Phils Extend Losing Streak to Six

Philadelphia went into this afternoon's game at Nationals Park hoping to avoid the sweep; sadly, though, that wasn't the outcome.  It has become increasingly more difficult to watch the Phils play, and social media continues to buzz with speculations of a looming fire sale.  Today, our lethargic offense was no match for RHP Doug Fister, and Kyle Kendrick's lukewarm performance wasn't enough to keep Washington's lineup quiet.  

The Game: Kendrick pitched 7.0 innings, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits.  He only recorded 2 strikeouts, and among his 5 walks, one seemed to stand out.  Historically speaking, Kendrick has generally handled first baseman Adam LaRoche well.  It seemed a bit odd when, in the bottom of the first inning, Kendrick unintentionally-but-intentionally walked LaRoche, only to face Ryan Zimmerman in the fifth lineup spot.  Zimmerman, clearly an offensive threat, cracked a base hit into left field with runners on first and second.  

In the bottom of the 5th inning, Jayson Werth singled, scoring Denard Span; Adam LaRoche also homered, tacking on two runs.  Kendrick recorded his sixth loss for the season, and his ERA is now 4.30. DeFratus and Diekman split the scoreless 8th inning (0.2 and 0.1, respectively).  

The Phillies scored just two runs (on four hits) today.  In the top of the first inning, Chase Utley's single scored Ben Revere; in the 7th, John Mayberry Jr.'s homer was his second of this series. Could it be that he was the only one listening during Ryne Sandberg's meeting earlier this week? 

Doug Fister recorded the win, and Rafael Soriano locked in his 12th save for the season.

Notable Offensive Statistics: 

John Mayberry, Jr.: second homerun for the series in Washington.

Impact: The skid continues to lengthen.  The Phils are now 7 games behind Atlanta, and a pitiful 10 games below .500.  There's no lack of momentum; the trouble is, it's headed in the wrong direction.  With the All-Star Break approaching, trade rumor mills are starting to turn.  We should also keep in mind that the trade deadline is just 8 weeks away; it will be interesting to see which (if any) roster changes will happen.  

Up Next: The Phillies will play the Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati tomorrow night at 7:10.  Cole Hamels will start for the Phils, while RHP Johnny Cueto and his insanely low 1.68 ERA will take the hill for the Reds. The TV broadcast will be on NBC 10.