You had to feel bad for Kyle Kendrick (6-4, 4.60). He was shelled in his last start against the Cardinals getting knocked around in a 8-4 loss. He was then sent down to Triple-A Lehigh Valley with the big league club looking to aquire a front line start via the trade. That trade has still not happened, yet. Then Jamie Moyer goes down.
Here comes Kendrick. Called up to start today against the Rockies and Ubaldo Jimenez (15-2, 2.75). Jimenez has been one of, if not, the hottest pitchers in baseball. Kendrick’s own manager Charlie Manuel even penciled Jimenez in to start for his NL All Stars. It was not going to be fun. Right?
Wrong.
For the second straight game, the Phillies offense looked completely different then they had in the previous eight games. At first it didn’t take their bats. It took their patience. Jimenez walked six batters in two innings. But it was the three in the third inning combined with two triples that was his demise.
The Phillies scored seven runs in the third inning. Ryan Howard hit a bases clearing triple, his fifth, to start the scoring. He would then score on a wild pitch. Jimmy Rollins would then triple, in his second at bat of the inning, to plate two more runs. It was 5-0 before recording an out. The Phillies took the field in the top of the fourth with a 7-0 lead for Kendrick.
Kendrick went seven innings allowing only one run on six hits and struck out three. After his last start, Kendrick said he left some pitches up and they hit them. Today he probably left some up too, but luckily for the Phils only one Colorado hitter connected. The only run surrendered was a solo home run to Ian Stewart to lead off the fourth inning.
Rollins set the tone in the leadoff spot. He had three RBIs to go along with his three hits. He also stole second base in the seven-run third. Howard also had three RBIs and Raul Ibanez hit his eighth home run, a two run shot in the third.
Jayson Werth had his very own cheering section with the Pirates, Rays, Red Sox, Tigers and Astros all having scouts in the seats. Werth did not disappoint going 2 for 3 with two walks. His line now stands at .284, 13hr, 52RBI.
Recently called up Vance Worley made his Major League debut throwing a perfect ninth inning striking out two of the three hitters. A nice gesture by Manuel guessing he will be sent down tomorrow to make room for J.A. Happ.
Worth noting: Up until the solo homer allowed by Kendrick in the fifth, Phillies pitchers had not allowed a run in 24 innings. Also, minor leaguer JC Ramirez was scratched from his start for Double-A Reading tomorrow. He is not injured. Hmmmm……
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