Categories: 2009 RecapsPosts

Feliz’s Salami Leads To Sweep

The last time the Phillies were at home, they had one of their worst homestands in franchise history, going 1-8. Talk about a turn around. The Phillies went 9-1 during this homestand, one of the best homestands in team history.

Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino each reached base for Chase Utley. Utley hustled out an infield single.

Utley’s hustle will be overshadowed by the performance of his teammates, but Utley’s hard-nosed play was a key factor in the Phillies win. On a line drive, Utley dove to second to double off the runner, NLCS style. He also deeked Andrew McCutchen, leading to another double play.

Utley’s infield single opened the gates for Pedro Feliz after Ryan Howard’s sacrifice fly scored Rollins. Feliz hit a grand slam to left field, breaking the game open, 5-0.

The Phillies knocked out started Virgil Vasquez after only 1.1 innings. On the other hand, J.A Happ was terrific. He allowed one earned run on four hits and two walks in seven innings.

J.C Romero allowed a home run to Garrett Jones in the ninth, his third homer of the series. However, Romero finished off the 5-2 Phillies win.

With the win, Happ improved to 6-0. He has not lost since making his Major League debut in 2007.

The Phillies head into the All Star Break on a positive note, sweeping the Pittsburgh Pirates. During the 9-1 homestand, they outscored opponents 66-27, and improved to 10 games over .500.