It was only a matter of time before the Phillies started hitting and hitting they have getting 6 ER off Jimenez yesterday. The Phillies are hitting .321 in their 3 game winning streak and there are a couple of reasons. Number one they fired their hitting coach and things seemed to change even though I don't buy into the impact of a hitting coach it some times can have an impact on the morale of a team. Another reason is Ibanez is now hitting #3 slot in place of injured Chase Utley and he has been killing it since the move there and add in with Polanco back healthy and hitting and the Phillies are looking like the dangerous line up that they are. Sunday they face Jeff Francis as they send JA Happ to the mound.
Happ was 12-4 with a 2.93 ERA last year as a rookie starter, but this year he's had injuries and has been starting in AAA. His last AAA start was a success and he takes Jamie Moyer's spot who is injured. Happ will try to prove he belongs here as the Phillies showcase him for a possible trade. He faces a Rockies team that has a .204 average in their last 10 and have struggled against lefties before. Happ went 9 innings at home last year vs. the Phillies giving up 0 ER and just 4 hits. The Rockies are 8-20 in their last 28 as a road dog and 4-15 in their last 19 meetings with the Phillies counting post season.
Francis has not been solid and he's been worse against the Phillies with a 1-1 record and a 7.59 ERA in 4 starts in his career. In 55 AB the Phils have a.302 average and .855 OPS. I just think the Phillies are riding the hot bats and it will continue here today as the Rockies go down.
