However, it was the Erstad/Ausmus combination with SIX gold gloves between them that teamed up for the game ending defensive play to help Houston win the game. Victorino did the “right thing” according to post game analyst, Mitch Williams, by going after a pitch UP in the strike zone in order to stroke the ball deep enough into the OF. Erstad, the pro he is, caught the ball on the throwing side and made a perfect throw to Ausmus. That was the ballgame and a tough loss.

I’m amused that Tim gave a SMAll sample from 51 games (excluding the DL period) for Victorino’s current stats with “late & close”. To get a more complete picture of Victorino’s capability as a “clutch” hitter, I looked at his career stats.
Late and close: .289 BA (57 for 197 ABs); .352 OBP; 5 HRs & 28 RBIs.
Within one run: .274 BA (151 for 551 ABs); .336 OBP; 9 HRs & 37 RBIs
Against Relief Pitching: .285 BA (131 for 460 ABs); .343 OBP

Oh, just to add another item to Victorino’s reliability. Last year he hit .313 with a runner on 3rd and .286 with the bases LOADED.

To Victorino: Continue to do what you excel in; get on base and be aggressive (8th stolen base and run scored) ; setting the table…hitting .379 and a .419 OBP in the last 7 games.

And now for some positives with the Phillies. It’s great to see Burrell back in the line-up as he contributed with an OF assist (his 3rd) in nailing Berkman at homeplate in the 5th inning. Durbin tossed two more shutout innings of relief (1.95 ERA) as the bullpen continues to have the best ERA in the majors (2.85 ERA). “Howard Power” continues with another HR (14th) and three more RBIs (34).

Hopefully, Hamels has another great outing to help Phillies gain a split on the road.

Let’s GO Phillies!