Yesterday, the Phillies (53-65) took the loss in the tenth inning after failing to capitalize on another stellar outing by Cole Hamels. Today, the Phillies sent Kyle Kendrick (5-11 4.88 ERA) to hill in attempt to attempt a split on the series against the Mets (56-62). Kendrick’s last win came on July 25th against DBacks. The Mets countered with on of their young guns, Zach Wheeler (7-8 3.53 ERA). Wheeler won his last two games including one against the Phillies on July 30th.
The Game:
The Mets got off to a fast start in the first. Curtis Granderson led off reaching first on an error by Ryan Howard. Daniel Murphy hit a ground out to move Granderson up to second. David Wright followed with a RBI single to center. 1-0 Mets
The Phillies weren’t going to waste time coming right back. With two out in the bottom of the first, Chase Utley crushed a ball to right center for his 11th home run of the season. 1-1 TIE
The Mets took the lead right back in the second. Juan Lagares worked a lead off walk. Wilmer Flomes followed with single and was bunted over by Zach Wheeler to put runners on second and third. Curtis Granderson worked a walk to load the bases. Daniel Murphy flew out to center for a sacrifice fly. Revere threw the ball to Ryan Howard who threw it to Cody Asche for the final out of the inning. 2-1 Mets
The Mets continued to add on in the third. David Wright led off with a single. Then with one out, Travis d’Arnuad hit a single to put runners on first and second. Then with two outs, Juan Lagares tripled to right field to plate both runs. 4-1 Mets
In the fifth, Lucas Duda smacked a ball to deep center. Travis d’Arnuad followed with a homer, going back-to-back. 6-1 Mets
In the sixth, the Phillies cut the Mets lead in half. With one out, Chase Utley hit a single. Then with two outs, Grady Sizemore worked a walk. Domonic Brown followed with a two run double. 6-3 Mets
The Phillies were back at in the seventh. With two outs, Ben Revere and Jimmy Rollins hit back-to-back singles. Chase Utley followed with a two run triple down the right field line. 6-5 Mets
The Phillies entered the ninth looking to complete the comeback. Cody Asche led off with a double down the right field line. Marlon Byrd followed with a pinch-hit RBI single. With two out, Chase Utley was intentionally walked preventing him from going for the cycle. Ryan Howard followed by singling into the right field corner scoring Byrd walking the Phillies off. 7-6 Phillies FINAL
Significant Offensive Stats:
Chase Utley: 3-4, IBB, HR, 3B, 3 RBIs
Ryan Howard: 1-5, RBI
Domonic Byrd: 1-3, BB, 2B, 2 RBIs
Cody Asche: 1-4, 2B, R
Marlon Byrd: 1-1, RBI
Impact: Ryan Howard has come up big again. Recently, Howard has been coming through with big hits in key times. Last time it was the grand slam and this time a walk off single. Through Howard is having a done season in the average department; he still has 72 RBIs on the season.
Up Next: Tomorrow the Phillies will go for the split against the Mets. The Phillies will send rookie right-hander David Buchanan (6-5 4.39 ERA) to the hill. Buchanan won his last two starts against the Brewers and Astros. The Phillies will face Jon Niese (5-8 3.51 ERA). Niese has lost his last four starts and will be looking to turn the page.
Andrew Shipotofsky is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on twitter @Ashipotofsky
