Yesterday, the Phillies (39-51) took game one over the Brewers (52-39) 3-2, backed by a two run home run by Chase Utley and six and two-third strong innings from Cole Hamels (3-5 2.87 ERA) Tonight, looking for the series win, Phillies sent Kyle Kendrick (4-8 4.46 ERA) to the hill going for his fourth win of the season. Phillies have struggled this season scoring runs for Kendrick. The Brewers countered with Willy Peralta (9-6 3.95 ERA). Peralta has solid year for the Brewers and entered tonight looking for his tenth win of the season, with his last winning coming on June 26th over the Rockies.
The Game: The Phillies struck first over the Brewers for the second night in a row. Ben Revere led off the game with a single and went to second on a wild pitch. Then with one out, Chase Utley hit a sacrifice fly to get the Phillies on the board 1-0 Phillies
The Brewers came out swinging in the bottom of the first. After getting the first out, Kendrick hung a ball to Scooter Gennett for a solo shot to tie the game. But the Brewers weren’t done there. Jonathan Lucroy singled and Aramis Ramirez and Khris Davis worked walks to load the bases. Lyle Overbay then crushed a grand slam to give the Brewers a four run lead. 5-1 Brewers
Just when it looked like it was going to be a long night for the Phillies, they took the lead right back. Marlon Byrd led off with a single. Cody Asche followed with a single off the third base bag and Domonic Brown walked to load the bases. Koylie Hill hit a infield single to get one run back for the Phillies. Then with one out, Ben Revere crushed a high fastball for ground rule double to deep center field to bring the Phillies with in one run. Jimmy Rollins worked a walk to load the bases again, and Chase Utley followed with a two run single to give the Phillies the lead. 6-5 Phillies
In the third, Domonic Brown added to the Phillies lead with his sixth home run of the season. 7-5 Phillies
In the fifth, the Phillies added what would turn into big some insurance runs. Ryan Howard led off with a walk and with one out Cody Asche doubled on ball right down the first base line. Brown came up big again and singled on a jam shot through the hole into right field to plate two more runs. 9-5 Phillies
In the bottom of the sixth, Logan Schafer singled with one out to bring up pinch hitter Mark Reynolds. Reynold hit two run shot to right to bring the Brewers with in two runs. That would end Kyle Kendrick’s night. 9-7 Phillies
Jonathan Papelbon came in the ninth going for his 21st save for the Phillies. Papelbon got Aramis Ramirez and Khris Davis to fly out for the first two outs. Lyle Overbay grounded to short for the final out of the game. 9-7 Phillies FINAL
Significant Offensive Stats:
Ben Revere: 2-5 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI
Chase Utley: 2-4 SF, 3 RBI
Cody Asche: 2-4 2B, R
Domonic Brown: 2-3 HR, BB, 2 R, 3 RBI
Impact: On a night where Kyle Kendrick struggled, it was nice to see Koylie Hill help Kendrick through five and two third innings to help to save the bullpen. When the bullpen came in they were lights out going three and third innings of shut out ball for DeFratus, Diekman, Giles, and Papelbon. The young bullpen core of DeFratus, Diekman and Giles has really been a bright shot for the Phillies this season. It will be nice to see them there for years to come.
Up Next: Tomorrow the Phillies go for the sweep over the NL Central leading Brewers (8:10 CSN). They will send Roberto Hernandez (3-8 4.48 ERA) to the Hill. Hernandez struggled in his last start versus the Pirates giving up five runs on ten hits over five and two thirds. Hernandez last win was on June 18th over the Braves. Phillies will face an old friend in former Phillie, Kyle Loshe (9-3 3.18 ERA). Loshe is having a good year and will be looking for his tenth win of the season.
Andrew Shipotofsky is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on twitter @AShipotofsky
