Phillies bullpen not holding leads
The Phillies entered play Tuesday with an 11-3 record when they scored more than three runs in a game. It's not surprising. With a pitching staff that includes three All-Stars -- Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels -- and two dependable right-handers in Joe Blanton and Vance Worley, they should win more games than they lose when they score at least four runs.
But for the fourth time in 15 games, the Phils lost a game when they scored more than three runs. The Phils blew a 4-0 lead in a 7-4 loss to the Mets on Tuesday.
Despite scoring four times in the game's first two innings, the Phillies could not hold the lead. After Joe Blanton exited a 4-2 game in the seventh, the bullpen paved the way for the Mets' comeback win.
The Phillies have lost seven games this season when they had the lead or were tied in the seventh inning; four of those losses have come in the last week.
"Our bullpen has to pitch better -- quite a bit better," Manuel said.
The Phillies bullpen has a 4.95 ERA, worst in the major leagues. They have allowed 40 runs in 72 2/3 innings.
In the last week, six of the seven members of the pen have allowed at least one run. The only one who hasn't, Antonio Bastardo, gave up the go-ahead hit on Tuesday when he allowed an inherited runner to score.
"Our bullpen is a concern," Manuel said. "It's definitely a concern."
