What Just Happened? Blanton Tosses Gem in Series Clincher

Who in their right mind would have predicted that Joe Blanton would be the first Philadelphia Phillies pitcher to throw a complete game shut out this season?  It was even a little far fetched to expect a pitcher’s duel in today’s game.

"The Phillies attempt to win the rubber game in the series with Joe Blanton facing Randall Delgado.  This one will probably end up being the pitchers duelThat Balls Outta Here Senior Writer and obvious genius Anthony DiStefano"

I do not plan to tell everyone when I do not guess correctly, but in this instance, I am more than happy to let the world know that I was right.

Joe Blanton threw 88 pitches today and 67 of them were for strikes.  This was arguably the best game that Joe has ever thrown as a big leaguer.  He was dominant.  He made the Braves look absolutely silly.  Keep in mind that they were missing Brian McCann and Chipper Jones, but he still was absolutely on top of his game today.  He did not issue a walk and struck out six Braves on his way to handing the series win to the Phils.

The offense couldn’t get it together against Braves starter Randall Delgado.  He came into the game having allowed a crap ton of runs and struggling with his command.  He allowed a run in the first inning and one in the seventh, did not walk a batter over a career high eight innings pitched.  It looked like there may have been a little bit of a hangover from last night’s contest as neither team could really get too going offensively, but it was nice to see the Phillies score just enough to back Joe’s great effort.

Jimmy Rollins and Juan Pierre started the game off with singles, leading one to believe that this one could end up another barn burner, but the Braves escaped the inning allowing only a sac fly to Hunter Pence on a deep fly to center field.  Luckily, Blanton didn’t need anything else today.  Laynce Nix added a solo home run to make everyone a little less uneasy about a one run lead and Shane Victorino added a two run shot in the ninth to give Joe even more of a cushion.

I will devote this paragraph to the Brave’s offense.

Joe saved the bullpen, the Phillies hit some home runs and it will be a damn miracle if Chipper Jones makes it through the season without a major part of his body falling off.  I think it is time to see the Washington Nationals.  Kyle Kendrick versus some guy named Strasomethingorother.  I am sure there will be natitude.