The Phillies only needed nine innings to beat the Reds today. They also only needed one run as they shut out Cincinnati, backed by a stellar effort by Cole Hamels, in another pitchers duel by a score of 1-0. The Phillies completed the four-game sweep, their first against Cincy since 1975, and gave them some much-needed momentum heading into the All-Star break.
Hamels went 7 2/3 innings before giving way to Jose Contreras after Joey Votto hit a two-out double. Hamels allowed six runs and three walks while striking out three on a day where he wasn’t getting help with the strike zone. Contreras walked Scott Rolen and then got Johnny Gomes to ground out softly to second to end the threat. J.C. Romero faced one batter in the ninth before Brad Lidge sat down the next two for his sixth save of the season.
Jimmy Rollins again provided the Phillies with the only run of the game, driving in Carlos Ruiz in the third. Rollins had two hits while Ruiz and Jayson Werth each hit doubles ruled dead by fan interference. Werth’s shot could have easily shot off the wall and gotten him more than a double but the idiot fan’s nice snag prevented that.
The Phillies now sit 4.5 games behind the Braves, who lost 3-0 to the Mets. A first half recap will follow in the next couple breaks. For now, enjoy the All-Star break!
2B: Ruiz (11), Werth (27).
WP: Hamels (7-7). LP: Maloney (0-2). S: Lidge (6).
TTB 