Game Recap:
Jamie Moyer pitched seven innings of one hit baseball, and thanks to home runs by Raul Ibanez and Ryan Howard, the Phillies won their first game after the All Star break.
What went right?
Ryan Howard became the fastest player in major league history to 200 home runs, finishing the game 2-3 with that solo home run. He also scored twice.
Raul Ibanez was 2-4 with two home runs and three RBI.
Jamie Moyer was outstanding, pitching seven innings, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out four.
The bullpen was also great tonight, not letting any Marlins reach base in the two innings of work that Ryan Madson and J.C. Romero pitched.
What went wrong?
Jayson Werth went 0-4 with four strikeouts.
The bulk of the Phillies offense was provided by Howard and Ibanez, as they drove in and scored every run.
Game Analysis:
You couldn't have scripted a better start to the second half of the season for the Phillies. With Jamie Moyer on the mound, I was hoping for a solid start, and what I got was worlds above that. Moyer was perfect for the first four innings of the game, and aside from getting into a little trouble in the fifth inning, he was great through his seven innings of work. The offense wasn't great, with only Howard and Ibanez doing much, but it was enough to get things done tonight.
I think it's safe to say Raul Ibanez is back from his little injury stint, too. Even though it was just one game, seeing him crank out two homers is certainly a warming sight. If he can come back without missing a beat like this, it's only going to mean good things for the Phillies...and maybe some MVP talk for Raul. I'm just saying.
Congrats to Ryan Howard tonight, as the big man made a little more baseball history, becoming the fastest player ever to hit 200 home runs. Howard needed only 658 games to get to 200 homers, and one can only imagine where he would be if he had been called up when he was younger, but that's neither here nor there. The fact of the matter is that Howard is a great offensive force in the middle of the lineup, and the Phillies have one of the best power hitters in the game today.
All in all, it was a great start to the second half. Jamie Moyer looked great, Raul Ibanez and Ryan Howard each had homers, and the Phils extended their division lead to five games over the Marlins. Tomorrow, Cole Hamels (5-5, 4.87 ERA) looks to keep the hotness going, as he faces off against Ricky Nolasco (6-7, 5.76 ERA).
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