Halladay Keeps the Win-Train Chugging

This Phillies series with the Brewers has been touted by some as a possible playoff preview.  If that is the case, things are not looking great for the Brewers so far.

After a 7-2 victory last night, the Phillies picked up right where they left off, scoring early and allowing their ace, Roy Halladay, to handle the Brewers hitters.  Halladay was his usual sparkling self, allowing only one run through eight innings on four hits.

 

Ryan Howard was back in the line-up tonight after a day of rest yesterday.  The break seemed to help as Howard smashed a 3-run homer in the first inning.  He also walked twice after that.

After spending most of the year in the minors, Pete Orr finally saw some action tonight in place of Chase Utley who is still in Philly.  Utley is being observed for a possible concussion after getting beamed in the head by a fastball on Wednesday.  Orr took full advantage of the playing time, going 3-for-4 at the plate.

Several Phillies had multi-hit nights including Carlos Ruiz and Raul Ibanez.  Ruiz was on base in all four of his at-bats; he walked twice and collected 1 RBI.

But while Halladay and the offense were all clicking, there may be cause for concern about Antonio Bastardo.  He started the 9th inning and put two runners on base with a hit and a walk, all without recording an out.

Bastardo had a similar situation only two appearances ago where he put two men on against the Marlins and was pulled before getting an out.  In that game, both runs ended up scoring.  Both runs scored tonight as well.

This young lefty has been so good all year, he has seemed practically unhittable.  But suddenly, Bastardo does not look like the same pitcher.  One could argue he has been overused, but before tonight's game, Bastardo ranked 44th in innings pitched in the NL.

Still, Bastardo's recent troubles are not a reason to panic, but it is something the Phillies need to keep an eye on.  And tonight, Ryan Madson took over for Bastardo and was able to secure the 5-3 win.

This win ensures the Phillies cannot lose the four game series and they to grab only one of the next two to win it.  Game 3 is Saturday night at 7:10pm with Cliff Lee pitching against former Phillie, Randy Wolf.

Post-Season Magic # - 3 games

Division Magic # - 10 games

 

Photo by Jenn Zambri Photography