Phillies Recap: September 17, 2009

Philadelphia Phillies 4, Washington Nationals 2

W - Hamels (10-9), L - Detwiler (0-6), S - Lidge (30)

The story of tonight's game was Cole Hamels. It looks like the Phillies finally have their ace back on track, as Hamels dominated the Nationals all night. The Phillies offense was able tack on some runs against Ross Detwiler and the Nats bullpen. In the end, the Phillies hung on for the win and swept the series, with a final score of 4-2.

Cole Hamels had his fastball working and everything built off of that. For five innings, he was perfect, and stayed very good the entire night. Hamels went eight great innings, allowing five hits and a walk and just one earned run. He struck out ten and only found himself in trouble once, in the seventh. However, instead of getting frustrated, Hamels buckled down and limited the damage, which earned him his 10th win of the season. Brad Lidge came in and gave up an unlucky run, but was in total control as he locked down his 30th save of the season.

For the Nationals, Ross Detwiler delivered about as good a start as they could have hoped for. But it was not enough and after five decent innings, Detwiler was lifted, having surrendered an earned run on four hits while fanning six. The Nationals' bullpen came in and allowed three more earned runs as the Phillies did well to score without the long ball. Jimmy Rollins had a pair of hits and a stolen base to go along with an RBI. Not much else was done on offense but not much else was needed.

With tonight's win, the Phillies have now won five in a row and move to 25 games over .500 for the first time since the end of the 1993 season. Their magic number has been reduced to an even 10, pending late action tonight. And they have some momentum before traveling to Atlanta this weekend for a huge series. For now, though, the team can enjoy yet another terrific start from their rotation, as Cole Hamels delivered a masterpiece tonight.

Phillies Preview: September 17, 2009

Washington Nationals (50-95) at Philadelphia Phillies (84-60)

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

Ross Detwiler, LHP (0-5, 6.17) v. Cole Hamels, LHP (9-9, 4.21)

The Phillies will close out their series and home stand against the Nationals behind their ace, Cole Hamels. In what has been a well-documented inconsistent season, Hamels had a solid start his last time out. With the playoffs around the corner, the Phillies hope that Hamels picks up some confidence in his last few starts. He will be opposed by the Nationals' Ross Detwiler, the young lefty. The Phillies will want to be patient with the youngster as they try to sweep away the punchless Nats.

Hamels' inconsistent season can be stabilized with a solid performance tonight. Lately, Hamels has been more up than down, and will look to rebuild his confidence moving into playoff season. He has a track record of success against Washington, with a .233 batting average against in 139 career plate appearances against current Nationals. With the right mentality and solid defense behind him, Cole can deliver the Phillies to their fifth straight win and a magic number of 10.

Ross Detwiler was not the announced starter but will take the hill against the Phillies tonight. Detwiler is a young lefty with some upside, but has mediocre numbers thus far in his career. Despite being a lefty, current Phillies have worn Detwiler out, sporting a .455 career batting average in 23 plate appearances. They have not homered off of the youngster but might end that trend tonight. A patient approach and situational hitting is always important for the Phillies' offense, and tonight will be no exception.

The Phillies are back on a roll and they will try to sweep the Nationals to finish off their season series. With the playoffs looming, the Phils must first focus on the task at hand: winning. A win tonight puts them at 25 games over .500 and lowers their magic number to just 10. Before leaving for one last long road trip, the Phillies can finish this home stand 6-1.

The Remarkable Jayson Werth

After watching Jayson Werth demolish his second grand slam of the season tonight, Phillies fans must have wondered where this guy came from. A journeyman outfielder who was set back by a terrible wrist injury has finally received a chance to play full time. And he has exceeded expectations that were once very lofty.

Last season, Werth was slated as a platoon right fielder with Geoff Jenkins. He demanded to play full time and has shown that he is fully capable. Buried on a team that features former MVPs like Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard, and one of the best players in the game in Chase Utley, Werth is often overlooked. But now, carrying the duty of the team's primary right-handed stick in the middle of a stacked line up, Jayson Werth could very well be the Phillies' MVP this season.

In what will be his highest games total in his career, 2009 has been a magnificent this year. The knocks on Werth have always been his lack of hitting against right handed pitchers and his streakiness. This season, in which Jayson earned an All Star appearance, Werth has shown that he can handle the righties. And Werth has had his most consistent seasons of his career, with his homer totals each month this season are 2, 6, 7, 7, 7, and 5. Let's take a closer look at what he has done this year, through tonight's action:

2009 Stats: 141 G, 90 R, 34 HR, 88 RBI, .272 BA

versus RHP: 137 G, 60 R, 21 HR, 53 RBI, .258 BA

Some might consider the circumstances of Werth's break-out season a byproduct of home field advantage. This is not the case, though, as Werth has put up nearly identical statistics at Citizens Bank Park and on the road. Take a look at his home/away splits:

Home: 71 G, 48 R, 19 HR, 48 RBI, .259 BA

Away: 70 G, 42 R, 15 HR, 40 RBI, .285 BA

The 30 year old outfielder has certainly also brought a professional glove with him, as always. He is versatile and has spent time at all three outfield positions this season, and never misses a beat. Despite six errors this season that have led to a modest .981 fielding percentage, Werth has a career-high 11 outfield assists this year, including four double plays. He has one of the best arms in the game, and the threat of that keeps countless runs stranded at third base. His defensive speed is the perfect compliment to Shane Victorino in center field.

In the batting line up, Werth typically hits 2nd, 5th, or 6th. It would seem logical that as he has proven his consistency, the five-hole would suit Werth and allow the Phillies to split up their lefty hitters. Additionally, he will be in prime RBI-situations and can also balance the order with his speed. As the Phillies move towards the playoffs, it would make sense, especially against teams with multiple lefties in their pens, to use this configuration. However, based on the results of the 2009 season, it really doesn't matter where Jayson Werth hits, throws, or plays; he will be great.