If you had said John McDonald, with his sub .100 average, was going to hit a home run today I would have said you were insane. If you had said the Phillies we're going to score more than 3 runs I'd also think you were insane, though to a slightly lesser degree. Both of these things happened today at CBP as the Phillies scored early and often to trounce the Cubs 12-1. This was their first series win since the All-Star break.
Chase Utley signed a contract extension today, but it was the younger players who were shining during this game. Though he took a 6.75 ERA through 5 innings, it was still good enough for Ethan Martin (4 K's, 3 walks) to register his first big league win (1-1). In other firsts, rookie and friend of the site, Cody Asche notched his first major league home run today to go along with his 3 hits.
Rookie, Darin Ruf, also had a home run and at the other end of the age spectrum in a completely unexpected move, John McDonald also decided to hit a home run. He batted 1.000 today (1/1) and brought his season average up to a menacing .098. Look out MLB.
Not a single starter went hitless today, except for Martin, but that's forgivable. Cubs starting pitcher, Jeff Samardzija, gave up 9 runs and 11 hits in 3 & 1/3 innings of work, his shortest outing of 2013.
After a run explosion like this it's realistic to expect the Phils to drop the next 2 or 3. If the rookies can keep up this production though, it could fuel the team down the stretch and maybe they can get the wildcard. (Hey don't laugh. You didn't think John McDonald was gonna homer today, but that happened.)
Your BSB 3 stars of the game:
1. Ethan Martin (for the win)
2. Cody Asche (for the HR and responding to some tweets awhile back)
3. John McDonald (for a self-esteem boost...and the HR)
By: Ben Lebo
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