Fans leave the game after Kyle Kendrick posts a shutout win last Wednesday night in Oakland.Last night in Atlanta, Kendrick did it again. As usual, it was with a little help from his friends. Kendrick held the Braves scoreless through six, while a Pat Burrell solo homer, a Shane Victorino 2-run shot, and some savvy baserunning put the Phillies up 5-0. After the Phillies left the bases loaded in the 7th, the Bravos finally broke through for 3. The Phillies again left the bases loaded in the 8th but Tom Gordon held the score at 5-3. In the 9th, the Phillies again loaded the bases and this time tacked on 3 more. Final score: 8-3, in a much-needed win.
Kendrick, an absolute godsend since his callup last June, is 8-3 this season. The Phillies are 14-3 in his starts. His stuff is far from dazzling, but he works fast, pounds the strike zone, and is fearless and tenacious. Yes, he benefits from run support (an average of 6 per game), but part of that, I think, is that guys like to play behind him. I'm sure that the team also likes playing behind ace Cole Hamels, who receives less support. But then he's perceived as needing less. Too bad about those hard luck losses, Cole. Baseball is a funny sport.
Tonight it's Adam Eaton, tomorrow Cole Hamels. Myers' replacement still TBA. Meanwhile, soft-tossing lefty R. J. Swindle (he makes Jamie Moyer look out of control) has been called up from Triple-A to replace Clay Condrey, on paternity leave for the birth of his first child. It's a boy and Condrey, the outdoors type, has camouflage diapers ready for the kid.
Carlos Carrasco is pitching tonight for Reading. Unless he goes only three, I guess it's unlikely that he'll be taking Myers' spot. So, J.A. Happ?
