Raul Ibanez Stars as Jeff Karstens Continues to Look Funny
By Editorial Staff
The Phillies rebounded from their first series loss in forever by sweeping the Pirates. Hunter Pence scored the winning run on an RBI double from Raul Ibanez capping Raul’s fantastic day at the plate.
The 39 year old outfielder went 3-5 with two home runs, four RBI and the aforementioned game winning double. Just when it seems like he is certifiably washed up, Ibanez responds by having one of these months where he is unfathomably good. I am just happy that they scored some runs off of Jeff Karstens.
Vance Worley looked pretty much in command at the beginning of this afternoon’s game, but faltered after being handed the lead on two separate occasions. He struck out a career high tying seven, allowed seven hits and four runs in his six innings of work. At one point Worley struck out five consecutive batters and looked like he was going to shut down the Pirates for the rest of the afternoon. He made a few mistakes, one of which was deposited in the right field bleachers by Lyle Overbay. He took a no decision after allowing more than two earned runs for the first time since his disaster against the Mets in May. At least he got some guys to swing and miss today.
I am really starting to hate Jeff Karstens. It makes a hell of a lot more sense for a team to struggle
against a guy like Tim Lincecum, but Karstens? He wasn’t even supposed to start this season. He was thrust into duty because of injury and has responded by throwing the fuck out of the ball against the Phillies. Thanks to the comeback, Karstens was denied his ninth win. That is one less than Cliff Lee. Thank you for not letting that happen Raul.
The offense was carried by Ibanez’s monster day and another good day at the plate against the Pirates for Jimmy Rollins. Jimmy went 2-4 with two RBI.
Antonio Bastardo earned the win by throwing a scoreless top of the tenth inning.
Next up the Phillies travel to Coors field in Denver, Colorado to take on the Colorado Rockies. I remember when the Rockies were first added as an expansion team, people in my high school used to wear Rockies gear because the CR on their hats alternately meant “crips rule.” Keep in mind I did not go to a high school with any sort of gang activity. I still don’t like the Rockies because of these douche bags. Cole Hamels versus Jhoulys Chacin.