Today's Phillies win was fairly satisfying despite it's being rather uneventful, in part because it unfolded with a soundtrack that included constant Padres praise from the Fox broadcast team, but mostly because it shored up a series win over a first place team. After dropping four straight to the friggin Astros, the Phils have picked up the first two games of the series in San Diego against two of the NL's better pitchers this season. We're still left wanting in the runs department, but hey, we'll survive on wins alone if need be.
That and aggressive slides to break up double plays.
Joe Blanton continued his second-half surge, allowing just one run over six strong innings. He was lifted early only because his spot in the order came up with men on base and one out in the seventh.
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The Phils had already taken the lead in the inning on one of Shane Vic's two hits in the game (this one a triple), and after Carlos Ruiz grabbed a pinch walk, Chooch earned the Phils a run with an aggressive slide to break up a DP. Mike Sweeney, hitting for Blanton, grounded into what was almost a double play. Chooch wasn't having any of that, and after this little body check, Sweeney ended up on first, and the insurance run counted.
Aside from Victorino's two hits and two RBI, which were especially encouraging given that both came with Vic batting left-handed, J-Roll was the only other Phillie to notch a hit today.
The bullpen also did its part, with Jose Contreras, Ryan Madson, and Brad Lidge each pitching a perfect frame. Like I said, rather uneventful. We'll gladly take it.