Phillies Recap: August 7, 2009

Florida Marlins 3, Philadelphia Phillies 2

The Phillies battled all night against a dominating pitching performance by Ricky Nolasco. And with Joe Blanton starting the night off a little shaky, it provided the window the Marlins needed to sneak by the Phils, by a final score of 3-2. While the strike zone was inconsistent, the Phillies lacked clutch hits at seemingly every key situation of the game.

Joe Blanton (7-6) settled down after giving up three runs in the first two innings. He pitched deep into the game for the Phillies, keeping them close for a chance to come back. However, with the offense punchless, the Marlins survived on the strength of two early homeruns. Blanton ended up going 6 2/3 innings, giving up three earned on eight hits and he struck out four.

Ricky Nolasco (8-7) was again masterful as he turned in yet another great game. Nolasco cruised through most of the Phillies' lineup all night, striking out seven over seven strong innings. His only blemish came on a two-run homer surrendered to Ben Francisco in the seventh inning. It was Francisco's first as a Phillie, an inning after he gunned down a run at the plate.

Overall, it was a very frustrating night for the Phillies who were close all night, but somehow felt way behind. A great pitching performance will do that to even the best teams. However, on a night when the Phillies honored the late Harry Kalas, the home crowd was buzzing for a reason to errupt. Unfortunately, few opportunities arrived and the Phillies, who drop to 61-46, will have to bounce back tomorrow night.

Phillies Preview: Rockies Series 8/4 - 8/6

Colorado Rockies (58-47) at Philadelphia Phillies (59-44)

In a rematch of the 2007 NLDS, the Phillies will host the Colorado Rockies for a three-game set at Citizens Bank Park. The two teams matched up early in the season and the Phillies took two out of three from the defending champions. Matt Stairs provided the lift in the rubber match, with a pinch-hit homerun in what would ultimately be Harry Kalas's last game.

The first place Phillies look to rebound from a disappointing road trip that saw them go 3-4 and drop three games to the playoff-hopeful San Francisco Giants. Now, the task ahead is clear for the Phillies, as they take on another surging team in the Rockies. Colorado is tied for the Wild Card lead with the Giants and are 38-18 since the start of June.

August 4, 2009

7:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

Jason Hammel, RHP (5-6, 4.66) v. Jamie Moyer, LHP (10-7, 5.32)

The ageless Jamie Moyer will take the mound for the Phillies against Jason Hammel in the opener of the series. Moyer will look to improve on his 1-4 lifetime record and 5.45 ERA against the Rockies. Moyer has been inconsistent this year and will look to stabilize the Phillies' skid in the first game. Hammel will make his first start against the Phillies after appearing in one career game against the Phillies in relief. A steady performance by Moyer should give the Phillies enough time to get the jump on the erratic Hammel at home.

August 5, 2009
7:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Jorge De La Rosa, LHP (9-7, 4.68) v. J.A. Happ, LHP (7-2, 2.97)

J.A. Happ looks to regain the form that had some whispering his name in Rookie of the Year talks. Happ has been the Phillies' most consistent starter to this point, but has run into some bad luck in his last two starts going 0-2 with a 5.25 ERA in that time. His counterpart is a pitcher with whom many Phillies fans are familiar. Jorge De La Rosa famously started a game in Philadelphia last year when the Phillies put a 20-spot on the Rockies. In five career appearances against the Phils, De La Rosa is 0-2 with a plump 8.79 ERA. Nevertheless, the Phillies will need to be patient against this lefty to continue their success against him.

August 6, 2009
1:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Aaron Cook, RHP (10-3, 3.88) v. Cliff Lee, LHP (8-9, 3.02)

The finale of the Rockies' series will be a day game and the home debut of newly acquired lefty, Cliff Lee. After Lee's complete game effort against the Giants last weekend, he is sure to receive a warm welcome at Citizens Bank Park. On the season, the big left-hander is 8-9 with a lean 3.02 ERA. He will be opposed by crafty veteran right-hander Aaron Cook. Over his eight year career with the Rockies, Cook has been tormented by the Phillies, posting a 1-4 record and an ERA of 5.91. In what looks to be a warm, sunny afternoon in Philly, both pitchers will need to keep the ball in the yard to give their teams a chance to win.