Phillies starter Joe Blanton coughed up a first inning 3 run homer by  Nationals leftfielder Aaron Dunn before recovering for a quality performance over six innings.  But reliever Chad Durbin gave up a solo homer in the seventh and lefthanded reliever Jack Taschner was rocked for a 4 run eighth, including 2 solo homers as Washington broke up a 4-2 game to win Thursday’s game by an 8-2 score.

There was very little difference between Blanton and 22 year old Shairon Martis except for the big ‘W’ next his name and the ‘L’ next to Blanton’s, his 1st since joining the Phils in July of 2008.  The difference was that the Phils offense snoozed during the entire game, particularly during the final 2 1/3 innings when the Nationals bullpen went clean and perfect on them.
 
Outside of a 1 for 3 for 2nd baseman Chase Utley, 2 for 4 for leftfielder  Raul Ibanez and a 2 for 3 2009 debut for young catcher Lou Marson, the Phils offense did absolutely nothing.

And the biggest culprit of all in Thursday’s 0-for Offense was leadoff hitter shortstop Jimmy Rollins who is currently hitting for a lofty (catch the sarcasm) .111 BA. 

Rollins gets paid to set the table.  His job; get on base by hit, walk, etc., get in scoring position by hook, or crook, as they say.  So far, his absence of productivity has been more than noticeable. 

The Phillies sported black patches with the initials “HK” on their uniforms in memory of broadcaster Harry Kalas.  Presumably, they will wear them for the duration of the season.  Hopefully, they will dedicate the season to Harry and honor his memory with post-season play and a return to the World Series.

For all of the results of Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s and Thursday’s games,  click here, here and here.

The Phils return home on Friday for a 7 game stand entertaining the San Diego Padres for 4 games followed by the Milwaukee Brewers for 3.

In Friday’s opener, ace lefthander Cole Hamels, who missed a starting date due to Wednesday’s rainout in D.C., seeks to even his record and lower his ERA substantially.  His opposition will be Chris Young who has looked mighty good compiling a 2-0 record and 1.38 ERA as the Padres have gone 7-3 thus far.

On Saturday, Brett Myers is opposed by Shawn Hill.

For all of Friday’s and Saturday’s games, click here and here.

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This entry was posted on Friday, April 17th, 2009 at 8:18 am and is filed under Real-Time Baseball News and Commentary
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