Phils Denied Sweep of Nationals

When the Phillies started their series against the last place Nationals, I said that a sweep was imperative.  After taking the first two games of the three-game set, I was cautiously optimistic that they would be able to accomplish what needed to be done.  Unfortunately, the bullpen was unable to hold a one-run lead in the eighth inning, as the Phillies fell to the Nats 4-3.

Ryan Madson, who hadn’t allowed an earned run in his previous eight appearances, took the loss, surrendering two earned runs in the eighth.  To be fair, none of the balls hit off Madson were hit hard, but they found holes, and allowed the Nationals to win the ball game.  Though he’s pitched fairly well out of the bullpen this season, there’s just something about Madson that makes me uneasy.  I don’t know why, but I never feel comfortable when he enters the game.  That said, I don’t think he should be solely to blame for the loss last night. 

Much of the blame needs to fall on the shoulders of the Phillies offense, who struggled once again last night.  This has been going on for far too long to be considered a slump that they are going to break out of.  This is a flawed offensive team.  One with too many “sluggers” and not enough “hitters”.  Their at bats with runners in scoring position are almost embarrassing and they swing through pitches at an alarming rate.  If the Phillies have any hopes of winning the division, they are all going to need to change their approaches at the plate.  Last night’s loss dropped them to 2.5 games behind the first-place Mets.  They have a tough four-game series with the Dodgers this weekend.  It’s time for everyone on this team to dig deep and play like they can.  The Phillies need to take 3-out-of-4 this weekend.  Anything less will be a failure, and will come back to haunt them in September.