The Phillies picked up right here they left off in the 1st inning of Game 4 by scoring two early runs off of Dodgers starter Randy Wolfe. In Game 3, The Phillies got off to a hot start by scoring 4 runs off of Hiroki Kuroda. Randy Wolfe settled down after that, only allowing a 3rd run in his six innings pitched. On the contrary, Joe Blanton, starting pitcher for the Phillies, allowed 4 runs and left the game in line for the loss. Blanton gave up a 3 run homerun to the Dodgers #8 hitter Matt Kemp. The Phillies scratched back late by adding 1 run in the 7th inning off of Dodgers reliever, Bellasario. What many people forget about that inning was Manny Ramirez making a shoe top catch on a sinking line drive off the bat of Raul Ibanez. Had that hit fallen, it would have tied up the game at 4 a piece. So on came Dodgers closer, Jonathon Broxton, who had been solid throughout the regular and postseason, struggled in Game 4. Could it have been the pressure being built up or his nerves getting the best of him? It sure could have been a combination. Broxton allowed pinch hitter Eric Bruntlett and catcher Carlos Ruiz to reach base. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins stepped up and delivered a walk off 2 run double. Game over, Phillies win. Broxton had just blown Game 4 and possibly the entire series.
In Game 5, Dodgers are down 6 to 3 in the 5th inning. There hopes of a trip to the World Series is quickly slipping through their fingers.
ReplyDelete