I really saw this one coming. Kendrick did what he could with a potent line up but they were able to handle him for four runs over six innings. He definitely got his work in and he battled but in the end, he wasn't a match for them today. Niether was the bullpen. Over the last three innings, they were tagged for six more runs, including a two run blast from Joey Votto off Chad Durbin in the 9th to add a cherry on top of a a pretty brutal loss.
Offensively, the Phillies were lifeless. Chase Utley was horrendous today against Bronson Arroyo including two first pitch flyouts to left. Arroyo was really on today but it makes a whole new statement. Historically, Arroyo is bad against the Phillies. He was the kind of pitcher the Phillies would shell five years ago. Here in 2013, the team that's a shell of what they used to be has no answer for his junk.
These are the worst losses. When it's all on one side. We've seen far too many of them this season. My biggest gripe so far is the pre-Adams bullpen. Antonio Bastardo is really struggling. Phillipe Aumont can't throw strikes. Durbin and Jeremy Horst both throw batting practice. You feel it falling apart when you see them warming up.
The only bright spot so far is Justin DeFratus who is exclusively the big out getter in the late innings right now. One has to think we'll see more of the Lehigh Valley crew soon enough because what they have now is really hurting this club.
The Phillies get a shot at winning the series tomorrow at 1:35. Jonathan Pettibone goes to the mound and faces Homer Bailey. Another tough task tomorrow. I can't honestly say I feel optimistic about that one either.
