In what has become typical Cole Hamels fashion, he pitched fantastic and got very little run support. Cole failed to get a decision today after throwing seven innings of two-run ball and striking out seven. It was Ryan Madson, who pitched a clean 8th, getting the win after Carlos Ruiz’s sac fly in the bottom of the inning put the home side up for good.
The Phils got up early in the game thanks to a first inning solo home run from Placido Polanco, his first of the season. The opposite field shot certainly got a little help from the wind, but Polanco, who hadn’t homered since June of last year, won’t mind that.
The second round of the inning came after Jimmy Rollins drew a walk on the ensuing at bat, then stole second. He would advance to third when former Phillie Wes Helms had the throwout attempt go off his glove and into the outfield. The third baseman Helms was covering third thanks to the Marlins putting on the extreme shift for Ryan Howard. After Howard was sat down, Raul Ibanez would single Rollins home.
Marlins’ starter Anibal Sanchez would bounce back and hold the Phillies scoreless for the next five innings.
While this was a rain shortened series that will ultimately be decided in June, the Phils’ victory today means that they’ve yet to lose a series this season. They’ve also improved to 6-0 in day games. The Phillies welcome the Milwaukee Brewers to town for a three game set starting tomorrow.