Yesterday, Ryan Howard "finally earned his money again" with a walk off single, at least that's how a certain member of my household put it. The Phillies had dropped the first two games against the New York Mets in two one-run final scores, and went into Sunday with very little momentum. A victory of any sort is a positive push for a team, contenders or not, and one of the walk off variety is even more invigorating. So, with David Buchanan heading the pitching squad in Monday's matinee, the organization looked for a series split with their division rivals.
The Game: Both David Buchanan and Jon Niese went three scoreless frames t0 start the game. Initially, it looked as though a lack of offense would be the highlight. Inning number four, however, ended that particular idea. In the top half, Daniel Murphy got the best of Buchanan by doubling into center field to lead things off. Familiar foe David Wright stood in next, and as he usually does against Philadelphia, he helped the scoring effort. A single back up the middle brought Murphy in around from second to end the shutout. The next three batters would be set down in order.
The home squad would be able to do one better in their half of the fourth. Ryan Howard grounded out to start it out, but Carlos Ruiz worked the walk off of Niese to put a runner on. Getting the start in left field, Darin Ruf then received his own opportunity to help the cause. Ruf stood motionless for the first two pitches, and took the 2-0 pitch deep into dead center field and off the ivy covered wall for just his second four-bagger of the year. The Phils now held a 2-1 lead.
That score would remain the same into the seventh inning, as would the Phillies pitcher. David Buchanan came out to start the frame, but would get burned after walking Juan Lagares. Matt den Dekker doubled out toward Marlon Byrd in right next, tying the game up at two a side. Justin De Fratus was then called upon to replace Buchanan. He immediately served up a single to Wilmer Flores, putting two baserunners on. Though he played sparingly, Anthony Recker's last hit for the Mets came on July 13th. His last home run was on the sixth, but both of those facts would be changed with one swing. De Fratus' pitch was lifted into the left field seats for his third home run of the season, and the Mets now held a 5-2 lead.
In the ninth, Chase Utley nearly led the Phillies to a comeback. The first two batter in the inning were set down, but Cody Asche walked to keep the contest alive. Utley then sent a ball deep into left that popper over the fence and was initially ruled a home run. However, umpire review showed that the ball nicked the top of the fence inside a fan's hat, then hopped over the wall. It was ultimately ruled a ground rule double, which did allow Asche to score. However, the next batter, Ben Revere, flew out, and the ball game was over.
Impact: The Phillies ended up losing three of four to the Mets after sweeping the Houston Astros, leaving their homestand record at 4-3. In his return to the lineup Darin Ruf collected a hit, two RBIs, and a walk. Ben Revere added another two hits to his resume, and David Buchanan looked impressive in his six innings of work, surrendering three earned runs.
Up Next: Jerome Williams will be making his debut with the Phillies, as they travel to play two games against the Angels in Los Angeles. Williams has already faced the Angels twice this season in his time with the Astros. C.J. Wilson gets the nod for LA.
Andrew Gillen, Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com
