Posted by Kevin Durso
The Phillies like to take games like the one that left you dumbfounded on Sunday and come right back the next day with something masterful, something that completely wipes the slate clean. With a clean slate set up with the opener against the Mets, the Phillies made a strong impression on the team they really are. There was no chance to think about the unthinkable here, and no worries about a late-game comeback from the opposition, as the Phillies rolled past the Mets with ease.
The Phillies opened the scoring in the second. After Hunter Pence singled to lead off the inning, Wilson Valdez continued to be clutch at the plate, lining a single past a diving Lucas Duda at first, and giving the Phillies the lead. They weren't done there, as Shane Victorino continued his hot stretch, bringing home two more runs with a triple.
The Phillies kept their hot hitting with two outs going in the third. A two-out walk to Pence set up a two-run shot by John Mayberry Jr.
Mayberry would bring home the Phillies next run on a bases-loaded walk. Carlos Ruiz added a two-run single to cap a three-run fourth.
The Phillies really put it away in the sixth. Hunter Pence already had four home runs on the road. His first one at home put the Phillies into double-digits, as he went deep to left with a two-run shot.
Cliff Lee did the rest, pitching another gem on the mound. Lee lasted seven innings of three-hit ball, blanking the Mets the whole way. He walked three and struck out seven.
With the lead secure, David Herndon finished off the Phillies' 17th shutout of the season, as the Phillies blew past the Mets, 10-0.
With the heartbreak of two walk-off losses being the most recent memories of this Phillies' team, a win like this is exactly what they needed. The offense scored multiple runs in four innings, and Chase Utley was the only Phillie in the starting lineup without a hit. Placido Polanco had a solid return, going 2-for-4. John Mayberry Jr. only had one hit, but he drove in three, and continues to pile up solid numbers. Carlos Ruiz and Hunter Pence each added multi-hit games, with each picking up a two-RBI hit. Chooch's was a single, Pence's was a homer.
On the mound, Cliff Lee had another great outing, and continued his excellent month of August. This month is not quite as astonishing as June was, but it is equally effective. Lee is giving the Phillies wins, and the Phillies are getting some much-needed results from games he is pitching in. Also, David Herndon was the only bullpen pitcher used, which gives the rest of the bullpen a much-needed night off.
With the two losses now far in the rear view mirror with a win like this, the Phillies have a simple task. They need to carry that momentum in the rest of the series.
The Phillies go for another win tomorrow night against the Mets. Vance Worley gets the start against Jon Niese.
