Phillies Top In-State Rival Pirates

    The Phillies defeated their in-state rival the Pittsburgh Pirates last night by a score of 3 to 1, proving that the only good thing to come out of Pittsburgh in recent years was The Dark Knight Rises. While it wasn't an overpowering showing at the plate, its still nice to see the Phillies beat the team with the best record in the league (no you're not seeing things, the Pirates are doing good, for now).
   

This dog is enjoying his ride in the car, which has nothing to do with the Phillies. Read onward companions!

Jonathan "Bonesaw" Pettibone got the start for the Phillies and allowed only one run on three hits in five and two-thirds innings pitched. Pettibone also recorded six strikeouts before handing things over to the bullpen. Jake Diekman came on to finish the sixth inning before Phillippe Aumont tossed a scoreless seventh while scattering two hits. J.C. Ramirez, Antonio Bastardo and Justin De Fratus each recorded an out in the eighth to piece the inning together and Jonathan Papelbon came on in the ninth and didn't blow the save as he closed out the game for the Phillies.
    The Phillies offense got on the board in the sixth, as Ryan Howard singled to knock in Chase Utley from second. Howard was 2 for 4 on the game as he attempts to come out of what seems like an 0 for forever slump. Dom Brown stepped to the plate next and knocked in Jimmy Rollins with the help of a sacrifice fly. Next up, Delmon Young smacked a double and Ryan Howard strapped on the old PF Flyers to score, giving the Phillies a 3 to 0 lead. The Phillies would give back a run in the bottom half of the inning on a solo home run, but held on for the win.
    The Phillies now sit at 40-44 as they head into game two of this series against Pittsburgh. John "Despicable Me" Lannan will get the starting nod.