After dropping 6 games in a row, the Phillies beat the Oakland A’s last night 4-0 behind a strong performance from Kyle Kendrick on the mound and Chase Utley at the plate.
Kendrick gave up just 4 hits and struck out 4 in his 8 innings of work before handing the game over to JC Romero for the 9th inning. Kendrick’s record is now a nice 7-3 although his ERA is still close to 5. For how bad Myers and Eaton have been, Kendrick and Moyer (and the bullpen for that matter) have made up for them with their surprising first halves.
Chase Utley hits, the Phillies win. It’s a pretty simple concept. As Utley’s struggles went, so did the Phillies as a team. Charlie Manuel really shook up the lineup and it worked to break out of the losing streak. Here is what the starting lineup looked like:
1. Jayson Werth RF
2. Chase Utley 2B
3. Jimmy Rollins SS
4. Pat Burrell LF
5. Ryan Howard DH
6. Pedro Feliz 3B
7. Shane Victorino CF
8. Chris Coste C
9. Eric Bruntlett 1B
It was very strange to see the lineup get shifted that much after the middle had been relatively unchanged for most of the season. Whatever it takes to win though. Utley went 4-5 on the day with a double and a triple. His average should jump over .300 with a couple hits tonight. Chris Coste gave the needed production from the catcher position (I still think he should be the everyday starter) by going 2-3 with 2 RBIs. Pat Burrell and Pedro Feliz rounded off the production with each having an RBI.
The Phillies have been linked to almost every starting pitcher trade rumor, and I like the fact that they are trying to bring in a big name to be the #2 we need behind Cole Hamels. I wonder if they do get a solid starter, like AJ Burnett for instance, if they designate Adam Eaton or keep him in the lineup and try to put Myers back in the bullpen. Some have said that Myers gets traded, but I don’t feel any team really wants him right now. Also, if you will notice I haven’t been bashing Tom Gordon lately. That’s because he hasn’t pitched due to a “balky shoulder.” He said he is so sore that he sometimes has trouble playing long toss in the outfield with Romero. If the problem persists, look for the Phils to jump into the rumors for bullpen help, especially lefties.
Phillies play at a terrible time for anybody who works during the day (3:30) against the A’s in Oakland. Adam Eaton goes against Rich Harden. I’m going to leave it to I just hope the offense shows up.
