Yesterday, the Phillies (42-53) took the loss to the Nationals (51-42) in the tenth inning thanks to blown play between Rollins and Utley and control problems by Jake Diekman. That loss ended a five game win streak. Today, in the last game before the All Star Break, the Phillies sent Kyle Kendrick (4-9 4.62 ERA) to the hill looking for the series win over NL East leader, Washington Nationals. The Nationals countered with sophomore starter, Tanner Roark (7-6 3.12 ERA).
The Game: The game started in an ugly way for the Phillies, as Kendrick’s first inning struggles continued. Denard Span led off with a single and went to second on a wild pitch. Anthony Rendon singles to put runners on the corners for Jayson Werth. Werth crushed a ball to left for a three run shot. 3-0 Nationals
After settling down, Kendrick avoided trouble until the sixth inning. Rendon singled and went to second on another wild pitch by Kendrick. Werth then hit by pitch to put runners on first and second. Then with one out Ryan Zimmerman hit a sacrifice fly to add to the Nationals lead to chance Kendrick from the game. Mario Hollands came in and add little luck against the Nationals. Byrce Harper singled and Ian Desmond doubles to plate Werth and Harper. Jose Lobaton added a rbi single. 7-0 Nationals
In the bottom of the inning the Phillies finally got on the board. Grady Sizemore and Jimmy Rollins hit back-to-back singles to lead off the inning. Then with one out, Ryan Howard hit a rbi grounded out to score sizemore. 7-1 Nationals
The Nationals struck again in the eighth inning with Ryan Zimmerman leading off with a solo shot off Justin De Fratus. In De Fratus, second inning off work, Denard Span hit a single with one out and went to second on the third wild pitch of the game for the Phillies. Anthony Rendon hit a rbi double to score Span. Werth added on with a rbi single. 10-1 Nationals
In the bottom of the ninth, the Phillies tried to make the score look a little better. Cesar Hernandez reached on an error by former Phillie, Kevin Frandsen and went two second on a wild pitch. Howard worked a walk, but Marlon Byrd struck out on a foul tip to bring up Asche. Cody squared up a ball for his second double of the game plate a run for the Phillies. Cameron Rupp grounded out to plate Howard. Unfortunately that would be it for Phillies. 10-3 Nationals FINAL
Significant Offensive Stats:
Grady Sizemore: 1-4 R
Jimmy Rollins: 1-4
Cody Asche: 2-4 2 2B RBI
Impact: The Phillies end the first half of the season with a record of 42-53. In recent weeks, they have teased the fans with two five game win streaks, but still aren’t constantly playing good baseball. They deserve to be where they in last place. With the trade deadline in three short weeks, many changes for this team will around the corner.
Up Next: With All Star festivities this week, the Phillies do not play until Friday when they open a series in Atlanta against the Braves (51-43). Ryno Sandberg announced the rotation after the break with A. J. Burnett (6-8 3.83 ERA) getting the start. Burnett was excellent in his last start, getting the win over the Nationals in game one of this series. Burnett will be followed by, Hamels, Kendrick, Lee, and Hernandez. In the mean time, the Home Run Derby, tomorrow, and the All Star Game, Tuesday, will take place at Target Field. All Star Chase Utley will get the start at second for the National League.
Andrew Shipotofsky is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on twitter @AShipotofsky
