A brutal first-inning error, a four-inning performance by the starting pitcher, six walks allowed by the Phillies staff, and runners stranded on base left and right. In the end, it was a forgettable 7-4 loss to the Mets on Wednesday afternoon.
The pitching: Kyle Kendrick allowed six runs in four innings, though all four runs he allowed in the first inning were unearned, compliments of an error by shortstop Michael Martinez. Kendrick surrendered a three-run homer to Nick Evans in the opening frame, as well as an opposite-field solo shot to David Wright in the third. The bullpen essentially held the fort the rest of the way, with five different pitchers logging an inning apiece.
The offense: After falling behind 4-0 in the first inning, the Phillies strung together three runs in the second inning against Mets starter Mike Pelfrey. Shane Victorino had a two-run single and Chase Utley plated a run with a base hit later in the frame. The Phillies had some opportunities thereafter but only managed one more run – on Hunter Pence’s RBI infield single in the seventh. Placido Polanco hit into a double play that killed a first-and-third rally in the eighth inning, though it was certainly more a terrific turn by the Mets than any failure on Polly's part. The Phillies brought the tying run to the plate again in the ninth, but Carlos Ruiz grounded out to end the game.
Next up: The Phils are off Thursday before opening a three-game set vs. the Marlins on Friday. That game, originally scheduled to be Cole Hamels’ return to the mound, will now feature Roy Oswalt (6-7, 3.51) against Clay Hensley (1-5, 5.47).
This leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Nothing short of a sweep against the Fish will be acceptable.
Posted by: SLO Phan | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 04:51 PM
At least we have 50 or so hours to let it sink in and solve all of the teams problems.
Thankfully, Ross Gload is no longer a problem. Left handed bat off the bench issue solved.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 04:52 PM
Keith Hernandez overheard as the game returns: "This game will bring back our viewers."
Posted by: EastFallowfield | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 04:53 PM
I wonder if King of the Bop is steamed
Posted by: Cyclic | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 04:54 PM
I don't know why the ump would have to help a guy throwing the ball at 102 mph, but he sure did. Howard must have p#ssed in his Corn Flakes or something. He called two pitches at least a half foot outside strikes. I had to check if Maddux was pitching. And he screwed Martinez with a strike 2 call that should have been a clear ball 4 n the eighth.
And he didn't ask for help on Pence's check swing. Looks like he was at war with the guy at first base who called Vic safe. But that was probably a makeup call for calling Polanco out.
I know it's kind of lame to whine about umps most of the time. But there were some strange doings at the end of the game today. And all but one of them broke the Mutts' way.
Posted by: aksmith | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 04:56 PM
Most posters were probably long gone, but Mini Mart failed to get to a ball that most shortstops would've gotten in the 8th inning.
He should not be playing shortstop at the major league level.
Posted by: clout | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 04:57 PM
For all the crap he gets here, that's the first game I've seen him actively lose for us... and boydid MiniMart lose it...
Posted by: The Perils of Thinking | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 05:03 PM
MM's error cost us this game. Yeah, KK wasn't at his best and a great pitcher would be able to lock it down, even after an error like that. But, KK isn't a great pitcher and it didn't happen. Hopefully we will never see MM as a SS again.
Posted by: SLO Phan | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 05:06 PM
Mini Mart has been bad for about a month now. It just hasn't been mentioned much because he's not played much.
He was really good for about 10 days there (that series in Chicago he played very well) but he looks like the AA player he was for most of the year before that.
Worley got out of trouble last night because Polanco made a very smart play at 3B. Kendrick got into big trouble today because his SS botched a easy play.
Posted by: denny b. | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 05:10 PM
Mini-Mart's shoddy fielding killed us today. The botched DP was unacceptable. This game was over in the first inning. I'm starting to get a bit concerned about the division lead. Braves at Mets this weekend. Doesn't look like we'll get much help. We have to sweep the Marlins. I can see the Phillies and Braves both winning 100+ games.
Posted by: Rich D | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 05:18 PM
Yeah, the way the Braves have played this season, the Phillies can't let up on the throttle. As good as they've played, there's pressure. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, because it keeps a team on their toes - but it also means they can't afford to start slipping.
Posted by: GBrettfan | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 05:26 PM
Is nothing I do good enough for you people? Bruntlett told me about you!
Posted by: Mini Mart | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 05:31 PM
So we play the Braves, then the Brewers, in September, and end the season v. the Braves in Atlanta. The only tough team the Braves face the rest of the way is us.
Important to really gear up for that first series (as the Braves surely will) and beat them. In 6-7 innings, since their BP is so good.
Posted by: GBrettfan | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 05:32 PM
MAN O MAN WHENEVER THE PHILS LOSE TO THE FILTH FROM FLUSHING I GET ***STEAMED***....I
Posted by: They Call Me King Of The Bop | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 05:48 PM
Some of you are actually worried about the Braves?
The Phils are up 8 games in the loss column, with 34 games to go.
The Braves would literally have to win every game the rest of the way to catch the Phils. And the Phils would have to start getting swept by crap teams like the Marlins and Astros.
It ain't happening.
Posted by: denny b. | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 05:56 PM
i don't mind them getting close at all. keeps them on their toes
Posted by: st | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 06:08 PM
One thing to keep your eye on...
Don't be surprised if MLB decides to schedule a DH on Saturday, with Hurricane Irene coming to the northeast by Sunday.
This is the Marlins last trip in to Philly, so there is no shot of making it up.
So don't be shocked if by tomorrow afternoon, we hear about a day-night DH on Saturday.
Posted by: denny b. | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 06:09 PM
I didn't see any previous comments about Mills' little maneuver last night, to use his LOOGY to face two guys, without having to face the righty sandwiched between them: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Wright-field-Astros-reliever-pitches-plays-ou?urn=mlb-wp16906
Incidentally, I'd be all for this kind of a move if Bastardo wasn't as effective on righties as he's shown he can be. Obviously, I'd advocate his replacing Ibanez, then having Ben Fran, JMJ or whomever come in when Tony heads back to the mound.
Just interesting and something you don't see too often.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 06:10 PM
Is it too late to send Mini mouse back to the Nats? I guess Herdon's success this year makes someone think Mini will be much better next year. From pevious post
It ain't happening.
Posted by: jr | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 06:10 PM
denny b, would that be referred to as a "preponement?"
At any rate, if it happens, I'm still all for the Bruntlett rain out graphic on Sunday, anyway.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 06:11 PM
Be concerned the Braves somehow just wont loose. Hope the Cubbies can pull at least one.
Posted by: Luis | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 06:12 PM
Cubs took 2 of 3 from ATL last week, so they should win at least one of their 4 game set. However, the Cubs appear to be getting progressively worse as the season marches on, so they are a worse team now then when they beat ATL last week.
Posted by: SLO Phan | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 06:17 PM
Re: Mills/Wright
That is a classic move. Pinella did it a few years back with the Cubs. I love it.
Posted by: gobaystars!! | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 06:38 PM
An error in the first inning cost the Phils the game? Interesting.
Posted by: Old Phan | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 06:40 PM
Absolutely Willard.
Anytime The Gnomer graphic can be used, the better.
They are talking about 100 MPH winds on Sunday in Philly, DC and New York City.
Actually in looking at the forecast, it might make more sense to try and play a DH on Friday, since there is a 0% chance of rain on Friday.
And then maybe try and play a single game on Saturday afternoon and then get the hell out of dodge. Philly can get to Cincy on Saturday evening before the hurricane gets close.
Florida could be looking at a brutal schedule of games. They play a DH today. Could very well play another DH on Friday. Then a scheduled DH (weather permitting) on Monday in New York.
MLB has a tough job ahead. The Phils, Orioles, Mets and Red Sox are all at home this weekend.
If the Phils do play a DH on Friday, Halladay and Anibel Sanchez will still be on regular rest for Game 2 of the DH. So it wouldn't hurt either of the starters. Lee would also be on regular rest if he started the Saturday afternoon game (as would Nolasco for FLA).
So pitching wise, it would all work out fine for both teams.
I'll say this for those holding tickets for games this weekend...better be flexible.
Posted by: denny b. | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 06:53 PM
The Phils played like crap all day. They almost looked hungover.
Posted by: Scotch Man | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 06:58 PM
too lazy to read game thread...where was exxon today?
Posted by: wes covington's ghost | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 07:02 PM
Those old guys who catch the ball ain't so bad.
Posted by: gobaystars!! | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 07:03 PM
100 MPH winds in Philly? I think any of the "they" talking about that may be exaggerating a bit.
Posted by: DH Phils | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 07:05 PM
" I'm starting to get a bit concerned about the division lead."
"So we play the Braves, then the Brewers, in September, and end the season v. the Braves in Atlanta. The only tough team the Braves face the rest of the way is us."
"Braves at Mets this weekend. Doesn't look like we'll get much help. We have to sweep the Marlins. "
"Yeah, the way the Braves have played this season, the Phillies can't let up on the throttle. "
"Be concerned the Braves somehow just wont loose."
Oh boy, here we go...
GET A DOG!!!
Posted by: Phlipper | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 07:07 PM
I went to the Pirates game so, I missed this travesty. But, from the box score today and yesterday, I'm wondering if people are still unconcerned about if/ when Rollins returns to SS. Defense up the middle is paramount.
Posted by: Hugh Mulcahy | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 07:07 PM
First manager I saw make that move - moving a guy from the mound to the OF and back to the mound - was Chuck Tanner with Kent Tekulve.
Posted by: Hugh Mulcahy | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 07:12 PM
Mets are getting all whiny about Sarge calling them crybabies, apparently.
Posted by: EastFallowfield | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 07:25 PM
Sooo....the Mets are being crybabies about being called crybabies?
Posted by: SLO Phan | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 07:41 PM
Most posters were probably long gone, but Mini Mart failed to get to a ball that most shortstops would've gotten in the 8th inning.
He should not be playing shortstop at the major league level.
Exactly right. Martinez was barely tolerable at 3B, but at SS he's an outright disaster. Valdez isn't as good as Rollins, but he's more than capable. Martinez, not so much.
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 08:23 PM
I, for one, hope the Braves do keep the pressure on. In the long run it might be better for the Phillies to stay in more of a competitive mode rather than coast in, relax, and lose their edge going into the postseason.
Posted by: Dragon | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 08:26 PM
Valdez booted a ball in the first inning of Lee's start too.
Posted by: EastFallowfield | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 08:33 PM
season = over
Posted by: that | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 08:41 PM
I thought Martinez looked pretty good at third base.
Posted by: DH Phils | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 08:42 PM
I wouldn't be disappointed to see Galvis get a look at shortstop for the rest of the time Rollins spends on the DL. He's certainly no savior, but he'd be a defensive upgrade over Martinez and I doubt he'd be much worse at the plate than Martinez and Orr.
Posted by: Will Schweitzer | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 08:53 PM
They should just play a tourney on Friday.
Posted by: Rauls grandpa | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 08:54 PM
Exxon is fine at SS or 3rd. I agree that MM is better at 3rd.
3-0 Cubs in the 3rd.
Posted by: Old Phan | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 09:00 PM
"3-0 Cubs in the 3rd."
You mean maybe there's some hope after all?
Thank god I brought my smart phone with me as I climbed on this tower on the Ben Franklin.
Please update the score - I don't want to climb back down again unless there's still some hope when the Braves' game is over.
Posted by: Phlipper | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 09:05 PM
Will's affection for Galvis shows his discriminatory nature against black and Latino infielders.
Posted by: Jesse Jackson | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 09:07 PM
martinez gives me a heart attack everytime he throws that weird underhand flip from third
Posted by: circus | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 09:16 PM
There is no law that states a pitcher must give up a hit or hits after an error. I've seen a few games where that didn't happen.
Posted by: Old Phan | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 09:17 PM
Martinez was actually good in his time playing third. What the hell are you talking about G-Town?
Maybe it was a fluke, but in his opportunities at third he looked good. I don't think anyone has disputed that. He was not 'barely tolerable.' Good God.
Posted by: Iceman | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 09:30 PM
Valdez flubbed a ground ball playing short in the first inning of Monday's game. That didn't cause Cliff Lee to surrender a 3-run homer. I guess Cliff didn't get the memo, but Kyle did.
Posted by: Francisville | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 10:37 PM