PHILLIES NEWS

The Phils opened their series with the Reds tonight, just the way they should have, by winning easily. So Easily, that when the 4th inning ended, the game was already over as they already led 10-2 by that point. The Phils scored 2 in the first on a 2 run homer by Ryan Howard, 4 in the second on single by Carlos Ruiz, a fielders choice, a double steal with Carlos Ruiz stealing home, while Micheal Bourn stole second, and yet another RBI single by Chase Utley, 1 in the 3rd inning on a solo homer by Shane Victorino, and 3 in the 4th on a bases clearing double by Carlos Ruiz with the bases loaded and 2 outs, and 1 more in the 7th on a solo homer by Chase Utley. In all the Phils pounded the Cincinnati pitching staff for 11 runs and 16 hits. Meanwhile, young gun Kyle Kendrick once again sparkled, going 6 innings while allowing just 4 runs on 6 hits. In the end those 4 runs would be all the Reds would get as the Phils bullpen mowed them down in the final 3 innings, with Geoff Geary and Mike Zagurski combining to allow just 1 hit in the final 3 innings. So the Phils won 11-4, for their 40th win of the season, improving to 40-36, while Kendrick improves to 2-0 in his young career. Cincinnati young gun Homer Bailey, mentioned in yesterday's post was not so lucky, as he lasted just 1 and 2/3rds innings, allowing 6 runs on 6 hits, and fell to 2-1 on the season. Anyway, the Phils remain 2nd in the NL East, but are now a half game closer to the idle first place Mets, at 2.5 games in the rear. Thus, life remains beautiful.