The Phillies are usually well-armed on three of five nights. That’s when they send one of their “2HO” troika of Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt to the mound.
Unfortunately, that leaves two other nights in their rotation.
Last night it was Kyle Kendrick’s turn. The results were not good.
Kendrick, who had acutally strung together a couple of good outings, struggled from the outset, giving up a run in the first, two in the third and three in the fourth before being lifted.
That’s when the Phils’ bullpen went into Mount St. Helens mode. The result was an ugly 15-9 loss to the Dodgers.
Remember, L.A. was supposedly struggling mightily when they limped into Philly. The sight of Kendrick on the hill obviously rejuvenated them. They bashed out 18 hits. The parade from the bullpen didn’t help. Messrs. Bastardo, Herndon, Baez and Romero didn’t help matters. They all got lit up. Naturally, the Phils offense managed to put up a few numbers, but every time the Phils struck, their pitching would immediately fail them and allow the Dodgers to pad their lead.
It was left to the fans to deliver maybe the most caustic barb at the defending two-time National League champion Phils.
The familiar refrain came in the top of the seventh. A distinct chant of E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles! rang out among those still inhabiting Citizens Bank Park.
The loss drops the Phils two and a half games behind the Braves, who won last night.
The Phils have sat atop the sports roost in this city for a long time. Efforts like last night, and the dawn of the Kevin Kolb era, are putting that reign in jeopardy.
Tonight Roy Oswalt goes to the mound. That should tame the beast. If it doesn’t, be on the lookout for those Eagles chants.
Unfortunately, that leaves two other nights in their rotation.
Last night it was Kyle Kendrick’s turn. The results were not good.
Kendrick, who had acutally strung together a couple of good outings, struggled from the outset, giving up a run in the first, two in the third and three in the fourth before being lifted.
That’s when the Phils’ bullpen went into Mount St. Helens mode. The result was an ugly 15-9 loss to the Dodgers.
Remember, L.A. was supposedly struggling mightily when they limped into Philly. The sight of Kendrick on the hill obviously rejuvenated them. They bashed out 18 hits. The parade from the bullpen didn’t help. Messrs. Bastardo, Herndon, Baez and Romero didn’t help matters. They all got lit up. Naturally, the Phils offense managed to put up a few numbers, but every time the Phils struck, their pitching would immediately fail them and allow the Dodgers to pad their lead.
It was left to the fans to deliver maybe the most caustic barb at the defending two-time National League champion Phils.
The familiar refrain came in the top of the seventh. A distinct chant of E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles! rang out among those still inhabiting Citizens Bank Park.
The loss drops the Phils two and a half games behind the Braves, who won last night.
The Phils have sat atop the sports roost in this city for a long time. Efforts like last night, and the dawn of the Kevin Kolb era, are putting that reign in jeopardy.
Tonight Roy Oswalt goes to the mound. That should tame the beast. If it doesn’t, be on the lookout for those Eagles chants.
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