Phillies Recap: NLDS Game Two

National League Division Series - Game Two
Colorado Rockies 5, Philadelphia Phillies 4

W - Aaron Cook (1-0, 5.40), L - Cole Hamels (0-1, 7.20), S - Huston Street (1)

The second game of the National League Division Series between the Colorado Rockies and Philadelphia Phillies was an exciting back and forth affair. The Rockies took an early lead that never quite seemed comfortable, but they managed to hang on for the win. Neither Aaron Cook nor Cole Hamels was especially sharp, and both starters went just five innings. However, by the end of the game, the Rockies hung on for a 5-4 victory.

Game Summary: Colorado Rockies

Aaron Cook started the game strong, scattering just a few base runners early. He benefited from pitching with a lead, and held the Phillies scoreless for five innings. But in the sixth inning, he ran into a lot of trouble with the heart of the Philly order creating some runs, and was lifted without recording an out. Cook last five plus innings, allowing three earned runs on seven hits and a pair of walks. He struck out four and turned the game over to five relievers who pieced together the win. Huston Street came in and recorded a shaky save in the ninth inning.

The Rockies were the beneficiaries of some helpful calls in this game, and took advantage early as they pushed across a run in the first inning. In the fourth, Yorvit Torrealba increased the lead with a two-run homer. The damage could have been a lot worse for the Phillies, but the Rockies stranded the bases loaded twice late, which kept the game close. Dexter Fowler hit a pair of sacrifice flies that proved to be pivotal in the game. The group as a whole had nine hits on the afternoon against Phillies pitching.

Game Summary: Philadelphia Phillies

With game two being very important, the Phillies hoped that Cole Hamels would return to his postseason form. It was not to be, as the lefty was hit around a bit and allowed four earned runs over five innings. Once again, Hamels had his pitch count creep up and was hurt on several two-strike pitches. He allowed seven hits and struck out five, without allowing a walk. The Phillies used six relievers, including Joe Blanton and J.A. Happ, who was hit on the knee by a line drive. Their relievers did a good job of working into and out of trouble and allowed just one earned run in four innings.

The Phillies offense was okay in this game, but got a slow start, which set them back. They managed 11 hits and had a few scoring opportunities that they took advantage of. A couple of double-play ground balls killed some of their chances, though. Raul Ibanez added two more hits and a pair of RBIs and Ryan Howard had two hits as well. Shane Victorino had three hits but ended the game with a weak line out with the tying run on second base. Overall, the bench was depleted a little too early, which handcuffed the Phillies' options late in the game.

Phillies NLDS Previews
Overview, Rotations, Bullpens, Hitters, Benches

Game Previews: One, Two, Three, Four

Game Recaps: One, Two, Three, Four