So, Game 1 didn't go quite like the Phillies expected, did it?Instead of knocking the cover off the ball yesterday, as they did for most of the season, the Phillies' league-leading offense sputtered against Rockies starter Jeff Francis in a 4-2 loss. Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard -- all playing in their first postseason game -- went a combined 0-for-11 with eight strikeouts. And, other than the back-to-back solo homers by Aaron Rowand and Pat Burrell in the fifth inning, the Phillies got nothing going. Meanwhile, cool Cole Hamels was a bit too hot in the second inning. Wearing long sleeves on an 80-degree day, his control wavered in the Rockies' three-run second inning. He shed the sleeves before the third inning and sailed along for 4-2/3 more innings. But when he left with two outs in the seventh, the Phillies were still trailing. And the team that led the majors in come-from-behind victories didn't have enough to come back.
So, here's the question: Can the Phillies come back in this series?
Everyone I talked to in the clubhouse after the game -- Rowand, Shane Victorino, Utley and a few other players -- are confidence the Game 1 loss is nothing more than a momentary setback. But, clearly, there's little margin for error. And if Kyle Kendrick doesn't pitch well today or the Phillies' bat don't awaken, well, they'll be in big trouble.
What do you think? Can the Phillies recover?
*
Some articles from the 50-center that may interest you as you get ready for Game 2:
-Martin Frank takes a closer look at Kyle Kendrick through the eyes of another mid-season sensation, Bob Walk.
-Utley had one of the worst days of his career.
-Kevin Noonan looks at Hamels' poor second inning.
-Jayson Werth wasn't in the lineup for Game 1, but he was ready. Also within the notebook, Carlos Ruiz made a speedy recovery and Hamels shed his clothing.
-Matt Holliday got booed at Citizens Bank Park, but he had the last word.
-A photo gallery from Game 1.
-Some fans even skipped work to watch the game.
-There was plenty of enthusiasm at Citizens Bank Park before and during the game. Afterward, not so much.
-Game 1 was a tough, tough ticket.
1 comment:
Absolutely we can recover. A month ago, who would have thought these two teams would be playing in October? Both teams have really turned it on the past few weeks and right now it's become a battle of pitching and shadows. I'm curious to see how Kendrick handles the pressure tomorrow, but I'm sure everyone in the clubhouse feels that he'll get the job done like he's been doing since his callup.
It's such a shame that long sleeves could have been the difference between a game one win and a game one loss. On the plus side, these guys seem to thrive while playing from behind. They have what, 48 comeback wins this year? Once they had sole possession of the NL East lead last week they really tightened up and didn't look like they were having fun anymore. Hopefully game one will just be another lesson to teach them to relax and enjoy themselves instead of swinging and missing eight times (Chase, what happened?!)
Scott, do you feel like this team focused so much of their attention on making the playoffs that once they got there, they realized they didn't have a solid plan of attack? I was just wondering if any reporters have asked that question to Rollins or Charlie.
Either way, it's satisfying just to see this team playing in October.
Post a Comment