The Phillies beat the Pirates, 4-2, thanks to some clutch hitting (finally) and some good pitching (of course).
Brett Myers was the good pitcher, going 7.2 innings and seizing the win after giving up just one run on five hits. He struck out six. The big story was how Myers reacted to being pulled from the game in the eighth inning. He jawed at Charlie Manuel while leaving the mound, and Manuel gave him a piece of his mind in the dugout. Sure, maybe Myers deserved a chance to finish his game (he had thrown 93 pitches), but the bottom line is it was great to see the fire in the dugout. Myers’ loudmouthing to Manuel proves key — this team has some sort of spirit; it had better come out.
The Phils struck early. Shane Victorino deposited a run-scoring single with Jimmy Rollins on third base — a triple, one of two by Rollins. Ryan Howard brought home the Flyin’ Hawaiian with a single of his own. But here’s the thing — if Rollins can hustle and bring his game like he did Satuday night, there’s no stopping this team.
Victorino brought home Rollins later in the game, and Greg Dobbs singled home Jayson Werth, giving the Phils insurance runs. JC Romero and Chad Durbin finished off the Pirates, with Durbin surrendering a run. No matter — this was an easy one, and that’s important.
Associated Press photo
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