NL Beast

Phillies win this one 7-4 after a strong start by Cole Hamels. His like : 7.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO and my favorite state of all 97 pitches, 73 FOR STRIKES. Damn.

Ryan Howard had an RBI singled in the first, continuing his somewhat strong return from the bench. He was 1 for 4 on the day. Eric Bruntlett drove in the Phils’ second run in the third inning, making it 2-0 until Scott Hairston’s solo shot in the 5th.

The score would stay that way until Jason Werth’s sac-fly drove in Carlos Ruiz in the 7th after Greg Maddux was pulled.

Hamels made his way to the 8th just as with this last start, but with a much lower pitch count. He only lasted 1/3 of an inning though, putting runners on the corners. After JC Romero walked the bases loaded, Tom Gordon got out of the inning with two ground ball outs, letting up one inconsequential run charged to Hamels.

Then came the bottom of the 8th and the skies opened up for the Phils. A leadoff double Utley, an for RBI single for Perdo Feliz, a two RBI double Carlos Ruiz, and an RBI double for Greg Dobbs gave the Phillies a 7-2 lead going into the 9th. Ryan Madson came in to finish of the game in favor of Brad Lidge, because the save situation was no more. Madson did fine until a two run shot just right of the left field foul poll. But the Phils win this one 7-4.

This was a strong game for the Phils. Hamels threw a strong game and kept his pitch count low. Utley continued his tear going 2 for 4 with his 10th double of the season. Feliz and Ruiz also went 2 for 4. Tom Gordon couldn’t hold the runner on third when he came in, but he should be commended for getting out of the inning with the lead intact.

Greg Maddux misses his 350th win for in his second straight strong start.

Tomorrow: Grandpa Moyer faces off against Chris Young.

-Greg Berlin