Charles LeClaire-USA Today Sports
So in the end, we’ve learned that the rumors of the Philadelphia Phillies‘ “Fire Sale” were obviously all talk. The biggest surprise is that the Phils fans’ whipping boy, Michael Young, is still rocking a Phils uniform. Young said he would have waived his no-trade clause to go the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox or the Texas Rangers, but the Phils did not pull the trigger on the 36-year-old infielder. It’s whatever to me now. Moving on to last night’s game.
Well, it didn’t take long for the Phils to get back to their losing ways. The San Francisco Giants have been struggling mightily offensively and they scored nine runs. The Giants posted the same total of runs in last night’s game that they have scored since last Wednesday. The main reason for that was the “Bad” Kyle Kendrick showed up. I can’t really tell you the last time I saw the “Good” Kendrick though. Kendrick lasted just two innings and faced five hitters in the third inning. He allowed seven runs (six earned) on eight hits, a free pass and plunked a guy. The Phils now sit at 50-57, and they’re now 12.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East.
But hey! Have no fear, Cody Asche is here. The rookie third baseman made his first major league start but didn’t bring his bat with him (hit-less). He did bring his glove, though. Asche made a diving stab down the line to rob “Good-Old Friend“ Hunter Pence. Asche was able to gather himself in foul ground and make a strong throw to get Pence out. He also turned a very smooth double play in the second inning.
So the Phils will try to win the series (if anyone cares) and will send Cole Hamels (4-13, 4.09) to the mound. He will be opposed by Matt Cain (6-6, 4.79). Hamels is 5-3 with a 4.14 ERA in 12 regular-season starts against the Giants. I wonder if Cole can get his ERA finally under four? Now, that would be a treat.
Joseph Hickman is a Philadelphia Eagles writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @phillytugger, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+
