Phillies get tomahawk chopped by the Braves

(Photo: CSNPhilly.com)

This afternoon was the Phillies last game before the all-star break. The Phils were looking to at least win one game out this three game weekend set against the Braves but that did not happen. The Phillies loss today 4-3 to the Atlanta Braves and in the process got swept. The Phillies offense could only manage three runs and six hits off of Braves starting pitcher Jair Jurrgens. Those three runs came off the bat of Jason Pridie, who was inserted in the lineup as today’s center fielder. The Phillies starting center fielder Shane Victorino was a late game scratch and after the game was over many people were speculating why he was not in the lineup.  But back to Pridie, who got a 2 run home run, which was his first of the season in the second inning and then in the fourth inning he got an RBI double. The only other Phillie to get two hits today was Carlos Ruiz, who has been consistent throughout this season.


Now for the Braves; their offense came from catcher Brian McCann who has been a Phillie killer in this series. McCann was 2 for 5 with 2 RBI in the game but the most important RBI came in seventh inning when he hit a go ahead solo home run off of Phillies reliever Raul Valdes. The Braves would take the 4-3 lead and their closer Craig Kimbrel would shut down the Phillies hitters in order 1,2,3 in the top of the ninth to win the game. 


The Phillies now go into the all-star break with a record of 37-50 and now have a home record of 17-27. This Phillies team is looking dismal and it is frustrating to watch. What can the front office do to change this team’s effort on the field? Only time will tell. Should they move Cole Hamels to the Texas Rangers for prospects? But what does that solve to help the team now. Each player on this team has to look themselves in the mirror and ask themselves do they want to continue to play or just show no emotion. Finally, here is a quick quote from Jimmy Rollins after this afternoon’s game: “Don’t waste your time, guys.” Hopefully things change, but I doubt it.