The Phillies (53-67) are coming off a series against the Mets in which they lost three of four. Last night, the Phillies opened a three game series against Mike Trout and the Angels (69-49). The Phillies sent newly-aquired Jerome Williams (1-3 6.43 ERA) to the hill. Williams was just signed by the Phillies after he was released by the Rangers to replace Roberto Hernandez in the rotation. Williams also played this season for the Astros. The Angels countered with C.J. Wilson (9-8 4.71 ERA). Wilson is no longer the dominant arm he was with the Rangers, but still a formable opponent.
The Game:
The Phillies broke through first in the fourth. Ben Revere led off with a single and moved to second after Jimmy Rollins grounded to third. Chase Utley followed with a single to put runners on the corners. Ryan Howard got under a ball for a sacrifice fly to left. 1-0 Phillies
The Phillies added on to their lead in the sixth. With two outs, Chase Utley worked a walk. Ryan Howard followed with a single and Utley advanced to third on an error by C.J. Wilson. Marlon Byrd then singled Utley in to make it 2-0 Phillies.
The bottom of the sixth was one the Phillies would love to forget. Kole Calhoun hit a lead off solo shot to right. Then with one out, Albert Pujols singled to left. That ended Willliams debut as he was replaced by Antonio Bastardo. Bastardo walked Josh Hamilton before getting the second out by getting Erick Aybar to fly out. Howie Kendrick followed with a single to tie the game. Then Collin Cowgill hit a ground-rule double for the Angels to take the lead. David Freese added on with a double of his own. Chris Iannetta then singled and advanced to second on a rare error by Marlon Byrd. Sandberg had seen enough and replaced Bastardo with Jake Diekman. Kole Calhoun singled to score Iannetta. Diekman got the Phillies out of the inning by striking out Mike Trout. 7-2 Angels FINAL
Significant Offensive Stats:
Ben Revere: 1-4 R
Chase Utley: 1-3 BB R
Ryan Howard: 1-3 SF RBI
Marlon Byrd: 1-4 RBI
Darin Ruf: 2-3 HBP
Impact: As terrible as Williams stats were entering last night’s game, he pitched very well anddeserved the win. On the other hand, Antonio Bastardo has continued his terrible second half of the season. Before the All Star break, he has a solid ERA of 3.46, but after he has an ERA of 9.31. With three other strong lefties in the pen, it is finally time to say goodbye to Antonio Bastardo.
Up Next: Tonight, the Phillies will A.J. Burnett (6-12 4.29 ERA) to the hill looking to tie up the series. Burnett has struggled his last three starts, raising his ERA from 3.86 to 4.29. He will be opposed by Jered Weaver (12-7 3.68 ERA). Weaver lost his last start against the Red Sox going six innings giving up four runs.
Andrew Shipotofsky is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on twitter @Ashipotofsky
