There hasn’t been a lack of run support for the pitching thus far this season. With 11 runs added today, the Phillies are averaging over 7 runs per game which makes things a lot easier on a guy like Roy Halladay, who pitches extremely well with a lead. Roy went seven strong today, striking out 7 and allowing no runs while picking up his first win of the season.
The Mets had a good approach to Roy, battling him by fouling off a number of pitches, but he was simply too good today and nobody could generate anything off him. Jonathan Niese was less lucky. Niese only went 4 innings before the Phils got to him for 6 runs, spurred by big hits from Placido Polanco and Wilson Valdez. Polly upped his average to .440 while tying Ryan Howard for team lead in RBI’s with 8 on the season. Valdez, save for the usual double play balls, has been terrific filling in for Chase Utley through 6 games. He added 4 hits on the day, two of which were doubles.
Everyone who got an at-bat for the Fightins recorded a hit today, including Halladay and pinch-hitter John Mayberry. Raul Ibanez hit his first home run of the season, a shot just over the wall in right, becoming the first Phillie not named Ryan Howard or Ben Francisco to homer this season. Jimmy Rollins went for another multi-hit game, the 4th time he’s done that in 6 games.
The 5-1 Phillies go on the road to face division rival Atlanta, who lost to Milwaukee today and sit at 3-4 on the young season. Things are looking bright for the Phils thus far.