The Phillies and Giants split the first two games of their series this weekend, even though the Phillies hould have won both. They won the first game in 10 innings thanks to a strong game from Cody Asche, who not only hit the game-tying homer, but scored the game winning run in the 10th. Yesterday, the Phils led the Giants 5-1 in the sixth, but Mario Hollands and Antonio Bastardo surrendered the lead once Kyle Kendrick was pulled from the game. The Giants won game two, 7-6. Today, the Phillies aimed to take the series against the Giants out west after losing five of their last seven games.
The Game: The Phillies got on the board first in the top of the first against Tim Lincecum. After Ben Revere got caught stealing, Jimmy Rollins took a walk. Chase Utley followed that with an RBI triple to the wall in left center field to make it 1-0. Ryan Howard walked but Marlon Byrd couldn't capitalize, popping out to second base. Grady Sizemore grounded out to end the inning, ending any opporunity at getting a two or three run lead right out of the gates. Jimmy Rollins struck out in the second with runners on the corners.
The Giants answered in the bottom half of the second inning. With one out, Mike Morse singled. Joe Panik lined out and Andrew Susac singled, putting runners on first and second with two down. Brandon Crawford followed with a single of his own to right, scoring Morse, and a throwing error by Marlon Byrd allowed Susac to score, tying things at 2-2.
David Buchanan hit some trouble in the fourth. Morse and Sanik led off with singles to start the inning. Andrew Susac knocked in Morse with another single, giving the Giants a 3-2 lead with none out. Luckily, the Phillies rookie escaped with no further damage after getting Brandon Crawford to strikeout swinging, getting a force out at third on a Lincecum bunt and putting Angel Pagan down via the strikeout.
After 6.2 innings, David Buchanan was pulled in favor of left-hander, Jake Diekman, who has been very solid in the second half of the season with a 1.59 ERA over 11.1 innings. Unfortunately, he reverted back to his old ways, giving up a lead-off double to Gregor Blanco. Joe Panik singled, putting runners on the corners with none out. He walked Andrew Susac to load the bases. Brandon Crawford and Joaquin Arias hit back-to-back sacrifice fly's to make it a 5-2 game and that is how it would end.
Notable Offensive Statistics:
- Ben Revere: 3-5
- Cody Asche: 3-3, RBI, BB
- Jimmy Rollins: 0-4, 3 K's
- Marlon Byrd: 1-3, R
Impact: After showing fight in game one of the series and the offense to go ahead in game two, despite the loss, the Phillies bats were rather quiet on this Sunday afternoon. They were 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and Jake Diekman put the game out of reach, showing no control on the mound whatsoever. On the bright side of things, Ben Revere kept his hot streak alive, raising his average to .314. He got on base three times today but an awful day at the plate from Rollins kept him at first two of the three times. Cody Asche had a great day at the dish, getting three hits and drawing a walk. David Buchanan pitched 6.2 innings and gave up just two earned runs, earning himself a nice quality start in the loss.
Up Next: The Phillies welcome Robinson Cano and the Seattle Mariners into town for a three-game series beginning Monday night at 7:05. Jerome Williams (0-0, 3.38) makes his second start in a Phillies uniform while the Mariners will send Roenis Elias (9-9, 4.14) to the hill. The Phillies are 2-7 lifetime against Seattle over just nine games played against each other.
Brandon Apter, Publishing Editor for Philliedelphia.com
