Morning Phil Up – 5/4/2014 – Philadelphia Phillies go for series win behind (gulp) Roberto Hernandez

Roberto Hernandez. Image Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday’s Game

Phillies defeat Nationals 7-2

Quick Summary

Ryan Howard struck early with a three-run homer, A.J. Burnett pitched well, and the Phillies rolled to one of their easier wins of the season.

Emotional reaction immediately after the game

Where would they be without A.J. Burnett?

Less emotional reaction after thinking about it a bit

They haven’t had enough “easy” wins this season, so last night was a rare change of pace.

Heroes

Howard’s first inning homer was all the offense that Burnett and the bullpen would need. Jimmy Rollins chipped in with four hits.

Goat

Nationals starter Tanner Roark had pitched well this season, but the Phillies jumped on him early last night.

Today’s Game

Washington Nationals (17-13) at Philadelphia Phillies (14-14)

Gio Gonzalez. Image Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Game time: 3:05 PM

TV: CSN

Starting pitchers: Gio Gonzalez (3-1) vs. Roberto Hernandez (1-1)

Preview

Today’s game was supposed to feature another excellent pitching matchup with former Phillies farm hand Gio Gonzalez facing off against Cole Hamels. But Hamels will be skipped due to the flu, and all of a sudden, the Phillies appear to have a major disadvantage.

Roberto Hernandez might not have pitched as poorly as his numbers would indicate, but he is still a typical fifth starter, in that the team will usually need to score a decent amount of runs in support of him. Unfortunately, that may be a tall order against Gonzalez.

It would be nice if the Phillies could hit another three-run home run in the first inning like they’ve done in the first two games of the series. Giving the starter an instant cushion is always nice.

Link of Interest

The Zo Zone – Frandsen enjoyed Philly, but ticked about departure

Kevin Frandsen enjoyed two semi-productive years as a bench player in Philadelphia, but he didn’t particularly like the way his tenure ended. He felt that he had proved himself as being a valuable part of the team, and he certainly didn’t expect to be designated for assignment due to the Phillies needing “roster flexibility.”

Tweet of Importance

The “YES” chant seems to be really catching on with sports fans.