Bats Go Silent Against Backe, Phils Lose
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Sat, May 24, 2008 11:00 AM | Comments: 8
Posts
“Combine Backe’s track record with Eaton and the Phils offensive boon and there’s a real possibility of a high-scoring affair. Then again …”
I shouldn’t write predictions.
The Phillies couldn’t get the job done against Houston starter Brandon Backe, leaving 16 men on base in a 4-3 loss to the Astros. The game seemed oddly close to the April 15 win against the Astros, where the Phils staged a huge comeback off Houston closer Jose Valverde to win 4-3. This time, however, Valverde held off the Phils.
In that ninth, Pat Burrell (who homered already) doubled and scored on a Pedro Feliz single. A Carlos Ruiz single set the stage for a Jimmy Rollins two-out double. Eric Bruntlett, who pinch ran for Ruiz, couldn’t score on the well-played ball by right fielder Hunter Pence. But Shane Victorino flied out to end the game — it was the second time in recent memory Victorino flied out to end a game where a ground ball through a hole would’ve won it.
The loss made Adam Eaton 0-3, and this time it was undeserved. He went seven innings, giving up three runs and scattering eight hits. Still, he stayed in an inning too long, or at least an out too long. While the Pence leadoff homer hurt, it was the Michael Bourn single that should’ve never happened. Houston then extended their lead — the difference in the game — with a triple and sac fly off Ryan Madson. Who else? Madson has been horrible most of the season, and in a two-run game should’ve never been the man on the hill in that situation.
Just when you credit Charlie Manuel for his managing skills, he screws up his pitching timing and rotation. And just when you laud Ryan Howard he goes 0-for-4. But we won’t bash him. Chase Utley went 0-for-3 and Geoff Jenkins went 0-for-4. Bad stuff in a game that, really, should’ve never been a loss. These are the ones I hate most.
Associated Press photo
Posts: 0 Jason
Don’t rip on Madson to much, he gave up the triple yes, but it was to the hottest hitter in the game. I am not an Eaton fan, but he pitched well tonite. If there is blame to go around it should be strictly towards the offense. There is no reason they should not have been able to get to Backe.
Posted: 11:35 AM on May 24, 2008
Posts: 0 Sean
murphy’s law-plz try not to make predictions
Posted: 11:53 AM on May 24, 2008
Posts: 0 Bruce
Let’s give credit where credit is due. The Astros (“overachieving” according to Tim) showed why they have the best record for the month of May. Hunter Pence (designated as “player of the game” by Kalas & co) utilized his speed and defensive skill in RF to prevent the tying run from scoring on Rollins’ double in the 9th inning. Berkman continues his clutch hitting and making a serious bid for a rare “triple crown” this season. Surprisingly, Tim didn’t mentioned in his blog the gutsy performance by Valverde after a scary moment when hit in the face by a line drive off the bat of hot hitting Feliz. Somehow, he persevered and finished the game with a league leading 15th save. I’m willing to give Backe credit for keeping the Phillies hitters off balanced with his breaking pitches and pinpoint control. This comes after his last effective outing and win against Texas allowing 5 hits and 3 runs in 6.1 inns. with zero walks and 5 K’s. He lowered his ERA to 4.19.
And now for some positives with the Phillies in last night’s game. Victorino continues his hot hitting with TWO more hits giving him 10 in his last 22 ABs (.455 BA). Even his last AB for the final out of the game was a hard drive to CF. It was good to see Burrell returned to the line-up and contribute (HR and double plus scoring the run in the 9th inning).
Eaton had his best outing of the season with seven solid innings and kept the Phillies in the game. You really can’t ask for more than that from your #5 starter.
Let’s see if Brett Myers can continue to improve tonight.
Let’s go Phillies!
Posted: 12:32 PM on May 24, 2008
Posts: 0 chris m
1) madson sucks jason…face it the guy blows balls and makes close games out of reach
2)victorino is hot BUT is not clutch…so i wont defend him(earn your money when the games on the line)
Posted: 12:42 PM on May 24, 2008
Posts: 0 Geoff
I agree with victorino. Id trade him if I can wrangle a quality starter out of it. Hes a very good player, but hes not mentally disciplined enough to rely on in the clutch. of course since they have NO depth at all you have to wait for werth to return before you make that move. victorino is the one chip they have on their current roster that teams really would give up pitching for and it wouldnt kill your team.
madson needs DFA’d or traded so they can bring up somebody that can do a better job.
Posted: 12:55 PM on May 24, 2008
Posts: 0 Joe DiMaggio
Unbelievable that Charlie would use Madson in a close game like this with the effective bullpen we have. No reason not to have pulled Eaton after the 6th inning and brought on our array of relievers—Romero/Gordon/Lidge to finish off this game and let our hitters win the game in the late innings as they are capable of doing in most close games.
Madson should only be an inning eating pitcher in blowout games.
Posted: 03:01 PM on May 24, 2008
Posts: 0 chris webber
Even I am offended by brett myers’ underwhelming performance this year
Posted: 03:26 PM on May 24, 2008
Posts: 0 Geoff
They need to make a move to bolster their rotation. i know eaton did allright last night but they need to drop condrey down, call up happ. its almost june, and someone needs called up to save this staff. there is no more “oh theyll get it turned around.” for anyone on this team. its basically TWO months ionto the season and the time to win is NOW. how about a trade to bolster the starting staff or improve on an already good business end of the bullpen. its time to get real here. this team should blow out the houston astros. failing to do that is unacceptable.
Posted: 05:32 PM on May 24, 2008