The Phillies are off to a fast start in the 2010 season. While they have been getting outstanding pitching performances from nearly the entire staff, they have only had one game in which they scored less than five runs, leading them to a 7-1 record. Sure they may not have played against good competition in those eight games, but they are doing what you are supposed to do, beat the bad teams, and they are doing it in convincing fashion. In their seven wins, they have outscored their opponents by an average of over five runs a game.
On Wednesday, it was more of the same for the Phillies. They defeated the Nationals 14-7 in a slugfest, in which neither starting pitcher made it out of the second inning. After the second inning, the two teams had combined for a total of 13 runs. The Phillies outslugged the Nats mainly behind the bat of Chase Utley, who belted 2 home runs in the game, while driving in a total of 4 RBIs. Shane Victorino also got in on the fun, hitting a home run of his own, in part of a 4-5 day in which he knocked in 5 RBIs. The top five spots in the Phills line up went a combined 10-18, with three home runs, and 10 RBIs. On the other hand, it was not a good day for Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick, who pitched just 1 and 2/3 innings, giving up six hits, six earned runs, walking three and striking out just one batter. Nelson Figueroa picks up his first win of the season. He pitched well, going 3 and 1/3 innings, while giving up just two hits and one earned run. The Phillies wrap up their series against the Nats on Thursday, when they try to complete the sweep, and improve their record against the Nats this year to an impressive 5-1.
