Roy Halladay bounced back from a rough start to the 2013 season that had many questioning the state of his career today as the Phillies defeated the Marlins 2-1. It is the second series in a row the Phillies have won and they now sit at 6-6 on the young season.
Doc Halladay was definitely in the building today as he resembled his former Cy Young self. Halladay was efficient on the day, pitching eight innings while only needing 87 pitches to do so. On the day. Halladay allowed one run on 5 hits and 1 walk, while also striking out 2.
After struggling with his command and velocity in Spring Training and early this season, Halladay seemed to have at least solved his command issues. He was poised and looked much more confident in his pitches today than he has his first two starts this season. After he admitted he was trying too hard to aim his pitches so far this season, it was nice to see Halladay regain his confidence in his repertoire.
Jonathan Papelbon came on in the ninth inning to collect the save, his 260th of his career, and preserve the lead as Halladay notched career victory number 200. The Phillies offense totaled 12 hits on the day, but only squeaked out just enough runs as they continued their struggles with runners in scoring position.
Youngsters Ben Revere and Freddy Galvis each collected two hits on the day. Galvis making his second start of the season, this time at shortstop has looked solid thus far at the plate and as always is smooth in the field. Revere stole his fifth base of the year on the afternoon, showing off his remarkable speed on the base paths yet again.
The Phillies got on the board in the sixth inning courtesy of a Michael Young RBI single to knock in Ryan Howard. Young was 1 for 4 on the day while also collecting a crucial RBI. Howard continued his progression at the plate, as he went 3 for 4 on the day with a double and run scored.
The Marlins soon tied the game right back up in the seventh at one a piece. With the help of some late inning heroics from the bench, the Phillies were able to squeeze out the win. Laynce Nix came on to pinch hit for Halladay in the ninth with one out. Nix crushed a solo home run to regain the lead for the Phillies. It was the second home run of the year for Nix, both have come as a pinch hitter.
So with the Doctor in and on his game today, and the help of some timely hitting, the Phillies pulled out the win and took their second series of the season. The Phillies will be back in action tomorrow when they face the Cincinnati Reds with Cliff Lee taking the mound.
No comments:
Post a Comment