Philadelphia Phillies defeat Houston Astros 5-1 as Joe Blanton throws seven innings - MLB Update
Philadelphia Phillies record a convincing 5-1 victory against the Houston Astros as their starter Joe Blanton throws seven innings at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 14, 2012 in second game of the two match series.
The game spelled positives for the Phillies as they witnessed their offence stepping up and managing 10 hits. First four innings went scoreless. It was the bottom of the fifth when the Phillies posted the first run of the game. Afterwards, they kept adding
runs to their lead.
Second baseman, Freddy Galvis singled in fifth and third baseman Placido Polanco reached home plate. Galvis had a great time on the plate. He went 3-for-4 and added two RBIs in the process.
Homer that Polanco hit in the eighth solidified the Phillies lead and then it was only the passage of one more inning and the Astros lost the game.
The most impressive thing about the Phillies was the way their relievers kept things tight for hitters.
Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel was growing in frustration after the bullpen betrayed him time-and-again. Games against the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets were certain wins, but their relievers had disappointed them.
From this perspective, the manager will like to see relievers repeating the same performance that they put up on Monday.
One run the Astros scored did not come off through a conventional way. It was a homer by pinch-hitter Marwin Gonzalez, who came late in the line-up.
It also reveals how the Astros’ hitters were beaten and never allowed to manufacture runs.
Lucas Harrell while starting for the Astros struck-out three in little more than five innings.
He conceded five hits and allowed two walks. The game had turned effectively in favour of the Phillies, following his ordinary outing on the mound.
Although the Phillies went on to record adequate hits, their problem has not resolved. Being unable to draw much from offence during initial innings of the game explains that the Phillies still have a long way to go.
To make up for the deficiency of their injured hitters, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino have to take up larger responsibilities.
How far they can go in this regard will determine success of their offence.
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