Phillies Recap: Phillies-5, Diamondbacks-1

Game Recap:
After a 66 minute rain delay, Jamie Moyer relieved Pedro Martinez and pitched six shutout innings to pick up the win as the Phils took game one against Arizona.

What went right?

Jayson Werth was 2-4 with a solo home run, two RBI and two runs scored.

Carlos Ruiz went 3-3 with a home run and two RBI.

Pedro Feliz was 1-4 with an RBI.

Shane Victorino was 2-5.

Jimmy Rollins went 1-5.

Chase Utley went 1-2 with two walks and scored once.

Jamie Moyer pitched six shutout innings, allowing only two hits. He walked none, struck out five and went 2-3 at the plate.

What went wrong?

The Phillies left 11 men on base.

Game Analysis:

Sometimes, a rain delay and a ticked off pitcher can be the best thing for a team. Tonight, that was the case, as Mother Nature chased Pedro Martinez off the mound after just three innings. In came Jamie Moyer once the rain stopped, and ole Jamie looked better than he has all season. He six shutout innings are the most since July 27th against Arizona, and it's the first time he hasn't walked a batter since June 11th. I'd say he looked better tonight than he has all season, and if this is the way he's going to pitch out of the bullpen, then keep him there. Of course, his performance tonight also saved the bullpen from what could have been a long night. Anytime a pitcher comes out after just three innings, it isn't good, but Jamie did what he had to do and owned the Diamondbacks.

The offense didn't look great tonight, but they did enough to win. After wasting a bases loaded, no out chance in the first inning, the Phillies did push some runs across, thanks partially to the longball. Jayson Werth's double in the third and career high 25th homer in the fifth were enough for the Phillies, but it was nice to see Pedro Feliz and Carlos Ruiz drive in some runs tonight. It was especially nice to see Ruiz doing his job at the plate, since he has been lacking offensively all season long. It's times like this, late in the season, when good teams need their role players to step up, and that's what happened tonight.

Tomorrow, hopefully the rain will stay away, because Cliff Lee (10-9, 2.86 ERA) is going for his fourth straight win as a Phillie. He'll be facing Dan Haren (12-7, 2.50 ERA). This should be a good one.