PHILLIES NEWS

One name, Chase Utley, that's all you need to hear about tonight's game for the Phils. All told Utley had 5 hits(2 doubles, 3 singles) and knocked in 3 runs. Even without his teammates that would have been enough tie the Nationals, who as a team scored just 3 runs on 7 hits on night. The Phils meanwhile with Utley's help pounded out 9 runs on 12 hits, including two, two run homers from Ryan Howard in the 3rd inning and Jimmy Rollins in the 8th inning. The Pitching was also well in the Phils favor. For the nationals starter John Patterson lasted just 5 and 1/3rd innings allowing 6 runs on 8 hits. Meanwhile for the Phils Jon Lieber went 6 innings allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits for his first win of the season in two starts. Finally, the bullpen was again far better for the Phils. For the Nationals the bullpen combined for 4 and 2/3rd innings, but in those innings allowed 3 runs on 2 hits. Meanwhile for the Phils, Matt Smith, Geoff Geary, Brett Myers, and Francisco Rosario combined for 3 strong innings, while allowing just one run, on 2 hits. So, once again tonight's win was a team win just like it should have been, and it was the Phils 5th in a row, meaning they have now improved to 9-11. Not too shabby if you ask me.