Three things occurred yesterday that comforted us as we soaked in the sun:
- The Phillies didn’t hit a home run in their 13-2 win. That’s good — they can score without knocking one out of the park.
- Pitching didn’t allow a home run for the first time all season.
- The Phillies never trailed.
Those are great things — sure comebacks and rallies are thrilling, but coasting out early and holding the lead is another facet to winning that the 2008 Phillies perfected by mid-summer. One of those reasons was Jamie Moyer, who seemed to pitch one- to two-run games regularly last season. He did it again Sunday.
Moyer was on, earning easy strikeouts early, inducing ground outs in the middle of his shift and working out of jams late. It’s indicative of the Marlins young offense — against a group of more talented, experienced hitters, those late jams might’ve worked out differently. But Moyer can master green hitters.
Look no further than rookie outfielder Cameron Maybin. He struck out his first at bat, grounded out his second and struck out his third, all against Moyer.
Moyer also perfected his strike zone Sunday. He pounded the outsider corner regularly, soon giving himself the spot because he was on point with it. Meanwhile, Marlins starter Graham Taylor threw all over the place, demolishing any chance for a defined strike zone. That’s the difference between six walks and four runs, and one walk and one run.
Yet again, the ageless wonder spun some magic against the Fish, and it was all the old tricks.
