The Philadelphia Phillies beat the Miami Marlins 6-4 on a rainy Friday night in Philadelphia. Kyle Kendrick surrendered 8 hits over 5.1 innings of work, allowing just 2 runs and earning the win. Kendrick never really looked in control, but he was able to continually work himself out of jams. He's now given up just 5 runs in this last 4 starts.
Hector Luna and Hunter did most of the offensive damage. Luna went 2-4 with 3 RBI while Pence smacked a 2-run shot in the bottom of 5th that traveled 410 feet. Placido Polanco and the still red hot Carlos Ruiz each had 3 hits.
The bullpen struggled, giving up two solo home runs in the eighth, but Jonathan Papelbon settled things down after entering the game with the bases loaded and only one out. He got Omar Infante to pop out to the shortstop and Hanley Ramirez to strike out looking to end the inning, then returned in the ninth and secured the win, earning his NL leading 15th save in as many chances.
The Phils have now won 7 of their last 9 and sit just 2.5 games out of the NL East lead.
Game two of the three game series will be Saturday, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:05pm EDT.