Quality So Far for Phillies in World Series

We are three games into the 2008 World Series, and the Phillies, yes folks, the Phillies, not only lead the series 2 games to 1 but they have also have had some pretty quality performances on the bump from their starters. In each of the 3 games, they have gotten QS.

Game 1: Cole Hamels – 7 IP, 2 ER

Game 2: Brett Myers – 7 IP, 3 ER

Game 3: Jamie Moyer – 6 1/3, 3 ER

The Rays, conversely, have lost their only quality start in the series, which came in game 1 from Scott Kazmir. It should be noted that Shields was a single out away from hurling a quality start in the Ray’s game 2 win.

Game 1: Scott Kazmir – 6 IP, 3 ER

Game 2: James Shields – 5 2/3 IP, 0 ER

Game 3: Matt Garza – 6 IP, 4 ER

Through 3 games, both teams have a 3.12 ERA. Surprisingly, each team has made at least one error in each game (total of 7 combined). And possibly the key to the Phillies success in this series – keeping the ball in the ballpark – they have out-homered the Rays 5-1, that after the Rays hit 6 HRs in the ALDS and another 16 in the ALCS. If the Phils can keep the Rays from going yard, they’ll be sizing up rings pretty soon.

In Game 4 tonight, Andy Sonnanstine will matchup against Joe Blanton.  Blanton faced the Red Sox way back in Japan in game 2 of the season, remember that? During the regular season, Sonnanstine had 13 quality stats (41% of his 32 starts). Blanton had 14 quality starts in his 33 starts (42%), split between the A’s and the Phils. Each has thrown one quality start out of two outings in the post-season. Very even matchup here from the mound.

Can Sonnanstine get his mojo going tonight or does Blanton control the Rays lineup? Stay tuned (if you indeed have already been watching).