Philadelphia Phillies outclassed by Los Angeles Dodgers 3-8 at Citizens Bank Park – MLB Update
Starter Cole Hamels is hammered six hits as the Philadelphia Phillies face an overwhelming 3-8 defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the fourth game of the four match series on June 7, 2012.
Hamels pitched six innings and gave up four runs, while striking-out six. Inability to draw greater number of innings from the starter forced the Phillies to bring relievers early on the mound.
With a dismal record in the season, their vulnerability was not lost on the manager. The fact it was an only option left, rain of hits ensued.
The decision of sending relief pitcher Chad Qualls to the mound proved fatal, as the Dodgers’ lead reached unassailability. In little less than one inning, Qualls conceded four runs.
That can bring into question the removal of Hamels after six innings. Despite the fact Hamels was not at his best, at-least he was not being plundered as cheaply as Qualls was later in the innings.
Phillies had a three-run lead until third. A constant support from pitchers was being envisaged at this time. As it never came, not just the lead was blown, the Dodgers leaped to sheer dominance in the game.
Short-stop Jimmy Rollins faced four at-bats and connected two hits. A decline which he was heading to earlier stopped for a while, as it was the second consecutive game which saw him producing hits. His batting average improves to .251.
Right fielder Hunter Pence struck two hits in five at-bats, as he attempts to get his lost form back.
Result of the game was decided mainly by the relievers. In contrast to the Phillies, Dodgers’ relievers never allowed a single run. Their relief pitcher Jamey Wright threw a quality spell of two innings, as soon as starter Aaron Harang completed six innings.
Similarly, rest of their relievers went scoreless.
Unavailability of a pure slugger who can lift the charge late in the innings cost the Phillies. Although veteran Jim Thome was sent as pinch-hitter, he did not live up to the requirements of the situation.
Issues with the Phillies’ bullpen are coming to light in almost every game. For how long it can become the Phillies’ undoing is a question, the fans will be asking at the moment.
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