After losing game one to start the second half of the season to the Braves (53-44), the Phillies (43-54) looked to split the series by sending ace, Cole Hamels (4-5 2.83 ERA), to the hill. Hamels heading into tonight hadn’t won a game since July 7th, taking the no decision in his last two starts. Hamels was opposed by Braves right-hander, Aaron Harang (9-6 3.36 ERA). After an incredible start to the season, Harang has cooled off to mid three’s ERA on the season, taking the win in his last four starts heading into tonight.
The Game: For six innings, both pitchers dueled with each until the pitch count became to much for Aaron Harang who left the game with a 0-0 tie to Cole Hamels. Shae Simmons replaced Harang in the seventh inning. With one out, Grady Sizemore doubled for his third hit of the night. Jimmy Rollins took full advantage of the opportunity by homering to right field to give the Phillies the lead. 2-0 Phillies
In the bottom of the inning, the Braves got one back. With one out, Justin Upton doubled to deep center field off the glove of Grady Sizemore on the dive attempt. Then with two outs, Chris Johnson doubled to avoid the shut out. There was a replay on the play to see if Upton left second base to soon, but he was safe and the call stood. 2-1 Phillies
Ken Giles continued his domination in the eighth, giving up one hit and striking out two doubling his ERA to 0.60. Papelbon also closed out the game for his 23 save on the season. 2-1 Phillies FINAL
Significant Offensive Stats:
Grady Sizemore 3-4 2B, BB, R
Jimmy Rollins 1-5 HR 2 RBI
Marlon Byrd 2-4
Domonic Brown 2-4
Impact: If the Phillies want to make a last ditch run the time is now, with the trade deadline around the corner. The Phillies could trade big names like Lee, Byrd, Burnett, ETC. The important part if you trade players you need to get significant portion in return.
Up Next: Tomorrow, the Phillies will go for the series victory over the Braves. Kyle Kendrick (4-9 4.62) will get the start for the Phillies. Kendrick has struggled early in ball games and would like to correct that in order to improve that in tomorrow series finally. Alex Wood (6-7 3.36) will oppose Kendrick, as he goes for seventh win of the season. Wood’s last win was over the Astros on June 25th.
Andrew Shipotofsky is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on twitter @Ashipotofsky
