Kendrick, Defense Lose Grip In Loss

The Mets finally beat the Phillies, but you could say it was the Phillies who beat themselves.

The Phils lost, 8-2, as Kyle Kendrick gave up six runs in 2.1 innings (only one was earned, somehow). He walked an astounding six batters and gave up four hits. The defense was treacherous, committing three errors in just one inning. That horrible third inning yielded six runs, putting the game seemingly out of reach for the Phils. The offense was shut down by the Mets bullpen after Mike Pelfrey’s exit after five.

Kendrick was squeezed a bit by home plate umpire Lance Barksdale, but you can’t blame blue for everything. Kendrick couldn’t hit his spots. He was bad. We can’t make an assessment yet of the youngster, but things aren’t looking good for him now. Meanwhile, the defense was plain embarrassing. Chase Utley now has three errors on the young season, and Carlos Ruiz has two (he had two all last year). Eric Bruntlett (pictured), who was acquired for defense, was downright horrible in the field. Meanwhile, Pedro Feliz had another 0-fer day at the plate, and Ryan Howard struck out twice.

Clearly, sense has to be talked into these players. A defense should not be this bad, and an offense should not be this impatient. These are the problems killing the Phils this season. They could’ve escaped this game giving up three or four runs, maximum, but errors did them in. Offense cemented the hole. We all know Charlie Manuel runs a loose ship; maybe it’s time the manager tightened things up a bit. A nice talking to in the clubhouse — much like last year’s dressing down after the 4-11 start — might be in order. It’s not essential, but it’s something that could definitely help after such a bad showing.

On the positive side, Utley collected another RBI and Chad Durbin pitched 3.2 hitless innings, striking out four. A good sign.

Associated Press photo