Game 27,28, and 29: The Good and the Bad

For the second time this season, Atlanta came into Philly and took two of three from the Phighins. Were there any new developments in this series? Nah. The Phillies confirmed their mediocrity to this point in 2009. Let’s take a quick look at one extremely encouraging and two extremely discouraging players from this weekend’s three-game set.

I guess we’ll start with the lone point of comfort from the weekend:

Cole Hamels: The ace is back. At least, we think he may be back. Hamels secured his first win of the season on Friday by allowing only 2 earned runs on 3 hits and 2 walks over 6.0 solid innings. Even more encouraging, Hamels left the game on his own terms and not via freak injury.

And, of course, the not-so-good:

Jimmy Rollins: Rollins hitting woes continued over the weekend. Rollins managed only 1 hit in 14 plate appearances during the three-game stretch. Although Charlie asserts he has no other option for the lead-off spot, he must consider dropping Rollins down in the order at this point. Rollins can’t ignite an offense with the ice-cold bat he’s had all season.

Brad Lidge: What’s up with the closer? So far this season, I can’t remember a Brad Lidge outing where he did not give up at least 1 run. After entering the game with a 10-3 lead on Friday night, Lidge managed to give up a three-run homer to Casey Kotchman. Then, Lidge gave up another run in Sunday’s loss. Lidge’s ERA has ballooned to 8.53. Unlike last year, Lidge has not been ‘lights out’ so far this year.

Manny Ramirez (wait, nevermind) and the Dodgers roll into Citizen’s Bank Park for the three-game series starting tomorrow night.