Phillies’ anemic offense is searching for answers

There almost seemed to be a mock cheer from the Phillies’ faithful when
Jimmy Rollins stroked a sixth-inning single. It was just the team’s
third hit of the game — and the first in two innings.

“When you’re not hitting, not getting runs, then the game’s not fun,” said Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel.

The offense is sputtering, as expected. After yesterday’s 6-2 loss
to Miami, the Phils are 1-3 — or two games below .500 for the first
time since April 23, 2009. Manuel said he has yet to see his charges hit
the baseball very hard.

“I don’t know if they’re pressing. They could be,” Manuel said. “Bottom line is, we got to hit better.”

“No reason to press,” Shane Victorino said. “Just because we haven’t
done it four games in, don’t worry about it. Let’s focus on the
positives.”

The positives included a multi-hit day for Rollins and the first
major-league hit of Freddy Galvis’ career. The rookie second baseman had
been 0-for-12 before slamming an RBI double into left-center field in
the seventh. The hit plated Victorino and Carlos Ruiz to make it 5-2.

Manuel admitted that he had thought about pinch-hitting for Galvis
in that spot. But with the pitcher’s spot up next, he didn’t want to
waste an extra bench player.

“Charlie, he let me hit and showed confidence in me,” Galvis said. “I focused at the plate and got a hit.”

Victorino
ran up to Marlins starter Anibal Sanchez after he crossed home and
asked him for the baseball. He gave it to a clubhouse staffer, so they
could present it to Galvis.

“I know how exciting it is to get your first hit,” Victorino said. “I felt good for Freddy.”