Joe Blanton looked great this afternoon for four innings, then inexplicably crumbled in the 5th, allowing five runs to the Cincinnati Reds. At that point the Phillies already had six on the board. They scored another run in the 6th, four in the 7th, and another in the 8th. The only innings in which they did not score were the 5th and 9th. The Reds meanwhile were held to those five in a 12-5 loss.
Jimmy Rollins had four hits, scored a couple, and stole the 300th base of his career. Utley, Howard, Dobbs, and Ibanez all homered; Utley was a triple shy of the cycle. The top four in the order were beyond solid. Pedro Feliz, outstanding late and with RISP, had a pinch-hit two-run double in the 8th.
Jamie Moyer took the loss last night, giving up three runs on nine hits in six innings. It was a better outing for Moyer but not good enough. The offense was held to just one run in a 5-1 loss. Today's game was a good win on getaway day. Next stop: Yankee Stadium.
In more surprise news, lefty Antonio Bastardo was today bumped up to Triple-A, where he will join the rotation. That's tough luck for Justin Lehr, twice International League pitcher of the week; he has been sent to the bullpen. GM Ruben Amaro Jr. was spotted at this morning's game at Double-A Reading. That's news because Vance Worley was pitching.
