Heading into today's game, the Phillies attempted to erase the sloppy loss of last night. Unfortunately, AJ Burnett's pitch count got high early and the Phillies offense was shut down by Angels starter Garrett Richards.This is the Phillies third straight loss.
The Game: Leave it to a former Phillie to draw first blood. Phillies starter AJ Burnett got two outs before giving up a double to Albert Pujols in the first inning. Raul Ibanez, an integral part of the Phillies World Series run, swatted an RBI single to right field to score Pujols, making it 1-0 Angels.
The Angels added another run in the second. Burnett led off the inning with two strikeouts and then he promptly surrendered two singles. Efren Navarrow slapped an RBI single to center to score Hank Conger from third. 2-0 Angels.
In the third, the Angels tacked on their final run. Albert Pujols singled to start and Raul Ibanez drew a walk. Erick Aybar ripped an RBI double to deep center field to score Pujols, making it a 3-0 Angels lead. Burnett loaded the bases with no outs, but got Grant Green swinging and then Luis Jimenez grounded out into a smooth 5-3 double-play by Cody Asche to end the inning and limit the damage.
The Phillies would have opportunities to score in the fifth, sixth and seventh but could not get a hit when it mattered. Angels sweep this short two-game set with a win today, 3-0.
Garrett Richards (4-0, 2.42) took the win. AJ Burnett (2-3, 3.13) was the losing pitcher.
Notable Offensive Statistics:
Chase Utley: 2-4, 2 2B
Ryan Howard: 1-4, 2 K's
Domonic Brown: 0-4, 2 K's
Ben Revere: 0-4
Impact: AJ Burnett battled a his pitch count piled up very early, throwing over 70 pitches through three innings. He limited the damage to just three, but I am sure he isn't happy with the efficiency of his outing. The Phillies offense was quiet, but had plenty of chances to get on the board with the bases loaded in the fifth and runners on second and third in the sixth. Carlos Ruiz was stranded at third in the seventh. Mike Adams, Jeff Manship, Antonio Bastardo and Mario Hollands all threw scoreless innings in relief.
Up Next: The Phillies have a day off before hosting the Reds for a three-game series starting on Friday night at 7:05PM. Kyle Kendrick (0-3, 3.98) will get the nod for Philadelphia while the Reds will send out Homer Bailey (3-2, 4.72).
Brandon Apter is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him @ApterShock
