Phillies lose 6th in a row, 2-1

Once again, the Philadelphia Phillies whimpered like a kitten, as the Detroit Tigers shut down Philadelphia’s bats, but then again who hasn’t lately, and lost 2-1 at Comerica Park. The loss was the Phillies 6^th in a row, and they have scored only 10 runs in the past 6 games.

In the first two innings, the Tigers had opportunities to score first, but they thwarted, first by a spectacular defense play by first baseman Kevin Frandsen who robbed Prince Fielder of an extra base hit. Then, in the bottom of the second with men on the corners, Tigers infielder Ramon Santiago was called out on strikes on a hit and run, but an alert Chase Utley threw back home,  and Carlos Ruiz tagged out Jhonny Peralta to end the inning.

In the 3^rd inning, the Phillies scored first.  John Mayberry reached first on a fielding error by new Tigers second baseman, Hernan Perez. Then, with one out Ruiz lined a single to right, and then with runners on first and second, Michael Young hit a ground single to right that scored Mayberry, and that gave the Phillies, a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the 5^th, Detroit took the lead. With one out, Perez walked, than Santiago hit a double down the left field line, and putting runners on second and third. Then, Alex Avila took a 0-2 and pitched and hit a double to deep left-center field that scored both, and it gave the Tigers a 2-1 lead.

The story, though, of the game was Fister, who went eight strong innings, including not allowing a Phillie to get a hit since the 4^th inning. Fister, who picked up his 9^th win of the season, threw 109 pitches, 71 for strikes, and allowed only three hits, striking out six and walked only one.

In the 9^th inning, the Phils did mount a threat off of Tigers closer Joaquin Benoit, as Jimmy Rollins led off with a line single. Then, with two outs he stole second and third base, but Darin Ruf grounded out to second to end the ball game, and give Benoit his 10^th save of the year.

Hamels, once again, another tough loss, as he went seven innings, and allowed two runs on six hits on 112 pitches-74 strikes. Cole did strike out six and walked three, but his record falls to 4-13.

Tomorrow, Raul Valdes, will start as Cliff Lee is scratched with a “stiff neck”, although reports are circulating that Lee could be traded by next week’s deadline. Detroit will throw 14-game winner Max Scherzer. First pitch is set for 7:08 pm.