Cain Kills Phils Hopes of 2-1 Lead
Posted by Pat Gallen, Tue, October 19, 2010 08:20 PM | Comments: 72
2010 Game Recaps, Posts
When you don’t hit, you can’t win. The Phillies found that out the hard way today in San Francisco as Matt Cain shut them down completely over seven innings in the Giants 3-0 win. Cole Hamels wasn’t even all that bad, even though he was tagged with the loss.
As for Cain, he rendered the Phillies offense useless, allowing just two hits and three walks with five K’s over 119 pitches. In actuality, he wasn’t as sharp as the numbers indicate, as he threw only 69 strikes to 50 balls. It was the Phillies lineup that made him look as such. There were several zeroes throughout the order; Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Carlos Ruiz were responsible for the three hits, while Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, and Ross Gload reach via walk. But that was the extent of the offense.
Once again it was their inability to pull through with runners in scoring position that did them in. Seven men were left on base, with the team finishing 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position. The Phillies ran their RISP average down to .105 in the three games, or 2-for-19. That just won’t do.
Cole Hamels was the hard luck loser. He really only struggled in one inning and that unfortunately did him in. Through six innings, he allowed five hits and three runs on some tough base hits by the Giants.
In the fourth, Edgar Renteria led off the inning with a single, the first hit to that point given up by Hamels. Freddy Sanchez then pushed Renteria along with a sac bunt, which would have been a close play at second base had Howard looked that direction. He did not, and Renteria moved to scoring position. A Buster Posey strikeout was followed by a Pat Burrell walk. Cody Ross then struck again.
Ross singled from his shoes to left field, bringing home Renteria, and adding to his 2010 postseason lure. It wasn’t a bad pitch from Hamels to Ross – a low, 4-seam fastball above the middle part of the plate – but was something too close to his wheelhouse. He converted once again, giving the Giants a 1-0 lead.
Aubrey Huff then singled off the glove of a diving Chase Utley into right field, which scored Burrell who had moved to third on Ross’s hit.
Then in the fifth, Aaron Rowand doubled on the first pitch from Utley into the left field corner. He would later score on a Freddy Sanchez single that took a wicked hop and ate up Utley at second. It was originally called an error but changed to a base hit later. Utley appeared to have a play on the spinning ball but it skipped to his right, ricocheting off his arm and into shallow center field. Just that sort of day.
That would conclude the scoring for San Fran, but it would also be more than enough for the Giants to take a 2-1 lead with two games remaining at AT&T Park.
Charlie Manuel has stated that Joe Blanton will start in Game 4 against Madison Bumgarner. The skipper is pinning his hopes on a guy who hasn’t pitched a full game since September 29.
Although this is uncharted territory for this team, we all know they can’t be counted out of any series. And while the lineup is sinking like a brick, they’ll get a chance to turn their fortunes around against the Giants fourth starter.
Posts: 0 biz
This is a bad park for our team to play in. Those fences might as well be 800 ft. If we don’t start seeing a few innings where we get 3 or 4 hits in close succession, our season will come to a quick finish.
And Blanton has to be near perfect tomorrow.
Posted: 01:32 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 jt
looking back at the phillies teams from the last 2 years and this team they difference is clutch hitting we felt confident we would get them clutch hits late in games and we would have them late rallys like game 4 in 08 in l.a or game 4 in colorado in 09 them teams had clutch hitting and could easily get a rally together…this phillies team can’t get a clutch hit period and you won’t win without getting them…this series is still not over but tomorrow is must win and the offense need to wake up or it is pretty much over.
Posted: 01:34 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 Andrew from waldorf
I follow horse racing. My main track is a small track here in Maryland (rosecroft) that is currently closed. About 4 years ago there was a horse named Bagel Blue Chip who showed up unexpectedly. He was in a 4 claimer. That means for 4,000$ anyone could buy him and own him.
When I saw the name I thought wow that horse is a champion.
Sure enough my memory served me right. He had won 1,500,000.$ for his career. He was a champion.
When a horse is 10 years old and crippled sometimes they end up at some small time track running for peanuts. But I knew there was the heart of the champion in there. Sure enough the public would always make him 7-1 or 8-1. And sure enough I would bet him.
And then when it got that final turn the heart would appear. He could come 3 wide (back by 7-8 lengths) and you could almost see his heart. He would win by a nose over and over again.
You could look on the track and see the heart of a champion. A champion reduced to running at a crap track for 4,000$ but he is still a champion.
Somewhere today he is standing in some field and he is a champion. Some young buck could challenge him. The old cripple. But he is a champion. If its close Ill take the champion.
The computer I am typing on right now is paid for by betting on that champion.
The Phillies are champions. Beat them 4 times and I take my hat off to you.
Posted: 02:06 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 bacardipr05
I think our line up is fine and is more than capable of manufacturing runs. However no one is living up to there potential not even close. Everyone in our starting line up has within fairly easy reach to be a .280 hitter. Its not like asking anyone to over achieve just to achieve. My number one concern was the bullpen holding small leads or keeping us within striking distance. Well they have done that my #2 concern was the hitting. If this series goes 3-1 i think we are done. I dont foresee us winning 3 in a row against Cain, Lincecum an Sanchez. Our hopes lay on Joe B and our offense. Joe B is capable of shutting down however been realistic he is going to most likely give up 2 or 3 runs. Our offense has to produce.
Posted: 02:22 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 Nunzio Scholeri
Philly Texan – I have been watching that team, that team of guts and unstoppable determination, and that is exactly why I am so sad that I haven’t seen that team on the field much in these playoffs.
I should clarify that of course I believe in this team and I’ll pull for them all the way. Running bench players out there isn’t the answer, it was just a hyperbole-fueled way of expressing frustration with the regulars. It’s just frustrating to see them look so apathetic. I’m not talking about throwing tantrums on the field, I’m just talking about going up there with fire and confidence. Staring the pitcher down. Challenging the other team. What I love about the Phillies is their determination. Their passion. And in this postseason I just haven’t seen it the way I did last year.
However, as frustrated as I am, I fully believe that they will turn it around. They’ll come out tomorrow guns blazing, and all will be right with the world. I truly believe that this is the best team in Major League baseball if they play anywhere near their potential. I can’t wait to see it when a few more guys start firing on all cylinders. If that happens in time, we will have a juggernaut on our hands. This team, with its back to the wall, almost always finds something left, some spark, and then fans that spark into a fire and torches the other team. I can’t wait to watch that happen tomorrow (well, technically today).
Posted: 04:12 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 Lefty
Andrew, Well written, poignant and inspiring.
Thanks
Go Phils!
Posted: 06:08 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 bfo_33
We’re only down one game. Cole pitched better than his typical day game start, and it didn’t hurt the bullpen (Contreras looked very good). AT&T day games, you need to score in the first 4 innings, or the shadows will kill you. That is not the Phils offense – wear out the starter, then beat up the pen.
While it shouldn’t surprise me, I can’t believe Howard is getting dissed. He’s the only guy hitting the ball. Sure, no dingers yet, but he is hitting it hard. Werth is in a funk, Utley is having a horrible series at the plate and in the field, any time Ibanez hits a ball hard, it’s at someone (hopefully see Ben Fran tonight), and yet you can complain about Howard’s homer drought?
I’m not comfortable, but it is not time for panic.
Posted: 06:57 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 brooks
This is nuts. Lets start out with the fact that this was the worst offensive display the Phils had the entire year so far. And like Pat said, it wasn’t Cain, hell, I think Pluto could have been on the mound tonight. How many pitches in the sweet spot were fouled off at best? One thing Pat did not mention is that Cain hit 2 batters as well. 2 walks, 2 hit batsmen – really, nothing special the Phils had another dud.
Karen posted early on: “Giants were the scariest team going into the playoffs” – really??? Karen, have you put the tissues away, wipe your tears off and look at what you wrote again – comon girl.
Andrew – good Lord fella – your descriptives run the gamut – pathetic, stale, the Phils offense and lineup isn’t that good.. then you talk about heart? Who’s heart? Chooch as a C+? Why, because he is one of the only regulars hitting above .200? Only Howard (.364 and not productive at all) and Jimmy (.273 and 4 rbi) are hitting anything. Dump Chase and Jimmy, really? Are you saying to give up on either of them? Again Andrew, who’s heart?
The Phils had one of their pattented duds yesterday, plain and simple. I think most of us agreed that this was not going to be a cakewalk but honestly, I did not think the losses would be against Doc or Cole – the only way there is a win tonight is by getting some wood on the ball. Yesterday 0 for 5 with RISP – even if Joe throws a perfect game (fat chance) it wouldn’t matter if the Phils O doesn’t wake up.
Posted: 07:20 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 Ted Bell
The only change in the lineup today will be Francisco for Ibanez. Charlie’s not the type to make a big deal out of lineup changes in advance, but when the lineup card comes out Francisco will be on it. Manuel sees the same things we’re seeing.
I have no reason not to believe that 24 hours from now the series will be 2-2 and the sky will no longer be falling. That’s the beauty of the sport folks.
I’m Ted Bell.
Posted: 07:37 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 brooks
I can see subbing Ben for Ibanez (recall Big Ben was 0 for 8 in the WS last year) but, I would also like to see what Sweeney can do in the PH role. Gload has done nothing since August. What would be the issue with giving Sweeney a shot?
Posted: 08:03 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 Chuck
Is anyone really THAT surprised by this? The Giants were never gonna be easy…and I woouldn’t be shocked at all to see them advance.
BUT….
Blanton IS the right move tonight…you have to take your chances that he can prevail against their 4th starter. He’s got playoff experience and has something to prove.
They win and H20 on FULL REST can win 2 of 3.
They lose and you STILL have H20 on FULL REST.
I like our chances. A Lot.
Posted: 08:33 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 Kate
I’m still worried, but I won’t be reaching for the panic button until we’re facing elimination. Even then, I doubt they’re down and out.
The umpire was all over the place, but he was pretty much all over the place with Cain as well. Equal opportunity bad calls.
Never count this team out. Never.
That being said… I know I’m always complimenting Charlie for his loyalty, but it might be better for Raul Ibanez and it would DEFINITELY be better for the team if Ibanez sat down tonight. Ben Francisco put on a good show the last few games of the regular season and it might take some pressure off Raul.
Also, is it somewhere in Gload’s contract that he must always be first up to pinch-hit? I said in the game thread last night that Big Joe won’t last past the seventh, so move Gload down and put either Sweeney or Brown (or even my boy Exxon) in there first. Hell, maybe try Doc out in the PH spot. God knows he’s been hitting more consistently than most.
I guess someone forgot to tell young James that it was Game 4. Or they did and he didn’t believe them this time.
Ted Bell’s right. There’s no real reason to automatically assume the Phillies are losing tonight. There’s no real reason to automatically assume they’re winning tonight, either, but I’m an opitimist.
Posted: 08:36 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 Chuck
I have been a big supporter of Raul …not as big as Manny has….but definitely in his corner. Without him, we don’t make the playoffs both last year and this year.
HOWEVER……
I absolutely agree that he needs to sit tonight. Why the eff do we have these guys on the bench if we’re not gonna use them? And it’s not like Ben Fran is just a pinch hitter or defensive replacement.
If the situation calls for a lefty pinch hitter someehere late in the game….you can always call on Raul then.
But that’s about all I would do. Someone suggested playing Sweeney and Valdez and I think someone else. That’s just dumb. J-Roll and Howard are actually getting some hits and you can’t just put all your second stringers in the lineup.
Probably a higher scoring game tonight….but who knows. Blanton could absolutely dominate or he could suck. Same with Madison Bumgarner. But I like the decision to go with Heavy B. He’s battle- tested. And I’m pretty sure that Charlie and Dubee have a pretty good feel for this. They’re the experts and are there….we’re not.
Posted: 08:52 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 Chuck
And just to clarify one more thing….
It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Charlie sticks with Raul. That’s just the way he is.
Posted: 08:55 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 George
Pinch hitting is based on the situation and the matchups, Brooks. In certain situations, you need a guy who hits for average or OBP, in others, you want someone with the capability of hitting the ball out. Also, Gload DID draw a walk last night, and I believe he’s been on base in another of the playoff games. At least we’re not being subjected to Dobbs.
Also, I’m tired of the Howard bashing. It’s hard to be productive when there’s no one on base, and its nearly impossible for a lefty hitter to get a home run in that SF Grand Canyon.
One other item: Cain did pitch well. Just because he was wild doesn’t mean he didn’t have good stuff or was unable to put it over when he needed to. There have been 7-walk no-hitters pitched from time to time. Let’s give some credit to the Giant’s pitching staff for once. While the Phils have been bad offensively, it’s not easy for even the best hitters to get past Lincecum, Sanchez, and Cain.
Posted: 08:59 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 Bacardipr05
I think we have to take the chance with Joe B. Just pray that it works out in our favor. Then take our chances (odds) that Halladay an Oswalt will Duel. The Giants now have hope as some one else put in another thread. We gave them that in game 1. The seemingly impossible is possible hope is sometimes a more poweful weapon then having an all-star starting line up. If we dont win tonight its pretty much over.
Posted: 09:18 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 Chuck
Bacardi, if we don’t win tonight it’s not over. Until I see the Giants or Phillies celebrating, this series is still on.
Posted: 09:25 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 Manny
Chuck: If we lose tonight, we would have H2O on full rest the rest of the way… BUT they would also have Lincecum, Sanchez, and Cain on full rest… I would expect them to win at least 1 out of those 3 matchups.
Tonight is a must-win.
Posted: 09:44 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 Paul
Believe it or not, I am more worried about Bumgarner shutting down the Phils, than I am Blanton pitching poorly.
The way things are going, I could easily see another low scoring loss… but this is still far from over, especially if the bats can finally come alive.
PLEASE put Fracisco in too, Ibanez is a mess right now.
Posted: 09:51 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 Stacy
I see a team with no heart, no emotion, and now they compliment the other team. This team is a joke and if it were not for pitching this year we would not have made the playoffs. This team has folded and shows lack of emotion. Jason Worth its time for him to go he lost his heart and poisoned this team over money, Victorino is just content , Ibanez what a joke, Rollins content and ready to pack it in, RYAN HOWARD IN LOVE lost focus, Utley excuses, Palanco more excuses. They are getting bitch slapped and the greatest team ever in Philadelphia is a fraud. They are frauds and over paid spoiled baby’s.
Posted: 09:54 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 Chuck
Manny, you’re right. This is as close to a must-win as there is.
Posted: 10:02 AM on October 20, 2010
Posts: 0 Kate
Howard’s been making the most good contact with the bat this series. It’s just that we’re used to seeing the power homers from him, so anything less is a letdown, from the fan perspective.
We’ve been living in discomfort for most of the season. We should be used to it by now.
Posted: 10:24 AM on October 20, 2010