Phils Bats Come Alive Late

Adam Eaton took the mound in the opening game of the Phillies series against the Houston Astros. Eaton had another strong outing but pitched 6 innings to another no decision, giving up three runs striking out three. The Phillies bats remained silent though as they struggled to get runners in scoring position all night. The Phillies bullpen continue to amaze as they held the game to three to nothing through the ninth in hopes of giving their offense a chance.

In the bottom of the ninth the game changed in the Phillies favor. After Shawn Chacon pitched 8 strong innings, keeping the Phillies offense in check, Houston brought in their closer Jose Valverde. Unfortunately for Valverde the Phils woke up in the ninth. Chris Snelling came up swung at the first pitch and hit a home run to right field bringing the Phils withing two. Valverde then hit Chase Utley with a pitch and then struck out Ryan Howard for the first out of the inning. Pat Burrell came to the plate and remarkably, hit a home run to the opposite field to tie the game at 3. Geoff Jenkins struck out swinging, but due to Brad Ausmus not being able to hang on, the passed ball allowed Jenkins to reach first. That brought up Pedro Feliz who stroked a ball to the left field corner and Jenkins went from first to home to win the game.

This game showed that the Phils offense can not be counted out and that the Phils bullpen might not be as bad as critics thought going into this season. Only time will tell. The Phils send Kyle Kendrick to the mound on Wednesday against Roy Oswalt.