Offense Powers Phils Past Miami, Reach .500
Utley reached base five times tonight, powering a surging Phillies club. Photo: AP
The Phillies offense bailed-out a good-but-not-great effort by Roy Halladay and a near-meltdown in the 55 minute seventh inning to win 9-7, winning their sixth in a row, and reaching the .500 mark for the first time since June 4. Big stops by B.J. Rosenberg and Phillippe Aumont powered the Phils out of jams as the offense put up a nine spot.
Phillies Capitalize on Marlin Errors
Rookie catcher Rob Brantly dropped a routine fly ball hit by Jimmy Rollins in the sixth behind home plate. J-Rol proceeded swat a long fly to deep right on the very next pitch. Giancarlo Stanton, who smashed a homer in the sixth also, misplayed a John Mayberry double in the seventh that led to a Rollins sac fly.
Top of the Line-Up Delivers
While errors undoubtedly kept the Phillies in the game, the Phillies line-up was in full swing tonight, putting up 15 hits, scoring nine. But the standouts were the 1-3 hitters. Jimmy Rollins (2-3, HR, 3 R, 3 RBI, BB), Juan Pierre (3-4, 2 R, 1 RBI), and Chase Utley (3-3, 2 BB, 1 RBI) set the table perfectly for what turned out to be a slug fest. Domonic Brown went 2-4 and every starter, including Roy Halladay, had at least one hit. The Phillies also drew six walks.
Rosenberg and Aumont, Cold as Ice
Two key moments in the game came from the bullpen. Rosenberg entered the game as the fourth pitcher for the Phils and retired the only batter he faced, Donovan Solano, and stopped the bleeding with runners on first and second as the Marlins appeared to be gearing up for a major rally. Aumont showed signs of dominance as the set-up man in the 8th, getting out of a self-created jam. Aumont drew a sacrifice bunt and then struck out Justin Ruggiano and Jose Reyes in order with runners on second and third. Aumont’s curveball and change-up had the Marlins guessing and missing. Jonathan Papelbon struck out two in the ninth for his 33rd save.
Playoffs? Playoffs?!
The Phils’ playoff hopes have a pulse. The Pirates fell 5-3 to Cincinnati during the Phils’ 55-minute seventh, pulling the Phils within 1.5 of the Pirates. Pending the results of the Cardinals v. Padres, the Phillies sit at just 4.5 behind the red birds, who lost Lance Berkman for the year earlier today. We’ve got high hopes!
