Wilkerson Hits for Cycle As Nats Hand Phils First Lost
Perennial Phillie killer, Brad Wilkerson, hit for the cycle and drew a walk as he muscled the Washington Nationals to their first win. The Phillies squandered a solid outing from number two Bret Myers. While not outstanding on the hill, Myers held the Nats to two runs (only one earned) in six and two-thirds innings. The Phils battled back for three runs in the sixth as Thome knocked in his first run of the year and Burrell hit a monsterous shot to left. It appeared the Phils (Lofton?) picked up a tell on Nats starter Zack Day. After Myers was pulled with two out in the seventh to avoid facing Wilkerson, reliever Rheal Cormier gave up a triple to Wilkerson before getting Guzman for the final out. Tim Worrell blew up on the mound in the eighth surrendering four runs on four hits in one-third of an inning. The Nats tacked one more on in the ninth against Terry Adams.
The Pros
Myers, while not spectacular, pitched a solid game. He could have easily gone seven, but Manuel pulled him so he didn’t have to face Wilkerson who hits Bret well. Myers’ curve at times had a good snap to it. Burrell looks good at the plate. He laid off the breaking stuff on the outside/off the plate. He looked for an inside pitch to turn and drive and he took it deep. Thome got off the snide with a couple hits, but hit hard. The defense early was wonderful. Utley and Rollins both made stellar plays and Lofton threw a strike to gun down a runner at third. Lieby threw a strike to catch a runner stealing.
The Cons
Kenny Lofton played entirely too shallow in center. Ball after ball flew over his head. He needs to play deeper. He does not have the wheels to run down the deep flies from where he is positioned. It is expected this will be corrected immediately. Five one-two-three innings. The bullpen was ineffective. Cormier gave up a triple (admittedly, Wilkerson was on fire tonight); Worrell had no gas and could only get one out; Fultz gave up two hits before getting out of Worrell’s mess; Adams did not look strong at all and gave up another run. Two errors (Bell and Abreu); both led to runs. Three foul outs.
Wheels
Fortunately, I was able to tune him out effetively this evening. A comment made over at PhilliesPhans.com in the game thread sums up this guy well.
Christ, yeah, that was a terrible inning for Wheeler. “Wilkerson could really be a productive player if he settles into one position” — obviously ignoring the fact that he already is extremely productive.
Also blogged on this date . . .
- Self Portrait - 2008
- "From my cold, dead hands!" - 2008
- NJEA Favors Teacher Cuts - 2007
- Blessing - 2007
- Coming Soon . . . - 2006
By Bob on Apr 7, 2005
I noticed that the Nats pitchers were pitching Rollins away. He used to be dealt the high heat.