Double Down: Phillies 8, Nationals 4

by WholeCamels on Apr 7, 2010 10:44 PM EDT

WASHINGTON - APRIL 07: Cole Hamels #35 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 7, 2010 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

It's the kind of game that easily could have been plucked from from the 2009 Phillies game log: The Phillies bats scoring early and often against the inept Nationals' pitching staff, Cole Hamels looking very sharp at times but suffering some bad luck and struggling to put hitters away with two outs, and lasting just five innings as a result. But the Phillies walked away with an 8-4 victory tonight in Washington, DC.

The Phillies struck first, scoring two runs in the first after loading the bases with no outs. An even bigger inning may have been thwarted, as Ryan Howard grounded into a double play, resulting in the game's first run. Placido Polanco scored the game's second run on a wild pitch from Jason Marquis.

The ~~Marlins~~ Nationals struck back in the bottom of the third; after putting the first two hitters away, Hamels allowed a solo home run to Ian Desmond, walked Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn in order, then surrendered an RBI single to Josh Willingham.

The Phillies put the game away in the top of the 5th, with an RBI single from Chase Utley and the second home run of the season from Ryan Howard, a two run shot that made the score 6-3. Howard would drive in another run in the top of the 9th, with a scorched RBI double to right center.

Cole Hamels struggled with his control, walking four and allowing five hits, getting pulled from the game after throwing 103 pitches in just five innings. The Phillies bullpen -- Danys Baez, Antonio Bastardo, Chad Durbin, and Ryan Madson, who recorded a four out save -- allowed just one run and five hits over four innings with one walk.

Carlos Ruiz's nice start continued, with the catcher reaching base three times in five appearances, on two base hits and a walk.

The Phillies go for the sweep tomorrow afternoon at 4:35 p.m. behind Kyle Kendrick.

via www.fangraphs.com

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The ump tonight called a very tight strike zone BUT that is a good way to start the year. But that may be a blessing in disguise fine tuning Hamels more.

by DeanH on Apr 7, 2010 10:54 PM EDT reply actions

good thing moyer wasn’t pitching.

by Bilzo on Apr 7, 2010 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions

begs the question do teams know the umps a few days inadvance because if so it might be advantageous to jostle the rotation around to avoid any seriously bad Moyer /ump match-ups

by j reed on Apr 8, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions

In the grand scheme of things, no it doesn’t make sense to do that cause then you’re screwing up peoples rest time – if you have off days – and you’re so worrid about jamie moyer – just skip him

by jemagee on Apr 8, 2010 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions

they jostle the rotation around for the marlins match-ups, and have to re-adjust for rain delays …couldn’t hurt against an ump or two who he won’t get the corners

by j reed on Apr 8, 2010 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions

who won’t give him the corners

by j reed on Apr 8, 2010 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions

I believe what you’re suggesting might fall under the category of micromanaging…

jostling the rotation for the benefit of your soon to be collecting social security fifth starter probably means find someone else to be your fifth starter :)

by jemagee on Apr 8, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

It might make sense in some instances for a light jostling, but not on a large scale.

and…I am worried about Jamie Moyer. I hope I’m wrong.

Moyer benefits/needs more an expanded strike zone than do some of the power pitchers. Moyer survives on accuracy and trickery, not velocity. Halladay with an Eric Gregg zone might get a no hitter whereas with a tight zone he might give up 4 runs.
Moyer with a wide zone should be ok to good. With a tight zone he’s gone in the 3rd to 4th inning.

by Bilzo on Apr 8, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree that Halladay is better than Moyer, but this is not a particularly good reason to get worried.

by taco pal on Apr 8, 2010 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions

of course not. I’m worried because he’s a pitcher who had offseason surgery and he’s like 50 years old.

by Bilzo on Apr 8, 2010 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

It is worth noting that Jimmy Rollins has 4 BB in two games (11 PA).

He did not have 4 BB until May 1 (93 PA) last season.

I like this Jimmy, can we keep him mom? Please please please?!!?

by FuquaManuel on Apr 8, 2010 12:14 AM EDT reply actions

Well, he also did a GIDP with a 3-1 count =p

by RaptorLC on Apr 8, 2010 1:26 AM EDT up reply actions

As a team the Phillies grounded into THREE double plays in this game!

Clearly they need to strike out more!

http://www.thegoodphight.com

by WholeCamels on Apr 8, 2010 7:50 AM EDT up reply actions

curse of base runners. Didn’t they GIDP twice on opening day too?

by Bilzo on Apr 8, 2010 7:56 AM EDT up reply actions

This is the Rollins I know he has ample talent to be….i was hoping to see this. I am very encouraged and will do any chores mommy asks me to as long as we can keep him.

by j reed on Apr 8, 2010 3:18 AM EDT up reply actions

If we keep him you are going to have to feed and bath him. You’re gonna have to take him for walks and teach him obedience.

Scar tissue is stronger than muscle tissue. Realize the strength, move on.

by JCB79 on Apr 8, 2010 6:44 AM EDT up reply actions

And I will hug him and squeeze him and pet him and pat him and call him George.

by j reed on Apr 8, 2010 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Apparently he now takes walks on his own

by Cormican on Apr 8, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions

This is also Playoffs/end of season Ryan Howard. He turned into a great hitter to a freak last October, and he’s kept it going. Good to see him start off great.

by orangeandblack20 on Apr 8, 2010 3:43 AM EDT reply actions