Howard's return punctuates solid night for Phillies

Making his first start since May 9, reigning MVP Ryan Howard went 1-for-4 with a two-run double as the Phillies defeated the Braves 8-3.

Starter Jamie Moyer pitched seven-strong innings and the bullpen duo of left-hander Mike Zagurski, making his major league debut, and right-hander Yoel Hernandez made easy work of the Braves in relief, rounding out the Phillies most complete win in weeks.

A nice night at the ballpark was followed by some encouraging news in today’s Daily News. According to Marcus Hayes, Brett Myers' MRI revealed no significant damage, and according to assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr., who was vague in his report during last night’s broadcast, Myers will throw in about a week and be reevaluated. However, the timetable for his return would appear to extend beyond June 8, the point when he can return from DL.

In the meantime, others must shoulder the load. One way to do that is put runs on the board, and from top to bottom, the entire lineup hit the ball hard. Reservist Greg Dobbs, getting the start at third base, atoned for an earlier defensive gaff with a two-run single in the seventh. Howard’s eighth-inning double pushed Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino to the plate. Howard was getting good swings all night. Jayson Werth would add a solo jack in the ninth, making it 8-3.

Rollins set the table in the first inning with a double off starter Tim Hudson and the Phillies would continue pecking away at the sinkerballer all night. J-Roll went 2-for-4 in his return to the lead-off spot.

Pitching-wise, Moyer (4-3, 4.18 ERA) notched his first win against the Braves in 20 years and it was his first solid outing in three tries. Zagurski made his debut a memorable one with a 1-2-3 eighth. Yoel Hernandez, pitching with a five-run cushion, dropped the hammer to set the Braves down in order in the ninth.

With last night’s unexpected win, the Phillies try to climb above .500 against right-hander Buddy Carlyle this afternoon, making his first start of the season and first major league appearance since 2005. 

Comments

[CJ]

I've solved Pat the Bat's slump... I've placed him back on my bench in my fantasy league. Expect another solid run from him at the plate. While in my starting lineup, he has 1 home run and about a dozen RBI. Ugh.