It took three weeks and 17 games, but the Phillies finally got a pitching performance to be proud of and a win to relax by: they held the suddenly reeling Marlins to two runs, and for the first time this season did not allow a home run in a blowout 13-2 victory. The team also never trailed in today's game, breaking their string of 16 straight games facing a deficit to start the year.
Jamie Moyer continued his dominance against Florida, running his lifetime record against the Fish to 12-1 with six innings of one-run, seven-hit ball in which he struck out six to record his 249th career win. Meanwhile, Marlins pitching issued 11 walks against the Phils, as emergency call-up starter Graham Taylor walked six and three subsequent relievers combined to give up the other five. The only Florida pitcher not to surrender a walk? Outfielder Cody Ross, who threw a scoreless ninth to go with his three hits and run scored. The Phils also took advantage of numerous outfield misplays by Marlins left fielder Jeremy Hermida, who was charged with one error but repeatedly took bad routes to balls that fell in near him.
Oddly, the Phils put up 13 runs with just two extra-base hits, doubles by Eric Bruntlett and Shane Victorino. But every regular got a hit except catcher Chris Coste, and four Phillies scored two runs each.
Back over .500 for just the second time this season, the club comes home Monday to start a three-game set against last-place Washington. The Marlins, losers of six straight, hit the road to visit the Mets and Cubs.