PHILLIES NEWS

The Phils continued on their roll today as rookie sensation Kyle Kendrick provided yet another sterling performance. Kendrick went 7 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits, while striking out 4. Meanwhile, Jimmy Rollins sparked the Phils offense to 5 runs on 8 hits. His single in the 1st inning, moved Tadahito Iguchi over to 3rd, allowing him to score on a wild pitch moments later. Then in the 3rd inning Rollins singled and scored on a double by Aaron Rowand. Finally, in the 5th Rollins tripled and scored on a sac fly by Ryan Howard. Although those 3 runs alone, would be all the Phils would need, they managed to load the bases in the 8th inning and tacked on two more runs on a two out pinch single by Chris Coste. From there, the Phils bullpen took over, as Ryan Madson, Antonio Alfonseca, and Jose Mesa combined for 2 more shutout innings on just 1 hit. So the Phils won 5-1 to complete a 3 game sweep of the Pirates and a 5-1 homestand. Unfortunately, the Mets and Braves both won today as well, so the Phils remain in 2nd place, 3.5 games behind the Mets. Life still remains beautiful though.