Roy Halladay came to the Phillies with a reputation as an extreme hard worker, one who likes to finish what he starts and also a person who is extremely detailed.   All of that was evident in the series finale against the Houston Astros as Halladay won an old fashioned pitchers duel against Astros ace Roy Oswalt.

Halladay tossed 110 pitches in a complete game 2-1 victory over Houston. Jimmy Rollins led off the game with a home run to give Halladay a quick one run lead.  Carlos Ruiz later plated what would turn out to be the game winning run with an infield out, Halladay took care of the rest.

In the sixth inning the Astros loaded the bases with no one out but Halladay was magical as he coaxed Cory Sullivan to hit into a ground ball double play giving up the run for two outs, he then struck out the next hitter to get out of the jam. Houston again threatened in the seventh putting two runners on with no outs but Halladay got a ground ball out back to him and then struck out the next two hitters.

In the eighth and ninth the Astros went in order, skipper Charlie Manuel never evened warmed up the bullpen, it was that evident that Halladay would finish!   Phillies broadcaster Chris Wheeler  noted the throw back nature of the Phillies ace, stating “This guy is different” and indeed he is, great news for us Philly Phans!

Chatter

The complete game was Halladay’s 50th of his career and his 150th win.   He is so focused on game days that no one dare talk to him, he sits in one spot in the dugout, no one around him and stares straight ahead.  In one inning Astro centerfielder Michael Bourne was dancing off of third to try and distract Halladay as he pitched, big Roy gave him what for after the inning……. after he struck out the last two batters that is!

Phillies home opener of 2010 tommorrow as Cole Hamels takes the hill against the Washington Nationals.