Ryan Howard Goes Yard Twice In 10-3 Hit Fest

Posted by Danielle Wilson

The man, the myth, the rec-specs sporter himself, Vance Richard Worley, made his 2011 major league debut tonight for the Phillies, and it was a beauty of a game for him.

Through six scoreless innings, he allowed just two hits, walking four and striking out five. Vancey pants, eh? In 19 innings pitched in the big leagues (six appearences), Vance has only allowed two earned runs, and his ERA is 0.95.

The first two runs of the night for the Phillies came in the fourth inning thanks to the big man, Ryan Howard, who destroyed a baseball and sent it to the second deck in right field.

With the bases loaded in the fifth, Ben Francisco singled to score Shane Victorino and Placido Polanco, both had previously singled. 4-0 Phillies.

The sixth inning is where it gets good. With Schneider on third, Victorino on second, and Polanco at first, the big man did it again, and hit his tenth career grand slam. 8-0 Phillies. For the record, Philliedelphia's Stephen Gallo completely predicted that…

Not done just yet. In the seventh, the bases were loaded for Placido Polanco who did what he does best, hit! It was a two-run single, which scored Raul Ibanez (walked) and Pete Orr.

Michael Stutes and Danys Baez pitched back to back scoreless innings, but Herndon couldn't continue that streak. He allowed a solo home run to Ike Davis which ruined the 10-0 shutout. Jason Pridie also went yard, scoring Josh Thole. 10-3. Herndon struck out Ronnie Paulino to end the game, and the Phillies' record is now 17-8. Vance Worley took the win.

Oh, Raul Ibanez is now 0 for his last 30. Yep.

Some interesting historical tidbits:

• Placido Polanco hit his 39th hit tonight, passing Chase Utley (38) for most hits in April.
• Ryan Howard hit career homer number 259, tying him for second all-time for the Phillies, with Del Ennis.
• Ryan Howard's 27 runs batted in this month is also a record breaker. Last player who held that record in the month of April was Pat Burrell with 24 in 2008.

Tomorrow, Roy Halladay will take the mound against Jon Niese. Prediction: we win.