The Phillies Streak of Crooked Numbers Continues

Ain't a bad time to be a Phillies fan, and we know from hard times. With May coming to a close, it's looking like the Phils will contend to lead the league in runs scored for the third straight year. In the past five games, all (obviously) wins, they've averaged 12 runs scored. 12. And it's not as though they've desperately needed it, but the pitching has also been good, with Brett Myers even looking like he may yet turn this horrible season around.

In last night's edition, Myers looked ready to implode in the first, giving up three runs on three hits and two walks. His body language was all Angry Brett, and things were looking bleak to start the series with the first-place Marlins.

But one thing we've seen is that no lead is safe against this Phillies lineup, definitely not three runs in the first. Myers came out firing in the second, retiring the side in order. Then the runs came... The Phils batted around for the sixth time in a week, with both Chris Coste and Chase Utley going yard. Utley now has 18 homers, good for the league lead and just four shy of his total for last year.

Big innings and crooked numbers have been the key for the Phils in this streak. When they get a pitcher on the ropes, they're not letting him off easily. Mark Hendrickson, a former Sixer and current Marlins starter, was tagged for 10 runs, all'em earned, in just 3.2 IP. When the right hander got yanked, Ryan Howard was on his way to the plate with two on. The Marlins, somewhat surprisingly, brought in a righty, Burke Badenhop, and Ryan promptly smacked one off the left field foul pole. That's right, he's going oppo now.

Myers and his bracelet tattoo were dialed in after that shaky first, K'ing 11 batters and not allowing another run to cross the plate. He went eight solid innings, and in the last seven, no frame saw more than four hitters come to the batter's box. If Myers can show up like this more consistently and the bats can keep up even half of this output, it's going to be one helluva summer.

Your first place Philadelphia Phillies will send none other than Colbert Hamels to the bump today to face Ricky Nolasco and the reeling Marlins (get it?!), who are now losers of three straight.

Comments

[GreggyD]

I've been riding Brett Myers' ass for the past couple of weeks and I'm happy that he finally decided to put together a decent start. What he did last night (minus the first inning) is what I have expected out of him all season. I'm not going to be quick to jump on his bandwagon, but it was nice to see him step out of his norm for 2008 and pitch a gem.

I recall the post on here the other day about Chase Utley and how much film he watches. Clearly it's paying off. Seeing as lefty's typically have trouble hitting off of south paws, and visa versa, one wouldn't expect to read the following tidbit of info. ESPN stated today that of Utley's major league leading 18 home runs on the season, exactly half of them have come against lefty's, which is also good for the top mark in the Majors. Let the MVP voting begin.

[Tony]

I think this past start will definitely help myers in the long run. He seemed to have his confidence and aggressiveness back and I really think (and hope) that that confidence carries over.

[jd]

didn't myers attribute his performance after the first inning to loosening up while running the bases in the second?

whatever it was, watching brett pitch a gem like that certainly gives us hope to an enjoyable summer.

go fightins'!

note-does anyone know offhand how much mlb ticket costs for comcast (if available)? i live in dc and am tired of sitting by myself in a bar watching the games without sound.

[GreggyD]

I think MLB Extra Innings for Comcast is $199 for the year. I'd like to say that they'd give you a discount since the season is about a third of the way over, but I highly doubt it.

[Benjamin]

I was all over Brett in the 1st inning, texting my brother all sorts of obscenities about his mechanics and lack of coolness. It truly did look dismal and bleak to all of us. I wonder what went on in his head after that inning to help him find himself. It was relieving to see him come out after the 1st and really take care of things. Some say it was the lead that helped him pitch, but I don't care. Here's to hoping Brett has indeed regained his form and will be giving us equally decent outings from here on out. The division is ours to lose.

[Lenny]

Brett Myers took a beating? Bad karma...

[Pete D]

What a great time at the bank last night...there is nothing like going to a baseball game when your team just kicks ass. Lets hope Brett builds off of the last 7 innings...I was so fired up after the first but he really settled in.

[KinkyKathy]

I can talk Phillies baseball till I'm blue in the face. I coldcooin Mike Schmidt's ear--even in John Kruk's. Oooooooooooo

[Sanganoski]

Myers pitched as he should and the Phils won big but, in this day and age, do they even attempt to go for a "complete" game anymore, or is it because of pitch count or "must have work" for the bullpen???

[Rick]

It was nice to see Brett rebound after the first. Now let's take two of three.

[Joe]

Doesn't look like the bats will rescue Cole. They have been s.o.l. with hitting tonight. So many balls at the warning track and good defensive play by the Marlins have killed us.