Phils Hold On For 8-5 Defeat Of D-Backs

The Phillies defeated the D-Backs 8-5 on Tuesday, and it was a game that featured a whole lotta offense. There were a total of five homers between the two teams, and 10 total extra base hits. But there was something else about this game that has been lacking for the Phils this season: It was fun to watch. Vance Worley pitched a great game, and the offense backed him with two big flies. They added more runs to go along with another home run, and an exciting three run triple. We need more of these fun games from the Phillies, especially when they are giving us so many clunkers this year. They are now out of last place in the NL East, a spot that is now occupied by the Marlins.

Offense

– Laynce Nix homered for the first time this year with a monster shot to right, shortly after Hunter Pence smacked his third of the year, also to right.

– Nix was 3-3 on the night–the last time he had three hits in a game was in June of last year.

– Here’s how you can tell Placido Polanco is really struggling: He pinch-hit for Worley in the seventh to bunt. His bunt was perfectly placed, however.

– Pete Orr was 2-4, including a 3 RBI triple in the seventh that broke the game open. The last time he had three RBI in a single game was, wait for it, never. On related note, a missed call by the umpire on the play before allowed the bases to be loaded for Orr. Instant replay clearly showed Jason Kubel making a clean catch.

– Orr now has four hits on the year–three for extra bases.

– The Phillies now have five home runs in their last two games.

Pitching

– Vance Worley finished with a solid line of 6.0 IP/5 H/1 R/1 ER/1 BB/6 K, bringing his ERA down to 2.16, an ERA that still isn’t good enough to be higher than third amongst Phillies starters.

– Worley threw 110 pitches, which is the fourth-most he’s ever thrown in a game.

– Jose Contreras gave up his first runs of 2012, when he gave up three straight doubles to start the seventh. He really struggled with his control, and ended up giving up three runs in 2/3 of an inning. Antonio Bastardo stopped the bleeding, getting the final out.

– Chad Qualls also gave up his first run of 2012 on a long home run by Jason Kubel in the eighth. Aside from the home run, he pitched great, striking out the side seemingly with ease.

– Jonathan Papelbon notched his sixth save of the year, making it look easy in the ninth.

What’s next: The Phils will look for the series win tomorrow in an afternoon contest. Cole Hamels is scheduled to start for the Phils and Trevor Cahill is scheduled to start for the D-Backs.