Philadelphia Phillies fall to Toronto Blue Jays 2-6 as Kyle Kendrick leaks runs - MLB Update
Starter Kyle Kendrick leaks eight hits as the Philadelphia Phillies are defeated 2-6 by the Toronto Blue Jays in third game of the three match series on June 17, 2012 at Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario.
Bad times loom large on the Phillies as they lose another game. Not much different from what their offence has done by-and-large in the season, Phillies failed to capitalise on hits connected in the game.
An inability to manufacture runs can be seen from the fact that two runs Phillies added were through home runs.
Shortstop, Jimmy Rollins wasted four at-bats. Similarly, third baseman Placido Polanco struggled on plate, missing all three at-bats he came across.
Designated hitter Jim Thome was an only bright spot for the Phillies. He continued his power-hitting display with a gigantic home run toward the right centre.
Although, Thome is nearing an end of his career, from the way he thrashes the ball, it does not look so. Watching him hitting with such power fascinated fans across the park.
"It is special," Thome said. "You look at Philadelphia, you look at Chicago, you look at Cleveland, they're all great baseball cities. And to do that with the Phillies is special, no doubt. I think it's something to be proud of, you just wish you could have
won the ballgame."
Following Thome, left fielder John Mayberry Jr. struck another home run in the next inning and tied the score. Afterwards, the Phillies stagnated and never added any run. In the meantime, Blue Jays continued run-production and surged to a dominating lead.
While bullpen was better, starter did bulk of the damage to Phillies. In little more than six innings, Kendrick gave up six runs and struck out four.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel was restless. Trying to emphasise the point that performing on the park is more important than hurling statements about the team, Manuel commented that they just cannot afford to follow the status quo.
"We know what we have to do but getting it done is another thing," Charlie Manuel said. "We've just got to play better."
As the Phillies were betrayed by their starter, they will like to see injured ace Roy Halladay back on rotation at the earliest. Furthermore, they will be looking forward to a better show from the offence in upcoming games.
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