The Phillies, nay, the first place Phillies scored early and often on the Florida Marlins’ team tonight. The Phils scored in six of the eight innings they brought hitters to the plate. They were led by Ryan Howard and his six RBIs. It was Howard’s third career six RBI game and second this season. Howard also belted his 28th home run of the season and 250th for his career. He is now only one homer shy of tying Pat Burrell for third on the Phillies’ all time home run list. The Phillies as a team pounded out 17 hits, tying their season high.
The final score to tonight’s affair was 10-6. That’s what the box score will say. Just don’t go thinking Cole Hamels (10-10, 3.06) had anything to do with those Marlins’ runs. Hamels pitched a great game going seven innings and not allowing a run. He lowered his ERA to 3.06 and extended his scoreless streak to 25 innings. That is the most by any Phillies pitcher since Randy Wolf threw 27 in 2002.
Hamels came into the game without picking up a win against the Marlins in his last 10 starts. He had been 0-6 with a 4.62 ERA dating back to September 22nd of 2006.
Playing in first place for the first time since May 30th, the Phillies are looking to have another hot September leading into the playoffs. Every starter, including Hamels, had a hit for the Fightins. Five of those hitters had more than one hit. Even Ross Gload and Wilson Valdez had a hit tonight filling in.
Valdez came into the game in the fourth inning replacing Jimmy Rollins. After doubling and scoring on a Carlos Ruiz single Rollins slowly walked back to the dugout. After talking with Charlie Manuel he didn’t take the field for the top of the next inning.
Phillies Nation’s own Pat Gallen, who was at Citizens Bank tonight, says it is only a tight hamstring and is listed as day to day. Gallen also said Rollins was not feeling well before the game and didn’t take part in batting practice. He went on to say this was caused by dehydration, something that others on the team have been dealing with as well.
Rollins has already spent time on the DL twice this season.
Latest Comments