• March 28, 2024

Offense MIA, No Support For Hamels In Loss

The Phillies managed to overcome a poor offensive showing on Friday night against the Oakland Athletics thanks to a superb job from the pitching staff. The bats were only able to generate one run in the first game of the series, and it didn’t come until the 9th inning. The pitching staff had almost no room for error if the Phillies were to win that game.

The storyline was the same for Saturday’s game: if the Phillies were to come out on top, the pitching staff would once again need to be flawless. This time, the Phillies weren’t so lucky.

It didn’t take nine innings for either team to score a run in this game. Carlos Ruiz’s RBI single in the bottom of the second inning put the Phillies ahead early. However, Oakland would answer back quickly. Adam Rosales then homered off of Cole Hamels in the top of the third inning to tie the game. In the top of the fourth inning, Scott Sizemore singled with runners at first and third to give the Athletics a 2-1 lead.

After giving up his second run of the game, Hamels settled down and didn’t give up another run. He made it through eight innings, giving up two runs of eight hits, and struck out five. He pitched out of trouble several times throughout the evening, and certainly pitched well enough to win, but the offensive support just wasn’t there.

Hamels also didn’t receive help from the bullpen. Mike Stutes took over for Hamels in the ninth inning, and gave up two runs on two hits, and also walked a batter. It was a rare poor showing for the young reliever, who has been so impressive this season.

But the real problem in the game was once again the offense. For the second straight game, the offense only managed to put one run on the board. They only managed four base hits in the game, and couldn’t cash in when they had runners in scoring position.

The Phillies had an opportunity to tie the game in the eighth inning. Ross Gload hit a pinch-hit double with one out. Michael Martinez came in to pinch-run for Gload, and got to third base on a wild pitch, but Chase Utley grounded out to first with two outs and left Martinez stranded in scoring position.

This game was just another loss that highlighted the problems with offense. The Phillies never know what to expect from this lineup. They’re streaky hitters, and sometimes they’ll go through stretches where they give a decent amount of support, and sometimes they’ll have stretches of complete ineptness. Anytime a starting pitcher goes eight innings and gives up only two runs, that pitcher should finish the evening with a win. Unfortunately for Cole Hamels, his effort wasn’t enough for a victory.

Denny Basens

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DDCar
DDCar
June 25, 2011 11:31 pm

Another wasted start by the starters. This offense is brutal & nauseating. The infamous studd Dom Brown, had another gem of a game. 0 for 4 with a K, & 2 week grounders that he did not run out. Absolutely pathetic. Amaro, for the love of God, do something to spark some life into this disgusting lineup. Something has to give. This is beyond unacceptable. This has to be the worst offense since the teams from the late 90’s. Howard, Utley & Polanco are all playing terrible. Has Rollins even got out of Spring training yet. This isn’t a slump as it was in prior years. This has been the entire year now. WTF!!

vricchini
vricchini
June 26, 2011 1:02 am

DDcar yet were still in first place… hmmmm

DDCar
DDCar
June 26, 2011 2:15 pm

VR, I know, it’s mind boggling. Isn’t it? That’s why even though their OF is playing like s#!t, & they make me insane, i’m still holding out hope, of roster moves for a World Series run.