Page: 3 of 3 View All
Rollins, Lopez lift Phils past Mets
In games this season when Rollins has scored at least one run, the Phillies are 29-7.
That is one statistic that clearly isn't misleading and emphasizes the importance of Rollins to the offense.
Phillies pitcher Rodrigo Lopez had not pitched in the big leagues since 2007. ( Michael S. Wirtz / Staff Photographer )
The Phillies faced rubber-armed Livan Hernandez, a noted innings-eater who is not bound by strict pitch counts. That's a good thing, because Hernandez needed 36 pitches to get through the first inning.
He is the only active pitcher to throw a complete game for six teams, and entered the night with 46 complete games. Hernandez was never close to No. 47, leaving after surrendering seven runs in three-plus innings.
The Mets, who have nine players on the disabled list, simply lacked the offensive arsenal to make up the deficit.
Of course, plenty of Phillies enjoyed a big night off Hernandez, but any upward curve in offense by Rollins has to be looked on with optimism.
This was the opener of a 10-game homestand for the Phillies leading up to the all-star break. They are 14-22 at Citizens Bank Park, a statistic they would like to reverse - just as they hope to see Rollins' numbers at the plate rise.
Contact staff writer Marc Narducci at 856-779-3225 or mnarducci@phillynews.com.
