Cliff Lee tossed seven strong innings and an error from Brewers pitcher LaTroy Hawkins in the top of the tenth lifted the Phillies to a 3-2 win over the Brewers, their sixth straight overall. Even more impressive is that these six straight wins have come at the expense of teams with the second and third best records in NL.
Lee went seven innings, giving up just one earned run and striking out seven. Brad Lidge, Michael Stutes and Ryan Madson each tossed scoreless innings with Stutes earning the win and Madson his 30th save of the season.
Hunter Pence had a basically flawless night on the plate, getting on base all five time he came to the plate. He had two walks and three hits, including his 19th home run in the top of the first.
The eventual winning run came as a result of poor fielding on the part of Brewer’s RP LaTroy Hawkins. After Raul Ibanez doubled to lead off the inning, Carlos Ruiz laid down a bunt to move him over. Hawkins’ throw to first went over the head of Prince Fielder and Ibanez easily strode home to give the Phils a 3-2 lead. Ryan Madson would walk two men on in the bottom of the 10th (Corey Hat unintentionally and Prince Fielder intentionally) but got Casey McGehee to ground out to third for the final out.
The Phillies send Vance Worley to the hill tomorrow afternoon as they look for the four game sweep.