Phillies Avoid Sweep, Defeat Diamondbacks
By: Mike Reisman
After winning five straight games, the Phillies played the rubber match of their three game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks, looking to avoid being swept. The Phillies had only lost two straight one other time coming in, and ace number four, Cole Hamels, was trying to end that streak at two, facing off against the winless Joe Saunders.
The Phillies would have absolutely no problem getting on the board early, getting the first run of the game on a Jimmy Rollins 1st inning double, scoring Shane Victorino. Ben Francisco would add to the lead two batters later with a two RBI ground-rule double, making the Phillies lead three runs after the first inning. Shane Victorino would score again on a solo shot in the top of the 2nd, making the score 4-0.
The D-Backs would score a run on an RBI double Melvin Mora in their half of the 2nd, but Jimmy Rollins would erase that run and add one on a two-run home run that scored Placido Polanco, giving Rollins his first home run of the season. The Diamondbacks would get two runs on their own on a Chris Young two run homer in the 6th, and another on a solo shot by Young in the 8th giving them a total of four runs. The Phillies would have a run walked in, and another hit in on a solo home run by Ryan Howard giving them eight runs.
The final score would be Phillies 8, Diamondbacks 4, with Cole Hamels improving to 3-1, and Saunders getting his third loss.
Today was just what the Phillies needed to finish off their seven game road-trip, improving their record to 5-2 over these games. The first great thing about this game was the top half of the line-up. The Phillies first three batters went a combined 8-15, driving in four runs, hitting two home runs, and getting 16 total bases. This is huge for all three of these guys, especially Jimmy Rollins who came into the game without a home run and with an average of only .264. This performance was also great for Polanco who went 4-5 and improved his average to .389, and his OBP to an incredible .448.
The next positive of the game was Cole Hamels performance, which was very good to say the least. Hamels allowed just three runs, all three of which came off of only four hits, which is nothing new for Hamels who has a tendency of getting frustrated and struggling. He only walked a single batter and struck out eight, really keeping the Arizona batters in check. The only problem with the pitching came after Hamels left, with Ryan Madson allowing two runners on in the 9th, and though none of them scored, it can't be good that he cannot come in and easily set down three batters with a four run lead.
Just as a note, Carlos Ruiz left the game after the 1st inning due to tightness in his lower back after lining out. The Phillies return Friday to take on the Mets at home.