This game started out much like the last two against the Brewers, where it looked like decent starting pitching would be wasted by silent Phillies bats. In fact, Brewers starter Chris Narveson had a no hitter into the fifth inning.
However, the bats would come alive in the bottom of the sixth when Wilson Valdez walked and Shane Victorino singled to bring Placido Polanco to the plate. Polly put a pitch in to the left field stands to tie the game at three.
Kyle Kendrick made up for his poor appearance in game one with a scoreless seventh and Ryan Madson threw a scoreless 8th to preserve the tie heading into the bottom of the inning. Shane Victorino led off with a solo shot to right center for what would prove to be the game winner. Jose Contreras struck out Mark Kotsay and Ryan Braun for the save.
Cliff Lee didn’t get a decision after he went six innings, giving up eight hits while being charged with two runs.
Next up for the Phils is a trip to the west coast for a four game set with the Padres. Oswalt, Hamels & Halladay in Petco Park? These games could be quick moving…