The Philadelphia Phillies snapped their two-game losing streak on Saturday night, taking down the Nationals 7-2. Their record improves to 14-14.
- A.J. Burnett was able to stay hot on Saturday, going six innings and allowing just one run on three hits. Burnett struck out seven, and walked two.
- For the second straight game, the Phils were able to jump out to a three-run lead in the first inning. This time it came off of a three-run shot from Ryan Howard, his sixth of the year.
- Cody Asche had another productive game at the plate, hitting a solo homer in the second inning. It was Asche’s first since Opening Day.
- In the fourth inning, the Phillies knocked in another run thanks to a pair of doubles from Domonic Brown and Carlos Ruiz.
- Marlon Byrd came up with a bases-loaded two-run single in the fifth inning.
- Jimmy Rollins went 4-5, all four hits were singles.
- Tony Gwynn started for Ben Revere in center, and went 2-4.
- Mario Hollands pitched the seventh inning, and allowed a run.
- Mike Adams pitched a scoreless eighth inning, one night after allowing three runs to blow Friday’s game.
- Antonio Bastardo worked the ninth inning.
Final Thoughts
A.J. Burnett has been the stopper for the Phillies.
Pitching through his hernia, the veteran continues to be the team’s strongest starter. His ERA is down to just 2.06, and he’s coming up large in big games.
The Phillies will face the Nats on Sunday without the services of Cole Hamels, who is down with the flu. Roberto Hernandez will get the call in the rubber match.
Tags: Phillies
Phil’s get the BP straightened out and we would be in business. BP has blown 6.. Too many, cut that in half and they are 17-11…. Hitting pretty good, good SP, good D… They are going to stay in it I believe.
This is the key HAC,
A nice bounce back game after blowing Fri nights game..
Most Games are decided in the last 3 Innings of a Ballgame and the Starters are doing their job on most nights to give them a chance to win..
Papelbon has settled in after a shaky start
But they need the 7th/8th Inning Set-up Relievers to
Hold the fort down and be consistent and stop walking batters..
Are Diekman,Bastardo & Adams enough? I’m not so confident about their consistency, but it’s who they got right now, maybe a Pitcher or two down in Minor Leagues can help as the Innings tally up.. Acquiring a proven set-up Pitcher will be difficult at Trade a Time for there are many Teams in the same boat..
Paul, Adams was a very good set up guy and we have seen bastardo do well in the 7th…. The young guys have to get better… Diekman has to come thru.
The Phil’s core is really playing well. D brown who I’m not a fan of has to be better and if Asche hits 250 with 15 hr out of the 8 hole we are in business.
Their line-up is playing well
Byrd has been consistent as well as Utley and
The CF Tandem of Revere/Gwynn have been doing their job,
Getting on base & making things happen..
The Keys are Rollins & Howard who have gotten off to very good Starts
Especially Howard if they can stay out of lung slumps.
Adams has a good track record, but he also has track record of injuries
So these young guys have to step up and be ready
The Braves are struggling a bit after a hot Start
Phiks have a pretty favorable stretch of games coming up and need to keep winning 2 of 3 and win 1 series at a time..
Burnett has been a pleasant surprise and has pitched very well thus far