PHILLIES NEWS

As previously noted the Phils began a 3 game series with the Marlins today. Hanley Ramirez lead off the game with a solo homer to put Florida ahead 1-0. It would be their only lead of the game as Jamie Moyer went 6 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits, while striking out 5. J.D Durbin then tossed the final 3 innings in shutout fashion, allowing just 3 hits and striking out 2. The Phils offense meanwhile, went on a rampage with 11 runs on 9 hits. Florida starter, Rick Vandenhurk got the worst of it, allowing 5 runs on 6 hits, mostly in the 3rd inning where he issued a walk, 2 balks and hit a batter with a pitched ball. The Marlins pitching didn't get much better after Vandenkurk left the game, as Ryan Howard and Aaron Rowand hit back to back homers in the 4th inning, and Howard hit another solo homer in the 6th inning. By the time the onslaught was over the Phils had won easily 11-1 to improve to 59-53. The Met lost today, so the Phils move within 4 games of them, but remain in 3rd place, .5 games behind the Braves for second. Still, life remains beautiful.