Phils Beat Reds for Fifth Win in a Row

Warning: If you are bringing your dog to the ballpark, and the Phillies are playing, you (and your hound(s)) can expect to see a Philadelphia victory. The Phils remained undefeated in Bark In The Park matchups (2-0) in 2009, winning their fifth in a row, 4-3 over the Reds. Five hundred and seventy-five dogs observed Tuesday night's carnage, nine-hundred sixty-five fewer canines than attended the Marlins' BITP on April 24th. Obviously, the Phillies have been bred for success in BITP games, having played under those circumstances frequently, as they progressed through the minor league system. The Phillies' dominance in BITP games begs the question, "Why doesn't CBP have BITP every game?"

The Phillies bunched four of their seven hits in the fifth inning, with a single by pitcher Cole Hamels keying a three-run outburst. In the second inning, Ryan Howard blasted a solo homer off the Reds' ace starter Johnny Cueto (1.93 ERA before the game, 2.35 after) for the other Phillies run. Hamels pitched well, but needed one-hundred and seventeen pitches to survive six innings. A pair of solo homers sullied his line, a "Myers-style" six-inning/three-run "quality" start. Hamels only permitted five hits and two walks, striking out seven. But he needs to use fewer pitches, and get deeper into games. The bullpen needs to be lightly-worked during Hamels' starts, as it is heavily worked when his rotation-mates take the ball.

The Phils' bullpen followed Hamels with three scoreless innings, as Clay Condrey and Ryan Madson bridged the game to closer Brad Lidge. Clay Condrey has done a superb job this season, in helping cover for the absence of J.C. Romero. Ryan Madson has done a superb job in continuing to be Ryan Madson. Brad Lidge pitched a stressful ninth, putting the tying run on second, and the winning run on first, with only one out, before escaping. Lidge threw twenty-four pitches, and seemed to be in significant danger at all times. It was his third consecutive converted save, and he reduced his ERA to 7.85, but it was a ruff outing.

The Phillies play the Reds again Wednesday night, but no dogs allowed for this one. Jamie Moyer gets the start for the Phillies, with reliever Chan Ho Park ready to back him up out of the pen.
So, pitching obviously won't be an issue for the Phils. Aaron Harang starts for Cincinnati. I'll be monitoring reliever Chad Durbin's Twitter feed until game time. I suggest that you do the same. (I wonder if Chad liked the new Star Trek movie...)