Hernandez Goes Eight Strong, Phils Win Third in a Row

Roberto Hernandez had his finest outing of the 2014 season and one of the finest games of any Phillies pitcher all year, needing an economical 84 pitches to get through eight innings en route to a 4-1 Phillies win.

Timely Hitting Behind Hernandez

Chase Utley started the party with a homer from the three hole off former Phillie Kyle Lohse. Lyle Overbay would knot the game at one with an RBI single in the second but that was about all the damage Hernandez would surrender. Jimmy Rollins would put the Phillies ahead 3-1 in the sixth with a solo shot. Cameron Rupp would hit an RBI single in the seventh to push the lead to 4-1.

Hernandez Effective and Economical

Hernandez wasn’t horribly dominant, striking out only three, but he would only surrender two walks and three hits over eight innings. Jonathan Papelbon converted his 22nd save of the season, striking out one, lowering his ERA to 1.24.

The Phillies look for the four-game, road sweep tomorrow when David Buchanan takes on Matt Garza.