Phillies Set Rotation; Worley Fans Seven in Loss
As for today’s game, the Phils lost their second straight to a Yankees split squad by a score of 5-3. Vance Worley, who we now know will pitch in the first series of 2012, got the start, but started off slow, as he gave up four straight hits which led to three runs before he even recorded an out. He did settle in, however, as he prevented the Yankees from scoring over the next six innings while striking out seven.
I’m not too worried about Worley’s poor first inning. He’s had games like that before, so it isn’t uncommon for him to have the wheels fall off before he settles in. Also, he showed great poise when he bounced back and pitched great for six innings.
David Herndon, Michael Stutes, and Jonathan Papelbon pitched the next three, with Herndon and Stutes giving up a run a piece, and Papelbon blowing away the Yankees hitters in the ninth.
At the plate, the Phillies were able to scatter nine hits, but left fourteen men on base. Erik Kratz and Miguel Abreu were the only Phils to hit for extra bases–Kratz with a monster home run in the eight and Abreu with an RBI double in the seventh.
Collectively, the Phillies offense only struck out three times, but drew just two walks (Jim Thome and Hunter Pence).
The Phils head to Fenway South tomorrow at 1:35 PM for a contest against a Red Sox split squad.
