From Geoff Jenkins swinging for the fences and striking out, to Jayson Werth missing the pitch following him, to Ryan Howard totally losing it at the plate, the Phillies were absolutely overmatched again by the Mets in a 4-2 loss.
It comes down to hitting with runners on base, and the Phillies didn’t do it. The only RISP run the Phils collected was a blooper by Carlos Ruiz that was centimeters from being a catch by Angel Pagan. Other than that, the offense flailed and failed throughout the day to a good but not great Oliver Perez and a Mets bullpen asking to be beat.
Where’s the blame? You could blame Werth, who went 0-for-5 with three Ks and five LOB. You could blame Howard, who went 0-for-5 with three Ks and four LOB. You could blame Charlie Manuel for not adjusting to his offense’s struggles and pushing Pat Burrell into the cleanup spot, or trying something different at the top of the order. (On that note, whyis Manuel replacing hot-hitting Chris Coste and not Eric Bruntlett?)
Jamie Moyer went six innings, giving up two runs in the first inning. He was effective. Ryan Madson gave up two runs in the seventh, but were they his fault? Pinch hitter Endy Chavez grounded a surefire double play ball to Howard, but he bobbled the ball and could only get the out at first. With two outs — instead of three — Jose Reyes stepped up and belted a pitch into the right field seats. Without that play we’re looking at a tie game.
Chase Utley added a home run. He’s been fine. Everyone else — overmatched.
Associated Press photo
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