The first series of the new MLB season is over, a series which sawThe Phillies lose two of three games played against the Boston Red Sox. With a hitting average of a dismal .149 (14 for 94) and a just two extra base hits, the Phillies struggled hugely when it came to efficiency on offense as many expected.
But perhaps not so accurately anticipated was the lack of starting pitching quality in the series. David Buchanan let up six runs in just in three innings in Thursday night’s 6-2 loss. Unfortunately Harang’s strong pitching in the Phillies only win of the season was not carried over into the third game and it cost them dearly. Three errors in the open field didn’t help the situation either.
Buchanan took the defeat and placed all responsibility on his shoulders. Whilst he had a bad game, I don’t think it’s fair to say he was the sole cause of defeat!
It all started with that two-out ground ball by Ortiz and following a spree of errors and poor attributes all over the board, the Boston Red Sox soon ramped up quite the assault.
Signs would point towards the Phillies pitcher having an off day. It took him 79 pitches to get through the opening three innings and seemed to show limited patience at the plate.
Phillies hitters didn’t have a field day though. They struck out 10 times and Cody Asche was the man doing the most damage..if by most damage you mean two extra base hits.
The Phils host Washington in a three-game series beginning Friday night. Gio Gonzalez, Doug Fister and Max Scherzer will step up to the plate for the series and for a team struggling to get base hits.. that’s the last lineup you want to see!
The Phillies will attempt to counter with Jerome Williams who will be making his season debut, pitching ace Cole Hamels and Sean O’Sullivan. It surely will become a case of damage limitation for the Phils as they try to find consistency..but on a brighter note, THEY WON A GAME.
