In need of a strong effort to end a four game losing streak Phillies rookie J.A. Happ did his part by pitching six shutout innings against the St. Louis Cardinals in only his third major league start. Happ was lifted with one out in the seventh frame as the Cardinals put two runners on base with consecutive hits. His mound opposition Mark Mulder did not make it out of the first inning due to shoulder discomfort. The veteran was making his first start of the year for the Cardinals as he continues to battle the injury bug. He was replaced by Brad Thompson who was able to hold the Phillies scoreless thru four frames.
In the fifth inning Carlos Ruiz who has been in a prolonged slump led off with a single to right field. Ruiz scored the Phillies first run in thirteen innings on a Jimmy Rollins triple off the right center field wall. The reigning N.L. MVP was erased at the plate going on contact on a ground ball to shortstop by Shane Victorino. Victorino reached on the play and advanced to second base on Chase Utley’s single. Victorino scored on a single by Ryan Howard who claimed his league leading 79th RBI.
The Cardinals tied the game in the seventh frame as they sent eight batters to the plate. Albert Pujos delivered a sacrifice fly RBI and Troy Glaus produced the game tying single. Chad Durbin was able to pitch out of a bases loaded jam to keep the game tied. Both runs were charged to starter Happ who pitched to a no decision.
With Tom Gordon recently disabled by the Phillies Clay Condrey was called upon to pitch in a different role as an eighth inning hold was needed. Condrey responded admirably by striking out the side! Howard blasted his 25th home run to deep right field on a 0-2 count in the Phillies half of the eighth. Howard’s 80th RBI set a new club record for runs batted in before the All-Star break. The home run tied him with teammate Utley for the major league lead. Pedro Feliz provided a cushion by clubbing his 11th home run. Brad Lidge pitched the ninth inning and claimed his 20th save in 20 opportunities earning Condrey his second win of the season.
The 4 to 2 win maintained the Phillies slim one and ½ game lead in the division as both the Marlins and Mets kept pace with wins. The series concludes with an afternoon contest tomorrow as the ageless Jamie Moyer takes the hill for the Fightins.
