Box Score (from ESPN.com)
By Nick Tricome
The downward spiral the Phillies have been on since returning from the All-Star break just seems to keep going with no end in sight.
The Detroit Tigers shutout the Phillies in embarrassing fashion on Saturday night, winning by a score of 10-0 and extending the Phillies' losing streak to seven games.
A five-run first inning jump-started the Tigers' offensive onslaught, led by homers from third baseman triple-crown threat Miguel Cabrera and leftfielder Matt Tuiasosopo.
The Phillies gave reliever Raul Valdes the start in place of Cliff Lee, who was scratched due to a stiff neck. Valdes didn't do well at all.
He only lasted three and a third, ending his night having given up nine earned runs off 12 hits. Valdes threw 80 pitches in that short span in his first loss of the season.
Meanwhile, Detroit starter Max Scherzer, in the midst of a career year, had no problem dealing with the Phils.
One hit was all he allowed in six innings, easily earning him his Major League leading 15th win of the season.
The Tigers' relief pitchers Al Alburquerque and Evan Reed combined combined in the last three innings to seal the deal.
You could tell that things reached a tipping point when Charlie Manuel pulled his usual starters.
Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Michael Young were pulled from the game in the bottom of the fifth, with the infield being filled by Michael Martinez at third, Kevin Frandsen at second, John McDonald at short and Darin Ruf at first. Both Ruf, Martinez and Frandsen were already in the game playing in left, center and first, respectively, but moved into the infield during the defensive changes.
Steve Susdorf filled in at left field and John Mayberry Jr. came in to play in center.
This game was lost from the get-go and the Phillies now face the prospect of getting swept in back-to-back series.
At 49-55, the Phillies are now 10 games back of the first place Braves in the National League East, who beat the Cardinals 2-0 on Saturday.
Postseason hopes are slipping away faster and faster and with the way the Phillies have played as of late, this team may not be ale to stop it.
(Image from CSNPhilly.com and the Associated Press)
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