Repeat after me Phillies fans: It’s only four games, it’s only four games.
Or, if you prefer: Let’s go, Flyers.
If you'd rather that first chant, let me remind you of something. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are not coming back anytime soon. Neither is an easy solution to the Phillies problems.
This is not the same as last year, when the Phils soldiered on at the start of the year without their stalwart second baseman. This year they are facing the prospect of an extended gap without the entire starting right side of their infield.
Our writer Chris Vito was at the game. He concurs. CLICK HERE for complete coverage. You can try to get by without one of them. Losing both is a killer blow.
The Phillies continued their futility at the plate yesterday in their home opener to the Marlins, a 6-2 snoozefest in which the highlight may have been the ceremonial first pitch delivered by Delaware All-American women’s hoops star Elena Delle Donne.
They scratched out six hits. They have now scored eight runs in four games. Freddy Galvis picked up his first base hit as a major leaguer, snapping an 0-for-12 skid, but no one expects him to suddenly turn into a .300 hitter. At this point they might settle for .225.
Cole Hamels struck out nine, but left after five and a third innings, having given up 4 runs on 8 hits.
Still, it’s only four games. There’s not need to panic, is there?
They won’t lose today. They have another off-day and then send Roy Halladay to the hill Wednesday night.
Too bad he can’t pitch every night. It might be their best shot at winning.
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