The Philadelphia Phillies won their fifth straight game on Friday night, taking down the Cardinals 5-1. Their record improves to 34-38.
- A.J. Burnett threw a complete game, allowing just one run on seven hits and one walk.
- Burnett struck out three, and lowered his ERA to 3.89.
- Burnett also got the team’s scoring started in the fifth inning with an RBI double that scored John Mayberry.
- Jimmy Rollins went 2-4 with an RBI double in the fifth, and also drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.
- Marlon Byrd went 1-4 with a solo homer in the fifth.
- John Mayberry went 2-4 with a double and drove in a run.
- Domonic Brown went 1-4 with a double.
- Ryan Howard went 1-4, and didn’t drive in a run for the first time in four games.
Final Thoughts
The Phillies lineup seems to click much better without Ben Revere in the lineup.
I think the lineup featuring Jimmy Rollins leading off, Carlos Ruiz batting second, and John Mayberry playing centerfield has been much more productive.
Revere is just such a limited offensive player. He’s almost exclusively a singles hitter, rarely hits for power, and practically never walks.
While the production of Rollins and Ruiz have come and gone throughout the year, at least having those two at the top of the order gives the team a couple of capable veteran guys that can at least provide stabilizing presences.
Mayberry may never be more than a fourth outfielder in his career, but he’s been very productive lately when given the opportunity to play. He fields the position just as well, if not better, than Revere, and he’s at least got some decent pop in his bat.
