70 degrees, 44,742 optimistic Philly fans, an extra innings game, the only thing missing was a win. Edgar Renteria ruined the party and Phillies fans had to experience another season opening loss. Brett Myers was one pitch away from a brilliant 8 inning 2 earned runs outing, but instead Renteria took him yard with 2 outs and 2 strikes in the top of the 8th. Chase Utley missed out on a great oppurtunity to score some runs in the 7th inning.
Ryan Howard batted 3rd and Utley batted 4th. I don't really like it, but it's going to have to work until someone steps up and can bat behind Howard. The Braves were forced to pitch to Howard for at least 2 pitches in the 9th inning because of Utley behind Howard.
The Good Signs
-The Phillies scored some runs with 2 outs. All 3 runs were scored with 2 outs actually.
-Pat Burrell got a hit and scored a run.
-Jimmy Rollins hit a home run.
-Ryan Howard is batting .500.
-Brett Myers had 3 earned runs in 7 2/3 innings.
-Tom Gordon isn't injured.
The Bad Signs
-The Phillies only scored 3 runs off of John Smoltz, who they will be seeing a lot this year.
-Pat Burrell only got one hit, struck out twice, didn't have any RBIs, and should have caught that flyball single late in the game - he just didn't even try to run after it.
-Jimmy Rollins struck out 3 times.
-Ryan Howard struck out on a great oppurtunity to score some runs.
-Brett Myers gave up a dead center home run one pitch away from a great start.
-Ryan Madson gave up a two run homer in the 10th inning to a guy that already had one homerun in the game.
Okay yes, I over-analyzed the game, but it's not nice to see everyone's prediction that the bullpen would end up killing us actually come true in the first game.
Take note, Pat Gillick.
1 comment:
Plenty of time to win that 92 I predicted. And with 92 wins comes 70 losses, so they got the first one outta the way already...no biggie.
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