Phillies Pitchers Roughed Up Again

    For the second game in a row to open the 2013 season, the Phillies pitching staff was roughed up, as they fell 9-2 to the Braves.  It was a rainy evening in Atlanta, and clearly the umps had all intentions of squeezing this game in after a few suspect calls.  Facing many questions after an uncharacteristic 2012 season and lackluster Spring Training, Roy Halladay got the start on the mound.

    Halladay was thoroughly knocked around, allowing 5 runs in three and one-third innings pitched, while surrendering 6 hits and 2 home runs.  The only encouraging sign from Halladay was that he struck out 9 batters in the process of collecting 10 outs, but that simply ran up his pitch count.
    Raul Valdes took over for Halladay and pitched no better, allowing 2 runs in one and two-thirds innings pitched.  Valdes surrendered only 1 hit, however, it was a bases loaded double.  He struck out 3 in his outing but also walked 2 as he struggled to command the strike zone.
    Antonio Bastardo and Mike Adams were the next Phillies pitchers to enter the game, and each pitched one scoreless inning respectively.  The scoring soon started up again for the Braves, however, as they scored 2 runs on Jonathan Papelbon who came on to pitch the eighth inning.  Both runs against Papelbon came courtesy of a two-run home run by Jason Heyward, the Braves third home run of the game.
    The Phillies did little damage at the plate against the Braves, failing to capitalize with runners in scoring position.  Jimmy Rollins had a 2 for 5 night at the plate, adding a double, while Dom Brown went 2 for 4 on the game.
    After collecting 3 hits and 3 RBI's in the season opener, Chase Utley continued to hit early.  Utley had a 1 for 4 outing, hitting a double and collecting 2 more RBI's in the process to move his season total to 5 RBI's after only two games.
    So again the Phillies found themselves victims to the Braves high powered offense.  They will need steadier pitching and to capitalize with runners in scoring position more often if they hope to beat a team like the Braves.  The Phillies will be back in action tomorrow against the Braves, with Cliff Lee making his season debut.