The Phillies have completed the first month of their World Series title defense, appearing noticeably different from last year's championship team.
Pitching and defense carried the Phils in 2008 despite disappointing seasons from many of their hitters. This season, a shaky rotation and injured closer have so far been buoyed by timely offense. Here is a breakdown of interesting April numbers:
11 Wins, against nine losses.
15-13 The Phillies' April record last season.
9 Come-from-behind victories.
.270 Phillies' team batting average, up from .255 in 2008.
.241 Leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins' on-base percentage.
7 Home runs by free-agent acquisition Raul Ibanez.
.359 Ibanez's team-leading batting average.
3 Stolen bases by the 36-year-old Ibanez, sharing the team lead with Shane Victorino.
.254 Pat Burrell's batting average with Tampa Bay. He has one home run.
2 Regular chants at Citizens Bank Park that sound like "boo" - "Ra-ooool" for Ibanez and "Louuuuuuu" for rookie catcher Lou Marson.
8 The major-league-leading number of home runs allowed by Brett Myers.
4.83 Myers' team-leading earned run average for starting pitchers.
0 Wins by Cole Hamels.
93 Hamels' m.p.h. on his fastball before he sprained his ankle on Tuesday. 7.27 Brad Lidge's ERA.
20 Games in the first month, making for many off days. 1.50 Clay Condrey's ERA.
5 The Phillies' longest win streak, from April 24 to 28.
5-7 The Phillies' record at home.
5.63 The Phillies' team earned run average.
Contact staff writer Andy Martino at 215-854-4874 or amartino@phillynews.com.
