Yikes, that was some game last night. Allowing a grand slam in the second inning is never a good sign; neither is an opposing pitcher that collects more hits than he allows. The Phillies 13-0 shellacking last night at the hands of the Giants mean the Fightins are currently riding a 4-game losing streak (…can you ride a losing streak?). So, what happened last night? Frank Fitzpatrick – the Inky’s luddite sports reporter – sums it up like this: "Charlie Manuel got thrown out. Barry Bonds got taken out. Adam Eaton got knocked out. The bullpen got no one out. And the Phillies got blown out." I prefer to just read the ancillary game notes – they’re a bit more interesting:
- It was the first time the Phillies were shutout since Sept. 10 at Florida.
- Eaton has just four quality starts — three earned runs or less in six innings or more — in 11 outings.
- Francisco Rosario pitched one inning in relief of Eaton before he left with a bruised left knee one inning after Morris lined a single off it.
- Manuel has three ejections this season.
- Victorino threw out Winn at the plate to end the first inning for his eighth outfield assist and the team’s 21st.
But that game is behind us, and hopefully the Phillies. Tonight their stopper/ace/phenom/messiah, Cole Hamels takes to the hill against San Fran’s Noah Lowery. Lowery got knocked around for seven hits in four innings in his last start, but did beat the Phils back on May 5th. Meanwhile Cole is averaging 10 strikeouts per 9 and just 2.5 walks. How will this affect his approach to Barry Bonds in their first major league duel? Well, it seems Hamels will approach the meeting with his typical youthful bravado and best fastball. "I don’t believe in intentional walks," said the 23-year-old. "Anybody who wants to be the best has to go up against the best." Inspiring words, especially with evidence suggesting that pitching to Bonds isn’t the worst idea.
Finally, don’t forget tonight we’re holding a killer tailgate party with our friends from PhillyTailgate.com. The festivities start around 4 and will be held in the parking lot of Lincoln Financial Field under the K16 pole next to 10th street. All you can eat and drink as well as fun giveaways will be available to anyone who shows up with a ticket. I can’t promise the Phils won’t get blown out tonight, but I can promise a fun time beforehand.
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