The Philadelphia Phillies came into Friday night’s game against the lowly San Diego Padres in need of a win in the worst way. They had dropped 3 straight at home to the New York Mets in which their bullpen allowed a staggering 14 runs (12 earned) on 13 hits and 6 walks in 7.1 IP. Take a moment and let that sink in. That would be a 15.21 ERA and a 2.67 WHIP. Oh, and before I forget, the bullpen was 0-3 with 2 blown saves in the set with the Mets.
It was a long time coming for Diekman who was impressive in spring training and even more impressive the first month down in Lehigh Valley. He posted a 1-0 record with a 0.63 ERA in 14.1 IP. He had 13 hits against him, 3 walks and 22 K's. He also recorded 5 saves.
Only time will tell what these players can and will bring to the Phillies. Interestingly enough, Diekman was warming in the pen in the 7th last night, and, possibly sensing his job security fading by the minute, Antonio Bastardo had possibly his best outing of the year. He pitched two innings of no hit ball allowing only one walk and striking out three, earning a hold. Chad Qualls came in allowing only one hit in the 9th and closing the door on an impressive 7-3 Phillies victory.
So, in summary, the bullpen pitched three innings of scoreless baseball allowing only one hit, one walk, and striking out five after a Mets series which saw them dismantled. Now, I do realize that the San Diego Padres are not the greatest team in the world (They are pretty much the worst), but it
is possible that the presence of some new blood could kick the Phillies veterans back into stronger play.
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