Hellickson rebounds but Phils lose in extras to Cardinals

It looked like the third inning would be trouble when Hellickson walked Matt Carpenter to lead off the inning. Dexter Fowler followed up with a double to centerfield to put runners on second and third. Hellickson then forced Stephen Piscotty to hit into a fielders choice, tagging Carpenter out at home, and setting up the double play. Jedd Gyorko did exactly that to end the threat.

This was the first game Hellickson has gone more than six innings since April 21 against the Atlanta Braves. He has about five more starts before the trade deadline to build upon this strong outing and increase his value.

Hellickson’s outing was all for naught, however, as the Phils went on to lose in 11 innings, 8-1. Joaquin Benoit, Hector Neris, and Pat Neshek pitched scoreless innings in relief but Edubray Ramos couldn’t find the strike zone in the 11th. He walked the first two batters and was yanked for Casey Fien. Things then escalated rather quickly. Fien gave up five hits, including two homers, for seven runs.

Nick Pivetta will be on the bump tomorrow to try and stop the bleeding. The Phillies have now lost 12 of their last 13 games.