Cole Hamels was nearly unhittable, Jayson Werth had the game-winning hit, and Brad Lidge closed the door as the 2010 Phillies did their best 2008 Phillies impression in an extra-innings win over the Cardinals.
St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - Placido Polanco's leadoff homer in the 11th inning provided the game-winning run, and the Philadelphia Phillies avoided a four-game sweep at the hands of the St. Louis Cardinals with a 2-0 victory.
Polanco, a former Cardinal who finished with three hits on Thursday, crushed his sixth home run of the year and first since May 9 for the Phillies, who had lost six of seven to begin their second of half of the season. Ryan Howard also had three hits, while Jayson Werth added an RBI double in the win.
Cole Hamels was spectacular in the start, allowing just a hit and a walk in eight shutout innings. He faced 25 batters, one over the minimum, and has allowed one run in his last 22 2/3 innings over three starts. Chad Durbin (2- 1) earned the victory, while Brad Lidge recorded his eighth save.
Adam Wainwright extended his scoreless innings streak to 25 after giving up six hits while fanning six in six frames for the Cardinals, who had their eight-game win streak snapped. St. Louis advanced just one runner past first base for the duration of the game and had just three baserunners overall.