JA Happ should have been the fifth starter from the beginning. Or so it would seem as the Phillies completed a three game sweep of the San Diego Padres, winning last night by a score of 5-1.
Happ pitched seven brilliant innings, allowed zero runs to score, walked only two batters and struck out four. Defensively the Phillies were outstanding last night as well. Everybody was chipping in with their glove last night, including Greg Dobbs, who was taking the field in place of Jayson Werth for the night. After Happ got in to a bases loaded jam in the second inning with two outs, Dobbs ran and stretched his arm out as far as possible to rob a sure bases clearing double from Padres starting pitcher Chris Young. The play helped the Phillies hold on to a 2-0 lead, rather than trailing 3-2.
Ryan Howard got the evening off to a good start with a first inning two run home run. There was no doubt about it as Howard's blast traveled over 400 feet to dead center field. It ended up being the game winning hit as the Phillies added a run in the fourth inning and two more in the seventh inning.
In the eighth inning Phillies reliever J.C. Romero made his 2009 season debut, having fulfilled his 50 game suspension. Phillies fans everywhere have supported Romero in his case against his suspension and it was great to see the fiery reliever take the mound again. While he still showed some erratic pitch location in his first major league game of the season, which should be expected, Romero pitched 1.1 innings and allowed one run on two hits. He struck out one batter and walked one.
Romero stated that he wasn't satisfied with his outing, but he was thankful to get it over with. He even mentioned that he was appreciative of the reception the Phillies fans sitting behind the dugout offered him as he came off the mound. Phillies fans are awesome, especially those of you who represented out in San Diego this weekend!
Shane Victorino left the game in the sixth inning with a strained left hip. He will be examined today to determine if he should miss any time.
Next up for the Phillies, a four game road set in Los Angeles against the Dodgers, owners of the best record in baseball.
Extra Notes
- Brett Myers will undergo hip surgery today in New York
- Don't forget to vote in the poll on the right of the page!
- Today is Romero's birthday
Original Story:
http://macho-row.blogspot.com/2009/06...
