Catchers Play Big Role in Phillies Win
By: Mike Reisman
The one good thing about almost being no-hit, is that the next game, you know you can't do any worse. That may not have been exactly what the Phillies were thinking going into tonight's ballgame, but they were certainly thinking something optimistic. The Phillies went into the game down 3.5 games out of the NL East, fresh off an Atlanta win. However, this did not scare them, and if it did, they need to be scared more often. Tonight the Phillies scored more than 5 runs for the first time in over a week, and more than 7 for the first time since August 18th.
The Phillies would start needing to play catch-up baseball, something they have become acclimated to, after Kyle Kendick walked in the game's first run. However, the Phillies struck back almost immediately, when Brian Schneider hit a three run shot with Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino on base. That would make the score 3-1, however, the Phillies would double their score the next inning on another three run homer, this time by Ryan Howard. It was a much needed home run for Howard, as it was his first since July 27th.
Kyle Kendrick would continue to struggle, when in the 5th he gave up a run on a Jamey Carroll ground out making the game 6-2. His main error would come in the 6th when he gave up a two run home run to James Loney, ending his night and putting the Dodgers back in the game. The Phillies would load the bases the next inning, just in time for Carlos Ruiz to pinch hit for Schneider. The Dodgers would counter with Jonathan Broxton, but for the second time this year, Ruiz won the battle, hitting a two run single making the game 8-4.
The bullpen would cruise from that point, pitching four innings of scoreless baseball, including only one base runner in that span. They would retire the last 11 batters of the game, giving the Phillies an 8-4 victory. This game was key for the Phillies for a couple of reasons. First, it gave Ryan Howard a home run, something the Phillies are going to need many more of if they plan to be a competitor in the playoffs. Not only that, but for the 4th time in a row, the bullpen did not allow a run. This going to be another key for the Phillies, because in case of another offensive meltdown, the pitching will need to be spectacular. With the Phillies ahead in the wild card, and not far behind in the NL East, it looks as though they will be making the playoffs. However nothing is set and the team needs to be fine tuned. With more games like this, the team should be more than ready come October.