Phillies offense must play better in Game 2

If the Phillies hope to beat the Milwaukee Brewers and go deep in this year's playoffs, then the offense needs to step it up and play better than they did in Game 1. Against Yovani Gallardo, a 22-year old righty with just four games under his belt this season, the Phillies managed just four hits and all three of their runs came as a result of a Mike Cameron defensive miscue in the third inning. The top of the lineup (Jimmy Rollins and Jason Werth) went a combined one for eight with four strikeouts. As goes J-Roll, so go the Phillies. He is the spark that sets this offense's flame and if they hope to have any success against Game 2 starter CC Sabathia then he needs to get on base and make things happen. With Rollins and Werth on the basepaths, it sets the table for Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and even injured Pat Burrell. Despite struggling the last month or two of the season and tweaking his back on Tuesday, Burrell is still one of the best guys in the leage at drawing a walk, and as we saw on Wednesday, a walk can make all the difference. This team just needs to be more patient and more disciplined. Cudos to Ryan Howard for striking out only once and having the discipline and patience to draw three walks. There is enough talent on this team from top to bottom that just as long as there are guys on base, things will happen. Sabathia is as dominant pitcher as anyone is likely to see this postseason, but he is not unbeatable. If they can get on the board early, then that sets the table for starter Brett Myers to settle in and cruise through the young Brewers' lineup.