appearance, allowing three runs (though only one earned).
- Luis Garcia mopped up the final two outs in the ninth, and allowed a home run.
At The Plate
- The offense managed one lousy run on three hits.
- Aaron Altherr had two of the three hits, both going for doubles.
- Tommy Joseph had the third hit, and drove in the team’s only run.
- Michael Saunders was dropped to eighth hole tonight, and responded with an 0-3, dropping his average to .227.
Final Thoughts
This team looks like they’ve already checked out on the season and we haven’t even reached Memorial Day.
Pete Mackanin doesn’t have any answers on his roster that are going to fix the problems in the lineup, but he hasn’t done enough to work some other guys in to create fresh energy in the order. One thing he absolutely can do is go away from Michael Saunders as an everyday player.
Daniel Nava is a nice fourth or fifth outfielder. He’s done well with the opportunities he’s been given this year. Is he any kind of long-term answer, no, and he’s probably the type of player that if overexposed would quickly fade.
But that said, I completely believe he’s currently a better option than Michael Saunders, who has given the Phils absolutely nothing this season.
There’s no reason why Nava and Saunders shouldn’t split an everyday role until Howie Kendrick eventually returns.
