The way this offense continues to play, any quality start is going to be almost a guaranteed victory. JA Happ continued right where he left off last season giving the Phillies a great night on the mound. He wasn't without struggles, as he did give up 6 hits and 2 walks in only 5 inning of work leading to a high pitch count early, but he struck out 5 as well. Rule 5 draft pick David Herndon came and pitched 2 shutout innings while striking out 2. Jose Contreras and Danys Baez each pitched a scoreless inning as well to finish the shutout. On the night, the staff struck out 10 while only allowing 10 total hits and walks.
Determined to make up for their poor showing the day before in Washington, the Phils went 6 for 17 with runners in scoring position. The Phillies basically ended this game in the 4th inning when Raul Ibanez doubled in the 5th run. Placido Polanco continued his absolute tear at the plate collecting 4 hits in 5 at bats which included his 3rd double and 7th and 8th RBIs. He is hitting an unsustainable .579 so far this season. Chase Utley went 2 for 4 with his first home run and 3rd and 4th RBIs of the season. And of course, the day I call Ibanez out, he breaks out in a big way getting on base 4 times with 3 hits, two of them doubles, all the while collecting RBI numbers 2, 3, and 4. Ryan Howard also collected his 7th RBI on a first inning double.
For the fourth consecutive game, the Phillies were able to get double digit hits. They'll look to continue to torture their former GM today at 4:05 when olde man Moyer goes against Felipe Paulino.
In injury news, both Brad Lidge and JC Romero are scheduled to throw rehab appearances tonight. Neither has an exact timetable for coming off of the DL.
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