The Philadelphia Phillies lead Major League Baseball with 30 blown saves on the season. That number is also good for single season team record. Ian Kennedy was one strike away from earning the save last night but after throwing nothing but fastballs to the first two batters he faced, Kennedy threw a hanging curve ball down the center of the plate, which obviously, pinch-hitter Ryan McMahon murdered for a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Rockies a 4-3 victory in game one of four at Citizens Bank Park.

Ian Kennedy has gone from a 2.51 ERA and converting 16-of-17 saves in 32 appearances with the Texas Rangers to a 6.59 ERA and converting 6-of-8 saves with the Phillies. He allowed five home runs in just over 32 innings with the Rangers. With the Phillies he’s allowed six in just over 13 innings.

Last night turned into just another brutal loss for the Philadelphia Phillies, who slip back to 3.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the National League East divisional race and 3.5 games back in the second and final NL Wild Card spot.

Ranger Suarez was on the mound for the Phillies and pitched great yet again. The fact that Ranger was been the closer, setup man, and now a member of the Phillies’ starting rotation this season is nothing short of incredible. On the season, he’s 6-4 with a 1.38 ERA in 78 innings pitched. Last night, he gave the Phillies six innings, allowing five hits and one earned run while striking out six. Jose Alvarado and Hector Neris both pitched scoreless frames as well, before Ian Kennedy blew the save and ultimately lost the Phillies the game.

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Outside of yet another first inning home run from Bryce Harper, the Phillies offense was non-existent. Brad Miller picked up an RBI in the sixth inning by grounding into a force out and Didi Gregorius grounded out in the bottom of the ninth inning to make the ball game 4-3.

The Phillies really can’t afford to let this happen anymore. Last night was the Rockies 19th road victory on the year. They are a terrible team and someone outside of Bryce Harper needs to step up and provide consistent offense in this lineup. The Phillies still have three games against the Rockies and can easily fight their way back into a the divisional race, but that will not happen without stringing together consecutive victories.

The Phillies are back at it tonight and will throw a bullpen game against the Rockies. Lord save us.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY