The Phillies pitching was continually mentioned as the thing that would hold back the Phillies this season, but in the last few games, the offense has failed while the pitching has come through. Kyle Kendrick, who has been nothing short of terrible this season, pitched a gem by his standards, going 7 innings, striking out 5 batters, and giving up only 2 runs on 4 hits. Unfortunately, the Phillies were unable to muster any offense off Astros ace Roy Oswalt, and they ended up losing the game 2-1.
Kendrick started shaky, giving up a run in the first inning, before settling in and pitching easily his best game of the season. Besides a homer by former Phillie Michael Bourn of all people, Kendrick was lights out from the second inning on.
The Phillies desperately need Jimmy Rollins back. Without the sparkplug at the top of the line-up, the whole offensive engine is barely firing.
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