Philadelphia Phillies: Regular season results – MLB June 2011
With an impressive 34-21 win-loss record, Philadelphia Phillies were placed at a very healthy position on the wild card standings table. Charlie Manuel and his men were looking to achieve even better results in the month of June to get ahead of their competitors
in the playoffs race.
However, in their first three match series of the month, the Phillies made a large number of unforced errors, allowing the Pittsburgh Pirates to dictate terms. Unable to handle the pressure, the Phillies lost 1-2 in a thrilling encounter in game one. Despite
putting up a valiant fight in game two of the series, the Phillies failed to get over the finishing line and the Pirates secured a decisive 2-0 lead.
Regrouping themselves and showing amazing fighting spirit and determination in third and final game, the Phillies restored some of the lost pride with a superb 7-3 effort. The reigning NL Cy Young winner, Halladay pitched seven controlled innings and the
Phillies clinched a much needed victory.
"I've always said I'd rather keep winning streaks going, but I think you're just trying to do the best job you can, regardless," Halladay said.
"I just go out and try to make pitches and give us the best chance to win it."
The Phillies made a great start to their next three match series against Los Angeles Dodgers. In game one, they made most of the available opportunities. Cliff Lee, one again, was the star of the show and he hit double digit strikeouts for the sixth time
in this season and the Phillies battled past the Dodgers to take 1-0 lead in the series.
"It's a big pitch for me," Lee said. "I had a good feel for it and I was able to throw it for strikes when I needed to. I'm going to continue to work on it and make it a part of my game."
Although the Phillies were unable to maintain their good form in game two, they came back strongly in third and final game to secure their first series win of the month. With his on target and controlled pitching, Cole Hamels struck out nine in eight sharp
innings. Ryan Howard also put up a great show with the bat as he homered to lift the Phillies to a phenomenal 2-0 lead win over the Dodgers.
The Phillies continued their excellent form in a four match series against Chicago Cubs and they earned a 3-1 series win to improve their win-loss record to 40-26. With wins over Florida Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Athletics and Boston Red Sox,
Charlie Manuel’s side ended the month very strongly.
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