Game Recap:
Jamie Moyer gave up two runs on four hits in six innings as the Phillies pounded Derek Lowe and the Braves for their second straight win.
What went right?
Shane Victorino was 1-4 with two RBI.
Greg Dobbs went 2-3 and scored twice.
Ryan Howard went 1-5 with an RBI.
Raul Ibanez was 1-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
Juan Castro went 3-5 with two runs scored and an RBI.
Carlos Ruiz went 2-5.
Jamie Moyer had his best game of the year, allowing just two unearned runs on four hits in six innings of work. He struck out four and walked two in the 260th win of his career.
What went wrong?
Chase Utley may have walked and scored twice, but he also had two errors in the fifth inning that allowed Atlanta to score twice.
Really, that's about it.
Game Analysis:
Now, there's the offense that I've been talking about that's been missing for the last few games. Not only did the Phillies bring out the bats again tonight, but they did it to help back up Jamie Moyer and they knocked Derek Lowe around, a pitcher that normally kills the Phillies. It all added up for a very good night down in Atlanta.
While the Phillies had struggled to score runs of late, their starting pitching has been much better, and tonight was no exception. Jamie Moyer pitched his best game of the year by far. He avoided the big inning that had gotten him in trouble in his other starts, and, had it not been for back to back errors by Chase Utley, he more than likely wouldn't have allowed a single run to cross the plate while he was out there. Granted, both runs were unearned, but it's the principle of the situation. Either way, Moyer was on point tonight with his stuff, and he looked better than he has all season so far. Somehow, this 47 year old just keeps pitching, and right now, the Phillies have gotten quality starts in four straight games. Had it not been for the bullpen in the first game of this series, the Phils would have gotten the sweep in Atlanta and sent a message to the Braves. Regardless, the Phillies did what they had to do to start out this road trip, and the starting pitching has looked excellent while away from Philadelphia.
The offense looked much better tonight as well. While the Phillies did get a bit of a break with a Martin Prado error in the third inning, the play only resulted in the three run third inning. The Phillies still scored five more runs in three other innings, and Derek Lowe lasted just five, becoming another opposing starting pitcher worn down by the Philadelphia lineup. The patience at the plate this year is amazing, as the Phillies have walked 63 times to the tune of a .363 on base percentage, which is good for second in the National League. They've worn down opposing pitchers at a pace I've never seen before, and the way things are going, it's only going to keep getting better. I am still concerned about the injuries to Jimmy Rollins and Placido Polanco, as well as the fact that Raul Ibanez hasn't hit a home run yet this season, but the injuries will heal, and Ibanez will hopefully find his swing again. All that matters right now is that the Phillies are 15 games into the season and are five games over .500 already. This team usually starts slow in April, but with Roy Halladay at the top of the rotation, and the rest of the starting pitching starting to fall in line, a slow start might be impossible.
Tomorrow, the Phils continue their road trip with the start of a three game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Cole Hamels (2-1, 3.86 ERA) will take on Kris Benson (0-1, 3.00 ERA). No word on whether or not Kris Benson's wife will be at the game tomorrow.
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