May 24
RHP Joe Blanton was hit hard for the second straight start. Blanton, who had a 2.81 ERA in his first seven starts of the season, coughed up a 6-0 lead in the Phillies' 10-9 win over the Cardinals. After the Phillies scored six times in the first two innings, Blanton gave up four runs in the third and three more in the fifth. He has a 13.50 ERA in his last two starts; he's allowed 14 runs on 19 hits, including six home runs.
May 24
Blanton lasted just 4.1 innings Thursday, yielding seven runs and 10 hits. He did manage to strike out five batters.
Recommendation: Philadelphia handed Blanton an early six-run lead, but he could not take advantage, departing with the score tied at seven apiece. After opening the season in impressive fashion, Blanton has been hammered in his last two starts, giving up 14 runs and 19 hits over 8.2 innings.
May 20
Blanton allowed seven runs in Saturday's 7-5 loss to Boston.
Advice: Five of the six homers Blanton's allowed this season have come in his last two starts.