Categories: 2014 Game RecapsAnalysisNewsOpinionPosts

Richards Deals, Angels Sweep Phillies

Garrett Richards shut down the Phillies over seven innings as the Angels swept their two game series with the Phillies, winning 3-0.

RICHARDS ON POINT

-If you were unfamiliar with Garrett Richards prior to today, well he has likely opened your eyes. Richards had one rough inning – the sixth when Jimmy Rollins singled and Chase Utley doubled – and cruised for much of the afternoon. Over seven innings, Richards allowed just five hits and struck out eight without a walk.

BURNETT NOT ON POINT

-AJ Burnett labored through five innings, throwing 113 pitches. Somehow, someway, Burnett only allowed three runs when it could have been much, much worse. In those five innings, he walked five and struck out six. Burnett had been cruising along post-hernia, but ran into an American League lineup that showed no mercy.

UTLEY ALWAYS ON POINT

-Utley was at it again today, providing all he could for an offense that can do nothing right. His two doubles gave him 17 already this year, pushing him to a 72-double pace for the season. My guess is he won’t get there, but man that’s a lot of two-sackers. His batting average now: .345.

REVERE HASN’T BEEN ON POINT

-Ben Revere finished with an 0-for and no walks. His on-base percentage is a measly .286 for the season, so it begs the question: how much longer can he remain atop the order if he can’t get on? Defensively, it’s been well documented how poor he’s been. While he made no errors today, Revere certainly made it interesting on a smash line-drive off the bat of Mike Trout.

-Dom Brown is also mired in a wicked slump he can’t seem to shake. After a few good at-bats on Tuesday night, including a triple, Brown went hitless once again on Wednesday. He did smash a liner to left field, if you’re into silver linings or positivity. Other than that, there hasn’t been much for Dom.

TWO DAYS WITH TROUT

-Mike Trout’s quick stop in the Philadelphia area ended with a 1-for-3 performance that included a triple to right center field. Trout was cheered when he came to the plate each time, while Ryan Howard was booed unmercifully following a strikeout. See you in 2021, Mike.

The Angels drafted Mike Trout and Garrett Richards before the Phillies’ made their first pick in the 2009 draft.

— David Murphy (@ByDavidMurphy) May 14, 2014

Pat Gallen

Pat joined Phillies Nation in July 2009, coming over from Examiner.com. As a previous employee of both Comcast SportsNet and the National Basketball Association, Pat prides himself on being a well-rounded individual when it comes to sports. However, the Phillies are first on the list. You’ll usually find Pat chiming in on the Phillies Nation Facebook or Twitter account, weekdays on 97.3 ESPN radio or hosting Phillies Nation TV. He’s also a Senior Writer for the site, and in his free time is a music enthusiast and Will Ferrell movie-follower. His favorite beer: Philly’s own Yards. In 2015, Pat moved on from Phillies Nation as a sports anchor and reporter for CBS-3 in Philadelphia.