The Phillies poured it on late to ensure the victory last night over Greg Maddux and the San Diego Padres. Doubles by Chase Utley, Carlos Ruiz, and Greg Dobbs helped in the big inning. Utley, Ruiz, and Pedro Feliz each went 2-4 on the day.
Cole Hamels got the win for the Phillies. He pitched 7 1/3 innings, and only gave up 2 earned runs while striking out 6. Hamels has pitched 7 innings in each of his first 6 starts. His record now stands at 3-3 although he has an outstanding ERA of just 2.70.
JC Romero replaced Hamels in the 8th and gave up a walk. After the walk he was immediately replaced with Tom Gordon who finished out the inning perfectly. Ryan Madson was summoned to pitch the last stanza, and gave up 2 runs in doing so. He gave up 2 hits, one of which was a homerun, and struck out 2 batters.
Shane Victorino saw his first game action when he pinch hit in the 8th inning since going on the DL on April 12th with a right calf strain. He flew out to the left fielder in his only at bat.
Tonight the Phillies go against those same Padres as Jamie Moyer (1-1, 4.05) takes on Chris Young (1-2, 3.77). A win tonight would mean yet another series win for the Phillies who have now improved their record to 15-12. They have actually secured a winning record for the month of April which has been a rare thing in past years. They are still a half game back of the Florida Marlins for 1st place in the NL East.
