Phillies entered the night looking to get out of an offensive funk that lead to 20 consecutive scoreless frames and four loses in a row. Phillies sent Cole Hamels (0-2 5.32 ERA) to the mount who is coming off a career high pitch count in a no decision lose to the Mets in extra innings when Antonio Bastardo and Roberto Hernadez combined to blow the save with a three run lead in the ninth. Hamels entered the night with career record of 8-0 against the Reds. The Reds countered by sending Homer Bailey (3-2 4.72 ERA) to the hill. Bailey won his last start against the Rockies going 7.1 innings and striking out six.
The Game:
The Reds struck first in the top of the first. With one out, Zach Cozart doubled to left, followed by a walk of Brandon Phillips. Todd Frazier then hit an infield singled to load the bases. Hamels then got Ryan Ludwick on force out, but that brought a run in. inning ended with a ground out by Skip Schumaker. 1-0 Reds
In the fourth inning, the Phillies ended their 23 inning scoreless streak in a huge way. Ryan Howard led off with a walk, followed by a double from Marlon Byrd. Cody Asche then hit a double to give the Phillies the lead. Domonic Brown then hit a moon shoot for his second homer of the year. Tony Gwynn then singled and was bunted over by Cole Hamels. Then with two outs, Carlos Ruiz singled to score Gwynn and moved to second on a wild pitch. Chase Utley then singled him in. 6-1 Phillies
Then in the seventh the Phillies struck again in a big way. Ruiz was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, followed by back-to-back walks by Utley and Howard. Then with one out, Asche hit a single to plate another run. Brown then hit a bases clearing double down the right field line. With two outs, John Mayberry Jr. pinched hit for Hamels and hit an rbi double to score Brown. 11-1 Phillies
In the eighth, Cesar Hernandez, who came into the game in the top of inning for a defensive replacement for Utley, hit his first home run of the season to top the runs for the Phillies. 12-1 Phillies
Papelbon came in the ninth to get work and got the first two hitters to pop out before walking Ryan Ludwick. He then got Skip Schumaker fly out to finish off the game. 12-1 Phillies Final
Significant Offensive Stats:
Carlos Ruiz 2-4, RBI, R, HBP
Cesar Hernandez 1-1, R, RBI, HR
Marlon Byrd 2-5 2 R, 2B
Cody Asche 2-5 2 R, 3 RBI, 2B
Domonic Brown 2-5, HR, 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI
John Mayberry 1-1, R, 2B
Impact: A great all around win for the Phillies. Hamels had his best start of the season striking out ten and giving up only three hits and two walks. With this win, Hamels now has 100 career wins. The offense finally scored and in a huge way that continued though out the ball game. This is game that can used to turn a corner and regain confidence. It is also great to see Asche having a good few games and Brown swing looking to turn around.
Up Next: The Phillies will play in the rubber match tomorrow, as they will send Cliff Lee (3-4 3.23 ERA) to the hill. Last game, Lee went seven innings and only gave up four unearned runs on three errors by Asche. The Reds will counter with Tony Cingrani (2-2 3.34 ERA). Cingrani last start game was April 30th when he went four innings giving up three runs to the Cubs.
Andrew Shipotofsky is writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @AShipotofsky
