Phillies win 7-2

Behind another outstanding Roy Halladay performance the Phillies came away with a win to take the series.  Jayson Werth cracked a three run homer to put the Phillies ahead in the first.  This lead would never diminish. Raul Ibanez, Carlos Ruiz, and Ryan Howard tacked on insurance runs throughout the game.

Jayson Werth hit a home run in the first that traveled 358 ft into the stands.  This was his fifth of the season.  After the game Cardinal pitcher Kyle Lohse said that the Phillies took advantage of the field lengths.  He also said that he thought Jayson Werth's ball was going to be a pop out but it kept traveling.  Lohse said it was a good pitch to throw.  He seems a little arrogant for me for a guy who just lost 7-2 against his old team.

Halladay gave up a run in the 2nd.  David Freese ran across the plate after a throwing error by fill in SS wilson Valdez.  Valdez is back in again for the injured Juan Castro.  Castro strained his hamstring running out a ground ball last night.  Immediately Wilson Valdez came in to pinch run for him.  The Phillies are almost out of options at shortstop.  Hopefully Wilson Valdez can hold down the fort until Rollins takes foot back on the field in late May or Juan Castro comes back very very soon.  If Castro goes to the DL Brian Bocock is likely to get called up.  The Phillies could also look at free agents or the trade market.

Raul Ibanez smacked a homer off Blake Hawksworth in the bottom of the 5th.  Ibanez was Hawksworth's first batter.  Kyle Lohse ended with 5 earned runs and Hawksworth had only the 1.  Trevor Miller came in for one batter.  Miller picked off Chase Utley.  Jason Motte came in a threw a 1 run 7th.  Reyes finished off the 8th.

Roy Halladay went a strong 7 today.  He gave up only two, 1 earned.  Doc also sat down 9 on strikes.  Chad Durbin did the 8th and Danys Baez finished off the game.  Brad Lidge is still not closing games yet but he has pitched in some "meaning less" games.  He should be closing some soon.  Baez and Contreras will cover the duties until Manuel feels Lidge is ready.  Ryan Madson could also be out for months after breaking his toe after kicking a chair.  Mad dog was upset about his performance and shattered his toe into 3 pieces.  It will take major surgery to repair his toe and a lot of rehab before he can plant well on it.  I hope this won't affect the right handers velocity.