(Photo: AP)
Going into the series with San Diego, everyone knew it would be a low scoring. The Phillies were struggling offensively, the Padres barely field an offense. It lived up to that billing and then some as both teams combined for just 15 runs.
Sunday’s finale nearly ended in the Phillies third shutout of the weekend – and sixth of the season – but Roy Halladay went and screwed it all up. Yep, after embarrassing the Padres all afternoon, posting a career-high tying 14 strikeouts, Halladay gave up a run in the bottom of the ninth as he tossed his 130th pitch. Antonio Bastardo was summoned to get the final out, and did, giving Halladay his third win of the year in the Phillies 3-1 victory.
While the Phllies offense again had trouble cleaning up the bases (they finished 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position), their top ace had no trouble dismantling a horrid Padres order.
Back to the offense; the play of the day belongs to Shane Victorino. In the seventh inning, Victorino ripped one into the right field gap that caromed off a diving Will Venable and away from centerfielder Cameron Maybin. Juan Samuel sent him home and Victorino slid under a high throw, giving him an inside the park home run.
Ben Francisco and John Mayberry Jr. were responsible for the other runs. Francisco singled home Jimmy Rollins on another missed attempt by an outfielder, this time Ryan Ludwick. Ben Fran looped one into left field where Ludwick botched it on a dive, allowing Rollins to score.
Mayberry doubled in Ryan Howard one batter later. He finished 1-for-4 in place of freezing cold Raul Ibanez. The Phillies starting left fielder is hitting just .187 on the year and was given a reprieve. Will that become more permanent again lefties?
Forget about the Ibanez issues and the offense’s issues as a whole, Halladay was once again incredible.
You have to believe he was chomping at the bit to get back on the mound after an awful outing against Milwaukee on Tuesday when his final pitching line showed six earned runs. On this day, Halladay would have none of it.
That’s why he’s the best pitcher in the game. After bombing a week ago, something he rarely does, Halladay put the finishing touches on a sweep.
CONTRERAS HEADS TO DL
Manuel went to Bastardo to close it out because Jose Contreras was again unavailable. Turns out, he’ll be unavailable for even longer as he hits the disabled list with a flexor pronator strain and will return to Philly to see the team doctor Monday or Tuesday, according to the Philadephia Inquirer. Ryan Madson will take over as the closer.
Mike Stutes was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
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Monday: Cliff Lee vs. Ian Kennedy
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