Thanks Guys: Phillies 8, Pirates 3

Four Pirates errors, including two in the first inning, helped the Phillies to a solid offensive performance led by Jimmy Rollins and Carlos Ruiz, as the Phillies held off the visiting Pirates, claiming Monday's game by a score of 8-3.

The Phillies scored four in the first inning thanks in part to two throwing errors from Jose Tabata, a leadoff double from Jimmy Rollins, and four consecutive singles from Hunter Pence, Carlos Ruiz, Shane Victorino, and Placido Polanco. The Pirates would strike back on a solo home run from Tabata, the ninth straight game in which starter Joe Blanton allowed a home run. Overall, however, Blanton pitched very well, allowing just two earned runs in seven innings, striking out eight and walking just one. The Phillies battered Pirates starter Jeff Karstens for six runs and 11 hits in five innings.

Jimmy Rollins struck the game's big blow, a long two run blast off the awning in the right field stands in the fourth inning. The Phillies would plate their eighth and final run in the seventh inning on a bases loaded walk to Ty Wigginton.

Carlos Ruiz added another great night to his career season, collecting three hits and scoring three runs, and stealing a base in the third.

Jake Diekman and Chad Qualls pitched not-so-clean but ultimately scoreless innings, with each inducing double plays after allowing their respective leadoff batters to reach.

Good stuff, keep it up.

Source: FanGraphs