Saturday, April 5, 2008

Game 5: Phillies at Reds (2/4-Shortened)

I have work in twenty minutes, so this isn't going to be great.

Philadelphia Phillies: 2-2
Cincinnati Reds: 2-2

Adam Eaton (0-0 --- ERA, 2-0 4.35 ERA)
Aaron Harang (0-1 3.00 ERA, 1-1 7.39 ERA)

Getting above .500 so early would be great. The Phillies haven't tasted April success for a while, but maybe this season is different. Doing it today will prove to be a challenge though. Adam Eaton is on the mound, which almost certainly means the offense is going to have to have a great game. They scored seven runs last night, but it could prove to be more difficult going against their ace instead of Josh Fogg.

The bullpen will likely have to step up as well. J.C. Romero and Ryan Madson probably won't be available, so if Eaton can't give them any innings, Clay Condrey and maybe even Tim Lahey will have to shoulder a bit of a load. This can't keep happening. The starters have to get further than 3.2 and 5 innings. People love complaining about Manuel's bullpen use, but what's he supposed to do when he needs to get 4+ innings out of relievers?

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