Morning Phil Up – 4/9/2014 – Boos only make Ryan Braun stronger as he leads the Milwaukee Brewers to a victory in the Philadelphia Phillies’ home opener

Apr 8, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (8) celebrates with center fielder Carlos Gomez (27) and shortstop Jean Segura (9) after hitting a three run home run during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Milwaukee Brewers defeated Philadelphia Phillies 10-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday’s Game

Brewers defeat Phillies 10-4.

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Emotional reaction immediately after the game

Maybe the fans should lay off Braun a bit tomorrow.

Less emotional, more optimistic reaction after thinking about it a bit

The Phillies continue to show improved patience at the plate so far in 2014. They walked six times yesterday.

Hero

Ryan Braun received a loud, negative reaction from the Phillies fans at Citizens Bank Park. How did he respond? By blasting three home runs and totaling seven RBIs. And if his hitting wasn’t enough, he also saved a run with a spectacular catch in the field. It’s very difficult to be more of a hero in any one game than Braun was yesterday.

Goat

Ben Revere can cover a lot of ground in center field, but as we’re finding out, speed alone doesn’t make a player a good fielder. Revere continues to take bad routes to the ball, and committed his second error of the young season.

Today’s Game

Milwaukee Brewers (5-2) at Philadelphia Phillies (3-4)

Game time: 7:05 PM

TV: CN8

Starting pitchers: Matt Garza (0-1) vs. Roberto Hernandez (1-0)

Quick Preview

The Phillies will try to end a two-game losing streak. Taking the mound will be Roberto Hernandez. Hernandez earned a win in his first start of the season on Friday, going 5.2 innings against the Cubs. It wasn’t a dominating outing, but if the Phillies can consistently get that type of performance from their fifth starter, the rotation should be in good shape.

The Brewers will counter with Matt Garza. Garza was a free agent this past offseason, and I had wanted the Phillies to go after him. They opted for Hernandez and A.J. Burnett instead. Today’s game will be a small gauge of whether or not they chose well.

Link of Interest

Philly.com – Hamels could be pitching for Phils in two weeks

Cole Hamels wasn’t supposed to be ready to join the Phillies’ rotation until May, but it appears that he is recovering from offseason biceps tendonitis quicker than expected. He threw 50 pitches in a minor league game on Sunday and said that he felt great afterwards. He plans to make two more minor league starts, and assuming all is well, he could rejoin the major league team on April 22 for a game against the Dodgers.

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