Morning Phil Up – 4/10/2014 – Philadelphia Phillies look to avoid sweep against Milwaukee Brewers behind Cliff Lee

Apr 9, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Justin De Fratus (30) watches as Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Mark Reynolds (7) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run during the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. The Brewers defeated the Phillies 9-4. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday’s Game

Brewers defeat Phillies 9-4

Emotional reaction immediately after the game

How can they possibly be this bad defensively?

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

At least Jake Diekman is looking like a solid late inning option out of the bullpen.

Hero

Carlos Gomez had three hits to spark the Brewers offense. And Ryan Braun continues to give the Phillies fans plenty to boo about as he added a two-run triple in the eighth inning.

Goat

Antonio Bastardo didn’t get much help from his defense, but he also got off on the wrong foot when he walked the first batter he faced en route to giving up three runs in his one inning of work.

Today’s Game

Milwaukee Brewers (6-2) at Philadelphia Phillies (3-5)

Game time: 7:05 PM

TV: CN8

Starting pitchers: Marco Estrada (0-0) vs. Cliff Lee (2-0)

Quick Preview

The Phillies will try to win their first home game of the season. They should have a good shot at it with Cliff Lee on the mound. Lee struggled on Opening Day (but still picked up a victory), but shined in his last start against the Cubs. The Phillies could use a dominating outing from him. The more batters he strikes out, the fewer chances his defense will have to botch plays.

The Brewers are looking for a sweep behind veteran righthander Marco Estrada, who is making his second start of the season. If the Brewers continue to hit as well as they have recently, then Estrada’s job will be made that much easier.

Link of Interest

Phillies Team Site – Asche out of lineup with hamstring injury

The Phillies bench did not appear to be a strength heading into the season. Therefore, it was worrisome that they were missing two of their starting infielders for last night’s game. Chase Utley sat out with the flu, while third baseman Cody Asche is dealing with a sore hamstring. Manager Ryne Sandberg downplayed the injury and said that Asche should be back soon. The Phillies certainly hope so, because his absence makes an already thin bench perilously short of players.

Tweet of Importance

I suppose all of the Phillies’ problems can’t be pinned on the bullpen and defense. Still, they are getting runners on base and scoring some runs, which are good signs. If you get enough runners on base, some of them are bound to score.