Yesterday, the Phillies offense exploded for 12 runs to support Cole Hamels (1-2 4.40 ERA) and help him nab his 100th career win. Looking for series win in a rubber match against the Reds today, the Phillies sent Cliff Lee (3-4 3.23 ERA) to the hill. Lee's took the loss in his last start against the Angels, giving up four unearned runs. Lee was opposed by Tony Cingrani (2-2 3.34 ERA), who has not pitched since April 30th ,when he took the no decision against the Cubs, going four innings giving up three runs
The Game: The Reds got on the board right off the bat in the top of the first. Billy Hamilton led off with a single followed by a walk by Chris Heisey. Then they doubled stole with Brandon Phillips at the plate. Phillips then grounded out for the first run. With two outs in the frame, Devin Mesoraco doubled for their second run.
In the bottom of the inning, the Phillies wouldn’t let that stand. Jimmy Rollins led off with a solo homer then Wil Nieves went back-to-back with a solo shot of his own to tie the game. 2-2 Tie
In the fifth, Cliff Lee led off with a single and Jimmy Rollins reached on a fielders choice. Wil Nieves then bunted Lee and Rollins over. Chase Utley followed with ground ball to score Lee and give the Phillies the lead, 3-2.
In the bottom of the sixth, Marlon Byrd led off with a bang, smashing a solo shot to right. 4-2 Phillies
In the seventh, Rollins walked to lead of the inning. Then with two outs, Ryan Howard walked to set up Marlon Byrd. Byrd hit a double to score Rollins. Cody Asche then hit a three-run homer to put the nail in the coffin. 8-2 Phillies.
With Mike Adams pitching in the eighth, the Reds tried to fight back. Devin Mesoraco led off with a single, but got out on a force on Ryan Ludwick’s ground ball. Ludwick then took second on defensive indifference. Ludwick scored on a rare error by Chase Utley, but that’s all the Reds could get. 8-3 Phillies.
Bastardo came in to finish off the game. He got Hamilton to strike out and Brayan Pena to line out. Then Phillips worked a walk, but Bastardo got Todd Frazier fishing to end the game. 8-3 Phillies final.
Significant Offensive Statistics
Jimmy Rollins: 1-3, 2 BB, 2 R, HR
Wil Nieves: 2-3, 1 R, HR
Marlon Byrd: 2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR
Cody Asche: 2-4, R, 3 RBI, HR
Impact: The Phillies bats continued their offensive output from last night. These two games show what the team could be. It will be nice if the Phillies can get a long win streak with majority of their upcoming games at home.
Up Next: Tomorrow the Phillies have the night off as they travel to Miami for short three-game road trip before they come home for 11 straight home games against the Dodgers, Rockies and a rare five game series against the Mets due to rain outs. A.J. Burnett (2-3 3.13 ERA) will go for the Phillies on Tuesday. Burnett lost his last start, where his command was very shaking, walking five. Despite his lack of control, he only gave up three runs to the Angels. The Phillies will face Anthony DeSclafani (1-0 3.00 ERA) of the Marlins, who coming off his first major league start against the Dodgers. He went six innings andgave up two runs on seven hits, including a home run.
Andrew Shipotofsky is Writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @AShipotofsky
