The Phillies are cruising. Their eighth straight win marked their longest winning streak since April 30-May 9, 2006, when they won nine consecutive games. Also, they extended their lead in the division by seven games, their largest margin since June, 2001.
J.A Happ is making a case for the Rookie of Year Award. Happ has been the ace since joining the rotation. In 11 starts (72.1 IP), Happ is 5-0 with a 2.74 ERA and opponents are hitting .233 against him.
Today, Happ wiggled out of jams. He allowed only five hits and one walk, but a few Pedro Feliz miscues put Happ in a tough spot. Happ made his best Harry Houdini impression in the sixth by escaping a bases-loaded, no out jam. He ended the inning by striking out Wes Helms. Happ has pitched 7+ innings in five straight starts. In that span his ERA is 1.46.
The offense provided five runs, plenty for Happ and the bullpen. The offense had a chance to score in the first inning after Jimmy Rollins led off with a triple. However, Rollins made a baserunning mistake and was nailed at home on a fielders choice. The bases were loaded that inning, but the Phillies were unable to capitalize. Luckily, the Marlins found themselves in a similar situation in the bottom half of the inning and weren’t able to take advantage.
The Phillies got on the board in the second after Chase Utley was plunked with the bases loaded. Raul Ibanez doubled to extend the lead by three. In the next inning, Rollins’ RBI double made it 4-0. Rollins finished 3-for-5, a home run shy of the cycle.
Utley scored on a wild pitch in the top of the ninth, making it 5-0. Ryan Madson, J.C Romero, Scott Eyre, and Brad Lidge finished the game to secure the seventh victory for Happ and yet another sweep.
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