Phils Lose Series to Fish

Series recap:
Monday - L 3-5
Tuesday - W 5-3
Wednesday - L 2-6

The series started on Monday, back in Philly. After a very successful 8-2 road trip that ended with a series win at Yankee Stadium, the Phillies would face the Marlins for three. After sweeping the first series in Florida, they were hoping for at least another series win. They didn't get that.

Jamie Moyer took the mound on Monday, taking his 5th stab at career win #250. He pitched well until he gave up a 3-run homer to Wes Helms. Ryan Howard teed off that game, hitting a 2-run shot off the top of the batters eye in center field and a solo homer to left center. He was really the only offense as the Phillies could only muster six hits.

Tuesday was a much better game as Joe Blanton went seven shut out innings, striking out 11 total. The Phillies took a 5-0 game into the 9th and after Howard's first error of the season forced 2 runs in, Brad Lidge came in to get the save after blowing two in New York. They got things going early in the first with base hits that were stretched and good base running, the complete opposite of Monday's game.

On Wednesday, they couldn't do much at all... against a reliever! Brett Myers pitched solid until the 6th where he got in serious trouble. Down 2-1, he surrendered back to back doubles to make it 3-1 and the surrendered a 2-run homer. He then left in the 6th with soreness in his right hip. X-rays revealed some jaggedness.

This could be bad news for both Myers in the Phillies. If he is out for a period of time, more pressure will be put on Cole Hamels, JA Happ, Blanton and Moyer. Hamels has been stellar and Myers has been drastically getting better. Blanton showed some life and Moyer is still awful. Not much can be said for Happ yet as he will be making his 2nd start on Friday.

Next will be home versus the Nationals:
5/28 - off
5/29 - Detwiler (0-0, 2.45), Happ (2-0, 2.60)
5/30 - Martis (5-0, 4.86), Hamels (2-2, 4.68)
5/31 - Lannan (2-4, 4.11), Moyer (3-5, 7.42)