When a pitcher has a no-hitter going, teammates will often ignore the pitcher when he comes into the dugout. They are afraid to talk to him for fear they will somehow alter whatever aura the pitcher has at the time.
In a similar manner, I am hesitant to write about the Phillies this morning. As of right now, everything in Phillies-land is going just perfectly. They have an eight-game hitting streak going and a prospect in AAA that can strike out tall buildings in a single bound.
At the risk of upsetting the karma cart, let's take a look at some of the reasons behind the Phillies turn-around.
- The biggest key to the win streak is that the Phillies, obviously, have outscored their opponents. Over the last eight games, the Phillies have scored 52 runs (6.5 per game) while allowing 27 runs (3.4 per game). Those 52 runs have been powered by 15 homeruns, while the Phils have allowed only 7 over the eight-game span.
- Another team in town likes to proclaim its "bend but don't break" attitude, and the Phillies have been doing the same thing. Overall, they are allowing opposing batters to hit .260/.337/.400. But when an opposing team's baserunner gets into scoring position, they can only squeek out a .182/.333/236 against the Phillies pitchers and defense.
- Over the course of the streak, the Phillies are not allowing the opposing teams to get rallies started with the top of their lineup. Over 32 at-bats, hitters on the Pirates, Marlins, and Giants could only post a Slowsky's-like .062/.211/.156 line.
- While the Phillies' starting pitchers still have room to improve off of a .292/.376/.458 mark during the eight games, the relief pitchers have been lights out, .178/.228/.247. Closer Tom Gordon has appeared in five of the eight games and allowed only one baserunner (a walk).
- On offense is where the Phillies have really made some hay, as a matter of fact, they've been raking it. For the eight games, Phillies batters have hit .288/.375/.523. Chase Utley has been on quite a hot streak, hitting .467/.515/.833 with 3 homeruns and 8 runs batted in.
- The Phillies have sometimes been accused of turning things off when they find themselves behind, often giving the opposing team's pitcher too much credit. But over the eight games, the Phillies have hit .425/.538/.775 with 4 HR and 15 RBI when trailing.
- Of course, they haven't been trailing very much. In the first inning the Phillies posted a .333/.395/.879 line, including 4 HR.
The wins have certainly had their forgettable moments -- dropped pop-ups, baserunning gaffes -- and the Phillies will certainly have to play better in those areas when their bats cool off if they hope to continue their winning ways. But until then, lets sit back and enjoy the ride.
By the way, if the Phillies lose on Tuesday, I will be retreating to an undisclosed location.
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