Monday, June 13, 2011

Howard delivers as Phils take series

The Phillies came up with a solid 4-3, come from behind victory in yesterday afternoon's series finale against the Cubs.

The Phils took three out of four from Chicago, and sport a Major League best record of 40-26.

Roy Oswalt got off to a rocky start in the first, allowing an RBI double to Starlin Castro before serving up a two-run shot to Aramis Ramirez.

The Phillies were in a 3-0 hole before even stepping into the batter's box for the first time, but they began chipping away at Cubs' starter Doug Davis instantly.

With two men aboard and one out in the first, Ryan Howard came through with a great at bat, eventually hitting a hanging breaking ball to center for an RBI double. It looked like the Phils were going to explode, when Ben Fracisco followed with a walk to load the bases.

But Raul Ibanez looked off balance at the plate, striking out on a cutter inside. But with the score 3-1 and Ibanez at the plate in the third in the exact same situation, he delivered an RBI single to cut the deficit to 3-2.

In the seventh, for the second straight day, the Phils got to Sean Marshall. After hitting Victorino to lead-off the inning, Chase Utley lined a double to right and the Phils were in business.

Howard came through again, bouncing a slider up the middle and into center field for a two-run go ahead and eventual game winning hit.

The Big Piece was 3-for-3 with three RBI, a double and a walk.

Oswalt picked up his fourth win of the year, tossing seven strong innings. After allowing three runs on four hits in the first inning, he allowed just one hit over his final six frames. He walked two and struck out five.

Michael Stutes picked up his fourth hold of the season and Ryan Madson collected his fifteen save.

After the off-day today, the Phils will play host to the struggling Florida Marlins for a four game set. The Fish are 1-9 in their last ten games.

No comments:

Post a Comment