Burnett Falls Short

A.J. Burnett was coming off what might have been his best start of 2014. He went eight innings against the Washington Nationals  last Monday night, and struck out 12 batters en route to his first win of the second half. Today he hung in there and kept his walks down, but could not hold off the Mets later on.

The Phils got him a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth when Ryan Howard doubled home Jimmy Rollins. The Phils would out-hit the Mets again today, totaling 12 hits to the Mets’ 11.

Burnett allowed the Mets to take the lead in the bottom of the fifth, however. With two outs, center-fielder Juan Lagares singled and stole second. He would then score on a double by Matt den Dekker. den Dekker then crossed the plate on a single by third baseman David Wright. Just like that, two runs and three hits all with two outs against Burnett.

The Phillies would tie the game in the top of the sixth inning thanks to a solo home run by Howard. Howard now has 86 runs batted in for the year.

Burnett would falter in the bottom of the sixth, his last inning of work. He allowed a lead-off single to Wilmer Flores, and then issued his only walk of the day to Dilson Herrera.  The next batter was Anthony Recker, and he took Burnett out to deep left field for a three run home run. The Mets led 5-2, and Burnett was finished.

A.J. went six innings, allowing all five runs on nine hits. He struck out eight Mets, but could not escape his final inning unscathed.

The Phillies would chip away at the Mets’ lead, scoring a run in the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth innings. Ultimately they fell one run short, losing the game 5-4.

Burnett’s record is now 7-15 on the year, and his last start remains as his only victory since the all-star break. His 2014 earned run average is now up to 4.30.

The Phillies offense left a total of 10 men on base, and went 4-13 with runners in scoring position.

They’ll look to get back on track tomorrow afternoon in Atlanta against the second place Braves. Cole Hamels gets the start for the Phils against Julio Teheran for Atalnta. First pith is scheduled for 1:10 pm.

Stats Courtesy of Phillies.com

Photo Courtesy of RantSports.com