Winning Streak Stops at Eight

All good things come to an end.  The Phillies’ eight game winning streak came to a halt as the Phillies fell 8-1 to the Washington Nationals.  The loss came on a night where Roy Oswalt made his anticipated Phillies debut, but could not live up to the expectations.

The loss was Oswalt’s 13th of the season, which leads the majors.  Nyjer Morgan greeted him with a lead-off triple, and eventually scored.  The Nationals did not look back. Oswalt did not get much help from his defense.  Craig Stammen laid down a poor bunt.  The Phillies should have been able to get the lead runner at third base, however nobody covered third as Carlos Ruiz’s throw sailed into left field.

Oswalt lasted six innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits, and two walks.  He struck out four and hit two batters.  Regardless, it was a very disappointing debut for Oswalt.  However, don’t call this trade a bust.  Oswalt still remains as one of the top pitchers in the game; he just had a rough night.  It happens to every pitcher.

The Phillies made Oswalt feel right at home with their lack of run support.  Oswalt’s offense averages 2.51 runs per game when he pitches.  The Phillies lone run came on a home run from Jayson Werth.  Stammen, who entered the game with an ERA over five, made hitters look silly.  The Phillies couldn’t do anything.

It’s always tough to lose to a last place team, but the streak wasn’t going to last forever.  The Phillies could build a new streak tomorrow, but they have to focus on one game at a time.

Here are some photos from the game: