Philadelphia Phillies thwart Arizona Diamondbacks 5-4 as Ryan Howard shines – MLB Update
First baseman Ryan Howard singles in the ninth as he helps the Philadelphia Phillies reach past the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-4 at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 5, 2012 in the last game of the three match series.
The game which was in favour of the Diamondbacks for greater part of the innings all of a sudden turned a nail biter in the latter half of the match.
In the face of lead by Diamondbacks, the Phillies were rising gradually. When the decisive moments reached, they put up their best, turning the tables on the opposition.
The eight and the ninth inning panned out as a nightmare for Diamondbacks. While they were unable to substantiate their lead half way through the game, the Phillies rightly used Diamondbacks’ relief pitchers for making runs.
Howard faced five at-bats on Sunday. While he missed most of them, he connected one hit at a time when it was needed the most.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s second baseman Chase Utley moves toward consistency as he attempts to make big hits whenever he is getting the opportunity. He struck two hits on Sunday while confronting four at-bats.
Cliff Lee started for the Phillies. The three home-runs that he gave up in the game at one stage were leading the team toward defeat. He pitched eight innings and leaked four runs overall.
Since Howard is missing his composure, Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel narrates what is required by him to achieve this. However, Manuel can hope that after the game winning single by him on Sunday, his confidence will be back. Thus, one can expect more
production coming off Howard's bat in the upcoming games.
"If your weight leans forward just a little bit, you become an arm and hand hitter and don't use your backside," Manuel said. "The backside is what drives the ball and gives you quick hands and a barrel that's quick with bat speed. If you miss, you might
as well be way out there. There isn't that much of a difference."
A win always brings positivity in attitude regardless of the way it has been recorded. Therefore, the Phillies will be looking to build on the momentum and hope their hitters step up on a regular basis.
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