Philadelphia Phillies outclassed 7-11 by Minnesota Twins as Kyle Kendrick allows homers - MLB
Starter Kyle Kendrick is slammed for two home-runs in the first two innings as the Philadelphia Phillies are routed 7-11 by the Minnesota Twins in first game of the three match series on June 12, 2012 at Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Slump stays on the Phillies as another series opener game sees them failing. The story has been simple: the games in which their pitchers dominate are contaminated by offence and the ones witnessing the latter stepping up are abandoned by the former.
On Tuesday, that notion prevailed again. Vastly improved show from their offence was belittled by the starter Kendrick and reliever Joe Savery.
Kendrick was dragged back immediately after four innings as he endured the rough-up. Four innings he threw cost six runs, including two home-runs as he gave up eight hits.
Reliever Savery, who was brought to put a plug on the initial run-leakage, turned out even poorer. In two innings, Twins fetched three runs from him and leaped their lead to a formidable level.
Meanwhile, the Phillies’ offence stood up and unveiled a rare glimpse of power. However, Minnesota's lead proved just two much in the end and its contribution was rendered dead rubber.
Philadelphia short-stop Jimmy Rollins transpired on the plate, making four hits in five at-bats. He also managed to contribute two RBIs.
Designated hitter Jim Thome was another batter who made connections on the plate. He went 2-for-4 in the game.
Thome has rebounded sharply from a poor run of form that he experienced before the injury. By the time the Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel gave him a chance as soon as he was activated from the Disabled List, it was feared that he will continue declining
on plate and will not put up improved performances.
He will be happy that he is living up to his role as a designated hitter at the moment.
Manuel was nearing pessimism as his word gives an impression that he is extremely disappointed with the way the club have fared.
"What can I say? It seems like it's hard for us to get it," Charlie Manuel said. "It's hard for us to put together a solid game."
Game was not without positives for Philadelphia. At-least, their offence stepped forward. If the offence can repeat such performance in the upcoming games, there is every reason that the Phillies will start winnings games.
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