The losing streak, 6 long, depressing games, is finally over!  And the cure to what ails the Phillies?  You guessed it – Road Trip!  Landing in Tampa to play their 2008 World Series foes, the Phillies rolled right over the Tampa Bay Rays tonight.  Notching 6 runs in the first half of the 1st inning set the tone for the game.  Some good pitching, lots of hitting, a few home runs and a trio of Rays errors got the job done.

Jamie Moyer put forth a great effort tonight and allowed just one run in 6 innings of work; he struck out 4, walked 3 and allowed 5 hits.  Former Phillie, Pat Burrell, was mystified by his old teammate, going 0-2 with a walk against Moyer.  Sorry Pat – and yes, we still miss your presence :O(

As for the offense, Chase Utley was on fire tonight!  He went 3 for 5 with a single, double and a home run, driving in 4 runs.  Shane Victorino joined the Utley-Show with 2 hits, 2 walks and an RBI.  The rookie, John Mayberry, stood out tonight as well with a 3-run homer.  Yesterday at the Phillies Phestival, Mayberry was told by a fan, “I am glad to see you here in the big leagues!”; Mayberry responded with, “So am I.”  He showed his gratitude tonight.  Mayberry is now batting .292 with 3 homers and 7 RBI in 24 at-bats.

A few more rookies / new Phillies were given the opportunity to shine tonight, as more players are down with injuries (Condrey put on DL today; Lidge & Eyre still out; Ibanez still out with groin strain).  Tyler Walker pitched 2 scoreless innings  and then Sergio Escalona handled the 9th; Escalona nailed down the final 3 outs and the Phillies went on to win, 10-1.

In other injury / illness news, Ryan Howard did join the team today after an infection that sidelined him for a few days.  Howard served as the DH and went 1 for 4 with a double and an RBI.  Great to see Ryan feeling better!

Be sure to check out my PHOTO ALBUM from yesterday’s Phillies Phestival in case you missed it earlier today.

And then, make sure you keep VOTING for your Phillies All-Stars!  VOTE up to 25 times per day, per email address!

Photos by Jenn

 

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