Yesterday, the Phillies scored four runs in the ninth inning to win the four games series against the Dodgers. Carlos Ruiz and Marlon Byrd had big nights at the plate accounting for six of the teams seven runs scored.
Tonight, the Phillies sent fifth starter, Roberto Hernandez, to the mount to face the Diamondbacks. Hernandez has pitched decent for the Phillies early in games, but has struggled later in games. This has lead to him having a 5.75 ERA going into tonight’s game.
The Diamondbacks countered with Josh Collmenter. Collmenter started the year as a relief pitcher, but has started his last two games. He has had a decent year so far as swingman posting a 4.50 ERA in 18 innings.
The Game: Leading into the fourth inning, Roberto Hernandez lacked some commanded and kept getting behind batters. After a lead off walk by Miguel Montero, Aaron Hill hit a two run blast to center for the first runs of the game. 2-0 DBacks
The Diamondbacks were back at in the fifth. After a strike out of pitcher Josh Collmenter, Gerardo Parra singled then stole second with Prado at the plate. Prado grounded out, but that move Parra up to third. Paul Goldschmidt then hit a single to plate Parra. Montero worked a walk to set up Aaron Hill. Hill crushed a ball for a ground rule double to score another run. 4-0 DBacks
The Phillies finally got on the board in the seventh inning. With one out, Marlon Byrd singled. Domonic Brown and Carlos Ruiz both followed with singles to load the bases. Cody Asche had an excellent at bat and worked a walk to score the first run. Tony Gywnn then pinched hit for Roberto Hernandez and was safe on first on and error to score Brown and Ruiz. The interesting part was Asche was called out at second, but it was over turned on a manager’s challenge. 4-3 DBacks
In the bottom of the eighth with one out, Jake Deikman in his second inning of relief, A.J. Pollock hit a solo shot off the slider. 5-3 DBacks
In the top of the ninth and two outs, Ben Revere singled and went to second on defensive indifference. Jimmy Rollins then singled him in. Rollins then stole second with Chase Utley up to bat. Chase Utley then was intentionally walked to put runners on first and second with two outs for John Mayberry who pinch ran for Ryan Howard in the eighth. Mayberry watched a strike three called for the final out 5-4 DBacks
Notable Offensive Performances:
Ben Revere 2-5
Marlon Byrd 2-4, R
Domonic Brown 2-4, R
Impact: Roberto Hernandez needs to go deeper into games and help better put the Phillies in a better position to win ball games. Also, the decision for Jake Diekman is an interesting one considering his struggles against right-handed batters this season especially off the slider. Mayberry has also hurt the Phillies for most of the season off the bench. A bright was the Phillies offense’s ability to keep fighting.
Up Next: The Phillies will send ace Cliff Lee to the hill for game two against the Diamondbacks looking to tie up the series. Cliff Lee has pitched outstanding since his first start on Opening Day lowering his ERA to 3.09. Lee will be opposed by Bronson Arroyo. Arroyo this season is 1-2 with a 9.50 ERA.
Andrew Shipotofsky is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @AShipotofsky
