Pitching Disappoints, Phils Lose 12-6

A.J. Burnett‘s string of recent success came to a screeching halt as the veteran righty gave up seven runs, six earned, in a 12-6 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, cementing a sweep for the Jays.

Not Burnett’s Best Night

The wheels came off early for Burnett. Edwin Encarnacion led off the second with a homer. A Colby Rasmus solo shot later in the second put the Jays ahead 3-0. Burnett would give up a third homer in the bottom of the sixth to Adam Lind. Burnett struggled to throw strikes all night, throwing just 59 against 59 overall. Luis Garcia made his return to the Philadelphia bullpen by giving up five runs, three earned, striking out two and giving up a pair of homers, one to Encarnacion and one to Juan Francisco.

Offense Puts Up Six, Fooled By Knuckleballer

Overall, tonight wasn’t a horrible night for the offense. The Phillies put up six extra base hits, including a double and a triple from Chase Utley

and a ninth inning, too-little, too-late Ryan Howard homer. Despite their successes, the Phillies managed to strike out 12 times, including eight times against knuckleballer R.A. Dickey. Dickey went six and a third to pick up the win.

The Phillies head to Citi Field to face the New York Mets tomorrow. Roberto Hernandez, the last Phillie to record a win, looks to get the Phils back into the win column against RHP Jenrry Mejia.