A five-run attack in the first inning proved the difference. Ryan Howard smacked his fifth home run of the year on his first starting role in three days. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, however – Howard still struck out twice and went 1-for-4. Geoff Jenkins added two hits, including an RBI single, and Chase Utley went 2-for-4.
The effort gave Kyle Kendrick a deserved second win of the season. He went seven innings, giving up three earned runs on seven hits. The best number: zero, as in his walk total. Kendrick started the eighth inning, but a Nate McLouth solo homer was enough to being in Rudy Seanez. He and Ryan Madson continued the bullpen’s hot streak, pitching scoreless innings each. Seanez, however, surrendered his first hit of the season.
It was a fine, wire-to-wire win for the Phils. Good hitting and good pitching, together, usually result in a win. The Phils will go for the sweep today as Brett Myers takes the hill.
Associated Press photo