Here We Go Again: Orioles 2, Phillies 1

Wow, saw that one coming a mile away.

The good news is, the 2008 Phillies endured a June swoon that saw the bats silent for several weeks early last summer.  And they won the World Series.

The bad news is, it's happening again.

The Phillies managed four hits all day against Jeremy Guthrie and the Orioles bullpen, and their only run came from a Greg Dobbs home run in the second inning.  Ryan Howard missed a second consecutive start, and did not pinch hit in the late innings.

Cole Hamels, for the most part, did his job, holding the Orioles' solid offense to two runs on nine hits, striking out 10 in eight innings pitched.  That should have been enough.  But it wasn't.

Shane Victorino was the only Phillie today who looked decent at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a walk.  Dobbs' homer and a Matt Stairs single were the only other basehits.

Charlie Manuel's eighth inning ejection, for arguing a disputed tag call at first base on a Jimmy Rollins infield grounder, was arguably the highlight of the game.

Two consecutive home sweeps.  Phillies Phever.  CATCH IT.

via www.fangraphs.com