Phillies Nipped by Arizona in Opener
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Both the Phillies and the Arizona Diamondbacks battled in a low scoring game won by Arizona by a 4-3 score.
For 6 innings lefthander Doug Davis bested Freddy Garcia who nevertheless pitched well despite Sunday’s collision with the equipment cart in San Francisco.
The Phillies, who had a chance for a big inning, knotted the game in the 7th inning as back-to-back doubles scored a run and a walk put runners on 1st and 2nd base with none out. But shortstop Jimmy Rollins hit into a fielder’s choice moving the runner to 3rd and forcing a runner at 2nd. Rightfielder Shane Victorino followed, also hitting into a fielder’s choice driving in the 2nd run with Rollins out at 2nd. Then Victorino was picked off 1st base by reliever Tony Pena for the 3rd out.
But lo, the Diamondbacks went ahead in their 7th inning against Antonio Alphonseca, but the Phils got the run back in the 8th inning. Arizona went ahead for good in the bottom of the 8th with a run off of losing pitcher Francisco Rosario as this duo is not proving particularly efficient at keeping the club in the game on a consistent basis.
Neither pitcher was in on the decision although Garcia pitched well enough to win. Arizona reliever Brandon Lyon was awarded the win despite giving up the Phils’ tying run in the 8th inning. Diamondbacks’ closer Jose Valverde notched his 12th save of the season.
The one bright light in the bleak Phillies offensive performance was by Abraham Nunez, playing 3rd base as Wes Helms switched to 1st base as Ryan Howard was rested. Nunez went 3 for 4 and scored a run raising his average to a more respectable .267 for the season. Howard led off the 9th inning pinch-hitting for catcher Carlos Ruiz and popped out.
For all of the scores, boxscores and recaps on this and all Monday games, click here.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants were not such good hosts, putting it to the New York Mets by a 9-4 score as they pulverized Mets lefthander Oliver Perez for 8 runs as the Mets committed 2 two out errors amidst a 9 run 5th inning. The Giants batted around and then some with catcher Bengie Molina clubbing 2 homers in the inning and driving in 5 runs. The Giants got 3 homers in the inning. Newly acquired lefthander Barry Zito went 6 innings for the win.
In Atlanta, San Diego’s 4-2 win kept the Braves tied with the Mets for the top spot in the NL East. Chris Young went 6 innings for the win over lefthander Chuck James who lasted 3 2/3. Closer Trevor Hoffman earned his 9th save.
I don’t know what all of the fuss is about regarding Roger Clemens’ signing with the Yankees. If the Yanks want to spend $28 million for 4 months and maybe 12 wins in a return go in the Bronx, then so be it. And so what if Clemens picks when he travels with the team? Padres starter David Wells, with his 6.03 ERA, needs to be concentrating on pitching.
Does Rocket have much left in the tank? As yet to be determined. I still say that when all is said and done, despite the slow start, it’s Phillies and Boston in the World Series, Clemens or no Clemens.
On Tuesday, Adam Eaton is opposed by Micah Owings for Arizona. Eaton hopes to make a substantial dent in that 8.18 ERA with an effective pitching performance.
For all of the scores, boxscores and recaps on this and all Tuesday games, click here.
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