There was a fair amount of red at the games with the Giants, who are not drawing the way they used to. But Phillies' fans didn't have much to cheer about.
Thank heavens for Cliff Lee, the only bright spot in the four-game set in San Francisco this weekend. Thursday night's game was a sloppy effort, Saturday a pitching duel won by Tim Lincecum, and Sunday an out-of-sorts effort by Cole Hamels. But on Friday, in his Phillies' debut, Lee was dominant, giving up just one run on four hits. There was a lot to like about the dazzling Mr. Lee. He threw strikes, worked quickly, fielded his position well, and even had two hits and scored a run. What has this guy been doing in the American League?! He looked totally in control and he was. What a treat to watch.
Phillies' bats, however, were not. The offense, shut out twice last week, was anemic. Last year the Phillies went on a West Coast road trip and came back in a deep hitting slump. Oh-oh. After a sizzling July, in which they went 20-7, they begin August with a losing streak. Oh, the angst. Why does this team go cold all together and all at once?
Just-acquired Ben Francisco played in all four games in place of the injured Shane Victorino and immediately proved his worth. Good job there too, Ruben.
