Sunday
I’m watching the archive of the Phillies-Bluejays game from yesterday right now since I couldn’t watch it live due to it being Easter Sunday. Cole Hamels looked good through 4 innings. He ended up giving up 2 runs in the bottom of the 5th and then was responsible for the three runs that scored in the 6th. Hamels ended up pitching 5 1/3 giving up 5 earned runs on 9 hits. He was able to work his way out of a 1 out triple by Shannon Stewart in the 4th inning by striking out the Frank Thomas and getting a groundout.
Chase Utley homered over the right field wall in the top of the first inning then added 2 more runs in both the 4th and 5th innings. In the fifth, Ryan Howard drove in a run in a different style than he normally does. He drew a bases loaded walk. Shane Victorino was able to score on the next at bat by showcasing his speed tagging up from third on a shallow fly ball to left.
The Phillies were able to add 5 runs in both the 6th and 8th innings. All in all, the Phillies won 15-7 while getting 16 hits. I said last week that the pitchers need to step it up, and they did. I said Saturday that the hitters need to pick it up, and they did. I’m going to go ahead and take credit for what’s going on.
In total, they tagged Jays starter, AJ Burnett, for 7 runs on 8 hits. It took them a little while to catch on to the fact that all Burnett was throwing was his fastball and changeup because his curveball hurts his torn fingernail.
Scott Rolen, the Blue Jays new 3rd basemen, did not play in the game because he is injured yet again. I said as soon as he was traded for Troy Glaus that the Cardinals got the best part of that deal because Rolen cannot stay of the DL. He broke his finger during fielding practice before the game.
Jimmy Rollins is beginning to look good at the plate. He has been hitting the ball hard in all his at bats. They aren’t all going for hits, but he is making solid contact when he is up to bat. Jason Donald came in for Chase Utley in the 6th inning and ended up hitting 2 HRs and driving in 6!
