Myers' struggles continue

Atlanta belts the Phillies' starter around for 8 runs in 41/3 innings.

By Stephen Miller | Of The Morning Call

May 15, 2008

BRAVES 8

PHILLIES 6

Looking ahead: Phillies will see their fourth consecutive left-hander when Atlanta sends Chuck James (2-2, 7.58 ERA) against LHP Cole Hamels (4-3, 3.36) at 7 tonight.

| Forget the Ryan Howard Slump. The Brett Myers Mess has moved to the top spot on the Phillies' list of problems.

Nine starts into a season in which he was chosen for an Opening Day start for a second straight year, Myers has watched his ERA climb into a region normally reserved for rotation bottom-feeders. Atlanta pushed the number higher by thrashing him for eight runs (six earned) over just 41/3 innings, his worst start yet in a season filled with disappointing outings.

The Phillies tried to rescue Myers with a late rally. The Braves wouldn't let it happen, holding on for an 8-6 win Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park.

That left Myers (2-4), supposed to be the right-handed portion of a 1-2 punch with lefty Cole Hamels, saddled with another loss. Myers' ERA jumped from 5.33 to 5.91; only four of the 52 pitchers in the National League who began Wednesday qualified for the ERA title had an ERA of 5.91 or higher.

Atlanta ripped six extra-base hits against Myers, including solo home runs by Yunel Escobar, Chipper Jones and Kelly Johnson. Myers has already surrendered a major league-high 15 home runs in only 531/3 innings.

It has been a disastrous start to the year for Myers, who was moved from the closer's role back to the rotation during the offseason when the Phillies acquired closer Brad Lidge from Houston. Lidge has excelled, converting all 10 of his save chances. Myers has vexed the Phillies, whether with his lack of velocity early in the season or his continued poor results.

Still, the Phillies did not go quietly Wednesday. Down 8-0 after five innings, they began a comeback in the sixth inning that eventually saw them bring the potential winning run to the plate in the ninth.

They cut their deficit in half with a four-run sixth, chasing Atlanta starter Tom Glavine (1-1). He had held the Phillies to one hit over the first five innings but couldn't survive the sixth, with Chase Utley's two-run homer the big blow.

A solo homer by Howard in the eighth brought the Phillies within 8-5 and extended his hitting streak to six games. Jimmy Rollins made it 8-6 with a two-out RBI single in the ninth against Blaine Boyer, then stole second to give the Phillies runners at second and third with two outs.

Shane Victorino followed Rollins and brought the crowd to its feet with a fly ball that caused Atlanta right fielder Jeff Francoeur to retreat. Francoeur eventually settled under the ball for the final out, deflating the fans and turning the attention back to Myers' poor effort.

An outfield refresher: Before batting practice, Phils utility man Eric Bruntlett joined So Taguchi for extra work taking fly balls in the outfield. Bruntlett played the final two innings of Tuesday's game in left field, his first action this season anywhere but shortstop.

Bruntlett has played all three outfield positions during his major league career, with 26 games in center, 24 in left, and seven in right. He has spent most of his major league career playing the middle infield.

''I'm comfortable enough out there ,'' he said. ''I'm not going to be a Gold Glover or anything, but I'll do a decent job.''

Short hops: Braves first baseman Mark Teixeira returned to the starting lineup after missing Tuesday's series opener with back spasms. Â Chris Coste tied his career high with four hits.

stephen.miller@mcall.com

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