If I were to tell you before the season started that the Phillies bullpen would have a record of 6-4 through 23 games you would have said I was nuts. Almost half of the games have been decided late in games. This is not surprising considering that the Phillies lead the league in come from behind wins last year. What is surprising is how well the bullpen has performed since the Opening Day gaff.
Jamie Moyer only gave up 1 run in 6 innings of work last night, but got a no decision. It was Tom Gordon who picked up the W in the 3-1 defeat of the Milwaukee Brewers. Once again the bullpen combined to not give up any runs with both JC Romero, and Ryan Madson picking up holds while Brad Lidge got the save.
The Phillies scored their run on a solo shot by Jayson Werth in the 6th, and a 2 RBI double by Pat Burrell in the 8th that drove in Greg Dobbs and Chase Utley. Utley went 3-4 on the day, but all his hits were singles. He has clearly lost his power.
Ryan Howard did not start…but still managed to strike out 2 times. He wasn’t in the lineup because he can’t hit, and he proved it again by striking out 2 times when he pinch hit in the 8th for the pitcher, and again in the 9th after he stayed in to play 1st.
Chase Utley is playing first right now in the game against Pittsburgh and things appear to be going well so far.
