Happy mothers day! It was a good win for the Phillies today as they took 2 of 3 from the Braves and finish 7-3 on the home stand.
Today was harder than it had to be. The Phillies had Atlanta on the ropes early but were unable to put them away after they took a 4-0 lead. Kawakami struggled early but put it together to stay in the game for almost a full 7 innings. Cole Hamels was the opposite. He was cruising early and had to be pulled after 5 innings. He made his own problems by allowing 4 walks and throwing 97 pitches. The win brings him to 3-2 on the year. He can thank the bullpen for this. Chad Durbin (hold number 5) threw 2 brilliant innings in which he struck out 4 and took the momentum back from the Braves. Jose Contreras, who has settled into the setup role with Madson out, got his second hold on the season. Finishing things off was Brad Lidge who got his first save of the year although he allowed two very loud, very deep fly outs.
On the offensive side of things, Placido Polanco continues to be the table setter that the Phillies envisioned when they signed him. He finished the day 2 for 4, is back hitting over .300, and blasted his 5th home run of the season. Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino also had solo blasts, each their 7th of the season.
The Phils will now travel to Colorado to play a three game set, their first of six on the road. Kyle Kendrick will take on Greg Smith in the rematch of the 2007 NLDS.
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