The Phillies game was just starting in Los Angeles as we left Coca-Cola Park. Kyle Kendrick had perhaps his worst start ever, giving up seven runs in less than four innings. I fell asleep shortly after that, with the score 7-2. Derek Lowe, pitching for the Dodgers, always seems to beat the Phillies and I, alas, have little confidence left in the offense. Last week vs. the Marlins and Pirates, the Phillies batted just .226! During that time they managed, in part to the "Little League play" (as Scott Franzke aptly termed it) of the Pirates, to go 3 and 3. Says a lot about the mediocrity of this division that they also managed to go up slightly on the Mets and Marlins. All three teams are flawed. Yesterday, both the Mets and Marlins lost, the Mets in excruciating fashion. The Phillies didn't lose ground but they didn't gain it. Instead, they muddled along, as they've been doing for much of the season. One of these three teams will win the division and the other two will go home. It's up for grabs.
Still it was surprising to hear the final last night: 8-6 Dodgers. The game ended when Ryan Howard grounded out with the tying runs on base. It could be the hometown effect, but it was encouraging to see Chase Utley, a SoCal native, again hitting the ball. The Phillies need someone to step up, as so many did throughout last season. Look at what Manny and Casey Blake are doing for the Dodgers.
