It looked like it would be another quiet night from the Phillies bats until Cody Asche tied the game with one swing of the bat in the sixth inning. The Phillies were struggling to get anything going against Blue Jays starter Drew Hutchison, but with the bases loaded in the sixth inning Asche launched his third homerun of the year. The Phillies had a shot to end it in the ninth inning with Cody Asche on third and two outs, but Ben Revere grounded out and the game went into extras. Ben Revere’s weak arm reared its ugly head again in the top of the tenth inning as Juan Francisco launched a sacrifice fly to center, which scored Melky Cabrera for the winning run.
Cody Smasche Arrives
Cody Asche continued his hot hitting tonight, and he did so in a big way. Asche went 4-4 tonight with one of those hits being a game tying grand slam homerun in the bottom of the sixth inning. Asche is hitting .416 (10-24) with two doubles, two homeruns, and eight RBI since April 24th. Asche started off the season slow, and saw his batting average dip to .191 on April 23rd. With four hits tonight, a new career high, Asche brought his batting average up to .257. With a lefty on the mound tomorrow (Mark Buehrle) you have to wonder if Ryne Sandberg will stick with the hot hand in Asche, or go with the right handed bat of Jayson Nix.
Hamels Struggles Again
When Cole Hamels made his much anticipated 2014 debut on April 23rd against the Dodgers he didn’t disappoint. The lefty went six strong innings surrendering just two earned runs. Since that however he has struggled to regain his form. Against the Mets he gave up six earned runs in just 4 2/3 innings pitched. Tonight he gave up five earned runs on ten hits in six innings. The Phillies pitching staff has been strong this season, but for the Phillies to have a chance at the postseason they need Cole Hamels to pitch like everyone has grown accustomed to.
Freddy Galvis Continues to Struggle
Everyone knows that Freddy Galvis’ strength is his glove and he isn’t going to bring much at the plate but no one expected him to be this bad this season. Freddy went 0-2 tonight which brought his batting average to .053. He was lifted in the sixth inning for pinch hitter John Mayberry Jr. who was 0-10 against righties this year. His decision making in the field was almost as bad as the decisions he made at the plate which likely led to him being removed. You have to wonder how long the Phillies are going to stick with Galvis struggling as badly as he is. This will be the friendly reminder that Cesar Hernandez is hitting .345 in AA Reading.
Up Next
The Phillies will look to get back to the .500 mark tomorrow as they turn to Cliff Lee. Lee has struggled in his career against the Blue Jays compiling a 4.46 ERA in 11 starts. The Jays will answer with Mark Buehrle. Buehrle is having a great season so far going 5-1 with a 2.25 ERA this season. This game should be a quick one as both pitchers like to work quickly.
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