Odd Win For 2009 Phils

The Phillies won, but in an unusual way for 2009. There was no home run allowed by the Phillies pitching, and there was no dramatic come from behind ending.

The Phillies finished their sweep of the Florida Marlins, by beating them 13-2. They took an early lead off Graham Taylor, who was making his major league debut. Taylor, who hasn't pitched above Double-A, filled in for the injured Andrew Miller.

Taylor had no control in the first inning, and the Phillies were patient. Despite Jimmy Rollins out of the lineup due to his slump, Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez drove in the first two runs, and the Phils never looked back.

Jamie Moyer pitched 6 innings, allowing just 1 earned run on 7 hits and a walk. He struck out 6. When he got into a jam, he got out of it, and got help from his defense which included three spectacular plays by Ibanez.

Not only did Moyer pick up his 249th win of his career, tying for 44th all time, but he was on base all three times he was up. He singled, walked, and was hit by a pitch for the first time in his career. In addition, he is 12-1 against the Marlins in his career. He has never lost at Dolphin Stadium.

The Phillies continued to tack on runs, but used small ball. There were no home runs, but the Phillies got ahead in counts, drew walks, or got base hits. They were 7-for-15 with runners in scoring position. It was so bad for the Marlins pitching that Cody Ross, their right fielder, pitched the ninth inning.

The Phils completed their first sweep, and are now above .500, at 9-8.