Phils Blow Lead, Lose Series

The Phillies had a 2-1 lead going into the 7th inning, after Roy Halladay had gutted out six innings of one-run baseball on the mound. But two batters later, the game was tied 2-2 after a home run by Ryan Zimmerman off Zach Miner. Then, in the 8th inning, a leadoff walk by Jake Diekman resulted in a manufactured run for the Nationals, and that’s all they would need to beat the Phils.

BAD START, GOOD FINISH FOR HALLADAY

Roy Halladay began the game in a…sub-optimal way. His first two innings included four walks and a HBP. However, he only gave up one run. He then seemed to settle in, and cruised four more innings without giving up a run before he was taken out after the sixth inning. His fastball sat in the 86-88 range, which was slightly better than his last outing. He also seemed to make real-time adjustments on his command, which was actually fascinating to watch. I’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on him the rest of the year. Maybe he can

learn to pitch like a Jamie Moyer type guy, as he suggested a couple weeks ago.

NEW LEADOFF HITTER?

This might be nothing, but I’ve noticed that Jimmy Rollins hasn’t been hitting leadoff lately. Tonight, Cesar Hernandez got the call at the top of the lineup, and delivered with a two-run double in the second inning along with a single and a walk. He was caught stealing in the fifth.

UP NEXT

The Phils are off tomorrow, but welcome the Atlanta Braves on Friday for a three game set. Friday is also the cool hat giveaway at Citizens Bank Park. Cliff Lee will take the mound for the Phillies and Mike Minor will get the ball for the Braves.