Roy Halladay gave up two runs over right innings while Raul Ibanez and Ben Francisco both homered as the Phillies took their first game of their interleague series against the Rangers 3-2.
Halladay got off to a rough start by his standards giving up two singles to start the game with runners at the corners. As he struck out Ian Kinsler for the first out of the inning, the Rangers executed a double steal and Carlos Ruiz threw for second to try and get Mike Moreland, but Elvis Andruws broke for home and was called safe when Wilson Valdez's throw back was late. Halladay would get out of the inning without giving up another run.
The Phillies scored their runs in an unfamiliar way, at least for the past month... they hit home runs! Ben Francisco hit a two run shot in the 2nd and Raul Ibanez lined a one run out to center field in the fourth. That would be all they would get off Rangers' starter C.J. Wilson, who struck out 10 over his seven innings of work.
With Halladay on the mound, it was all they would need. Halladay gave up six hits and two over his eight innings of work. He threw 81 of 116 pitches for strikes and lowered his season WHIP to under one. Ryan Madson came on in the ninth for his eight save. Curiously, the game ended when David Murphy was caught trying to steal second.
Cliff Lee will take hill tomorrow night against the team he helped lead to the World Series last season.