In what could end up being J.A. Happ’s last start as a member of the Phillies, he pitched five strong innings before getting roughed up in the sixth inning.
In picking up his first loss of the season, Happ went 6 innings and gave up 5 runs on 10 hits. That’s not going to get it done, especially when your offense only scores one run, which came after Happ was lifted from the game.
Just for comparison, Roy Halladay went 9 innings, giving up 1 earned run along with getting 10 strikeouts in a no decision for the Blue Jays. I’m just saying, for comparison.
Highlight of the game? Easily Matt Stairs’ steal of 2nd base late in the game without even a throw. Clearly they respected his ability and speed enough to not even try and throw him out.
Simply put, the offense just didn’t get it done tonight. Happ held them in the game for 5 innings, but fell apart in the 6th. He can’t be asked to do much more than that. With the offensive power that this Phillies team possesses, there is no way they shouldn’t be scoring runs against the likes of Joel Pineiro. That’s ridiculous.
Another point of failure was the bullpen.You can’t be trotting out players such as Tyler Walker and Andrew Carpenter and expect to win. They just aren’t ready to be put into that position. Once the bullpen gets back to full strength, maybe they regain their 2008 form. They’ve only been together as a whole for a few days, and then something happens to one of them.
If the trade for Halladay is going to happen, it needs to be soon. J.A. Happ is pitching well over his head at this point and his value will never be higher. Include him in a deal and get Doc to Philly.
-KK
