12 hits aren’t enough as Phillies fall to Mets

Aug 31, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Domonic Brown (9) hits a solo home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Phillies regained momentum Saturday night in their 7-2 win over the New York Mets. Jerome Williams was impressive yet again, and the offense came alive. The bats were on fire again today, but A.J. Burnett and the bullpen struggled as the Phils fell to the Mets, 6-5.

A.J. Burnett, who’s having a very rough year and has not lived up to hi $16 million contract, allowed nine hits on five runs in just six innings pitched. The 37-year old is now 7-15 on the season with a 4.40 ERA, and has been one of the most disappointing Phillies this year. Antonio Bastardo came in for relief for one inning, but following Bastardo was Justin De Fratus, who pitched one inning and gave up one run.

Ryan Howard had a great game, as he went 2-for-5 with 2 RBIs. He drove in Philadelphia’s first runs of the game with a double in the fourth, and then a solo shot in the sixth. The Phillies tacked on two combined runs in the seventh and eighth inning, and narrowed the gap to one run in the top of the ninth after a Grady Sizemore RBI single, but fell short. The Phils finished with 12 hits on the day.

Ben Revere also went 2-for-5, Jimmy Rollins finished 3-for-5, and Domonic Brown has four hits.

With this series loss to New York, the Phillies’ shot at the Wild Card continues to get slimmer. The Phils begin a six-game road trip Monday afternoon, as they take on the Atlanta Braves, and then the Washington Nationals. This team has an extremely tough schedule ahead.