Phillies Lose to Rockies 6-3 on Late HR

9-12 Phillies need to sweep Pirates to break even in April

"Quick-pitch fastball," Franklin said to a nodding Fasano.--MLB.com

It sure was seconds later Ryan Franklin (1-2, 4.38 ERA) gave up a home run in the 8th frame as the Rockies evened the series in Philly at 2-2.

Jon Lieber (0-4, 7.04 ERA) saw his 2nd quality start end dismally when the Phillies offense sputtered after scoring 2 runs in the 1st  frame but only managed one more the rest of the way. 

Pat Burrell hit a two run single in the 1st but was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double.  Poor  base coaching when you consider Burrell missed most of Spring Training because of his injured left foot.

The loss leaves the Phillies and Braves tied for 2nd place in the NL East.

In other news, Phillies prospect Cole Hamels in his AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons debut struck out 14 allowed no runs on  3 hits and no walks. 

Previously in single A Clearwater Thresher games this year Hamels fanned 29 in 20 innings.  This could spell bullpen duty for Gavin Floyd given the short hook the Phillies traditionally use on rookie starters. 

Up next:

Myers, Lidle & Madson are the probable starters facing the Bucs.