Kendrick Records Only Win in Braves Series

By Amy McCormick

The Braves came into town on Friday, May 6 for a three game series in Philadelphia.  That evening, we saw Cliff Lee strike out sixteen – breaking his own record – and still get the loss.  How does that happen?  He let up three runs in the third inning, but it was our offense that just couldn’t generate any runs.  The Phils didn’t record a hit until the bottom of the seventh when Shane Victorino hit a single to left field.  To add insult to the 5-0 injury, Placido Polanco ended up leaving the game early with an injured toe (x-rays were negative).  Atlanta’s Derek Lowe earned the win. 

Saturday night brought us Kyle Kendrick, filling in for Roy Oswalt, who is now on the DL.  I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about this start.  The funny thing is, Kendrick (with the help of JC Romero, Mike Stutes, Antonio Bastardo and Ryan Madson) recorded a win.  It wasn’t just a win; the Phils shut out Atlanta, 3-0.  It didn’t hurt that the Braves introduced rookie Julio Teheran, who was up past his bedtime and got pulled after 4 2/3 innings.  The series was now tied, 1-1. 

Sunday night, Mother’s Day, I attended the game.  I was beyond excited to see Hamels pitch, and I was ready for the Phils to salvage the series with another win.  We mothers didn’t get the gift we wanted.  Jair Jurrjens pitched 6 1/3 innings and allowed one run.  Atlanta had won seven of their last eight, and Philadelphia was just no match for them last night.  Alex Gonzalez, Freddie Freeman and Eric Hinske each homered, while the Phils stranded runners, grounded into double plays, and couldn’t produce.  Hamels ended his four game winning streak and is now 4-2. 

On a sidenote, Dan Uggla’s little sister would like her jersey back.

What worries me about this disappointing series is that the Phils will soon be facing far better teams on a long road trip.  Offense needs to pull itself together in a hurry, because the Phils are losing games in which their pitchers are striking out double digits.  No pressure, Utley, but we could use you up here.