Phillies review: April 2011

By Scott Butler
Updated: May 17, 2011

Image taken from Google Images

Not a bad start to the 2011 season for the Phillies. Amid “World Series or bust” talk after acquiring Cliff Lee, the 2011 Phillies lived up to their lofty expectations. The Phillies finished April with an MLB best 18-8 record, setting a club record for April wins in the process.

As one might expect with a Phillies staff that includes Halladay, Lee, Hamels, and Oswalt…pitching dominated. The Phillies pitching staff finished 3rd in the National League with a 3.18 ERA. Despite losing Chase Utley to injury, the Phillies still managed to score the fifth most runs in the NL (120).

Phillies April Storyline

If there is such a thing as a good omen, opening day may signal great things to come for the Phils. Down 4-2 in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros, the Phillies won thanks to RBIs from the most unlikely of heroes: Ben Francisco, Wilson Valdez and John Mayberry.

That win sparked a sweep of the Astros and propelled the Phillies to a 9-3 record to begin the month. The Phillies won each of their first five series and didn’t lose one until their sixth series against the Brewers. After losing two in a row to the Brewers, the Phillies finished the month on an 8-2 run.

Interesting Notes:

The Phillies lost game one in five of their first six series, but they were undefeated (9-0) in games two and three of their first nine opportunities.

The Phillies were a perfect 10-0 in day games.

Phillies April Highlights

John Mayberry’s walk-off single on opening day.

Carlos Ruiz’s pinch hit grand slam against the Atlanta Braves.

Four game road sweep of San Diego Padres.

Phillies April NL Rankings

Batting Average: 6th (.261)

Runs: 5th (120)

ERA: 3rd (3.18)

Phillies April Win/Loss Chart

Phillies April Stats

Record: 18-8
Top win streak: 5
Top losing streak: 2
Home record: 9-4
Road record: 9-4
Series record: 7-1
Began month: 0-0 tied for 2nd place – 0.5 games behind Braves
Finished month: 18-8 – 1st place – 1.5 lead over Marlins