Phils Win 4th Game!

(originally posted 4/19/07)
The Phillies improved their record to 4-10 with a solid 4-2 win over the 5-11 Nationals. Ageless wonder Jamie Moyer pitched 8 very effective innings, allowing only 2 ER. He came out for the 9th with a 4-0 lead, attempting to complete the complete game shutout. Two doubles later, Phillies closer Tom Gordon was on to preserve the win. Gordon was shaky, allowing a HBP and a single, loading the bases with no outs, and the lead down to 2 runs. But he managed to induce a groundout and a game-ending K. The Phillies closer did not exactly inspire confidence, but he did enough to win.

Greg Dobbs replaced injured 1B Ryan Howard (day to day) and went 0 for 4, leaving 7 runners on base. SS Jimmy Rollins, RF Shane Victorino, and C Carlos Ruiz had multiple hit games, and CF Aaron Rowand had a solo HR (.340 avg.) Rowand should be traded now, while his trade value is likely as high as it will get. Perhaps they can acquire a #3/#4 starter to pitch out of the bullpen in a setup role. LF Pat Burrell had 3 walks, in 4 plate appearances. He was replaced by Michael Bourn as a pinch runner (again) - Bourn later left another runner on base, reducing his avg. to .111. He needs to be in Ottawa. Chris Coste needs to be in Philly. I think Charlie Manuel might be replacing Burrell defensively/on the bases these day just to piss me and the rest of Phillies Nation off. This move has backfired so many times already this season, I can't believe he still employs it on a regular basis.

The Phillies travel to the Great American Ballpark in Cincy this weekend for a 3 game series against the 8-8 Reds. Jon Lieber, Cole Hamels, and Freddy Garcia will get the starts for the Phillies. Hopefully, Cole will be Cole, and the Phils can steal one of the other two games.