The Philadelphia Phillies must love facing Washington pitchers.
Shane Victorino had four hits and the Phillies tied a season high with 16 hits in their 5-4 victory over the Nationals on Friday night. It was the second straight win for Philadelphia, 8-2 against the Nationals this season.
The Phillies have reached double-digit hits in seven of their eight victories over Washington, while averaging 12.75 hits in those wins. Overall, the Phils have averaged 11.4 hits in 10 games against the Nationals this season.
“Sixteen hits is a good indication we will score a lot of runs if we keep hitting the ball like that,” Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. “Our offense, when all is said and done, we’re going to score some runs.”
Washington has lost four straight to drop to 13-34.
Jimmy Rollins had two hits and two RBIs, Raul Ibanez, Jayson Werth, Pedro Feliz and Carlos Ruiz also each had two hits, and every Philadelphia position starter had at least one. The Phillies stranded 13 runners while going 3-for-16 with runners in scoring position.
J.A. Happ (3-0), making his second start of the season and seventh of his career, went 5 1-3 innings and allowed three runs on three hits while matching his career high with five strikeouts. All three of the left-hander’s wins—two in relief—this season are against the Nationals.
“He was very aggressive and I thought he did a good job,” Manuel said. “I liked the way he threw. He pitched aggressive and moved the hitters.”
Happ, who began the season in the bullpen, said his confidence as a starter is growing.
“Yeah, definitely,” he said. “I felt pretty good and was able to mix it up more. My goal is to go a little deeper than I did today.”
Brad Lidge pitched a scoreless ninth for his 10th save. -yahoo.com
Well Happ coming in pitching well is nice to have but we all knew what he could do. The fact that Lidge came in and looked well was the best part of this game. His fastball was hitting well and his slider was on point as well. He got 2 strike-outs and finished it up with a Save at the end. Lets cross our fingers here that our boy is back. 7pm game tonight lets go Phills!
