Errors and Antonio Bastardo Blow Game 1, Phillies Look to Rebound in Game 2

Last night, the Phillies (36-44) opened a four game series with a 4-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves (42-38). After giving up four early runs, Kyle Kendrick (3-8 4.22 ERA) settled down and went eight innings striking out career high eight batters. In the first game of today’s doubleheader, Roberto Hernandez (3-7 4.26 ERA) got the start for the Phillies. Hernandez had very strong performance on the mound today, going seven innings giving up four runs, two earned on three hits. He was opposed by Braves righty, Ervin Santana (6-5 4.05 ERA).

Game 1 Recap: The Phillies got on the board right away in the bottom of the first inning. With one out, Tony Gwynn Jr., tripled to deep right center field. Then with two outs, Ryan Howard hit a blooper to drive in Gwynn. 1-0 Phillies

The Phillies struck again in the second inning. With one out, Koyie Hill doubled down the right field line. Then with two outs, pitcher Roberto Hernandez singled in Hill for his second big league hit and his first major league RBI. 2-0 Phillies

The fourth inning was one to forget for first baseman Ryan Howard. With one out, Andrelton Simmons singled and Freddie Freeman reach on an error through the legs of Ryan Howard. Justin Upton then reached on a second error by Howard off the heel of his glove. Jason Heyward then grounded out, but Freeman scored to tie the game 2-2 TIE

The sixth inning, the Braves would take the lead and never look back. B.J. Upton singled to lead off the inning. Simmons then erased when Upton grounded into a force play. Freeman then worked a walk, and Justin Upton doubled to play two runs for the Braves. 4-2 Braves

In the eighth inning, Antonio Bastardo and Luis Garcia imploded giving up five runs on three hits and three walks. All five runs were charged to the line of Bastardo. The big hit for the Braves was bases clearing triple by Tommy La Stella. The Phillies got back a run in the bottom of the inning after Chase Utley singled to lead off the inning, and scored on a ground out by Cody Asche. 9-3 Braves

The Braves would add to their lead in the ninth. Freeman walked with one out and moved to third on a ground out and wild pitch by Luis Garica. Heyward would walk to bring up Chris Johnson, who doubled to score Freeman. Shae Simmons closed the game for the Braves, getting a strike out, a fly out, and a ground out. 10-3 Braves FINAL

Significant Offensive Stats:

Ben Revere: 2-5

Tony Gywnn Jr.: 2-3, 3B, R

Kollie Hill: 1-3, 2B, BB, R

Impact: With the loss, the Phillies struggles at home continue. Most of the reason the Phillies are below .500 is they aren’t winning at home this season and have a better record on the road. The Phillies will look to take game two to have a hope to split the series against the Braves.

Game 2 Preview:

Sean O’Sullivan will get the call for the Phillies to spot start in game two. O’Sullivan struggled some during spring training. In 13 innings, O’Sullivan gave up ten runs on 19 hits including two home runs. This season at Leigh Valley, O’Sullivan has posted 4.31 ERA in ten games. The Braves will counter with bullpen arm, David Hale (2-2 3.14 ERA). Hale started two games for the Braves last season, but this season has only gone 2.1 innings in his deepest outing. It could turn into a bullpen game for the well-rested Braves’ bullpen.

Game Notes:

• Mike Adams saw Doctor Ciccotti and has not yet been cleared to throw yet. Adams says he feels good, but Ciccotti found one extreme position when moving the shoulder where he had some concern.
• Cliff Lee long tossed before game 1 of today’s doubleheader.
• Top Propsect Christian Bethancourt was called up and starting game 2 behind the dish.
• Phillies Lost Game 1 10-3 to the Braves

Phillies Lineup:

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Marlon Byrd RF
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. John Mayberry Jr. LF
6. Cody Asche 3B
7. Cesar Hernandez 2B
8. Cameron Rupp C
9. Sean O'Sullivan

Braves Lineup:

1. Jordan Schaffer CF
2. Andrelton Simmons SS
3. Freddie Freeman 1B
4. Justin Upton LF
5. Ryan Doumit RF
6. Chris Johnson 3B
7. Tommy La Stella 2B
8. Christian Bethancourt C
9. David Hale P

First Pitch: 7:15 PM ET

Location: Citizen’s Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA 

Weather: 86^o F Sunny and Clear

TV: FOX

Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP

Andrew Shipotofsky is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Ashipotofsky