Tagged: Pinch Hitter

The Phils’ bullpen let one get away in extra-innings, as they lost to the Giants, 4-3.

Philadelphia_PhilliesThe Phils’ bullpen allows one to get away in extra-innings, after the offense tied it up in the ninth, as the Phils lose to the Giants, 4-3.

The Giants took the lead in the bottom of the second as Hunter Pence hits a lead-off home run, his seventh home run of the season. The Phils tied it up at one-all in the top of the fourth as Kevin Frandsen hits a lead-off home run, his first home run of the season. The Giants retook the lead in the bottom of the fifth as, with a runner on second, and with two men out, Marco Scutaro hits an RBI single, scoring Gregor Blanco, who had earlier singled, then stole second base, giving the Giants a 2-1 lead. The Giants increased their lead in the sixth as, with runners on the corners, and with two men out, Barry Zito hits an RBI single, knocking in Brandon Belt, who had started the inning off with a walk, moved up to second base on Francisco Peguero’s ground out, 5-3, and then went to third on Brandon Crawford’s ground out, 3-unassisted, giving the Giants a 3-1 lead, while sending Guillermo Quiroz, who had just been intentionally walked, up to second base. The Phils cut the Giants’ lead to 3-2 in the top of the ninth as, with runners on the corners, and with one man out, Chase Utley hits an RBI single, scoring Jimmy Rollins, who had started the inning off with a double, then stopped at third base on Frandsen’s fly out, while sending Michael Young, who had just walked, over to third base, while Utley would move up to second base on the throw to third. The Phils then tied the score up at three-all as Delmon Young hits a sacrifice fly to right, knocking in M. Young, while sending Utley over to third base. The Giants would win the game in the bottom of the tenth as, with runners on the corners, and with two men out, Andres Torres hits a walk-off single, knocking in pinch-hitter Buster Posey, who had started the inning off with a single, moved up to second base on Joaquin Arias’ sacrifice bunt, 2-3, then moved up to third base on Antonio Bastardo’s wild pitch, giving the Giants a 4-3 walk-off win.

Jonathan Pettipone received a no-decision as he threw five and two-thirds innings, giving up three runs on seven hits and four walks, while striking out a batter. Jeremy Horst pitched a third of an inning, walking a batter. Phillippe Aumont, Chad Durbin and Mike Adams combined for three scoreless innings, giving up two hits (Adams) and a walk (Horst) between them, while striking out three (Aumont (1), Durbin (2)). Antonio Bastardo (1-1, 1.69) took the lost as he pitched two-thirds of an inning, giving up a run on two hits, a walk, and a wild pitch, while striking out one. Barry Zito also received a no-decision as he pitched seven strong innings plus one batter, as he gave up a run on four hits, striking out three. Santiago Casilla collected his sixth hold of the season by pitching two-thirds of an inning, getting out both men whom he would face, striking out one. Jeremy Affeldt received his fifth hold of the year as he pitched a third of an inning, getting out the one man who he would face.  Sergio Romo received his second blow save of the season as he pitched an inning, giving up two runs on two hits and a walk. Javier Lopez (1-0, 3.24) picked up the win by pitching a scoreless inning, giving up a hit, while striking out a batter.

The Phils had seven hits in the game, with Jimmy Rollins (Doubles) and Ben Revere (Single, Double) both leading the team with two hits each. Kevin Frandsen (Home Run, RBI), Chase Utley (Single, RBI) and Carlos Ruiz (Single) had the other three Phils’ hits. Delmon Young knocked in the final Phil run with a sac fly. The Phils also had a walk (Michael Young) in the game.

The Phils (16-19, 3rd NL East) will start a four-games series with the D-backs (19-15, 3rd NL West) starting with a night game tonight. The game will be played at Chase Field and will start at 9:40 pm EDT (6:40 PDT). The Phils will send to the mound Cole Hamels (1-4, 4.34), who is coming off a lost against the Marlins on May 4, as he went eight innings, giving up two runs on four hits, while he struck out six, in the Phils’ 2-0 lost. He will be trying to win his second game of the season. The D-backs will counter with Patrick Corbin (4-0, 1.80), who is coming off a win against the Padres on May 4, as he went seven innings, giving up a run on five hits and three walks, while striking out seven, in the D-backs’ 8-1 rout. He will be going for his fifth win of the season. The Phils will be trying to start off their second series out west with a win.

The Phils take the series as they once again defeat the Giants, 6-2.

Philadelphia_PhilliesThe Phils’ bats once again support a good start, as they take the series from the Giants, winning, 6-2.

The Phils took the lead in the top of the first as, with two men on, and with one man out, Ryan Howard hits an RBI single, scoring Chase Utley, who had earlier hit an infield single, before moving up to second base on pitcher Tim Lincecum’s throwing error, giving the Phils a 1-0 lead, while sending Michael Young, who had just walked, up to second base. The Phils increased their lead in the top of the second as, with runners on second and third, and with one man out, Jimmy Rollins hits an RBI ground out, 4-3, scoring Laynce Nix, who had started the inning off with a single, moved up to second base on Ben Revere’s single, then went to third base on Kyle Kendrick’s sacrifice bunt, 5-4, giving the Phils’ a 2-0 lead, while sending Revere, who had earlier singled, then moved up to second base on Kendrick’s sacrifice bunt, to move up to third base. The Phils the made it a 3-0 lead as Utley hits an RBI single, scoring Revere. The Giants got a run back in the bottom of the third as, with two men on, and with one man out, Angel Pagan hits a sacrifice fly, scoring Brandon Belt, who had started the inning off with a single, then stopped at third base on Brandon Crawford’s ground-rule double, making it a 3-1 Phils’ lead. The Giants then cut the Phils’ lead down to 3-2 as Marco Scutaro hits an RBI double, knocking in Crawford. The Phils got a run back in the top of the fifth as Utley hits a lead-off home run, his seventh home run of the year, giving the Phils a 4-2 lead. The Phils then took a 5-2 lead in the seventh as, with a runner on second, and with two men out, Young hits an RBI double, knocking in Rollins, who had earlier singled, then moved up to second base on Utley’s ground out, 4-3. The Phils then made it a 6-2 lead in the top of the ninth as, with two men out, Howard hits a solo home run, his sixth home run of the year. That would be the final score as Jonathan Papelbon pitched a 1-2-3 inning.

Kyle Kendrick (4-1, 2.45) took the win as he pitched seven strong innings, giving up two runs on six hits, while striking out six. Mike Adams collected his fourth hold of the season as he threw a scoreless inning, giving up a hit, while striking out two. Jonathan Papelbon pitched a 1-2-3 inning, striking out one. Tim Lincecum (2-2, 4.75) took the lost as he pitched seven innings, giving up five runs on nine hits, three walks and a hit batter, while striking out seven. Jose Mijares pitched two innings, giving up a run on three hits and a walk, while striking out two.

The Phils had twelve hits in the game, with Chase Utley (2 Singles, Home Run, 2 RBIs) leading the team with three hits, followed by Ryan Howard (Single, Home Run, 2 RBIs), Laynce Nix (Singles) and Ben Revere (Singles) all following with two hits each. Jimmy Rollins (Single, RBI), Michael Young (Double, RBI), and Carlos Ruiz (Single) had the other three Phils’ hits. The Phils also had four walks (Young (1), Howard (2), pinch-hitter Kevin Frandsen (1)) and a hit batter (Howard) in the game.

The Phils (16-18, 3rd East) conclude their series with the Giants (19-14, 2nd West) with an afternoon game, already in progress.

The Phils begin their first trip to the west coast by beating the Giants, 6-2.

Philadelphia_PhilliesThe Phils’ offense return after being missing for two games as they support Cliff Lee’s good start by beating the Giants, 6-2.

The Phils tried to get on the scoreboard in the top of the first as they loaded up the bases, via singles by Michael Young and Ryan Howard, with M. Young stopping at second base, and a walk to Delmon Young, with both M. Young and Howard moving up a base, and with two men out, before Dom Brown ended the threat by grounding out, 1-3. The Phils then took the lead in the top of the second as they loaded up the bases again, this time via singles by John Mayberry, Jr. and Erik Kratz, with Mayberry stopping at second base, a sacrifice bunt by Cliff Lee, 1-4, for the inning’s first out, moving both men up a base, and then a two-out walk to Chase Utley, and with two men out, M. Young hits a two-run double, knocking in Mayberry and Kratz, giving the Phils a 2-0 lead, and sending Utley over to third base. One batter later, with Howard batting, the Phils took a 3-o lead as Madison Bumgarner threw a wild pitch, allowing Utley to score, while M. Young would move up to third base. The Giants would get a run back in their half of the second as, with one man out, Hunter Pence hits a solo home run, his sixth home run of the season. The Phils increased their lead in the top of the fifth as, now with a runner on third, and with one man out, D. Young hits a sacrifice fly, scoring M. Young, who had started the inning off with a double, then moved up to third base on Howard’s ground out, 4-3, giving the Phils a 4-1 lead. The Phils then took a 5-1 lead as, with two men out, Brown hits a solo blast to right field, his sixth home run of the season. The Giants got a run back in the bottom of the eighth as, with a man on second, and with nobody out, Pence, who had started the inning off with a double, would score on Jimmy Rollins’ throwing error of Francisco Peguero’s infield single, as he threw the ball past Howard, making it a 5-2 Phils’ lead. The Phils would get that run back in the top of the ninth as, with runners on second and third, and with nobody out, Rollins redeemed himself by hitting a sacrifice fly, knocking in Kratz, who had started the inning off with a walk, then stopped at third base on pinch-hitter Freddy Galvis’ double, giving the Phils a 6-2 lead. That would end up being the final score as Jonathan Papelbon pitched a 1-2-3 ninth.

Cliff Lee (3-2, 3.26) got the win as he threw eight strong innings, giving up two runs on five hits, while striking out six. Jonathan Papelbon pitched a 1-2-3 inning. Madison Bumgarner (3-1, 2.31) took the lost as he went six innings, giving up five runs on eight hits, two walks and two wild pitches, while striking out seven. Chad Gaudin pitched two scoreless innings, giving up a hit, while striking out a batter. Jean Machi pitched a third of an inning, giving up a run on a hit and a walk. Javier Lopez pitched two-thirds of an inning, giving up a walk, while striking out one.

The Phils collected ten hits in the game, with Michael Young (Single, 2 Doubles, 2 RBIs) leading the team with three hits, raising his average to .333. Chase Utley (Single), Ryan Howard (Single), Dom Brown (Home Run, RBI), John Mayberry, Jr. (Single), Eric Kratz (Single), Cliff Lee (Single) and pinch-hitter Freddy Galvis (Double), had the other seven Phils’ hits. The other two Phils’ RBIs (Jimmy Rollins, Delmon Young) came in on sacrifice flies, while the final Phil run would come in on a wild pitch. The Phils also had four walks (Utley, M. Young, D. Young, Kratz) in the game.

The Phils (15-18, 3rd NL East) will continue their three-games series with the Giants (19-13, 1st NL West) with a night game tonight. The game will start at 10:15 pm and will be played at AT&T Park. The Phils will send to the mound Kyle Kendrick (3-1, 2.43), who is coming off a win against the Marlins on May 2, as he went seven strong innings, giving up two runs on seven hits and two walks, while he struck out five, in the Phils’ 7-2 win. He will be going for his fourth straight win, and his sixth straight quality start. The Giants will counter with Tim Lincecum (2-1, 4.41), who is coming off a no-decision against the D-backs on May 1, where he went five innings, giving up five runs on ten hits, while striking out six, in the Giants’ 9-6 come from behind win. He will be trying for his third win of the season. The Phils will be trying to see if they can get the better of Lincecum tonight.

The Phils take the series as the offense comes out smoking as they beat the Mets, 9-4.

Philadelphia_PhilliesThe Phils’ offense comes out smoking as they take the series from the Mets, defeating New York, 9-4.

The Mats took the lead in the bottom of the second as, with a runner on second, and with two men out, Jordany Valdespin hits an RBI double, scoring Ike Davis, who had earlier doubled, giving the Mets a 1-0 lead. The Phils tied the game up at one-all in the top of the third as, with two men on, and with nobody out, Chase Utley hits a ground-rule double, knocking in Jonathan Pettibone, who had earlier singled, his first major league hit, then stopped at second base on Jimmy Rollins’ single, while Rollins, who had just singled, would stopped at third. The Phils then took the lead as, with Michael Young batting, Rollins would score on a Shaun Marcum wild pitch, giving the Phils a 2-1 lead, while Utley would move up to third base. Two batters later, after Young strikeouts for the inning’s first out, Ryan Howard hits a sacrifice fly to left, knocking in Utley, giving the Phils a 3-1 lead. The Mets would get a run back in the bottom of the fourth as, with the bases loaded, via singles by David Wright and Lucas Duda, sending Wright to third base, and a walk to John Buck, sending Duda up to second base, and with nobody out, Davis hits a sacrifice fly, for the inning’s first out, bringing in Wright, cutting the Phils’ lead down to 3-2. Pettibone then got out of the inning by first getting Valdespin to hit into a force out, 6-4, wiping out Buck at second base for the inning’s second out, while sending Duda up to third base, while Valdespin was safe at first, then striking out pinch-hitter Justin Turner, looking, for the final out. The Phils added to their lead in the top of the fifth as, with two men on, and with one man out, Howard hits an RBI single, knocking in Rollins, who had started the inning off with a double, giving the Phils a 4-2 lead, while sending Young, who had just walked, up to second base. The Phils then busted the game wide open as Dom Brown hits a three-run home run, his third home run of the season, knocking in Young and Howard, giving the Phils a 7-2 lead. The Phils then made it an 8-2 lead as John Mayberry, Jr. followed with a solo blast of his own, his second home run of the season. The Mets got the run back in their half of the fifth as, with a runner on second, and with two men out, Wright hits an RBI double, knocking in Ruben Tejada, who had earlier doubled, making it an 8-3 Phils’ lead. The Phils increased their lead in the top of the seventh as, with runners on the corners, and with two men out, Laynce Nix hits an RBI single, knocking in Young, who had started the inning off with a single, then reached third base on right fielder Mike Baxter’s fielding error of Howard’s fly ball, giving the Phils a 9-3 lead, while sending Howard, who had reached based on Baxter’s error, up to second base. The Mets would get a run back in the bottom of the ninth as Buck lead off the inning with a home run, his eighth home run of the season, making it a 9-4 Phils’ lead. That would be the final score as Jeremy Horst would get out the next three batters to end the game.

Jonathan Pettibone (1-0, 4.35) got the win, the first of his major league career, as he pitched five innings, giving up three runs on seven hits, two walks and a hit batter, while striking out four. Raul Valdes and Chad Durbin combined for three 1-2-3 innings, striking out three batters (Valdes (2), Durbin (1)) between them. Jeremy Horst pitched an inning, giving up a run on a hit. Shaun Marcum (0-1, 6.75) took the lost in his first start for 2013, as he went four innings, giving up three runs on five hits, two walks and a wild pitch, while striking out three. Robert Carson pitched an inning, tagged for five runs on four hits and a walk, while he struck out a batter. LaTroy Hawkins pitched two innings, giving up a run on two hits, striking out a batter. Scott Rice pitched two scoreless innings, giving up a hit and a walk, while he struck out two.

The Phils had twelve hits in the game, with Michael Young leading the team with three hits (Singles), followed by Jimmy Rollins (Single, Double) and Dom Brown (Single, Home Run, 3 RBIs) with two hits each. Chase Utley (Double, RBI), Howard (Single, 2 RBIs), John Mayberry, Jr. (Home Run, RBI), Laynce Nix (Single, RBI) and Jonathan Pettibone (Single), had the other five Phils’ hit, with Pettibone’s hit being his first career hit. The Phils’ other run came in on a wild pitch. The Phils also had four walks (Rollins, Young, Mayberry, Nix) in the game.

The Phils (11-14, 3rd) will conclude their series with the Mets (10-12, 3rd) with a daygame that is in progress.

A four spot in the sixth inning is all the Phils need as they shutout the Mets, 4-0.

Philadelphia_PhilliesA complete game, three-hit shutout by Kyle Kendrick is supported by a four-run sixth inning, as the Phils take the first game of their three-games series from the Mets, 4-0.

The Phils break up a 0-0 tied in the top of the sixth as, with runners on the corners, and with nobody out, Michael Young hits an RBI single, knocking in Jimmy Rollins, who had started the inning off with a single, then moved up to third on Chase Utley’s single, giving the Phils a 1-0 lead, while sending Utley, who had earlier singled, up to second base. The Phils then took a 4-0 lead one batter later as Ryan Howard hits a three-run bomb to center field, his third home run of the season, knocking in Utley and Young. That would be all the runs that Kyle Kendrick would need as he threw a complete game, three-hit shutout, giving up only a one-out single to Ruben Tejada in the bottom of the first, a two-out single to David Wright in the bottom of the fourth, a one-out walk to Ike Davis in the bottom of the fifth and a two-out single to pinch-hitter Justin Turner in the bottom of the seventh, never being in trouble all game.

Kyle Kendrick (2-1, 2.41) got the win as he threw a complete game shutout, giving up just three hits and a walk, while striking out five. Dillon Gee (1-4, 5.96) took the lost as he pitched six innings, giving up four runs on seven hits and a walk, while striking out four. Jeurys Familia and Josh Edgin combined for three scoreless innings, giving up a hit (Familia) and a walk (Familia) between them, while striking out three (Familia (1), Edgin (2)).

The Phils had eight hits in the game, with Michael Young (RBI) leading the team with three hits, all singles. Jimmy Rollins (Single), Chase Utley (Single), Ryan Howard (Home Run, 3 RBI), Laynce Nix (Double) and Erik Kratz (Single) had the other five Phils’ hits. The Phils also had two walks (Rollins, Kratz) in the game.

The Phils (10-14, 4th) continue their series with the Mets (10-11, 3rd) today with an afternoon game, already in progress.

The Phils drops their third straight game to the Pirates as they lose 6-4.

Philadelphia_PhilliesThe Phils’ pitching staff has another late inning meltdown as the team loses their third straight game to the Pirates, 6-4.

The Phils took the lead in the bottom of the fourth as, with one man on, and with two men out, Dom Brown hits an RBI double, knocking in Chase Utley, who had started the inning off with a walk, giving the Phils a 1-0 lead. The Pirates tied the game up at one-all in the top of the sixth as Gaby Sanchez hits a lead-off home run, his third home run of the year. The Phils retook the lead in their half of the sixth as, with two men on, and with nobody out, Ryan Howard hits an RBI single, knocking in Kevin Frandsen, who had started the inning off with a walk, then went to third on Utley’s single, giving the Phils a 2-1 lead, while sending Utley, who earlier singled, then stole second base, on to third base. Two batters later, after Utley is thrown out at the plate, 5-2, on John Mayberry, Jr.’s fielder’s choice grounder to third baseman Pedro Alvarez, for the inning’s first out, as Howard’s moved up to second base on the play, and Mayberry reaches first base, and a wild pitch by Justin Wilson sends Howard to third base, and Mayberry to second, the Phils added to their lead as, with two men on, and with one man out, Brown hits a sacrifice fly, knocking in Howard, giving the Phils a 3-1 lead. The Pirates got a run back in the top of the seventh as, with two men on, and with one man out, Sanchez hits an RBI single, knocking in Starling Marte, who had earlier walked, then moved up to second base on Andrew McCutchen’s single, making it a 3-2 Phils’ lead, while sending McCutchen, who had just singled, over to third base. One batter later, the Pirates tied the game up at three-all as Michael McKenry hits an RBI single, knocking in McCutchen, while sending Sanchez over to third base. The Pirates took the lead in the top of the eighth as, with the bases loaded, via Clint Barmes bring hit by a pitch, a single by Travis Snider, moving Barmes up to second base, and a single by Marte, moving both runners up a base, and with no one out, pinch-hitter Garrett Jones hits a two-run double, scoring Barmes and Snider, making it a 5-3 Pirates’ lead, while sending Marte up to third base. Two batters later, after McCutchen is intentionally walked, reloading the bases, and with still nobody out, Sanchez hits a sacrifice fly, scoring Marte, making it a 6-3 Pirates’ lead, while sending Jones up to third base. The Phils would get a run back in their half of the eighth as, with a man on third, and with one man out, Howard hits an RBI ground out, 6-3, knocking in Frandsen, who had started the inning off with a double, then moved up to third base on Utley’s ground out, 2-3, making it a 6-4 Pirates’ lead. That would be the final score as Tony Watson collected his first save of the season by throwing a scoreless ninth.

Cliff Lee received a no-decision as he pitched seven innings, giving up three runs on ten hits, a walk and a hit batter, while he struck out seven. Philippe Aumont (1-3 4.05) took the lost as he lasted only a third of an inning, giving up three runs on three hits, striking out a batter. Chad Durbin pitched two-thirds of an inning, walking two. Raul Valdes pitched a scoreless inning, giving up a hit, while striking out a batter. James McDonald also received a no-decision as he pitched five innings, giving up three runs on five hits and three walks, while striking out four. Justin Wilson (2-0, 1.29) got the win as he pitched two 1-2-3 innings, striking out two. Tony Watson recorded his first save of the year as he pitched two innings, giving up a run on two hits, while striking out a batter.

The Phils had seven hits in the game, with Ryan Howard (Single, Double, 2 RBIs) and Dom Brown (Doubles, 2 RBIs) both leading the team with two hits each. Kevin Frandsen (Double), Chase Utley (Single) and Cliff Lee (Single) had the other three Phils’ hits, as the ballclub is once again held down by opposing pitching. The Phils also had three walks (Jimmy Rollins, Frandsen, Utley) and a stolen base (Utley (4)) in the game.

The Phils (9-14, 4th) will start a three-game series with the Mets (10-10, 3rd) with a ballgame tonight. The game will be played at Citi Field and will start at 7:10 pm EDT. The Phils will send to the mound Kyle Kendrick (1-1, 3.28) who is coming off a no-decision against the Cardinals on April 21, as he threw six strong innings, giving up two runs on six hits and a walk, while striking out six, in the Phils’ 7-3 win. He will be trying for his second win of the season, hoping that the offense will finally wake up and start being more consistent. The Mets will counter with Dillon Gee (1-3, 5.95), who is coming off a win against the Nationals on April 21, as he went five and two-thirds innings, giving up just three hits and three walks, while striking out six, in the Mets’ 2-0 win. He’ll also be trying for his second win, hoping that he’ll have better luck this time against the Phils. The Phils will be trying to end their present three game losing streak, before things can get any worst.

The Phils’ offense wasted Cole Hamels’ third straight quality start as the Phils are shutout by the Bucos, losing 2-0.

Philadelphia_PhilliesThe Phils’ offense wasted yet another good performance by Cole Hamels as they dropped one to the Pirates, 2-0.

The Pirates broke up a 0-0 pitchers’ due in the top of the fourth as, with a runner on first, and with nobody out, Brandon Inge hits an RBI double, knocking in Neil Walker, who had started the inning off with a single, giving the Pirates a 1-0 lead. The Pirates would add an insurance run in the top of the eighth as, with one man out, Gaby Sanchez hits a solo home run, his second home run of the year. That would be all the runs that the Pirates needed as Jason Grilli collected his eighth save of the season as he threw a 1-2-3 ninth.

Cole Hamels (0-3, 5.40) took the lost as he pitched eight strong innings, giving up two runs on seven hits and a walk, while striking out six, as he is once again left high and dry by an inconsistent Phils’ offense. Phillippe Aumont pitched a 1-2-3 inning. Jeff Locke (2-1, 3.74) got the win as he went six shutout innings, giving up two hits and two walks, while striking out six Phils. Tony Watson collected his fifth hold of the season as he threw a 1-2-3 inning, striking out two. Mark Melancon received his seventh hold of the year as he pitched a scoreless inning, giving up two hits, while striking out a batter. Jason Grilli picked up his eighth save of the year as he pitched a 1-2-3 inning, striking out two.

The Phils had only four hits in the game, a single by Michael Young, a double by Ryan Howard, a triple by John Mayberry, Jr. and a single by pinch-hitter Laynce Nix. The Phils also had two walks in the game (Young, Erik Kratz) as the offense was kept quiet by Pirates’ pitching.

The Phils (9-12, 4th East) continue their series with the Pirates (11-9, 4th Central) with a ballgame tonight. The game will be played at Citizens Bank Park and is to start at 7:05 pm EDT. The Phils will send to the mound Roy Halladay (2-2, 6.04) who is coming off a win against the Cardinals on April 19, as he pitched seven strong innings, giving up two runs on two hits and two walks, while striking out six, in the Phils’ 8-2 romp. He will be going for his third straight win, after having started the season with a pair of pitching disasters. The Pirates will oppose with Wandy Rodriguez (2-0, 0.56) who is coming off a win against the Braves on April 19, as he pitched seven scoreless innings, giving up only one hit, as he struck out five, in the Pirates’ 6-0 shutout. He hopes to give the Phils their second straight lost. The Phils will be looking to get even for last night’s lost, and retake the series lead.

The Phils increased their winning streak to two games as they hold on to defeat the Pirates, 3-2.

Philadelphia_PhilliesThe Phils’ offense supported rookie starter Jonathan Pettibone’s major league debut by scoring enough runs to defeat the Bucos, 3-2.

The Pirates took the lead in the top of the second as, with one man out, Pedro Alvarez hits a solo home run, his third home run of the season, giving the Pirates a 1-0 lead. The Phils would come back to tie the game up at one-all in the bottom of the third as, with runners on the corners, and with one man out, Jonathan Pettibone, who had started the inning off with a walk, moved up to second base on Jimmy Rollin’s single, and then stopped at third base on John Mayberry, Jr.’s force out, 6-4, as Rollins is wiped out at second base for the inning’s first out, would score on A.J. Burnett’s wild pitch, while Mayberry, who had been safe at first on the force out, would move up to second base. The Phils would take the lead in the bottom of the third as, with the bases loaded, via a single by Michael Young, a walk by Dom Brown, moving Young up to second base, and a single by Ben Revere, moving both runners up a base, and with two men out, Rollins would force in a run as he is hit by a pitch, forcing in Young, giving the Phils a 2-1 lead, while both Brown and Revere would move up a base, leaving the bases loaded. The Pirates would tie the game up at two-all in the top of the fifth as Russell Martin hits a lead-off home run, his second home run of the season. The Phils took the lead for good in the bottom of the sixth as, with two men on, and with two men out, Rollins hits an RBI single, knocking in Erik Kratz, who had earlier walked, then stopped at second base on pinch-hitter Ezequiel Carrera’s single, giving the Phils a 3-2 lead, while sending Carrera on to third base, before moving up to second base on the late throw to third, as the Pirates tried to catch Carrera going too far from third base, as he thought about going home as Rollins almost got caught heading towards second base, as the throw to the plate was cut off. That would end up being the final score as Jonathan Papelbon recorded his fourth save of the year as he pitched a scoreless ninth.

Jonathan Pettibone received a no-decision as he made his major league debut, taking the place of the injured John Lannan, as he pitched five and a third innings, giving up two runs on six hits, as he struck out six Bucos. Raul Valdes (1-0, 10.24) got the win as he pitched two-thirds of an inning, striking out both men wh0m he would face. Antonio Bastardo and Mike Adams both collected their first hold of the season as they combined for two scoreless innings, giving up a hit (Bastardo) between them, as they struck out two batters (one batter each). Jonathan Papelbon collected his fourth save of the season as he threw a scoreless inning, giving up a hit, while he struck out a batter. A.J. Burnett also received a no-decision as he pitched five innings, giving up two runs on five hits and three walks, a wild pitch and a hit batter, as he struck out seven. Jared Hughes (1-2, 5.79) took the lost as he pitched an inning, giving up a run on two hits and a walk, while he struck out a batter. Vin Mazzaro pitched two scoreless innings, giving up a hit, while striking out a batter.

The Phils had eight hits in the game, with Jimmy Rollins (Singles, 2 RBIs) and Chase Utley (Singles), both leading the ballclub with two hits each. Ryan Howard, Michael Young, Ben Revere and pinch-hitter Ezequiel Carrera had the other four Phils’ hits, all singles. The final Phil run came in on a wild pitch. The Phils also had four walks (Young, Dom Brown, Erik Kratz and Jonathan Pettibone) and a hit batter (Rollins), in the game.

The Phils (9-11, 4th East) continue their four game series with the Pirates (10-9, 4th Central) with a night game tonight, already in progress.

The Phils spoil a good start by Cliff Lee as they lose the series opener to the Reds, 4-2.

Philadelphia_PhilliesThe Phils are unable to take advantage of the fifth straight quailty start by one of their starters, as they lose the opener of their series with the Reds, 4-2.

The Phils and Reds were involved in a pitchers’ due between Phils’ starter Cliff Lee and Reds’ starter Bronson Arroyo for the first six plus innings, as Lee gives up just three hits and a walk in his first six innings, while striking out four, while Arroyo, in his first seven innings of work, would also give up just three hits, while striking out three Phils. The Reds would finally break the 0-0 tie in their half of the seventh as, with two men on, and with nobody out, Joey Votto, who had started the inning off with a single, then stopped at third base on Brandon Phillips’ double, would score on Lee’s wild pitch, giving the Reds a 1-0 lead, while it sends Philips, who had earlier doubled, up to third base. The Reds then took a 2-0 lead as, now with runners on the corners as Jay Bruce walks, and with still one man out, Todd Frazier hits a sacrifice fly to right, scoring Philips. The Phils got Lee off the hook in the top of the eighth as, with one man on, and with two-men out, pinch-hitter Chase Utley hits a two-run home run to center field, his third home run of the season, scoring Dom Brown, who had started the inning off with a single, tying the game up at two-all. The Reds would retake the lead in their half of the eighth as, with the bases loaded, via a lead-off infield single by Derrick Robinson, who then moves up to second base on Shin-Soo Choo’s sacrifice bunt, 1-3, a double by Zack Cozart, as right fielder Laynce Nix overran the ball while trying to make the catch, as Robinson stopped at third base, and an intentional walk to Votto, and with one man out, Phillips hits a two-run single, which was just able to get by second baseman Freddy Galvis, knocking in Robinson and Cozart, giving the Reds a 4-2 lead, while sending Votto up to second base. The Reds then tried to add more after Jay Bruce hits a single, reloading the bases as Votto and Philips both moved up a base, but Mike Adams buckled down as he struck out Frazier looking, for the inning’s second out, before ending the inning by getting Chris Heisey to pop out to Galvis. That would be the final score as Aroldis Chapman recorded his third save of the season by pitching a 1-2-3 ninth.

Cliff Lee received a no-decision as he threw seven innings, giving up two runs on five hits, a walk and a wild pitch, while striking out four. Jeremy Horst (0-1, 9.53) took the lost as he pitched a third of an inning, giving up two runs on two hits and a walk. Mike Adams pitched two-thirds of an inning, giving up two hits, while striking out a batter. Bronson Arroyo (2-1, 4.05) got the win as he pitched eight innings, giving up two runs on five hits, while striking out three. Aroldis Chapman collected his third save of the year as he threw a 1-2-3 inning, striking out two.

The Phils had only five hits in the game, singles by Freddy Galvis, Michael Young, Dom Brown and Laynce Nix and a home run by pinch-hitter Chase Utley (2 RBIs).

The Phils (6-7, 4th East) continues their series with the Reds (6-7, T-2nd Central) with a game tonight. The game will be played at Great American Ball Park, and is to start at 7:10 pm EDT. The Phils will send to the mound Kyle Kendrick (1-1, 5.40), who is coming off a win against the Mets on April 10, as he went six innings, giving up two runs on eight hits and two walks, while striking out six, in the Phils’ 7-3 win. He will be trying to become the second Phils’ starter to have more than one win. The Reds will counter with Homer Bailey (1-1, 5.73), who is coming off a lost against the Cardinals on April 10, as he threw five innings, giving up seven runs on nine hits and three walks, while striking out two, in the Reds’ 10-0 lost. He will try to recover from his last start. The Phils will be out to even the series.

The Phils score eight runs on three home runs as they routed the Mets, 8-3.

Philadelphia_PhilliesThree bombs by the Phils’ offense help to propel the Phils over the Mets, 8-3.

The Phils took the lead in the bottom of the first as, with a runner on second, and with one man out, Chase Utley hits a two-run home run, his second home run of the season, scoring Jimmy Rollins, who had just doubled, giving the Phils a 2-0 lead. Three batters later, with two men on, and with still one man out, Dom Brown hits a three-run bomb to deep right field, his second home run of the year, knocking in Ryan Howard, who had earlier singled, then moved up to second base on Michael Young’s walk, and Young, who had just walked, giving the Phils a 5-0 lead. The Mets got on the scoreboard in the top of the second as, with one man out, John Buck hits a solo home run, his fifth home run of the season, making it a 5-1 Phils’ lead. The Mets then threaten to add more, as they loaded the bases, via a Lucas Duda double, a walk to Mike Baxter, and a single by Ruben Tejada, moving up a base both Duda and Baxter, with still one man out. But Kyle Kendrick then got out of the inning by first striking out Jeremy Hefner, who never took the bat off of his shoulder, and then Jordany Valdespin looking on a 3-2 sinker, ending the threat. The Mets then made it a 5-2 Phils’ lead in the top of the fourth as, with one man out, Duda hits a solo home run, his second home run of the season. The Phils then increased their lead in the bottom of the sixth as, with one man on, and with one man out, pinch-hitter Laynce Nix hits a two-run home run, his first home run of the season, knocking in Erik Kratz, who had just singled, giving the Phils a 7-2 lead. The Mets would get that run back in the top of the eighth as, with two men out, Duda hits a solo home run, his third home run of the season, and his second of the ballgame, making it a 7-3 Phils’ lead. That would end up being the final score as Jonathan Papelbon pitched a scoreless ninth.

Kyle Kendrick (1-1, 5.40) got the win as he pitched six innings, giving up two runs on eight hits and two walks, as he struck out six, while he pitched his way out of a couple of jams. Antonio Bastardo threw a scoreless inning, giving up a hit. Mike Adams pitched an inning, giving up a run on a hit, while striking out the side. Jonathan Papelbon threw a scoreless inning, giving up a hit, while striking out a batter. Jeremy Hefner (0-2, 6.00) took the lost as he pitched three innings, giving up five runs on six hits and three walks, while striking out two, as the Phils got to him for five runs in the first inning on two home runs. Josh Edgin pitched two scoreless innings, giving up a hit, while he struck out four Phils. LaTroy Hawkins pitched two-thirds of an inning, giving up two runs on three hits. Scott Rice pitched an inning and a third, striking out a batter. Bobby Parnell threw a scoreless inning, striking out two.

The Phils collected ten hits in the game, with Jimmy Rollins (Single, Double), Ryan Howard (Singles) and Michael Young (Single, Double) all leading the ballclub with two hits each. Chase Utley (Home Run, 2 RBIs), Dom Brown (Home Run, 3 RBI), Erik Kratz (Single) and pinch-hitter Laynce Nix (Home Run, 2 RBIs) had the other four Phils’ hits. The Phils also had three walks (Ben Revere, Young, Brown) in the game.

The Phils (4-5, 4th) have the day off.