If any starting pitcher in the NL has a right to be upset with his lack of run support, it might be a guy like Cliff Lee or any member of the Phils staff. They’re on pace to pitch a historic season, while the offense has scored the 8th fewest runs in the majors.
But those guys haven’t complained. Reds’ starter Edison Volquez, however, has. Despite the fact that his team is second in the majors in runs scored, Volquez blames the offense for the teams’ recent struggles.
“Everybody has to step up,” he said, “start to score some runs. In the last five games, how many runs have we scored? Like 13? That’s not the way we were playing last year. We’re better than that.”
He is right that the Reds offense has been stymied over their recent six game losing stream, however Volquez is hardly one to talk. He has a 6.35 ERA, allowed 38 walks and served up nine HRs this season.
The Phillies own struggling offense broke out in a big way last night on Chase Utley’s season debut, although the all star second baseman ended up having nothing to do with it. The offense put up 10 runs, but Utley went 0-5. After the game, he said it felt good being back out there.
“It felt great to get back out there with the guys,” said Utley, who had been out since Spring Training with knee tendinitis. “The crowd was outstanding as usual, which gave us a big boost. Cole pitched well like he has been and we scored some runs.”
It was only the fifth time all season that the Phillies have scored at least 10 runs. The offense will be tested tonight facing Johnny Cueto, who is making just his fourth start of the year and has so far pitched to a 1.45 ERA. He will be opposed by Vance Worley, who was recently recalled to replace Joe Blanton, who was placed on the DL with elbow soreness on Monday.